#463 The Pre-Construction Process That Closes $300K+ Remodeling Projects (ft. Peter Ranney)
Release Date: 07/02/2025
#484 The Anatomy of a Great Remodeling Testimonial
Contractor Growth Network
How well does your company share stories of your past work? Many remodeling companies know that client testimonials are important, but are wasting the opportunity because of a lack of understanding around what a testimonial is supposed to do. In this episode Logan and Aaron are breaking some of the most impactful lessons they've learned over the years making impactful testimonials that actually sell more work. They walk through why most testimonial videos fail, the biggest mistakes contractors make when trying to capture them, and what it actually takes to create a video that builds trust and...
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#483 Tommy Mellow: Scaling Your Contracting Business Presentation
Contractor Growth Network
Tommy, founder of a $200M+ home service business, breaks down the exact principles he used to scale—from performance pay and hiring A-players to dialing in branding, KPIs, and company culture. But more than tactics, this talk hits on something deeper: accountability, execution, and why most contractors stay stuck despite having access to great ideas. If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but not making the progress you expected—or you know what to do but aren’t actually doing it—this episode will challenge you to rethink how you operate your business and your life. ...
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#482 "My biggest Lessons and Mistakes from 26 Years in Design Remodeling"
Contractor Growth Network
In this episode of the Contractor Growth Network podcast, Logan sits down with Jef Forward—founder of Forward Design Build Remodel—to unpack what it really looks like to build a remodeling business from the ground up… the hard way. Jef shares the unfiltered story of his first five years in business—projects going months over schedule, losing money, taking on debt, and nearly reinforcing every negative stereotype about contractors. But instead of quitting, he used those failures as the foundation for what would become a 40+ person design-build firm. From digging out of financial holes...
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#481 How I Restarted my Remodeling Business from 0 (ft. Sebring Design Build)
Contractor Growth Network
In this episode of the Contractor Growth Network podcast, Logan sits down with Bryan Sebring—owner of Sebring Design Build—to unpack what it really looks like to start over from scratch. After building a nearly $3M design-build company over 20+ years in Illinois, Bryan made a bold decision: relocate his entire life and business to Franklin, Tennessee. No team. No clients. No local reputation. Just experience. Bryan shares what changed the second time around—from how he structured his business and hired his team, to the mindset shifts that allowed him to hit similar revenue with fewer,...
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#480 The Team Who Guarantees a 7-Day $80K Kitchen Remodel (7 Day Kitchens)
Contractor Growth Network
In this episode of the Contractor Growth Network Podcast, Logan sits down with Barry Gant and Änd Lynn from Seven Day Kitchens to unpack one of the most unusual remodeling business models in the industry: a full kitchen remodel completed in seven days or less. From the outside, it sounds impossible. Most kitchen remodels take 8–12 weeks and leave homeowners living in a construction zone the entire time. But Barry explains how their company achieves the seven-day timeline—not through shortcuts, prefab materials, or cosmetic updates—but through extreme planning, specialized teams, and...
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#479 How NS Builders Built a Massive Following While Building Luxury Homes
Contractor Growth Network
Logan sits down with Nick Schiffer, founder of NS Builders, to unpack what it really takes to build a brand so strong that clients wait five years to hire you. With over 400,000 followers across platforms, NS Builders is widely recognized for high-end craftsmanship and polished content—but this conversation goes far beyond Instagram. Nick shares how intentionality drives everything: from floor transition details and branded clothing to proposal books, employee handbooks, and long-term trust with clients. If you want to understand how brand, systems, communication, and...
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#478 Leadership Lessons From Closing My Remodeling Branch
Contractor Growth Network
Logan sits down with Victor Lebegue, founder of VL Builders, to unpack one of the hardest leadership decisions a remodeler can face: when to shut something down to save what matters most. Victor shares the story of running two branches of his business in different states—and how market shifts, team dynamics, and leadership realities forced him to close the company he originally built from scratch. From there, the conversation dives deep into culture, hiring, EOS, and what it actually takes to lead people through uncertainty while building a business that can scale without burning out...
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#477 Building a Multi-Million $ Team in a Small Town (ft. Slate Creek Builders)
Contractor Growth Network
Logan sits down with Sean Beliveau and Cassidy Jones of Slate Creek Builders to break down how they’ve built an award-winning remodeling team in a small college town—without relying on job boards, recruiters, or desperation hires. Based in Blacksburg, Virginia, Slate Creek Builders has grown to a 14-person team delivering multi-million-dollar remodels in a market of just 35,000 people. In this conversation, they unpack how community reputation, always-on recruiting, strong systems, and a clearly defined org chart allow them to attract talent before they ever need it. If you’re...
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#476 The Client Experience System Behind a $3M Remodeler (ft. Andrew Nuhfer)
Contractor Growth Network
In this episode of the Contractor Growth Network Podcast, Logan sits down with Andrew Nuhfer, founder of AKN Interiors, to unpack how clear communication, structured systems, and expectation-setting fuel high-end remodeling growth. Andrew shares how he’s scaled AKN Interiors to over $3M annually while running 15–20 active projects—without sacrificing the client experience. From pre-construction planning and interior design collaboration to daily logs, scheduling, and post-project follow-ups, this episode breaks down what it actually looks like to run a modern, client-first remodeling...
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#475 "How I Doubled my Close Rates with Design Proposals" (ft. AJ Ballantine)
Contractor Growth Network
In this episode, Logan sits down with AJ Ballantine to break down how Cornerstone Remodeling grew from $2M to $10M in five years—without hiring five times the people. The secret? A radically optimized design process, driven by empathy mapping, technology, and sales finesse. AJ walks through the systems, tools, and scripts he used to cut his sales cycle, boost his close rate, and wow clients—all while keeping a high-touch, boutique feel. If you’re a design-build remodeler struggling with lengthy sales processes, low perceived value, or slow growth, this episode is your blueprint for...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Contractor Growth Network podcast, Logan Shinholser sits down with Peter Ranney, co-founder and managing partner of Ranney Blair Weidmann, to unpack their unique and refined pre-construction process. Peter walks through how his team shifted from traditional estimates and disjointed design experiences to a highly structured, 100-page client journey that establishes trust, transparency, and efficiency. By controlling the design narrative, focusing on true client advocacy, and emphasizing clear expectations, Ranney Blair Weidmann now delivers high-end remodels with alignment and clarity from start to finish.
Podcast Guest:
- Peter Ranney, Owner
- Ranney Blair Weidmann
- 42 Oak St, Roswell, GA 30075
- +1 (678) 820-6317
- https://www.ranneyblair.com/
- Design-Build Home Remodeling
- Additions
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Bathroom Remodeling
Key Takeaways:
The Shift from Outsourced Design to Full Ownership
Early in their journey, Peter’s team relied on external designers, often leading to miscommunication, delays, and poor client outcomes. The transition to a fully integrated design-build approach allowed them to control timelines, eliminate misalignment, and focus on client experience.
Start the Sales Process in the Living Room, Not the Kitchen
Instead of jumping straight into measurements, Peter initiates consultations in the living room to foster creativity and uncover the client's real problems. This sets the tone for trust, collaboration, and bigger-picture thinking beyond surface-level design requests.
The Power of the Project Summary Letter
After the in-home consultation, Peter presents a formal, typed letter on letterhead recapping client frustrations and goals. This old-school touch confirms the client feels heard, sets expectations, and serves as the north star for all design decisions moving forward.
100-Page Process Document Builds Trust Through Transparency
At the showroom, clients are walked through a highly visual and interactive document showing past projects, pricing structure, punchlists, and processes. This immersive experience shifts the conversation from price anxiety to partnership and problem-solving.
Design to Solve, Not to Budget
Ranney Blair Weidman focuses first on solving problems through creative design, not fitting within arbitrary budgets. Pricing is presented by area with modular options, giving clients control over scope while preserving the integrity of the design.
Memorable Quotes:
“We’re not designing to a budget. We’re designing to solve your problem.”
“If they don’t want to follow our approach, we are not the right fit for them.”
“Quit trying to save the client money. That’s not our job. Our job is to present options.”
Actionable Advice:
Control the Narrative
Avoid being just another bidder. Guide clients through a structured process that builds trust and reinforces your authority as the expert.
Start with a Conversation, Not a Tape Measure
Begin in a neutral space like the living room to hear their story before inspecting the space. This approach unlocks deeper insights and establishes rapport early.
Document What You Hear
Use a project summary letter to confirm and reflect back what clients said during your visit. This builds confidence and becomes the foundation of your design strategy.
Provide Options, Not Ultimatums
Break pricing into modular packages or room-by-room breakdowns. Allow clients to see the value and make decisions collaboratively without feeling boxed in.