Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Chestnut.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Andrew. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and adopted in Bangor, Maine to very loving parents. They always encouraged my curiosity. My parents believed that I could do anything when I set my mind to it and they gave me space to explore my potential. In my parent’s eyes, I didn’t have a disability. So, at the age of 9, I asked for my first power tool so that I could build a fort in our back yard. My parents obliged me. I also enjoyed skateboarding, motorcycle racing, hunting, fishing in Mexico, building hydroplane boats for San Diego Bay. You named it, I tried it at least once. As I got older, building forts grew into building new homes. My diverse experience gave me the ability to open my first General Contracting company in Spokane, Washington at the age of 27.
Fast forward to today, I have a successful Consulting Contracting company in San Diego, where I live with my wife and youngest daughter. The twins still live in Spokane. I have two grandsons. I’m a very blessed and happy man.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Life for no one is smooth. My on-going struggle is perception. When people first meet me, they see a seasoned contractor. At some point in our conversation, they will notice that my left hand is missing. The recognition in their eyes is always the same. It’s a look of surprise, sometimes embarrassment. I’m often asked by potential customers, “Can you do the work?” They don’t mean to be offensive, and I never take it that way. I know I can do the job, any job, and I know that it will be done properly, on time, on budget and with pride. I don’t have a handicap or a disability. But I have been overcoming other people’s perception of my missing hand my entire life.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Chestnut Consultants and Contractors – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a consulting General Contractor. I have a thorough background in construction in both commercial and residential. Along with my construction experience, my Auto-CAD education gives me the unique advantage of drawing and designing your project, as well as building your home from underground utilities to the turn-key finish.
My proudest professional achievements are being featured in Victorian Homes Magazine as their centerfold expose; and, San Diego Homes and Gardens winning the National Kitchen and Bathroom contest.
I believe in being a completely transparent company. Before every project starts, I build a customized book that includes the project’s timeline, sub-contractor’s schedules, payment schedules, and every detail pertaining to their project from start to finish. Again, before any project starts, I walk my customers through their book, answer all questions and make sure everyone is on the same page. The project book has become my signature and my customers appreciate the transparency and the honesty.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am planning to diversify my company in the near future. I have a few spokes in the fire but it is too soon to discuss as this time. I hope we can regroup next year for an update.
Contact Info:
- Address: Chestnut Consultants and Contractors
11340 Provencal Place
San Diego, CA 92128 - Website: Chestnutcandc.com
- Phone: 1-858-444-5406 or 1-858-449-5149
- Email: Andy@Chestnutcnc.com or Sistiana@chestnutcnc.com
- Yelp: Chestnut Consultants and Contractors
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