Episode 3: Jacob Shapiro-Vero Design Build
In this episode, we sit down with Jacob Shapiro. Jacob is the quintessential Skevanstonite, and a true jack of all trades. He is the owner of Vero Design + Build, which is a design and general contracting company based in Chicago. Jacob grew up in Evanston and now lives in Skevanston with his wife Mira and their two kids.
The episode weaves through his connection to construction, the background of his business, and his family’s connection to the area. Jacob’s family moved to Evanston in the 1950’s. His grandfather, Sam Sherwin, was a prominent local real estate agent, developer and true role model. Jacob met his wife in Evanston, whose family are long-time friends of his family. Some may say it was an arranged marriage.
Jacob is the owner of Vero Design + Build. They self-perform carpentry and millwork, and general contract as well. They work on primarily commercial work, and do work on select residential projects.
Jacob discusses the struggles of being an entrepreneur, having a business partner and what his why is. He also talks about his largest project to date, the Publishing House Bed and Breakfast https://publishinghousebnb.com/ He then talks about his current projects one of which being in Evanston.
The discussion then goes towards Skevanston, which Jacob says is, “A place to be.” He talks about what things he’d like to see in the area like a local coffee shop and place to hang out. Once we crack the code of parking requirements.
Jacob then talks about his dream job, which would be to work on a school project. We then talk about our high school’s buildings and their quirks and positives. We talk about the old Ida Crown Jewish Academy building where I attended as compared to their new building in Skokie, and we also talk about Evanston Township High School where Jacob went.
Learn more about Vero here http://www.verollc.com.
I’d like to thank several people for help with today’s show. This includes my real estate brokerage, Dreamtown Realty in Evanston for helping me with my graphics for the show, and Jacob Shapiro at Vero Design and Build for being a guest on the show. I’d like to thank Industrious in Evanston for use of their space to record follow them on Instagram at @industriousevanston. And if listening to this podcast gave you the bug to buy or sell real estate, give me call or go to my real estate website at http://www.aaronmasliansky.com. And don’t forget to subscribe! Thank you.
