Always Have a Solution Ready | Jeff and Chantal Ballantyne with Ballantyne Builds
Release Date: 01/15/2025
How to Successfully Run a Construction Business with Your Spouse
Builder Stories
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...
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How to Build Strong Profit Into Your Remodeling Business
Builder Stories
You don’t need a lifelong construction background to build a profitable remodeling business. In this episode of Builder Stories, Dominick Thompson shares how he went from the automotive industry and military service to learning construction and starting Watershed Builders in Charlotte. Dominick breaks down how he built strong processes and stability into his business from the very beginning. He priced jobs with confidence, hired the right people, and managed growth without overextending. He also shares how trade relationships, clear roles for sales and estimating, and simple social content...
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From Hands-On to High-Level | | Wilbur Jennings of Wilbur Design + Construct
Builder Stories
Meet Wilbur Jennings, owner of Wilbur Design + Construct in Marquette, Michigan. Jennings started in the trades at the age of 13, and developed a passion for building. He went on to earn a degree in construction management, and founded Wilbur Design while “flying by the seat of my pants.” Over the course of his journey in leadership he incorporated a mission and vision; clear systems and processes; an intentional company culture; and new ways to look at his financials. Here, Jennings shares the most impactful lessons learned in the past ten years. In this episode, you will...
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From Burnout to Builder of Leaders | Mike Claudio of WinRate Consulting
Builder Stories
Meet Mike Claudio, owner of WinRate Consulting in Charlotte, NC. After walking away from corporate burnout, Mike built a business helping contractors scale with clarity, leadership, and systems that work. In this episode, he breaks down the three biggest reasons construction companies lose momentum, how to build core values that actually guide your team, and the biggest mistake leaders make when casting a vision. Plus, his 4-step hiring process and time management mindset that helps him lead multiple companies, including a custom home business with $60 million in annual revenue. In this...
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Design First, Build Better | George Lokko of Y2 Design & Build
Builder Stories
Meet George Lokko, owner of Y2 Design & Build located in Westerville, Ohio. George shares how he went from a career in engineering and finance to building one of Columbus’ most process-driven and design-forward remodeling firms. After losing his job during COVID, George took the leap into construction by learning from the ground up—literally starting with demolition—and eventually launching Y2 Design & Build. He discusses the power of great design, his 54-step process that minimizes change orders, and the importance of education, communication, and trust in delivering exceptional...
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From the Mat to the Market | Johnny Buck of 13 Stripes Construction
Builder Stories
Meet Johnny Buck, founder of 13 Stripes Construction in Marion, NC. In this episode, Buck shares his journey from MMA fighter to construction business owner with a mission to revolutionize the home services industry. After building a top 1% gym and navigating a hurricane that reshaped his business overnight, Buck brings a fresh perspective to construction rooted in discipline and repeatable systems and processes. He talks about scaling from the ground up, building a business designed to sell, and why customer service—not craftsmanship—is the ultimate differentiator. In this episode,...
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A Vision Beyond the Tools | Wes Crocket with Mahogany Builders
Builder Stories
Meet Wes Crocket, owner of Mahogany Builders located in Chicago, Illinois. Wes shares his journey from studying organizational psychology in grad school to leading a respected remodeling business in one of the country’s most competitive markets. Inspired by his father's leadership and driven by a desire to build a strong team culture, Wes opens up about his path into construction, the founding of Mahogany Builders, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Dives into what it takes to lead with purpose and build a lasting business. In this episode, you will learn: How...
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Culture, KPIs, and The Customer | Brian Gottlieb Renowned Business Leader, Speaker, & Author
Builder Stories
Meet Brian Gottlieb, a renowned business leader, speaker, and author who built a home improvement empire from a plastic folding table and $3,000. In this episode, Brian shares his journey of growing a company to over 1,000 employees and achieving a successful exit, all while staying true to his mission of doing well and doing good. Learn how he built high-performing teams, scaled across multiple states, stayed connected to customers through every stage of growth, and created a purpose-driven culture that empowered people to thrive. Brian also offers practical insights on hiring, leadership,...
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Growth Through Adversity | Chris Moore with Senior Remodeling Experts
Builder Stories
Meet Chris Moore, owner of Senior Remodeling Experts located in Salem, Virginia. Chris shares his journey from an unexpected start in construction to building a business focused on helping seniors and veterans live safely and independently in their homes. He opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including the loss of his wife, the lessons learned through hardship, and his mission to create a lasting impact through aging-in-place remodeling. Chris discusses the importance of building strong systems, finding purpose through service, and how he’s turning his passion into a...
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Scaling Smart | Annemarie Diaz of TRS Build
Builder Stories
Meet Annemarie Diaz, co-owner of TRS Build in Cedar Park, TX. In this episode, Diaz opens up about the strategies that have helped her build a thriving remodeling business powered by 80% referral work. From creating a culture where it’s okay to fail to scaling her team while also protecting the company, Diaz shares her approach to leadership, business best practices, and long-term success. She also dives into how she implements new technology, keeps her cost per lead in check, and co-leads her business alongside her husband with clarity and collaboration. In this episode, you will learn: ...
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- Accelerating growth through mentorship
- Focusing on the client experience
- Driving efficiency with systems and tools
Learn more about Ballantyne Builds here: https://ballantynebuilds.com/
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