0:01 - Andy
Okay, so Madeline, you're a little low energy today. You've been working all day.


0:05 - Madeline
Working in the heat with flowers.


0:07 - Andy
Yes. And we have a few flowers over here that you used to decorate a wedding. Just extras. But this podcast preview was done previously, but now we're doing our preview today. But you're a little low energy, but listening to the lobby episode, did that perk your energy up at all?


0:24 - Madeline
I thought the whole, from what I heard, the episode was inspiring. I feel like just his life is inspiring, how he went from being a refugee and going from all that into America and doing what he does now.


0:38 - Andy
What did you find interesting about it?


0:40 - Andy
Well, definitely that was a big part of it and the mentality of somebody that's been through those experiences and how that's impacted his life, Lobby, how it's impacted his life, how it's impacted his business and his mindset of going into construction and business. So he does, our episode today is with Lobby, and he, I never did actually get the correct pronunciation of his name, so I apologize for that. I'll have to get that later. But Lobby is a developer, he's a contractor, he buys houses. And so one of the things we really talked about was just obviously him being a refugee and how that impacts him, how that changes his mindset, but also how he believes he really helps these people when he buys their houses. He's doing that, he's doing construction, and so in his mind he's really making the world a better place by helping these people to give them a fair price, give them a reasonable price, and not take advantage of people. So those are a few things that I gained from it. We say that we want to inspire, educate, entertain. I feel like the definitely inspiration piece was very high on this, but also learned some educational aspects and it's lobby, so it was entertaining. So did you have anything else you wanted to add?


2:09 - Madeline
I think that was it.


2:10 - Andy
Let's shoot to the intro. Okay. My name is Andy Richardson. I'm a professional engineer and I've been doing this 26 years. This is my producer, Madeline. And this is the Enhance AEC podcast where we learn the why of professionals in the AEC so that you can learn your why.


2:28 - Andy
Let's jump to the intro.


2:31 - Madeline
Welcome to Enhance, an AEC podcast where we learn the why behind AEC professionals so that you can learn your why.


2:39 - Madeline
So yeah, welcome to the podcast.


2:41 - Andy
Yeah. So this isn't your first podcast it sounds like, You've done one or two before.


2:48 - Labi
Yeah, a few. Awesome.


2:50 - Andy
Well, I'm glad to have you in here. Hey, I got a curveball opener for you here. What is a non-real estate skill that surprisingly helps you in business? Wow.


3:01 - Labi
Well, thank you so much for inviting me out here. We've been looking forward to do this for a while. Yeah, for sure. And just being here at Enhanced Podcast, it's pretty cool.


3:14 - Andy
Yeah.


3:15 - Labi
Very cool.


3:16 - Labi
it. Definitely glad to have you in.


3:19 - Andy
Yes. Let's see.


3:20 - Labi
Tell me again. Yes.


3:22 - Andy
So Kerbal Opener and you know I just like to open it up. Fun. Yes. For you. And so yeah I mean what's a non real estate skill that surprisingly helps you in your business.


3:38 - Labi
That's a pretty good one. I think, well, a lot of people, you know, they tell me about, a lot of people are intrigued by when they hear my accent. Yeah. So I guess that's kind of, sometimes it's just something that, you know, they didn't expect it. Sure. So I would say that'd be something that, non-skilled, so I didn't, you know, I didn't have to work at it. It's just, you know, obviously, yes, learn English, but the accent is probably going to be there forever. Right. I wasn't born here to, you know, to learn English and everything, so the accent will be there.


4:31 - Andy
Yeah, well, let's definitely jump right into that. Can you just tell us, like, a little bit about your background? Where you're from and...


4:41 - Labi
Oh yes, that's a big one. So, born in... I was born and raised in Kosovo, so not a lot of people know where Kosovo is. It's interesting that, you know, there's so many people, especially these days with Ukraine and, you know, they They kind of have an idea and they think everything is just right there near what's happening in the world today. But anyway, Kosovo is a super small country. It's like less than 2 million people. But it's Eastern Europe. It's bordered with Albania, Montenegro. And Albania. Okay. So, a lot of people...what I tell people is, like, driving, it's about six hours to Greece. So, when you mention Greece and Italy and, you know, those famous places, they can kind of, you know, get an idea where...or, you know, how close Kosovo is. So, it's about six hours driving to Greece.


6:04 - Andy
Okay.


6:04 - Labi
So, Albania is on the ocean, you know, they have the beach and a beautiful place. So, we're a border with Albania. In fact, we have the same language, same blood, but two different countries. And so, they're, yeah, so they're, I would say, what's that, coast? So they're on the coast. So we're right behind Albania. Okay. So, coast.


6:39 - Andy
Yeah, but, so originally from Kosovo and, I mean, you're a war refugee, like you dealt with. Yes. You had to go through that experience. Yes. Which I think was a significant part of your story, right? That's right.


6:55 - Labi
Do you mind sharing some of that? Not at all. Not at all. So it's been, this is 2025, so Kosovo War was, it started 1998, Kosovo War with Serbia, and ended mid-1999. So during that time, I was 12 years old. Of course, we experienced, the whole Kosovo really, experienced the war. And what Serbia was doing to Kosovo or Albanians during that time, about two years really. This went on for about two years, with war basically. It was kind of, gosh, how do I put this? Milosevic was the main guy who died then after the war in Hague, in the jail, but he was a modern Hitler. That's what he did to Kosovo because they did a lot of killings, you know, children, women, old people, new people. They basically went to every single town. And whoever stayed at home, they were either killed or burned or massacred. And that was probably the hardest thing in this war because they did a lot of massacres. And there are still actually Actually, after 25 years, there are still, I believe, more than 3,000 people still absent. Is that the word? That they don't know where they are. Yeah, like missing. Missing. Yes, exactly. Exactly. Missing. Yes, that's the word. Still after all this time. But yes, the Serbians, they came through my village because I grew up in a village. And we had to flee, get on the tractor. And we had to flee, go to the, just to, you know, to next village. And from that, went to the forest, hiding from them and stayed there a couple nights. And then they actually came. So then, you know, I mean, they knew where we were, because like, where are you going to go hide it from them? You couldn't. But they came, the military, the Serbian military, they came and they took us, like, you know, bunch of people, children, women, older men, mostly, because the young men, you know, who were kind of, you know, 18 and above, they would take them. So it was mostly women, old men, and children. And so they took us, then we went. Albania as a refugee. Stayed there for about four months. And then after the war ended, we came back home. And we'll get into this in a little bit, but that's why we say most Kosovars, if not all, we say number one is God, and number two is America, because they saved us.


10:42 - Andy
Amen. Well, and I love the patriotism that you bring, and obviously we share the same faith, so I love that as well, but like for example on your phone when you call us it says Lobby USA. It's got the flag. You're very patriotic to the U.S., so I really love that about you, and it reminds me like we live in a great country, and so it's just a really story that you have, a really awesome story you have. But we do want to talk about, you know, how that impacts you as a business owner. You're in the construction industry, and so how did that impact, you know, what you do now? How did those experiences impact what you do now as a business owner, and specifically in the construction industry?


11:36 - Labi
Yeah, my past?


11:38 - Andy
Yeah, how did your experiences impact what you're doing now?


11:43 - Labi
Yes, yes, yes. It's hard to explain everything, of course, but I would say, you know, just basically I grew up in a village, you know, village life. And in a poor family, poor village, now that the war has ended 25 years, of course, everything has changed. You know, because everything is modern and, you know, a bunch of organizations came to help Kosovo rebuild and now it has rebuilt itself and whatnot. So it's a totally different country, different lifestyle as well. But before the war, it was a lot of poverty for sure. And so, you know, we didn't have, growing up, we didn't have a lot at all, but we, You know, we had cows and fields to plant and, of course, eat from the fields that we, you know, we plant from the harvest. And so, always grew up with a mentality, always working hard. That's, you know, you had to...if you're not working, you're out with the cows. Working hard and obviously coming to the United States, it's a dream come true. Not just for me, but, you know, that's why everyone wants to come here because they want to come and have and live that American dream, you know, the freedom and, you know, be able to work and have money, have a good life. Have a car and have a house and have its own business and whatnot. But I'm super, super grateful that I'm here. God has opened so many doors. It's unbelievable. And just that life experience growing up and never give up and never, you know, just be thankful and work hard, really. Those experience that I'm grateful and just, you know, keep pushing. Yeah. Okay. Thanks for that feedback.


14:05 - Andy
And I mean, so just so I can share with the audience, I mean, you're a founder and owner of LK Advantage Property Solutions, which is here in Beaufort, South Carolina. It's an investment company. It's a real estate company, construction. I guess maybe share a little bit about what it is you're actually do and how that impacts the community? What do you actually do with LK Advantage?


14:34 - Labi
Yes, so when Things Change decided to come to the United States, which this, just three weeks ago, literally, was my 11th year, 11th anniversary since I got here, so I got here February 14th of 2014. So on Valentine's Day, on a love days, I fell in love with America. But I did not know what I was going to do. I mean, especially real estate, no way. But what I knew, Andy, what I knew is it's America. We've heard that scene in the movies. Seen, you know, other people, television, that in America, you can do pretty much anything. So, you have that already, that in your mind that, you know, if you can make it to America, you can do anything. So, I knew coming to United States, I'm, you know, I'm gonna be here, I'm gonna live here, but I'm gonna have my own business. What exactly? I had no idea. I didn't know. But this opportunity came, presented itself, doing real estate, and then we jumped on it in 2015. So got here 2014, February, we made a decision to open and do real estate January of 2015. It's been 10 years in real estate with LK Advantage. And so, basically, lots to learn. We've done a lot, but we help people. And we help people, you know, especially in this community, there are so many distressed properties. Yeah, a lot. In the last three years, I would say it's changed a lot. But since we've started, especially when we started, there are so many neighborhoods that are just so many distressed properties. So basically, we reach out to them, say, OK, advantage us. We're local. We're here. If you're in a position or in a situation to sell your house as is, just give us a call or, you know, let us know somehow, get in touch with us and then we'll come and meet at your house. We'll take a look at the house and then we'll, within, you know, a day or two, we'll meet again, give you an offer on the house and we'll buy it as is. So there is no realtor fees and there is no other you know, contingency, you know, such as you have to change this or make this. Basically, it's as is. So we, a lot of our, you know, if I say, if I can say maybe clients, but people who we've helped, they love simplicity. And that's what I like to do or try to do is to keep it simple with people who are in a situation where, you know, it's either a foreclosure or they just want to move or they can't, you know, they're older and they cannot keep up with a yard or with a house because it needs so much work and it's this, you know, it's an old house. So, and then, you know, we just buy it directly from the homeowner.


18:32 - Andy
Yeah. Okay. And so, you see that as really helping the homeowner out. Absolutely.


18:38 - Labi
Absolutely. Because in fact, right now we're going through an older lady, 87 years old. She's lived in that house here in Beaufort, in a pretty good location for over 30 years with her husband. He was in the service and he died a couple years ago. So she's old now and just, she needs to move in with her sister. She's been, you know, in that house as much as she can, but she has some medical situation issues now where she cannot keep up with. She called me January 1st, right after the new year, this year, January 1st. I wasn't expecting a call for real estate on January 1st, but it was pretty awesome. Went out there, sat, you know, with her. And then, you know, made an offer, accepted, went back, we signed the paperwork this Friday. I said, you know, so the way we love helping these people is you want to sell, this is the price, this is the price you're walking away with. Because we will not ask you to put any money in your house or ask you to fix anything. It's zero. As is, literally as is. And we even many times pay the closing costs. So we're closing this Friday. We're closing this Friday on that house. And she's super happy, just because it's simple. I said, leave everything or take anything you want and leave the rest. I mean, when you live in a house for many, many years, accumulate so much. And you don't have to...this way, you don't have to show the house to...with the realtor or have them call you, hey, I'm bringing clients to see the house or someone interested. No, no, it's zero. So she doesn't have to worry about anything from the day we sign the contract until we close it.


20:55 - Andy
Yeah. Okay. So, I mean, it sounds like you're following what name of the podcast. That's it. You're enhancing the world around us, right? That's it. That's it. But on the other hand, I like that. Some people might say, you know, quite the opposite. How do you address those concerns that maybe people think, you know, LK Advantage is taking advantage of So, not the inappropriate pun, I suppose, but how do you address those questions or concerns? Yes. Have you ever had that come up?


21:31 - Labi
You know, no, not really. Not really because I am, you know, I am grateful to have any opportunity in this country, in this place in Buford. Every opportunity. So I don't take for granted any relationship, any opportunity I have with people. My whole goal was The first one is to help. How can I help this person? What is it that I can help? And the trust is super important. Trust is super important because when I tell them, this is the price and you're walking away with this price, there is not going to be any changes or closer to the closing cost, I'm calling you and saying things or what about this and what about this? Zero. You have nothing to worry about. So, I mean, we have testimonies and testimonies and testimonies and like so many people, so many text messages I can show you that they're just grateful because we gave them the absolute best price. And in fact, I do have other people, other homeowners who we've done business with But they've said, you know, I'm just shopping right now. I don't want to use a realtor. I just, you know, I want to sell it with someone as is. But these days here in Beaufort, it's been, it's pretty, there are a lot of other people who are doing this business. And so they've, you know, I've gone and met some other people. Homeowners who want to sell. And when I gave them my price, they were like, oh, wow, that's almost double from what other guy gave me, which he insulted me and this and that. So I try to give the absolute best price and the condition, you know, and it's not, I mean, I'm going to be here. I live here. I've been living here for 11 years. I'm not going anywhere. I love this place and I don't tend to be rich on one or make thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars on one deal. That's not my goal. So that's why.


24:06 - Andy
Well, that's really good. I'm glad to hear that you are making Beaufort County better You know, I like what you said about how you don't take it for granted, your relationships. And really, we're dealing with things in the construction world, in the real estate world, but really we're dealing with people, right? And so people are so important in terms of how we relate. So that's the first half, I suppose, is the purchase of the property. And then you take that property and improve it or what's the next step?


24:49 - Andy
That's right.


24:50 - Labi
Yeah. You know, in business, in real estate business, I've heard so many times, which is true. It's really paperwork and people. OK. Those two things go a long way. It's about people and paperwork. But yes, we have few options. In fact, in the beginning, I've done a lot of flips. OK. We're gone in there, you know, made the whole absolutely beautiful with the yard and everything else. And that's the other thing. It's not just, you know, helping this person, whoever might be. It's, but I'm helping the neighbors, you know, on each side of the house and across essentially the whole neighborhood by making, you know, the place, the house itself beautiful because it just, you know, brings the property value way much higher to my very close neighbors and the whole neighborhood. I mean, I've done six houses on one street, on one neighborhood that has literally changed the comps for the whole neighborhood. But I started, I was the first one to start in there and I bought the, literally I bought the ugliest, ran-down house that the neighbor behind the house said, we never knew that there was a house because of the growth, you know, that hasn't been taken care of for years and years. And you know how fast things can grow here in Beaufort. They just take off. So I've done that a lot in the beginning. And so now I'm I'm more focused on rentals. Still, you know, still looking to buy, of course. Fixing it's super nice. But what we do is we go in there and furnish everything beautifully and then rent them to travel nurses or short-term, mid-term, long-term. Have that kind of business model now.


27:08 - Andy
Yeah, and there are some, I guess, Beaufort County, you know, they're starting to become, you know, things where it's difficult to do rentals, like short-term rentals, in some of the jurisdictions. Yes. So that's where the, like, the long-term nurses come in, I suppose, right?


27:25 - Labi
That's right, yes. Yeah, there are a lot of areas where, you know, as they say, there are like city, county, and stuff, but then, you know, you're able to run to 30 days plus to a lot of travel nurses, you know, they come two months, three months, so you're still able to help out and run that way.


27:55 - Andy
Yeah. And, you know, I used to see the signs on the road and said, lobby buys houses.


28:03 - Labi
Do you still have those signs? I still do have the signs, but I don't put them up anymore like I used to in the beginning. Yeah, I remember thinking, what is that?


28:15 - Andy
And then I met you one day.


28:17 - Labi
I was like, oh, that's the guy. That's it.


28:20 - Andy
That's it.


28:21 - Andy
That's it. So if you ever see that sign, you know, maybe that's maybe that's what it's about. Yeah. Yeah. But I think there's The thing that I respect about you is taking that experience. I think there's something about People that grew up here like even myself, you know, I mean, I'm an entrepreneur now, but it wasn't something that really occurred to me until later in life, but There's something about immigrants that They see the opportunity here.


28:53 - Labi
Mm-hmm, right?


28:54 - Andy
Do you think that's a Do you see that as a true viewpoint, like the opportunity that we have from your standpoint versus maybe somebody that grew up here and takes it for granted?


29:16 - Labi
Yes. Yes, I do see that a lot. Most of immigrants do take that...take chances in business, to open their own business, to do their own business. Because, you know, we're not like, you know, in most countries, we're not...we didn't grow up with so many opportunities or we didn't see our, you know, brothers or fathers with so many opportunities to do pretty much anything they want. Yes, they worked hard, but it wasn't, you know, they didn't have what you have here in the U.S. So, I see a lot, a lot of, you know, immigrants who do, who do a lot, but it's about, I believe it's about taking chances, you know, and just having, I mean, personally, it's just about having that opportunity, that's it. You know, and the difference is, I think the difference is, you know, with people who grew up here is, you know, sometimes you get comfortable. You know, you just get comfortable. That's your comfort zone. And you know, you grew up here, you see everything. Obviously, you see the opportunities and everything else and probably, you know, most of the time your dad is, you know, has a career. And, but, so you just, you grew up seeing that. But, and then it comes like a living norm sort of a thing. So, but for us, for me, for example, is as soon as I got here, my eyes were like, okay, what's, what am I gonna do here? What's, you know, obviously there's so much work, you can just, you know, and plus I had so many people call me to work for them, but I'm like, no, I need to open my business. Which business am I going to do what I'm going to do? Because I want to take advantage of the opportunity. It's a one-time, you know, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where you can't pass and you just You know, obviously, so much to learn. Sure. So much to learn about your business and people and, you know, you're a brand new person in a brand new country with so many ups and downs, but...


32:05 - Andy
Yeah, so you hit a few failures in your career, I imagine. I mean, did you ever hit any speed bumps or is it all smooth sailing?


32:17 - Labi
There's nothing all smooth. There's nothing all smooth just like the weather a couple days ago was pretty warm and all of a sudden last night and today it's kind of a cold. So, it's never smooth especially in life. But I never consider anything a failure, Andy. I don't use that word. Failure at all, never. It's an opportunity to learn. If something doesn't go quite right or I made a mistake, it's an opportunity to take advantage of that situation to learn. What can I do different? What didn't go right? And what can I do something different to, for example, get that contract that didn't go well or just, you know, add another half bath in a renovation because probably that would have add more to this to, you know, what the buyers require. So I can sell it faster and maybe ask a little bit more. So things like that. Right. Yeah. Take it and learn from it.


33:34 - Andy
And then next time. That's right. Hopefully. So what would you tell somebody who might be considering going into real estate, going into business in the construction industry, that maybe they're an immigrant or maybe they grew up here, but what advice would you give them starting out?


34:00 - Labi
You know, that's a great question. I've had people you know, few people that I know who has seen me in this business saying, you know, I'm planning on doing it or I will do that but once I get some more money or I'm saving money to do this business, you know, and that almost That almost never happens. I mean, I literally came here 2014 with two suitcases. And, you know, I didn't have any money, but it's just that, you know, interest. What's the other word I want to use? The desire to do something. It's really desire and it's mostly it's the desire because you can't go like with the feelings, I feel like doing this or I feel like doing this or I'm going to wait until this settles and then start something, it doesn't happen that way. It's the desire and that was the biggest thing on me to just, you know, if I can find something that someone can show me how to do this, I'm going to do it. I'm going to learn it. I'm going to take risks and I'm just going to jump Jump on it and do it. Because there is no failure. I mean, this is the most amazing country in the world. I came with two suitcases. I don't have anything. How low can I go? I can't. I'm starting from the ground, from zero. So I can't go below zero. Why not take any chances? I mean, what? If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. Sure. Or if I made a mistake or if, you know, it don't matter. It's okay. I am here and there are so many, so much work, so many opportunities. If something, you know, that I really want to do, really love to do, it doesn't, just didn't spark, didn't happen. Sure. It's okay. I'll start something else. But you must have that, So, that's what I would say, you know, and that's what I talk with a lot of people, especially the young generation, Andy, that it's a different mindset completely. I'm sorry, the younger? Generation. Yeah, younger, yeah. Younger generation. Different mentality. Yeah, it's a different mentality and like, you know, it's... Be lazy. Right. Yeah, laziness, it's bad.


37:23 - Andy
Now, I mean, it sounds like there's a significant drive you have for almost like proving somebody wrong. I mean, what is it that's driving you for this, to succeed? Is there something there?


37:42 - Labi
Yes, absolutely. You know... Coming from another country, you're leaving your childhood, your home you grew up, your only place you've known for many, many, many years. Not only that, but you're leaving your parents, leaving your family, which family is super important. It's number one. It's very, very, very important. And so for what? Just to go somewhere and get a job? I mean, you can just stay home and, you know, just ask for help or get a job where you're at your hometown. But so you're making all that sacrifice and leaving, and then you come to a place like this, United States, and you're not taking advantage to do the right thing and help people and grow yourself and, you know, grow a business, have a business, have a life. Where you can, you know, not just for yourself, because anyone can do so much or can do something about their own self, but most important is to be able to create something where you can help others. You know, first of all, help your family. You know, I have 13 nieces and nephews. And so I love them. I mean, I love them so much. And to be able to create something where you're able to help them. And that's really the, I would say, the biggest why probably.


39:48 - Andy
Yeah, okay.


39:49 - Andy
That's awesome. Now, those family members, are they still back in, I guess, Kosovo or Albania?


39:58 - Labi
Or are they here?


40:00 - Labi
No. Everyone is in Italy. Okay. Yes. I am from Kosovo. That's where, you know, we're from But my older brother, he immigrated to Italy in 2000, so right after the war because Italy opened the door for, you know, a lot of immigration, immigrants. So a lot of Kosovars right after the war because there was nothing, I mean, just a torn out country with nothing to do, no work, no nothing. So he immigrated to Italy and then so he has the passport because he's been there for 25, 24 years and but since he has an Italian passport he was able to get my two other brothers because I have three other brothers and one sister so we're five kids. So he got my two other brothers so now they live with their children in Italy, and then my parents live out there as well. But my older brother, since he has the Italian password, he was able to travel to US. So he came and stayed and worked for me for a few months here a couple years ago. And then my parents have been here. They got their visas, and they were here twice, stayed two, three months, which I took them around in different places here in US, and it was a lot of fun. Yeah. Yes. Nice. So my whole family now is in Italy, so that's where we go. In fact, Tuesday we're leaving for Italy for two weeks because my father, he turns 73 years old. Okay. And my younger brother, he got married two years ago. He has a daughter and then last year he had triplets, three boys. Okay. And they were born in the same day as my father's birthday. Oh, that's crazy. Which it was a miracle. Yeah. So we're, yes, triplets and my father have, have their birthday on the same day. So we're going on the 13th of March. 13th of March. Yeah. So we're going to be out there. Stuff for two weeks.


42:23 - Andy
Awesome. Well, now, I definitely want to understand, like, what was it that brought you to the U.S.? Like, how did that story unfold?


42:36 - Labi
It was, like I mentioned earlier, that Kosovo War started in 1998 and then ended in 1999. It was Bill Clinton, the president back then. So, in fact, capital city which is Pristina everyone who goes there they see this huge big poster of Bill right there in front and then we have a statue Hillary was you know has been out there you know many times and stuff but so because he intervened he said you know enough is enough and so you know we have respect for him because he He was the president back then, and he made the decision, so we're super grateful. Right after the war, of course, United States, they came, you know, the military, the Marines, and, you know, Air Force, and so many other people came to help. Plus, the Europe was also, you know, together with the United States, but mostly it's United States, number one. And so right after the war, it was kind of an open door for so many people, so many foreigners, so many organizations. And now my wife, she and her family, they came to Kosovo right after the war from California to help out with, they came up with a humanitarian organization. To help out just people with the groceries and with, you know, building materials and so many other things. They were British Christians, Protestant Christians. And then so they were working with that organization for quite a while. They, you know, were living in my hometown and I went, I was going high school at my hometown and then got in contact with them, with Americans. They were one of the first ones that we got to, they were one of the first Americans that I got to meet and see. And then they were, you know, just helping out so many people and got the opportunity to meet them, help them that day. Started planting a church there on the place they were staying at, then starting to learn more about Jesus. Because Kosovo is about 91, 92% Muslims. Okay. Yeah. It's, you know, it's 500, it goes 500 years where Turkish and conquered that area and brought their religion with them. So Kosovo is, it's not, nothing, you know, like radical, like Middle East and stuff. There are some people definitely that are kind of radical, but mostly it's just kind of tradition, you know, just like most countries are kind of Catholic. So, with religion is Muslim, where Muslim grew up. In fact, in my village, we have a mosque, you know, with the Muslim priest, you know, they have, you know, their traditions or everything that happens during the feasts and whatnot. But, so I got to know them, then they started planting church in the community, I was interested to know more about them, more interested to know about what they're sharing, and that's that was the first time I saw a Bible, heard about the Bible, heard about Jesus, and then in fact I became a brand new born Christian. The very first on my family, it wasn't easy, that's just a whole new different a story when you convert from Muslim to become a brand new Christian into family and how family and traditions and, you know, you go and do something else and then family, you know, those inner family fights, you know, you've been like this for many generations. Why are you different now?


47:33 - Labi
And all that stuff.


47:35 - Labi
That's a whole new story. But that's how I got to meet now my wife. They stayed in Kosovo for many, many years. When things changed, then decided to come. She came back to United States. And then I came after some time. And she used to live here in Beaufort. That's how I knew of Buford. It's not like, you know, Buford is this huge place where you can just, you know, see it on a map in the United States. Definitely not, because a lot of, you know, immigrants, a lot of people, because of our Slovenians, there are thousands, you know, in big cities like, you know, New York and Chicago and California and so many other places, because they're big names, right? Buford, who can find Buford? To come and live in Buford, definitely not. But she used to live here in the 90s and has, you know, great friends and wanted to exchange and decided to get married, move here. I already had a visa from the embassy. I came as a tourist and got married. I didn't work one day for anyone. I got married, started my paperwork to get my green card right away I worked on a foreclosed trashy house got married got that house ready that's where we lived for for many years in the beginning and then I got my green card my first green card then my second green card then I applied for US passport and I got the passport December 18th of 2018. Okay. And that was a huge day. Yeah, the U.S.


49:30 - Andy
citizenship. U.S. Citizenship and passport.


49:33 - Labi
That's right.


49:34 - Labi
Yeah.


49:34 - Labi
Well, congratulations.


49:36 - Labi
Thank you. Thank you. It was very emotional. It was super amazing feeling to be able to, you know, just stand and do the oath and to this country. I'm a new citizen and And then, of course, they mailed the passport after a few weeks and stuff. But it was definitely a life-changing moment to be able to experience that very moment.


50:07 - Andy
So I'm super proud to be American. Yeah, awesome. Well, I'm glad for you to overcome all those different, you know, scenarios, I guess, and situations that you had to overcome. It seems like you're really on a good track to success right now. And you already are a success, really. So congratulations. And you're definitely an inspiration to me as far as running a business. I'm a business owner. We work together on some things, which is how we met. We actually go to the same church, but I don't think you realized we went to the same church until after we worked on some projects. And you're like, hey, I know you. But yeah, so you're definitely an inspiration to me with regard to business ownership. You know, like taking chances. And I love that, you know. I mean like this, this is a chance. Like this podcast, this YouTube, and I mean it's great. It's out of my comfort zone, believe it or not.


51:19 - Labi
That's when you grow.


51:20 - Andy
Yeah, I mean, I enjoy it, but it's definitely out of my comfort zone. I mean, starting a business is out of my comfort zone, you know, because you're dealing with money, you're dealing with people, you're dealing with buildings. And, you know, so there's a lot of different things like that that come into play. So I definitely appreciate the things that you taught us today about, you know, risk and taking risks. Learning from, not from, don't even call them failures, but learning from those things. But I want to go into some of some of your, you know, work a bit. I've noticed on Facebook recently, you've got this interesting project going on, you know, so maybe talk about that one briefly. Like, what is going on with that? You've got these things stacking up, raising this house.


52:15 - Labi
Tell me about that.


52:17 - Labi
I mean, it's amazing. You know, it's amazing Andy. We're just It's it's it's sometimes it's hard to describe, you know, where you when you you know in the past You know you you watch something you see something right and you know, like Moving houses like lifting houses. Yeah, how do they do it? And you know I don't want to I don't want to know the cost but like how do they do it you know because that sounds and looks pretty impressive pretty amazing that people do here and this is US it's like so this particular house you're asking you know it's it's very very nice property and we bought this few years ago so it's been sitting there because we've been going through some options how to do it what to do and then of course because it's cool it's it's closer to the marsh and it's it's low and so below flood zone in order to meet that criteria we need to raise it and that was kind of the last call for us We didn't quite have to. We could have kept it as is, but there were a lot of disadvantages if we were to do that and then spend the money and invest as is. So it was spend the money, do it right. And so we had to raise it. Found this company, which they told me they're the best, they're the third, largest, the third best company in US that they do this all over the place. Okay. It's pretty amazing. So, but it was very, you know, I was curious. I wanted to be part of their, you know, the progress, the process, how they do it. So they came literally Monday, they brought their equipment, started Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday by 10 o'clock, they were out. Okay. That's how fast they, they did the job and so now we're getting into the foundation you know have to build the brand new foundation they said when we're ready with foundation they'll come probably another half a day they'll drop you down on new foundation and leave so lots to learn I did not all this 10 year doing the business real estate and we've done a lot of different, um, projects. Sure. But I did not think that I would also be doing a project where we're going to lift the house and work under the house while they're under the foundation. Yes. While it's sitting on the piers. Right. So that was definitely a new, new project that we've never done because we've done, you know, obviously renovation, all kinds. I mean, just, take out the entire exterior, the entire interior, just basically leave just the studs, even the studs, you know, because some of the house, some of the old houses, they have, you know, rotted wooden stuff because they've been there for 100 years. Like downtown Beaufort, we've done some projects. We used to love downtown Beaufort. And, you know, they've been there all like 100 plus years, some of those houses. Yeah. So we We've done a numerous, we've done some new builds, some mobile homes, just all kinds of various of projects, but lifting a house, that was the first one for us.


56:17 - Andy
Okay, so that, just so, we have people from all over the country that listen, so just to clarify a few things, first of all, you mentioned the floodplain, so we're in a floodplain and a lot of the properties, not all the properties, but a lot of them are, and because of, you know, a lot of times they were built pre-knowledge of some of these things, and so they might be down, the floor elevation was below the floodplain elevation on this property. So you literally, you bought the property, and then actually Scott, our SV engineer, I call him the SV, site visit engineer, It's one of our pipelines, if you will, that does site visits and reports and things. Anyway, he came and looked at it. That's right. It's been several years. He did. Yes, yes, yes. You've been going through this process of evaluating, okay, what should we do with this property? Should we fix it in place? Should we raise it? That's right. Obviously, you came to the conclusion that raising it was the best option. That's right. In the country at raising. They raised it, they put it under what's called cribbing. That's right. Right? Yeah. And it's basically these stacked up, you know, timbers and it looks kind of like that Jenga board. Yes, yes. It kind of looks like that, it's a little bit, but they they're pretty fat in terms of the width and they have numerous of them and they raise them up and then while they have the cribbing under there, they can construct the foundation piers under that. So that's a little bit about the process. That's right. Super impressive. You can go to Blavi's Facebook and see all about that. He's got that up there.


58:14 - Labi
Was there any other projects that were equally interesting that you've worked on over the years? Over the years? Gosh. The ones that we did here on Duke Street, downtown, those were, to extend, they were, most people, most people, if not all, would have just torn them out, torn them down. You know, I mean, truly, in a, in a, in a, the worst condition with everything, you know, with the foundation. Uh, I mean, literally you see some of the, some of the old foundation that they had, uh, uh, electric pole foundation, you know, where they, they, they cut some of the electric pole, you know what I'm saying? Power pole. Yes. And so they, they, you, that's what you see on some of the foundation on some of these old houses. So the cost is, you know, to rebuild an old house, the cost is super expensive. So most financially, most people would just, you know, not touch those projects, or they just take it down and do a new build because it goes way much faster and, you know, less money for a new build. But we love um you know being able to just take down this 100 plus year old house and just make it beautiful again and uh you know especially the outside you have you know most of the time you have to leave it like it is meaning all brand new but the look is always kind of the same yeah so that those do give you some uh growth opportunities and challenges. Right. Those kind of projects.


1:00:22 - Andy
Well, those are historic. I mean, downtown Beaufort is a historic area.


1:00:27 - Labi
You're dealing with most houses.


1:00:29 - Andy
History. That's right. And also preserving that history. That's right. We just had a historic architect, historic preservation architect, that came in and spoke to us. Okay. Recently on the podcast. Oh, okay. But you're dealing with the historic board as well, right? Yes. I forgot what they call it in downtown Beaufort, but there's a historic preservation board that you have to deal with. But they won't let you just tear it down, right? No, most of the time, no. So, yeah, I mean, as we look ahead, we're probably seeing, like, 2025, the economy, how are the impacts of the economy in 2025 affecting the real estate market in your business? Are you seeing that impacting it?


1:01:26 - Labi
You know, after COVID, things completely changed.


1:01:31 - Andy
Yeah.


1:01:32 - Labi
It's, it's interesting. I mean, just the COVID itself, obviously, that whole, that whole, I don't even know what to call it. It's interesting what happened and how it changed the world and so many other things in businesses and just the landscape of so many businesses and things. Real estate, it's interesting that just boomed right after the COVID. And so I haven't seen a slowdown in Beaufort. So what we're looking at. Know 34 years now or so and there's I don't think there is any any slowdown in Beaufort County. Interest rate yes went up a year or so ago but still you know so many investors so many other people they just kept kept going kept doing so Beaufort is just just another nice county, nice town, small one. So we're running out of land. So everyone wants to get a hold of anything they can and either build or live there. So it's just, the growth has been insane. The growth has been so much in this county, literally. So I don't know, I don't see anything you know, changing, especially this year. So, yeah.


1:03:13 - Andy
Well, what's next for LK Advantage and for you? On the horizon, what's next for you?


1:03:24 - Labi
You know, I really love this business. I love real estate. It keeps me super active with so many people, so many things. And I plan on keep doing this, you know, creating some great opportunities for other people to work with contractors and, you know, just other investors and everything. And then possibly doing some more, you know, perhaps multi-units in the near future. So, you know, I'm kind of out of the just bigger projects, not just single family homes, basically.


1:04:11 - Labi
Okay, so you're going to take your talents to the next level.


1:04:16 - Andy
That's the goal, yes.


1:04:17 - Labi
I always want to grow and do a little bit more and just kind of get to the next level and stuff.


1:04:26 - Andy
Yeah, I mean, you've been here a decade, so it's time to keep going, right? That's exactly right, yes. Awesome. Is there anything you wanna, is there anything else you wanna talk about today or share?


1:04:41 - Labi
You know, I congrats you on an enhanced podcast.


1:04:45 - Andy
It's fun.


1:04:46 - Labi
And I hope this comes out like you wished. Yeah. And you know, anyone out there who's listening or can learn something or get something out of this that can perhaps, you know, help That would be great. That's the goal. Yeah.


1:05:04 - Andy
Well, I think the goal for me for each episode is that people learn, they laugh, and they're inspired. And I think we've hit, we've definitely hit the inspiration. Yeah. We've laughed a little bit. That's right, that's right. And we've learned a lot. So I think we've hit all three. Yeah.


1:05:24 - Labi
But yeah, I mean, if somebody wants to reach out to you, what's the best way to do that yeah so I mean LK Advantage I haven't been so much active like I used to in the beginning yeah because you know I used to do so many videos and live videos on Facebook and just showing people you know what I'm doing because I have I have so many so many people in my team you know investors and so many other things that they get involved with so I'm super super open, super transparent with people that I work with, showing them this is what we're doing, and you know, this is how you're able to get involved with and whatnot.


1:06:12 - Labi
But, you know, Facebook is, you know, Instagram.


1:06:16 - Andy
Yeah.


1:06:16 - Labi
Phone number.


1:06:17 - Andy
I mean, one of the other things that we get a lot of business with is really just word of mouth.


1:06:26 - Andy
Because it's super important, like I said earlier, to create that trust with people in this town to where, you know, they will just refer you to other people to do business with.


1:06:38 - Labi
And I do some advertisement here and there, some radio stations and whatnot.


1:06:43 - Andy
Yeah, okay.


1:06:44 - Andy
So, yeah, that's a few ways to get a hold of you.


1:06:48 - Andy
Now, one thing I want to leave the audience with, what's your original language?


1:06:53 - Andy
You have multiple languages.


1:06:55 - Labi
imagine but it's Albanian Albanian yes yes so we're Albanians yeah so that's the Albanian language that's right Albanian language yes so can you uh you share us a little bit with us today maybe you could say um you know hello welcome to the enhance podcast yes yes Albanian language um have you seen the movies taken taken one taken two I haven't seen those oh those are great with uh that guy was yes uh I can't remember his name but it's super famous actor obviously but there are some albanians uh that they play on that movie in some albanian language well the the behind enemy lines is that about no it's not about that zone is it it seems like it's uh but taking one that that guy is albanian or some of the people some of the people in the movie uh so just to kind of yeah could you say uh well Welcome to the Enhance podcast.


1:07:53 - Andy
Yes, yes, yes.


1:07:55 - Labi
Welcome to the Enhance podcast.


1:07:57 - Labi
And thank you for your love and support.


1:08:01 - Andy
Awesome.


1:08:01 - Andy
So thank you for the invitation and thank you for coming.


1:08:06 - Andy
Awesome.


1:08:06 - Labi
Thanks for having me.


1:08:08 - Andy
Of course.


1:08:09 - Madeline
Hey everybody, thanks for listening to today's episode of Enhance.


1:08:14 - Madeline
And please leave a like, a subscribe or a follow and we'll see you next time.