Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kendra Roy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kendra, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?
My first client was a friend of a friend who referred me to build and design their home in Pacific Beach. Starting out on my own after working in corporate America for so long was very scary. When I got the first call asking to meet to review their project, I will never forget how excited I was, but also scared and hesitant if I could do it on my own.
I remember getting all dressed up to make a good impression and when I drove up to the existing house, I was beyond excited to see what I could possibly be getting into. The current house was a disaster and needed me 100% on the job. The client and I hit it off immediately and it became such a challenge and journey from that day forward. I remember cashing my first check for $150,000 to start the project and it felt surreal that I was officially a business owner, and I was doing it all on my own.
I went into that project with a whole new set of eyes and skills that I never knew I needed or had. I learned from many mistakes and challenges and have grown so much since that first project. I will forever be thankful to that client for trusting me with his home and giving me my first project as a business owner.
Kendra, 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 began working in real estate development at age 18 and has built my career on a commitment to stellar customer service and professionalism in every project. I put a premium on integrity, quality workmanship, timely completion of projects and the ability to collaborate with vendors ranging from architects and engineers to municipalities. My clients want the job done right the first time — creatively, on-budget and with minimum inconvenience to their busy lives. We deliver that in spades, whether working on a home improvement project or on a $5 million-dollar commercial renovation. We build meaningful relationships and our insistence on exemplary customer service is our hallmark.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I recently am pivoting and adding an additional component to my company, which is interior design. I have been designing and building for a very long time now. I have always designed my own projects and for a very small fee designed projects for clients. I never took my gift of design serious and realized how much I loved it until I really started doing complex fun projects. So now my company is a general contractor and interior design firm. We can do it all, start to finish!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When it comes to construction, I work in a male-dominated profession. Every time, I step onto one my projects, I get asked if Im the agent or the client. Nobody ever believes I am the contractor, and it fuels me every time. Everything I have learned about construction and design I have learned from being in the field. I am doubted and second guessed all the time from elders and men on my knowledge and what I am doing. I have a saying in the field, there is always going to be someone smarter and wise so please teach me than judge me. I learn from asking questions. Its a very humbling experience to work in this industry because so many mistakes can be made and the only way you learn it to get through them and problem solve.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendraroydesigns/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-roy-59aa1b79/