Builder Stories

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.  

Tom Reber, a passionate advocate for the trades and host of The Contractor Fight podcast, shares insights on sales strategies and the importance of genuine communication in the contracting world. He discusses why many salespeople struggle and how they can improve. Reber emphasizes setting a solid profit target and recognizes the value of embracing video marketing despite common fears. He also highlights how coaching is crucial for business growth, showcasing its return on investment for contractors seeking to thrive in their profession.

Devon Vought, owner of Vought Construction in Berkeley, started as a handyman before building a reputation in high-end homes. He shares insights on transforming a small operation into a luxury brand, emphasizing strategic marketing to attract top architects. Devon discusses the power of branding, from uniforms to job site presentation, and the importance of team dynamics and effective communication. He also highlights how joining community groups and networking can elevate a contractor's business and foster personal growth.

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

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 transitioned from self-performing to leading with vision, what systems helped him delegate without sacrificing quality, and how he is creating a company that attracts people who believe in doing things the right way. In this episode you’ll learn: How Madden designed a seamless process that guides clients from concept to completion while minimizing surprises and reducing stress What makes Laurelless stand out in a competitive market and how they sell the experience, not just the remodel The systems and forecasting tools that support sustainable and profitable growth Why vetting clients early with clear expectations around budget, timeline, and trust is key to protecting the team and delivering five-star results What it means to create true ownership within your team and why that is essential to scaling Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Laurelless 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

Tyler Winship, the owner of Englewood Custom Carpentry, shares his inspiring journey from being fired to founding a successful carpentry business in Florida. He discusses key strategies for charging appropriately for expertise, leading to increased profitability. Winship highlights the importance of qualifying leads and using technology to streamline the sales process. His story reveals the significance of effective branding and community engagement for consistent client acquisition. Englewood's growth is a testament to passion, resilience, and learning from mistakes.

Mark Richardson, former president of Case Design Remodeling and advisor to top remodeling firms, shares his wealth of knowledge on elevating remodeling businesses. He uncovers what sets successful remodelers apart, including essential habits, performance metrics, and strategic mindset shifts. Richardson also emphasizes the significance of data-driven decisions, building strong teams, and the transformative power of mentorship. From annual planning to mastering marketing, he provides actionable insights for anyone looking to scale their remodeling business.

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 advice for contractors who want to scale. Her story is full of insight for anyone building a business that’s built to last. In this episode you’ll learn: The 80% rule for delegating Valuable tips for managing the pre-construction process How high your goals should be if you want to grow Dees’ advice others starting their journey Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Redeemed Decks 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