The Solidus approach to retail space design and building is grounded in comprehensive expertise shared openly amongst seasoned industry professionals and strategic partners. After nearly 40 years of developing, coordinating, managing, and executing construction projects, we’ve learned that the best way to demonstrate our merit is to trust the lessons our collective experience has taught us and present our clients with accurate information before they sign a contract. Whether the news is good, bad, or simply unexpected, this is our responsibility as experts.

While every construction project is unique, the two things they almost always have in common are tight budgets and firm deadlines. Once our clients have outlined their goals and objectives, we rely on our decades of experience to determine if those expectations can be met within their current parameters. If we find that any part of their plan isn’t feasible our first responsibility is to deliver this news and offer an alternative path forward that enables them to reach their desired outcome without sacrificing quality.

Empty promises might persuade clients to sign contracts, but our long-term success depends on a strong reputation and the ability to secure repeat business. We gain these distinctions by only making promises we know we can keep and then doing everything in our power to improve upon our initial projections.

There is no benefit to telling a client that a project can be completed in 3 months when we know from experience that it will take closer to 4 months. Likewise, there is no advantage in telling a client that their project wish list can be achieved with a $600,000 budget when we know it will cost at least a million. On the flip side, there are huge benefits to finishing a project a week ahead of schedule. And what client wouldn’t be thrilled to hear that their project was completed for $10,000 under budget? These outcomes help us build trust and earn our client’s respect.

Sometimes honesty comes at a price to those who stand by it. Sometimes it’s tempting to lie. After all, a signed contract is a signed contract. But rather than succumbing to this temptation, we remind ourselves that in business and in life, the truth really does set you free.