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 transiti...
Jul 16, 2025•52 min•Ep. 98
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...
Jul 09, 2025•44 min•Ep. 97
What do the most successful remodelers do differently? How do smaller companies break through growth ceilings and become industry leaders? Mark Richardson has spent his career helping contractors make that leap. As the former President of Case Design Remodeling, an author, and a trusted advisor to the industry’s top companies, he shares what it really takes to grow. Richardson breaks down the specific habits, metrics, and mindset shifts that help remodeling businesses scale. Whether you’re tryin...
Jul 02, 2025•50 min•Ep. 96
Working with your spouse isn’t always easy, but it can be one of your biggest strengths. Here, Dees Britt shares how she and her husband built Redeemed Decks and Outdoor Solutions in Madison, Mississippi, while raising three kids and learning to set boundaries between work and home. Britt also shares the systems and strategies that helped their business grow faster than expected. From refining the sales process to hiring the right team members and navigating growing pains, she offers practical a...
Jun 25, 2025•41 min•Ep. 95
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...
Jun 18, 2025•51 min•Ep. 94
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 ...
Jun 11, 2025•59 min•Ep. 93
Meet Mike Claudio, owner of WinRate Consulting in Charlotte, NC. After walking away from corporate burnout, Mike built a business helping contractors scale with clarity, leadership, and systems that work. In this episode, he breaks down the three biggest reasons construction companies lose momentum, how to build core values that actually guide your team, and the biggest mistake leaders make when casting a vision. Plus, his 4-step hiring process and time management mindset that helps him lead mul...
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 92
Meet George Lokko, owner of Y2 Design & Build located in Westerville, Ohio. George shares how he went from a career in engineering and finance to building one of Columbus’ most process-driven and design-forward remodeling firms. After losing his job during COVID, George took the leap into construction by learning from the ground up—literally starting with demolition—and eventually launching Y2 Design & Build. He discusses the power of great design, his 54-step process that minimizes chan...
May 28, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 91
Meet Johnny Buck, founder of 13 Stripes Construction in Marion, NC. In this episode, Buck shares his journey from MMA fighter to construction business owner with a mission to revolutionize the home services industry. After building a top 1% gym and navigating a hurricane that reshaped his business overnight, Buck brings a fresh perspective to construction rooted in discipline and repeatable systems and processes. He talks about scaling from the ground up, building a business designed to sell, an...
May 21, 2025•56 min•Ep. 90
Meet Wes Crocket, owner of Mahogany Builders located in Chicago, Illinois. Wes shares his journey from studying organizational psychology in grad school to leading a respected remodeling business in one of the country’s most competitive markets. Inspired by his father's leadership and driven by a desire to build a strong team culture, Wes opens up about his path into construction, the founding of Mahogany Builders, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Dives into what it takes to lead with...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 89
Meet Brian Gottlieb, a renowned business leader, speaker, and author who built a home improvement empire from a plastic folding table and $3,000. In this episode, Brian shares his journey of growing a company to over 1,000 employees and achieving a successful exit, all while staying true to his mission of doing well and doing good. Learn how he built high-performing teams, scaled across multiple states, stayed connected to customers through every stage of growth, and created a purpose-driven cul...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 88
Meet Chris Moore, owner of Senior Remodeling Experts located in Salem, Virginia. Chris shares his journey from an unexpected start in construction to building a business focused on helping seniors and veterans live safely and independently in their homes. He opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including the loss of his wife, the lessons learned through hardship, and his mission to create a lasting impact through aging-in-place remodeling. Chris discusses the importance of ...
Apr 30, 2025•57 min•Ep. 87
Meet Annemarie Diaz, co-owner of TRS Build in Cedar Park, TX. In this episode, Diaz opens up about the strategies that have helped her build a thriving remodeling business powered by 80% referral work. From creating a culture where it’s okay to fail to scaling her team while also protecting the company, Diaz shares her approach to leadership, business best practices, and long-term success. She also dives into how she implements new technology, keeps her cost per lead in check, and co-leads her b...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 86
Meet Katie Throckmorton, owner of Distinct Builders in Charleston, South Carolina. Katie is a passionate leader with a heart for serving others and helping contractors embrace technology to grow their businesses. In this episode, she shares her journey from starting out in the industry to building a thriving business focused on support, education, and intentional service. In this episode, you’ll learn: How a service-first mindset can transform customer relationships Ways to help team members ado...
Apr 16, 2025•43 min•Ep. 85
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 wil...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 84
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...
Apr 02, 2025•59 min•Ep. 83
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...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 82
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 show...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 81
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 sa...
Mar 12, 2025•58 min•Ep. 80
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,...
Mar 05, 2025•42 min•Ep. 79
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 v...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 78
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...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 77
Meet David Hopkins with JNT Construction based in Dallas, Texas. As Vice President of Sales, David shares how JNT transitioned from residential remodeling to specializing in multifamily and commercial construction, expanding into multiple states. He dives into the importance of building strong vendor relationships, leveraging technology like JobTread to streamline operations, and scaling a business while maintaining quality. From overcoming resistance to change to optimizing estimating and proje...
Feb 12, 2025•59 min•Ep. 76
Meet Sherrie Derr from Schlick Construction, located in Omaha, Nebraska. As General Manager, Sherry has played a pivotal role in transforming the company's operations, implementing systems to streamline estimating, project management, and communication. With a lifelong passion for construction, she shares how her journey—from growing up around the trades to overseeing business growth—has shaped her leadership approach. Hear how Sherry is building a stronger, more organized company while setting ...
Feb 05, 2025•41 min•Ep. 75
Meet Matt Millsap, founder and CEO of Building Company Number 7 based in Nashville, Tennessee. Starting during the 2008 recession, Matt built his design-build firm on a foundation of craftsmanship and professionalism, focusing on large-format historic renovations, additions, and custom homes. With 16 years in the industry, Matt’s journey reflects a commitment to people and processes. Drawing inspiration from early experiences with his father and lessons learned as a vice president managing 400 h...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 74
In this special episode of Builder Stories , we bring you one of the keynotes from last week’s JobTread Connect conference, delivered by our host and JobTread Founder & CEO, Eric Fortenberry. Drawing from conversations with some of the most inspiring contractors and builders featured on the podcast, Eric shares actionable lessons on how to scale your business, strengthen leadership, and achieve lasting success in the construction industry. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting starte...
Jan 22, 2025•37 min•Ep. 73
Meet Jeff and Chantal Ballantyne owners of Ballantyne Builds, located in Toronto, Canada. They share their inspiring journey of turning their passion for building into a thriving family business. From Jeff’s hands-on beginnings in construction and Chantal’s leap from corporate life to managing finances, to overcoming early challenges and learning from their first tough client, their story is one of perseverance, growth, and transformation. Hear how they navigated financial struggles, embraced me...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 72
Meet Greg DiBernardo, owner of Peachtree Decks and Porches based in Alpharetta, Georgia. Greg recounts how he transitioned from a corporate career in video production to becoming a highly successful deck builder specializing in high-end outdoor living spaces. From his early days as a clean-cut handyman to purchasing the established Peachtree Decks and Porches, Greg reveals how strategic marketing, meticulous client vetting, and a focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences have driven h...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 71
Meet Kyle Bridgan owner of NNS Home located in Tacoma, Washington. Kyle shares his journey from selling countertops on OfferUp to running a thriving design-build firm with branches in Tacoma and Bellevue. He opens up about the challenges of scaling a construction business, lessons learned from costly projects, and how he's leveraging partnerships with designers and architects to drive success. Discover Kyle’s unique strategies for networking, marketing, and project management, and how he’s craft...
Dec 11, 2024•57 min•Ep. 70
Meet Mark Conrad, owner of Schnarr Legacy Craftsmen located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Mark shares his journey from a career in agriculture to taking the reins of a renowned 40-year-old renovation business. Discover how he merged expertise from a painting company, embraced innovative management techniques, and navigated the challenges of running both a handyman and renovation division. From learning the ropes with a trusted mentor to leveraging technology and building a family-oriented cultur...
Dec 04, 2024•56 min•Ep. 69
