Remodelers On The Rise

In this episode of Remodelers On The Rise, Kyle Hunt sits down with Spencer Powell, CEO of Builder Funnel, to unpack the marketing math remodelers need. You’ll learn how to set a practical budget, track lead sources, and focus on ROI so you know exactly what you can afford to spend to acquire clients. Spencer walks you through Builder Funnel’s “attract → convert → nurture → measure” framework, and they share actionable wins you can implement immediately—whether that’s smarter offers on your website or follow-up strategies you may be skipping. Plus, if you’re ready to do more than just listen, hear how you can work with Builder Funnel: start by visiting builderfunnel.com/rotr. ----- 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. ----- Takeaways Surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial for success. Networking and peer groups can significantly impact your business. Understanding how much to spend on marketing is essential for growth. Investing in marketing should be viewed as a long-term strategy. Knowing the value of a customer helps in determining marketing spend. A marketing engine consists of attracting, converting, nurturing, and measuring leads. Tracking and measuring marketing efforts is often overlooked by remodelers. Quick wins can be achieved by reaching out to past clients and leads. Building a marketing strategy takes time and consistency. The importance of playing the long game in marketing efforts. ----- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Wisdom Sharing 03:40 The Importance of Networking and Peer Groups 06:47 Understanding Marketing Spend for Remodeling Businesses 09:40 The Value of Customer Acquisition Costs 12:37 Investment Mindset in Marketing 15:37 Calculating Customer Value and Marketing Ratios 18:31 Building a Marketing Engine: Attract, Convert, Nurture 21:35 Strategies for Attracting Clients 29:18 Lead Generation Strategies 31:01 Nurturing Leads Effectively 33:01 The Importance of Measurement 36:42 Tracking Marketing Success 40:45 Understanding Customer Acquisition Costs 44:40 Quick Wins for Remodelers 49:35 Creating a Marketing Through Line 51:43 The Long Game in Marketing  

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle Hunt sits down with Dr. Noah St. John—author of Power Habits and Seven Figure Expert. Together, they dig into why “hustle harder” isn’t sustainable, how entrepreneurs can break free from head trash, and why true success isn’t just about making more money but about reclaiming your time, energy, and relationships. You’ll hear insights on his Freedom Lifestyle Formula, the power of affirmations versus “afformations,” and stories of clients who transformed both their businesses and their personal lives. https://powerhabitsbook.com/sevenfigureexpertbook ----- 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! ----- Takeaways Dr. Noah St. John helps entrepreneurs reclaim their lives while increasing income. The Freedom Lifestyle Formula includes time, energy, relationships, and money. Inner game (mindset) is crucial before addressing outer game (business strategies). Afformations are empowering questions that shift mindset and drive success. Many entrepreneurs struggle with head trash that limits their potential. Success stories are essential when choosing a coach or mentor. Money alone does not guarantee happiness; balance is key. Dr. St. John's coaching has helped clients generate billions collectively. Understanding your beliefs can lead to significant breakthroughs in business. Resources are available for those looking to improve their mindset and achieve goals. ----- Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Noah St. John 02:17 The Freedom Lifestyle Formula 11:04 Inner Game vs. Outer Game in Coaching 16:59 Achieving Results in 12 Weeks 19:45 Setting Goals and Overcoming Obstacles 24:02 The Power Habit System Explained 29:06 Understanding Afformations and Their Impact 34:15 The Balance of Wealth and Happiness 40:11 Resources for Personal Growth and Coaching

Dr. Kurt Nelson, a behavioral scientist and host of the Behavioral Grooves podcast, shares his expertise on communication and leadership. He discusses how effective communication hinges on understanding both the sender and receiver. Discover the power of positive framing in decision-making and how empathy can reduce stress. Kurt emphasizes the importance of concrete language and achievement priming to enhance performance. He also addresses how leaders can positively fill information gaps and the contagious nature of positivity in teams.

Join leadership coach Pete Burak, vice president at Renewal Ministries, as he shares insights on effective leadership in both business and family life. He emphasizes the importance of guiding teams towards a compelling vision and highlights the need for humility in leadership. Discover how radical generosity can redefine client experiences, and learn about effective mentorship strategies. Pete also advocates for a strong home life as foundational for business success, reminding us to prioritize virtue and service over mere niceness.

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle chats with Audra Gossage, a remodeler who shares how her team builds trust with trade partners, prioritizes communication, and creates a client-first remodeling experience from start to finish. From clear process documentation to empowering clients with good design and honest pricing, you’ll hear how Audra leads her business with both intention and care. If you want to run a business that clients love and trade partners rave about, this conversation is for you. ----- 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! ----- Takeaways Remodeler's Autopilot helps maintain client relationships. Building trust with trade partners is essential for business success. Technology like Builder Trend can streamline operations. Job costing is crucial for understanding project profitability. Separating client deposits from operating funds is vital. Hiring the right team members is key to business growth. Using DISC profiling can improve hiring decisions. Transparency in pricing builds trust with clients. A focus on client experience can set a business apart. Effective communication reduces client inquiries and enhances satisfaction. ----- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:43 Audra's Journey into Remodeling 08:26 The Evolution of LTD Builders 11:28 Building Relationships with Trade Partners 19:12 Embracing Technology in Business 23:46 Financial Management Insights 28:47 People and Sales Strategies 28:55 Fortune Favors the Bold 31:45 Building a Strong Team 41:58 Sales Strategies in Construction 50:12 Client Experience as a Competitive Advantage

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle sits down with his son, Thomas Hunt, for a candid and entertaining conversation about what it’s like to run a painting business at just 19 years old. From cold calls and hiring friends to the unforgettable moment when his crew painted the wrong house, Thomas shares the highs, lows, and hard-earned lessons of managing a $100K student-run business. Whether you're mentoring young leaders, running a seasonal crew, or just need a reminder that mistakes can still lead to momentum, this episode is packed with practical insights and a few laughs along the way. ----- Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Visit Contractor Growth Network to see how they help remodelers like you build marketing that works. And for weekly insights that actually move the needle, tune into their podcast: https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/podcast/ Want to hear more about Contractor Growth Network in action? Check out our June episode, Moving Beyond DIY Marketing. In it, Peter Ranney from RanneyBlairWeidmann shares why he trusted CGN and how they helped his website generate more referral-quality leads for his Design Build Firm. ----- 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! ----- Takeaways Kyle was inspired to join Student Painters after a class talk. The interview process was extensive and professional. Marketing is crucial for success in the painting business. Sales techniques involve building rapport with clients. Support from mentors is invaluable in entrepreneurship. Failures can lead to significant learning experiences. Time management was a key area of growth for Kyle. The trades offer valuable career opportunities. Kyle's summer experience boosted his confidence in business. Entrepreneurship can be a viable path for young people. ----- Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Hunt Family Dynamics 03:58 Thomas's Journey with Student Painters 07:11 The Preseason: Training and Preparation 09:54 Marketing Strategies and Insights 13:20 Sales Techniques and Relationship Building 16:07 Support from Young Entrepreneurs Across America 25:20 Reflections on the Summer Experience 26:49 The Lightning Round Begins 28:28 Epic Failures and Lessons Learned 31:46 Building Rapport and Overcoming Challenges 32:13 Self-Discovery Through Hard Work 33:37 Revenue Goals and Business Realities 35:31 Struggles with Team Management 36:55 The Importance of Organization 39:06 Understanding the Value of Hard Work 41:24 Reflections on College vs. Real-World Experience 43:20 Gaining Confidence in Entrepreneurial Skills 46:32 Perceptions of the Trades Among Peers 51:43 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of Remodelers On The Rise, Kyle Hunt is joined by Bryan Williams of Squirrel Solutions to talk all things onboarding. From prepping before day one to setting clear expectations and leveraging self-learning tools, Bryan walks through a simple, practical nine-step onboarding framework remodelers can apply right away. You’ll also hear why great onboarding isn’t just about forms and checklists—it’s about culture, connection, and setting your new hires (and your business) up to thrive. If you’re about to hire or want to improve how you bring new team members into your remodeling business, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas and tools. Looking to strengthen your onboarding process? Squirrel Solutions is offering a free Onboarding Starter Guide designed to help remodelers create a smooth, professional, and engaging first-week experience for new team members. Inside, you’ll find practical tips and checklists to set clear expectations, build confidence, and set employees up for long-term success. Download your free guide here! ----- 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! ----- Takeaways Onboarding is an underappreciated skill in remodeling businesses. Proper onboarding can significantly improve employee retention. Pre-onboarding communication helps ease new hires' anxiety. Budgeting for onboarding is crucial for effective training. Defining core expectations involves the entire team, not just one person. Leveraging self-learning tools can save time and resources. Regularly reviewing job descriptions ensures they remain relevant. Setting clear goals for new hires fosters a productive culture. Collecting feedback on the onboarding process is essential for improvement. A strong conclusion to onboarding can leave a lasting positive impression. ----- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:30 The Importance of Onboarding 09:44 Pre-Onboarding Strategies 14:43 Budgeting for Onboarding 17:47 Defining Core Expectations 20:11 Leveraging Self-Learning Tools 26:05 Reviewing Job Descriptions 32:36 Setting Goals and Collecting Feedback 37:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle, Bailey, and Kassi share highlights from the recent Rise Conference. From roundtables that sparked powerful conversations to breakout sessions on AI and marriage, they reflect on moments of learning, laughter, and even tears. You’ll hear about community connections, sponsors, standout sessions, and a surprise new employee benefit—plus a big announcement about the 2026 Rise Conference. ----- Thank you to our RISE Conference Sponsors: CGN (Contractor Growth Network) Builder Funnel JobTread DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Contractor in Charge Squirrel Solutions Seabrook Design Co. ----- 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! ----- Takeaways The Rise Conference had over a hundred attendees and multiple breakout sessions. The three I's of the conference were Ideas, Inspiration, and Implementation. Engagement during roundtables was high, with attendees sharing valuable insights. Feedback from attendees highlighted the positive energy and collaborative culture. A new employee benefit was introduced: a tattoo stipend for team members. Future events are planned, including an implementation check-in call and another Rise Conference in 2026. The importance of community among remodelers was emphasized throughout the conference. Attendees left with actionable ideas and commitments to implement in their businesses. The hosts shared personal stories and moments that made the conference memorable. The podcast encourages creativity in employee benefits and community building. ----- Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Rise Conference Recap 03:05 Key Themes and Highlights of the Conference 06:11 Standout Moments and Personal Stories 08:57 Engagement and Community Building 12:00 Implementation and Action Plans 15:01 Feedback and Future Directions 22:42 Exploring the Henry Ford Museum and Attendee Feedback 23:59 The Importance of Focus and Implementation 26:00 Positive Energy and Culture at the Conference 27:03 Stepping Out of Comfort Zones 27:52 New Employee Benefits and Team Bonding 29:55 Creative Employee Benefits: The Tattoo Stipend 34:00 Looking Ahead: Future Conferences and Offerings

Recorded live in front of an energetic and idea-filled crowd at the first-ever RISE Conference, this episode captures the real-time laughs, insights, and off-the-cuff wisdom of Kyle Hunt. From basketball stories and trumpet solos gone wrong to deep dives on estimating, hiring, and the heart behind how much is enough, this live Q&A hits both the practical and personal sides of remodeling business ownership. Plus, you’ll hear: Why gray socks might be Kyle’s golf superpower The lessons of playing it safe in business—and what finally pushed Kyle to grow Insights on brilliant jerks, design-to-production breakdowns, and raising a teenage entrepreneur An emotional tribute to the clients and community that made the RISE Conference possible Let’s just say—next year’s live podcast might need a video camera. ----- Thank you to our RISE Conference Sponsors: CGN (Contractor Growth Network) Builder Funnel JobTread DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Contractor in Charge Squirrel Solutions Seabrook Design Co. Also highlighted in this episode: Homes for Hope – a nonprofit organization fighting global poverty through microfinancing and training in partnership with the building industry. Learn more at homes4hope.org ----- 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! ----- Takeaways This conference is not about me. It's about you. Building a remodeling business is a long-term game. I have not been a very heavy risk. Charging for design and project development has a positive ripple effect. How much is enough? Brilliant jerks need to change from brilliant jerks to brilliant, not as jerky. The quality of your team is a huge indicator of success. Every moment is holy and should be cherished. Think differently about a showroom to enhance client experience. I get emotional easily when expressing gratitude.  ---- Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Rise Conference 00:09 Kickoff of the Live Podcast Recording 01:12 Reflections on the Conference Experience 06:12 Personal Stories and Lessons Learned 08:45 Business Growth and Hiring Strategies 10:33 Operational Changes for Efficiency 13:13 Understanding Financial Goals 15:27 Client Relationships and Marketing 16:45 Estimating and Project Management 19:52 Strengthening Design to Production Connections 21:43 Promoting from Within vs. Hiring Externally 24:34 Golf Game and Personal Growth 27:23 Coaching and Improvement in Business 28:31 Exciting Raffle Drawings 30:38 Unreasonable Hospitality in Business 32:39 Nonprofit Impact in the Building Industry 33:49 Engaging with Sponsors and Partners 36:14 Maintaining Energy at Conferences 36:40 Addressing Team Negativity 40:38 Creating a Positive Work Environment 43:26 The Role of Showrooms in Business 46:11 Future Plans and Peer Groups 47:44 Kyle's Journey to Business Coaching 50:23 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Moments 56:41 Gratitude and Closing Remarks

In this episode of Remodelers On The Rise, Kyle sits down with Todd and Jill Johnson of Holly Home Renovations. Together, they share the story of how a talented craftsman and a physical therapist teamed up to start and grow a successful remodeling business focused on historic renovations in Minnesota. You’ll hear how they’ve implemented systems step by step, embraced financial clarity, defined roles clearly, and built a business that supports their life—not the other way around. If you're thinking about bringing your spouse into the business or looking for inspiration on how to align your business with your personal values and goals, this one’s for you. Tune in and take away practical ideas to strengthen your own remodeling business. ----- Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Visit Contractor Growth Network to see how they help remodelers like you build marketing that works. And for weekly insights that actually move the needle, tune into their podcast: https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/podcast/ ----- 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! ----- Takeaways Your website should reflect your unique value proposition. Building trust with clients starts before the first call. Establishing clear roles in a partnership is crucial. Financial clarity is essential for business success. Utilizing technology can streamline operations. Community support can enhance business growth. Setting boundaries helps maintain work-life balance. Continuous improvement is key to operational efficiency. Defining your target market can lead to better projects. Contentment in business can lead to sustainable growth. ----- Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Holly Home Renovations 02:57 The Origin Story of Holly Home 09:46 Navigating Challenges and Growth 14:15 Establishing Financial Systems 22:54 Implementing Job Management Software 24:48 Financial Clarity and Business Transformation 27:33 Defining Roles and Responsibilities 35:01 Establishing Boundaries Between Work and Family 39:14 Building a Community in Remodeling 40:28 Vision for the Future of the Business