Builder Stories

Meet Ervin Ballabani president of Moderno Restoration, Inc. based in Toronto, Canada. Ervin shares his inspiring journey from a condominium property manager to a successful entrepreneur running multiple thriving businesses in the restoration, HVAC, plumbing, and security industries. He opens up about the challenges he faced, including starting his business just before the pandemic hit, and how he turned obstacles into opportunities, ultimately leading his company to unprecedented growth. Ervin also discusses the critical role that JobTread played in streamlining his operations and maintaining control over his growing enterprise. Learn how Ervin's commitment to "doing it right" has driven his success and how you can apply these lessons to your own business. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Ervin: Leveraging technology to scale Focusing on your team and company culture Standardizing and documenting your processes Learn more about Moderno Restoration, Inc. here: https://www.modernorestoration.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 Raquel and Diego Rodriguez, the owners of D&R Custom Remodeling located in Austin, Texas. In this episode, they share their journey of transitioning from a family business in decorative glass to establishing a remodeling company in a new city. Despite the challenges of starting anew without a network, their complementary skills—Diego's hands-on construction expertise and Raquel's business acumen—have driven their success. They emphasize the importance of trust, communication, and customer satisfaction, along with continuous learning and adapting. Their story highlights the resilience required in entrepreneurship and the rewarding experience of building a family-oriented business from the ground up. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Raquel and Diego: Leveraging each other's strengths Maintaining a positive mindset and staying proactive Continuously learning and adapting Learn more about D&R Custom Remodeling here: https://drcustomremodeling.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 Herman Guerra, owner of HG&Co. Home Improvement based in Dallas, Texas. Herman's journey into the construction industry began at a young age, helping his father with weekend remodeling projects, which laid the foundation for his expertise. After earning a BA in government from UT Austin and working in Child Protective Services and as a juvenile probation officer, Herman ventured into entrepreneurship with a restaurant before returning to his roots in construction. Starting with small handyman tasks, Herman gradually expanded HG&Co. into a full-service design and build company. The turning point was establishing a boutique design center near the Dallas Arboretum, which not only enhanced client experience but also solidified HG&Co.'s reputation for quality and reliability in the local market. Herman's commitment to transparency, quality, and continuous improvement has driven his company's rapid growth. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Herman: Investing in the customer experience Embracing continuous improvement Building a great team Learn more about HG&Co. Home Improvement here: https://www.hgcompany.net/ 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 Novotny, owner of Hiland Construction based in Anchorage, Alaska. Jason shares his journey from a childhood around real estate, thanks to his father, to becoming a Marine Corps veteran, and eventually founding Hiland Construction in 2019. Specializing in residential and commercial renovations, Jason dives into the unique challenges of construction in Alaska, such as extreme cold, high water tables, and seismic activity. He emphasizes the importance of community, transparent client relationships, and leveraging technology like JobTread to streamline operations. Jason also touches on his commitment to giving back through Joe's House Foundation, which supports veterans and those in need of sober living environments. This episode offers an inspiring look at resilience, innovation, and the power of a strong work ethic in building a successful construction business in one of the most demanding environments in the U.S. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Jason: Educating clients on the construction process Embracing challenges to grow professionally Making a positive impact on your community Learn more about Hiland Construction here: https://hilandconstruction.net/ 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 Roberto Rodriguez, owner of Ark Remodeling Services based in Tomball, Texas, who shares his remarkable journey from aspiring professional baseball player to successful construction business owner. Despite facing the setback of his baseball dreams not materializing, Roberto found inspiration in HGTV shows and transitioned into construction. Starting from scratch, he overcame numerous challenges, from learning the trades under his brother-in-law to building his company from the ground up. Roberto's story is one of resilience, passion, and continuous growth, emphasizing the importance of honesty, transparency, and the relentless pursuit of success. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Roberto: Delegating and building a support team Learning through experience and mistakes Defining success and continuous improvement Learn more about Ark Remodeling Services here: https://arkremodelingservices.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 Debbie Adams, owner of Adams Company located in Austin, Texas. In this episode, we delve into Debbie's remarkable journey from a secretary in the construction industry to the owner of an award-winning remodeling company. Debbie shares her path to success, which began with a chance job opportunity in 1987 and evolved through years of hands-on experience, perseverance, and dedication to quality. From managing high-end custom home builds to overcoming personal tragedy, Debbie's story is one of resilience and innovation. She also explains her unique approach to managing payment schedules, where clients pay a weekly draw rather than at project milestones, ensuring smooth cash flow and avoiding disputes over incomplete stages. Listen as she discusses the importance of detailed planning, customer communication, and the value of building strong industry relationships. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Debbie: Empowering women in the construction industry Navigating challenges with resilience Adapting and learning along the way Learn more about Adams Company here: https://adamscompany.biz/ 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 Michael Dudonis co-owner of Dudonis Construction based in Springfield, New Jersey. Michael shares how his early experiences working with his father in residential construction set the foundation for his career. After spending 14 years in heavy civil construction, Michael and his brother started Dudonis Construction in 2018 to revive their father's legacy while focusing on higher-end residential projects. Despite initial challenges, they quickly established themselves by taking on large-scale renovations and new builds. Michael discusses their effective approach to managing projects, from meticulous planning and estimating to fostering strong relationships with architects and subcontractors. Emphasizing the importance of separating business from personal finances and investing in a dedicated office team, Michael provides insights into overcoming industry challenges, maintaining high standards, and planning for future growth. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Michael: Building and maintaining strong relationships Separating personal and business finances Ensuring you are always learning Learn more about Dudonis Construction here: https://dudonisconstruction.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 Jayme Carlson, owner of Hard Decks, located in Belvidere, Illinois. Jayme shares his inspiring journey from jumping straight into construction out of high school to founding a successful deck-building business with his now business partner and father-in-law, Andy. Hear how he navigated the challenges of the 2008 economic downturn, honed his skills in roofing sales, and eventually found his niche in deck building during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jayme talks about the importance of specialization, the pivotal role of family in his business, and his commitment to delivering top-quality outdoor living spaces. Tune in for valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, building a dedicated team, and the relentless pursuit of growth and excellence in the construction industry. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Jayme: Adapting during economic challenges Investing in and delegating to your team Staying on top of industry trends Learn more about Hard Decks here: https://harddecks.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 Dylan Martin from Absolute Design Build, a third-generation builder in Austin, Texas. Starting his career in construction after a stint in the military and a brief foray into the corporate world, Dylan faced numerous challenges without a mentor. His turning point came after joining forces with his partner, Thomas, and later adding a third partner, John. Their combined expertise led to the rapid growth of Absolute Design Build, with their first year's cash flow hitting $1.2 million and subsequent years seeing significant increases. Dylan's approach to business focuses on transparency, effective systems, and a strong company culture, aiming to offer exceptional home renovation services while ensuring both his team and clients are well-supported. As he plans for the future, Dylan envisions a sustainable business model that allows for both personal and professional growth, setting a course for a balanced life beyond construction. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Dylan: Making the transition to entrepreneurship Learning through experience and overcoming challenges Ensuring clients understand the costs and processes involved Learn more about Absolute Design Build here: https://absolutedesignbuild.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 Mark Flanders, owner of Blue Hill Building Co. based in Bridgewater, Virginia. Mark shares his journey from growing up in the building business, taking drafting classes in high school, to eventually taking over his father's company in 1998. Mark's career saw significant evolution, including a pivotal role at CoConstruct during the Great Recession, which eventually led him to Virginia. Now, his company focuses primarily on remodeling and additions, managing projects ranging from $25,000 decks to $700,000 gut renovations. Mark emphasizes the value of networking, systems, and continuous learning, balancing the entrepreneurial spirit with practical challenges in the construction industry. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Mark: Building strong customer relationships Using subcontractors strategically Leveraging technology for efficiency 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