Sarasota Small Business of the Year Awards: International Construction Consultants

WINNER

David McCulla mapped out everything from costs to revenue when he started International Construction Consultants in 2006.

For the first three years, the company was in line with its costs, but an unfortunate turn of events made him suddenly change his plans.

On Memorial Day weekend 2008, McCulla’s youngest son was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Then, one year later, McCulla’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.

For two years, McCulla changed his business plan and put his family first.

“I had to sort of put everything on hold,” says McCulla. “I took a step back and said, ‘OK, let’s consolidate and let’s maintain.’”

ICC flatlined in terms of growth and expansion during those two years, but it survived and remained successful.

Now that McCulla’s son’s cancer is in remission and his wife is on her last round of treatment, McCulla is ready to pick up right where he left off.

“We’re putting a new plan into place,” says McCulla. “We’re expanding, doing more advertising and going to more trade shows.

“I’m one of these types where I’d rather achieve something in small steps. When you take steps that are too big, you can end up tripping and falling on your face. We are progressing, and that’s what’s important.”

AT A GLANCE 

Address: 905 Town Center Parkway, Suite 110, Sarasota
Start date: 2006
Number of employees when started: Three
Number of employees now: Eight
Advice: A company is only as good as its staff. You need a strong staff in order to have a successful business.
Biggest challenge: Adapting
Where do you see your business a year from now? We’re planning on growing. I’d like to have another two or three people on board by next year.