Philip Sessions shares how a simple need for marketing help led him to build a business focused on virtual assistants for contractors. He explains why many contractors struggle with VAs and what must change for the relationship to work. Philip also shares best practices for managing virtual assistants and how contractors can grow without adding full time staff.

In this episode you will learn:

• Why most contractors hire virtual assistants the wrong way
• What tasks VAs handle best inside a construction business
• How to manage VAs for success
• Red flags to watch out for when working with VAs
• How support systems affect long term growth

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Learn more about Refined VA here.

Ken Combs shares how he went from a 19 year old laborer to leading a design build firm with more than $15 million in annual revenue. He reveals how he restructured his company for higher profit and increased efficiency. Ken also shares his results driven approach to operations, marketing, and the org chart he developed to support his team. He explains what had to change before the business could operate without his daily involvement.

In this episode you will learn:

• Ken's goal for slippage and grippage
• How to make the transition from in house labor to subcontracted teams
• The unique compensation structure Ken uses to create accountability
• When to bring design in-house
• How Ken successfully rebranded his company

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Visit the CQC Home website here.

Ben and Amy Wright describe how a move to Nashville for music eventually led them into house flipping, and ultimately a thriving construction business. They share how years of working on their own homes helped them gain confidence, attract referrals, and step into larger projects. Coaching played a major role in shaping their mindset, improving their systems, and helping them grow into the high end work they now enjoy. Ben and Amy's story shows how thoughtful decisions, and the willingness to learn can completely reshape a business.

In this episode you will learn:

• Which coaches accelerated their growth
• How they built a website that reflects the quality of their work
• Which marketing efforts created the strongest return
• How they use networking to gain projects
• The sales process that changed their approach

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Learn more about Center State Craftsmen here.

Meet Scott Worley, owner of The Patio Kitchen Co in St. Louis, Missouri. After initially venturing into construction straight out of high school, Scott's passion for transforming outdoor living spaces took hold during his college years. With a successful business under his belt for a decade, he made the bold choice to close it down and pivot to becoming a designer at a larger firm. Yet, the allure of being a business owner drew him back, leading to the re-establishment of The Patio Kitchen Co. just last year.  

 

Here are a few key takeaways from our discussion with Scott:

• Using formulas to enhance the customer experience
• Utilizing technology as a competitive differentiator
• Connecting compensation to value delivered
• Separating work and home life to be successful
• Owning your failures and learning from them

 

 

Visit The Patio Kitchen Co. website here: https://www.thepatiokitchenco.com/

 

 

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Erica Anenberg and Beth Benson, owners of Girl Flip Construction based in Los Angeles, California. Erica's passion for creating and selling, coupled with a mission to shake up the industry and encourage more women to enter the trades, fueled the inspiration behind Girl Flip. Beyond just flipping houses, the company strives to serve as an inspiration hub for others, with the ultimate goal of positively impacting the broader market.  

 

Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Erica and Beth:

• Setting your business up for success
• Changing the way that people see women in construction
• Collaborating with the home owners to eliminate communication issues
• Building for others like you would for yourself
• Getting out of your head and taking action

 

 

Visit the Girl Flip website here: https://www.girlflip.com/

 

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Jeremy Maher, co-owner of Phoenix Home Remodeling in Chandler, Arizona. Jeremy's journey began after a disappointing encounter with a contractor, which motivated him to believe that he could run a contracting business more effectively. Seizing the opportunity, Jeremy, along with his former boss and the boss' brother, formed a partnership and launched a new home construction venture. With an initiative on continual improvement, Jeremy focuses his leadership on the technical side and building out processes to help the business grow.  

 

Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Jeremy:

• Guiding the business culture from the start
• Making effective business decisions with partners
• Creating specific and well-defined roles for your team
• Gathering feedback and reviews from customers
• Constantly improving the business processes

 

 

Visit the Phoenix Home Remodeling website here: https://phxhomeremodeling.com/

 

 

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Greg Junge, owner of Greg Junge Construction based in North Carolina. As a second generation contractor, he was raised in the industry and started with kitchen and bath remodels. He now has focused his business on whole home builds with a goal of $4 to $10 million in annual sales.  

 

Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Greg:

• Transitioning from the sub-contractor model to full time employees
• Adapting from the field to the office
• Creating processes to grow the business
• Investing in personal and professional development
• Ensuring your team feels appreciated

 

 

Visit the Greg Junge Construction website here: https://jungeconstruction.com/

 

 

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Kevin Choquette, owner of Ravin Builders a specialty deck builder located in Richmond, Rhode Island. Two years ago, Kevin made the pivotal decision to shift the focus of his company towards a single niche: boutique deck building. Little did he know that this strategic move would prove to be a game-changer, propelling his average project value from less than $40,000 to more than $160,000.

 

 

Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Kevin:

• Targeting a very specific type of project to scale the company
• Managing the growth of the business
• Tracking project costing and margins constantly
• Keeping your employees happy
• Creating a culture of reliability

 

 

Visit the Ravin Builders website here: https://ravinllc.com/

 

 

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Jordan Webb, owner of Deck Masters a thriving deck building company based in Alaska. After starting the business at 16 years old, Jordan struggled to meet the demands of running a business while actively constructing decks. Driven by personal circumstances requiring his family to relocate to Hawaii, he developed systems to remotely manage building 170 decks a year.  

 

Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Jordan:

• Finding what motivates you in business
• Overcoming entrepreneurial obstacles
• Relying on processes for daily operations
• Providing a different approach to customer service
• Simplifying the sales process

 

Visit the Deck Masters website here: https://deckmastersak.com/

Visit the Freedom Brothers website here: https://freedom-brothers.com/

 

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Felipe Freig, owner of Versa Homes a boutique custom home builder located in British Columbia, Canada.  With a captivating journey that began as a skilled tile setter and a detour into the realm of music, Felipe found his true calling when he established his renovation company in 2009. Set to do $35 million in revenue over the next three years, Felipe credits Versa Home's success to working on the business and not in it.  

 

Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Felipe:

• Having a mentor to learn the business side of home building
• Transitioning from home renovations to custom home builds
• Realizing that quantity of jobs doesn't always equal more revenue
• Setting up business processes for eventual sale
• Focusing on video marketing

 

Visit the Versa Homes website here: https://versahomes.com/

 

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Michael Miller the owner of M3 Decks, a deck building company based in Woodinville, Washington. In business for six years, he built his company out of necessity and quickly realized he needed to better track cash flow and understand the business financials. With a goal of achieving $3 million in projects for 2024, he credits his success to a perpetual thirst for knowledge and the pursuit of finding the best way to do things.

 

 

Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Michael:

• Growing your business to meet customer needs
• Making sure you are paying yourself
• Understanding cash flow
• Investing in coaching programs
• Seeking out opportunities to learn more

 

Visit the M3 Decks website here: https://www.m3decks.com/

 

 

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Ben Schneider the owner of Peak Sodding, a niche landscape company based in North Carolina. Started in 2019 at the age of 21, Ben saw there was an opportunity to specialize in providing sod for landscaping jobs. Drawn to entrepreneurship at an early age, Ben had to learn on the go as he was building the company. From tracking KPIs to planning out your cash flow with a cyclical business, Ben has figured out vital business processes to streamline his operations.

 

 

Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Ben:

• Learning how to manage business finances
• Shifting from employees to subcontractor labor
• Avoiding the comparison game
• Planning goals with a cyclical business
• Creating a service oriented culture and empowering employees

 

 

Visit the Peak Sodding website here: https://peaksodding.com/

 

 

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Matt Blood the solo owner operator of Paragon Tile Installation based in Cumberland, Rhode Island. With over 20 years of experience in the tile industry, Matt initially started his business as a side hustle while working as a full-time firefighter. However, upon retiring from his firefighting career, he dedicated himself fully to his passion. Now he's learning how to refine his sales process to provide a better overall client experience.

 

 

Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Matt:

• Learning from coaching groups
• Getting out of your own way
• Refining the client communication process
• Developing a process for pricing jobs
• Finding a niche for your skill

 

 

Visit the Paragon Tile Installation website here: https://paragonri.com/

 

 

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Brandon Sinkler traded firefighting for construction and built a successful remodeling company in Charleston, South Carolina. What began as a leap of faith into house flipping became a career grounded in consistency and service. Brandon shares how he grew from working solo to adding key hires who helped him bring structure and balance to his work. His story highlights how he developed clear systems and standard operating procedures that now guide every project.

In this episode you will learn:

• How Brandon transitioned from public service to construction
• The lessons he learned pricing and managing his first flips
• Why building relationships has been key to his success
• How he created SOPs that keep his team aligned
• His future vision for building new homes in Florida

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Visit the Coastal Builders and Consultants website here.

Meet David Bryan owner of Blackdog Builders a design, build, and remodel firm based in Salem, New Hampshire. With 33 years of business experience and 65 team members, Blackdog Builders is projecting $16 million in revenue this year. David reflects on closing his first business, why he places a huge emphasis on culture and staff appreciation, and the importance of building out your processes and procedures.  

 

Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with David:

• Learning how to run a business the hard way
• Listening to those who have more experience
• Maintaining a team culture to retain employees
• Being financially transparent with your team
• Developing a process and procedure for everything you do

 

 

Visit the Black Dog Builders website here https://www.blackdogbuilders.com/. 

 

 

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Liliana Escudero, president of J Designs Pool & Spa, a boutique pool building company in Los Angeles, California. Their typical build is between $350k - $500k and they do not take on more than 10 projects a year in order to focus on excellent customer service. Liliana believes that it is important to learn your trade, find mentors, and stay on top of new technologies in order to keep growing your business.

 

 

Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Liliana:

• Working with family members
• Building out a tech stack for your company
• Learning how to import custom materials
• Scaling so you work on the business not in the business
• Building a strong relationship with subs

 

 

Visit the J Designs Pool & Spa website here https://www.jdesigns.com/

 

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Luan Nguyen, founder of Deck Bros, a deck building company in Omaha, Nebraska. After having his work hours reduced during the pandemic, he started fixing up his own home and realized he could do it for others. He began advertising on Facebook to see if there was any interest and a business was born. After finding a business partner, they did over $1 million in the first year of business, crediting the success to always marketing the business.

 

 

Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Luan:

• Be a marketing and sales company first
• How to convert interest into deals
• Putting a personal touch on branding
• How the law of reciprocity can impact sales
• Focusing on customer testimonials

 

Visit the Deck Bros website here https://deckbros.com/. 

 

 

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Tom Morris, the co-founder of The Selah Group - a premier general contractor specializing in exquisite outdoor living spaces. With operations spanning North Texas and Palm Beach, Florida, the Selah Group is renowned for their family-centric approach and unwavering commitment to crafting high-end, luxury outdoor spaces. Leveraging his expertise in engineering and technology, Tom's strategic focus on impeccable design, cutting-edge marketing, and exceptional customer service has propelled the success and growth of his business.  

 

Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Tom:

• The difference between marketing in Texas and Florida
• Keeping a database of all your design work and images of projects
• The evolution of AI and how it helps with marketing efforts
• Why you should scale for sale, even if you don't plan on selling
• Don't neglect the analytics or your financials

 

Visit the Selah Group website here https://www.selahpools.com/  

 

 

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Laurel Winkel is the owner of SheBuilds, a kitchen design and remodeling firm based in Canby, Oregon, south of Portland. SheBuilds started in 2017 after Laurel decided to go back to school to learn about kitchen design and remodeling. While most males in her family were in the construction industry, Laurel didn't join them until she changed careers at age 40. Laurel talks about dealing with imposter syndrome, getting out of your own way, and dreaming big for her business.

 

 

Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Laurel:

• Being a female general contractor in the industry
• Process for estimating jobs
• Types of kitchen redesign clients
• Always keep learning
• The importance of working with a coach

 

Visit the SheBuilds website here https://shebuildskitchens.com/  

 

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com  

Aaron Harshaw owner of Harshaw Home Renovators in Ottawa, Kansas specializes in high-end home renovations. He went from being a pastor to a business owner and is celebrating 5 years in business. Aaron talks about why you need to be a perpetual student, having the humility to say "I don't know", and the principals that guide his business.  

 

Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Aaron:

• Presenting professionalism from day one
• Be transparent and honest, even if it's a difficult conversation
• Operating with a smaller, in-house team
• Always be open to learning
• Knowing your strengths and delegating what you aren't good at

 

 

Visit the Harshaw Home Renovators website here https://hhrenovators.com/  

 

 

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com  

 

 

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Jason Varney owner of both Dock and Deck and Tennessee Pool and Spa in Knoxville, Tennessee, does complete backyard projects that range from $750,000 to $1 million. What started as one company has grown into two as he brought his sons into the business. Jason talks about pivoting during an economic downturn, knowing your overhead costs, participating in TV shows, and modernizing his business processes.  

 

Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Jason:

• Working with family members
• How to's for hiring employees
• Managing the scheduling process
• Hard work leads to industry recognition
• The importance of legal protection

 

Visit the Dock and Deck website here https://dockanddeck.com/  

 

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com  

 

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Bob Turner owner of Turner Builders in Windham, Maine, has nineteen years in the construction industry. Starting his most recent business in 2020, he was able to end that year with over $1.6 million in sales. Recently, he has ventured into one-on-one and group coaching to share his knowledge with others in the industry. Bob talks about why regular, consistent client communication is key and the importance of under promising and over delivering.  

 

Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Bob:

• Repeat customers are paramount
• The importance of being honest and transparent
• Documentation is key
• How to manage payment schedules
• Under promise and over deliver
• Why you need sales training
• Bigger isn't always better

 

Visit the Turner Builders website here https://turnerbuildersllc.com/.

 

  Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com  

 

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Jared Thayer President of Thayer Design Build, had family members in the trades and started his career in construction after high school. Based in Corvallis, Oregon, they specialize in home remodels with an average project cost of $189,000. This year, he was honored to be named to the Forty Under 40 list by Pro Remodeler. Hear why his business is focused on delivering a great customer experience and why they are never the lowest bid.   Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Jared:

• Working with a spouse in the business
• Always keep learning
• Benefits of slowly, steadily growing the business
• Find a niche, don't focus on everything
• Importance of hiring the right people
• Adjusting when the market changes

Visit the Thayer Design Build website here https://thayerdb.com/   Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com   Rate the Podcast:
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Travis Gunter, owner of High Sierra Remodeling and Construction, started as a handyman and has quickly grown his business over the last 3 years by finding an ideal position in their market of Reno, Nevada. With over 50 projects completed, Travis takes us through some of his processes and strategies for scaling his business.   Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Travis:

• Advice for working with a business partner
• Differentiating your business in your market
• Conversion rates for design customers
• Having a firm grip on your numbers
• How to effectively scale the business
• Hiring people who align with your core values
• Investing in coaches

Visit the High Sierra Remodeling and Construction website here https://highsierraremodel.com/   Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com   Rate the Podcast:
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Brady Bankston built Popularis Construction by leading with deliberate action. He shares how early mistakes shaped the way he hires, manages, and motivates his team today. His approach to clients is equally thoughtful and relies on a unique set of requirements that every prospect must meet before becoming a customer, including visiting his office to review a sample project inside JobTread. Through consistent systems and clear communication, Brady has learned how to grow his company while keeping every project and person aligned.

In this episode you will learn:

• How Brady uses a unique client process to build trust before every project
• The steps that helped him win larger and more complex projects
• The biggest hiring mistakes that nearly derailed his early growth
• The strategy he uses today to identify and develop the right people
• How his performance reviews strengthen accountability and communication

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Learn more about Popularis Construction here.

Josh Awend in a co-owner of American Drapery Systems, Inc., a third generation drapery business headquarter in Minnesota. Doing between $5-$10 million annually in both commercial and residential business, Josh discusses the ins and outs of working in the family business and why it's important to make sure your employees and vendors are aligned with your company's values.   Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Josh:

• How to balance family and work
• Utilizing sub-contractors to maximize output
• Why it's important to set your company values
• Ensure your employees and subs share your values
• Optimizing all systems so everyone is on the same page

Resources:

Visit the American Drapery Systems, Inc. website here https://americandrapery.com/

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

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Steve Tonkin is the owner of Tommico Renovations, a boutique building company located west of Sydney, Australia. With under $5 million in annual sales, Tommico specializes in renovations, extensions, and home builds. Steve discusses why it's important to network and talk to other builders and why it it's important to build your company slowly.   Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Steve:

• Working with a spouse in the business
• Why networking is important as a business owner
• How he qualifies leads
• Creating a pre and post sales process
• Setting up a software system from the start

Resources:

Visit the Tommico Renovations website here https://tommicorenovations.com.au/

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

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Wally Munoz is the owner of Munoz Concrete Services, a concrete contractor specializing in residential, commercial, and decorative concrete near Davis, California. Managing a team of 6 employees, he discusses why it's important to pay more to get the right employees for the job and how poorly performing employees can impact others.   Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Wally:

• Finding the bidding sweet spot
• Being confident in your numbers
• Don't cut corners to have the lowest bid
• How he generates leads
• Having a system in place to scale
• How to pick the right software for you
• Having the right team members in place is the most important aspect

Resources:

Visit the Munoz Conrete Services website here https://www.concretewally.com/

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

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Chad Huber CEO of CasaKeepers, a design build firm in the hill country of Austin, Texas. Running about 4-6 projects simultaneously, CasaKeepers handles high-end remodeling projects, home additions, and new home builds. His technology-first approach, helps to differentiate his firm in a competitive market space.
Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Chad:

• Customer service is the touchstone
• How to deal with a small subcontractor pool
• Talk about money early in the process and often
• How to target your ideal clients
• Why you need a price escalation clause
• Reasons for an in-house bookkeeper
• How technology improved the business
• Setting the culture and expectations on new technology
• Understanding the value you bring

Resources:

Visit the CasaKeepers website here https://casakeepers.com/

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

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Zach Snider is a Partner at Alloy Architecture & Construction, a design build firm doing about $3.5 million in annual revenue. Located in the small town of Charlottesville, VA, he does large scale remodeling projects, home additions, and the occasional new home build. His business does high end work and targets the upper end of the market with an average project size of $250k. Given he's in a small market, he tends to offer a wide array of projects scopes to meet the needs of his clients, rather than having a niche focus as he would recommend in a larger market.   Here are a few key takeaways from our discussion with Zac:

• Build the right team
• Identify your target customer
• Create pricing strategies for customers and subs
• Purchase orders are key to managing sub contractors
• Network with others
• Patience is key
• Follow your interests and passions
• Accept failure as part of the process
• Never stop learning and keep at it

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Visit the Alloy Architecture & Construction website here https://alloyworkshop.com/

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

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Eric speaks with Peter Ranney of Ranney Blair, a remodeling and design firm in Roswell, Georgia. Peter shares his background in construction, why he started Ranney Blair with his business partner, Scott Blair, what it's like merging with another remodeler in the area, and how he has changed his processes to weed out the time wasters and find the ideal clients. Peter also shares some of his marketing tactics and how he has built the company's stellar reputation for remodeling.

Topics Include:

• How to finish projects on-time
• The impact of in-house designers
• Qualifying your leads
• Pricing strategies
• How to use a retainer
• How they attract leads
• Identifying your target customer profile
• Creating processes that customers value

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Visit the Ranney Blair website here https://www.ranneyblair.com/

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

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Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

Brothers Jeff and Brian Shelburn turned their shared values and work ethic into a thriving remodeling business in Denver. What began with small backsplash projects has grown into full home remodels and a company built entirely on word-of-mouth referrals. In this conversation, they reveal the philosophies behind their growth and actionable tips for success.

In this episode, you will learn

• How Remodelex thrives without a marketing budget
• The unconventional payroll model that keeps everyone invested
• What makes their company structure unlike most contractors
• How the company implemented a four-ten workweek
• The ways they use technology to operate like a much larger company

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Learn more about Remodelex here.

When Logan Judiscak left the car business for roofing, he did not expect to be running a multimillion dollar company just six years later. After learning hard lessons from previous employers, including how poor documentation can hurt cash flow, he started Gorilla Exterior in 2023 with only $4,000, a clear vision, and an even stronger work ethic.

In this conversation, Logan shares how he built a profitable roofing company from the ground up, what he learned about leadership, and why he believes in growing people before profits. He explains how his team culture is built on trust, flexibility, and ownership, and why his ultimate goal is not just revenue but impact.

In this episode, you will learn

• How Logan turned $4,000 into a multimillion dollar roofing business in under two years
• The biggest mistakes roofing companies make when scaling
• Why documenting jobs properly protects both profits and people
• How Logan develops his team by finding the right people and the right roles
• His long term vision for steady, sustainable growth

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Visit the Gorilla Exterior website here.

Fifteen years ago, Fares Elsabbagh launched Canadian General Contractors with only $50,000 and a background in digital marketing. Today, he leads a group of construction companies generating over $30 million in annual revenue.

In this conversation, Fares shares how he turned early chaos into a scalable, system-driven business. He discusses what he learned after dealing with theft during rapid expansion, how he created systems to improve client satisfaction, and the five key things homeowners care about most during a renovation. Fares also shares the key things looks for when acquiring other design-build companies.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How Fares achieved operational excellence after rapid growth
• What decisions Fares would have made differently if he had a do-over
• Fares' views working on the business rather than in the business
• The type of construction companies he wants to acquire next

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Learn more about Canadian General Contractors here.

Danielle Russell has spent over a decade helping builders and remodelers grow through more strategic marketing. She's seen how new technologies, and changing homeowner behavior, are transforming what it takes to stand out online.

In this conversation, Danielle covers a range of topics that, taken together, form a blueprint for building a stronger marketing foundation. Broader themes include the seismic shifts happening in search, what contractors can do to make their content rise above the noise, and how to use, rather than misuse, AI as part of a broader marketing strategy. On a more granular level, she strategies for pricing transparency on your website, how to make every click count, and the ideal marketing budget.

In this episode, you will learn

• How to calculate a marketing budget that drives consistent growth
• Mistakes to avoid when using AI to generate website or blog content
• How to design your website to convert visitors in two or three clicks
• Ways to use video to build credibility and connection with prospects
• How to structure your pricing online to attract the right clients

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Learn more about Builder Funnel here.

Michael James lost everything during the recession, then rebuilt his company with a new outlook on leadership and legacy. He even biked from Canada to Mexico, a journey that reshaped how he approaches business and life.

In this conversation, Michael shares how shifting from a "me" mindset to a "we" mindset transformed his company. He talks about hiring lessons, working with family, and the culture-building practices that keep his team engaged. He also reveals the one thing he does every day to keep his business moving forward and the leadership habit he considers most valuable.

In this episode you'll learn:

• The daily practice Michael relies on to guide his business decisions
• How listening became his most effective leadership tool
• What to look for when building a strong team
• How to create a culture where people want to stay and grow
• The key to making family partnerships work in business

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Learn more about Michael James Remodeling here.

In this engaging conversation, Bob Perez shares how he left an 11-year corporate career to co-found Stephen Thomas Construction in Austin, Texas. Pairing his business background with his partner's field expertise, Bob has built a thriving company.

From navigating the risk/benefit of cost-plus projects to putting clients firmly in control of their budgets, Bob explains how a two-person team can use systems and software to achieve results that rival much larger firms.

In this episode you'll discover:

• How defining roles creates smoother projects
• What it means to truly put clients in charge of their budgets
• The two most important lessons Bob has learned about cost-plus
• How to spot client red flags before you commit
• A straightforward approach to finding and vetting the right subs

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Visit the Stephen Thomas Construction website here.

For more than 17 years, Kyle Hunt has been coaching remodelers to move from stressed and scattered to profitable and confident. Through Remodelers On The Rise, he guides business owners on how to take control of their numbers, implement systems, and build companies that support their lives rather than consume them. In this conversation, Kyle shares how remodelers can stop winging it and start using clear processes in sales, marketing, and leadership. He also talks about the importance of protecting personal time, strengthening family life, and actually implementing the ideas that often sit untouched in a notebook.

In this episode you will learn

• How to create a repeatable sales process that filters out tire kickers
• Ways to market beyond referrals and consistently attract new leads
• How leadership and culture become the remodeler's main job as the business grows
• Practical steps to move from collecting ideas to actually implementing them

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Visit Remodelers on the Rise website here.

Casey Fabling shares what it takes to come back after losing a company. He walks through how a fast growing business unraveled once visibility and controls disappeared. Casey reflects on the personal toll of shutting down and starting over in a new city. He explains how rebuilding with intention changed every aspect of his approach.

This conversation offers a rare look at resilience from someone who has lived it. Casey focuses on what he learned rather than what he lost, and why his second company is being built with a very different definition of success.

In this episode you will learn:

• What business failure teaches you that growth never will
• Why transparency matters more as your company scales
• How systems create trust without constant oversight
• What rebuilding can reveal about your real priorities
• Why freedom can be a better goal than revenue

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Learn more about Front Range Home Services here.

Gary Muehling's journey into construction started with failure but it was that setback that shaped his future success. After an early attempt at running his own roofing and siding business fell apart, Gary went to work for larger companies where he learned how strong processes, compliance, and sales systems create sustainable growth. In 2019, he launched MI Remodelers with a mission to combine roofing expertise with full-service residential remodeling, and today his company successfully straddles both types of work. Known as "The Integrity Guys," Gary shares how his business balances sales and project management to earn more than $4 million in annual revenue.

In this episode you will learn:

• How Gary maintains a $2.5 million backlog of work
• The process he uses to divide sales and project management for maximum efficiency
• How his client interactions create a higher close ratio
• Why he goes against an industry trend and offers free design services
• The systems that allow MI Remodelers to scale to $4M in annual revenue while maintaining quality

Resources:

Visit MI Remodelers website here.

Kaleb Lyles grew up working alongside his father in construction and what began as helping out during school breaks turned into a lifelong calling. Together with his wife Andrea, Kaleb launched Copper Masters Roofing with a vision to honor his family's legacy while carving out his own path in the roofing industry.

Here Kaleb shares how early financial struggles forced them to build a stronger foundation for growth. He explains the steps they took to create a loyal company culture and the ways his love of creating quirky, unique, and fun content fuels engagement for the brand. Kaleb also reveals what he has learned about balancing the office and the field, showing the ideal relationship between leading a business and wearing a tool belt.

In this episode you will learn:

• How to turn financial struggles into growth
• Tips for investing in people and culture
• How not to treat team members
• A unique, strategic formula for social media that helps win projects
• How to scale a company without losing the personal touch

Resources:

Visit Copper Masters Roofing website here.

Kali Sudbrook took an untraditional road to remodeling. After more than a decade directing university fitness programs, she made the leap into remodeling and quickly uncovered the untapped niche of custom gym design build. Today she is shaping a growing industry that spans from high end garage gyms to the increasing demand for backyard fitness sheds. Kali shares what makes gym design different from other remodeling projects, and how she built a lean team powered by a virtual assistant and a virtual designer. She also reveals the disciplined processes she has created to keep her business running smoothly, along with insights for marketing content that connects with clients.

In this episode you will learn

• The one unique factor every gym designer must consider

• Ways she uses a virtual assistant and virtual designer to gain efficiency

• Tips for creating compelling marketing content around each project

• The process she follows to create repeatable systems

• Her vision of expanding Beachside Custom Gyms to a national presence

Visit Kali Sudbrook's website here.

 

In this episode of Builder Stories, Eric sits down for an inspiring (and blunt) conversation with Tom Reber of The Contractor Fight. A passionate advocate for the trades, Reber was host of the HGTV series Unfinished Business and today has a massive audience for his influential videos, podcast, and Facebook group. Here, Reber brings his well-known candor to the discussion with insights on why "most sales people suck" and what can be done to correct it.

In this episode you will learn:

• Reber's definition of success
• FHow to set a fifty percent gross profit target
• When raising prices is the right move
• Why most contractors leave so much money on the table
• Why Sales is a perishable skill

Resources:

Visit The Contractor Fight website here.

In 2010, Devon Vought launched Vought Construction in Berkeley, California, starting with small handyman projects and evolving into a sought-after builder of custom luxury homes. In this episode, Devon shares how he grew his business from working solo with a motorcycle (tools in backpack) to leading a polished, brand-driven team. He discusses the marketing moves that elevated his company, how he represents his brand, and his approach to leading a team.

In this episode you will learn:

• Ways to stretch a limited marketing budget for maximum impact
• How to attract steady business from top architects
• How to set your jobsites apart through branding and presentation
• How to get your team engaged in learning and using new technology

Resources: 

Learn more about Vought Construction here.

 

After earning a degree in architectural engineering, Blair Roedel became a senior estimator for a mechanical engineering firm, and eventually found her way to remodeling. In this episode, she explains how she launched BEC Innovations during the early days of the pandemic and grew it into a values-driven renovation company in the Nashville area. She shares how she defined her company standards from the beginning, built a strong internal culture, and developed a recruiting process to find team members who align with her expectations.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How Roedel uses educational content on her website to drive leads and set expectations
• Roedel's approach to recruiting and how she finds team members who share her mindset
• How Roedel uses personalized video messages to close more sales
• How creating a pricing guide on the company website has helped set expectations and filter leads
• The tools and communication habits that help her team stay ahead of client concerns.

Learn more about BEC Innovations LLC. here.

Marcus Sheridan built a thriving swimming pool company in the middle of the Great Recession by understanding buyer's questions and using his marketing to address them with complete transparency. That strategy became the foundation of They Ask, You Answer, a framework now used by leading businesses around the world. In this episode, Sheridan shares how teaching homeowners builds credibility. He reveals why most marketing fails to earn trust and what companies can do to enhance their messaging. He also breaks down how to improve your website content and stay ahead on SEO in the new era of AI-dominated page views.

In this episode you'll learn:

• The four pillars of a known and trusted brand
• What the "pride cycle" is and how it affects business decisions
• The ways AI effect SEO and how to stay ahead
• What trust signals are and where to use them
• How to use video to strengthen your brand
• Which tools can measure the authenticity of your marketing message

Learn more about Marcus Sheridan here.

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Babak Nikraftar started in construction in 2001 after attending school in Vancouver. His first role was redoing faulty building envelopes on condos in the Pacific Northwest. He then returned to school to study construction management and later joined a local high-rise developer.

Today, Nikraftar runs two companies: Forte Projects which focuses on new construction and CondoWorks for condo remodels and interior design. In this episode, Nikraftar shares how early lessons in construction failures shaped the way he builds today. He discusses how he leads his team, makes new hires, and structures two businesses for long-term growth.

In this episode you'll learn:

• How Nikraftar built a rigorous, multi-step hiring system that filters candidates through applications, timed testing, video submissions, and core values alignment
• What it takes to lead a team with structure, not control
• What to consider when building complementary businesses under the same leadership
• A simple formula Babak uses to decide when it's time make a new hire
• How implementing EOS brought clarity, accountability, and direction to the team

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Learn more about CondoWorks Transformations here and Forte Projects Ltd here.

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

What does it take to evolve from a one-man remodel crew to a high-end design-build brand built for scale? Tyler Madden launched Laurelless with a mission to raise the bar in remodeling, guided by a relentless pursuit of excellence that's reflected in the name itself (Laurelless means no resting on laurels). Nearly a decade later, he has built a company defined by unwavering standards for both the clients they serve and the team they trust to deliver.

In this episode, Tyler shares how he transitioned from self-performing to leading with vision, what systems helped him delegate without sacrificing quality, and how he is creating a company that attracts people who believe in doing things the right way.

In this episode you'll learn:

• How Madden designed a seamless process that guides clients from concept to completion while minimizing surprises and reducing stress
• What makes Laurelless stand out in a competitive market and how they sell the experience, not just the remodel
• The systems and forecasting tools that support sustainable and profitable growth
• Why vetting clients early with clear expectations around budget, timeline, and trust is key to protecting the team and delivering five-star results
• What it means to create true ownership within your team and why that is essential to scaling

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Learn more about Laurelless here.

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

What does it take to grow a construction business from a dream into a sought-after brand known for craftsmanship and care? Tyler Winship found out firsthand when he launched Englewood Custom Carpentry the same day he was fired from another company. Now, nearly a decade later, Winship is running a thriving business with a reputation that stretches across Florida's Gulf Coast.

In this episode, he shares the systems he used to grow his team, increase profitability, and gain lifelong customers. It's a story of passion for one's craft, and the ability to look at mistakes as an opportunity to grow.

In this episode you'll learn:

• How Winship came to charge for his expertise…not just time and labor
• What marketing strategies helped him expand beyond word of mouth and drive consistent inbound leads
• Which business systems allowed him to shift from barely breaking even to consistent profitability
• How Winship qualifies leads to ensures he only works with the right customers
• The mindset Tyler adopted to grow his team and build a sustainable company

Resources:

Learn more about Englewood Custom Carpentry here.

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

In this episode of Builder Stories, Dave Stephens shares practical insights drawn from his real-world journey of building and growing a business on his own terms. The conversation is packed with honest advice that resonates with builders navigating growth and challenges. Dave's story offers encouragement and clarity for anyone looking to move forward with confidence, wherever their path may lead.

In this episode you will learn:

• How to transition from a different career into construction
• Learning from failures to become even more successful
• Why consistency matters
• How hiring coaches can help you fill knowledge gaps
• How Lida Homes implements a 5-5-5 conversation to keep employees on track

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Learn more about Lida Homes here.