What happens when an architect actually understands construction costs and client service? Lance Cayko, founder of F9 Productions and F14 Productions, reveals how he built award-winning companies by mastering what most competitors miss.
Beginning as a teenage roofer who caught the entrepreneurial bug at 13, Lance shares his journey through multiple trades, architectural education, and eventually founding his own firms during the Great Recession. Unlike many design professionals, Lance brought practical construction experience to architecture, creating a powerful feedback loop between design and building that benefits clients through realistic budgeting and problem-solving.
The conversation explores how Lance's companies have differentiated themselves in crowded markets not through revolutionary innovation but by excelling at fundamentals. His "one-hour response" communication policy has helped win the "Best of Mile High" award for customer service three consecutive years, while his integrated design-build approach ensures designs remain practical and cost-effective. These "brilliant basics" have attracted high-net-worth clients who value reliability and quality.
Perhaps most valuable for entrepreneurs is Lance's insight into "white-collaring blue-collar businesses" - the massive opportunity in bringing professional business practices to traditional trades plagued by poor communication, unprofessional conduct, and inconsistent quality. Whether you're in construction, design, or any service business, Lance demonstrates how focusing on fundamentals like valuing clients' money, maintaining open communication, and delivering consistently can create remarkable differentiation in markets where competitors often deliver disappointing experiences.
Ready to transform your approach to business? Connect with Lance on LinkedIn or visit f9productions.com to learn more about how mastering the basics can lead to extraordinary success.