About Spencer Rose:
Spencer Rose has lived on the West side of Chicago since the age of seven. He is the founder of Creative Construction, a home repair and remodeling company based out of Chicago. His clientele includes individuals and homes as close as Chicago and as far away as Blue Island, Illinois. If you are in need of masonry, siding, gutters, or home repairs, then Spencer Rose is your man.
Getting Started:
Spencer’s inspiration for his home repair business came from his mother, who was a carpenter by trade. His mother taught him the skills needed to go out on his own and start his own business. He began in the 1990’s and believes that his business offers a “service that provides a homeowner with top quality work and also meets deadlines.” Spencer was connected with ACCION after completing the Merit Program through the Jane Adams Hull House Association. Merit is an entrepreneurship program that works with formerly incarcerated individuals to assist them with completing a business plan. ACCION provided the capital to buy the necessary tools to get the business up and running.
Working with ACCION:
Spencer received a loan of $2,500 from ACCION Chicago to buy tools. He says ACCION Loan Officer Kyama Kitavi made the loan process very easy. “Once my application was turned in, there was no pressure, no hidden fee, and no surprises from ACCION.” The loan helped Spencer purchase tools such as saws, nails, compressors, and ladders, which allowed him to accept more jobs and grow his business.
Looking Ahead:
Since receiving an ACCION loan, Spencer has been able to take on many more clients in Chicago and surrounding areas. He works on all different types of houses and is continuing to establish his business with new clients every day. In the future, he would like to purchase two trucks and hire a permanent crew so that he can continue to expand his business. Meanwhile, he says he is grateful for his wife, who acts as “Chief Operating Officer…she takes care of the contracts, receipts, and technology.”
Words of Wisdom
Spencer’s advice for new entrepreneurs is “Don’t be scared—jump in with both feet and don’t look back. If you need to look back, then don’t look back with regret!
Spencer Rose, ACCION Client and Owner of Creative Construction
Support this small business:
Creative Construction
5256 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60644
Neighborhood: Chicago and surrounding suburbs
