Today we’d like to introduce you to Gerald Meetze.
Hi Gerald, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Irmo, SC. My ancestors have lived in this area since the late 1700’s. I was the first Citadel graduate from my family, Class of 90, along with my brother, Class of 93. I later sent two 2 sons there, both are Army Officers now. Many generations of my family have served in the Army and several wars. My grandfather was one of the first to land in D-day the night before as a pathfinder for the 501st, 101st Airborne. He was my mentor and taught me everything I know about construction and farming. In 1992, I began working for Bovis Construction Corp, based in Charlotte. I built a house at 25 and then started a family at 27. At 30, I started my own construction company in Chapin, SC. I’m now 57 and still in happily in business, loving what I do. I’m married with 4 children and own G Meetze Construction and Capital Kitchen & Bath, based in Irmo, SC. I have also volunteered for the town of Chapin for 25 years helping with town beautification, zoning & commercial design review, as well as coaching Chapin youth in sports and leading Boy Scouts.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The recession of late 2008 led to tough years for everyone in construction. I was able to survive by having little debt and conservative spending habits. This is the secret to surviving the ups and downs of business. Having a great partner as a spouse is another plus. My wife is also my business partner. Also, maintaining one emotion in business will help get you through the tough times and daily fires that erupt in business. In my 50’s I went back to The Citadel to study leadership and project management. The biggest thing I took from my classes was the art of the emotionless leader.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Capital Kitchen and Bath?
We are a Kitchen & Bath general contractor. When I bought the business in 2009, Capital Kitchen & Bath strictly sold cabinets to new construction builders. Located in Chapin, SC, we quickly evolved into remodeling as the recession was in full swing. New construction is less than 5% of our business now. We have six designers that take a client from an idea, into a design, a budget, and then a plan. I take it from there along with two other project managers and provide a turn-key renovation for the client. We have a full show room, now in Irmo, SC. Here clients can put all the materials and colors together to achieve the look they desire. We offer 5 cabinet lines to choose from along with flooring, tile, quartz, fixtures, etc. The business is now in its 22nd year and continues to evolve and grow each week. I love learning and learn something new daily. I hate making mistakes and work hard to avoid them. We have a great staff, now at 26 team members. Most of them have been with us over 10 years. I love my job and take pride in making customers happy. If a customer is upset, I lose sleep and do everything possible to fix any surprises or problems as fast as possible. I feel we have a great system in place, but not afraid to tweak systems and procedures when necessary. The best part of my job is meeting new people and staying friends with them for many years. 15% of our business is repeat customers and another 50% is word of mouth.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
My friend in economic development predicts SC to grow the next five years at the rate we did the last ten years. I am very optimistic for SC as long as we can control the growth with the correct zoning, design review and infrastructure. I feel the only thing holding back the future is the Federal debt. As far as the Kitchen & Bath industry we will continue to grow, as people are choosing to keep their house in lieu of moving. Everyone wants to update something in their house. Cost and inflation are the only thing holding back a home renovation. As far as design trends, they evolve continuously. The Kitchen & Bath industry (KBIS) hosts a design convention every year in February. We are going this year to see what’s coming next.
Contact Info:
- Website: Capitalkb.com
- Instagram: Capital Kitchen & Bath
- Facebook: Capital Kitchen & Bath
