Meet Jared Phifer of Revolve Design Build

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared Phifer. 

Hi Jared, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I got started as a carpenter’s apprentice back in 2005 learning from some very talented carpenters and fell in love with craftsmanship. I purchased the business from the owners in 2007 and started selling renovation projects and working for some local design firms. When I almost lost the business in 2008 with the housing crash, I was determined to keep it running and started working with insurance companies doing roofing and decks. I then started working for some investors which naturally moved me into a management role (getting my General Contractors License in Denver) and hiring subcontractors to get projects done more quickly. Vetting subcontractors is no joke! Trying to find people that care about craftsmanship as much as I do was difficult, but we have such an amazing team around us! I quickly learned that investors cared more about their margins than the people purchasing the homes which were in conflict with my desire to pursue building clients’ dream homes that focus on them first, the quality of the home, our environment, and being kind to the communities we worked in. I also learned by working with other design firms that design-build is the only way! I hired an amazing and talented design staff (Architects and Interior Designers) and we began creating amazing homes, specific to our clients’ wants, their needs, while considering the performance of the home, our environment, blending into the neighborhoods, and our clients’ budgets! It sounds impossible but there is a way and that way is design-build! I got certified by the Passive House Institute in Darmstadt Germany and my hope is that this building standard will be adopted in the United States as our standard in my lifetime! Passive House employs continuous insulation throughout its entire envelope without any thermal bridging specific to the climate zone you’re building in. The building envelope is extremely airtight and requires minimal space conditioning and air exchange. It uses the least amount of energy and has the highest quality of comfort for its inhabitants! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The biggest challenge for me was the downturn in 2008, almost losing my business to the housing crash. I learned you need a willingness to do whatever you have to, choosing determination can elevate you above any obstacle you can face knowing that it won’t be like that forever. I’ve worked for that really tough client that I think every entrepreneur has or will work for at some point in their career. You can either run the other way or choose to learn from that experience and get better… implement processes that will help you avoid these clients and protect your employees in the future. Sometimes this can just be that gut feeling you have… trust your gut! I also learned the hard way that you can grow your company too fast. In 1 year, I grew from 6 to 17 employees and found myself just trying to put out fires and unable to focus on what my business truly needed. Grow slow! The lesson I’m currently learning is to say no, if a project doesn’t seem like the right fit then it probably isn’t. You work really hard to provide a service and for your business to be requested and to succeed so this one feels backward but it’s necessary if you want to have balance in your relationship with your business, your clients, and your loved ones. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Revolve exists to build responsibly designed and intelligently crafted homes by building relationships with our clients, employees, suppliers, subcontractors, and communities who value diligence, resourcefulness, artistry, and superior craftsmanship. We love what we do and believe our collaborative passion, knowledge, and excellence will surpass expectations. We specialize in listening to our clients well. Communication is key in this fast-paced industry and design-build are the only way! 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My wife and kids for their patience and unbending support! My business mentor Don Hills taught with his 30+ years experience running his own business and the biggest encourager to me. My mom and dad who have been financial supporters during the rough seasons – so grateful for their support. Lastly, I wouldn’t want to do what I do without the core colleagues (which includes my brother) that have worked with me for nearly 15 years – they probably don’t know how much I’m encouraged by their loyalty and impressed by their extreme expertise! 

Pricing:

• We are Cost Plus 15%

Contact Info:

• Email: info@revolvedb.com
• Website: revolvedb.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revolvedesignbuild/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revolvebuilt/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC80z5gCXTXcZiLzQp_agOjg/videos
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/revolve-design-build-wheat-ridge
• Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/revolvebuilt/revolve-construction-inc

Image Credits
Ben Sonner
Shawn Beltran
Christopher Dowell