As the principal of Avo Construction, Rocco Basile is involved in all aspects of the Tribeca-based boutique construction company’s operations, including oversight of the departments charged with new construction and interior renovation projects. Drawing on a lifetime of successful experience in New York’s construction and real estate industries, Rocco founded Avo Construction in 2011. In the time since its founding, Avo Construction has built a sterling reputation thanks to its value-engineering capabilities and hands-on approach to high-end construction and renovation projects.
1. In your own words what do you do?
My primary role with Avo Construction is overseeing our new construction and interior renovations departments, which allows me to ensure we continue to emphasize an exacting, detail-oriented approach while consistently adhering to the loftiest of workmanship standards in every project we take on.
2. What led you to your current business?
I had the great fortune of being born into a construction family, so I spent my formative years learning about everything that goes into every phase of a construction project. Naturally, I eventually entered the construction business as well, and after close to two decade’s worth of experience in the New York construction and real estate industries, I decided to found Avo Construction in 2011.
3. Could you walk us through your process of developing your business?
Despite the economic climate of the time, I knew that Avo Construction would be a success as long as we focused on attracting the best and brightest professionals capable of offering diverse areas of industry expertise. Even at the peak of the recession, our focus on recruiting talented construction professionals allowed us to generate immediate interest and to ultimately excel as a high-end, boutique construction company.
4. Did you encounter any particular difficulties in the beginning?
I founded Avo in 2011, which was hardly an ideal time to found a new business in any industry, let alone high-end, boutique construction. Like I mentioned before, I was resolute in my belief that any economic challenges we might encounter could be easily overcome by focusing on recruiting the most talented professionals the construction industry had to offer.
5. What is your long-term plan?
Growing up in New York, I know precisely what the landscape of the city means to the people who live here as well as those who visit. We intend to transform the landscape of this great city in a way that leaves every visitor awestruck while also ensuring New Yorkers continue to experience a sense of pride each and every time they catch a glimpse of the skyline and landscape that plays such an important role in shaping the city’s unique identity.
6. Could you share with us some industry insights?
In construction, there are few things more important than having an experienced and talented team of professionals in place, particularly when it comes to exceeding the expectations of everyone involved in the project, whether it is the client, the designers, architects, or engineers. I believe this is true regardless of the industry, and every entrepreneur should keep in mind that an idea or strategy is only as strong as the team members charged with executing it.
7. What are some important lessons you’ve learnt about entrepreneurship?
Growing up in a construction family, I learned very early on how outsized or unchecked egos adversely affect a project’s outcome; the best results were always the product of a total lack of ego among team members, all of whom were willing to accept input and implement new ideas — provided that the input or idea could clearly improve some aspect of the project.
8. Any tips for achieving success?
I founded my company at a time most entrepreneurs viewed as “inopportune,” but I did so anyway because I had the utmost confidence in Avo Construction’s future. With the right amount of planning and preparation, any sound entrepreneurial endeavor will be successful — even if the timing appears to be less than ideal.
