Builder Stories

In this far-ranging conversation, Phill and Heather revisit a painful embezzlement that left them questioning every facet of the business. Rather than retreat in the face of that disruption, they used the moment as an opportunity to rebuild their systems with a trust-but-verify mindset, putting safeguards in place that protect the business from repeating past mistakes. The discussion also covers the success habits that strengthened their leadership and brought their team into full alignment. In this episode you will learn: How to identify the right moment to make early hires Strategies for using partners and systems to keep admin work organized Key numbers to follow when planning for long term growth What it takes to shift your energy toward the tasks that move the business forward The organization that changed how they approach business Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Visit Closer Look General Contracting here.

In this episode, Cody Reinke reflects on the mindset that helped him stay successful while building and managing a company on his own. Eric Fortenberry offers guidance on identifying the right time to hire, structuring compensation, which tasks are best to outsource and understanding the key business metrics. Their conversation gives listeners a clear look at how thoughtful support and practical planning can strengthen daily operations. In this episode you will learn: How to identify the right moment to make early hires Ways to balance time in the field with time running the business Strategies for using partners and systems to keep admin work organized Key numbers to follow when planning for long term growth What it takes to shift your energy toward the tasks that move the business forward Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Wings Construction 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.

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.

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.

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.

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