Dustin Dubois With JWR Construction And David Schopp With Sharpe Project Developments

Intro: [00:00:07] You’re listening to Innovation Radio, where we interview entrepreneurs focused on innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. Innovation Radio is brought to you by the world’s first theme park for entrepreneurs, the Levant Center of Innovation, the only innovation center in the nation to support the founder’s journey from birth of an idea through successful exit or global expansion. Now here’s your host, Lee Kantor.

Lee Kantor: [00:00:37] Lee Kantor here another episode of Innovation Radio, and this is going to be a good one. But before we get started, it’s important to recognize our sponsor, the Levine Center of Innovation. Without their generous support, we wouldn’t be able to share these important stories. Today on Innovation radio, we have Dustin Dubios and David Schopp. Dustin is with J.w.r. Construction and David is with Sharp Projects. And they were the team, part of the team behind the actual creation and building of the Levine Innovation Center. Welcome, gentlemen.

Dustin Dubios: [00:01:11] Thank you.

David Schopp: [00:01:12] Thank you. Nice to be here.

Lee Kantor: [00:01:14] Now, David, in your role, can you share a little bit about how this project got started and how you were brought into it?

David Schopp: [00:01:21] Sure. Absolutely. So, you know, this this was a vision of Alan Levine’s, hence the name of the facility. We had worked with Alan’s groups in prior years, and he was he was familiar with our ability to run projects and keep them on time and on budget and felt that it would be good to have a independent party kind of overseeing the projects, program design and construction. So we’re owners reps slash project managers, so that’s really what we do. So the project was conceived to be this innovation center that I think we’re all aware of. We just had a nice introduction from John Wensveen, but we’re we’re typically engaged to help get a project tracked, scheduled, budgeted properly and then assemble that team, which is what we did. And we assembled a real good one on this project. And I’d like to say that the project came in on time and on budget. So it was, it was. And thanks to Dustin obviously on the construction side. So we’re a big success for everyone.

Lee Kantor: [00:02:24] Which is a pretty amazing as it started during the pandemic. Right.

David Schopp: [00:02:29] Go ahead, Dustin.

Dustin Dubios: [00:02:30] Oh, yeah, absolutely. Right in the middle of the pandemic. It certainly didn’t didn’t make the project any any easier, right?

Lee Kantor: [00:02:37] So it added a degree of difficulty. But when you’re starting a project like that, how did you start kind of with, you know, on the whiteboard and planning out, you know, okay, I want it to have these elements and I want it to have a certain look and feel. So it kind of, you know, kind of screams innovation as soon as somebody walks in the doors.

David Schopp: [00:02:57] So I’ll take that. I mean, we we had a tiered group of designers. I think what what was important is to Pontedera was part of our team. And he was brought in by Alan Levine as well to kind of create a vision and a flow. And it was real important to create, to harness technology, but also a flowing type of facility that that wanted you to peer around every corner, so to speak. And when I say corner, that’s really a misnomer because there’s a lot of soft edges in this building. It’s very curvilinear. But the important thing was to take advantage of the 16 foot high deck and try and, you know, concrete floors and make it feel as though it truly was an innovation center, something that was was built around the structure itself. And so and we accomplished that. I mean, there have been I’ve seen meetings where they’re riding tricycles around the space, you know, so it’s it’s to get people’s their juices flowing and that space accomplish that.

Lee Kantor: [00:03:55] And then to encourage collaboration because that’s kind of the heart of innovation, right? You have to be able to work together and pull teams together and grab somebody and have a meeting or grab three people and have a meeting. It has to be able to flex to whatever kind of where the creativity takes you.

David Schopp: [00:04:13] Yes. And there’s there’s great spaces within the space. There’s there’s cafes and there’s little carve outs and there’s there’s soundproof rooms if need be. And the space really become a hub for other businesses in this marketplace to want to use the space and bring their people there and show off what’s happening in Broward County and how the space is is benefiting the community. And there’s there’s events back to back all the time in this space. And it’s really being recognized across the region as as the center, the center for innovation in this marketplace.

Lee Kantor: [00:04:51] So what were some of the I mean, the pandemic obviously was a challenge, but was it difficult to get everybody kind of on the same page thematically?

David Schopp: [00:05:03] All from a standpoint of program or standpoint of the construction.

Lee Kantor: [00:05:05] Well, the construction well, first you had the programing that you had to say, okay, these are going to be the core tenants and these are the areas that we’re going to we want to focus in on and be, you know, kind of best in class. And then you had to build something that accommodated those.

Dustin Dubios: [00:05:21] So I’ll take it. Dave. I mean, I think. You know, you had you had multiple challenges in the project. In a lot of them related ultimately to the pandemic. Right. It’s a unique space. Right. Which. Which required unique finishes. Unique teams that could put these different finishes and different, you know, building material types into the space. And certainly, you know, having having a global pandemic at that time didn’t make it any easier to source, you know, those those special materials so that that challenge you had and then just, you know, getting getting staff out to the job site. Um, you know, it was at a time where, you know, one person contracted COVID and if you had been anywhere near him, you were required to isolate for I think it was two weeks at the time, right? So you were constantly dealing with losing people and crews on the job site. I mean, it’s 60,000 square foot space, so people were able to spread out. But, you know, at some point you’re working on top of each other. So it was it was definitely a challenge on that side of it. And you had to be able to to adapt and make changes on the fly. And that’s really where having, you know, people like sharp development in there. And David to help facilitate those changes and make the decisions in a timely manner so that we didn’t stop production on the project.

Lee Kantor: [00:06:57] So it was kind of living into how entrepreneurs handle things, right? It’s you got to keep moving. You got to make things happen and you got to just find a way.

Dustin Dubios: [00:07:09] Yeah, there’s there’s there’s no, there’s no just throwing your hands up and, and going, well we’re just going to sit here and wait. Right. There may be temporary things that you put in, you know, for the time being that you’d have to come back when materials come in. But yeah, you have to be able to adapt. And that’s just the construction business in general. I think you always have to be be able to adapt and overcome for sure.

Lee Kantor: [00:07:32] Now, when you started out on this project, I’m sure everybody was super excited because this is kind of a new and different initiative probably for each of you. When did you start feeling like, Hey, this thing is really this is going to be something special?

Dustin Dubios: [00:07:51] From my perspective, it was the first time I heard about it. I’m not sure about you, but I’m on the ambassador’s board for NSU. We’ve been working on campus for 20 years and the first time I heard about it, it was, um. It was exciting for me. I’m kind of a serial entrepreneur myself, and so I wanted to make sure everybody I came in contact knew that I wanted to be the guy to build that project. So.

David Schopp: [00:08:15] Yeah. And we look.

David Schopp: [00:08:18] It was the same thing for us. I mean, we got on, you heard about it like a little bit before us, but, but we once I knew of the project and understood that Alan Levine was behind it and how exciting it was going to be, and I’ll be honest, you when you sit and talk to a guy like John Wensveen and you get his energy and you know what? That that he’s going to be leading the charge we were all in and seeing some of the initial renderings and what the space was going to look like and how it was going to function. It’s a one of a kind. And we built I’ve been in this business for almost 40 years and we’ve done a lot of great interior spaces, but this is one to showcase for sure because it’s you can duplicate it, but I don’t think you get the same effect that this one has.

Lee Kantor: [00:09:03] So when you were kind of building it, how did you keep like instead of it seems like there was so much creativity at the beginning and so much vision, How do you kind of rein some of that in to the realities of, okay, this is what we have to deal with, this is the space, this is what can what we can and can’t do. Like, was that a difficult challenge of kind of reining in all that can be?

Dustin Dubios: [00:09:28] It’s the challenge. Yes, right. There’s there’s there’s putting a beautiful building on paper. Right. And then there’s like you said, there’s the reality of can we physically do this? Um, you know, our, our, our framing crew invested in new technology that helped them lay the project out. Like David had mentioned, there’s there’s radiused walls all over the space, right? So they had had they not invested in this equipment, it would have been next to impossible to get everything right. Um. But having regular on site meetings with the folks as the project was being built was the only way that we could work through, you know, kind of the I didn’t I didn’t I didn’t anticipate that coming up sort of stuff. Right. Right. And there was and there was quite a bit of that and not so much on the side of, you know, maybe things that weren’t thought out in the design process, but stuff that popped up because we were building this into an existing space, right. Which which had its own unique issues long before anybody got involved in that.

David Schopp: [00:10:33] So and, you know, one of the things you hit a really good point there, Dustin, and that is that, you know, weekly meetings are critical and documenting things. And even it is a daily pulse on the job, too, and you have to keep the job flowing. So it’s important that the architect, the contractor and the owner are constantly in communication so that so that the all the information is flowing and keeping people moving so they don’t have a down and and, you know, back to the issue of, you know, is it what we thought it would be? Very much so. And again, one of the things we’re usually tasked with is let’s get it budgeted, let’s get it, let’s get it scheduled. And we had a budget to hold. We knew what our vision was and we put exactly what was on that paper, on those renderings is exactly we put in the space. Dustin I don’t believe we compromised on anything. It looks like the initial renderings did and probably better.

Dustin Dubios: [00:11:25] Yeah. No, I mean, I think really the biggest challenge we had on that project was was Air systems. And again, it was an existing thing and working, working around that system that we couldn’t, we couldn’t change. So.

David Schopp: [00:11:41] Right, right. 100%. And it was an existing occupied library that we had to work on a fifth floor with badging and at COVID times and, you know, escalations and all those things, not just COVID, but we were dealing with, hey, the price of copper is going up. And no, I didn’t hear that. Sorry, you’ve got the wrong number. And but we figured out a way to get through it. Right. And we we did. And, you know, the trade partners worked with us and we figured out a way to still keep this thing on budget. So total success.

Lee Kantor: [00:12:10] Now, you mentioned that the success of the project currently and that people are coming from all over the country, all over the world to kind of take a look at this and kind of dream big dreams for themselves that maybe we can make an innovation center where we are. Are you do you have any advice for folks who are at the beginning stages of building out their own innovation centers? What are some kind of key do’s and don’ts from what you learned through this project? It sounds like communication is an important one.

David Schopp: [00:12:43] Communications are important. I believe that like any project, you have to have a fully defined program up front. Otherwise the project will get away from you. We call it scope creep, and the vision is important. You can’t you can’t design the vision as you go. You need a vision. You need a program. And you put pencil to paper, put your pencils down and move forward. So, Dustin, go ahead.

Dustin Dubios: [00:13:09] No, I mean, it’s everything, right? I try and explain to my clients on every project that, you know, it’s like sharpening the ax before you start swinging on the tree, right? You got to take the time upfront to think through everything you possibly can because by the time we start building, it’s, it’s it’s far too late to make changes efficiently because you’ve got such specialized material and products going in there that you have to and especially in today’s market, you have to purchase equipment, you know, long, long or far ahead of when you need it on the project.

David Schopp: [00:13:48] So we didn’t have this problem then, but right now, Crestron Controls are 70 weeks out. Our project was at 70 weeks long. I think our project was 40 weeks, whatever it was. So there’s things that are problematic right now in the marketplace that it’s it’s identifying what it is you need. Like you’re saying, Justin ahead of time. And one of the things that this and every space has technology but this space correct me if I’m wrong, Dustin was uniquely just full of technology on every corner. And so if you’re not if you’re not incorporating that into the design and having that information up front, it’ll slow a job down. And we had a good partner with NSU and our collective teams to make sure that that, that that happened.

Dustin Dubios: [00:14:37] Yeah, I would say also, you know in in that planning phase, making sure you know who the users are going to be, at least everybody you can possibly figure on and getting their involvement and their input into those spaces because there was definitely some changes that had to be made as the end users came in and said, Well, you know, we need to adjust this here or there. And it wasn’t anything substantial. But, you know, getting their involvement during the construction process or sooner is super helpful as well.

Lee Kantor: [00:15:06] So now for the folks who haven’t been over there, can you share some of your favorite parts of the center?

Dustin Dubios: [00:15:16] I’ll tell you for for for me it’s the. And forgive me. I don’t know the name of it anymore. I forgot. But there’s there’s temporary walls that that kind of accordion up into the ceiling. They drop down to make different meeting spaces. So they’re complicated to begin with, but they’re also soundproof. So it was a very difficult detail, and that one required a lot of collaboration between the design team, the construction and the and the supplier of the product. I don’t remember where it came from. It was out of the country.

David Schopp: [00:15:50] Yeah, Skyfall was the product. Skyfall.

Dustin Dubios: [00:15:53] That’s it. Right. So and it had to be rushed into very, very tight tolerances. Um. But at the end of the day, everything got put in. It’s functional and it’s and it’s soundproof. It’s an impressive space.

David Schopp: [00:16:08] And but to Lee’s question like like from a visitor perspective, it’s a cool space because you hit one button and all these six walls just kind of come down slowly. They don’t fall on top of you. And then it creates like these, these multiple spaces that can be used for different functions. You know, I think, you know, I think the most unique, the the most, I guess sought after unique space in that facility is a cyber lab. You know, it’s kind of a I don’t it’s ranked some us you know army I don’t know it’s ranked it’s ranked as one of these top grade facilities in the country where it’s completely cyber secure. But there’s a really wonderful room at the end of the building. I call it the Kiva. You know, where you have we built you remember those platforms and they had to be fire rated. And we built these really cool wood platforms where they can gather 100 people in there and they’ve got a video wall up front and they have great functions in there to to for whether it’s a class or whether we’re bringing folks through there and explain to them, you know, how some type of new technology or innovation works. So that’s that’s where I would take them first because it’s very impressive.

Lee Kantor: [00:17:15] Now, was there anything you mentioned some surprises when the end user starts using the space and then, you know, they’re asking for things that would be useful for them? Um, are you finding that the folks that are coming in there and taking part of activities there and using the space, is this are they kind of blown away? I would imagine just walking in their heads explode?

Dustin Dubios: [00:17:43] I’ll tell you, I haven’t I haven’t met anybody that’s been through the space that that hasn’t just gotten super excited. And when they when they want to tell you about it and there’s very few people, frankly, that that haven’t been through the space just to see it. It’s been it’s been quite a showpiece. So and everybody’s extremely impressed with it.

David Schopp: [00:18:07] And, you know, they’re very accommodating, too. I mean, the folks here, John, in particular, if we it’s created what’s really wonderful is I feel we’ve created a great friendship at the center. I mean, we’ve been to events there and they’re very complimentary, complimentary of our assistance and our teaming with them. And so it’s kind of come it’s a great space. I like to get there more often, but if I have an event that I wanted to host, that’s the first place that I would call and ask, Look, I want to host, I want to bring people up there, showcase it and be able to have a great place to have have that function.

Lee Kantor: [00:18:45] So now, Dustin, if somebody wants to connect with you and learn more about construction, can you share a website coordinates?

Dustin Dubios: [00:18:55] Sure. I mean, our website is just w ww.construction.com. Um, if you want to connect with me personally, LinkedIn is always the best way to get in touch with me and David.

Lee Kantor: [00:19:08] The best way to get a hold of you and your team.

David Schopp: [00:19:10] Yeah. So you know it’s we’re the company is sharp project developments. I’m sharp. My partner, I’m sharp. He’s sharp but sharp. Project development. Our website is sharp Project comm proj for short. And we’re also I’m also on LinkedIn, of course, and we’ve been doing this. We’ve been in business since 1990. And all we do is project management, always representation on everything from this. We call this a tenant improvement build out project to ground up. So and I know Dustin’s of the same, so we partner on other projects and we’re looking forward to doing more work with Dustin and his team.

Lee Kantor: [00:19:48] And then I would imagine each of you are starting to get calls from folks around the world maybe about building innovation centers in their neck of the woods. Are you finding that to be the case?

Dustin Dubios: [00:20:03] I haven’t gotten any calls for international yet, but we’re definitely getting calls. And I think, like David alluded to.

Dustin Dubios: [00:20:10] The team at the innovation has been, for lack of a better term, I think big cheerleaders of the entire project.

David Schopp: [00:20:16] Big, big advocates of ours.

David Schopp: [00:20:17] Yes. And that’s what all we want when we finish a project. We just want to know that we can hang it on the wall and use that folks to reference and go look. Yeah, they did a great job. We’d call them again in a heartbeat. And you know, we’ve been told by John and Alan if we do any more work here or modifications, you’re the first folks we’re going to call. So that’s all I really want to hear.

Dustin Dubios: [00:20:39] Yeah. One thing Lee and I forgot to mention, though, if anybody’s interested, we, we, we did monthly updates on the project videos, so if anybody’s interested, you can kind of see the project come come to life on on Dwr’s YouTube channel as well.

Lee Kantor: [00:20:57] So and, and just the fact to build something like this an innovation center just in its name it really speaks to the the priorities of a university. You know, building out one of these centers is so critical to the brand of the university and what it’s trying to accomplish.

Dustin Dubios: [00:21:21] Absolutely.

David Schopp: [00:21:22] Yeah. It’s it’s it’s.

David Schopp: [00:21:23] It’s been a big boost to the university. I mean, it’s they’re doing so many things. They’re going to be building a cancer center. This NSU has become this real institution and I think this has helped them kind of step it up a notch.

Lee Kantor: [00:21:36] Well, thank you, gentlemen, for being part of the show. You’re doing such important work and we appreciate you.

David Schopp: [00:21:42] Thank you for. Thanks.

Lee Kantor: [00:21:43] All right. This is Lee Kantor. We’ll see you all next time on Innovation Radio.

Intro: [00:21:55] This episode of Innovation Radio was brought to you by the world’s first theme park for entrepreneurs, the Levant Center of Innovation, the only innovation center in the nation to support the founder’s journey from birth of an idea through successful exit or global expansion. If you are ready to launch or scale your business, please check out the Levant Center of Innovation by visiting Nova. Edu Forward Slash Innovation.