Today we’d like to introduce you to Igor Stepanov.
Igor, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am from Ukraine. I started my independent life in one of major Ukrainian cities Dnipro where I went to college. I am originally from a small town called Kremenchug. In 1993, I started my own business. Our job was to design, build, and launch new stores. Advertising structures and store equipment were my bread and butter for about 20 years. I was simultaneously building my construction business and many projects connected to it. When I turned 45, I took two sheets of paper, and on the first one, I wrote what I had achieved and on the other one what I hadn’t. The second sheet had the goals that could be accomplished in a different country. In 2018, we came to America as tourists. We saw about 25% of the country. I could feel the power of the market and I could feel my inner ‘construction dragon’ awaken. We considered many different States and cities and ended up choosing Austin. However, I had to address three questions:
– Can I apply my talent in the States and what kind of business would yield the most effective result?
– Which immigration status would let me achieve this goal as quickly and successfully as possible?
– How much time and money would I need to break even and become profitable once I’m in America?
As soon as my partners and I made a decision to invest in construction and build a billion-dollar business in the States, I started all the preparations that took me almost a year. Right after we moved to the States in 2019, I got straight to business. The market here is incredibly fast-paced. I could only dream about such a market back in Ukraine and I really wanted to keep up with it. Austin showed a particularly good potential and prospects for my business. I’m sure the conditions are going to be beneficial for another ten years. Some of the things I greatly appreciate here are the friendly people, the framework of rules, the incredible nature, the hills and the lakes with breathtaking views, and the affordable prices. We chose well!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting from scratch in a foreign country that has different rules, different standards, a different environment, let alone the language ¬– is a great challenge. But the most difficult thing was my first project. The house at 2600 Crazyhorse Pass was our first ‘baby’ in the States. We put all our soul, craftsmanship, and energy in it. I think I’ll always remember how it went. I’ll remember how we had to adapt the project to the American standards, how we inspected and imported parts from Ukraine, how we were fighting for the high level and quality of construction, how we paid attention to every detail, and how the whole of Austin was helping me to create the product.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My team and I scout and buy land, create a project of the house with the modern aesthetic, then build and sell it. This is the entire business model which is seemingly simple but is full of nuance that can either make or break your success. I’m building my business on three crucial pillars:
1. The incredible modern design created by our international team. In my team, I have designers, architects, and engineers from Ukraine, Poland, the U.S. and other countries.
2. The highest quality of materials and work. Devil is in the detail. I’ve known this since I was a kid and I pay a lot of attention to detail. You can’t compromise when you are building your reputation. Everything must be at the highest level, this is why sometimes we have to source the best materials from Ukraine, Europe, and even the Emirates.
3. Short construction times. Even now that the supply chain has been disrupted, we are completing a house in 7-9 months. We are able to match this timeline thanks to our motivation, good management, and the well-selected and reliable contractors.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Back in the Soviet Union, almost all families had to live in small apartments. For example, our family of four lived in a 350 sqft apartment. It was tiny but very cozy. My childhood predetermined my future life. My parents took me to an art school where I learned the basics of design. My friends and I would build hideouts like tree houses, rock caves, and ground holes. We tried to make some pocket money fishing, collecting discarded paper for recycling, and picking herbs for pharmacies. My biggest dream was to build a house for my own family. When I started my own business, I decided to start building houses for other people to make them feel at home. The design rules, the nature aesthetics, the attention to detail, and the desire to make my own money: all of this is rooted in my childhood. Growing up, I just needed to hone my learning skills and be persistent.
Contact Info:
- Email: igor.s@artvillagedvlp.com
- Website: https://artvillagedvlp.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/artvillagedvlp?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/igor.stepanov.963
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCoQrAVBGaXMuKe2fC7W-koQ
Image Credits
Art Village
