Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Julie Laughton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Julie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights 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?
I started out working in New York City in commercial construction as a designer. I loved commercial work because everyone knew their roles and the rules and they followed them. It was a seamless process. After seven years working in Manhattan with the top five developers, I moved to Southern California to work in the residential arena. The first thing I noticed was that there was a lack of consistency and homeowners were being led down the wrong path by the different individuals they hired. Nobody was working as a team. I quickly realized that in order to make this a seamless, stress-free process for the homeowner, it was necessary for me to become a licensed general contractor to be able to champion the project on behalf of the homeowner from conception to completion. As the designer, I am responsible for getting the clients dreams on paper. As the general contractor, it is my job to execute the plans and make sure the project gets done 5-star. Being a one-stop shop allows me to provide the ultimate individualized service, working one on one with the client making their dreams come true.
Julie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a designer, licensed general contractor and CEO of Julie Laughton Design Build and JLGC. I have completed many remodels and custom homes along the affluent coastal communities of Orange and LA County, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach as well as significant projects in Beverly Hills, Hollywood and Pasadena.
Most notable projects include the Mediterranean Style 1928 Wallace Neff home, featured in the movie Monster-in-Law and the English Tudor hilltop estate of Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter. I specialize in providing my clients a seamless one-stop shop Design Build service where all of their project needs are met in-house.
As a graduate of Iowa State University, I studied Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Mechanical Engineering and Interior Design. After graduating with a degree in Design, I moved to New York City where I worked for two different architectural firms and top five developers in Manhattan.
When opportunity arose, I relocated to Los Angeles and quickly found my way to Laguna Beach. After adding Certified Custom Kitchen and Bath design to my resume, it was time to round out my credentials to include being a licensed General Contractor. My vast expertise and experience is demonstrated through my portfolio. My unique hands-on process and attention to detail have made me a favorite among homeowners who value a stress-free process, meticulous attention to detail and a flare for retaining the essence of your dream home.
I developed the 7 Simple Steps as a way to not only educate the client about what to expect during the process of remodeling or building a home ground up, but to also inform them so they have a clear understanding of how all this works. For me, it’s all about being crystal clear day one so the client does not get confused in any way or come up with unrealistic expectations.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When I left New York City and the safety net of being employed, I started over from scratch in Southern California. I came to California with no job set up and had to go out and find work. It opened my eyes to the fact that I was overqualified when I began the interview process for similar positions I had before. The funny part is that the job I ended up taking in retail sales in Los Angeles was far from what I had been used to professionally. This job I took involved selling high-end custom solid wood cabinets from a retail store on Robertson Boulevard. That job introduced me to the residential arena where I have stayed working for the last thirty plus years. This interesting turn of events set the groundwork for the foundation of starting the company I have today. One of the first clients I had is still a client today and a friend of mine.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I am honest, reliable, transparent and known as the girl who gets things done. I have a 5-star process and a tried and true team that has worked with me for ten, twenty and thirty years. I do not have a lot of turnover of employees and subcontractors, which is unique in the construction industry. People in the community tell me that I am a good leader, an inspiration to others and a good role model.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.julielaughton.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julielaughtondb/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julielaughtondesignbuild
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julielaughtondesignbuild
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JulieLaughtonDB
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@julielaughton
- Other: Julie Laughton Living podcast: https://julielaughtonliving.com/ 7 Simple Steps to a 5 Star Experience free online course: https://www.julielaughtondesignbuild.com/