Janik Roskovani

Always surround yourself with the right people. Having the right support means you will be able to see your ideas come to life.

 

Janik Roskovani is the owner and founder of JR Builders in Los Angeles, California. He completed his education in architecture in the Czech Republic where he was born and raised. Surrounded by the intricate design and architecture of his homeland, Janik developed a passion in this field that was further solidified while working construction with his father as a young adult. Janik Roskovani attributes a lot of his knowledge and skills to the teachings of his father and tries to emulate him in life and in his work.

Janik moved to the United States in 1996 and founded JR Builders in 1999, before finally settling down in California about twelve years ago. As a connoisseur of fine architecture, Los Angeles was a natural fit for Janik and his specific skillset in the design and renovation of luxury homes. Janik Roskovani and his business, JR Builders, have built themselves into a respected and accomplished contracting business in the state of California. JR Builders is well known in the area as one of the best companies for providing high-quality, well-priced building and remodeling and has been recognized as a top ten contractor in Los Angeles by the LA Times.

When he’s not at a work site, Janik Roskovani enjoys spending time with his wife and his dog. Janik is always on the lookout for new ideas by attending open houses and prides himself on adapting and creating new, exciting ideas for his clients.

Where did the idea for your company come from?

The idea for the company is just a natural continuation of what I’ve done for many years. I began in construction when I was younger, living in the Czech Republic. When I came to the United States, I worked first for other companies, but I’d always wanted to have my own business.

I have always been drawn to architecture and seeing my visions come to life is so satisfying. I can look at an old house or building and see what it could be. I wanted the freedom to make the designs, instead of working for someone else.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

My typical day starts at 6 in the morning. After I walk the dog, I call my site supervisors and suppliers to get the day organized. When I leave the house, I usually start at a job site to review the plans and check the time frames for what’s being done that day.

Throughout the day, I’m making calls to my designers and to potential new clients. I’m also running errands for any materials that are needed at the work sites and getting them where they need to be.

The end of the workday is me checking back in with the supervisors to make sure the schedule was kept and confirm the site is locked up for the night.

When I get home, I walk my dog again. Then I will usually cook dinner for my wife and myself and relax a bit before bed.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I draw a lot of my inspiration from magazines. I will see something I like, maybe tweak it a little, then present the idea to a client I’m working with. If they like the idea, I will incorporate it into the design plans.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Right now, one thing that’s trending is a green environment. A lot of people are choosing to use recycled materials, like wood. It makes for interesting designs and I love coming up with new ideas that are more organic and healthier for the environment.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I wake up every morning at 6am, without an alarm. It doesn’t matter what time I fall asleep, it’s just second nature for me now. Each morning, I wake up ready to plan the day. You have to know that the day will be productive as soon as your feet hit the floor. If you keep that in mind, you will be successful.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I think the most important thing I would tell my younger self would be to always make the best choices for yourself. You have to take care of yourself before you can help take care of others. I think these days, we are so busy trying to make money and succeed at everything. It puts a lot of pressure on yourself if you don’t slow down once in a while. You can’t be successful if you don’t rest.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Contracting is a trade that can be difficult to maintain a long-term company. The clients can be very particular and they have to know they can trust who they’ve hired.

I know of contractors that will cut corners to finish a job and then will have to go back and make repairs soon after. I strive to do things right the first time. Providing quality work is what brings new clients and in turn helps you be successful.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Always surround yourself with the right people, from designers to employees. Having the right support means you will be able to see your ideas come to life.

Take the time to get to know your clients. Ultimately, it is their satisfaction that you need. They are the people who will tell their friends and family who did the work, so they are advertising for your company.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

One strategy I hope to do in the near future is to purchase properties and remodel them. I have helped flip houses in the past and I enjoyed it. I can always see the potential in a property. I think buying is the next step in growing JR Builders.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

I had opened a restaurant for a short time. I even did the build out for it. I was excited to try my hand at something new. That is a very competitive business, though, and in the end, it was not successful. What I learned from that experience is that I am skilled in building and remodeling, but not as much as I would like to have been with restaurants.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Around here in the Malibu area, there aren’t very many hotels for people to come stay for a while. I think a good business idea would be to open a small hotel, or maybe a small camping site with a view of the ocean. I think that would attract tourists.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I think the best $100 I have ever spent is a screw gun I bought at Home Depot when I was down to the last of my money. That screw gun helped me find work, which has led to all of my success. Without that purchase, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Microsoft Outlook is probably the most important software we use. It gives us access to communicate with our clients and between myself and the designers. It helps keeps my days organized with the calendar also.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Highly Influential: 27 Days to Unleashing the True Power of Your Charisma by John Palumbo. I recommend not just reading it, but following it. It can be truly transforming when you put it into action.

What is your favorite quote?

“If women didn’t exist, all the money in the world would have no meaning” by Aristotle Onassis.

Key Learnings:

• Always do the right thing
• Take care of yourself so you can take care of others
• Be willing to work hard
• Have a sense of humor

Connect:

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