A resident of Rensselaer, NY, Carl Immich initially began his career in the boat-building business in 1983 before moving onto custom home buildings. In 2018, Carl Immich launched Builders Choice, a custom home builder in Rensselaer, NY.
Mr. Immich functioned in several roles in his first job with Monterey Boat Builders. He first painted boats, then began doing maintenance work. Eventually, he moved on to crafting boat designs. He took a position with American Custom Yachts in 1991, where he performed similar work and became inspired to launch his own company.
From 1998 to 2018, Mr. Immich launched multiple ventures, oversaw other properties, and was a consultant for different buildings. He also was involved with client management and negotiations, property inspections, and preventive maintenance.
As owner and operator of Builders Choice, Mr. Immich handles finances, customer relations, project planning, marketing and development, safety and risk management, and administrative work. In addition to custom home building, he does boat and yacht repair work and custom home additions, such as bath and kitchen designs and renovations and home foundation work. He has also done certified electrical and plumbing work, landscaping, and land management and maintenance.
When he is not overseeing Builders Choice, Mr. Immich spends his personal time skiing, snowboarding, and fishing. He rides motorcycles and dirt bikes, is a competitive archer, and plays cornhole and horseshoes. He enjoys running and competing in Spartan Races.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I’ve always been an early riser, so my day starts before most people are up. In construction, it’s crucial to have all the materials and tools on-site and ready to go. I make sure everything’s in place the night before so we can hit the ground running in the morning. Staying organized and prepared keeps the day running smoothly and helps avoid unnecessary delays.
How do you bring ideas to life?
It’s a combination of staying innovative and having the right team. I like to explore new technologies and methods, but it’s the people who make it happen. I’ve been fortunate to work with a skilled and dedicated crew. When you pair fresh ideas with a strong team, you can turn even the most ambitious plans into reality.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m really excited about the use of mineral stone for kitchen islands. It’s not just about the aesthetics—though they are impressive—it’s also incredibly durable and functional. It’s always interesting to see how new materials can transform a space.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Taking care of my health has been a game-changer. I try to eat well and make time for exercise, even if it’s just a quick workout. When you feel good physically, it’s easier to stay focused and tackle whatever comes your way.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell myself to stay focused on the big picture and not get discouraged by setbacks. It’s easy to get caught up in the challenges, but keeping your eyes on your goals helps you push through and stay on track.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that cancer can be cured. I know it’s a bold statement, but I’ve seen how far medical research has come. With continued innovation and collaboration, I think it’s possible.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I always double-check my work. It’s a simple habit, but it saves a lot of time and trouble in the long run. Whether it’s a small task or a major project, taking that extra moment to review things can make all the difference.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a short break and go for a walk. Stepping away for a few minutes helps clear my head and gives me a fresh perspective. It’s amazing how much a little movement and fresh air can help.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Believing in my vision and staying focused has been key. There have been times when others doubted my ideas, but I’ve learned to trust my instincts and stay committed to my goals. That persistence has paid off over the years.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I overspent on a project because I got too personally involved. It was a tough lesson, but it taught me the importance of sticking to a budget and following project guidelines. Now, I make sure to stay disciplined, no matter how passionate I am about a project.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Here’s one: tinted baby powder for athletes. It could help with sweat and odor control while blending in with the skin tone. It’s a simple idea, but it could fill a niche in the market.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
QuickBooks has been incredibly helpful for managing finances. I use it to track expenses, create budgets, and keep everything organized. It’s made a big difference in staying on top of the financial side of things.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I’ve always found Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus to be insightful. It helped me understand different perspectives and improve my communication skills, both at work and at home.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently watched Trial by Fire. It’s a powerful film that explores themes of justice and resilience. The storytelling and performances were compelling, and it left a lasting impression.
Key learnings
- Starting early, staying organized, and double-checking work are essential for productivity.
- Tools like QuickBooks help maintain financial organization and efficiency.
- Innovation and a strong team are key to bringing ideas to life.
- Believing in your vision and staying disciplined are critical for success.
- Taking care of your health and taking breaks when needed help maintain focus and energy.