Builder Stories – Details, episodes & analysis

You don’t need a lifelong construction background to build a profitable remodeling business. In this episode of Builder Stories, Dominick Thompson shares how he went from the automotive industry and military service to learning construction and starting Watershed Builders in Charlotte.

Dominick breaks down how he built strong processes and stability into his business from the very beginning. He priced jobs with confidence, hired the right people, and managed growth without overextending. He also shares how trade relationships, clear roles for sales and estimating, and simple social content helped fuel steady growth and referrals.

In this episode you will learn:

• How to set profit margins that protect your business
• When to make your first hires and structure your team
• How trade partners can accelerate your growth
• Simple content strategies that attract high-quality leads

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Learn more about Watershed Builders 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

Meet Wilbur Jennings, owner of Wilbur Design + Construct in Marquette, Michigan. Jennings started in the trades at the age of 13, and developed a passion for building. He went on to earn a degree in construction management, and founded Wilbur Design while “flying by the seat of my pants.” Over the course of his journey in leadership he incorporated a mission and vision; clear systems and processes; an intentional company culture; and new ways to look at his financials. Here, Jennings shares the most impactful lessons learned in the past ten years.  

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to define and use a mission, vision, and values to steer your business

• The critical hiring lesson that helped Wilbur build a more accountable and trustworthy team

• The industry resources he’s found most helpful

• The job costing systems that have helped him maintain the right level of profitability

• What he would do differently if he were starting the business again today

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Resources:

Learn more about Wilbur Design + Construct 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

Meet Jeff Whitted and Ryan Stones, leaders of Aslan Design & Build in Sellersville, Pennsylvania. In this episode, the dynamic father-and-son-in-law team explore the challenges and triumphs of running a family business. From navigating the complexities of working with family to maintaining profitability and preventing theft, Jeff and Ryan reveal their hard-earned wisdom and experiences. They also share valuable insights into leadership, processes, and company culture.

In this episode you will learn:

• The key to successfully working with family members
• The top rule for preventing theft in your business
• Key areas in a remodeling process where profitability can break down
• An important business practice Jeff and Ryan borrowed from the Navy SEALs
• Jeff's three essential secrets to being a great leader

 

Learn more about Aslan Design & Build here: https://aslaninteriors.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

Fueled by passion for his work and an entrepreneurial itch, Luke left the audio industry and opened a carpentry business in 2021. Today, he’s transformed the company into a thriving remodeling business that specializes in basement build-outs and bathrooms. Luke shares how focusing on a specific niche, being transparent with pricing, and properly vetting trade partners have been key to his growth. He also discusses balancing entrepreneurship with family life and how his mindset keeps him grounded through challenges.     In this episode you will learn:

• Luke’s secret to peace and joy in business
• Why Luke niched down to basements and bathrooms and what it’s done for the company
• How he arrived at the right margins for his business
• Why he began publishing price ranges on the company website and how it’s affected client conversations
• Tips for success for running a business with your spouse

 

Learn more about Larson Basement & Bath here: https://www.larsoncustom.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

Wendy Marvin started out in roofing at a time when the industry wasn’t as collaborative. “We saw there was one seat at the table, and we were going to elbow our way to that seat,” she recalls. “And then this really beautiful thing started taking over where we realized that we can just make more seats.” Since those days, the entire table has grown exponentially, and alongside that growth has come a need for a brand new skillset. In this engaging episode, Wendy reveals crucial tools for success in an era of private equity, new technologies, and the make-or-break requirement for operational excellence.  

 

In this episode, you will learn:

• Wendy’s top source for business secrets
• The biggest red flags when picking a technology partner
• How AI can be good for a construction company…and when it could be really bad
• The man who used to be Wendy’s roofing “tech crush,” and why that changed

 

To learn more about Matrix Roof & Home based in Vancouver, Washington, visit https://matrixroof.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 James Moylan, owner of Design Builders Inc. located in Bethesda, Maryland. James started his journey in construction at just 12 years old, sweeping job sites, and has since built a thriving business specializing in high-end outdoor living spaces. He shares how he grew his company by investing early in marketing, leveraging strategic partnerships, and narrowing his focus to screen porches to dominate his niche. James also dives into the power of automation, the impact of a well-designed showroom, and the importance of educating customers to build trust and long-term relationships.  

 

Here are some of the key takeaways from our discussion with James:

• Marketing is the foundation of growth
• Building the right team and learning to let go
• Owning your space and becoming an authority

 

Learn more about Design Builders Inc. here: https://www.designbuildersmd.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 Joe Averill, owner of Deck Science based in Elk River, Minnesota. Joe shares his unconventional journey from studying to become a physician's assistant to building a thriving deck construction business. Learn how a solo road trip and a frustrating experience in commercial construction led him to hyper-specialize in decks, creating a streamlined, customer-focused process that sets Deck Science apart. Joe dives into the importance of simplicity in offerings, the power of personalization in sales and customer relationships, and how leveraging technology has helped him scale efficiently.  

 

Here are some of the key takeaways from our discussion with Joe:

• Building a focused, scalable business
• Creating strong customer relationships
• Investing in sales training and personal growth

 

Learn more about Deck Science here: https://www.deckscience.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 Janel Swanson, owner of Wildwood Kitchen and Baths located in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. Janel shares her remarkable journey from a stay-at-home mom who transformed her century-old farmhouse kitchen into a passion project, to founding a thriving design-build firm serving the Twin Cities metro area. Janel shares how a hands-on renovation sparked her love for kitchen and bath design, leading her to become a certified designer and general contractor, all while learning the importance of delegation, networking, and streamlined project management. Her candid insights into overcoming early challenges, mastering marketing strategies, and building a talented, dedicated team offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to carve out their own path in the construction industry.  

 

Here are some of the key takeaways from our discussion with Janel:

• Delegating tasks early on
• Leveraging strong industry networks
• Systemizing your processes

 

Learn more about Wildwood Kitchen and Baths here: https://wildwoodkitchensandbaths.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 Jason Liers, owner of Stone Ridge Remodeling, Inc. based in Cleveland, Tennessee. From growing up in a family of builders to navigating the highs and lows of running his own remodeling business, Jason shares his journey of resilience, reinvention, and the lessons learned along the way. He dives into the challenges of transitioning from tradesman to business owner, the power of mentorship, and how he rebuilt his company with a clear vision and strong processes. Jason’s story is packed with valuable insights on perseverance, branding, and building a business the right way.  

 

Here are some of the key takeaways from our discussion with Jason:

• Building a strong reputation drives business
• Essential systems for scaling
• Having the right mindset and perseverance

 

Learn more about Stone Ridge Remodeling here: https://stoneridgeremodeling.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 John Lea, owner of Decksouth located in Marietta, Georgia. From humble beginnings mowing lawns at age 12 to building one of the most respected deck companies in the industry, John’s journey is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to quality. John discusses the lessons he’s learned from decades in the business—how he built a strong team, adapted to industry changes, and found the balance between running a thriving company and being present for his family.  

 

Here are some of the key takeaways from our discussion with John:

• Prioritizing family over work
• Thriving by working together as industry leaders
• Seeking guidance, mentorship, and coaching

 

Learn more about Decksouth here: https://decksouth.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