Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Bottom.
Christina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up around new home construction job sites, I was exposed to the design and build process of many homes. It was always exciting watching the blueprints come to life along with the elation and delight of the new homeowners as they began living their American dream. My responsibilities early on included sweeping and cleaning the homes that my father’s construction business built, and I eventually went on to managing the job sites and eventually running the sales and marketing side of the business. The hands on exposure and “getting my hands dirty” approach really helped to build a foundation for the fundamentals of constructing a quality home.
After a move into the Little Italy neighborhood of Chicago, I teamed up with an emerging condo developer in the South loop, and quickly found success in the sales division. But the abrupt change in market conditions forced myself and others to reevaluate the future in the uncertain environment. My father and I slowly started renovating homes on the South Side, including the Beverly and Mt Greenwood neighborhoods, and eventually built spec homes when the opportunity presented itself. We found so many of our clients loved their neighborhoods and did not want to leave, rather rework the existing space for the new modern family, collaborating with the client every step of the way. Our growth into other areas has been a careful and methodical transition, and we are excited about the future.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our goal from the beginning of CMB Construction has always been to provide the best service and quality workmanship in our pursuit to make clients dreams a reality. A major component to a successful result is knowing you have subcontractors and partners who also have this same goal. Over time, we have developed strong relationships and trust with our employees and contractors, knowing deadlines will be met, without compromising quality. This takes time to align and partner with the right people, but our relationships and reputation are what has taken us to the next level, and this did not happen overnight. There are also unique challenges when you work with your family. We love, we laugh, we argue and yet most of all, we respect each other and appreciate and cherish what everyone brings to the table. And getting to that place just takes time.
CMB Construction – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
CMB Construction is a full service construction company, focusing on residential design and build throughout Chicago. We are with our clients every step of the way from the idea and design phase, to the final construct of the home, providing our team of experts and lending our knowledge from over 50 years combined experience. Our focus is on quality and client centered design and implementation. I personally especially enjoy the kitchen design and finish selection aspect of our projects. Finding the perfect mix of todays current styles and marrying them with the clients own personal taste to create a stunning finished project is my passion. It is a true gift when you love and enjoy what you do and often doesn’t feel like “work.”
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
This answer to this question is a two fold answer. Professionally, I am really proud that we have been able to start this company from nothing and build it up mostly on client referrals. Starting a business from scratch is such a scary endeavor and to be validated by the satisfaction of our clients is a really great feeling.
The second answer is on a personal level. I am proud to be sending a message of empowerment to my daughters. When I started CMB Construction it was fulfilling for me to do something that I love but as time passed I learned it was impacting my daughters views of women in the workforce. Not only am I mom, but I am also a business owner. As they grow, they will learn to be confident in their career paths no matter where it takes them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cmbconstructionchicago.com
- Phone: 708-243-8226
- Email: tina@cmbconstructionchicago.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cmbconstructionchicago/
- Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/cmbconstruction/
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