Category: Spotlight

1MX Music Festival 2023: An Unforgettable Night of Asian-Australian Musical Brilliance Is Coming To Sydney!

Posted on by Sue Turner

Get ready for a musical extravaganza like no other! The 1MX Sydney Music Festival is gearing up to make history as the first-ever festival featuring Asian-Australian-Kiwi artists under one roof. Scheduled for October 8th at the iconic Hordern Pavilion in Sydney, this event promises to be a night to remember.

Check out the lineup of local and international artists who will be performing at the 1MX Sydney Music Festival:

Dami Im: The Vocal Dynamo

Leading the lineup is the sensational Dami Im, renowned for her incredible voice and trend-setting music. Dami’s musical journey began when she triumphed in the fifth season of The X Factor Australia. Since then, she’s been on a meteoric rise, with her debut and winner’s single, “Alive,” hitting number one on the ARIA Singles Chart. Her self-titled second studio album achieved platinum status, and her latest EP, “In Between,” has been making waves, currently residing in the Top 10 Australian albums on the ARIA charts. Prepare to be mesmerized by her captivating performance!

William Singe: The Music Scene Maverick

A true luminary in Australia’s music scene, William Singe is set to mesmerize the audience with his extraordinary talent. William’s musical journey began as a member of The Collective, an Australian boy band formed during the fourth season of The X Factor Australia. His solo career skyrocketed, recording numerous R&B, pop, reggae, hip-hop, and rap covers, amassing over two million Facebook fans, topping Spotify charts, and earning millions of video views on YouTube.

KZ Tandingan: Asia’s Soul Supreme

Prepare to be blown away by the remarkable KZ Tandingan, known as “Asia’s Soul Supreme.” After winning the first season of The X Factor Philippines in 2012, KZ’s career skyrocketed. She’s been honoured with numerous awards, including 7 Awit Awards, 3 Wish 107.5 Music Awards, and 2 Myx Music Awards. KZ achieved international fame through China’s reality TV singing competition, Singer 2018, and made history with a sold-out solo concert at the Dubai World Trade Center Arena.

Ben&Ben: Folk-Pop Sensations

Ben&Ben, the beloved folk-pop band from the Philippines, is set to serenade the audience with their chart-topping hits, including “Kathang Isip,” “Maybe The Night,” “Leaves,” and more. They’ve been named Spotify’s Most Streamed Artist in the Philippines and have scooped up multiple awards, including Awit Awards, Myx Awards, Wish 107.5 Music Awards, and an NME Award for Best Asian Band.

Keenan Te: The Pop Sensation

Pop sensation Keenan Te has taken the music industry by storm, boasting over 5 billion views on TikTok and over 100 million streams in the past year. His powerful voice has caught the attention of top musicians and personalities, solidifying his place in the music world.

Milky Day: The Lofi and R&B Maestro

Milky Day, the rising Korean-New Zealander artist, brings a blend of Lofi and R&B to the stage. Milky Day embodies a contrast that resonates with the new generation with a background in classical piano, a math degree from Amherst College, and a passion for producing. His tracks, including “You’ll Be Alright,” “Take It Slow,” “Fool,” and “Youuu,” have amassed millions of streams, establishing him in the global R&B scene.

Maymay Entrata: The Multifaceted Star

Maymay Entrata is a Filipino actress, singer, television host, dancer, and model who catapulted to fame after winning Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7. Her debut album, launched at the SM North EDSA SkyDome, sold thousands of copies and earned gold and platinum certifications from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI).

Bini: The P-Pop Powerhouse

Bini, a P-Pop Girl Group formed through Star Hunt Academy (SHA), has taken the music world by storm. In just one year, they released their debut album, “Born to Win,” showcasing hits like the title track “Born To Win” and “Na Na Na.” They wowed audiences with their performances in the sibling group concert streamed worldwide alongside BGYO called “One Dream: The BINI & BGYO Concert.” In 2021, BINI was named the MTV Asia Spotlight Artist for October and November and won Best Female Group at the Saludo Excellence Awards.

Don’t Miss Out on the 1MX Sydney Music Festival!

This music festival promises remarkable performances, powerful songs, and brilliant artists, all converging for a day of pure musical magic. Whether you’re a devoted fan of these incredible talents or simply curious to explore the genre and culture, the 1MX Sydney Music Festival offers an entire day of entertainment that transcends boundaries.

Interested in coming to this epic event? You can experience 8 FULL concerts from noon til sundown in easier payments and interest-free!

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by – get your tickets now and slay with your favourite artists via this link:  1MX Music Festival

“Streets of Colour” Movie Review: A Captivating Tale of Friendship, Hope, and Overcoming Adversity

Posted on by Sue Turner

“Streets of Colour” is a captivating film that leaves a lasting impact, resonating deeply within the hearts of its viewers. It tells the ultimate story of friendship, hope, and life’s triumph over adversity, moving audiences with each viewing.

In times of despair, “Streets of Colour” becomes a beacon of hope, uplifting spirits in ways that contemporary movies rarely achieve. It touches the soul, evoking a sense of spiritual awakening for many. The film affirms the enduring power of friendships that endure even the direst circumstances, often bringing grown women like myself to tears.  

Some may initially question how a movie titled “Streets of Colour,” centered around a 25-year-old drug dealer battling addiction, manages to strike a chord with such a broad audience. Yet, every aspect of the film seamlessly comes together. The acting is impeccable, from the lead roles to the most minor parts. The musical score, editing, photography, and storytelling were executed quite well, from the opening credits to the final scene. Even the portrayal of Mt Druitt adds authenticity to the film.  

This movie is far from ordinary; it carries a profound message. Its foundation rests upon hope, which serves as the guiding force throughout the narrative. While underlying religious subtexts emphasize themes of faith and hope, the movie speaks to anyone searching for a glimmer of optimism. It delivers a compelling and deeply moving story, expertly written, acted, and shot. It is a cinematic gem that sets the bar high.

One cannot overlook the phenomenal performances in “Streets of Colour.” Rahel Romahn delivers an epic portrayal, evoking darkness, sorrow, and an overwhelming passion that leaves a lasting impression. Romahn portrays Tez, the film’s protagonist, whose life spirals downward following the racially charged street fight that tragically claims his friend’s life. Alongside him, Kyle Madden, played by an equally impressive actor, experiences his own tumultuous journey.

Ronnie S. Riskalla’s direction ensures a steady pace throughout the film, perfectly complementing the compelling writing and exquisite cinematography. Riskalla presents the life of a drug addict in a harrowing manner, focusing not only on physical pain but also the immense mental strain and torment experienced by addicts.

For those who have yet to experience its power, “Streets of Colour” demands immediate attention. It is a film that offers more than meets the eye. This film sets a new standard with its profound message and exceptional performances. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Yolandi Franken, the executive producer of Streets of Colour, for graciously inviting us to witness this extraordinary cinematic experience.

You can experience Streets of Colour at multiple locations nationwide. The screening sessions are listed below:

SYDNEY

Casula Powerhouse | Saturday, July 22, 2023

Actors Centre, Leichhardt | Monday, July 31, 2023

Parramatta Riverside | Thursday, August 24, Friday, August 25, and Saturday, September 2, 2023

LAUNCESTON

Village Cinemas | Sunday, August 6, 2023

PERTH

The Backlot | Sunday, August 13, 2023

BRISBANE

New Farm Cinemas | Wednesday, August 16, 2023

5 Strategies To Make Inflation An Accessory To Success

Posted on by krissy

Inflation can cause concern for many people, often leading to rising prices, lower purchasing power, and economic instability. However, some strategies can be employed to make inflation work in your favor and turn it into an accessory to success.

Invest in assets

One such strategy is investing in assets that appreciate with inflation. This can include real estate, commodities, and stocks of companies that have pricing power. Real estate, for instance, tends to appreciate with inflation, as the value of the property increases in tandem with rising prices. Commodities such as gold, oil, and other natural resources can also appreciate with inflation, as their values are tied to supply and demand dynamics. Investing in stocks of companies with pricing power can also be a way to benefit from inflation, as they can raise prices to match rising costs without hurting demand for their products or services.

Increase your own earnings potential

Another strategy is taking advantage of inflation to increase your earnings potential. Inflation often leads to higher wages and salaries as businesses try to keep up with rising costs. This can be an opportunity to negotiate for higher pay or seek better-paying job opportunities. Additionally, starting a business can be a way to take advantage of inflation, as rising prices can lead to increased demand for certain goods and services.

Consider inflation when making financial decisions

When making financial choices, take inflation into account, such as taking out loans or saving for retirement. Inflation can lessen the value of your savings over time, so it is vital to invest in assets that can keep up with or outpace inflation. For example, investing in stocks or bonds can provide a higher rate of return than a savings account, which typically offers lower interest rates that may not keep up with inflation.

Use inflation when negotiating loans

Another strategy is to use inflation to your advantage when negotiating loans. Inflation can decrease the actual value of debt over time, making it easier to pay off in the future. This can be a helpful tactic when negotiating loan terms, as lenders may be more willing to offer favorable terms in a higher inflation environment.

Learn to adjust your financial strategy

Lastly, it is essential to keep an eye on inflation and adjust your financial strategy accordingly. Inflation rates can fluctuate over time, so it is essential to monitor changes and adjust your investment and spending strategies accordingly. This can include diversifying your portfolio, taking advantage of tax-advantaged retirement accounts, and seeking professional financial advice.

In conclusion, while inflation can be a cause for concern, some strategies can be employed to make it work in your favor and turn it into an accessory to success. Investing in assets that appreciate with inflation, taking advantage of increased earnings potential, considering inflation in financial decisions, negotiating loans, and adjusting financial strategies over time can all be effective ways to benefit from inflation and achieve financial success.

10 Tips to Create Highly Engaging Content In Social Media

Posted on by krissy

Creating engaging content for social media is essential for building a loyal following and growing your brand online. Below are some tips on how to create engaging content for social media:

Know your audience

The first step in creating engaging content for social media is to know your audience. Who are they, what are their interests, and what kind of content do they respond to? You can produce content that connects with your audience once you grasp them well.

Use visuals

Visuals are an essential part of social media content. Use high-quality images, graphics, and videos to capture your audience’s attention and make your content more visually appealing.

Tell a story

People love stories, so incorporate storytelling into your social media content. This can be a personal story about your brand or a story that connects with your audience’s interests and experiences.

Be authentic

Authenticity is critical to creating engaging social media content. Be true to your brand and values, and don’t be afraid to show your personality and quirks. Your audience will value your genuineness and sincerity.

Use humour

A fantastic technique to engage your audience and make them smile is through humour. Incorporate humour into your social media content, but ensure it aligns with your brand and is appropriate for your audience.

Ask questions

Asking questions is a great way to encourage engagement on social media. Ask your audience for their opinions, thoughts, and experiences, and respond to their comments to keep the conversation going.

Use hashtags

Incorporating hashtags in your social media strategy is an effective strategy for expanding the reach of your social media content. Use relevant hashtags that align with your content and your audience’s interests to reach new followers and expand your brand’s reach.

Post consistently

To develop a devoted audience, you must be consistent on social media. Post regularly and consistently, but ensure you’re not sacrificing quality for quantity.

Use call-to-actions

Include a call-to-action in your social media content to encourage your audience to take action, such as liking, commenting, or sharing your post. This can increase engagement and help your content reach a wider audience.

Measure your results

Finally, it’s critical to evaluate the outcomes of your social media content. Analyze your engagement, reach, and other metrics to see what’s working and what’s not, and adjust your content strategy accordingly.

Creating engaging content for social media takes time, effort, and creativity. By following these simple yet effective tips, you’ll be able to produce content that connects with your audience and strengthens your brand, thereby helping you achieve your social media goals.

Event-documentary Portrait of the Queen, to hit select cinemas for a limited time on March 18.

Posted on by krissy

Portrait of the Queen, an event-documentary that looks at the moving, enthralling and controversial 70-year reign of late Queen Elizabeth II through the eyes of the world’s best photographers, will release to select Australian cinemas for a limited time on March 18.

The film, an original and intimate portrait that goes far beyond the dictates of standard conventional biographies, interweaves the story of the Queen’s life with the equally fascinating lives of the extraordinary photographers who accompanied – and often created – the image of British monarchy itself. Those who, through their work, established, conveyed, and spread the image of Her Majesty.

A special, careful look of the thousands upon thousands of images that have portrayed her, means that we can perhaps find a new way to approach a Queen we feel we have always known, but who has always seemed equally out-of-reach. Each portrait presented in this film, each conversation with the photographers involved in the project, all the accounts of experiences shared by actresses, designers, and British subjects, fit carefully and intricately into the screenplay like pieces of a mosaic that capture some of the multifaceted aspects of the Queen’s image, all different but connected, all equally powerful and significant.

Directed by award-winning photographer Fabrizio Ferri, Portrait of the Queen is based on the book, Elisabetta II: Ritratto di Regina by Paola Calvett. The documentary features legendary British actor Charles Dance (The Crown, Game of Thrones), with contributions from Emma Blau, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Isabella Rossellini, Susan Sarandon and the Queen’s photographers Brian Aris, Jason Bell, Julian Calder, Chris Levine, David Montgomery, John Swannell.

The Impact Of Social Media In Today’s Society: How Connected Is Too Connected?

Posted on by krissy

I was walking to work when I saw this businesswoman walking towards me. She was impeccably dressed in a knee-length pencil skirt paired with a lovely, flowy, short-sleeve blouse for the early summer weather. She took confident strides in her envy-inducing mid-heel pumps, and slung over one forearm was the successful, modern woman’s perfect accessory, the drool-worthy leather tote. But, in a practice that I see more often than not, her head was buried in the cell phone she held in her hands. Whatever was on the screen had her rapt attention that she didn’t notice the streetlamp in her path. That is until she ran right into it.

While that experience had me trying to hide my laughter, I had another encounter on the other end of the spectrum. I found myself having to grab a teenager’s backpack to stop him from walking right into the middle of a busy intersection! He was too busy staring at his phone to realise the danger that he was in. From the look of horror on his face, it was clear that he was completely oblivious until he felt me yank on his bag.

So how connected is too connected? Is the text, tweet, post, or whatever that held their attention worth her embarrassment, in the case of the businesswoman, or his life, in the case of the teenager? Our easy answer is no. But then, how many times have we been guilty of this ourselves? Let me give you this answer. Too many. So many that laws had to be created to make it illegal to be on your phone while driving. So many that automotive engineers had to design cars that can stop on their own when it detects danger before the driver does – a direct consequence of distracted driving. And how many times have you yourself given the bashful “I’m sorry” when you’ve run into someone because you were looking at your phone?

Don’t get me wrong. I’m actually a firm believer that the internet and social media can be a powerful force for good. More than at any other time in history, we have unprecedented access to information. Information that would have taken hours of research in the past is now available in a few keystrokes. Social media first emerged as a powerful tool of change during a period in the early 2010’s called the ‘Arab Spring’ where demonstrators used it to organize their protests (through the hashtag ‘#ArabSpring) throughout the Arab world, which included Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria, Yemen and more. The uprising saw whole governments overthrown, leaders ousted, and constitutional reforms enacted. In the Western world, the internet and social media have given us more exposure to controversial issues such as police brutality, given us more chances to engage in public debate, and allowed us the opportunity to participate in causes and campaigns such as the very popular ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ a while back that raised over a hundred million dollars for the motor neuron disease, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). And on a more personal level, it has enabled friends and families separated by great distances to now easily keep in touch with each other.

But again, how connected is too connected? Like everything else in life, keeping things in moderation is the key. But having such easy access to the internet makes tuning out a lot more difficult. The rapid growth of the internet and social media also means that the rules of etiquette and guidelines for its use are still catching up, especially for the younger generation. I heard some sage advice about that recently: “If you don’t want your boss, or future boss, to see it or read about it, don’t put it on Facebook.” But what do teenagers think of that when they’re having fun at a party? It is becoming increasingly the norm to ‘share’ whatever it is you’re doing, eating, etc., on social media. But where do you draw the line? Three young women from Philadelphia tragically found out the hard way when the car they were traveling in slammed into a parked tractor-trailer and burst into flames. Because of the fire, bystanders could not come to their aid, and all three were burned to death. Relatives of one of the girls said that they received a Snapchat video showing them going at about 73 mph (117 km/h) minutes before they crashed.

The line has definitely been crossed when there are deaths involved and when there are words like ‘cyberbullying’ are added to the dictionary. But this world of instant information and instant connections is our new reality, so when do you recognize that it’s too much? It’s when your online acquaintances take second place to the people within your life. It’s when you choose to learn about the world via the internet rather than actually going out there and experiencing it. And it’s when you do finally turn off that computer and put down that phone, and you can’t answer this question: “Who am I without it?” That’s when you know you’re too connected.

Spotlight: All The Glitz And Glam Of The ARIA Awards 2022

Posted on by krissy

The red carpet was recently rolled out in Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion as the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Awards held its official ceremony for 2022. The cream of the crop in the Australian music industry attended Australia’s night of nights as the who’s who of the music industry gathered to celebrate the best in Australia.

If you want to see all the glitz and glam at the 2022 ARIA Awards, then scroll down below. Photos courtesy of Dave Choo.

Introducing one of the designers showcasing at the 2022 Global Elite Fashion Festival… The fabulous Silky Lane Boutique!

Posted on by krissy
Silky Lane Boutique is an exciting way to drape everyone and anyone individually. It was launched in response to the fashion needs of today.
Silky Lane’s effortless and feminine silhouettes, enhanced with intricate embroideries, are apt for any up-and-coming occasions or celebrations.
The label is devoted to bringing a selection of unique, wearable, and affordable clothing and accessories by contemporary designers and independent brands from local creators and beyond.
To see Silky Lane Boutique’s latest collection, please join us on Saturday, 22nd of October, 2022, at the Stamford Plaza Grand Ballroom for an unforgettable evening of fashion!
To purchase your tickets for this incredible event, please contact Sue Turner.

The Best Fashion From The Miss Earth Australia 2022 Grand Launch and Fashion Show

Posted on by krissy

Set in the backdrop of Hyatt Regency, various fashionistas, models, and photographers flocked together to witness an event featuring the 2022 Miss Earth Australia finalists. The event is the brainchild of Miss Earth Australia National Director Julieta De Leon and Managing Director Marc Baylon.

Amongst flashing lights, media coverage, and music was Stargazer Production and the Miss Earth Australia Organization right in the middle of it all. It was a great night filled with world-class fashion and entertainment as they celebrated their love and commitment to Mother Earth.

The 2022 Miss Earth Australia 2022 Grand Launch and Fashion Show featured some of the most incredibly talented Sydney designers, such as Tommy Ge of Leatheron, Faten Lawn, Lily African Wares, Alies Bol, and Armando Crisostomo.

Check out some of the photos below from the fashion show courtesy of George Azmy:

 

Entrepreneur To Watch Out For: Meet The Co-Founder And CEO Of SnapADU, Whitney Hill

Posted on by krissy

As co-founder and CEO of SnapADU, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU or “granny flat”) construction company serving San Diego, Whitney Hill is part of a broader shift in how the state thinks about housing. Whitney and her partner Mike Moore, an experienced general contractor, have grown the business to $15M during the pandemic, embracing technology to make it faster and more efficient to design and build an ADU. Her company starts by assessing ADU feasibility – for free – to get homeowners answers they need to design and build an ADU within their budget constraints.

In 2020-21, Snap ADU improved transparency in the market by publishing ADU plans and build prices online, along with the fully-loaded cost to build an ADU, including plans, permitting, site work, vertical construction, and any additional work like required solar power and utility upgrades. Whitney’s team also regularly produces informative free content on the ins and outs of building an ADU in San Diego, including what to watch out for to avoid unexpected delays and cost overruns.

Given the rapidly changing dynamics in the construction industry due to supply chain and labor constraints, pricing in the past year has been highly unpredictable. Snap ADU provides a guaranteed price maximum for construction once plan revisions are completed with the city, allowing homeowners to plan confidently.

In 2020-21, Whitney and SnapADU were recognized nationally as avid adopters of technology, including industry-leading project management software enabling homeowners to view details of their project schedule and financials and make approvals on materials and overall budget. Whitney has been featured on numerous podcasts about construction technology and small business leadership.

In addition to being a woman-owned business, more than 40% of Snap ADU employees are women or of minority status; the number exceeds 65% when accounting for independent contractors that work for Snap ADU.

Global Elite Media Group recently caught up with Whitney to discuss her journey as an entrepreneur, and here’s what went down:

Could you please tell our readers a brief background about yourself and how you started your business? 

I’m the co-founder and CEO of SnapADU, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU, guest house, granny flat, casita) construction company serving San Diego. SnapADU has become the leading builder of ADUs in San Diego as part of a broader shift in how California thinks about generating affordable housing. Our company designs, permits, and builds 50 ADUs annually and has $15M in revenue.

Before getting involved in residential real estate, I gained strategic & tactical experience as a management consultant for Bain & Company and an operations manager for an industrial supply distributor. 

In early 2020, I learned about accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are small homes of 400–1200 sqft on residential lots with an existing primary residence. Regulation changes made it far easier to build ADUs on most residential lots. I was excited about the concept of more efficient housing as an option for intergenerational living or generating rental income. 

Within a month or two of researching ADUs and thinking about how to make an entrance into construction in San Diego, I was working in a coffee shop. I overheard a conversation between two people who were clearly in development. One of them later introduced me to his good friend Mike Moore, co-founder of SnapADU.

We joined forces to focus on getting extremely good at meeting the increasing demand for well-designed and value-oriented ADUs in Greater San Diego. Mike has spent his life in construction, working for both larger commercial and small custom home builders before starting his own business. His experience in small business ownership and construction meshed perfectly with my skills, and together we set out to make a difference in the San Diego ADU market.

What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your business?

We have been painstakingly combing through each step of our business to ensure we have sufficiently defined operating procedures and enacted automation wherever possible. This attention to detail is helping us maintain margins by keeping our costs down. It’s also ensuring that our clients get a consistent and high-quality experience in industry – residential infill construction – that is historically hit or miss in customer service. We’re also working on establishing concrete points for soliciting feedback from our clients to ensure we are keeping up with evolving needs, while also sharing that valuable specific feedback with team members.

Another priority for us is continuing to publish high-quality information about our niche of accessory dwelling units in San Diego. Building this kind of content strengthens our web presence, which helps generate organic leads. Additionally, we gain trust with potential clients by providing a high level of transparency about information like cost and process.

Lastly, we are laying the foundation for future growth by ensuring our systems and technology can support our business as we scale. We are investing in new visualization software to help clients make more informed decisions about their build while streamlining the customer journey.

What form of marketing has worked well for your business throughout the years?

Our strongest form of marketing is ranking highly on SEO to generate organic leads; 70% of our business comes from people finding us on Google searches. We reach this level of success by generating regular content on our topic of expertise, then ensuring those articles are optimized for SEO – at least 1000 words, targeted keywords, and backlinks whenever we can generate them.

We also receive about 20% of our business through job site signs. This is, of course, geographically targeted, which is important to us, particularly in the same neighborhood, since HOAs and other factors can limit the buildability of lots.

What social media platforms do you usually use to increase your brand’s awareness?

We post 3-5 times a week on Instagram and Facebook and at least weekly on LinkedIn. We also post on local forums via Patch and Next Door. We generate our content for the month for Instagram, then decide which additional platforms should also have that information published.

On Instagram, we have been pushing to create more Reels, which are shown to an audience outside of followers. We typically reach 3X the views we can with a regular post. In our industry, there are not yet many other players focused on “edutainment,” so we are exploring that avenue.

What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?

The toughest decision we’ve had to make in the past few months is when to begin reorganizing our sales and pre-construction process. For us, this is a large investment of both money and team resources, as we have to staff these initiatives appropriately while also not letting our operational goals slip.

So deciding when to pull the trigger is difficult; we know we need to undertake the change, but we are running at top speed to keep up with our growth as it is. It’s tough ever to feel fully ready for a large undertaking like that, even though it is a necessary step and a good decision to support future growth.

How has your business been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?

The demand for our product has gone up. Especially in light of COVID, families are looking for new living options that keep loved ones closer to home. ADUs offer families flexibility since ADUs are versatile and meet the demands of evolving intergenerational lifestyles.

How have you adapted your business operations in response to COVID-19 and its associated impacts?

COVID has opened opportunities for working smarter. Our business was created entirely during the pandemic. For us, it was a unique opportunity to take advantage of tools to help assess properties remotely. Traditionally, contractors would make site visits early on. We use satellite imagery, zoning, and parcel information to learn what is buildable on the lot. Since COVID, people are much more willing to work remotely, and we’ve learned that we can push industry norms in this new environment.

Additionally, all our team – except for field crews – works remotely. We no longer have an office, but you can find many of us connected via Zoom throughout the day. We’ve embraced technology that makes it possible to work from anywhere, even in the historically site-based construction world.

What are some of the most important lessons you learned from this pandemic?

The biggest challenge has been handling escalating material and labor prices. We don’t want our clients to feel like we are doing a ‘bait and switch’ with them, but unfortunately, long project timelines mean that pricing can move quite a bit from when they sign a proposal to when we start building. We try to mitigate volatile pricing by having several checkpoints on price along the way to keep them informed and to ensure the reasons for any increases are transparent.

What do you hope to see happen in the near future for small businesses all over the world?

I hope to see more strategic partnerships that enable people to do what they are best at.

Many small business owners started out in their industry because they loved the hands-on part of the job. By the time they are running a small business, most of their day to day is filled with tasks that don’t excite them: administrative minutiae, worrying about how to get more people in the door, trying desperately to make margins.

Meanwhile, a host of other people out there went to school for business administration and LOVE that part of small business… yet they are busy looking around for that “perfect” new idea. Innovation doesn’t have to be flashy or new or exciting. It can be just as impactful to run an extremely efficient operation and focus on an underserved niche.

Partnering with someone with a complementary set of skills can help you bring a business to the next level at multiple of the speed you could have done alone. And it feels like such a life hack to focus on the exciting parts, while your partner focuses on the parts that they love (but you really despise).

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up a new business in this pandemic?

Focus on your niche. Get extremely good at serving your ideal client. Turn people away if you must, which feels scary at first. Serving a smaller group of people well will lead to better reviews and referrals while also allowing you to really dig in and understand that group and provide value to them. All of this has the effect of building a strong core business from which you can grow.