Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Kavin.
Michael, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
While in college at UC Davis, I took a part time job at a local lumber company. After college, I was hired by a Los Angeles Lumber Company and learned about my trade. On weekends, I performed carpentry jobs and learned even more. After a few years, I left the lumber company and started my own firm. In 1978, I took the California State Contractor’s License Board exams for general building, fencing, and painting. Over the years, I went from carpentry projects to building homes as large as 12,000 square feet. Today, I have seven project managers, one lead estimator, one construction manager, and office personnel. We build for everyone, but have done numerous projects for people in the entertainment field. I wrote my own computer programs for the business, and provide detailed proposals for our projects which end up being a guide to the construction, in additional to architectural plans.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My first several years, I worked 80 hours a week establishing the business and putting systems together to best run projects. Additionally, staff increased over time. With over 40 years in business, I have had great success, but did see very lean times from 2008 to 2011 which I had never experienced. Due to repeat business, we managed through those years.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We specialize in high-end residential remodeling and new homes. We have extensive hillside experience which is a benefit in Los Angeles. I am most proud of the longevity of my firm, and its reputation amongst clients, business managers, architects, and sub-contractors.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in West Los Angeles, and have been all my life except for my college days at UC Davis. I was an overachiever, and always did well in school. I double majored in college in Physics and Biological Sciences. I have always been musical, first playing the violin at age 7, and continuing to this day playing guitar. I have an extensive collection of guitars today which hang on my gallery wall. I played tennis for 30 years, but stopped 3 years ago due to a shoulder injury. Since then I have taken up fishing.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3814 Willat Avenue
Culver City, California 90232 - Website: kavinconstruction.com
- Phone: 310 837-7035
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: Kavin Construction
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