Builder Stories

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 showroom, and the importance of educating customers to build trust and long-term relationships. Here are some of the key takeaways from our discussion with James: Marketing is the foundation of growth Building the right team and learning to let go Owning your space and becoming an authority Learn more about Design Builders Inc. here: https://www.designbuildersmd.com/ 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

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 sales and customer relationships, and how leveraging technology has helped him scale efficiently. Here are some of the key takeaways from our discussion with Joe: Building a focused, scalable business Creating strong customer relationships Investing in sales training and personal growth Learn more about Deck Science here: https://www.deckscience.com/ 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

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, networking, and streamlined project management. Her candid insights into overcoming early challenges, mastering marketing strategies, and building a talented, dedicated team offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to carve out their own path in the construction industry. Here are some of the key takeaways from our discussion with Janel: Delegating tasks early on Leveraging strong industry networks Systemizing your processes Learn more about Wildwood Kitchen and Baths here: https://wildwoodkitchensandbaths.com/ 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

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 valuable insights on perseverance, branding, and building a business the right way. Here are some of the key takeaways from our discussion with Jason: Building a strong reputation drives business Essential systems for scaling Having the right mindset and perseverance Learn more about Stone Ridge Remodeling here: https://stoneridgeremodeling.com/ 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

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 are some of the key takeaways from our discussion with John: Prioritizing family over work Thriving by working together as industry leaders Seeking guidance, mentorship, and coaching Learn more about Decksouth here: https://decksouth.com/ 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

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 project management, David's insights provide valuable takeaways for contractors looking to grow and improve efficiency. Here are some of the key takeaways from our discussion with David: Scaling requires strategic shifts Adapting to change is essential Fostering vendor and subcontractor relationships Learn more about JNT Construction here: https://jntconstruct.com/ 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

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 the stage for future success! Here are some of the key takeaways from our discussion with Sherry: Developing internal systems Setting expectations from the start Problem-solving for continuous improvement Learn more about Schlick Construction here: https://schlickconstruction.com/ 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

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 homes annually, Matt emphasizes the importance of culture, systems, and client-centric design. His innovative approach has positioned Building Company Number 7 as a trusted name in Nashville, renowned for its attention to detail and ability to scale while maintaining high standards. Here are some of the key takeaways from our discussion with Matt: Focusing on people before profit Defining your systems and processes Starting with the end in mind Learn more about Building Company Number 7 here: https://nashvillegeneralcontracting.com/ 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

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 started, this episode is packed with insights to help you build a stronger future for your business. Key takeaways: Navigating challenges and adapting to changing markets Creating processes to drive sustainable growth Finding the right team members 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

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 mentorship, and implemented systems like JobTread to streamline their operations, ultimately doubling their revenue and redefining success. Here are some of the key takeaways form our discussion with Jeff and Chantal: Accelerating growth through mentorship Focusing on the client experience Driving efficiency with systems and tools Learn more about Ballantyne Builds here: https://ballantynebuilds.com/ 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