When you have the opportunity to ask some of the most interesting people in the world about their lives, sometimes the most fascinating answers come from the simplest questions. The Maxtern Media Questionnaire is an ongoing series that gives an intimate look inside the lives of some of the world’s most successful people.
What led you to this career path?
Sergei Kaminskiy: Stating at a very early age I would buy candies in bulk, repackage them and later sell them in smaller quantities for a profit. When I moved to San Diego i started working as a laborer on a construction site for a remodeling company in Rancho Santa Fe. This was something that was interesting to me. I wanted to learn more about home remodels and construction. I was learning a lot every day. We would work 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. I didn’t have time to spend money, so I ended up saving a pretty good amount of money during this period. Fast forward a year and a half and I was married and quickly realized that making $17 per hour would not allow me the lifestyle that I was desperate to have. My wife Elena and I opened up a handyman business and we would wake up at 4 Am and walk door to door and pass out flyers in different neighborhoods. Opening up my own business and starting to grow it from scratch taught me what a strong work ethic really is. I would work 16-18 hours daily.
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The truth is, it rarely felt like work because we were building a legacy for ourselves and our family. Our handyman business grew rapidly and within a few years, I was able to get my contractor’s license. We renamed our company and Kaminskiy Design and Remodeling was born. Now we’ve been in business for almost 17 years and have won multiple awards in San Diego. Named San Diego’s Best for multiple years and in different categories of construction and remodeling. With our business becoming successful and me optimizing it to run on its own, I was able to dedicate more of my time to start investing in real estate.
What are some of the challenges you face?
Sergei Kaminskiy: The most challenging time in my life was when the Scottsdale, Arizona investment was not going to plan. We were losing lots of money every month and at the same time, I was building a business in San Diego. There were days when I literally worked 23 hours a day to make it through.
Who and what are your biggest influences/inspiration.?
Sergei Kaminskiy: There are many successful business people that I look up to as well as some successful athletes that a lot can be learned from. My dad was my biggest inspiration to start in business. I watched him come to this country and build an import/export business from scratch without knowing how to even speak English. Watching my dad, I saw that having your own business allows you the freedom and flexibility that I wanted in my life. However, I have always been a very driven person and didn’t need much motivation from others.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Sergei Kaminskiy: My greatest achievement as an entrepreneur is that we were able to build Kaminskiy Design and Remodeling into a company that runs on its own. With the minimal time required from me to keep it running smoothly. This allowed me to focus on investments and development projects that I really have a passion for.
What are some of your other passions?
Sergei Kaminskiy: Real Estate, Design, Remodeling, and many more.
What is next on the horizon for you?
Sergei Kaminskiy: I want Kaminskiy Design and Remodeling to be the next big thing in the industry. Comfort and Luxury Style combined into one. I want to inspire people to make their vision a reality. We really need creative people to show off their skills. The world is full of things that aren’t even that good. My goal is to create everything with perfection and passion.
Stay connected with Sergei Kaminskiy via Instagram @sergeikaminskiy
