We were lucky to catch up with Yanover Blanco recently and have shared our conversation below.

Yanover, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

If I had the chance to start over, my approach would involve a more comprehensive and long-term strategic plan for both my career and personal life. While I initially planned a few years ahead, I’ve come to realize the importance of extending this foresight even further. Mapping out the trajectory of my journey all the way to the end would provide a clearer direction, allowing me to make more informed decisions and adjustments as needed.

One significant change would be to spend more time working for someone else before venturing out on my own. The experience of working under someone else’s guidance provides invaluable mentorship opportunities and a built-in support system that can significantly accelerate the learning curve. Entrepreneurial training can be costly, and having mentors in a professional setting not only eases the financial burden but also provides practical insights into the industry. It helps mitigate the challenges and pitfalls often faced by entrepreneurs, allowing for a smoother transition into business ownership.

Starting with a solid foundation of expertise gained through extended experience working for others would undoubtedly position me more favorably as an entrepreneur. While the journey is inherently challenging, beginning with a wealth of knowledge and mentorship support would be a key differentiator, enabling a more efficient and effective entrepreneurial Journey.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have always harbored a strong entrepreneurial spirit, stemming from my childhood aspirations of owning a business. Growing up, my Father, an immigrant in pursuit of a better life, found opportunities in the construction industry, and my father’s unwavering work ethic left a lasting impression on me. In my teenage years, I actively participated in construction work during summers, gradually honing my skills in estimating and sales. Following this immersive experience, I recognized the potential within the industry and decided to leverage my acquired knowledge to establish my own business with my Father after college. My journey has been a testament to the value of hard work and determination, starting from the ground level and culminating in obtaining an unlimited General Contractors License, enabling me to undertake projects of any scale or nature.

What sets me apart is my comprehensive understanding of the construction business, acquired through hands-on experience and an earnest commitment to learning every facet of the trade. I take pride in my journey, evolving from a laborer to a licensed contractor. My clients benefit from my extensive knowledge, ensuring that I approach projects with a nuanced understanding and deliver exceptional results. I am particularly proud of achieving the status of an unlimited General Contractor, a testament to my dedication and expertise. I want potential clients to know that I bring a unique perspective, a blend of hands-on experience, business acumen, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. My goal is not just to meet client expectations but to exceed them, delivering quality construction solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the most significant pivots in my life occurred when my father and I decided to part ways after a decade of working together. Faced with the choice of changing industries or staying in construction, I opted to remain in the construction sector, specifically focusing on offering painting services. However, amidst this transition, a profound and unexpected change occurred when my father passed away. In the wake of his passing, I found myself presented with the opportunity to repurchase the very company we had co-founded.

This pivot led me to the decision of leveraging my General Contractor (GC) license within the framework of my new business, Yanover Construction, while the painting services continued under the other company. Effectively managing and navigating the complexities of two demanding businesses posed a significant challenge, but it also brought about unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. Juggling the responsibilities of both companies required strategic decision-making, time management, and a deep understanding of the construction industry.

The experience of simultaneously running two businesses allowed me to showcase my capabilities in handling diverse aspects of the construction sector. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of embracing change as a catalyst for growth. While the pivot initially stemmed from a challenging situation, it ultimately opened doors to new possibilities and showcased my ability to thrive amidst complexity and adversity.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

In the early stages of my first business, I grappled with the challenge of finding the right marketing strategy, especially as the industry transitioned from traditional print to the digital landscape. The shift was daunting, particularly given my lack of experience in the digital realm and the intimidating investment costs associated with it. Despite the initial hesitation, I eventually took the leap into digital marketing.

As I delved into SEO and SEM advertising, doubts lingered, compounded by the slow realization that results wouldn’t materialize overnight. SEO, in particular, required over a year before yielding a return on investment, a timeframe that induced anxiety and uncertainty. The initial months of SEM advertising were no better, with no immediate returns in sight. There were instances where certain marketing channels failed to produce any payoff at all, and distinguishing between perseverance and the need to pivot became a formidable challenge.

Navigating through this initial marketing turbulence provided valuable lessons. The experience underscored the importance of giving marketing strategies the time they need to mature and generate results. Understanding the intricacies of marketing as a holistic approach, combining various channels, proved crucial. The journey, though riddled with uncertainties and setbacks, equipped me with the resilience needed to take calculated risks and adapt to the ever-evolving and fiercely competitive marketing landscape. The hindsight gained from this experience has transformed marketing from a daunting venture into a dynamic realm where challenges are embraced, and adaptability is key.

Contact Info:

• Website: yanoverconstruction.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@YanoverConstruction