Chamber Insider Blog

Thank you to Allen Kabiri, owner of Select Construction! Congratulations again.
Register here for the Small Business Awards on November 2, 2017. 

1. Tell us your story of how your company got to where it is today?

I moved to the United States in 1976 absolutely determined to succeed. I learned English, I enrolled in school and I worked any job I could to pay for it. I tutored math and I washed dishes. I had no idea that eventually, I would found Select Construction Company in 2003.

The story of our company really begins in 1985, when I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Tulsa. I took a one-time job for a little income, just driving a truck for a roofing company, but it changed my life. I learned everything I could about the roofing industry. They made me the supervisor of their Nashville operations, and then promoted me to co-manager of its office here in Loudoun County.

I connected with a partner, and soon we launched our own business. I remember we started with a Honda Civic and $1,000. We did construction projects from start to finish, working long hours every day. Eventually my partner and I parted ways, but our company was still growing. I hired dedicated employees to help run the company, and they helped Select Construction establish tremendous client relationships with partners like Toll Brothers.

As the company grew, we moved into a new office in Ashburn. We kept growing, and eventually we purchased that office building. Our company has survived economic recessions and construction downturns, yet every year we reach new heights for revenue. We’re about to enter our 15th year as Loudoun’s premier roofing design and construction firm, and we’re determined to continue to be innovative and vibrant well into the future.

2. What would it mean to you and your company to win a Small Business Award?

It’s already great that we’re a finalist in the Innovator of the Year category. It would be tremendously significant for our company to win. We would love to see Select Construction Company’s innovative building solutions – like our novel architectural concepts, new-home designs, environmentally conscientious techniques and state-of-the-art materials – recognized beyond the construction industry.

3.  If you weren’t running your own business/working at this business, what would you be doing?

A doctor. That was my first professional goal, to become a doctor and help people get better. As much as I love my job and the design-build firm we’ve built here at Select, even today I would choose to be a doctor.

4.  What book are you reading right now? 

“Rocket Boys” by Homer Hickham. What can I say…I’m still an engineer! My favorite book is whatever I’m reading at the time, but I constantly reference “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Steve Covey.

5.  If you have 24 hours off, and your family was out of town, what would you do?

Stay home, maybe pop in a movie or two and relax with our dog Soha. She’s a maltipoo.

6. What is the smallest thing that has made the largest impact on your business?

It’s the little things that our 18 employees have always done to help Select Construction succeed. It’s when they take extra steps to make sure the client is satisfied with our process. It’s when they spread the word about Select Construction Company. Altogether they’re not small things, but there are many small things my employees do to build Select Construction Company into what it is.

7. What did you want to be when you grew up as a child? / What was a childhood dream that you had?

I have to go back to being a doctor. Growing up in Iran, that was my biggest childhood dream.

8. Who is the one person that has influenced you the most in your career?

My father, he was a successful businessman in Iran. As a child, I helped him run the store. He had me selling fruits and vegetables out front. That hands-on experience with my father, getting to see him conduct real business, got me started in business at a young age.

9. What is your favorite thing about running a business in Loudoun County?

The sense of community we’ve always felt here in Loudoun is especially gratifying. Ever since Select Construction began in 2003, our individual employees and our company as a whole have built great relationships with Loudoun’s homeowners, fellow Loudoun businesses, plus the charitable organizations we work with to give back to Loudoun County.

10. If you’re not in the office where can we find you?

Enjoying life at home with my amazing wife of 23 years, Asyeh, and our three boys. Our 15-year-old, Adrian, plays lacrosse and hockey and we never miss a game.

11. What is your favorite weekend activity in Loudoun County?

We’ve really enjoyed seeing all the new wineries that have come into Loudoun over the past few years. Our idea of a relaxing weekend afternoon is to visit a local vineyard and sample some fine Loudoun wines.

Thank you to Allen Kabiri, owner of Select Construction! Congratulations again.
Register here for the Small Business Awards on November 2, 2017.