Onboarding That Works: How To Set Up New Hires for Long-Term Success
Release Date: 08/22/2025
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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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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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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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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
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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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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
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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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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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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_outlineIn 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!
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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.
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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
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.
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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