We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Shina and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Mike, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was lucky enough to work for two of the best homebuilding companies in Metro Atlanta over an 18 Year Period. In that time, I felt that I had learned every aspect of the business of building homes. My Network of Trade Partners and Suppliers were very supportive and helped me to set up accounts so I could make the transition from employee to business owner as seamless as possible. I was able to continue working on a Project with my former employer as a Fee Builder, which also allowed me the financial security to step up and take some risks that I otherwise wouldn’t feel comfortable doing on my own. My advice to someone that may want to someday run their own business is to learn everything you can from your employer, build professional relationships over time, treat everyone with respect, and follow through on promises. If you do this, in my experience, you will have a much easier time launching your own business when that time comes.
What should our readers know about your business?
I am a licensed General Contractor specializing in Residential New Construction. My Company, Solstice Housing Group and its affiliates build outside the perimeter in Cherokee, Pickens, Gilmer, and Paulding County. We specialize in Universal Design and Aging in Place. We work with our Clients to insure they are building their forever home. We use the BuilderTrend Construction Management Software System, which allows our Clients full access to all vital information and documents associated with their home build. Through this system, Clients have access to plans, specifications, Budget (estimates vs actuals), photos, invoices, receipts, etc. What sets us apart from other builders is our attention to detail, efficiency, organizational skills, experience, and execution. We take a lot of time on the front end to make sure that the build runs as smoothly as possible, all the while providing full transparency to our Clients. The building climate is ever changing. Over the last 5 years, we have dealt with major price increases, labor shortages, material shortages, and rising interest rates. We have navigated these challenges by adapting our business model, working with our suppliers and trade base to find alternative solutions, good communication with our Clients. I am entering my 25th year as a homebuilder and have learned so much over the years. I have found that good communication, good planning, honesty and transparency in relationships, and the ability to “think outside the box” has not only helped myself and my Company to overcome challenges, but to thrive in uncertain conditions. As technology advances, I am excited for what is to come. I look forward to being a part of the wave of positive change that is sweeping the Building Industry.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have lived off and on in the City of Atlanta over the last 30 years, including the last two years in O4W. I remember being at a Beltline planning meeting sometime in the early 2000’s. To see how it has positively affected the quality of life in the City is truly amazing. I love the Beltline because you see people of all ages, backgrounds, etc. enjoying themselves and getting outside. It’s really lifts your spirits and gives you hope. When out of town friends come to visit, we usually take a leisurely ride along the Beltline out to the West End. We eat lunch and hang out at the Lee + White Development then ride home as the sun goes down. Sometimes, we go to see a sporting event, but mostly when my friends are in town, they are there for live music. There are some great venues in Atlanta, such as the Variety Playhouse, the Eastern, the EARL, the Star Bar, and of course, the Fox Theatre. It’s also fun to get out of the City. I always love to bring out of towners to the North Georgia Mountains. Cities like Ellijay and Blue Ridge are wonderful places to stop, shop, or have a meal. Great Mountain Biking and Hiking too! If they are here for a week, I would definitely take them down to Savannah. It’s such a beautiful walking City with great restaurants and lots to do.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Thank you to Jeremy Rutenburg, Steve Romeyn, and Mark Carruth. I learned so much from you over the years and am eternally grateful.
Website: solsticehousing.com
Other: lol, no social media for this guy.
Image Credits
Photos by Maurice Chung and John Humphries