With a unique approach that intertwines business acumen, construction expertise, and the intricate world of real estate development, Highspire is dedicated to transforming construction businesses into self-managed enterprises that not only survive but thrive in today’s competitive market. Through Paul Atherton’s leadership, Highspire has pioneered a comprehensive program offering unparalleled business coaching and capital investment opportunities aimed at enabling construction company owners to unlock their full potential, ensuring long-term success and financial prosperity. Join us as Paul shares his journey, the driving force behind Highspire, and how it stands out in delivering tailored tools and expert guidance to its clients.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Highspire is a coaching and capital company that transforms construction businesses into self-managed enterprises that develop and build their own real estate projects. It offers a comprehensive program combining business coaching and capital investment opportunities.
What made you want to do this work?
My goal was to create a business with people I respect and admire. Highspire has brought together the diverse talents of some of these individuals in an extraordinary way.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
There are three key paths to building wealth:
- Running a business that capitalizes on your expertise.
- Developing skills to acquire and grow valuable assets.
- Mastering the strategic buying and selling of assets to build wealth over time.
Construction company owners are uniquely positioned to succeed in all three areas simultaneously with the right support. Highspire offers this support through expert guidance and tailored tools.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Highspire’s clientele consists of construction business owners looking to optimize their businesses into becoming self-managed companies with the aim to diversify into real estate development, and achieve long-term financial success. These clients range from small to mid-sized construction companies seeking to scale and invest.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
Highspire makes money through its coaching program and capital investment arm. The coaching arm provides a paid service that helps construction companies optimize their businesses and eventually expand into real estate development. The capital arm co-invests in select real estate projects, creating investment opportunities for clients and generating returns on these investments.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Highspire is fully remote with co-founders in Victoria, Vancouver, and Seattle.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Question: “How will your program specifically help me transform my construction business into a successful self-managed enterprise?”
Answer: “Our program is modelled after companies that have successfully built self-managed organizations with significant real estate portfolios. We offer consulting services that guide business owners step-by-step, from optimizing their existing construction company to creating self-sustaining entities, and eventually expanding into a self-managed enterprise. Through expert coaching, peer-collaborative learning, and access to our capital arm for co-investment opportunities, we provide a comprehensive path to not only sustain but also grow your business.”
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is the excitement of building a unique business that doesn’t exist elsewhere. The worst part is living with the temptation to never stop working.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
When I was a young university graduate on a construction site, I innocently introduced myself as an engineer during formal introductions around the boardroom table. Everyone chuckled, and the site manager quipped, “We won’t hold that against you.”
Where can we follow you?
Highspire: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
TQ Construction, located in Burnaby, is owned by Henri Belisle, who exemplifies everything a business leader should be. He has a deep commitment to both his team and the community.
