What a difference a year makes. After launching Veteran Constructors, a general contractor and construction management firm, in May of 2009, Andreas Knispel finished the year by bringing in a little less than $100,000 in revenue. The end of 2010? Well, that’s a different story.
After being chosen to spearhead a Department of Homeland Security project in North Carolina, Veteran Constructors took in more than $22 million in 2010. “Since last year, this company has just shot through the roof,” Knispel said. “Starting this business just one-and-a-half years ago and (already) having $20 million in contracts has been exciting and rewarding.”
EXPERIENCE MATTERS
On June 2, 2010, Knispel placed a bid with his company’s partner, the design firm VOA Associates Inc., on the DHS project. After his team was awarded the project on Aug. 30, he immediately became responsible for a three-story, 160-room facility that will also feature a galley area. Work on the project began in January, and the entire job is set to be finished by September 2012.
This type of gigantic undertaking could have never been possible without the experience the Army veteran received while in the military and while being involved with other businesses he began long before this latest venture.
“When I started my first SDVOSB in 2005, there was no one to assist me or provide answers on how to achieve success,” he said. “In those early years of running a company, I experienced many challenges and relied heavily on my military experience. In starting Veteran Constructors, I relied on my past to guide us where we are today. My training in the military prepared me for dealing with all types of individuals. It helped me learn how to lead by example, and it also helped me know what the government expects from a contractor.”
Nothing Comes Easy
Though he’s been fortunate enough to find success on his own, the former federal procurement and logistics supervisor insists that his accomplishments weren’t easy to come by. In fact, when it comes to the contracting business, he says any potential entrepreneur should be very careful before making the decision to move forward with any plans.
“You have to understand what you’re doing,” he said when asked if he believes future veterans should consider construction management as a career after the military. “If you are a one-man show, and you don’t know what you are doing, you are liable for all the work. You are responsible for a lot of things, including the bonding for projects. You need to know what you are doing.”
AIMING FOR THE SKY
Knispel acknowledged that he garnered a great deal of success in a short amount of time. Regardless of how quick and intense the achievements have come, though, he said that there are still things he’s yet to accomplish.
“My goal in 2010 was to get $20 million in contracts,” he said. “In 2011, I want to have $30 million in contracts. I would also like to be Vetrepreneur of the Year for your magazine. I also want to continue to serve my country by providing services to build and design facilities such as barracks, hospitals and administration buildings that will be used by the active duty personnel and veterans for years to come. If I wasn’t a business owner, I would be extremely frustrated working for someone else.”
Vetrepreneur:
Andreas Knispel
Military service: U.S. Army, 1991 to 1996, Sergeant (E-5)
NaVOBA member since: 2010
The COMPANY:
Veteran Constructors, Inc.
Headquarters: Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Additional sites: Pittsburgh, Pa., Raleigh, N.C.
Web site: www.veteranconstructors.com
Number of Employees: 20
Military/veteran employees: 3
Year Founded: 2009
THREE MAJOR CHALLENGES GETTING STARTED
1. Convincing large, prime contractors that my company is a real company, and not just a “pass through.”
2. Convincing subcontractors that my company is a serious competitor.
3. Convincing government contractors that we are capable of providing the services and work they requested.