Podcast Summary: Your Next Move – "Realizing That Liftoff Moment"
Release Date: March 25, 2025
Host: Sarah Lynch
Guest: Liseth Velez, Founder and CEO of LJV Development
1. Introduction
In the episode titled "Realizing That Liftoff Moment," Sarah Lynch, host of Your Next Move produced by Inc. Magazine in partnership with Capital One Business, engages in a compelling conversation with Liseth Velez. As the founder and CEO of LJV Development, a Boston-based construction management company specializing in exterior and interior renovations, Liseth shares her journey to the Inc. 5000 list, where LJV Development proudly secured the 115th spot for the first time.
2. Identifying the Liftoff Moment
Sarah Lynch opens the discussion by inquiring about the pivotal moment when Liseth felt her business truly took off.
Liseth Velez (01:01):
"It's been a roller coaster. I think there's been times... In May of 2020, when we got our first federal contract, I cried. It was the first contract we ever got. I really thought that was the launch."
Despite the emotional high of securing the first federal contract, Liseth emphasizes the reality of continuous hard work and the ongoing grind. She reflects, "We're just continuously grinding. I would say right now we feel like we're almost graduated out of the survival stage and really into growth mode" (01:32).
3. Strategies Behind Significant Growth
When asked about the factors contributing to LJV Development's impressive growth over the past three years, Liseth highlights a strategic, need-based approach rather than focusing solely on revenue metrics.
Liseth Velez (01:44):
"I've made decisions not based on revenue. I have not made decisions based on even the bott. Honestly, I made decisions based on what we needed at that moment."
She discusses the importance of hiring the right team members at the right time, balancing immediate needs with future growth. Liseth acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a strong bottom line while investing in essential resources, stating, "Each, whether it was a software investment or actual like personal human capital investment, it's always taught us something" (03:03).
4. Investment Decisions and Innovation
Delving deeper into investment strategies, Sarah asks how Liseth determines where to allocate resources as a leader.
Liseth Velez (03:12):
"It's really important for you to have a good foundation as a business. So for us, our values are mission. Our mission is we build spaces and places that work in living is just better."
Liseth emphasizes intentionality in pursuing opportunities and becoming more analytical in decision-making. She shares her experience with CRM software, recognizing when tools may be overkill for the company's needs and adjusting accordingly. This analytical approach ensures that investments align with both current operations and future aspirations.
5. Hiring Practices and Psychometrics
Sarah transitions the conversation to hiring practices, particularly the challenge of finding employees whose personal missions align with the company's.
Liseth Velez (04:37):
"Prior to this year, we did it how usually a lot of people do it, which means. So I have five family members that work for me... trying to separate mission and execution versus, hey, you're a human, and I see you and believing you and all this stuff, that's been hard to navigate."
To overcome the pitfalls of nepotistic hiring, Liseth introduces the implementation of psychometric assessments at LJV Development. This shift allows for a more objective evaluation of potential hires, ensuring they fit the company's needs both technically and culturally.
6. Impact of Psychometric Tools on the Business
Sarah probes the tangible effects of adopting psychometric tools within the company.
Liseth Velez (06:56):
"With psychometrics, I was able to see exactly how he is with autonomy, how he is with social, how he is with his patience, how he is with laws and conformity."
This strategic use of tools like the Culture Index has enabled Liseth to place team members in roles that suit their inherent strengths and work styles. For instance, understanding her brother's (the company's construction finance manager) low social tendencies allowed for better role alignment and team dynamics, fostering a more harmonious and productive work environment.
7. Personal Insights and Leadership Style
The conversation shifts to Liseth's personal experiences and how psychometrics have validated her leadership approach.
Liseth Velez (08:28):
"I'm what they consider an architect. The first graph tells you who you are... the second graph shows you your job behaviors."
Liseth reflects on her natural leadership qualities, reinforced by her psychometric results, which confirm her suitability for her role as CEO. She shares poignant insights into her family dynamics, revealing how understanding personal traits has strengthened both her personal and professional relationships.
8. Future Vision and Technological Integration
Looking ahead, Liseth discusses her aspirations for LJV Development, emphasizing continuous learning and technological advancement.
Liseth Velez (11:06):
"I'm a continuous learner. So I'm actually back at school... focusing on AI and technology to innovate in construction."
She has enrolled in the Executive MBA program at MIT, aiming to integrate artificial intelligence and automation into her company's operations. By hiring a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and developing an internal software platform named Gorilla Ops, Liseth envisions enhanced operational efficiency and the potential to offer these technological solutions to other small specialty contractors.
Liseth Velez (12:35):
"If I was a queen for a day and I had a wish, I hope that hopefully in the next few months or years, we can have a fully developed software internal solution that will help us be more lenient and just be more flexible and agile."
Her forward-thinking approach underscores a commitment to empowering employees, optimizing workflows, and ultimately delivering superior value to clients.
9. Conclusion
Sarah wraps up the insightful conversation, thanking Liseth for sharing her journey and the strategic maneuvers that have propelled LJV Development to success. Liseth's story exemplifies how visionary leadership, combined with data-driven hiring practices and an unwavering commitment to innovation, can drive substantial business growth.
Sarah Lynch:
"Lissa, thank you so much for joining us here in the booth and for sharing your story."
End of Episode.
Production Credits:
Producers: Blake Odom and Avery Miles
Editing and Sound Design: Nick Torres
Executive Producer: Josh Christensen
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