Chosen Volume 1 Issue 1 July 2014 | Page 8

Making Something Out Of Nothing; A Young Man’s Journey to the Top Audrey R. Jones what the situation (job market) was. The whole time I knew no offers were on the table.” He had been looking for a job in his field for over a year and had no prospects. He returned to Indiana hoping to find any kind of employment but things were not any different there. Making a decision that others thought unwise, he returned to Florida where he knew he had a few contacts in Engineering, hoping things would have improved. of financial stability. With a firm goal set, “I was able to make enough to be somewhat comfortable and to save a little bit. Once I started chasing my license and I knew that was the step needed, I knew that I would be fine.” The first year he made less than $15,000 in sales but by year 4 he’s pushing $750,000. What a journey for someone who didn’t plan to start a business. What a journey, making a career when none seemed to be close at hand. The recession in 2009 had a major impact on all people in the US, especially those who There he worked a few sorted positions at were college graduates and beginning their careers. One such individual was Dennis R. Babies R Us, a security position and at a Huggins II, a native of Jeffersonville, Indiana Drafting Shop. However, none of these posi- For those who are in college or thinking of tions paid enough to sustain him. He tried to who was attending the University of college Dennis advises, “Start early Miami in Miami, Florida during that looking for your job. Make relationFor those who are in college or time. Mr. Huggins is now the sucships. Don’t wait until your senior year cessful owner of Stilcon Construction thinking of college Dennis advises, to get involved. Fighting for internlocated in Pompano Beach, Florida. “Start early looking for your job. ships with companies is important. You should try to intern with the same Having just graduated in May 2009, Make relationships. Don’t wait until company for multiple years so they get you would think obtaining a Bacheto know you and remember you. lor’s of Science in Civil Engineering your senior year to get involved. Round out your education so that it and a Bachelor’s of Science in ArchiFighting for internships with suits you. I have a very scientific untectural Engineering would be one of dergrad degree. Coupling it with busicompanies is important. the biggest highlights in your life but ness made me a better business owner. for Dennis “it was weird”. He wanted and knew he needed an education, but after 5 do some contract work hiring himself out as I learned about marketing and management.” years of hard work, he still found himself in a Engineer or Architect but found it difficult to According to Dennis, if you’re having troubles finding a job in your discipline see if you secure bids without a license. It was then difficult situation. that he went back to school for his Master’s can’t create that job for yourself. “I made a Attending school away from home was a cost- Degree in Business Administration. The company to give myself a job. Look at ly endeavor. Nevertheless, Dennis knew a MBA program gave him the idea to form his providing an auxiliary service to the field you first rate education would be key in helping want. Be a supplier or vendor in the field own company and get his contractor’s lihim be successful. There were financial chal- cense. you want. If you don’t have experience, use lenges to manage. As a freshman, he utilized your education to market yourself. Educaa Work Study Program working in the Law Dennis says his business Stilcon Construction tion was a factor that made me stand out Library to help close the financial gaps. His developed out of necessity. My business: “It from the other guys when competing without was definitely a necessity. I’d planned to sophomore year