Plan Better, Build Better: Virtual Design That Works
Release Date: 11/26/2025
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 ....
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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 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 the load without adding full time overhead.
Curious about how Seabrook Design Co. might support your projects? Take a look at seabrookdesignco.com.
-----
Looking to get clarity on your 2026 marketing?
Contractor Growth Network is hosting a free webinar on Thursday, December 11th at 2 p.m. Eastern: Build Your Remodeling Company’s 2026 Marketing Playbook.
It’s designed for remodelers who want to stop guessing and start building a real marketing strategy.
Save your spot at ContractorGrowthNetwork.com/playbook.
-----
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!
-----
Takeaways
Contractor Growth Network helps remodelers attract the right leads.
Effective communication is key to successful remote design.
Upfront design work can prevent issues during construction.
Savannah's team can adapt to various client needs and budgets.
Detailed selection sheets streamline the decision-making process.
Regular check-ins with clients keep projects on track.
Understanding client dynamics enhances the design process.
Remote design can be just as effective as in-house work.
Collaboration with local vendors is essential for remote design.
Investing in design can lead to happier clients and better margins.
-----
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Communication in Design
00:06 Phases of Design and Drafting
19:54 The Value of Detailed Drawings
22:46 Simplifying the Selection Process
24:46 Streamlining Client Selections
26:30 Effective Communication with Clients
28:17 The Importance of Regular Meetings
30:09 Assigning Homework to Clients
31:47 Pros and Cons of In-House vs. Outsourced Design
33:28 Navigating Client Control and Trust
37:05 Combining Virtual and In-Person Selections