Meet the Owners
We caught up with Stephen at an ongoing job site to chat about his background in construction, his experience starting his own business, and all things Smith & Sell.
How’d you get started in this industry?
Answer: I’ve been in construction since I was 19, so for over 35 years. I’m union-trained and come from a long line of construction workers. My great-grandfather worked on the Golden Gate Bridge, my grandfather got me into the union, and he work on many hi rises and freeways here in Los Angeles and Orange county, including the San Anofre Nuclear power plant. Many family members have experience in this field. We’re your typical blue-collar hard working union family, that values family first.
Those are some pretty significant projects, are there any notable projects that you have particiaped on?
Answer: I have work on many hi-rise projects here in California including the Hyperion water treatment plant, John Wayne Airport expansion, portions of 105 Freeway when it was being built, but I would have to say the feather in my cap would be the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas working for Perini Building Company.
What inspired you to start Smith & Sell Construction?
Answer: Smith & Sell Construction was born out of our passion for quality craftsmanship and dedication to serving our community. We saw a need for reliable, customer-focused construction services, which drives us daily.
And getting started how was that?
Answer: I’ve worked for other Contractors most of my life. Starting my own business was always on my mind, but Covid was the final push that motivated me to finally break off and start on my own. I’ve wanted to do it for a long time, but when Covid hit, it made it easy for me to take action. It was my family that I needed to make sure we were okay with the decision. When you’re used to working for others, you have a sort of security blanket.
What was it like getting the business off the ground?
Answer: I studied business, so it wasn’t too hard. I went to college and did the apprenticeship through the union, so I found that getting all the paperwork and stuff done was fairly straightforward. It might have been easier during Covid because everything was online at that point, and I didn’t have to travel anywhere. In terms of getting jobs, I started marketing myself through lead channels— Yelp, Google Ads, stuff like that. From there, I thought about the customer journey and figured out how to automate some touch points through CRMs (customer relationship management tools).
That’s so tech-savvy!
Answer: “The tech element has always been there. My wife, Giesel, has a business working with families & kids, so those tools were familiar to me. I wanted to utilize that methodology for my business and my customers. From picking up a Yelp lead to someone coming in cold, I wanted to ensure we were staying on top of everything. We use CRM tools and project management software to keep our business running.”
What core values guide your company?
Answer: Our core values include integrity, excellence, and collaboration. We believe in doing what’s right, delivering exceptional results, and working closely with our clients and team members.
How do you ensure safety on your job sites?
Answer: Safety is our top priority. We conduct regular safety training, enforce strict protocols, and empower our team to prioritize safety at all times.
What sets Smith & Sell apart from other construction companies?
Answer: Our commitment to quality, personalized service, and transparent communication sets us apart. We build lasting relationships with our clients and deliver projects that exceed expectations. Communication is the key, and we work in complete transparency, with every project having its own project portal.
How do you approach sustainability in construction?
Answer: Sustainability is crucial. We use eco-friendly materials, implement energy-efficient practices, and explore innovative solutions to minimize our environmental impact.
What advice would you give to aspiring builders?
Answer: Always be honest, strive for excellence, stay curious, and never compromise on quality. Building a successful career requires continuous learning and adaptability.