We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brian Horner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brian below.

Brian, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

From Security to Satisfaction: My Leap from Government Engineer to Design Build General Contractor

For thirteen years, I was a cog in the vast machinery of government, specifically within an engineering team tasked with constructing transportation facilities. On paper, my job was as secure as they come—a position many would cling to for its stability and benefits. Yet, beneath the surface, there was a growing sense of unrest, a deep-seated belief that happiness in one’s career is not just a luxury but a necessity. This belief was the catalyst for a change that would redefine my path and lead to the founding of Kingdom & Co., a premier design build and remodel company based in Las Vegas, NV.

The journey began with an introspection on happiness and fulfillment. Despite the security my government job offered, there was a palpable lack of joy and a feeling that my potential was not being fully utilized. It was during this period of contemplation that my best friend and future co-founder, Lincoln Rogers, introduced me to a world where the fruits of one’s labor were not only tangible but also brought genuine happiness to others. Lincoln was flipping homes at the time and invited me to lend a hand. This experience was transformative; the satisfaction of creating something tangible, of witnessing the direct impact of our work on clients, ignited a passion within me I could no longer ignore.

The decision to leave was not made lightly. It was a risk that many viewed as bordering on lunacy—abandoning the safety net of a government job for the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship. But to me, the greater risk lay in the prospect of looking back on my life, filled with regret for not pursuing my passion. Thus, armed with a newfound determination and the support of Lincoln, I took the plunge and acquired my General Contractor’s License, marking the birth of Kingdom & Co..

The road to success was not without its challenges. Starting a business from the ground up, especially in an industry as competitive as design and construction, required not only hard work but also an unwavering belief in our vision. Yet, it was these challenges that made each milestone more rewarding. Kingdom & Co. quickly distinguished itself through a commitment to quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction, principles that have guided us to become the premiere contractor in Las Vegas for design build and design remodel work.

Our unique approach and dedication to excellence have not gone unnoticed. Kingdom & Co. has been featured on popular HGTV shows such as “Property Brothers” and “Property Brothers: Forever Homes,” accolades that we wear as badges of honor, testaments to the journey we’ve embarked on.

Reflecting on the past eight years, the risk of leaving a secure government job seems minuscule compared to the immense satisfaction and success we’ve achieved. Kingdom & Co. is more than just a company; it’s a testament to the power of following one’s passion, a beacon for those yearning to make a change but held back by fear. To anyone standing at the precipice of change, unsure of taking that leap, let our story be a reminder: life is too short to settle. Happiness in what you do for a living is not just possible; it’s essential. And sometimes, the biggest risks lead to the most rewarding journeys.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Years of Experience: 22 years in the construction industry. Early Beginnings: First job at 16 for a general contractor in Las Vegas, NV, doing drafting work in AutoCAD.
Initial Career Ambitions: Aspired to become an architect, with plans to attend UNLV for architecture.

Career Development

Government Position: Began as an entry-level skilled trades worker, learning various trades in a commercial setting over ten years.
Promotion and Responsibilities: Advanced to Senior Facilities Engineer, overseeing project management for the construction of government transportation facilities.

Transition to Entrepreneurship

Founding Kingdom & Co.: Left the government job to start Kingdom & Co. Design-Build-Remodel, inspired by a passion for tangible achievements and a better customer experience in the construction industry.

Kingdom & Co.: Overview and Services

Business Model and Services

Full-Scale Design Build Remodel Firm: Offers a one-stop-shop solution for projects, covering design, material procurement, construction plans, municipality submittals, and execution.
Distinctive Approach: Sets Kingdom & Co. apart from competitors by simplifying the process for clients.
Core Principles and Customer Experience

Customer Experience Focus: Prioritizes making the project process as seamless as possible for clients.
Craftsmanship and Efficiency: Takes pride in delivering high-quality workmanship efficiently.
Referral-Driven Business: Majority of new projects come from referrals by satisfied customers.
Commitment to Excellence

Guarantee on Work: Stands by the quality of work, promising to address and rectify any issues, underscoring a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Key Takeaways for Potential Clients/Followers/Fans

Experience and Background: Two decades of experience in the construction industry, with a solid foundation in both hands-on trades and project management.

Kingdom & Co.’s Unique Value Proposition: Offers a comprehensive, hassle-free experience for design build remodel projects, distinguishing itself through unparalleled customer service and craftsmanship.

Pride and Assurance: Most proud of the customer experience, craftsmanship, and efficiency, with a robust referral system underscoring the trust and satisfaction of past clients.

Client Assurance: A steadfast commitment to standing by our work, ensuring every project is completed to the client’s satisfaction, highlighting the importance of trust and reliability in our services.

Kingdom & Co. is not just about building and remodeling; it’s about creating spaces that reflect our clients’ dreams and aspirations, backed by an unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. We invite potential clients, followers, and fans to experience the difference dedication and passion make in transforming spaces into cherished places.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

At Kingdom & Co., we understand the pivotal role of social media in showcasing our work and connecting with our audience. Here’s how we’ve strategically built our social media presence and some advice for those just beginning to navigate this digital landscape.

Strategic Content Creation and Management

Dedicated Social Media Role: Recognizing the importance of content, we have a dedicated staff member responsible for capturing photos, creating videos, and managing our accounts across various social media platforms. This ensures our content is not only consistent but also of the highest quality.

Setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): For effective social media management, we’ve established clear KPIs, such as new follower growth, conversion of followers to qualified leads, and increased traffic to our website. These metrics help us measure the success of our content and social media strategies.

High-Quality Content: We believe that the confidence of our customers begins with what they see. By posting high-quality photos and videos, we assure them of our capability and excellence in design and build projects. This visual assurance is crucial in the decision-making process for potential clients.

Advice for Building a Social Media Presence

Start with Quality Content: Whether you’re showcasing completed projects, behind-the-scenes work, or design concepts, ensure your content is visually appealing and reflective of your brand’s quality. High-quality visuals are essential in the design and construction industry, where aesthetics play a significant role.

Utilize Professional Photography: If having a dedicated social media manager is beyond your current resources, consider hiring a professional photographer on a per-project basis. This ensures that you have quality content to share, even if you’re just starting out.

Engage with Your Audience: Social media is not just a platform for broadcasting but also for engaging with your audience. Respond to comments, participate in relevant conversations, and create content that encourages interaction. Engagement can significantly enhance your visibility and attract more followers.

Leverage Different Platforms: Different social media platforms cater to various audiences and content types. For a design build firm, visual platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Houzz can be particularly beneficial. However, don’t overlook the power of platforms like LinkedIn for professional networking and Facebook for reaching a broader demographic.

Analyze and Adapt: Use analytics tools provided by social media platforms to track the performance of your content. Analyzing this data can help you understand what resonates with your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly.

In summary, building a social media presence requires a commitment to quality content, strategic engagement, and ongoing analysis. For design build firms like Kingdom & Co., showcasing our work through social media not only builds confidence in our potential clients but also sets us apart in a competitive industry. Whether you’re managing your social media in-house or outsourcing to professionals, the key is to start with a clear strategy and remain consistent in your efforts.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team effectively and keeping morale high are pivotal for the success of any business. At Kingdom & Co., we’ve cultivated a thriving company culture anchored in three core values that guide our approach to team management and morale. Here’s a breakdown of our approach and some general advice for those looking to foster a similar environment.

1. Establish Clear Core Values

Clarity: We prioritize masterful communication, ensuring that every team member and customer has a clear understanding of our processes, expectations, and goals. This eliminates confusion and builds a foundation of trust and transparency.

Ownership: Our team members take full responsibility for their work, embracing both their successes and learning opportunities. This sense of ownership fosters a deep commitment to the quality of work and satisfaction of our customers.

Courage: We encourage our team to embrace challenges with courage, empowering them to innovate and solve problems creatively. This empowerment fosters a supportive environment where taking initiative is celebrated.

2. Cultivate a Mission-Driven Environment

Having a clear mission statement and set values provides a compass for the team’s efforts, ensuring everyone is aligned and moving towards the same objectives. This shared direction is crucial for team cohesion and individual motivation.
3. Foster a Family Environment

Inclusive Events: Regularly scheduled events that include employees and their families contribute to a sense of belonging and appreciation. These activities, ranging from dinners to outdoor adventures, reinforce that the company values its employees beyond their work contributions.

Team Bonding Opportunities: Engaging in fun, non-work-related activities like Topgolf, escape rooms, or sports events helps break down barriers, improve communication, and build stronger relationships within the team.

General Advice for Team Management and Morale:

Communicate Regularly: Keep lines of communication open. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions help address concerns early and recognize achievements, contributing to a positive work environment.

Recognize and Reward: Acknowledge individual and team accomplishments. Recognition can be as simple as verbal praise or as formal as award ceremonies. This acknowledgment boosts morale and motivates continued excellence.

Provide Growth Opportunities: Encourage professional development and offer opportunities for advancement. When employees feel their career aspirations are supported, their loyalty and enthusiasm for the company grow.

Ensure Work-Life Balance: Promote a healthy balance between work and personal life. Respecting personal time and providing flexibility where possible can significantly enhance job satisfaction and team morale.

Lead by Example: The attitudes and behaviors of leadership set the tone for the entire company. Demonstrate the core values and work ethic you wish to see in your team.

By embedding these practices into the fabric of Kingdom & Co., we’ve nurtured a supportive, motivated, and high-performing team. The key to our approach is recognizing that our employees are the heart of our company, and their well-being directly translates to the success of our business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kingdomandco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingdom.and.co/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KINGDOMHOMELV
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/89560993/admin/feed/posts/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTnboaR1yF25On8PqaP9N7Q
• Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kingdom.and.co Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/kingdomandco/_saved/ Google https://g.co/kgs/FKHgMKN Blogs https://www.kingdomandco.com/our-process/kingdomco-blogs-educational/

Image Credits
Photography: @stephenmorganphoto Designer + Builder: Kingdom & Co.