Meet Stephen Shanton of Venture Construction Group of Florida in Boca Raton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Shanton.

Stephen,  CEO and founder of Venture Construction Group of Florida (VCGFL), has led his companies to massive success in growth, revenues, property owner education, innovation, customer service, accreditations and philanthropy. Shanton founded Venture Construction Group of Florida in 1998. Growing up, Shanton always had a knack for construction, engineering and design and decided to turn his passion into a career. Where else to start but with the shelters we live and work in every single day. The places that create our communities, our cities, and our livelihoods. Whether building custom homes where people live, commercial properties including businesses, condominiums, hospitals, schools, government facilities where people work and where communities thrive, our shelter is important. Shanton and his companies are committed to providing the best workmanship and educating property owners every step of the way on design, build, materials, options, durability, materials, energy savings, sustainable practices, and achieving their vision and goals whether it’s a new custom build, restoration project, or historical renovation.

With a commitment to education and a dedication to innovation, VCGFL has earned the nation’s leading certifications and continue to stay on top of the latest trends, tools, techniques and processes. Shanton implements leading educational courses, safety standards, and technology tools to provide the best level of service.

Always on the curve of innovation, VCGFL is one of the first in the industry to implement 4K/ HD/ 3D Drone Mapping in property inspections to provide more comprehensive details to property owners. Committed to educating property owners, Venture companies also hold annual Storm and Hurricane Damage Awareness seminars to the community to help property owners stay prepared. Shanton is a leader in the industry and his companies have been featured in numerous media outlets throughout the nation. Shanton’s projects have garnered numerous industry awards for excellence.

As an entrepreneurial trailblazer, Stephen Shanton was recently accepted to the prestigious Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC). YEC is an invite-only, highly selective, quality over quantity organization for entrepreneurs. Coined as “the most elite entrepreneurship organization in America”, the YEC is helping disrupt business mentorship and the professional business organization model. To date, the invite-only organization has accepted less than 10 percent of the over 14,000 applications. The YEC has been recognized for their expertise by major media outlets including Entrepreneur, Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Time, Tech Crunch, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Wired, The Atlantic, Mashable, The Huffington Post, and many more.

Founded in 1998, Venture Construction Group of Florida (VCGFL) is an award-winning leader in construction, restoration, renovations, roofing, storm damage repairs, and 24/7 emergency services throughout Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Bahamas and the Caribbean. Specializing in industrial/ commercial projects, VCGFL assists property managers, condominium boards, homeowner associations, association boards, hotels and business complexes with general contractor services, specialty construction, historical restoration, water and flood mitigation, and property repairs due to fire, flood, water, wind and hurricanes.

VCGFL won the prestigious Qualified Remodeler Top 500 Remodelers Award, Qualified Remodeler Master Design Award, and is the proud recipient of the FRSA S.T.A.R. Spotlight Trophy for the Advancement of Roofing Awards in Sustainability and Community Service. With offices in Boca Raton, Ft. Myers, Orlando, Stuart, Tampa, San Juan, and Nassau, VCGFL is committed to operational excellence and exceptional customer service. VCGFL takes care of the details every step of the way including roofing, siding, windows, drywall, flooring, paint, gutters to rebuilding properties after major storm events from hurricanes, tornadoes, and hailstorms. VCGFL carries the industry’s leading accreditations and is an exclusive certified National Storm Damage Center Preferred Contractor, Windstorm Insurance Network WIND Certified Umpire®, WIND Certified Appraiser®, WIND Certified Fellow®, Certified Member of the United Association of Storm Restoration Contractors, Platinum Preferred Certified Contractor with the National Insurance Restoration Council. VCGFL is a proud member of Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association (IAUA), Restoration Industry Association (RIA), Property Liability and Resource Bureau (PLRB), Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) Industry Members Association (EIMA), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). VCGFL is a registered U.S. Federal Government Contractor and holds leading certifications including Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, Mule-Hide Legacy Contractor, Certified CertainTeed Contractor and Duro-Last Certified Contractor status. VCGFL credentials have been vetted and screened through independent third party Global Risk Management Solutions.

Has it been a smooth road?
As a Florida based construction and restoration company, of course, there have been obstacles. Number one is hurricanes! Followed by severe water and wind damage from our heavy storms. Although less often, we’ve even seen hail damage here. Storm damage is devastating to many Floridians and we’re all affected by it.

It’s the cost of living in paradise. Venture specializes in providing a turnkey solution to industrial/ commercial properties so they can be prepared before, during and after the storm. Shanton’s crews specialize in restoration, rebuilds, construction, roofing and 24/7 emergency response services. Venture also partners with industry leading experts in design, architecture, engineering, weather monitoring, and legal teams to provide Venture clients with total solutions and recovery.

Given the amount of storm damage, water and wind damage, flooding, leaks that lead to further deterioration, or worse, mold infestation, storm damage can turn into a downward spiral very rapidly if undetected. Venture has worked with large commercial properties with roof leaks after years of undetected storm damage who were facing severe loss of business and property value, and the small residential property owners who were initially denied insurance restoration work on a leaky roof that turned into severe water damage, structural damage, the most severe mold damage Venture has ever seen. The battle in insurance restoration work is ever-changing and VCGFL holds annual Hurricane and Storm Damage Awareness Events to educate property owners, and stays on top of legal statutes and laws to help empower property owners in this situation.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Venture Construction Group of Florida story. Tell us more about the business.
We are proud of the solid relationships and reputation we have throughout Florida, as well as utilizing innovative techniques, maintaining the industry leading accreditations, education and certifications to provide our customers the best level of service under the sun. We are dedicated to educating and helping property owners throughout the restoration/construction process. We’re committed to philanthropy, event sponsorships and volunteerism throughout the state to raise funds and awareness for numerous causes.

With over 20 years of experience and numerous major storms and hurricanes under our belt, we are a full-service general contractor. Specializing in large-scale industrial/ commercial projects, VCGFL assists property managers, commercial property owners, industrial boards, condominium boards, homeowner associations, association boards, high rises, hotels, resorts and business complexes with 3rd party consulting, commercial design, build, and restoration, full-scope repairs, roofing, specialty construction, historical restoration, water and flood mitigation, 24/7 emergency services and property repairs due to fire, flood, water, wind tornado and hurricanes. With the industry’s leading accreditations, commitment to innovation, multiple awards and a solid reputation, Venture is equipped and ready to help.

SERVICES: COMMERCIAL/ INDUSTRIAL EXPERTISE

• General Contracting, Construction & Restoration Services
• Commercial Design
• Commercial Specialty Build & Construction
• Commercial Restoration & Renovations
• Property Damage Assessments & Consultations
• Pre & Post Disaster Assessments
• Storm Damage Restoration & Mitigation
• 3rdParty Expert Property Damage Assessment Services
• 3rdParty Expert Construction / Restoration / Restoring Assessments
• 3rdParty Expert Consulting Services
• 24/7 Emergency Response Services
• Property Weather Monitoring & Emergency Response Programs
• 4K / HD / 3D Drone Mapping
• Pre-Hurricane Inspection & Assessments Consultations
• Hurricane Related Property Damage Restoration & Mitigation
• Tornado Related Property Damage Restoration & Mitigation
• Fire Related Property Damage Restoration & Mitigation
• Flood Related Property Damage Restoration & Mitigation
• Wind Related Property Damage Restoration & Mitigation
• Hail Related Property Damage Restoration & Mitigation
• Water & Mold Mitigation
• HAZMAT Related Mitigation
• Roof Emergency Dry-In / Temporary Repairs & Protection
• Commercial/ Industrial Specialty Roofing Services: TPO Single Ply, BUR, Foam, Concrete Tile, Decra, Metal, Aluminum, Asphalt Shingles, Cedar Shake, & PVC Single Ply
• Commercial/Industrial General Contractor Services: Stucco, EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing System, Siding, Windows, Doors, Framing, Concrete, Specialty Trim, Specialty Wood Work, Flooring, Kitchens, Baths, Drywall, Insulation, Fire Walls, HVAC, Electrical, and more.

ACCREDITATIONS:

VCGFL carries the industry’s leading accreditations and is an exclusive certified National Storm Damage Center Preferred Contractor, Windstorm Insurance Network WIND Certified Umpire®, WIND Certified Appraiser®, WIND Certified Fellow®, Certified Member of the United Association of Storm Restoration Contractors, Platinum Preferred Certified Contractor with the National Insurance Restoration Council. VCGFL is a proud member of Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association (IAUA), Restoration Industry Association (RIA), Property Liability and Resource Bureau (PLRB), Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) Industry Members Association (EIMA), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). VCGFL is a registered U.S. Federal Government Contractor and holds leading certifications including Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, Mule-Hide Legacy Contractor, Certified CertainTeed Contractor and Duro-Last Certified Contractor status. VCGFL credentials have been vetted and screened through independent third party Global Risk Management Solutions.

LEADING INDUSTRY ACCREDITATIONS:

1. BBB A+ Rating
2. Haag Residential Certification
3. Haag Commercial Certification
4. OSHA 30 Certification
5. Windstorm Insurance Network WIND Certified Umpire®
6. WIND Certified Appraiser®
7. WIND Certified Fellow®
8. Windstorm Insurance Network WIND Certified Umpire®
9. Certified National Storm Damage Center Preferred Contractor
10. Member of the United Association of Storm Restoration Contractors
11. Platinum Preferred Certified Contractor with the National Insurance Restoration Council
12. Registered U.S. Federal Government Contractor
13. National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Member
14. Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association (IAUA) Member
15. EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA) Member
16. Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Member
17. Property Liability and Resource Bureau (PLRB) Member
18. National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Member
19. Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) Member
20. Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor
21. Mule-Hide Legacy Contractor
22. CertainTeed Certified Contractor
23. Duro-Last Certified Contractor

AWARDS:

Qualified Remodeler Magazine Master Design Award 2017. The Qualified Remodeler magazine Master Design Awards is the premier national contest recognizing outstanding achievement in residential remodeling projects in 22 categories.

Qualified Remodeler Magazine Top 500 Remodelers 2017. Since 1978, the QR Top 500 has been the leading benchmark of growth and success among remodeling firms. Each year, companies from all 50 states apply, but only 500 make it. Operating in one of the longest economic expansions in U.S. history, remodelers are finding opportunity, overcoming obstacles, and growing year-over-year.

Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association- (FRSA) S.T.A.R. (Spotlight Trophy for the Advancement of Roofing) Award in Community Service S.T.A.R.—Spotlight Trophy for the Advancement of Roofing is an annual awards program designed by the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) to recognize members’ unique and outstanding projects completed in the state of Florida. Leading contractor companies were recognized for unique projects completed in the state of Florida in six different categories: Low Slope, Steep Slope, Specialty Metal Fabrication and Installation, Sustainable, Community Service Project/Charity Roof, Unique/Miscellaneous. The Community Service Award entails non-profit roof installation that involved a whole or partial donation (minimum 50% free materials and/or labor).

Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association- (FRSA) S.T.A.R. (Spotlight Trophy for the Advancement of Roofing) Award in Sustainability S.T.A.R.—Spotlight Trophy for the Advancement of Roofing is an annual awards program designed by the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) to recognize members’ unique and outstanding projects completed in the state of Florida. Leading contractor companies were recognized for unique projects completed in the state of Florida in six different categories: Low Slope, Steep Slope, Specialty Metal Fabrication and Installation, Sustainable, Community Service Project/Charity Roof, Unique/Miscellaneous. The Sustainability Award includes projects with sustainable elements such as Green/Vegetative/Energy Efficient, LEED, Solar/Photovoltaic, cool granule, reflective coating technology, micro turbine inclusive facilities, radiant barrier, highly insulated with CI system, insulation system inclusive of RB technology, roof system that brings a substandard building up to the new energy code.

MEDIA COVERAGE:

Venture Construction Group of Florida has been featured in numerous local and national press including: Qualified Remodeler, Roofing Contractor, Construction Business Owner, Professional Roofing, Construction News & Report Group, Building Design + Construction, Roofing- The Industry’s Voice, Florida Construction News, Coatings Pro, Florida Home Builders Association, Builder, Commercial Construction and Renovation, WPTV 5, WPBF 25, Boca Magazine, Palm Beach Broadcasting, WQCS NPR 88.9, PBG Lifestyle Magazine, LivingFLA.com, Pineapple Community Newspaper, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, TC Chronicle, TC Palm, Your Voice, Hometown News, Town-Crier, iHeartMedia, Palm Beach Daily News, Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor’s Association.

PHILANTHROPY:

Venture Construction Group of Florida is committed to philanthropy and supports numerous local and national charities including Aid to Victims of Domestic Violence, ALS Association, ARC of Martin County, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Charity, Inc., Congregation B’nai Israel, Courage On All Fronts, Florida Army National Guard Armory Family Readiness Program, Friends in Pink, Gemma’s Angels, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Habitat for Humanity, JRC Foundation, Junior Achievement, Martin County High School, Roof Deployment Project, SafeSpace, Space Coast Field of Dreams, Shanton ALS Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Support Our Troops, Susan G. Komen, Veteran Memorial Center, Walk MS, YMCA.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
As the need for infrastructure grows, there is always a demand for construction work. And as long as there are storms, hurricanes, floods, fires, hail, wind, and/or water damage, there will always be a need for restoration work.

As a whole, there is skilled labor shortage in the industry, and this is a major concern for firms across the U.S. As long as our economy remains strong and the need for infrastructure grows, that demand will only continue to increase.

Technology is a major aspect of the construction landscape that I believe will only continue to grow. Smartphones, apps, drones, new CRMs, measurement technologies and systems are already in play and have completely changed the construction tech landscape to provide increased efficiencies. The Internet of Things in construction includes drone surveying, and that is already a major factor in providing more valuable services. Drone inspections provide fantastic, detailed data.

Other technology that may advance considerably may include wearables and employee tracking systems to help monitor job site hazards, advanced job site information gathering methodologies, equipment sensors that can monitor when machines need repair, and much more to improve and streamline internal site operations.

New technologies are already underway such as property weather monitoring and alert services including advanced warning via text, etc. of storms and routine monitoring via satellite with weather forensics technology to assist property owners before, during and after a storm, even if they’re not onsite.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.VCGFL.com
• Phone: 866-459-8351
• Email: info@VCGFL.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venture_vcgfl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VentureConstructionFlorida/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/VentureFlorida
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/venture-construction-group-of-florida-inc-/

Image Credit:
Sandra Lawson

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