Podcast

Remodelers On The Rise

Business, Marketing

Remodelers On The Rise by Kyle Hunt is a podcast designed to inspire remodeling entrepreneurs like yourself. Practical tips, high-level strategy, specific examples, and information that you can grab and implement into your remodeling business. The goal is to empower you to make your remodeling business more enjoyable, profitable, and enable you more freedom in your business and life.

Episodes
408
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
46 min
On air since
2014
Latest episode
5 days ago

Episodes

408 episodes, newest first

  1. Running on EOS: Vision, Scorecards, and the Systems That Stick

    Show notes

    Are you spending so much time managing the day-to-day of your remodeling business that you rarely have a chance to focus on where you're actually taking it?

    This week, Kyle sits down with Victor Lebegue of VL Builders in Lakewood, Colorado, to talk about how implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) has helped him build a more organized business with a team that's working toward the same goals.

    Victor shares what he's learned from years of implementing EOS, including how his company uses scorecards to measure performance, why clearly defined core values matter, and how quarterly goals keep important improvements from getting pushed aside when business gets busy. He also shares specific metrics VL Builders tracks and why you don't need to implement every part of EOS at once to start seeing results.

    Kyle and Victor also discuss what happens when your business starts running smoothly enough that you can step back, work fewer hours, and actually enjoy the freedom you've worked so hard to create.

    Whether you're just starting to build your team or looking for more structure in an established company, this episode offers practical ideas you can start putting to work in your remodeling business.

    ---

    Explore real client results and case studies at Contractor Growth Network Results, learn how they help remodelers build marketing that works at Contractor Growth Network, and check out their Podcast for weekly insights designed to help remodelers grow smarter.

    ---

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit http://remodelersontherise.com/ today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    ---

    Key Takeaways

    • Implement EOS tools gradually, focusing on what your team needs most.
    • Track a few meaningful numbers to measure performance and accountability.
    • Document the processes that have the biggest impact on your business.
    • Use Level 10 meetings to solve issues, not just share updates.
    • Set focused quarterly priorities that move your business forward.
    • Build systems that allow your business to thrive without requiring you to work 50+ hours a week.

    ---

    Chapters

    00:00 A neighborhood-first marketing idea, then Victor joins

    02:14 Relentless improvement and avoiding chaos for excitement

    06:23 Learning to rest after years of long workweeks

    09:37 A monthly three-day weekend as an employee benefit

    12:11 VL Builders' mission and Victor's EOS journey

    17:45 EOS vision: values, purpose, and a ten-year target

    24:16 Scorecards that make performance and decisions concrete

    27:04 Tracking budget variance, leads, and design timelines

    35:01 Keep processes lean and protect creative bandwidth

    36:47 Level 10 meetings, issue-solving, and adapting EOS

    39:49 Quarterly rocks turn annual plans into progress

    44:15 Start small: build values, useful data, and fit-for-size meetings

    47:36 Use your leadership strengths without pretending to be someone else

    50:19 Choose one system to improve and start there

    55 min
  2. ADHD and Your Business: How to Work With Your Brain, Not Against It

    Show notes

    Running a remodeling business requires a lot of focus, but what happens when your brain is constantly pulling you in different directions?

    This week, Kyle sits down with Skye Waterson, founder of Unconventional Organisation and host of the ADHD Skills Lab podcast, to talk about the unique challenges and strengths that come with being a business owner with ADHD.

    Skye shares practical strategies for managing distractions, figuring out what actually deserves your attention, and getting important work done when focusing doesn't come naturally. They also discuss why traditional productivity advice doesn't always work for people with ADHD and how hiring the right team members can help business owners stay organized without having to manage every detail themselves.

    Whether you have ADHD or simply struggle to stay focused with everything happening in your business, this conversation offers some fresh ideas for approaching your work in a way that makes sense for you.

    ---

    Want to learn more about Skye Waterson's ADHD-friendly strategies for business owners?

    Visit Unconventional Organisation to learn more about Skye's coaching and resources, or check out her ADHD Skills Lab podcast.

    Get Skye's Free Prioritization Filter: Send the word “prioritize” in a direct message to @unconventionalorganisation on Instagram. Skye will share the prioritization tools discussed in this episode to help you identify what actually needs your attention.

    ---

    Want to keep in touch with past clients and prospects without the hassle of writing content yourself? That’s exactly what Remodelers AutoPilot does — each month you get a done-for-you email newsletter and social media posts, ready to send.

    ---

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit http://remodelersontherise.com/ today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    ---

    Key Takeaways

    • ADHD in adults and entrepreneurs
    • Prioritization and focus techniques
    • Time blindness and working memory challenges
    • Building effective systems and teams
    • Strategies for consistent revenue growth
    • The role of environment and sensory stacking in focus
    • Hiring and onboarding support for ADHD
    • Decision-making and overcoming rumination

    ---

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to ADHD and Business Challenges

    01:56 Skye's Background and Personal Journey

    04:03 ADHD Traits and Entrepreneurial Strengths

    07:02 Focus Strategies: Prioritization and Environment

    12:01 Managing Time Blindness and Working Memory

    17:03 Building Supportive Teams and Hiring for ADHD

    22:59 Practical Tools: Focus Routine and Sensory Stacking

    30:02 Supporting Business Growth with ADHD Strengths

    35:53 How Skye Works with Business Owners

    39:01 Final Tips and Resources for ADHD Entrepreneurs

    43 min
  3. Building a Remodeling Business with the End in Mind

    Show notes

    You've spent years building your remodeling business, but have you thought about what happens when you're ready to step away?

    This week, Kyle sits down with David Lupberger of Contractor Transition Strategies to talk about planning for the future of your business, whether retirement is a few years away or still decades down the road.

    David shares why so many contractors put off exit planning and what you can start doing now to give yourself more options later. They discuss how to prepare your business to operate without you, what to consider when choosing a successor, and why understanding your company's value is so important. You'll also hear why selling your business might not be the retirement plan you think it is and how staying involved in a smaller role could be another option.

    If you haven't given much thought to what comes next for your remodeling business, this conversation is a good reminder that it's never too early to start planning.

    ---

    Want to keep in touch with past clients and prospects without the hassle of writing content yourself? That’s exactly what Remodelers AutoPilot does — each month you get a done-for-you email newsletter and social media posts, ready to send.

    ---

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit http://remodelersontherise.com/ today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    ---

    Key Takeaways

    • Business valuation and EBITDA
    • Timing of exit and retirement planning
    • Successor development and key employee incentives
    • Business culture and employee retention during transition
    • Financial planning and asset gap analysis
    • Business continuity and risk management
    • Legal and tax considerations in exit strategies

    ---

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and guest background

    01:52 The importance of early exit planning

    03:55 Key questions for successful transition

    07:58 When do you want to leave? Planning with flexibility

    11:55 Financial considerations and asset gap analysis

    16:02 Successor development and key employee incentives

    22:02 Business valuation and EBITDA explained

    29:58 Legal, tax, and accounting strategies

    37:03 Personal insights and retirement lifestyle design

    48 min
  4. My Remodeling Story: Creating a Remarkable Remodeling Experience from Day 1

    Show notes

    As remodelers, you spend so much time guiding clients through their projects. But what happens when you're the one going through the remodeling process?

    In this solo episode, Kyle shares what he's learning while remodeling his own primary bathroom with a longtime client and local remodeler. From the initial design meetings and making selections to preparing for demolition and watching the first days of construction unfold, Kyle shares what stood out to him now that he's experiencing the process as a homeowner.

    He talks about why clear communication and realistic timelines matter so much, how overwhelming the selection process can feel, and the little things that make a big difference in the overall client experience. You'll also hear what his remodeler has done particularly well and a few areas where Kyle sees opportunities for improvement.

    ---
    If you're looking for ways to create a remarkable remodeling experience, you'll want to hear what Kyle has to say about this side of the process and how to make the first day set a positive tone for the entire project.

    ---
    JobTread helps remodelers bring estimating, scheduling, job costing, and invoicing into one connected system, so they can clearly see where jobs stand and what’s actually profitable. We’ve watched members move from guessing to confidently knowing their numbers, which leads to better pricing, planning, and leadership. If you’re ready for better systems and better decisions, learn more at http://jobtread.com/.

    ---

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit http://remodelersontherise.com/ today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    ---

    Key Takeaways

    Client experience and communication

    Design and development process insights

    Project management and capacity planning

    Importance of upfront selections and clear schedules

    Lessons learned from Kyle's remodeling project

    ---

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and overview of Kyle's remodeling project

    01:48 The importance of knowing your numbers in remodeling

    04:12 How remarkable client experiences lead to more projects

    06:07 Choosing the right designer and setting a budget

    09:00 The value of initial design concepts and early communication

    11:55 Managing capacity and avoiding overwhelm in design development

    14:45 Breaking down selections and guiding clients through choices

    18:09 The significance of upfront selections and detailed scope of work

    21:07 Effective communication and pre-construction planning

    24:10 Progress updates, site visits, and client reassurance

    27:00 Final thoughts and encouragement for remodelers

    30 min
  5. Delegate and Elevate: How to Get More Off Your Plate

    Show notes

    If everything in your remodeling business still has to run through you, eventually you become the bottleneck.

    This week, Kyle sits down with Curtis Lawson, a Remodelers on the Rise Coach and owner of Crafted Custom Homes, to walk through the Delegate and Elevate exercise and how remodelers can use it to take a closer look at where their time is actually going. Curtis explains how to identify the work you should keep doing, what needs to be handed off, and why even the things you're good at may be holding you back if they continue taking up your time and energy.

    They also talk about what effective delegation actually looks like once you decide to let something go, including clearer roles, better job descriptions, training your team, and creating the accountability needed to make sure the work gets done.

    ---

    If you're tired of being the person everyone calls and your business still depends too heavily on you, this episode will help you start creating more space for yourself while giving your team room to grow!

    ---

    Today's episode is sponsored by Builder Funnel! Click here to learn more about how Builder Funnel helps remodelers and home builders grow through strategic digital marketing.

    ---

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit http://remodelersontherise.com/ today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    ---

    Key Takeaways

    • The origin of the delegate and elevate exercise from EOS
    • How to identify tasks to delegate using the four quadrants
    • The importance of organizational charts and job descriptions
    • Strategies for effective delegation and feedback loops
    • The impact of head trash on business growth and mindset
    • Using technology for handwritten notes and client communication
    • The role of happiness and work-life balance in business success

    ---

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and guest overview

    01:15 Curtis shares the origin of the delegate and elevate exercise

    04:01 The importance of removing head trash for growth

    09:29 Introduction to the delegate and elevate quadrants

    14:24 How to list and categorize daily tasks

    17:38 Using the exercise to identify delegation opportunities

    22:48 Handling delegation challenges and feedback

    36:30 Applying percentages and capacity analysis

    44:21 Final thoughts on happiness and work-life balance

    46 min
  6. 6 Ideas From Inside Remodelers Community

    Show notes

    Some of the best business ideas come from seeing what other remodelers are working through in their own companies.

    In this solo episode, Kyle pulls six ideas from recent conversations and posts inside the Remodelers Community. He shares how one remodeler turned a missed permit into a better process, a different way to think about accountability with your team, and why you might want to revisit an old business book instead of picking up the newest one. He also talks about finding the right place for AI in your business, actually implementing the ideas you bring home from a conference, and taking time to think about where you want your business to be three years from now.

    If you’re looking for a few practical ideas to take back to your remodeling business this week, there’s plenty in this episode to get you thinking.

    ---

    Running a remodeling company can feel lonely, but you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.

    ---

    The Remodelers On The Rise Peer Groups connect you with non-competing remodelers who understand the challenges you’re facing and are committed to helping each other grow.

    Learn more at https://remodelersontherise.com/live-training-events-for-remodelers/remodelers-peer-group/

    ---

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    ---

    Key Takeaways

    • Process refinement and accountability in remodeling
    • Revisiting impactful business books for growth
    • Smart use of AI in estimating and project management
    • Setting clear outcomes for team members
    • Strategic idea implementation from conferences

    ---

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and overview of today's insights

    02:46 A story about permit process mistakes and lessons learned

    06:14 Why you should re-read impactful business books

    08:24 Six principles from 'How to Win Friends and Influence People'

    11:11 Defining accountability as agreed-upon outcomes

    13:33 Using AI for marketing and estimating—when to rely on templates

    16:33 Implementing ideas from the Rise Conference effectively

    19:24 The importance of focus and follow-up in business growth

    21:49 Reflecting on business progress and setting future goals

    22:18 Dreaming three years ahead and strategic planning

    23:54 Resources and services offered by Remodelers on the Rise

    30:56 Closing remarks and next steps for listeners

    32 min
  7. Remodelers Need an Exit Strategy

    Show notes

    Do you have an exit strategy? David Lupberger has asked that question in rooms full of contractors and rarely gets more than two hands in the air.

    Kyle sits down with David, founder of Contractor Transition Strategies, to talk through what it actually takes to build a business with the end in mind, from identifying your successor to closing the asset gap to understanding what your business is actually worth.

    You can join David for his four-part webinar series starting September 30th here!

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers.

    Visit http://remodelersontherise.com/ today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    Key Takeaways

    • Timing of exit and transition planning
    • Importance of less owner reliance for business value
    • Valuation methods using EBITDA and multiples
    • Successor development and key employee incentives
    • Financial planning including asset gap and retirement savings
    • Business continuity planning for unforeseen events

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction and guest background

    00:10 Kyle and David's history and mastermind experience

    00:19 The importance of planning for business transition

    00:23 Key questions for transition planning: when, asset gap, successor

    00:29 Valuation basics: EBITDA and multiples

    00:37 Strategies to increase business value and recurring revenue

    00:43 Options for sale: third-party, key employee, owner financing

    00:44 Legal and tax considerations in transition

    01:14 Designing your retirement lifestyle and planning ahead

    01:35 The importance of a business continuity plan

    02:03 Final thoughts and encouragement for proactive planning

    47 min
  8. Your People Aren’t The Problem, Your Systems Might Be.

    Show notes

    When good employees leave or your team isn't performing the way you hoped, it's easy to assume you have a people problem. But what if the real issue is the systems behind them?

    This week, Kyle sits down with Ryan Englin of Core Matters to talk about what it takes to build a team that can succeed without the owner constantly stepping in. Ryan shares why turnover often starts with the systems inside the business and explains the difference between accountability and micromanagement. They also dig into why traditional performance reviews tend to fall short in the trades and how clearer expectations can make leadership a whole lot easier.

    If you want a team that knows what success looks like and can take more ownership without you hovering over every decision, this conversation will give you some practical places to start.

    Explore real client results and case studies at Contractor Growth Network Results, learn how they help remodelers build marketing that works at Contractor Growth Network, and check out their Podcast for weekly insights designed to help remodelers grow smarter.

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit http://Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    Key Takeaways

    Turnover as a system problem, not a people problem

    Implementing pulse surveys for employee engagement

    Defining clear job descriptions and expectations

    Difference between accountability and micromanagement

    Using KPIs and real-time tracking for performance

    The role of systems in reducing turnover

    Effective communication and performance feedback

    The importance of caring for your team

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Building Better Teams in Remodeling

    01:51 Turnover as a System Problem, Not a People Problem

    04:02 The Power of Pulse Surveys for Engagement

    09:00 Defining Clear Job Descriptions and Expectations

    15:53 Understanding Accountability vs Micromanagement

    23:03 Using KPIs and Real-Time Data for Performance

    30:01 Why Performance Reviews Fail and What Replaces Them

    39:01 Introducing http://Fieldcon.io for Performance Management

    43:51 Caring for Your People and Building Trust

    46 min
  9. How to Actually Use AI in Your Remodeling Business with Eric Fortenberry

    Show notes

    This episode is a rebroadcast of a webinar Eric Fortenberry presented for the Remodelers on the Rise community. Kyle is joined by Eric, founder and CEO of JobTread, to discuss practical ways contractors can start using AI in their businesses.

    Eric explains how tools like Claude can connect with JobTread and use the information already inside your business to help take repetitive work off your plate.

    Throughout the webinar, Eric shares real examples of contractors already using AI in the field and in the office. You’ll hear how AI can help build an estimate before you leave a client’s house, turn jobsite notes into a polished daily log, catch potential issues in your budgets, and help you get more out of the information you already have in JobTread.

    The goal isn’t to overhaul your entire business overnight. Start with one task that takes too much of your time and see where AI can help.

    JobTread helps remodelers bring estimating, scheduling, job costing, and invoicing into one connected system, so they can clearly see where jobs stand and what’s actually profitable. We’ve watched members move from guessing to confidently knowing their numbers, which leads to better pricing, planning, and leadership. If you’re ready for better systems and better decisions, learn more at http://jobtread.com.

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit http://Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    Key Takeaways

    • AI integration in construction management
    • Practical use cases of AI in remodeling
    • Best practices for AI prompting and safety
    • Connecting AI to JobTread via MCP
    • Using AI for estimating, scheduling, and reporting

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to AI's impact on construction management

    02:08 Kyle and Eric discuss practical AI use cases

    04:12 How to connect AI tools to JobTread

    07:03 Best practices for prompting and safety with AI

    10:13 Using AI for estimating, scheduling, and daily logs

    14:57 Creating reports and analyzing data with AI

    20:01 AI for vendor management and email automation

    25:12 Training and customizing AI for your business

    29:57 The importance of human oversight and ownership

    35:14 Real-world examples of AI in action

    39:57 Next steps for integrating AI into your business

    45:06 Q&A and community insights

    1 hr 7 min
  10. Creating Budget Clarity During the Design Process

    Show notes

    Budgets can move fast during design, especially once clients start making selections.

    This week, Kyle sits down with Audra Von Minden Gossage of LTD Builders to talk about the Budget Roadmap, the tool her team uses to keep clients clear on where their budget stands as design moves along. Audra shares how they account for changing selections and costs without redoing a full estimate each time, and how more planning up front has cut down change orders.

    If clarity in the project budget during design is a struggle for your clients, this episode has some great ideas for your team.

    Today's episode is sponsored by Builder Funnel! Click here to learn more about how Builder Funnel helps remodelers and home builders grow through strategic digital marketing.

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit http://Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    Key Takeaways

    • Introduction to the budget roadmap concept
    • The importance of cycle time measurement
    • Managing scope changes and scope differences
    • Presenting material selections without markup
    • Using the budget roadmap to keep clients informed
    • Reducing change order rates to below 2%
    • Building trust through transparency and micro commitments
    • The role of client control and decision-making

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and overview of the episode

    03:50 Introduction to Audra and her business background

    06:22 Challenges with scope and budget expectations

    12:05 The origin of the budget roadmap concept

    13:51 Explaining the budget roadmap to clients

    17:44 Presenting material selections without markup

    19:49 Tracking budget changes through revisions

    27:36 Finalizing the project budget and client approval

    30:47 Reducing change orders and maintaining profitability

    33:41 Handling scope changes and client control

    37:16 Wrapping up and key takeaways from the episode

    44 min
  11. Kyle's Reminders from The Rise Conference

    Show notes

    Running a great remodeling business is not about one magic bullet. It is a combination of a lot of little things done consistently well! Coming off the Rise Conference 2026, Kyle shares several ideas and reminders from the two days spent with 100+ remodelers.

    From thinking through what your biggest constraint is right now, to how delegation can unlock growth, to why tracking the right KPIs matters more than tracking everything, Rise 2026 was full of great sessions and ways you can strengthen your remodeling business. There was no shortage of great content and even better conversation and Kyle is already looking forward to making 2027 even better!

    Explore real client results and case studies at Contractor Growth Network Results, learn how they help remodelers build marketing that works at Contractor Growth Network, and check out their Podcast for weekly insights designed to help remodelers grow smarter.

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit http://Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    Key Takeaways

    • Systematic marketing of projects to local neighborhoods
    • Importance of post-project reviews
    • Using story selling to build trust
    • Implementing EOS for business management
    • Tracking KPIs for project success
    • Batching tasks to improve focus
    • Adjusting gross profit margins for profitability
    • Building a strong team through training and delegation
    • The power of peer groups and roundtables
    • Mindset shifts for overcoming challenges

    30 min
  12. How to Hire Better and Build a Stronger Remodeling Team

    Show notes

    Finding great people is one of the biggest challenges remodelers face, but the answer isn't posting another job ad and hoping the right person comes along. In this episode, Kyle is joined by Justin Landry of JL Talent Solutions and Peer Group Coach Bryan Sebring for a practical conversation about creating a more intentional hiring process.

    Bryan shares how his approach to hiring has changed after working with Justin and why slowing down has helped him avoid costly hiring mistakes. They dig into what a strong recruiting process actually looks like, from defining the role before you start searching to using assessments and structured interviews to better understand each candidate. Justin also explains why the right people are out there, even when it feels impossible to find them, and how looking beyond the usual job boards can open up a much stronger candidate pool.

    If hiring has felt rushed, frustrating, or inconsistent in your remodeling business, this episode will help you think differently about how you find people and set them up to succeed!

    Running a remodeling company can feel lonely, but you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.

    The Remodelers On The Rise Peer Groups connect you with non-competing remodelers who understand the challenges you’re facing and are committed to helping each other grow.

    Learn more at https://remodelersontherise.com/live-training-events-for-remodelers/remodelers-peer-group/

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit http://Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    Key Takeaways

    Building clear role definitions

    Implementing a systematic hiring process

    Using assessments like DISC and preview

    Creating a strong onboarding experience

    Fostering a positive company culture

    Leadership and conflict resolution in teams

    The importance of patience in hiring

    Using data and science in recruitment

    Onboarding best practices for success

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and episode overview

    01:10 Start with the end in mind in hiring

    02:07 Justin Landry introduces JL Talent Solutions

    04:46 Brian Sebring shares his background and path to Justin

    08:25 The importance of patience in hiring

    10:15 Justin explains the vetting process and assessments

    13:25 Proactive vs reactive hiring strategies

    16:34 Best practices for posting and attracting candidates

    18:47 Using data science and assessments to select candidates

    22:42 Effective interview questions and techniques

    30:57 The significance of clear role definitions

    35:58 Onboarding best practices and 30-60-90 plan

    40:56 Leadership, culture, and team integration

    42:46 Continuous improvement and learning in hiring

    47 min
  13. How One Remodeler Is Practically Using AI

    Show notes

    AI isn't just about writing emails or asking ChatGPT a few questions. When it's thoughtfully integrated into your business, it can become a practical tool that saves time and helps your team work more efficiently.

    This week, Kyle sits down with Jeremy Maher of Phoenix Home Remodeling to talk about how his team is actually using AI in the business. Jeremy shares real workflows they've built to reduce repetitive work and get more value from the information they're already collecting. You'll also hear how AI has become part of their sales process. Jeremy even shares how his team is using it to handle missed calls more effectively.

    If you've been wondering what AI can actually look like inside a remodeling company, this episode gives you a practical look at what Jeremy's team is doing and what they've learned along the way.

    JobTread helps remodelers bring estimating, scheduling, job costing, and invoicing into one connected system, so they can clearly see where jobs stand and what’s actually profitable. We’ve watched members move from guessing to confidently knowing their numbers, which leads to better pricing, planning, and leadership. If you’re ready for better systems and better decisions, learn more at http://jobtread.com.

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit http://Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    Key Takeaways

    • AI integration in remodeling
    • Automation of client communication and project management
    • Using AI for call analysis and employee coaching
    • Automating review collection and reputation management
    • Leveraging AI for pre-visit prep and scope of work creation
    • Remote team management and outsourcing in construction
    • Adapting AI tools for business growth and efficiency

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Jeremy Maher and AI in Remodeling

    02:00 Jeremy's background and how he got into AI

    04:02 The importance of strategy before automation

    06:00 Using AI to enhance customer journey and communication

    07:49 Voice AI for call handling and appointment scheduling

    13:48 Automated client photo collection process

    20:52 AI-generated pre-visit prep and scope of work

    26:57 AI analysis of employee performance and coaching

    35:05 Automated review management and reputation building

    44:07 Role-specific GPTs for team productivity

    50:01 Outsourcing and managing remote teams with AI

    50:51 Final thoughts and encouragement for remodelers

    53 min
  14. Building Something Bigger Than Remodeling

    Show notes

    Great remodeling companies aren't built by accident. They're built through intentional leadership, clear values, and a commitment to serving both your team and your clients.

    This week, Kyle sits down with Jimmy Moore of Petra Custom Builders, a longtime Builder Funnel client, to talk about the principles that have shaped his company from day one. They discuss creating a culture people want to be part of, why servant leadership matters, building core values that actually guide decisions, and how investing in marketing has given Jimmy's team the freedom to be more selective about the projects they take on.

    If you're trying to build a company that lasts, this conversation is full of practical ideas that go far beyond remodeling.

    Jimmy's experience is also a great example of what can happen when remodelers treat marketing as a long term investment and partner with a team like Builder Funnel.

    Today's episode is sponsored by Builder Funnel! Click here to learn more about how Builder Funnel helps remodelers and home builders grow through strategic digital marketing.

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit http://Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    Key Takeaways

    • Jimmy Moore's transition from remodeler to builder
    • The importance of core values and culture
    • The role of intentionality and discipline in leadership
    • Strategic marketing and lead generation with BuilderFunnel
    • The impact of consistent branding and content marketing
    • Building a team that reflects company values
    • The significance of pipeline management and ROI measurement
    • The biblical inspiration behind Petra's name and mission

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Jimmy Moore's background

    02:02 Jimmy's perspective on intentionality and discipline

    04:05 The story behind Petra's name and mission

    07:03 Leadership as service and building company culture

    11:58 Jimmy's journey from a young remodeler to a business owner

    17:02 The fulfillment found in impactful work

    23:00 The evolution of Petra and its core values

    27:06 Leadership qualities and servant leadership

    35:51 Marketing strategy and partnership with BuilderFunnel

    48:00 Results and ROI from BuilderFunnel's marketing efforts

    01:00:05 Advice for business owners on marketing investment

    01:08:10 The importance of culture and core values in business

    01:10:01 Closing thoughts and final advice

    1 hr 11 min
  15. Building a Company Clients Remember

    Show notes

    Great client experiences don't happen by accident. They're built through dozens of intentional decisions before, during, and after every project.

    This week, Kyle sits down with Darin Kuns of DK Construction to share how his team has intentionally designed an experience that stands out. From customer confidence checkups and post-project interviews to thoughtful job site standards and small gestures that make clients feel valued, Darin explains how the little details create lasting trust.

    If you're looking for practical ideas on building a company people can't wait to recommend, this episode is packed with ideas you can start using right away.

    Want to keep in touch with past clients and prospects without the hassle of writing content yourself? That’s exactly what Remodelers AutoPilot does — each month you get a done-for-you email newsletter and social media posts, ready to send.

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit http://Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    Key Takeaways

    • Fix pre-construction bottlenecks
    • Improve planning before production
    • Delegate to increase capacity
    • Track client confidence
    • Create memorable client experiences
    • Gather post-project feedback
    • Set clear job-site standards
    • Recognize and support employees

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Episode Context

    00:33 Celebrating 400 Episodes and Guest Suggestions

    01:02 Highlighting Todd DeWalt and Construction Leading Edge

    01:48 DK Construction's Market and Business Focus

    02:11 Identifying Business Heartburns and Bottlenecks

    03:07 Addressing Capacity and Process Challenges

    04:22 Strategies for Smoother Project Handoffs

    05:15 Handling Change Orders and Project Variances

    06:04 Time Management and Capacity Planning

    07:11 Setting Small Wins in Project Selection

    07:53 Focusing on Capacity and Focused Work

    08:56 Company History and Market Overview

    11:01 Developing Client Relationships and Expectations

    12:06 The Three Uniques of DK Construction

    14:48 Employee Recruitment and Incentives

    20:08 Client Experience and Customer Confidence

    24:58 Enhancing Client Delight and Little Things

    30:12 Implementing Client Feedback and Post-Project Surveys

    34:50 Company Culture and Employee Recognition

    39:58 Team Communication and Meeting Optimization

    44:52 Signage and Job Site Respect

    50:03 Letting Go of Control and Delegation

    51:52 Building a High-Performance Team

    55:00 Final Thoughts on Customer Service and Business Growth

    59 min
  16. Is It Ever Enough? A Conversation About Striving for More

    Show notes

    Every business owner eventually runs into a question that has nothing to do with sales, marketing, or operations: Is it ever enough?

    This week, Kyle riffs on a conversation with a coaching client that led to a deeper discussion about ambition, contentment, and what success really looks like. He shares why entrepreneurs are wired to keep moving the goalposts and the importance of creating a business that supports the life you want to live instead of a business that takes over your life.

    If you've ever found yourself chasing the next milestone without stopping to ask why, this episode will give you plenty to think about.

    JobTread helps remodelers bring estimating, scheduling, job costing, and invoicing into one connected system, so they can clearly see where jobs stand and what’s actually profitable. We’ve watched members move from guessing to confidently knowing their numbers, which leads to better pricing, planning, and leadership. If you’re ready for better systems and better decisions, learn more at http://jobtread.com.

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit http://Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    Key Takeaways

    • Define success on your own terms.

    • Ask if your business is supporting the life you want to live.

    • Stop constantly moving the goalposts.

    • Don't let business success come at the expense of your personal life.

    • Pursue financial security, not endless accumulation.

    • Run your own race instead of comparing yourself to others.

    • Give yourself grace and learn from past mistakes.

    • Revisit your "why" as your life and business evolve.

    Chapters

    00:00 Kyle's Approach to Podcast Content and Riffing

    01:01 Reflecting on a Recent Client Conversation

    02:00 The Question: Is It Ever Enough?

    02:59 The Impact of Age and Season of Life

    03:57 Growth Culture and the 'More, More' Mindset

    04:51 Evaluating if Your Business Supports Your Life

    05:52 Success at Home vs. Business Growth

    06:50 Designing a Business for Life Balance

    08:13 Guarding Against Money and Materialism

    09:12 The Importance of Contentment and Vision

    10:06 Financial Goals and Retirement Planning

    11:02 The Balance Between Growth and Peace

    11:57 Practical Steps to Find Contentment

    13:05 Reflecting on Personal and Business Priorities

    14:00 Long-term Vision and Short-term Adjustments

    14:56 Retirement Savings and Financial Security

    15:46 Aligning Business Success with Personal Values

    17:14 Healing Past Mistakes and Moving Forward

    18:12 The Power of Responsibility and Grace

    19:12 The Core Question: What Is Enough?

    20:11 Running Your Race and Defining Success

    21:07 Final Reflections and Personal Invitation

    25 min
  17. Five Scenes from a Remodeling Business in 2026

    Show notes

    Not every episode follows a single thread, and this one does not try to. Paul McManus of McManus Kitchen and Bath pulls back the curtain on navigating a down market, building a generous PTO policy that keeps great people around, rethinking his website from the ground up, using AI to strengthen process instead of replace it, and opening a brand new showroom with some genuinely creative ideas inside. If you want an honest look at how a seasoned remodeler is thinking and building right now, this one delivers.

    Today's episode is sponsored by Builder Funnel! Click here to learn more about how Builder Funnel helps remodelers and home builders grow through strategic digital marketing.

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit http://Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    Key Takeaways

    • Track lead flow and KPIs to anticipate market shifts.
    • Use a flexible PTO policy to boost team loyalty.
    • Invest in showroom expansion and new services.
    • Leverage AI for process improvement and data organization.
    • Focus on process improvement before adopting new AI tools.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and market overview for 2026

    02:02 Current market challenges and lead flow issues

    04:11 Financial management and preparing for a down year

    06:08 Using KPIs to anticipate market trends

    07:57 PTO policies and employee engagement

    12:00 Website strategies and copywriting tips

    20:02 Embracing AI and process automation

    38:00 Showroom expansion and new service offerings

    50:05 Future market opportunities and growth areas

    57:55 Closing thoughts and key takeaways

    1 hr 1 min
  18. The Most Important Page on Your Website

    Show notes

    Effective websites sell your projects before a prospect ever picks up the phone!

    This week, Kyle sat down with Logan Shinholser of Contractor Growth Network to dig into why featured project pages have become the centerpiece of every website CGN builds. They cover what needs to go on these pages to actually build trust, how to use them in your sales conversations before you ever sit down with a client, and why great photography is still the single most important investment you can make in your marketing.

    If you want your marketing to do a better job of attracting the right clients, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can start using right away!

    Explore real client results and case studies at Contractor Growth Network Results, learn how they help remodelers build marketing that works at Contractor Growth Network, and check out their Podcast for weekly insights designed to help remodelers grow smarter.

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit http://Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    Key Takeaways

    • Featured project pages build trust faster than photo galleries.
    • Document what makes your company different.
    • Tell the homeowner's story, not just the remodeler's.
    • Use featured projects throughout your sales process.
    • Show the design journey—not just the finished result.
    • Focus on the projects you want more of.
    • Professional photography is one of your best marketing investments.
    • Specific examples sell better than generic claims.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Intro & Welcome
    • 05:18 Why Marketing Remodeling Is Different
    • 08:20 Why Featured Project Pages Matter
    • 13:56 What Makes a Great Project Page
    • 15:37 Choosing the Right Projects to Feature
    • 21:33 How Project Pages Improve Sales Conversations
    • 24:56 Why Professional Photography Matters
    • 32:20 A Better Way to Showcase Before & After Transformations
    • 39:55 Marketing Lessons Every Remodeler Should Apply
    • 42:14 The Two Marketing Assets Every Remodeler Needs
    • 44:27 Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

    47 min
  19. Time Kills Deals! Reducing Design & Project Development Timeframe

    Show notes

    Most remodelers know they need to move faster through Design and Project Development. Fewer know exactly where the time is going or how to get it back. Kyle walks through specific ideas for reducing cycle time, from building out a Design & Project Development schedule to setting clear client expectations up front, so your projects keep moving and your pipeline stays healthy!

    JobTread helps remodelers bring estimating, scheduling, job costing, and invoicing into one connected system, so they can clearly see where jobs stand and what’s actually profitable. We’ve watched members move from guessing to confidently knowing their numbers, which leads to better pricing, planning, and leadership. If you’re ready for better systems and better decisions, learn more at http://jobtread.com.

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit http://Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    Key Takeaways

    • Time kills deals. Faster design and development leads to more signed contracts.
    • Measure your design-to-contract cycle time.
    • Create a structured design and development schedule.
    • Set expectations that major decisions happen before construction begins.
    • Hold weekly client meetings to maintain momentum.
    • Always schedule the next meeting before ending the current one.
    • Limit the number of active design projects to protect capacity.
    • Simplify client decisions and clearly communicate budget impacts and changes.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Topic Overview

    02:08 Understanding Cycle Time in Project Development

    04:05 Strategies for Reducing Cycle Time

    07:01 Setting Clear Expectations with Clients

    08:59 Effective Client Engagement Strategies

    11:54 Managing Project Capacity and Expectations

    14:47 Streamlining Design Choices for Clients

    18:10 Utilizing Technology for Communication

    21:03 Budget Management and Client Transparency

    26 min
  20. DataX and the AI Workforce Every Remodeler Needs

    Show notes

    AI agents are not as complicated as they sound, and Peter Ranney and Elliott Wittstruck of DataX are proof. They walk through exactly how remodelers are using AI agents inside JobTread right now to automatically clean up field notes, process receipts, cost jobs, and land a daily project health report in their inbox every evening. They also share a seven-level framework for AI adoption that takes all the pressure off and helps you figure out exactly where to start! If you have been curious about AI but not sure where to begin, this one gives you a clear and practical first step.

    —

    Today's episode is sponsored by Builder Funnel! Click here to learn more about how Builder Funnel helps remodelers and home builders grow through strategic digital marketing.

    Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit http://Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

    —

    Key Takeaways

    • Start with a specific problem, not AI itself.
    • Think micro. Small use cases create big wins.
    • AI is not a magic button. It takes time to learn.
    • AI agents work automatically without manual prompts.
    • Reporting is one of the most valuable AI applications.
    • Better data in = better insights out.
    • Focus on your current level of AI adoption.
    • Don't let AI distract you from serving clients and improving your business.

    —-

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    06:39 Managing Multiple Ventures

    10:16 Interacting with AI: The Basics

    12:09 Automation and AI Agents

    14:38 Practical Applications of AI in Business

    19:40 Email Automation and Receipt Processing

    21:52 Job Performance Analysis with AI

    24:52 Self-Updating AI Agents

    26:43 AI Models and Security Concerns

    29:34 Advanced AI Prompts and Use Cases

    34:18 Creating Contracts and Estimates with AI

    38:16 Bridging the Knowledge Gap in AI

    40:13 Understanding AI Levels of Interaction

    49:21 Future of AI in Business

    52 min