Randy Carver Believes Expansion Could Be Nicest in Mentor

The construction going on at 7473 Center Street will add just 2,500 square feet to Carver Financial Services, but that's not the feeling you get when driving past and taking a glance.

"Everything I build, I put 10-foot-ceilings, so it feels a lot more open, Carver said. "It's going to feel bigger than it is. The original building didn't have the infrastructure to keep up."

Carver is adding four large conference rooms, 18 offices, an employee gym and more to his business, which has been in town since 1990. In addition to his financial services firm, Carver owns a project management company, so he is serving as his own general contractor. Still, the entrepreneur is pouring in between $500,000 to $1 million into the project.

"We always look five, 10 years ahead, so we want the capacity," Carver said. "Our growth keeps accelerating with clients and revenue, so this is just to be prepared."

The project, which should be complete by September, is a rebuild of a facility previously constructed by Ohio Water that Carver purchased in 1995. Carver added the back portion, where he operates now, in 2001 and redid that structure last year.

"We want something that's modern, different, but not to scare people because it's not L.A.,"he said. "We want to fit in with the area. It's got brick, large glass and the stone that ties into (Center Street Village)."

Carver's growth has centered around services related to retirement income. His average client comes to him with about $750,000. His base spans the country.

"It should be the nicest facility in the city when it's done."