Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Garcilazo.
Ryan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started this business in my early twenties not knowing a thing about real estate, real estate investing or construction and became the number one general contractor in Chicago that’s has flipped over 600 homes. I started at the very bottom with massive debt, no money and only a belief that I could figure out the business and did so in very short order. My now wife worked two jobs to support us and our electric and cable was constantly cut or turned off. I started the company from a small 90 sq. ft bedroom and now we live in a 4,000 sq. ft home. What we have doesn’t matter, it’s the journey to get where we are today. As an entrepreneur, it is often overlooked the sacrifice and dedication it takes to see the goals and then hit your marks. Our profession of real estate investing and consulting is the epitome of this basis. Our clients are learning the hard way what it takes to flip houses and the only way for them to learn is to take the lead themselves.
The early days were rough for me. Our dream was simple, make the time, the sacrifice and stay focused. I listened and learned from what the other GC were doing and how they got clients. I would study hedge funds and their management structure. I read about finance and investing. I would lie to clients and tell them that we were experienced when we obviously were not. Our first clients were working with asset management company performing lock changes and window board up for $25 per lockset and $50 per window. It was during the massive recession when I started this and we took any work we could because I knew that someone, somewhere, had to do something more-to these properties.
That’s when I learned about rehabbing and flipping. These houses we were working on were foreclosures owned by banks and they needed to sell them off fast to investors. Long story short, my next client became the hedge funds off Wall Street and I mastered their business models, implemented those here in Chicago and were the fastest growing GC in no time. By year 3 we were a multi-million-dollar company. With the recognition and with winning national construction awards and 10 years later we have become the nation number 1 Rehab Consultants on the planet representing investors from all over the world. Make no mistake. Our journey was not clear and the hurdles and closed doors presented astronomical changes for a young 20 something to face. One thing that never failed was my tenacity, aggressiveness and controlled temperament. I always loved and owned Rottweilers. I realized that we share the same temperaments. Loyal and aggressive all in on one. With that, we branded ourselves The Rottweilers of Redevelopment
Faith, family and a fuck you attitude is why I am one of the youngest and most successful CEO in my city and within our niche. You must put in the time and the effort to make your dreams a reality and we do not move for anyone. They now move for us. Welcome to The Rehab Depot “The Rottweilers of Redevelopment”.
Has it been a smooth road?
Lack of education early on was a problem. I had to learn the industry I decided to start a business and so I had zero experience to start. The next challenge was making major players and clients believe in me and what we were doing. Combined with finding and hiring top talents within the industry who can share the vision. This road has not been smooth but in fact, the best most difficult road one can go through. It’s the greatest struggle I’ve ever been through, fought and finally achieved success.
We also were undercapitalized so we used profit immediately as we made it and placed this back into the company. We were working with people who made careers out of this, so I needed a mentor and I found one who I am dedicated to this day. A perfect picture of how we stated would be like a college kid with no money eating noodles trying to start the next tech company. Only, I made it.
Now as consultants, we try to steer our clients away from the millions of mistakes we made coming up. We advise on systems and process that work and open doors they need-the way I wish I had someone to teach me back so may years ago.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Rehab Depot Inc. – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are Rehab Consultants, we train, teach and consult investors on how to rehab and flip houses through the eyes of a contractor from the inside out. We specialize In Single family and are known for our bold leadership, experience and marketing. We are recognized as top players in the industry because our experience is second to none. Being young and aggressive early in allowed us to set records and in doing so, set the bar extremely high for all investors and contractors. With this, come mistakes and broken relationships. Also, haters and naysayers. I stopped watching those below me years ago. There and most of the Chicago industry has never and will never be on our level. One recommendation I would give to young entrepreneurs and investor is this: do what you need to do for your family. Stop with empty alliances and take the chance you set out to take in the first place. Let them watch you fulfill the dreams they couldn’t achieve themselves.
I am most proud of the fact that we are now the investors advocate and no longer their adversary. As a former contractor, we made money regardless based on our bottom line. Contractors are easily running game on investors left and right and the investors know something’s up but have zero recourse how to correct and re direct it. They do now. Call us! Now, as consultants we show them what their GC should be doing to help them save money, make money and achieve the returns they desire. We teach them about the difference between project management and construction management, so they can now take the advantage and the control of their flips, thus their bottom lines. We have hands-on training and a “Rehab Lab”. Our lab doesn’t exist anywhere, we allow investors to cut, measure and install their own materials and learn finances in a classroom setting in addition to the labs. What we do helps communities grow, business thrive, families find better homes and gives 100-year-old properties new life.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Chicago is the best city in the world. It’s my home. It’s where we started and the real estate market is perfect here for what we do. I have nothing to say negative about our city accept the violence needs to stop. This city is full of opportunities for those that seek them out.
From 100 year old bungalows to multi family. Each neighborhood has a story and a history. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else and Chicago will always be home. From sprits to food to the people. Chicago is a way of life.
Pricing:
- $150 bidding/estimating/scopes of work/ budgets for rehabs
- 9% consulting fee for all rehabs
- $3500 rehab program where you learn how to rehab houses (one-time fee)
Contact Info:
- Address: 105 E Townline rd Suite 337
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
- Website: Ryangarcilazo.com
- Phone: 847-899-5713
- Email: ryan@therehabdepot.com
- Instagram: @legendaryflipper
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Ryan.garcilazo
Image Credit:
Megan Garcilazo, The Garcilazo Group
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
