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