Daily Inspiration: Meet Lennie Higgins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lennie Higgins.

Hi Lennie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Beginning from a young age I’ve had a natural love of design and building. As an inquisitive 4-year-old, I was determined to figure out if the light went out on our 1960s fridge when the door closed! Although my mom was not happy about having to release the nose and lips of her screaming child from the vice-like grip of those old doors, the kid did learn his first kitchen-related lesson.

I was born into a family-owned construction company to a father who was raised on a farm, which created high expectations for my work ethic. By the age 11, I’d built 2 tree houses and 2 stilt houses (my mom didn’t want to look at the first stilt house, so I tore it down and built another one behind the garage) by 19 I was designing and supervising the construction of an underground solar home while finishing up college. That early work ethic, and time spent in commercial and residential construction, proved to be a huge advantage. Right after college, I figured I had enough experience to start my own company; I’ve been my own boss ever since.

Over the years I did a lot of new construction where I learned a great deal about production and efficiency. But as I grew in business, what spoke to me the most was remodeling and the collaborative interaction with clients; there is something about the person-to-person process that I find so rewarding. I’ve been fortunate to really enjoy what I do for a living; client connections are what keep it more like fun than work.

As a sole proprietor, I have built a network of talented professionals to assist in delivering the best products and services possible. I’ve partnered with designers, architects, project managers, and a strong labor force that make up a team capable of tackling any remodeling project. I regularly reach out to competitors to share and request help providing our services. There is enough work in the Denver market that we should be able to share knowledge and expertise to elevate industry standards and provide better experiences for our clientele and our workforce.

My more recent goal besides growing Design-Build Dwell is to promote and elevate the respectability and status of the trades and tradespeople that make up the remodeling industry. I’ve done this by creating the DuVoz System. DuVoz which stands for 2 voices, was developed to bring light to the fact that both voices in any business interaction need to be heard. In short, it’s not only the needs of homeowners and general contractors that need to be met but also the needs of those in the trades providing the work, that need to be met. There are a vast number of opportunities that exist in the remodeling industry, it’s time we recognize the importance and value of the various trades and to compensate them accordingly.

Over the years I have worked for several clients and alongside countless business associates, many of whom have become lifelong friends; when you truly enjoy what you do, I guess that is to be expected. I regularly try to spread the enthusiasm I have for being in the industry. Why should I be the only one having fun?

Thank you for taking interest in our story, I look forward to hearing how I can serve yours.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. I lost a great friend and business partner to cancer several years back. Losing him was devastating to the company, I eventually lost everything and had to start all over again. It’s a pain I wouldn’t wish on anyone, but it’s a learning experience I wouldn’t trade for the world.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We’re a residential remodeling company that specializes in larger projects that require a great deal of creativity and logistics. What we’re know for is being able to deliver a project on budget. We also have a guarantee that no one else in the industry offers. We guarantee will be done with their project on time or we’ll pay the client $1000/ week until we’re done. In twenty years, we’ve paid out roughly $1500. We’re also known for being very well-liked by our clients when we’re done with the project. I was once invited to a birthday party at a client’s house. The party was for their 10-year-old daughter. I was very honored to be there. 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I like the connection Denver has to the outdoors with its hiking, biking, and pedestrian-friendly spaces. 

I dislike the fact that we haven’t been able to figure out homelessness issue.

Contact Info:

• Email: Info@DBdwell.com
• Website: www.DBdwell.com
• Instagram: design_build_dwell
• Twitter: @DBdwellings
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChIxjh62SKcA5iEPHdhQ9QQ
• Pinterest: @DBDWell

Image Credits
Lennie Higgins