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Igor Kantzler: Above and Beyond

By Caitlyn Stair, Diamond Certified Research Reporter

Igor Kantzler first got involved in the construction industry in the mid-1980s, when he would take on summer work during breaks from college. At the time, he was studying engineering with a focus on tunnels and bridges, but the hands-on experience he gained from construction work gradually became more appealing.

Igor’s career took a turn when the work he was doing began attracting more attention than he expected. What began as a finish carpentry business gradually grew as clients started requesting additional services. “People started asking me to do work beyond the carpentry, like bathroom remodels,” he says. “They just seemed to love my approach to the work.”

Igor and his business partner, Gene Shvedok, established Ivy League Construction LLC in 2006, and it didn’t take long for the company to start expanding. “As we grew, we understood that we couldn’t just do work based on our knowledge, so we started hiring HVAC contractors, plumbers and electricians,” he explains. “We grew from a small construction business to what we are today.”

Igor says his favorite part of his job is the ability to deliver high-quality construction services while guiding projects from start to finish. “I like seeing the satisfaction on people’s faces at the end of the job. We’re happy to do whatever they need, which they appreciate.”

Igor immigrated to the United States from Belarus in 2002 and currently lives in Reisterstown. Over the years, he has built a life in his adopted hometown, raising a family with his wife and supporting his son and daughter in their educational pursuits. “ Reisterstown a really nice area,” he says. “Plus, we’re close to Baltimore, which is a city with a rich history.”

Outside of work, Igor enjoys a variety of hobbies, including reading, cooking and playing guitar. Recently, he has taken a particular interest in architectural photography. “ The first time I visited Philadelphia, I went downtown and took pictures of the skyscrapers while lying on the ground,” he details. “It was pretty mind-blowing, especially at night.”

Throughout his decades in the construction industry, Igor has maintained a simple philosophy about business: Success comes from going above and beyond. For him, a project isn’t finished until the client walks away happy with both the result and the experience. “The goal should be to provide more value than expected,” he offers. “We always need to make the experience better for the customer.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite music genre?
A: I love all types of music, from country and classic rock to metal and pop.

Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person?
A: I like both, but right now I only own cats.

Q: Do you prefer being somewhere cold or somewhere hot?
A: Both.  I love skiing and I love being on a beach.

Q: If you could immediately travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Vietnam. It seems like an interesting place.