Chris Rapczynski is a highly accomplished and respected figure in the world of construction and design. As the owner of the design-build firm Sleeping Dog Properties, based in Boston, he has established himself as a leader in the industry. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating exceptional spaces, Chris has transformed countless residential and commercial properties into stunning works of art.
A longtime resident of the Boston area, Chris developed an appreciation for architecture and construction from a young age. Starting his career as a landscaper before moving into construction and real estate development, he gained valuable experience working with some of the most prominent construction firms in the Boston area. During this time, he honed his skills in project management, design, and construction, developing a reputation for meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality.
In 1993, Chris decided to take a leap of faith and start his own company, Sleeping Dog Properties. From the beginning, he set out to create a firm that would deliver exceptional results and prioritize client satisfaction above all else. Under his leadership, the firm has completed over $500 million in construction projects, becoming the go-to firm for discerning clients in the New England area.
Beyond his role as a general contractor, Chris is also a thought leader in the industry. His approach to construction management emphasizes process discipline, quality control, and building strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors. The firm specializes in complex renovations and new construction, taking on projects that others might consider too challenging.
Chris is deeply committed to giving back to his community. He actively supports Build Health International, which works to improve healthcare infrastructure in underserved communities. He also volunteers as a youth soccer coach for the Andover Soccer Association, dedicating 15-20 hours weekly during season to mentor young athletes.
When not overseeing projects, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, including his three children. An outdoor enthusiast, he can often be found boating, skiing, or taking walks with his wife. His passion for construction and design remains as strong today as when he first started. With his commitment to excellence and his dedication to serving his clients and community, Chris continues to inspire and lead the way for the next generation of builders.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I begin my day by waking up at 4:30 AM. I start my routine with exercise, hot coffee, and a light breakfast. I focus on remaining calm and meditative before the outside influences in the world can have any effect on my mental health.
I arrive at the office or job site at 7:00 AM as the teams are starting. I feel that this is the best time and best energy of the day for the teams and their production planning.
I send out my first wave of communications prior to 10:00 AM, phone calls, emails, and texts.
I typically schedule a lunch meeting and make efforts to advance the company mission in some way.
I spend the afternoon managing staffing needs, stepping in and out of meetings, planning for the next day/week, etc.
I stay productive with a calm mind and laser focus on team goals.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Not all ideas are good ideas, but we explore all ideas with optimism that they will work out positively. For ideas that may have a major impact on company direction, my senior managers think tank this through a bit, and then we give those that get approved a limited shot. We “fail fast” with those that show no growth opportunity. We invest in those that are working well.
What’s one trend that excites you?
AI design solutions. The rules of building codes, structural plan development, and building material selections are finite enough that AI can now and will quickly solve so many simple building design solutions without traditionally costly labor to compute options. This will be done in seconds vs the weeks/months it currently takes.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I do not drink alcohol or coffee. These habits distract from the best focus possible when needed. Staying even-minded is what keeps me productive.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Trust your instinct and intuition.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Exercise daily. It gives you the best thinking space. Anyone who does this would whole heartedly agree.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Exercise, spend time with my family and remind myself of what really matters in life.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I have the courage to be disliked. I am not the type of person who needs the approval of others to decide. I can accept the consequences of a decision, good or bad. This allows me to capitalize on opportunities that arise without reprisal.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I do not think of failures in a traditional way. I view failure as the beginning of learning. “All things are difficult before they are easy.”
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
The future of construction is based on visual mediums. CAD, REVIT, INSTAGRAM, BIM, and FACEBOOK are the platforms for building and will be integrated in the future. Flying a drone and video editing are the new typing classes and second language requirements of the future. Finding a way to create a visual medium for your message is the future.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
We use a variety of programs. I like MS Projects for its scheduling capabilities.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I treated a master’s program administrator at a prestigious university to coffee (it is scary that two fancy coffees and specialty pastries are $100.00). He referred me to potential candidates for hire from their master’s program.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I like Masterclass. I get a variety of content types from that platform. I am addicted to the stories surrounding the entrepreneurial journey and the triumph of the human spirit.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I do not watch much TV or Movies. I recently watched the docu-series called LIMITLESS with Chris Hemsworth. I thought was a great exploration of the self-improvement journey.
Key learnings
- All things are difficult before they are easy.
In life, it means that most tasks or endeavors require effort, perseverance, and practice before they become effortless or manageable. For example, learning to ride a bike can be challenging at first, with wobbling and falling. However, with practice and determination, it eventually becomes second nature. Similarly, mastering a musical instrument may initially involve frustration and difficulty, but with consistent practice, it becomes easier to play complex pieces. This quote reminds us that initial difficulties are a natural part of the learning process, and with time and effort, tasks that once seemed difficult can become easy. - Have the Courage to be Disliked
The phrase “Have the courage to be disliked” encourages individuals to embrace their true selves and not seek validation or approval from others. It means having the confidence to stand by one’s beliefs, values, and choices, even if they are unpopular or go against societal norms. For example, an artist may choose to create unconventional and controversial artwork, knowing that it may be disliked or criticized by some. However, by staying true to their artistic vision, they demonstrate the courage to be disliked and create something authentic and meaningful. This quote reminds us that it is more important to be true to ourselves than to seek constant approval from others. - The future is a visual medium.
The future is a visual medium- suggests that visual elements will play a significant role in how we communicate, interact, and consume information in the future. With the rise of technology and the increasing importance of visual content, visuals such as images, videos, and graphics are becoming more prevalent and influential. For example, virtual reality and augmented reality technologies are transforming the way we experience entertainment, education, and even social interactions by creating immersive visual environments. Additionally, the popularity of platforms like Instagram and TikTok highlights the power of visual storytelling and the impact it has on capturing and engaging audiences. This quote reminds us of the growing significance of visuals in shaping our future experiences and communication.