Michael and Kristin Duffek founded Duffek Construction in 2017. They have quickly become one of Wisconsin’s fastest growing construction firms, specializing in commercial buildings. Duffek Construction team members have over 75 years of combined experience. They believe “the prosperity of each project lies within its relationships.” They “mark success not in the number of projects completed, but in the relationships forged”.
Duffek Construction President, Mike Duffek, graciously offered some insight to WBD on his business, experience and keys to success:
WBD: Tell us a little about your business - getting started, the challenges and successes.
Mike: "Duffek Construction is a commercial general contractor focusing on building great spaces and buildings for great people and organizations. We pride ourselves on working for business owners and having relationships that extend beyond the project itself. I started Duffek Construction in July of 2017 in my basement without a single lead or project. I started with a hope that if we worked every single day with a commitment to being honest, humble and hardworking that there would be a place for us in the market. In less than four years that commitment has led to a lot of opportunity and success."
WBD: What projects, both real estate and equipment, has WBD and namely the SBA 504 program worked with you on and how has it enabled you to meet your expansion goals – production, new products, better serve customers?
Mike: "As a rapidly growing company we have changed offices three times in three years and in 2020 WBD helped us purchase and renovate our office building in Waukesha. Our new office helps us attract great people and show clients the type of work we do."
WBD: Did you have a good experience working with WBD? Would you work with us again?
Mike: "WBD was a pleasure to work with. Steve Kohl and the WBD team did a great job of communicating and navigating us through the process of purchasing our building. WBD even helped us with the opportunities presented with mortgage relief due to the COVID stimulus packages."
WBD: What have been your keys to success so far – employees, timing, hard work? Challenges?
Mike: "I believe our success is fueled by treating every customer the way we would want to be treated. We have a great team and we are constantly working to provide a building experience that is second to none. Starting a company from scratch is and has been both the most challenging and rewarding thing I’ve done in my professional career."
WBD: Do you have any advice for other business owners in taking that next step to growing their business?
Mike: "Have faith in yourself and in your product. Then work harder than anyone to make that faith a reality. Henry Ford said it best, “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.”
Congratulations Mike, we wish you continued success well into the future! WBD is commited to working with community driven small businesses like yours, and the jobs you help create go a long way in growing the local economy.
For more information on Duffek Construction, visit https://duffekconstruction.com/.
