Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Capriel Phinney. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Capriel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
At OC Next Generation, Inc., we are dedicated to empowering the youth of our community by providing them with essential knowledge and understanding of the infrastructure field from the moment they graduate high school. We believe that a strong foundation in infrastructure is vital for the growth and development of our society, and we strive to equip young minds with the skills, insights, and opportunities needed to thrive in this dynamic industry. Through hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and collaborative projects, we aim to inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders who will build and sustain the infrastructure of tomorrow. Together, we are committed to fostering a brighter future for our youth and our communities.
Constructing More than Highways – We Build Futures.
The mission of OC Next Generation, Inc. was deeply influenced by my personal journey in the construction field, which began at the age of 18. Growing up in a family immersed in the industry, I had the invaluable opportunity to work alongside my father at Opportunity Construction, LLC, right after graduating high school. This experience illuminated the significance of infrastructure in our daily lives and its crucial role in community development.
Throughout my ten years in the field, I encountered various challenges and triumphs that highlighted the importance of hands-on experience and knowledge transfer in building a successful career in construction. It was during this formative period that I recognized a gap in the educational pathways available for young people, particularly in understanding the vast opportunities within the infrastructure sector. The skills I developed—both technical and interpersonal—were instrumental in allowing me to start my own construction business at 28.
This realization sparked a passion within me to give back to the community and equip the next generation with the tools they would need to navigate this dynamic industry. At OC Next Generation, Inc., we are committed to not only teaching young people about the infrastructure field but also instilling a sense of purpose and vision for their future. Our mission is to empower youth by providing essential knowledge and skills that extend beyond textbooks, fostering an environment of hands-on learning, mentorship, and collaboration.
We believe that by inspiring young minds and offering them real-world experiences, we can cultivate innovative leaders who will not only contribute to the growth of our communities but also shape the future of infrastructure as a whole. At OC Next Generation, Inc., we stand by our motto: “Constructing More than Highways – We Build Futures.” Together, we are dedicated to fostering a brighter future for our youth and the communities they will eventually serve.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hello, my name is Capriel Phinney, and I’m excited to share my journey into the infrastructure field, which began when I was just 18 years old, through my father’s construction business, Opportunity Construction, llc. My father has dedicated himself to providing second chances to individuals who have faced incarceration, showing me firsthand the power of opportunities and the profound impact they can have on lives.
Working alongside him, I quickly realized the value of his mission — not only did it help those in need, but it also opened my eyes to how the opportunities I was given kept me away from negative paths. This realization inspired me to think bigger. I began to envision a system that would equip young people with the tools and support they need to navigate life-changing situations, similar to those I had witnessed.
At OC Next Generation, Inc., we provide a range of services in the infrastructure field that includes both small and large-scale construction projects. Our focus is on building not just structures but also futures. By employing individuals who may have faced obstacles in the past, we are not just changing their lives; we are enhancing our communities.
What sets us apart is our commitment to mentorship and empowerment. We believe in providing more than just a paycheck; we offer guidance, training, and opportunities for personal growth. This holistic approach enables us to address some of the underlying issues that lead to incarceration, helping to change narratives and build a brighter future for the youth we serve.
I am most proud of the lives we have touched and the success stories that have emerged from our efforts. Each individual who finds their footing through our program is a testament to the work we do, and it fuels my passion every day.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that OC Next Generation, Inc. is more than just a business; we are a movement aimed at redefining success and opportunity in our community. We are committed to excellence, not only in the services we provide but also in the lives we impact. Together, we are building a future that offers everyone a chance to thrive. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!
Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?
In the heart of a bustling community, Opportunity Construction (OC) had always been a hallmark of resilience and hope, championing those who sought a second chance. But when my father bravely ventured into unfamiliar territory by taking out an SBA loan to purchase his first property exceeding a million dollars, little did we know we would soon find ourselves navigating a storm of unforeseen challenges.
The property, a sprawling 17,000 square feet, had immense potential — it was envisioned as a hub for our community, an event space where dreams could be celebrated and lives could be transformed. However, the intricate web of rules and regulations that accompanied the ambitious purchase limited our ability to maximize the property’s potential. We were constrained, caught in a challenging situation that loomed over us like dark clouds, one that would ultimately change our lives.
For the past three years, we fought to keep the event space operational. Despite our efforts, the business, although exceeding our expectations, just wasn’t enough to cover the mounting costs associated with the property. Our dreams of establishing other businesses on the site stalled as we struggled to navigate the complex zoning issues. With each passing month, the weight of our financial burdens intensified.
Eventually, the inevitable happened. We went into default, and our attempts to rectify the situation felt as though we were on a sinking ship with no lifeboats in sight. Legal fees skyrocketed as we sought to turn things around, draining resources we desperately needed. My father’s once reliable line of credit was frozen, leaving us feeling adrift. In the infrastructure field, we relied heavily on taxpayer dollars to fulfill government contracts, but payment often lagged weeks or even months. This delay made it immensely challenging to keep our workforce paid at the prevailing wage we promised.
As I watched my father, a man who had dedicated his life to uplifting others, struggle under the weight of this adversity, something ignited within me. I had always contemplated starting my own construction business, inspired by his mission and determination. Now, facing the reality of our situation, I felt a fire to act sooner rather than later. I couldn’t allow the mission of Opportunity Construction to falter; far too many lives depended on its success.
Driven by a commitment to maintain the values my father exemplified, I dove headfirst into launching OC Next Generation, Inc. My goal was simple yet profound: to create a construction company that not only fulfilled projects but also taught and empowered young adults in our community. Through OC Next Generation, we would provide opportunities that allowed individuals to break the cycle of hardship and earning a sustainable living.
With renewed purpose, I took the lessons we’ve learned from challenging circumstances and harnessed them to build something new. OC Next Generation would be more than just a business; it would be a beacon of hope, mirroring the values of Opportunity Construction while also establishing its own identity and mission. We would focus on creative solutions for our community’s needs while ensuring that everyone involved had a path toward success.
As OC Next Generation emerged from the shadows of adversity, I realized that the unfortunate circumstances that once seemed like insurmountable barriers had pushed us to innovate and evolve. My father’s unwavering commitment and the lessons learned in hardship became the foundation for our new beginning. Together, we would continue the legacy of uplifting our community, proving that sometimes, in the face of despair, new opportunities arise — and with them, the chance to create lasting change that could transform lives for generations to come.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building a reputation within the infrastructure and construction market is a multifaceted process that relies on several key factors. For me, the following elements have been instrumental in establishing trust and credibility within our community and industry:
1. Commitment to Quality and Integrity: From the very beginning, we’ve prioritized delivering high-quality work on every project. Clients have come to recognize that they can rely on us to meet deadlines and maintain high standards, which fosters trust in our capabilities.
2. Community Focus: Our mission at Opportunity Construction and now at OC Next Generation, Inc. has always extended beyond just completing projects. By actively engaging with our community and focusing on uplifting individuals who have faced hardships, we have created a strong bond with those we serve. This community-centric approach resonates with clients who value social responsibility.
3. Word of Mouth and Relationships: The relationships we’ve built with clients, partners, and local organizations have been vital. Positive experiences lead to referrals, which are invaluable in the construction industry. Satisfied clients who share their experiences help reinforce our reputation.
4. Transparency and Communication: Regular updates and open lines of communication with clients have helped build trust. Being upfront about challenges and how we plan to address them has shown our clients that we are accountable and committed to their satisfaction.
5. Responsive Customer Service: Making sure we are available and responsive to client needs has also played a significant role in shaping our reputation. Whether addressing concerns or adapting to project adjustments, being attentive helps solidify relationships and builds our reputation as a customer-oriented business.
6.Professional Development and Training: Investing in our team’s growth, providing ongoing training, and ensuring our staff is equipped with the skills they need to succeed is crucial. A knowledgeable and capable workforce translates into better service and ultimately enhances our reputation.
7.Resilience and Adaptability: The challenges we’ve faced, especially during financial hardships, have underscored our resilience. Our ability to navigate difficulties and pivot as needed has demonstrated our commitment to overcoming obstacles and delivering for our clients, further enhancing our credibility.
Overall, building a strong reputation has been an ongoing process of dedication to quality, community values, effective communication, and a steadfast commitment to creating positive change. It’s this reputation that will guide our future endeavors and continue to draw in clients who share our vision and values.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ocnextgeneration.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocnextgeneration?igsh=MTBycjdlaGRydmZvYg==
