Vero Design + Build
1. How long have you been in business?
Jacob Shapiro: We incorporated Vero in 2014.
Wanessa Vovola: Although Jacob and Josh (Veselsky, the other owner) had been working on projects together for several years, they didn't join forces until 2014. VERO started out with 6 employees and since 2014 we have added another 20 folks to the company.
2. How did you get started?
JS: We were previously running two separate companies, a general contracting business and a millwork shop. A mutual friend introduced us so that we could start working together on a contract basis. We enjoyed working together and realized the extent of our common cause and interest. It became pretty clear pretty quickly that we should unite.
3. What's unique about your story or business?
JS: Our company combines two distinct business models: management of subcontracted scope (general contracting) in addition to functioning as a subcontractor ourselves. The hybrid structure can make it tricky to allot labor resources to the field, prioritize shop fabrication and understand the benchmarks for profitability. As a result, however, we have great flexibility and can be competitive at a variety of scales.
WV: Jacob is correct. It can be a bit tricky coordinating resources but it really does give us a chance to showcase a variety of skills from project to project.
4. What is the biggest challenge you have faced in business and how did you overcome it?
JS: The last decade has been a tumultuous period for the construction industry. Many small businesses had to close up shop. We have each succeeded in weathering the storm by prioritizing integrity, fairness, and decency in our dealings with clients.
WV: At the business development end, I feel like our biggest challenge was visibility. When I started with the company, it was plain that VERO was known to other GCs for their professionalism, incredible work ethic and beautiful completed projects. Their finished products are so gorgeous, I felt it was a shame that they were not out there for everyone to see. Additionally, I wanted to avoid the usual "before and after" pictures because the project process is so cool and detailed that I wanted to show off how we handled things from start to finish. To that end we started having a more in-depth social media presence showcasing different aspects of each project in real time. We have also started meeting and networking with neighbors in the area. Also, we try to sponsor a number of local events and support area non-profits which helps us stay more involved while being good corporate citizens.
5. Please list a few of your most recent accomplishments or exciting projects.
JS: On the GC side, we recently completed construction at Dispensary 33, the first medical cannabis shop to open in Chicago. We are currently building the Publishing House at 1134 W. Washington, a highly anticipated Bed and Breakfast in the West Loop.
On the millwork side, we recently completed work at GT Prime, where we completed finish carpentry, decorative metals and the staircase. We are currently working on our fifth buildout for WeWork at 100 S. State St. and getting started on some work for Katana at Marina City.
WV: In my world, we just started sponsoring the online content for Check, Please! and Chicago Tonight on wttw.com and the production process of the ad spot was really neat! Additionally, VERO will potentially be sponsoring the Beer Under Glass event at the Garfield Park Conservatory in the spring and we are all really looking forward to that.
Jacob Shapiro: We incorporated Vero in 2014.
Wanessa Vovola: Although Jacob and Josh (Veselsky, the other owner) had been working on projects together for several years, they didn't join forces until 2014. VERO started out with 6 employees and since 2014 we have added another 20 folks to the company.
2. How did you get started?
JS: We were previously running two separate companies, a general contracting business and a millwork shop. A mutual friend introduced us so that we could start working together on a contract basis. We enjoyed working together and realized the extent of our common cause and interest. It became pretty clear pretty quickly that we should unite.
3. What's unique about your story or business?
JS: Our company combines two distinct business models: management of subcontracted scope (general contracting) in addition to functioning as a subcontractor ourselves. The hybrid structure can make it tricky to allot labor resources to the field, prioritize shop fabrication and understand the benchmarks for profitability. As a result, however, we have great flexibility and can be competitive at a variety of scales.
WV: Jacob is correct. It can be a bit tricky coordinating resources but it really does give us a chance to showcase a variety of skills from project to project.
4. What is the biggest challenge you have faced in business and how did you overcome it?
JS: The last decade has been a tumultuous period for the construction industry. Many small businesses had to close up shop. We have each succeeded in weathering the storm by prioritizing integrity, fairness, and decency in our dealings with clients.
WV: At the business development end, I feel like our biggest challenge was visibility. When I started with the company, it was plain that VERO was known to other GCs for their professionalism, incredible work ethic and beautiful completed projects. Their finished products are so gorgeous, I felt it was a shame that they were not out there for everyone to see. Additionally, I wanted to avoid the usual "before and after" pictures because the project process is so cool and detailed that I wanted to show off how we handled things from start to finish. To that end we started having a more in-depth social media presence showcasing different aspects of each project in real time. We have also started meeting and networking with neighbors in the area. Also, we try to sponsor a number of local events and support area non-profits which helps us stay more involved while being good corporate citizens.
5. Please list a few of your most recent accomplishments or exciting projects.
JS: On the GC side, we recently completed construction at Dispensary 33, the first medical cannabis shop to open in Chicago. We are currently building the Publishing House at 1134 W. Washington, a highly anticipated Bed and Breakfast in the West Loop.
On the millwork side, we recently completed work at GT Prime, where we completed finish carpentry, decorative metals and the staircase. We are currently working on our fifth buildout for WeWork at 100 S. State St. and getting started on some work for Katana at Marina City.
WV: In my world, we just started sponsoring the online content for Check, Please! and Chicago Tonight on wttw.com and the production process of the ad spot was really neat! Additionally, VERO will potentially be sponsoring the Beer Under Glass event at the Garfield Park Conservatory in the spring and we are all really looking forward to that.