We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katie Crist a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Katie, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

When I began my ownership/ entrepreneurial career I knew I wanted to serve and capitalize on a good skill set I already possess. As a hospitality manager and clean person, I decided to start a cleaning business. I thought “how hard can it be to clean houses daily?” Growing up though, I always painted with my grandfather, so I incorporated painting into my services.

About a year into the business, I felt like I built a good clientele with consistent and returning business, but I just wanted more. Cleaning became redundant and boring. It wasn’t challenging enough for my mind to feel stimulated, and it seemed like I would work all day and make $300-$500 at best before expenses. Prior to going into business, I worked under a well-known developer and builder in the city of Atlanta.

As I continued to work and grow the business, I would always run into clients asking for a contractor that was thorough that they can trust. Eventually I saw a need for a trustworthy contractor and decided to become one!

Katie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Honestly, I just jumped into it headfirst and made a lot of mistakes the first year. It was pretty rough! I cried almost every day after work, but I was surrounded by great guys who knew what they were doing, so I was very fortunate. Having an old soul, and living with principles, I took a lot of pride in fixing anything I made a mistake on quickly and most of the time the client did not get upset because they valued honesty! It has really helped me become a strong woman in a “man’s world” being in a leadership role in construction.

Construction is multifaceted and very high risk, so it was the thrill I didn’t know I needed to light my soul on fire. Like any career it has its days. Having strong clear boundaries and solid contracts, we are well on our way to closing a half a million-dollar year for year #4. I think that speaks volumes to not only us as professionals but the incredible support of the team that makes this dream come true.

We stand firm behind our core values of honor, transparency, and we are deliberate in everything we do. Most would consider us obsessed but this is truly a magnificent obsession. Building someone’s home or repairing it for the livelihood of their families is a responsibility and sacrifice not to be taken lightly ever! We love what we do. We are committed to what we do. Most importantly we are licensed, bonded, insured and provide warranties to help our clients feel safe and secured! We even include the entire process in house so they have a sense of security in picking designers and architects they can trust. Our project managers go shopping with the client to help guide them. It’s all about the experience!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Summer 2022 we received a dream come true opportunity to provide a sentimental home renovation for CBS Celebrity Surprise Renovation and the incredibly talented singer Mrs. Kandi Burruss-Tucker! She renovated her Aunt Bertha’s home built in the 80’s that was much needed! This was a life changing experience. Show biz is cutthroat and microwave turnaround times! Shooting happened the first and last day and we literally had 12 days to make something shake!

We planned and prepared for everything we possibly could but negotiating the change orders while all hands-on deck 15–18-hour days was next to impossible all we knew is we had to deliver impeccable results! Day 3 of the project I came home, and my 7-month-old son was nearly unconscious struggling to breath.

It was only the grace of GOD we were able to stay on track, I was able to experience my team controlling the situation in the midst of a terrible situation while also support my son on 10 liters of oxygen for 4 days. It was the realest 4 days of my entire life. I reflect back often when I am weary and remember that we train for times like these. It’s important that we build a solid foundation with systems and teams in place we can trust to work as if we are on site at all times.

The renovation was completed in time for the recording day. Aunt Bertha is still loving her new home and we have earned Mrs. Burruss as a repeat client. I never would have imagined coming from 14 foster homes and a childhood full of chaos and trauma to everything molding me to lead such an incredible group of people to greatness while serving my local community and my elders. What an amazing honor! My heart is so full of the people and relationships we have earned along the way. All the hard work really paid off!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

The biggest impact of information we lean to often is a group on Facebook and the website called the Contractor Fight. These are powerful and impactful people who are battle tested in the field with many resources and courses to share. You literally avoid a whole lot of business and contracting mistakes and financial burdens by always remaining teachable. I don’t know how I would have made it this far without The Contractor Fight family! Your network is truly your net worth! All masters have mentors they actively use and participate with daily!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.irvinscc.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/irvinscc
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/irvinscc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefemalecontractor/

Image Credits
Saavedra Properties, LLC Selective Focus, LLC Anthony Smith, 2x Superbowl Champ – Steelers, Partner CoCo Studios