Michael Kadoe’s journey is rooted in determination, creativity, and the ability to adapt. He came to the United States at 28 years old with just $200 in his pocket. With no safety net, he relied on his work ethic and belief that he could build something meaningful.
He began by developing practical skills. After graduating from dental technician school in 1982, he also studied electrical work and plumbing. These early experiences taught him how things are built, both structurally and creatively.
In 1994, Michael launched a fashion clothing company from his basement. What started small quickly grew into a successful operation with 35 to 40 employees. His designs were sold in major stores across the United States and internationally, including private label brands and catalogs. He built the business through persistence and a clear focus on quality and design.
After the challenges following 9/11, Michael made a difficult decision to close the company. Instead of stepping back, he shifted his focus to real estate development in New York City.
Drawing on his design background and technical knowledge, he renovated and developed multiple properties across the city. One of his most notable achievements was creating an eco-friendly home that earned a Gold Award from Good Housekeeping for being the greenest house in New York City.
Today, Michael continues to focus on design, architecture, and sustainability, guided by a mindset shaped by resilience and reinvention.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day usually starts early. I like quiet mornings. I’ll review plans, sketches, or site updates before anything else. If I’m working on a property, I visit the site in person. Seeing things up close helps me think clearly. I stay productive by focusing on a few key tasks each day instead of trying to do everything.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start simple. I sketch or write the idea down. Then I break it into steps. I’ve learned from construction that everything has a sequence. You can’t rush the foundation. Whether it was fashion or real estate, I always focused on building step by step.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Sustainable design. People are starting to care more about how buildings affect health and the environment. I saw that early when I built my eco-friendly house in New York. It showed me where things are going.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Finishing what I start. Even small things. It builds momentum.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Take more risks earlier. I waited sometimes when I should have moved faster.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe simple design is harder than complex design. People think more details make something better, but I think clarity takes more skill.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Learn basic skills. Understanding how things work gives you confidence in any field.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away and reset. Sometimes I go for a walk or look at architecture or art. It clears my head.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Being willing to change direction. When my fashion business closed after 9/11, I didn’t hold on to the past. I moved into real estate. That decision shaped everything after.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Closing my fashion company was a major failure for me. I had built it from nothing. But I learned that timing and outside events matter. You can’t control everything, but you can control your next move.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Small eco-friendly renovations. Not big projects. Focus on upgrading older homes with simple sustainable features. There’s a real need for that.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I like using simple design software like SketchUp. It helps me visualize ideas quickly before building anything.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I like books on architecture and design. One that stood out to me focused on minimalism in design. It reminded me that less can be more if it’s done right.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I enjoy documentaries about design and buildings. They show the process, not just the final result. That’s what interests me.
Key learnings
- Start with what you have. Growth often begins in small, simple environments.
- Skills across different fields can create unexpected opportunities.
- Adaptability is critical when industries or markets change.
- Simple, thoughtful design often has more impact than complexity.
- Taking action matters more than waiting for perfect conditions.