Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jason Taylor. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jason, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with 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?

There is a quote by William Hutchison Murray. It goes something like this…… “Until One Is Committed, There Is Hesitancy, The Chance to Draw Back, Always Ineffectiveness. Concerning All Acts of Initiative (and Creation), There Is One Elementary Truth, The Ignorance of Which Kills Countless Ideas and Splendid Plans: That the Moment One Definitely Commits Oneself, Then Providence Moves Too. All Sorts of Things Occur to Help One That Would Never Otherwise Have Occurred. A Whole Stream of Events Issues from The Decision, Raising in One’s Favor All Manner of Unforeseen Incidents and Meetings and Material Assistance, Which No Man Could Have Dreamt Would Have Come His Way. I Have Learned a Deep Respect for One of Goethe’s Couplets:
Whatever You Can Do, Or Dream You Can, Begin It.
Boldness Has Genius, Power, And Magic in It!”

Maybe it is too long for you guys in a story, or there may even be copyright issues; but trying practice this idea has given me some of the greatest experiences I could ever imagine.

I found a copy of this quote in my father’s office when I was teenager. At the time, I was trying to avoid responsibility and escape from life as I knew it in any possible way. The quote did not even resonate with me at the time, but I took notice of it. I left it and went on my way. I was a scared adolescent. I did not know what to do. College….Work…Life???? So overwhelming for me when I was younger, and even still sometimes now. It seemed all my friends knew what they wanted to do. I was clueless. Since I was lost, I turned my life into a non-stop party. Have fun and choose what to do later. I did not know that was avoidance. For some reason I had blinders; I could not see that I was making a decision. That life, of running, avoiding, escape, lasted for about 15 years.

I woke up and I was 30 years old. Now in that time I did a lot of things. I did them because I was backed into corners. They never felt like things I was choosing. I joined the military, to get out of a bit of trouble due to my partying. After the Army, a job fell in my lap. It was just something to do, but in hindsight I can see how it was the beginning of a new life. I was still partying every day and night, but I was also learning. I was learning construction. It started very simple, but this job gave me a starting point. First tools, and then clients, and then the idea of “delivery.” Do what you say. Show up. Be honest. Try hard. Try harder. All novel ideas, but I could not live up to them and the party life at the same time. Due to a series of bad consequences, and a lot of grace, I was able to stop the partying.

I started putting my life together. Before this time, I ran from the hard things. Now it was time to start handling my affairs. I started pushing myself. I started seeking outside of my own little perspective. I remembered this quote from the beginning and went to find it in my father’s old office. It was there, I took it and still have it 12 years later.

I have learned that there is something in this world much bigger than me. Whatever its name, it shows up every time I decide to do something new and then put some action behind that decision. My experience is that no matter what, this thing respects action and shows up. I do have to push myself. I remember my beginning and the fear that was tied to every single thing in front of me. I did them scared. I started making decisions that would put me out of my comfort zone, and every single time, it was met with either a lesson for the next time or success beyond my imagination.

I think the hardest thing to do is the first step. If I really believe I am supposed to do something, I need to act quick and see the magic happen. Doing this repeatedly in my life has given me faith to go beyond any limit I have in my mind. I have learned to be true and honest to myself. Today, I know who I am. I know what I can do. I know where I am going. I always do the hard thing. I have made a life beyond my wildest dreams. I cannot wait to see what is next!

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?

What am I? I am general contractor. I work in Vail, Colorado and build/renovate some of the most luxurious homes in the world. I took a chance and moved out here 6 years ago. I did not know how I was going to make it, but I believed I could. I work hard. I try only to do my best. I am honest. I am grateful. I think equal to my work and family, is my need to help others. I love helping people who come from the same beginning as I did. People who are lost, hiding, and scared.

I think the other paragraph also speaks on this topic.

I am no writer, but I guess I had something to say.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think showing up even when things get hard. Not all projects are easy, and I do not always know what to do next. Problems happen. But I guarantee, I will always be there through the end.

Not every client is going to be 100% happy. Not every client is right. But continuing on, and trying not to look back, builds resilience.

A kind word goes a long way. Remembering to say, “good morning.” We are human and should treat each other that way. Compassion and understanding for everyone, whether a trade partner, or client.

Now all these things are difficult to do, but easy to say. It comes with practice.

And bam, great reputation.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

I drink a lot of coffee. My local coffee shop sees me daily. Multiple times a day usually. I have met 2 great clients while waiting in line. It finally justified my coffee expense.

I also met amazing clients on a chair lift going up my favorite ski mountain.

Point is, I am kind to everyone. My experience has been that work just shows up. If I am a little slow, I take care of house cleaning or try to continue my education.

I believe in some sort of Karma. Do good and get good.