Live from the RISE Conference: Ask Kyle Anything (and Everything)
Release Date: 08/08/2025
AI Is Great, But You Have to Use Your Brain First
Remodelers On The Rise
In this episode, Kyle sits down with Talyah Hayward of to talk about using AI and automation in a remodeling business without overcomplicating things. The conversation focuses on simplifying systems, reducing noise, and being intentional about what’s worth automating so technology actually saves time instead of creating more work. helps contractors and trades get organized and build systems for growth through smart processes, AI automation, and practical business organization so their companies can scale without overwhelm. ----- This episode features a real remodeler success story from ....
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Protecting Your Work-Life Balance While Scaling Your Remodeling Business
Remodelers On The Rise
As a remodeling business grows, the demands on the owner often grow with it. In this episode, Kyle leads an honest coaching conversation about what it takes to scale without working longer hours or carrying everything yourself. They dig into the challenges of micromanagement, hiring, delegation, and setting boundaries while maintaining quality and profitability. Kyle shares practical coaching insights to help remodelers think differently about leadership, workload, and creating sustainable balance. This episode is for remodelers who want their business to grow without sacrificing their...
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Building a Balanced Business
Remodelers On The Rise
In this episode, we’re sharing a conversation from the Builder Stories podcast where host Eric Fortenberry, the Founder and CEO of JobTread, interviews Kyle! Kyle shares his origin story, how he got started in marketing, and why he ultimately narrowed his focus to serving remodeling business owners. The conversation covers the evolution of Remodelers On The Rise, from early marketing coaching to a full business coaching platform focused on financial clarity, sales process, leadership, and community. You’ll also hear Kyle’s perspective on why implementation is so difficult, the value of...
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Move Quickly, Don't Rush: 12 Reminders From 2025
Remodelers On The Rise
In this episode of Remodelers On The Rise, Kyle reflects on twelve standout podcast episodes from 2025 — one from each month — and shares the key takeaways and insights that stuck with him. From leadership and branding to marketing, delegation, and client experience, this year-in-review episode is packed with practical reminders to help you move quickly... but not rush, as you grow your business in 2026. ----- Want to keep in touch with past clients and prospects without the hassle of writing content yourself? That’s exactly what does — each month you get a done-for-you...
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Slow Down and Reflect: Three Simple Ways to Review Your Year as a Remodeler
Remodelers On The Rise
In this solo episode, Kyle Hunt encourages remodelers to slow down and reflect before jumping into the next year. He shares three simple ways to review your year, learn from what worked and what didn’t, and recognize the progress you’ve made along the way. If you're looking for a practical and encouraging reminder that reflection builds clarity, momentum, and better plans for the year ahead, listen now! ----- Ready to streamline your business and increase profits? Visit to see how their all-in-one construction management software helps remodelers and builders simplify estimating,...
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Level 10 Meetings That Actually Work
Remodelers On The Rise
In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle walks through how his team runs their weekly Level 10 meetings and why this simple structure has become one of the most valuable rhythms in the business. He breaks down the agenda piece by piece! You will hear how this meeting keeps priorities moving, creates accountability, and turns planning into real progress in the business instead of ideas collecting dust. If you have been curious about EOS or want a clearer way to run productive weekly meetings, this episode offers a practical way to take the first step! ----- Ready to stop guessing and...
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Built to Last: Lessons from a Second Generation Design Build Remodeler
Remodelers On The Rise
In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle Hunt sits down with Abe Degnan, second-generation owner of Degnan Design Build Remodel, to share the story of building a remodeling business designed to last. Abe reflects on growing up on job sites, joining his father’s company, and helping shape an early design build approach through intentional learning, documented processes, and steady leadership. They dig into lessons Abe has learned over 25 years in business, including hiring with purpose, pricing with confidence, investing in systems, and making the shift from working in the business to...
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Remodel Your Marriage with Dr Joshua Straub
Remodelers On The Rise
In this episode, Kyle Hunt sits down with Dr Joshua Straub, founder of Famous at Home, for a conversation about emotional safety in marriage, understanding pain cycles, and what it truly means to be “famous at home” as a remodeler. This is a preview of what Joshua will be teaching at the Remodel Your Marriage, Life and Business retreat on February 10, 2026 in Franklin, Tennessee. Kyle and Josh talk about how emotional safety shapes communication, why many couples get stuck in the same conflict patterns, and how rightly ordering your life at home actually strengthens your business. They...
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Optimism Through the Hard Seasons
Remodelers On The Rise
In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle talks with Phil and Heather Oddo of Closer Look General Contracting about navigating the messy, painful seasons of business and choosing optimism through it all. They share how years of embezzlement knocked their business down, how Heather left her stable corporate job to join the company right as chaos hit, and what it looked like to rebuild piece by piece. You’ll hear how they learned to understand their numbers, say no to the wrong clients, build systems for sales and project flow, and hire the right people for the right seats. They...
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Plan Better, Build Better: Virtual Design That Works
Remodelers On The Rise
In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle sits down with Savannah Thomas of Seabrook Design Company to break down how virtual design can strengthen your entire remodeling process. They explore why detailed upfront planning protects your margins, shortens timelines, and keeps clients happier. Savannah walks through her simple plan bid build approach, how remodelers gather accurate as built information, and the value of weekly check ins to keep projects moving. They also dive into the pros and cons of in house versus outsourced design support and share practical ways remodelers can lighten...
info_outlineRecorded 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:
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Why gray socks might be Kyle’s golf superpower
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The lessons of playing it safe in business—and what finally pushed Kyle to grow
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Insights on brilliant jerks, design-to-production breakdowns, and raising a teenage entrepreneur
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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.
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Thank you to our RISE Conference Sponsors:
Also highlighted in this episode:
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Homes for Hope – a nonprofit organization fighting global poverty through microfinancing and training in partnership with the building industry. Learn more at homes4hope.org
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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!
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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.
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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