Jared D’Argenio is a successful business consultant based out of Delray Beach, Florida. Growing up, D’Argenio took interest in the construction industry and possessed an innate ability to understand how things work. With a passion for innovation, his unique skill set eventually paved the way for his current occupation as a construction consultant.
D’Argenio now works for MEP World Group, where he works to improve various product and service inefficiencies related to existing construction methods. During his time with the company, he has been instrumental on the development of several graphene-based technologies, all of which are at the cutting edge of innovation. His specific focus is to improve the performance of items often subject to corrosion, eliminating root causes of structural deficiencies in concrete. Possessing a relentless drive and work ethic, Jared D’Argenio hopes to continue innovating the construction industry.
Where did the idea for your company come from?
I was brought in as a consultant to a different concrete reinforcement company, and ironically that is where I met the company that I consult for now. I met the engineer at that former company, and together we ascertained that not only could we improve upon the products that we were originally brought together to consult on, but we could also invent other products that could be complementary to that industry.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I split the time between in-field operations, laboratory operations, and general administrative oversight. We are currently focused on the seawall industry, so we spend a lot of time evaluating current deteriorating seawalls and what is causing them to be defective. We take that information back to the laboratory, where we analyze how we can make improvements. We begin working with different types of materials and resins and various off-shelf materials. Once we have a working model, we document our findings and prove our theories using mathematics and accepted standard practices. It’s all in a day’s work as a research and development-based company.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Trial and error. We have a basic set of resins and something called basalt fiber. We work exclusively with basalt fibers and employ different ways of using those fibers to solve problems that were typically solved using steel.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The ability to improve current construction methodologies with sustainable materials that will not harm the environment and that will more than double the life expectancy of current methods.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
In my industry organization is essential. In construction, it is crucial that all projects remain on schedule and all tasks be completed on time. Being organized is the best way to ensure optimal results.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell myself that it is okay to make mistakes so long as you reflect on each negative experience as a learning opportunity.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
Just because it has been done a certain way for the last one hundred years does not mean it is the best way to do it.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
As a professional I am an avid note taker. As mentioned previously, I am a very organized individual so I like to plan my day and execute tasks accordingly.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
Our strategy has been to identify new materials before they become mainstream, early adoption of new science, and a willingness to fall several times before we walk.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest failure has been blind faith. I have stopped trusting other people and decided it would be better for me to bet on my own abilities than to try to fit my skill set into other people’s ideas.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why? (personal or professional)
I purchased a report on global trends in the energy sector. I’m not at liberty to discuss what I’ve learned from that because it’s one of our current technologies, but it validated some of the ideas that we have.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I mostly just use Google. I’ve also recently started using Monday.com to stay organized.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
The Gold Coast by Nelson DeMille. It’s got nothing to do with anything that I’m involved with, but it explains the evolution of the Gold Coast of Long Island where I grew up. It charts some of the early pioneers, from JP Morgan to Vanderbilt to Rockefeller, and follows the success of people like that and the results that it can yield, both from a humanitarian standpoint as well as a monetary one.
What is your favorite quote?
You can teach skills to people, but you cannot teach them to have passion.
