Remodelers On The Rise

Kyle Hunt

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.

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25 episodes
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Avg 45 min
English

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Thursday · 29 min
My Remodeling Story: Creating a Remarkable Remodeling Experience from Day 1
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 jobtread.com. --- 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 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
- Transcript
October 8 · 46 min
Delegate and Elevate: How to Get More Off Your Plate
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 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
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October 1 · 32 min
6 Ideas From Inside Remodelers Community
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
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September 24 · 46 min
Remodelers Need an Exit Strategy
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 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
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September 17 · 46 min
Your People Aren’t The Problem, Your Systems Might Be.
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 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 Fieldcon.io for Performance Management 43:51 Caring for Your People and Building Trust
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September 10 · 1 hr 6 min
How to Actually Use AI in Your Remodeling Business with Eric Fortenberry
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 jobtread.com. 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 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
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September 3 · 44 min
Creating Budget Clarity During the Design Process
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 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
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August 27 · 30 min
Kyle's Reminders from The Rise Conference
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 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
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August 20 · 46 min
How to Hire Better and Build a Stronger Remodeling Team
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 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
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August 14 · 52 min
How One Remodeler Is Practically Using AI
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 jobtread.com. 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 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
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August 6 · 1 hr 11 min
Building Something Bigger Than Remodeling
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 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
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July 30 · 59 min
Building a Company Clients Remember
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 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
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July 23 · 24 min
Is It Ever Enough? A Conversation About Striving for More
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 jobtread.com. 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 • 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
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July 16 · 1 hr
Five Scenes from a Remodeling Business in 2026
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 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
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July 9 · 47 min
The Most Important Page on Your Website
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 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
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July 2 · 25 min
Time Kills Deals! Reducing Design & Project Development Timeframe
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 jobtread.com. 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 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
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June 25 · 51 min
DataX and the AI Workforce Every Remodeler Needs
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 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
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June 18 · 28 min
How To Make More Money In Your Remodeling Business
Making more money in remodeling comes down to understanding the right numbers and knowing which dials to tweak to improve those numbers. In this quick overview, Kyle breaks down the financial side of running a remodeling business. He also shares practical ways remodelers can tighten up their estimating, improve profitability, and reduce the financial stress that comes from not knowing the numbers well! 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 Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights! Key Takeaways Financial Dials Gross Profit Margin Financial Literacy Operational Efficiency Proactive Control Incremental Tweaks Job Costing Mastery Strategic Partnerships Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Remodeling Success 03:01 Understanding Financial Goals 05:56 Key Financial Dials for Profitability 09:19 Maximizing Revenue and Gross Profit 12:08 Job Costing and Efficiency 14:57 Overhead Management and Budgeting 18:03 Achieving Sustainable Profit Margins 20:56 Conclusion and Next Steps
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June 11 · 50 min
AI That Sells While You Sleep
What if your website could answer pricing questions and book discovery calls before a salesperson ever picked up the phone? Paul DeRoche of Moss Building and Design built "Ask Natalie," an AI tool trained on 7,000+ real projects that walks prospects through actual costs and timelines based on work done in their neighborhood. He breaks down what it actually cost to build and what surprised him most after launch. If you have been wondering how AI can actually move the needle in your remodeling business, this one is worth your time. 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 Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights! Key Takeaways Innovation through Core Values and Technology Transparency as a Strategic Differentiator Proprietary Data and AI for Market Advantage Blending Human Expertise with AI Digital Tools Enhancing Customer Experience AI-Driven Proactive Project Management Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Paul and Moss Construction 07:07 The Evolution of Moss and Its Challenges 11:11 Innovating with AI: The Birth of Natalie 15:15 Customer Engagement and Trust Dynamics 21:20 Leveraging Technology for Project Management 34:58 AI in Marketing and Project Analytics 40:58 The Future of AI in Construction 47:21 Customer-Centric Approach in Business
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June 4 · 24 min
What Is The Highest And Best Use Of My Time Right Now?
Running a remodeling business means constant demands on your time, and your day will fill up whether you plan it or not. Kyle walks through eight practical ways to prioritize your day and make sure you are spending your hours on the work that actually moves the needle instead of just reacting to whatever comes at you first! 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 jobtread.com. 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 Prioritization is a mental shift, not just a task list The real power of time management lies in character, not tools Energy management determines work quality more than time blocks High-impact work is a mindset about worth, not privilege The urgency versus importance filter is a strategic compass Work from energy zones to sustain high performance • Prepping the next day resets momentum and reduces mental clutter Chapters 00:00 Maximizing Your Time: The Core Question 02:59 Daily Prioritization: Identifying Your Top Three 05:57 Effective Scheduling: The Power of Block Scheduling 09:17 High Impact Work: Focusing on What Matters 12:58 Marketing and Sales: The Lifeblood of Your Business 14:53 Urgent vs. Important: A Strategic Approach 16:47 Energy Management: Working with Your Natural Rhythms 19:33 Preparing for Tomorrow: The Importance of Resetting 21:03 Mindset Matters: Celebrating Wins and Staying Positive
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