#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...
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#474 Lessons from 30 Years in Residential Architecture (ft. Chris Landis)
Contractor Growth Network
Logan sits down with Chris Landis, co-founder of the award-winning Landis Architects/Builders in Washington, D.C. With over 35 years of experience, Chris shares how his architecture background shaped the firm’s design-build approach—and what remodelers can learn from their detailed, phased design process. From feasibility studies and pre-construction agreements to hiring in-house designers and scaling team structure, this episode is a masterclass in how to elevate the design side of your remodeling business. Whether you’re just starting to charge for design or scaling up to larger, more...
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#473 Improving your Remodeling Sales with Assignment Selling
Contractor Growth Network
Logan and Aaron unpack one of the most powerful but underused sales strategies in remodeling: assignment selling. Originally coined by Marcus Sheridan, this method bridges the gap between marketing and sales—by arming prospects with the right information before they ever get on a call. You’ll learn how to apply this approach in your own sales process—whether it’s sending project walkthroughs before a meeting, using content to pre-qualify leads, or walking clients through your website in real-time. If you’ve been creating great content but aren’t sure how to use it to actually close...
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#472 Top-of-Funnel Marketing: Truck Wraps, Social Media, and More
Contractor Growth Network
In this episode of the Contractor Growth Network podcast, Logan and Aaron break down what it takes to build a memorable, recognizable remodeling brand in your community—before prospects are even ready to hire. From truck wraps to social media ads, they walk through the most common “top of funnel” marketing strategies, explain when to use them, and how to measure impact over time. If your goal is to become the remodeler people think of first, this episode is your blueprint. Key Topics: Understanding the marketing funnel and where branding fits Truck wraps, yard signs, and how they...
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#471 Getting Found in the AI Era
Contractor Growth Network
In this episode of the Contractor Growth Network podcast, Logan and Aaron break down how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way homeowners search for remodelers—and what you need to do to keep getting found. With tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google’s AI Overviews shifting how search results are delivered, contractors who rely on organic leads can’t afford to sit this out. From local SEO to AI-friendly website structure, Logan shares what’s working right now (October 2025) and how remodelers can prepare for a future where search engines are smarter—and less likely to send...
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#470 What Your Website Is Actually Meant to Do
Contractor Growth Network
Most remodelers see their website as a brochure—but it should act like a salesperson. In this episode, Logan and Aaron explain how your site can guide homeowners through the same trust-building process as an in-person consultation. From project storytelling and emotional connection to page flow and calls-to-action, they break down what turns casual browsers into high-quality leads—and how to future-proof your site for the coming era of AI search. Timestamps 00:00 Why your website matters – It’s not just “online presence,” it’s your digital salesperson. 03:29 Traffic vs....
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#469 Why Should They Pick You? | LIVE FROM REMODELERS SUMMIT 2025
Contractor Growth Network
Taking a short break from our ongoing "Full marketing strategy" series, this week's episode features Aaron's live presentation from Remodelers Summit 2025, "Why Should they Pick You? (How to Showcase Your Unique Value on Your Website)." In this presentation Aaron lays out some of the insights he's learned as a traveling videographer and speaking to remodeling clients all across the country. You’ve Worked Hard on Your Client Experience. Don’t Let It Get Lost in a Sea of Sameness. Your website should do more than list your services, it should instantly show homeowners why you...
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#468 Photos and Videos That Actually Help Sell Projects
Contractor Growth Network
Most remodelers do details their competition doesn’t—whether it’s quality, communication, or process. But prospects don’t see that. All they know is what they see online: your photos, your videos, your testimonials. In this episode, Aaron and Logan break down how to avoid wasting money on the wrong photographers or videographers, what separates good media from bad, and how the right visuals can sell jobs before you even step into the home. FOR VISUAL EXAMPLES OF WHAT WERE TALKING ABOUT THIS EPISODE, HEAD TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@ContractorGrowthNetwork...
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#467 The (often missed) First Step to ANY Marketing Strategy
Contractor Growth Network
In this episode of the Contractor Growth Network podcast, Logan Shinholser and Aaron Horner take you back to the foundation of all successful marketing: understanding your ideal client and crafting a unique selling proposition. Building on the six-step framework from episode #466, they explain why these first two steps matter most—and how getting them wrong can make every marketing dollar less effective. Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Why Ideal Client & USP Come First Why every strategy starts with clarity on who you serve and what you uniquely offer. 06:13 – Balancing Aspirational...
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#466 Your Remodeling Business' Marketing Strategy—One Step at a Time
Contractor Growth Network
Most remodelers are pouring money into SEO, ads, or other marketing tactics without a clear plan—and it’s costing them leads, time, and profit. In this episode, Logan Shinholser and Aaron Horner break down CGN’s 6-stage marketing strategy for contractors, helping you pinpoint exactly where you are and what your next step should be. Whether you’re stuck chasing low-quality leads or struggling to stand out in a competitive market, this conversation will help you build a marketing foundation that consistently attracts your ideal clients. Show Notes What You’ll Learn in This...
info_outlineSo you’ve wrapped up an incredible project… now what? In this special on-the-road episode, Aaron and Sean dive deep into what happens after the content is created. Most contractors understand the value of video and photos, but they often don’t know how to use that content to actually grow their business. Whether you're trying to get more leads, boost traffic, or just build awareness—this episode gives you the full roadmap.
What You'll Learn:
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Why waiting until the end of a job to ask for a testimonial is too late
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How to ask clients for testimonials without it feeling awkward
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Strategies to re-engage happy past clients—even years later
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The 4 best ways to utilize your content:
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On your website (including Featured Project Pages)
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On social media (the right way)
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In paid ads (and how to test what works)
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BONUS: In physical mailers for neighborhood targeting
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OUR QUESTIONS WE ASK IN INTERVIEWS:
ACT 1- Their Problem
1. Would you please tell me your name and where you live?
2. What problem were you trying to fix?
3. Can you tell me why you wanted it fixed? What did it feel like in your old space?
4. Why did you decide to move forward now?
ACT 2- Taking Action
5. How did you find us?
6. (I know we aren’t the cheapest option, so)Why did you trust us with your project?
7. What was the experience like working with us?
ACT 3- Resolution to The Problem
8. How are you enjoying your space now? How is it different from before?
9. What’s your favorite part of the project we completed together?
10. Would you recommend “company name” to friends and family members?
Learn more about Contractor Growth Network.