Pivot Points: How, and Why, I Got Here

Sharing my story has been a task I put off for a while. Those that are close to me know my past, present, and the over-arching pursuit, but I have not shared much with my outer web of friends and professional business network. Some things take time to unfold, and I feel that now is an appropriate time to divulge a few details of my journey to becoming a business owner. I hope that everyone can find something here they relate to. If you have not shared your story, I encourage you to do-so. I am certainly grateful I did!

Mapping out my entire life story is not the point of this blog. Let’s be honest, most people reading this do not want a full melodrama into my past. It is really not that interesting! I do, however, have a unique path that led me to starting this business. So, to all who would like to know a little more about my professional journey, feel free to read on!

When I was a young boy…

I know I said this was not a life story, but this part is slightly relevant.

“Back in the day”, Dad had a portfolio of rental properties, and from about 10-15 years old, I was getting my hands dirty on weekends helping perform demo, clean-up, and light improvements to his rentals. Whether it was smashing through walls and floors, cleaning up a mess left by a disordered tenant, or adding beauty back from chaos by painting or nailing-up trim, I felt a sense of reward from it. Sometimes I was paid and in other cases I was simply expected to work, but I remember having a generally good attitude toward this tough, often not-so-pleasant weekend grind.

Looking at the bigger picture, I have always felt rewarded by helping others, regardless of any compensation. And since I was that young boy, I have taken delight in home improvements.

Jumping forward to about 22 or 23 years old, I was in college and working a sales job for a start-up manufacturing company. My passion for customer service and process improvement drove me to land a multitude of great accounts. It was a tremendously valuable experience where I learned many lessons in sales and business, but I did not feel it was the right career for me long-term.

2 1/2 years in I began looking for a change. I wanted to put my high energy and my sales experience to work in a career theme I found more intriguing, so I pursued a sales position at a local construction company. I heard their catchy ads on the radio, and I happened to know a few guys that worked there. I did the interviews but was initially turned down because the position was filled by an internal hire. Another month or two went by and I got a call back and an offer to join their team. This new engagement was pivotal to my life in so many ways!

I kicked-off this new and exciting career in the “home improvement” industry at 25 years old. The culture was welcoming, fun, edgy, and allowed me to grow in a way I had not imagined. Some say I was a bit of a “maverick”, at times challenging the systems and processes, but always in good faith. I strived for growth, efficiency, and was unafraid to give my two cents on matters that I felt would positively impact the company. My eyes and ears were constantly searching for ways to add value to the business. Not simply playing in my sandbox as a salesperson, it was no surprise that all the extra effort earned me seat on the company’s leadership team.

Over the next 4-5 years I performed at a high level, often summiting as the top salesperson while simultaneously helping with marketing, hosting a radio show, developing a suite of sales tools, beautifying documents and contracts, and many other strategic matters. It was incredibly rewarding, and I would not trade this experience for anything! We grew from $5m in revenue to over $20m during my time there. Of course, this was a massive team effort led by several growth-minded and worthy leaders.

In 2020-21 we created a new department focused on servicing commercial and multi-family properties.

I took charge here and began studying the intricacies of association management and protocols of performing work at HOAs. We joined additional trade organizations and developed strong relationships that began feeding the division. I learned much about how common interest communities and homeowner’s associations functioned, how they made decisions, and how I could align solutions to their aging building materials.

Everything was outstanding, or at least it felt that way on the surface. I began to question my “why”, and it rattled me in unimaginable ways. Although I was questioning my purpose and my future, I remained motivated by helping my customers (mainly association managers and governing boards) navigate complex maintenance and construction needs.

Although business and opportunity were booming, I could not shake the feeling of being on an island. Internal relationships felt different, and at moments, my personal values and professional conduct went astray. I felt discomfort and uncertainty. In other moments, I no longer felt valued for my service.

Out of the blue, a client of mine called and asked if I would consider coming to work for their company. I assured them I was uninterested, but agreed to have a conversation, so perhaps some other source of wisdom was guiding me. Following a few interviews, I received a very generous offer that influenced me to “jump ship”.

Stepping away from what felt like my home away from home did not go as expected. I felt betrayed. I was angry and bitter, but I made the decision and had to own it. I had no idea at the time, but looking back, God was planting seeds for something greater.

I hold no resentment in my heart for what transpired. I have the utmost respect for the people I worked with and I am truly grateful for the 9+ years we spent together.

Now for the earth-shaker.

About 1 week prior to starting at the new company, I was visiting and planning how to hit the ground running. To my own ruin, I made a few edgy comments that day. Everything felt normal when I left, but this got run up the chain, and some key personnel became offended. A few days later, I received an email stating that my (very lucrative) employment agreement was terminated.

So, after resigning from my amazing job and prior to starting the new one, I was trying way too hard to be the “funny guy” and it cost me everything. How could I be so stupid!

My life took a tailspin. I lost the trust of my wife, who has been a faithful stay-at-home mom to our two boys, and we were disoriented on what direction to take our life, all because I had to try and be a comic at the wrong time. Or was it because of that?

I have been a Christian by faith since I was a child, but nothing made me seek God’s will for my life more than these events. I do not believe that resigning from my long-standing career and screwing up the new one all happened by circumstance, but that it was my lukewarm, self-centeredness that God used to make me fall flat on my face. I had to engage with my Creator and align my heart and soul with what He wanted for my life. I was outstanding at my job, but I was out of line. I was not LIVING for Christ and that had to change!

No part of me wanted to go back to my previous employer, despise rumors otherwise. I wanted my own brand. Better yet, God wanted me right where I was at, starting from rock bottom, and using my talents and abilities to glorify Him in my work. My story is a reflection of His love and grace, virtues that are often preceded by harsh discipline!

Like His child, God showed me the way, and in March 2024 I launched my business, unashamed of putting my faith in Christ front and center, and with a mission of using my talents and abilities to continue my service in the construction industry.

HOA Commercial Construction was established to honor God by delivering precise, versatile, and trustworthy construction services to the commercial and multi-family market. Our vision is to be a leader in multi-family construction, and known for integrity, quality craftsmanship, and transformative solutions that uplift communities.

For those seeking a reliable partner in the multi-family construction industry, I am committed to serving you, in excellence. For this reason, we are not serving any residential single-family homes. Our growth and mission will stay consistent with what our clients in our sector of the construction market demand of us, while demonstrating unwavering faith and having fun on the journey. Thank you!

In warm regards,

Kyle Miller

Founder & Faithful Servant