Running a Construction Business in One of the Most Remote Places in America with Jason Novotny

Jason didn't set out to build a construction company in one of the most remote regions of the country. He and his wife took a vacation to Alaska in 2015, ended up on an impulse land purchase after driving up a random road outside Anchorage, and two years later relocated for good. Island Construction launched in June 2019, and Jason has been building both residential and commercial projects there ever since. The conversation digs into what makes running a contracting business in Alaska fundamentally different from the lower 48. Materials mostly arrive by barge out of Seattle, air freight is prohibitively expensive, and Jason is currently in talks with companies in China and Vietnam to bring modular housing into the state. With a total state population of roughly 700,000 to 750,000, and skilled labor already in short supply, staffing is Jason's single biggest constraint as a business owner. Jason also opens up about a challenge the industry doesn't talk about enough: the impact of Alaska's extreme seasonal darkness on mental health, and how that has contributed to substance abuse struggles among people in the trades. After losing his brother, Jason started Joe's House Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit aimed at supporting people facing those same struggles. The episode leaves you with a real question for anyone running a business in a tough market: when the resources and the workforce aren't there, do you lower your standards, or do you build the systems and support to raise everyone else up to meet the opportunity? Connect with Jason: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonnovotny/ Connect with Hiland Construction: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hilandconstructionllc/ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\__ https://steverozenberg.com/ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\__ Steve Rozenberg, originally aspiring to be an international pilot, navigated a challenging shift in his career trajectory when the 9/11 attacks jeopardized his pilot career. Turning adversity into opportunity, he embraced his entrepreneurial spirit and transformed his situation into a multimillion-dollar success story. As the proud owner and founder of The Rozenberg Group, an esteemed international consulting firm, Steve is dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals and regain control of their time and freedom. Beyond his role as a successful entrepreneur, Steve is renowned for his dynamic keynote presentations. He delivers motivational and inspiring speeches that resonate with audiences, providing actionable steps, business systems, and a roadmap to success. His direct yet hopeful messages engage audiences both mentally and emotionally, instilling a positive outlook and guiding them toward success in various aspects of life. Despite facing an unimaginable tragedy on March 6th, 2023, with the loss of his beloved son Jett in a motorcycle accident, Steve demonstrated an indomitable spirit. In honor of Jett’s remarkable life, filled with global adventures, martial arts, music, and inspiration, Steve and his wife Renee established the LIVE LIKE JETT SCHOLARSHIP FUND. Learn more: livelikejett.org This scholarship fund serves as a tribute to Jett’s legacy, encouraging others to embrace life fully and persistently pursue their dreams. The fund specifically supports high school students seeking to enter the trade industry, mirroring Jett’s passion as a welder. Currently, Steve Rozenberg channels his extensive experience as a successful real estate investor to mentor and guide individuals toward prosperity. Despite the challenges he has faced, Steve remains committed to inspiring, uplifting, and creating a positive impact on the lives of those around him. ➤https://www.facebook.com/SteveRozenberg1 ➤https://www.instagram.com/rozenbergsteve \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\__ #SteveRozenberg #TwoDayTakeoff #Opportunity #ChangeYourLife #Entrepreneur #LiveLikeJett #FinancialFreedom