Ty Bednarski opened My Ty Design in 2010. Before then, he worked as a project manager with SEDA Construction for seven years. He was a U.S. Navy officer for nine and a half years prior to joining SEDA.
His company renovates kitchens, bathrooms, structure remodeling, screen enclosures, designs/constructs swimming pools and outdoor living spaces. He has a building and swimming pool contractor's license.
"I adapt someone's existing house or new construction house to meet all their lifestyle needs, whether it is swimming pool, accessibility or a remodeled kitchen. I will do whatever they need me to do to make that house more livable or more of a destination for themselves."
Small business?
Right now his business is a one-stop shop. He subcontracts out a lot of the work, but he designs everything himself.
Where does your business come from?
Bednarski said most of his business comes from repeat customers and word of mouth.
How's the market treating you?
He said he is very busy and wants to grow his business. He is looking to hire a few more hands to help him as his business grows.
Education
Bednarski has a civil engineering degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts.
Background
He grew up in Pennsylvania. The Navy brought Bednarski to Jacksonville, so he stayed here after he left the Navy.
Areas you build in?
Nassau and Duval counties, but says 90 percent of his business is in Fernandina. He lives in Jacksonville Beach, so he'd like to find jobs closer to home.
Best marketing?
He has a Facebook site, My Ty Design, and his website, mytydesign.com.
My Ty Design?
Bednarski said his designs are a compilation of what the customer envisions and his design. So, even though he is designing it, the customer's input helps bring the designs to fruition. "I wanted the name to embody me, but that it was somebody else's design by me."
Strengths?
"I don't do one thing. Most of my customers know that I can do anything. So, they come to me with a project and know that I can do it." He is aggressive on becoming a subject matter expert on anything his customers might need.
Best advice for small businesses?
"Don't get too big too fast."
Something no one knows about you?
"I am passionate about flying. I am a licensed single-engine private pilot."
Family?
He is married to Aimee, an office specialist at St. Vincent's Medical Center. They have three children.
— By Michele Gillis