Jacob Hansen isn’t your typical contractor. He is a forward-thinker looking to carve a niche in the high-tech construction industry. As the owner and principal consultant of Hansen Consulting Group, Jacob specializes in Building Information Modeling (BIM) services—a fancy term for using 3D software to plan and visualize construction projects. His journey from working for others to establishing his consultancy is a story of grit, smarts, a deep desire to revolutionize how buildings are planned and built, and an unwavering commitment to improving the construction landscape.d his business.
Understanding the Niche
Jacob’s expertise lies in the specialized field of construction, particularly in the high-tech sector. He emphasizes the importance of understanding both what you do and for whom. “At least in my world, it’s very niche,” Jacob explains. “You have to have an understanding of two things: one, what you do, and two, who you are performing it for. Knowing your allies and the people you work with is vital.”
This focus has allowed Jacob to build a successful consultancy that caters to a wide range of clients, from general contractors and engineers to architects and subcontractors. His deep knowledge of the construction phases and systems has positioned him as a valuable asset in the industry, enabling him to bridge the gap between trade knowledge and technical expertise.
The Human Side of Entrepreneurship
Jacob’s journey has been marked by the usual challenges that come with entrepreneurship, particularly in managing the human side of the business. He highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and patience. “You have to have those skills to overcome the adversity, to put up with the challenges, the unexpected problems that inevitably come your way,” he says. “You can’t just hit a roadblock and give up.”
Confidence is another key trait that Jacob believes every entrepreneur must possess. “Not everybody’s gonna be there for you,” he notes. “You have to have the confidence in yourself and what you’re doing to maintain.” This confidence has been a cornerstone of Jacob’s success, allowing him to navigate the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial journey.
Identifying and Solving Problems
The inspiration behind Hansen Consulting Group came from Jacob’s realization of a significant gap in the construction industry. “I saw a need that other people weren’t necessarily capturing directly,” he recalls. Jacob’s hands-on experience in the field revealed the importance of efficient coordination between various stakeholders, from owners and subcontractors to engineers and vendors. “There’s a huge need for somebody with a skill set and knowledge of construction phases and systems,” he says.
Jacob’s consultancy focuses on helping clients visualize and plan their projects more effectively, reducing rework, saving costs, and enhancing safety. “We can visualize the spaces and systems before they ever come to the site, helping people plan and prepare for more efficient building practices,” he explains.
Investing in People
When asked what he would do with a sudden influx of capital, Jacob’s answer is rooted in his commitment to investing in people. “I want to find a way to invest in the people that I’m engaging with—employees or contractors—to help them become more skilled and efficient.” This focus on human capital reflects his belief in building a more connected and better-built world.
Jacob’s philosophy is encapsulated in the phrases he often uses on social media: “a better-built world” and “a more connected-built world.” These mottos drive his efforts to enhance the construction industry through improved coordination and collaboration.
Achieving Success Through Small Acts
For Jacob, success is not measured by grand achievements but by the small, impactful moments that make a difference. “It’s all the small acts,” he says. “When I walk into a trailer with project managers and superintendents and see them succeeding, that’s what gives me the most go out of all of this.”
This focus on everyday successes motivates Jacob to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the construction industry. His ability to help teams perform their work efficiently without the need for rework or coordination issues is a source of immense pride for him.
Ambitious Goals for the Future
Looking ahead, Jacob has ambitious plans for Hansen Consulting Group. Over the next 12 months, he aims to expand his team significantly. “My goal is to expand to a team of 10 people within the next 12 months,” he reveals. This expansion is driven by the growing demand for his services, particularly with the recent investments in the semiconductor industry.
Jacob acknowledges that building the right connections and understanding the market dynamics will be crucial to achieving this growth. “It’s about exploring and building relationships with companies and individuals that will help accomplish that goal,” he says.
The Importance of a Strong Online Presence
In today’s digital age, every business should have a strong online presence. Surprisingly, Jacob’s company currently operates without a website. However, he is in the process of developing one to enhance his credibility and reach. “I don’t have a website yet, but I’m working with a developer out of Utah.”
Jacob understands the importance of a website not just as a digital business card but as a tool for lead generation and conversion optimization. “It should be something that drives your business forward,” he says, highlighting the need for a website that can attract and engage potential clients.
Final Thoughts
Jacob Hansen’s entrepreneurial journey with Hansen Consulting Group is a powerful story of resilience, innovation, and a people-first approach. His dedication to improving the construction industry through better coordination, visualization, and planning has made a significant impact on his clients. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Jacob’s story is a reminder of the importance of understanding your niche, investing in people, and having the confidence to overcome challenges.
As Jacob continues to expand his consultancy and make strides in the construction industry, his vision of a better-built and more connected world is set to inspire and influence the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Looking to divulge your own entrepreneur story? We’d love to hear and share it here! Contact us today to uncover your inspirations, triumphs, and learnings.
