Making Millions: How Deryl McKissack Built a £19m Empire from just £786
A successful woman who launched her own business with just £786 has revealed how she now makes a whopping £19m a year. Deryl McKissack, the president and CEO of design and construction firm McKissack & McKissack, has designed everything from schools and office buildings to landmarks. She shared her journey to success in an exclusive interview with CNBC Make It.
The Business Structure
Deryl McKissack manages projects worth £11.7 billion ($15 billion) and explains that McKissack & McKissack has two main parts. Firstly, the company designs projects for clients like office and school buildings, providing them with the necessary design documents to proceed with the construction. Secondly, the firm handles project management, guiding customers through the design and building process from start to finish.
Family Legacy
While working in a male-dominated construction industry, Deryl drew inspiration from her ancestry. Her great great grandfather, who came to America as a slave, passed down knowledge of building to her great grandfather, who became a master carpenter. Generations later, Deryl and her sisters decided to continue the family’s legacy by pursuing architecture and engineering.
Taking a Gamble
After gaining experience at top construction companies, Deryl decided to strike out on her own in 1990 with just £786 ($1,000) in hand. She worked tirelessly, often pulling 80-hour weeks and wearing multiple hats in the business. Despite initially earning meager salaries, Deryl prioritized paying her employees first before herself.
On the Map
Deryl’s company’s notable projects include schools, the Barack Obama library campus, and the MLK Memorial monument. The success of the latter project catapulted McKissack & McKissack onto the international stage. With offices across major cities, Deryl is immensely proud of the firm’s achievements.
By combining determination, hard work, and a passion for construction, Deryl McKissack transformed a modest investment into a multimillion-pound enterprise. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and dedication in achieving entrepreneurial success.