A league of his own

When Kirk Ivy migrated from Jamaica to the United States, he had big dreams of making it as a successful businessman. Starting in the confectionery department at a local airport, he soon switched to networking. From there, he set his sights on the international scene, and in a league of his own, Ivy has become one of the most sought-after general contractors to provide luxury dream homes for his clients.

The founder and president of Ivey Design Build told The Sunday Gleaner: “I have spent over a decade in this industry mastering the art [of] construction, interior design, and information technology architecture. This entrepreneurial journey began in Jamaica, but it took flight in Miami, Florida, where I now provide a one-of-a-kind design experience for commercial and residential clients.”

This entrepreneur was taught responsibility from an early age. As a young teenager, Ivy recalls managing his household while his mother worked in the Cayman Islands. “I attended Bridgeport Secondary High School, now Bridgeport High, and my mom would send money to the bank account. I’d draw the funds, pay the helper, and take care of other things in her absence,” he revealed.

With dreams of becoming an aircraft engineer, he matriculated to Excelsior Community College. While there, he took one step closer to his goal, working part-time after school at the Norman Manley International Airport as a snack cart operator.

Once he graduated from college, he maintained his job while sourcing produce for sale over the weekend. His hustle was respected among his peers and associates who admired his drive, persistence, and dedication.

His foot in the door led him to enrol in the engineering programme offered at the University of Technology (UTech). “I started the programme, but after completing the first year, I realised that it just wasn’t for me,” shared Ivy.

Inspiration can spark when you least expect. And for Ivy, the vision for his life started to shift when his mother purchased a house in Spanish Town and he was tasked with overseeing the construction.

“So I’m still taking care of the bills, managing my apples and grapes business on the weekends, working at the airport, buying and selling United States currency, and I’m at UTech, trying to figure out what’s next,” he said.

He sought advice from the institution’s guidance counsellor, who informed Ivy that he was struggling with his building blocks and subsequently directed him to pursue his passion for business. “I took his advice and applied to the then Institute of Management and Business. I felt more comfortable in that business programme.”

A working gig with his friend’s father pulling cables unearthed an unexpected career interest. Thinking that he could develop a better service, he started Net Tech Solutions. This pursuit grew into a lucrative business, where Ivy was able to employ more than 20 persons on the payroll.

“Business was going very well. Our clients included Bank of America, National Commercial Bank, and Scotiabank. After winning the SuperClub contract, we began working alongside Innovative Systems,” he explained.

Collaborating with SuperClub led Ivy to do some work with the Miami-based company overseas. That sojourn ignited his desire to pursue even greater goals. “I attended a seminar, and while walking out of the building, [I] saw a Ferrari, [and] I had a Pursuit of Happyness movie moment. If I wanted that luxurious car, I would have to drive it in the States.”

Once the opportunity to work full-time in the city of Florida came together, the businessman relocated his operations. That was in 2005. But then the unthinkable happened. “When I moved here, that’s when the economy kind of crashed. Nevertheless, with the fundamentals that I have in Jamaica, on my first project, I made the same amount of money that I would have made back at home in one year. I also had the discipline to actually put myself on a salary,” he said.

While running a network business out of Jamaica, Ivy volunteered at Hudson Capital. That way, he could have a greater understanding of how the business worked overseas. It was a completely different ball game, but this athlete was ready for the sport ahead.

Building out and managing that company’s network, he saw an interesting opportunity. Since he was sitting in the space, he volunteered to do walkthroughs with clients seeking to buy residential or commercial spaces. “They took me on, and I was promoted like four times within the one year. I ended up managing the entire building for the developers,” he said.

He noticed that although they sold properties, these clients would have to take on the huge task of remodelling. It was there that a fresh passion sparked for Ivy. His exit strategy opened a whole new door into the world of renovation. It wasn’t long before he became a general contractor.

“One client turned into two, and it just evolved. I now have 16 persons on payroll. There were good times and some down moments, too,” he said, adding, “I went through that process where everybody showed up. I was doing good work, but I overextended myself. So I had to take some time off, reset and start again. It has been evolving. But I love the process of taking a building from nothing and building something even better. Seeing an apartment finally finished brings me immense joy, and I love seeing my clients happy.”

He recalled working with high-profile clients, including real estate developer Charles Kushner and his son, Jared Kushner, son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump.

Since that project, Charles Kushner has taken on a mentor-like role in his professional journey. “This family has actually impacted my life and my business in many positive ways just by giving me that opportunity. Once I was able to do work for them, that changed the whole trajectory of my company.”

This general contractor works closely with his clients to make their dream homes or commercial spaces a stunning reality. As an entrepreneur, Ivy enjoys pursuing his dreams and goals, however, they may evolve. “What inspires me to keep going are my goals. I set goals daily, weekly, and monthly, and they become a reality. I did the cabling business. And that passion evolved, and now I’m a general contractor. I’m going through that other transition right now where I’m moving from a GC to be a developer, and that is my plan,” he said.

When it comes to remaining connected to his roots, the businessman shared that he tries to visit the island at least once per year. “I have my friends, who are Jamaican, so when I am here, I go see them. And then there’s the food. Like my son loves spicy food, like jerk chicken. The food, friendships, and the music help me to stay connected.”

Ivy hopes he can give back in a truly meaningful way. “In Miami, everybody is going into luxury, but I think I can contribute to other parts of the economy and the community,” he shared.

For those aspiring to become successful entrepreneurs, Ivy strongly recommends that you find out what you are passionate about doing and pursue it with purpose. “And if you’re really passionate about change and doing something better than what you’re seeing out there, then do it. All of the people who are successful or all the success stories they have told, their story is about how they can do it better and how they can make a change. And that passion, stemming from the change they wanted to make, is what has led them to become successful,” he advises.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com