Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Rivera.
Hi Kevin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a locally born/raised Miamian. Graduated High School in 2004, went to Miami Dade College and did well the 1st year and quickly lost interest. From there, I worked at different fast-food chains, and applied with a temp agency for Dade County Traffic Signal and Signs. Thankfully, I was hired. The office and professionalism taught me how to interact with educated/business individuals. Interacting with the contractors and county officials lit an ember of interest in owning my own business someday.
While working for Dade County, I was let go due to budget cuts. Though it was a devastating time, instead of job hunting, I minimized my spending and went back to Miami Dade College and obtained my AA. I then continued my education at FIU and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Once I accomplished this goal, I felt ready to tackle the world and do the traditional thing of getting a job, house and etc. It was a very frustrating time; I couldn’t land more than one interview with different agencies. You can say this was a very dark time for me, but soon it would all change.
My father shortly started his own painting company with his general contracting licenses, allowing me to start from the bottom. I was referred to as the help, assisting everyone in all their needs. Though very labor some, I didn’t quit, no matter the situation. With time I was entrusted with managing a painting job down in Homestead. Wow, what an eye opener and real learning curve! But with every misfortune, I wanted to do it right and become profitable towards the job I was running.
I worked with my father’s company for 4-5 years as a project/general manager, always fighting an uphill battle. But, looking back, it pays off. I have met other individuals who gave me a chance to be in the industry and become a sales representative. My 1st year went well as a sales representative, my 2nd and 3rd year I really didn’t see any growth career-wise. Which is around the time that my father’s company was in need of my services and I went back advance my career.
Some time had passed, the uphill battles continued and the thought of advancing my career was more of a “smoke and mirrors” situation. I parted ways on what was a dream, to create my own – a website, business email and nice business cards. I’ve shifted gears and put my all into KVART Florida Construction. The company name has existed for five years but it’s taken that long to finally be able to work for myself and see it take off.
With everything I have previously said, I can attest that all the time I’ve put into the industry, about ten plus years, it has given me jobs and leads that I wouldn’t have had if it wasn’t for those business relationships. Fortunately, being open to learning, not to fear failure and always finding a way. My motto is to always: Keep Moving Forward.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been an easy path, absolutely NOT! I have had sleepless nights and long laboring hours – but this is my 24/7. All the necessary steps to be able to get the company name out there. My ultimate goal is to sign with mid/large projects. Currently, I am trusting the process and learning to do what I do with smaller scale jobs.
As you know, we’re big fans of KVART Florida Construction. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
As of right now, my business is focused in painting. My background, and familiarity, is in large-scale interior/exterior painting jobs and concrete/Restoration work as well. There’s no project too small or large I won’t tackle. I consider myself to be hands-on and like knowing the customer/clients wants or needs. I am thankful for my previous experiences, if it wasn’t for my past interactions or business relationships, I wouldn’t have been ahead of the game when I decided to branch off on my own.
I am ultimately proud that this company is mine and it is something I can pass on to my newborn daughter. My past experiences of working alongside my father and his company has opened up a whole new world to the meaning of “family owned and operated”. I’ve personally and professionally grown to take risks and want to have something of my own – to grow and pass down so my children, allowing them to obtain a higher success.
KVART, right now, is a small business, family-owned and always puts their customers first. We are honest, reliable and enjoy seeing our client’s vision come to life. This vision is just starting and I want to reach the end goal and move on to the others.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The biggest and most important lesson I’ve learned is that “failure is the best professor”. Always trust your gut/instincts, never doubt yourself, it’s ok not to know everything and maintain open to learning.
Contact Info:
- Email: krivera@kvartfloridaconstruction.com
- Website: KVARTFloridaConstruction.com
- Instagram: KVART_FL_Construction
