Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Shymerlyuk.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Michael. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Ever since I was a kid in Ukraine, I’d always help out my father and my grandfather with various building projects around the house. When we moved to Chicago, I spent the first few months helping my dad with various construction projects he’d been working on. Unfortunately, I got to witness the bad side of the industry; more often than not my father would be fixing some else’s sloppy job or flat out finishing a project someone had abandoned. It opened my eyes to the fact that it is really really hard to find a remodeling company which you can trust your home with, someone you know would take care of the project as if it was their own.
Eventually I went my own route into the corporate world, leaving the home improvement industry behind, not realizing that it would only be for a relatively short time. After a few years working in the corporate world, I realized that that type of work environment wasn’t right for me. I strive working in a lively, constantly changing environment, where I get to make decisions and solve problems. Unfortunately, the monotony of a 9-5 cubicle life wasn’t cutting it. One day I decided to leave the comfort of the office and enter the uncertainty of being my own boss.
I started my own home improvement company which is based on exceptional quality, honesty and respect. I was able to grow the company from a one-man team to having 5 employees (2 crews) by sticking to those principles. My goal was to change the bad reputation the industry has gotten, as well as help homeowners bring their dreams to life and so far, I’ve been able to do that very well.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course not, it never is. It has gotten easier, but there’re always issues that arise which I could not foresee. Initially the biggest problem was getting new business and social media helped a lot. More often than not, I’d bid a lower than usual price just so I could get the project. Then we had to work our tails off, making sure the quality is not lost, hoping that the client would refer us to their friends/family. First few months, I was practically making no profit, just enough to pay rent and pay my guys. However, as time went on, the word spread about our reputation as quality. Today, although we have plenty of projects to work on, it is a challenge finding new help, people who share your vision and passion, someone who is willing to spend that extra minute making sure the particular task is done to perfection.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kolin Group – what should we know?
Kolin Group specializes in full interior remodels, such as kitchens, baths, basements or entire houses/apartments. I am proud of my employees, without my team I’d not be where I am today. We’ve been able to work together, respect our client’s homes and each other and finish all of our projects with 100% client satisfaction.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My father and grandfather deserve the biggest credit for teaching me the skill, as well as how to behave as a person. My family and people closest to me for the continuous support.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2556 W. Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622 - Website: www.kolingroup.com
- Phone: 31 2605 6194
- Email: info@kolingroup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolingroup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kolingroup/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kolin-group-chicago
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