Avon Home Improvement‘s owner J.D. Sandipher is a general contractor, master carpenter, and strong proponent for the African-American Community in Cincinnati. He met HCDC Business Coach Bob Pickford through WEB Ventures LLC, a management consultant that provides diversity and economic inclusion services in Cincinnati’s Uptown Community. Avon specializes in the renovation of older homes to replicate the original character and integrity of the home. “When I look at a house, it speaks to the necessary design to create a seamless connection between old and new,” says Sandipher. The average age of a house Avon renovates is 80 years old.
Avon’s clients will tell you that J.D. works to achieve their vision and has a unique ability to develop understanding and communication throughout the renovation process. JD started Avon Home Improvement more than 20 years ago, and has primarily built it by word-of-mouth referrals. He says one of the keys to success is having loyal subcontractors that understand and execute his expected level of craftsmanship. Another key is having relationships with suppliers for resources/materials that can’t be found at Lowe’s or Home Depot.
Coach Pickford has been meeting with Sandipher for a number of months. “Mr. Pickford is helping bring a level of awareness to developing and reading my financial status, how to move more into my target market, and how to create a sustainable business. I would like to consider myself capable, intelligent, and business-oriented, but you don’t know what you don’t know and ignorance can be costly,” says Sandipher.
Original fireplace – before
Total fireplace renovation with custom-built wood mantel – after