Janik Roskovani is a contractor in Los Angeles specializing in whole home remodels. Janik developed his base of skills by working construction in the Czech Republic with his father. Over his many years in construction, Janik was able to learn ideals and skills from his father that have become invaluable in his ability to satisfy clients for JR Builders. Growing up surrounded by the stunning architecture of Czech Republic definitely contributed to Janik Roskovani’s passion for building. He moved to the United States in 1996 before settling in California three years later where JR Builders was born. In their 20 years of operation, Janik Roskovani and JR Builders have developed a glowing reputation across Los Angeles due to their unique sense of design and dedicated customer service.
Janik has made a name for himself in the LA area as a hard-working, trustworthy contractor that will do all he can to make sure his clients are satisfied. His ability to see the final result from the beginning and his attention to the details of a project has helped grow his business.
In his free time, Janik enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, looking at homes for new ideas and going to the gym. Janik Roskovani swears that working out has helped him remain focused and motivated in regard to his business, and claims a healthy mind starts with a healthy body.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
I grew up helping my father with construction in the Czech Republic. I have always enjoyed it. When I first moved to the United States, I worked for a company, but during that time I knew I wanted to do more. I’d already seen myself running a company, working with the best employees.
There’s always been a fascination for me of watching the old become new again. I can look at the foundation of a project and see the end result right from the start. I wanted to create JR Builders so I could share what I see with my clients.
How do you make money?
We charge for each project we do. Everyone needs something different. We do whole home remodels, but we will also do just one or two rooms if that’s all that’s needed. We do wonderful kitchens and bathrooms. The price we set is based on what the client wants and, of course, it’s always a work in progress, so we negotiate throughout the project.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
I would say JR Builders was profitable within about three years. There’s always spending when you are first starting out. You have to spend the money to build the company up. It didn’t take too long before it became continuously profitable.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
I think anyone who starts a business has doubts when they are first starting out. As a contractor, there is a lot of pressure. You need to establish yourself as a trustworthy person. Clients can be very particular and they need to know that the money they are spending is being used the way they’ve asked.
It’s also important to make sure you hire the right people to work on your crews. They need to be dedicated. They need to be willing to change in the middle of a project if the client requests something different. It takes some time, in the beginning, to get the right people in those positions.
How did you get your first customer?
Actually, my first customer was almost by accident. When I’d first moved to the states, a friend of mine and I were out driving and had run out of gas. A gentleman stopped to ask if we needed help and offered to take me to a gas station. While we were traveling, we talked and I mentioned I’d done construction in the Czech Republic and he mentioned he needed some work done on his home. We exchanged numbers and he did call me. He was my first client here and I’ve actually done some other work for him since.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
In this business, word of mouth really is still the best marketing I can ask for. Contractors don’t always have the best reputation and people are hesitant to hire just anyone. You want to know the person you hire will be there and will finish the project within the expected timeframe. A good deal of my new clients come from referrals by clients I’ve done work for.
We also have our website and we use social media, like Instagram to promote JR Builders.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
We are in the process of opening a primary office for our clients to be able to come and sit comfortably while discussing their project. It’s been a rewarding, but challenging experience finding the location, remodeling, and getting it ready.
This office is a storefront for us also. We are making a retail space so our clients can choose their hard surfaces right there. This arrangement means we can spend less time driving to different places for the countertops or flooring. It will all be right there.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
The most important thing as a contractor is to be trustworthy, to work with integrity. Clients are spending their hard-earned money and they have an expectation that should be honored. They are trusting you with their home, and that needs to be cared for as if it were mine.
I am flexible and approachable so our clients know they can discuss any concerns or ideas with me and I will make it work. I’m a hard worker and so are my crews. We have timelines that need to be followed. We make them a priority for our efforts and time.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Last year I remodeled an estate in Beverly Hills that was over 6000 square feet. The finished result was just beautiful and I really enjoyed working on that project. We finished it on time both for the client and our vacation.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
We are going to keep growing and getting new clients. With the new storefront and bringing a lot of the options into one space, we are making the process easier. I think this will allow us to spend less time running around and more time with the clients.
In the short term, we are looking forward to rebuilding homes that were damaged or lost in the recent Malibu fires.
What business books have inspired you?
I enjoy any book by Anthony Robins.
What is a recent purchase you have made that’s helped with your business?
Plank and Stone is the best purchase I’ve made recently. That’s the office and storefront we’ll be working out of within the next month. It’s going to have a trendy, boutique vibe that streamlines the remodeling process for our clients in a relaxing setting. I am very excited about it.