Built to Last: Lessons from a Second Generation Design Build Remodeler
Release Date: 12/18/2025
AI Is Great, But You Have to Use Your Brain First
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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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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_outlineIn 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 leading a team. Abe also shares thoughtful insights on company culture, peer groups, and building a life outside of work, offering encouragement for remodelers who want long term growth without burning out.
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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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Takeaways
Abe Degnan is a second-generation remodeler who joined his father's business.
Investing in learning and joining peer groups has been crucial for growth.
Hiring the right people is essential for maintaining company culture.
Abe's broken leg led to a shift in focus towards office work and management.
Understanding pricing and financials is key to business success.
High-quality photography is vital for effective marketing.
A clear sales process is necessary for consistent success.
Establishing a design center enhances client engagement.
Balancing family life and business is a continuous challenge.
Documenting company values and processes helps differentiate from competitors.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
03:00 Abe Degnan's Journey in Remodeling
06:10 Transitioning from Sole Proprietorship to S Corp
09:00 The Evolution of Design-Build Approach
11:54 Investing in Learning and Company Culture
15:04 Hiring Practices and Employee Retention
17:59 Overcoming Challenges in Business Growth
21:00 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Business
23:38 Pricing Strategies and Financial Management
27:10 Marketing and Sales Process Insights
29:53 Establishing a Design Center and Client Engagement
33:02 Balancing Family Life and Business
35:57 Final Thoughts and Advice for Remodelers