We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sean Kurtz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sean below.

Sean, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

In the spring of 2021, life seemed to be closing in on me from all sides. I was working a job that was not very stable. To add to the tension, my wife had just been handed laid off from her high-paying job. We were now a family with two small children, dependent on my sole income, and the prospect of uncertainty loomed large.

Desperation and a determination to secure our financial future led me to make a decision that would alter the course of our lives. With the possibility of a layoff hanging over my head like a dark cloud, I decided to take matters into my own hands. In the evenings and weekends, while my children slept and the world outside our home was oblivious to our struggles, I began laying the foundation for what would soon become Michigan Rose Construction.

Starting a construction company was a leap into the unknown. I had no prior experience in the owning my own business and majority of my construction experience was in the commercial space. The initial goal was modest – to generate a bit of side income while my wife navigated the challenging job market. Little did I know that this decision would set in motion a sequence of events that would redefine our lives.

The success of Michigan Rose Construction was immediate, catching me off guard in the best possible way. Returning phone calls promptly, being punctual, and embodying honesty became the cornerstones of our service. In an industry where reliability and integrity were often lacking, our commitment to going the extra mile for our clients set us apart. The response was overwhelming. Clients who had suffered through nightmarish experiences with other contractors were relieved to find someone responsive and genuinely committed to helping them.

However, what started as a means of supplementing our income quickly escalated into a full-fledged business. The demand for our services was soaring, and the prospect of turning away from the security of a stable job to venture into the unknown landscape of entrepreneurship became a daunting reality. Balancing a full-time job, parenting responsibilities, and the demands of a growing business was a juggling act that induced sleepless nights and moments of doubt.

The turning point arrived when I had to confront a crucial decision: continue to let fear dictate the course of my life, or seize the opportunity to reshape our destiny. The weight of responsibility as the sole provider for my family intensified, with a mortgage, daycare expenses, and the everyday financial burdens amplifying the stakes.

The leap into entrepreneurship demanded sacrifices, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the vision I had set for Michigan Rose Construction. Transitioning from an employee to being my own boss brought challenges, stress, and a level of responsibility I had never experienced. Yet, the satisfaction of building something from the ground up, of being the master of my fate, far surpassed the difficulties along the way.

In retrospect, the decision to start Michigan Rose Construction was the best thing I ever did. The risks taken in the face of uncertainty and the courage to pursue a dream transformed not only our financial circumstances but also our entire way of life. It was a journey marked by challenges, but each obstacle conquered was a stepping stone toward a brighter future. The legacy of those early days of uncertainty now stands tall in the form of a successful business, a testament to the power of taking risks and pursuing one’s dreams, even when the path seems uncertain.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Sean Kurtz and I am the proud owner of Michigan Rose Construction, specializing in outdoor remodeling and general contracting. My journey into this industry was born out of a passion for transforming spaces and creating memorable experiences for our clients. With a deep commitment to customer service, we strive to provide an unforgettable experience for every individual we work with.

At Michigan Rose Construction, we take pride in offering a range of products and services designed to elevate outdoor spaces and enhance the overall functionality and aesthetics of homes. Whether it’s a patio renovation, deck installation, or a complete outdoor transformation, we are dedicated to bringing our clients’ visions to life.

Our mission is to solve the problems our clients face when it comes to their outdoor living spaces. We understand the significance of having a home that reflects one’s lifestyle and personality, and we work diligently to ensure that our clients can enjoy their spaces to the fullest. We take joy in seeing our customers relish their newly transformed homes, using them for hosting or any activities that bring them happiness.

What sets Michigan Rose Construction apart is our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. We believe in going above and beyond to exceed expectations, not only in the quality of our work but also in the overall experience our clients have with us. From the initial consultation to the completion of the project, we prioritize communication, transparency, and reliability.

I am most proud of the positive impact we’ve had on the lives of our clients. Witnessing the joy and satisfaction on their faces when they see the transformation of their outdoor spaces is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about completing a project for us; it’s about creating spaces that enhance the way people live and make lasting memories.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

After getting my General Contractors License and getting a website, I put $1,500 in a bank account and said to myself “Ok this is all I have to start this business.” And even though I had much more capital than that to use I think that taught me the resiliency to keep a tight understanding of our cash flow and be very decisive on what projects to chase after.

This decision, although I had more capital available, served as a valuable lesson in resiliency and disciplined cash flow management. By setting a tight budget, I gained a profound understanding of the importance of making strategic, well-calculated decisions in the early stages of the business.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

“Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss is a remarkable book that stands out as an essential resource for anyone involved in negotiations which is essential for business owners.

One of the book’s strengths is its focus on negotiating under pressure. Voss provides strategies for staying calm and making effective decisions in high-stakes situations, a valuable skill for everyone

Contact Info:

• Website: michrose.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michiganroseco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Michigan-Rose-Construction/100089031612310/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/98977664/admin/feed/posts/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/michigan-rose-construction-ann-arbor

Image Credits
All pictures are mine