We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Lewis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

What sets Mobu Enterprises apart is our innovative approach to using shipping containers for construction. Unlike traditional construction methods, we’re all about sustainability and efficiency. We transform these containers into beautiful, functional spaces for living and working, which is pretty cool, right? It’s not just about being different for the sake of it; it’s about offering solutions that are both environmentally friendly and incredibly resilient. Plus, we’re deeply committed to making our projects affordable, aiming to tackle the housing crisis head-on. This blend of sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility is what makes us stand out in the industry.

In addition, we hire Veterans, previously incarcerated, and immigrant populations. We focus on vulnerable individuals who share the commonality of needing support to acclimate into society after experiencing institutional dynamics that may have burdened them in some way to feel out of place from others around them. We provide employment, social support, and one to one mentoring. These wrap around services support the whole person and aids in their self-sufficiency.

Jessica, 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?

I’m Jessica Lewis, and diving into the world of shipping container construction has been one of the most exhilarating chapters of my life. It all began with a fascination for sustainable living and the dream of making a tangible impact on the housing crisis. The idea was simple yet ambitious: transform shipping containers into affordable, eco-friendly homes and commercial spaces. This journey wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about pioneering a movement towards more responsible construction practices.

My Co-founder and Partner, Ibrahim Smith, leads our entire construction team and projects. He has over twenty plus years of construction experience building anything from tiny homes up to high capacity dams. He leads all of our training programs and leads our awesome team of 40 plus staff.

At Mobu Enterprises, we’re all about pushing the envelope. We provide innovative living and working spaces that not only look amazing but also contribute positively to our planet. Our services range from custom home design to creating unique commercial properties, all crafted from repurposed shipping containers. What sets us apart? It’s our commitment to sustainability, combined with a flair for creative, out-of-the-box thinking. We solve a myriad of problems for our clients, from reducing construction waste to offering quicker, more cost-effective building solutions. We save customers anywhere from 5-25% depending on the project size.

I’m incredibly proud of how Mobu Enterprises has grown, not just as a business but as a community advocate for green construction. What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about us is simple: we’re here to make a difference. We’re here to challenge the norms of traditional building, offering something truly unique in the market. Our work stands as a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets sustainability, and we’re just getting started.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele at Mobu Enterprises has definitely been word-of-mouth and leveraging social media. You see, every project we complete isn’t just a structure; it’s a statement about innovation, sustainability, and design. Our clients love to share their unique spaces with others, and this organic sharing has been invaluable.

On social media, we showcase not just the end results but the journey of each project. This transparency and storytelling connect with people on a personal level, drawing in those who value what we stand for. It’s about building a community, not just a client base.

What really sets us apart in these conversations is our passion for what we do and the difference we’re trying to make. We’re not just selling a service; we’re inviting our clients into a movement towards more sustainable and innovative living. This approach resonates with people, and it’s been key to our growth.

So, to anyone looking to make their mark, remember: authenticity and passion are your best assets. Show the world not just what you’re selling, but why it matters.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I’ve had to unlearn, which hit me like a freight train, was that all money isn’t good money. Early on in the days of Mobu Enterprises, the thrill of getting any client was overwhelming. I thought, “The more, the merrier, right?” Wrong. There was this one project that really opened my eyes. A client approached us with a hefty project, and the dollar signs were all I could see. Ignoring several red flags about their expectations and our capacity, I jumped in headfirst.

The project was demanding, with shifting goals and unrealistic timelines. It became a classic case of biting off more than we could chew, driven by the fear of missing out on a lucrative deal. The stress was immense, not just on me but on the entire team. We were overextended, morale plummeted, and we constantly butted heads with the client. We ignored a lot of red flags in our consultations to qualify the client. The client had no developer experience as previously stated and we hit hurdle after hurdle.

It was a tough pill to swallow, but it taught me a crucial lesson about discernment and the value of a good fit between client and company. I learned that it’s not just about the financial gain but about the mutual respect, shared values, and realistic expectations. Taking on projects that align with our capabilities and vision became the new norm.

This experience reshaped my approach to business. I became more selective, choosing projects that were not only financially rewarding but also fulfilling and aligned with our mission. It was a lesson in the importance of saying no and understanding that not every opportunity is the right opportunity. This shift not only improved our work-life balance but also enhanced the quality of our output and, ironically, our bottom line. It was a hard lesson, but one that has been invaluable for the growth and sustainability of Mobu Enterprises.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.shippingliving.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shippingliving
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shippingliving?mibextid=2JQ9oc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mobu-enterprise/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@shippingliving?si=1cHDEim9cVrqXXMJ

Image Credits
Self