Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Cohen.
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?
I started in Holland as an engineer out of college. I went to school for Mechanical Engineering and worked as an engineer in total for about 10 years. There came a point when I knew I would significantly regret never trying to do something on my own, even if I failed at doing whatever it was. I left my job without a clear plan but was willing to do whatever I needed to. Initially, I thought I would start a business that builds and sells teardrop campers. While pursuing this I did contracting work on the side. I slowly got better and better at the trades until the point I believe I’m doing the best tile work in my area. After building a couple teardrops and having to sell them at losses I knew that contracting was my place and not campers. I’ve enjoyed so much being an actual service to people. Being useful to people. Building business relationships. I’ve worked hard to earn my 5 star reputation, that people can call me and know that the end result will be to the quality they desire. I’m a Christian and I felt deeply called by Jesus to serve my community and I just wasn’t getting that in the corporate life. Now I’m able to make a living and serve at the same time. I never did anything for money and in fact did it because I knew after a certain amount money made no difference in my life. My body feels strong because I use it all day. I owe it all to Christ who has done all these things thru me and I frequently pass that charity along to members of the community who cannot afford to have the things fixed in their home they desperately need.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It was not smooth road. In fact around the end of year two I was so broke I went to the bank to see if I could push out mortgage payments. I literally had nothing to my name at the point other than my home. My truck kept breaking and because I had to have it to make money, I had to spend the last of my money on it. I was at the point of interviewing for engineering jobs while sub contracting for another builder. working out in the freezing cold in the middle of February. After a couple of interviews I was offered a job but the day before I was able to land a large sale so I called the employer and said, “I’m sorry but never mind.” This would be February 2023. That job lasted 3 months. I was able to pay my bills, pay my taxes, and enough to stay afloat. After that the jobs started coming. I worked almost constantly for 2 years and was able to get back to where I was and even higher financially than when I left my engineering career. Now I get so many calls it’s hard to even reply and get back to everyone. I’ve considered scaling my business but I enjoy the freedom of working alone, and working for clients that we fit well together.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I think part of what makes me successful is that my engineering mind makes me a strong problem solver. Remodeling is a lot more complicated than most new builds, but in addition to that I’m actually very extroverted. I’ve always been that way. I enjoy people which is different than many engineering type personalities. I was even a stand up comedian for a couple years and even took 3rd place at the biggest comedy competition in Grand Rapids. “The funniest person in Grand Rapids” Every business you need to be able to sell. Selling comes naturally to me and because I believe in my service and my true motives are to give a client my best product the sales pitch is low pressure, honest, and well communicated. I think people see that when they speak to me and why I have extremely high take rates.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
That grit will always beat talent. Talent alone is useless. I don’t even view myself as a talented person. Lots of companies try to optimize everything. I don’t. I just work and work and work. By the time they have everything optimized so do I and I did a bunch of work earning money along the way. It was my grit that I didn’t quit. That I was willing to have my house revoked before I stopped. Most people never start, many others quit right before they hit the jackpot, few persevere.
Pricing:
- Small bathrooms typically range from $10,000-$18,000
- Shower areas range from $5,000 to $17,000
- Large bathrooms range from $18,000 – $40,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Cohensbuildingllc.com
- Instagram: Cohensbuildingllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D2ihCfAMK/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-cohen-06704262?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
