Inspiring Conversations with Jonathan Weatherspoon of Wealth Construction

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Weatherspoon. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Born in Ypsilanti, MI, raised in the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor area, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset and spirit. I can remember being as young as thirteen or fourteen years old knowing I’m going to be my own boss. I knew all the way back then, the only way I didn’t become an owner is if I was dead. At that age, I always had small side hustles, after school and on weekends. Hustles like cutting grass, raking leaves, shoveling snow, cleaning gutters, and things of that nature. But none of those things is something I wanted to make a career out of. 

Fast forward to me graduating from college. I had this ecstatic feeling of being let out of the reins to finally pursue my passions at full force. Being bogged down by college classes and educational rhetoric was something that was hard to endure as a future entrepreneur eager to get out in the world. Graduating in May of 2018, with a degree in business management, I still didn’t know I wanted to run or even start a construction company. So, I worked other jobs in the meantime. With my main source of income being from driving for Lyft & Uber. I would drive for them in the morning or night, sometimes both, while also working for a small home improvement/remodeling company in Ypsilanti, during the day, which was owned by a family friend. I’ve always been good with working with my hands, building and constructing things as a child. And my strongest subject in school my entire life has always been math. So, as I’m working with a family friend, I’m gaining extensive knowledge in the craft of construction and more importantly; how to run the business. I was like a sponge, constantly asking questions. “How do you market to people? Who do you target? How do you target them? How do you bid contracts? How long did it take you to get licensed? What insurance company do you use? How do you recruit people?” I would ask. I learned all I can learn for about 5 months. And for money purposes, I split ways from that company. But it truly was an amazing experience. I honestly don’t think he was expecting me to take all of what he taught me and turn it into all I’ve been able to turn it into today. But I’ve always had a ‘learn to apply for myself mindset.’ Nonetheless, I am grateful for that family friend to this very day. 

During the middle of working for the small remodeling company and driving for Lyft/Uber, I met my very good friend, business partner, and investor. We stayed close and would have long-winded talks about owning real estate and running businesses. And she encouraged me to start my own business in construction after I parted ways with the small remodeling company. And a year after graduating college, I started Wealth Construction in July of 2019. 

The next steps were to get business credit, a small amount of starting capital, tools, a social media presence, understanding of tax implications, licensed & insured, and contracts. And my mindset was to hustle from there. Slowly but surely, I crossed off each step until the business was standing on its own. Networking was key during this time; I would go to every real estate event in a 45-mile radius. I just knew I couldn’t afford to leave any stone unturned. At the events, I would meet all sorts of people, passing out business cards, and explaining my story, vision, and solicit my services if needed. 

After so much networking, my phone began to ring, ring, and ring. And to be honest I’ve never gone without work since. I’ve actually had to turn down work or push work out on my calendar for months at a time. But I had a strong feeling, things would end up that way because I understand that the United States is hurting for contractors. Especially in Southeastern Michigan. The construction industry is so unsaturated that bad contractors are making a decent living off of mediocre work in my area. So, I just knew, if I kept a consistent level of quality construction, I’d never go without work. 

One thing I absolutely knew for sure was that I knew for a 100% fact that my business was going to be successful in the area that I’m in, simply off the quality alone. I would tell someone not to go into business with an idea, product, or service unless they are absolutely sure in their gut that their idea, product, or service will work. Because if you can’t convince yourself of that simple fact, how will you be able to convince a consumer on the receiving end? 

Now we’ve completed 35 projects since inception. I’ve been able to expand to a full-time crew now, and I’m slowly transitioning from a daily hands-on worker to a manager/supervisor role. Focusing on expanding and orchestrating the business from a hiring, recruiting, and marketing standpoint. 

There have been so many ups and downs throughout this journey. I’ve learned so much from a business aspect, and the business has even caused me to learn things about myself personally. But throughout it all, there has been one consistent factor that has brought me to where I am today. ‘Never giving up.’ I’ve felt every kind of feeling while running this business, resolved so many abstract problems, and through it all never gave up. And I can attest this quality of never giving up to my father. My father has never been a man of many words, but he is a man that leads by example and action. I’ve consistently watched him get up and work to provide for my family. Day in and day out, no matter what. And now that I’ve become a man, I have a much greater understanding of what that feels like, to do. He is a true Work Horse, and through watching him I without a doubt, was destined to become a Work Horse too. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been. 

The hardest parts have been working by myself in houses with no electrical till 3-4 am, in the morning. Those days were rough but worth it! 

Secondly, making it through COVID-19. With people being put on lockdown, and only essential business being open during some periods, that really affected some small business. Even putting some out of business for good. But I’m just extremely happy to say that Wealth Construction was not one of them. 

We’ve been impressed with Wealth Construction, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We remodel bathrooms, kitchens, basements, attics, bedrooms, and entire homes in Metro Detroit and its surroundings areas. (Southeastern Michigan) 

We specialize in the remodels of kitchens and bathrooms. 

We’re known for our standard of quality of work. 

What sets us apart is the youth in the company. We can adjust and put together designs on the fly making us extremely versatile and unique. Having access to design templates, plus adding social media for inspiration, we’ve come up with and completed some really sweet remodels. 

I am most proud of, being consist with the quality of work. That may mean going over a whole room, or even basement over again with paint, cutting into company profits just to make everything look to standard. It may mean busting out tiles and resetting them because they might have shifted 1/8″ before fully setting. Things like this really make an impact on the client, and that’s how you get repeat customers and consistent leads. I’m proud of this and being extremely honest with my customers when problems do arise. 

I’d like your readers to know that Wealth Construction has a standard of quality that pushes the industry standard. And we offer residential remodels and light commercial remodels from full houses to small bathrooms. Our full house remodels estimates are $200, while estimates for 2 rooms or less are $150. 

Any big plans?
Short term plans, are to continue to expand and hire people that are smarter or better than me at their respective field. 

The long-term plans are to add two more sectors in the company. One being, starting a new construction builds sector in the company. The second being, starting a sector strictly for flipping homes, with our own money. Meaning buying and selling homes. This a is a very important goal of mine because it can raise the value of neighborhoods and areas in Detroit and its surrounding cities, making neighborhoods a better place to live and raise a family. 

Pricing:

• $200 – Entire House Estimate
• $150 – 2 Rooms or Less Estimate

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wealthconstruction/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WealthConstructionHomes
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPwMaU5daXifol2jL3hR2Cg

Image Credits
Simone Williams