Talking TOP 500
This series puts a spotlight on the business of home improvement and professional home remodeling. Presented by QUALIFIED REMODELER magazine, "Talking TOP 500" is a series of conversations with owners and managers of firms on the magazine's annual list of the largest 500 remodelers and home improvement pros. Every aspect of sales leadership, marketing and running a profitable business is on the table. Hosted by Patrick O'Toole and Tim Musch.
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No. 30: Mark Franzoso and Mark Sackerson, Franzoso Contracting
04/24/2025
No. 30: Mark Franzoso and Mark Sackerson, Franzoso Contracting
Mark Franzoso, founder and CEO of Franzoso Contracting, and Mark Sackerson, sales manager for Franzoso Contracting, join Patrick O’Toole and Tim Musch, hosts of Talking TOP 500, for an interesting conversation about their company and time in the industry. Franzoso is a long-time business owner, having founded Franzoso Contracting in 1980. According to the company’s most recent appearance on the Qualified Remodeler TOP 500 list, the firm completed 1,408 jobs on $16.4 million in revenue in 2023, giving it a ranking of No. 166. Franzoso was also a member of Owens Corning Platinum Advisory Board, and his company also won three awards at the most recent Owens Corning conference in Orlando. FAST Remodeler Live, Qualified Remodeler’s upcoming technology conference for home improvement pros, will take place May 20 and 21 at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor. Having the right tech stack is hugely important to success in this industry and it only gets more important with each passing day. The conference is a blend of big-picture explanation along with dozens of ground-level technology hacks that can all be meaningful to business. To see the agenda and list of speakers and to register go to . Use the code 500pod for a reduction in the price of your tickets. Patrick O’Toole is chief of content and co-owner of SOLA Group Inc., parent company of Qualified Remodeler, and Tim Musch, a member of the home improvement hall of fame is with Paradigm Vendo.
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NO. 29: Brian Elias, CEO and Founder, ReFloor
04/15/2025
NO. 29: Brian Elias, CEO and Founder, ReFloor
This episode of “Talking TOP 500” features Brian Elias, Co-CEO of Refloor, and former CEO of 1-800-Hansons. We'll see you at Fast Remodeler Live in May!
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No. 28: Kyle Powers, Apex Energy Solutions
02/20/2025
No. 28: Kyle Powers, Apex Energy Solutions
Tim and Pat sit down Kyle Powers, brand leader for Apex Energy, part of Great Day Home Improvements, one of the largest companies on the . Kyle has impressive experience for a young home improvement professional. He has previously worked for: Mad City, AHT Windows, Tundraland, Tony Hoty Training & Consulting, Jacuzzi Bath Remodel, and Apex Energy Solutions. He will also be a featured speaker at the fourth annual technology for remodeling and home improvement professionals, FAST Remodeler Live, to be held at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor, May 20-21, 2025. Want to view the full roster of speakers and register? Go to .
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No. 27: Ryan Shutt, CEO of Southwest Exteriors
01/02/2025
No. 27: Ryan Shutt, CEO of Southwest Exteriors
This episode of “Talking TOP 500” features Ryan Shutt, CEO of Southwest Exteriors, an exterior remodeling company based in San Antonio. This year, Southwest is approaching $20 million in revenue. The company’s website features a pricing calculator, which appears to go against aspects of sales orthodoxy, but the results speak for themselves. Shutt was a speaker at 2024’s TOP 500 LIVE conference in Las Vegas, where he presented on Southwest’s reboot of its marketing, sales, and customer service. To watch a clip from Shutt’s presentation, visit . He also sat on the CEO Panel Discussion with Audience Questions and Answers. In this episode, Shutt tells the story of how he made Southwest into what it is today.
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No. 26: Asher Raphael, Co-CEO Power Home Remodeling
12/05/2024
No. 26: Asher Raphael, Co-CEO Power Home Remodeling
Enjoy this special episode of "Talking TOP 500". It's an interview with Power Home Remodeling's Co-CEO Asher Raphael, from this year's TOP 500 LIVE conference in Las Vegas. Upon joining Power as a recent graduate of American University, Raphael did not plan on staying long. But he and his Co-CEO Cory Schiller, saw an opportunity. They set out to create a scalable business model capable of attracting the best and brightest people. The company went from being $8 million revenue in 2004 to $1.24 billion today. Raphael tells the story of Power in this special episode. About the Talking TOP 500 Podcast and your Hosts The Talking TOP 500 podcast takes its name from Qualified Remodeler’s annual ranking of the largest remodeling and home improvement companies. It features interviews with leading remodelers from around the United States and focuses on all aspects of growing and succeeding in home improvement and remodeling. Qualified Remodeler co-owner and publisher Patrick O’Toole as well as industry veteran Tim Musch, recently named a Legend of the Home Improvement industry serve as hosts of the podcast. Qualified Remodeler is a leading business-to-business media brand serving remodelers since 1975. To learn more and subscribe go to . Patrick L. O’Toole has been and editor in the residential construction space since 1996. Presently, he is EVP and owner of SOLA Group Inc., a holding company for Qualified Remodeler and Kitchen & Bath Design News magazines. With SOLA, he serves as Group Editorial Director for the company and as publisher of Qualified Remodeler. Prior to joining SOLA Group, Mr. O’Toole served as Editorial Director and Publisher of Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler magazines. From 2003 to 2010, he was editor of Qualified Remodeler. Mr. O’Toole began his career in journalism as a Newsman with the Associated Press in Chicago. He holds a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia College and B.A. from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Tim Musch has spent the last 30 years developing and refining technology solutions for contractors in the industry. Prior to that, he spent 15 years gaining experience in a family-owned remodeling company in Central Wisconsin. Tim regularly speaks with industry groups to build the case for the benefits of systemizing local, independent businesses. In 2022, Tim joined the elite group of industry veterans and was inducted into “The Legends of the Home Improvement Industry”. Currently, Tim is a Business Development Specialist for Paradigm, LLC, which is transforming the way that residential construction business is done across the globe with solutions such as their digital selling tool, Paradigm Vendo. QR
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No. 25: Chris Hermes, CEO, USA Showers
11/26/2024
No. 25: Chris Hermes, CEO, USA Showers
Chris Hermes is the CEO & founder of USA Showers in Phoenix Arizona, with over 25 years of successful experience in the home improvement/construction industry. Chris is a respected leader known for his entrepreneurial spirit, strict discipline, and dedication to developing leaders and helping people. With a track record of success and a passion for innovation, he continues to lead USA Showers to new heights in the home improvement industry. With leading a team of over 40 teammates, they are projected to do 8 million in net sales in 2024. Chris is looking to expand in to other markets to continue to provide careers for 100’s of families andcreate a legendary company. About the Talking TOP 500 Podcast and your Hosts The Talking TOP 500 podcast takes its name from Qualified Remodeler’s annual ranking of the largest remodeling and home improvement companies. It features interviews with leading remodelers from around the United States and focuses on all aspects of growing and succeeding in home improvement and remodeling. Qualified Remodeler co-owner and publisher Patrick O’Toole as well as industry veteran Tim Musch, recently named a Legend of the Home Improvement industry serve as hosts of the podcast. Qualified Remodeler is a leading business-to-business media brand serving remodelers since 1975. To learn more and subscribe go to . Patrick L. O’Toole has been and editor in the residential construction space since 1996. Presently, he is EVP and owner of SOLA Group Inc., a holding company for Qualified Remodeler and Kitchen & Bath Design News magazines. With SOLA, he serves as Group Editorial Director for the company and as publisher of Qualified Remodeler. Prior to joining SOLA Group, Mr. O’Toole served as Editorial Director and Publisher of Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler magazines. From 2003 to 2010, he was editor of Qualified Remodeler. Mr. O’Toole began his career in journalism as a Newsman with the Associated Press in Chicago. He holds a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia College and B.A. from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Tim Musch has spent the last 30 years developing and refining technology solutions for contractors in the industry. Prior to that, he spent 15 years gaining experience in a family-owned remodeling company in Central Wisconsin. Tim regularly speaks with industry groups to build the case for the benefits of systemizing local, independent businesses. In 2022, Tim joined the elite group of industry veterans and was inducted into “The Legends of the Home Improvement Industry”. Currently, Tim is a Business Development Specialist for Paradigm, LLC, which is transforming the way that residential construction business is done across the globe with solutions such as their digital selling tool, Paradigm Vendo. QR
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No.24: Sean McGraw, Founder, FOR Energy
11/21/2024
No.24: Sean McGraw, Founder, FOR Energy
Sean McGraw is the Founder of FOR Energy. After graduating from ASU with a degree in Sustainable Energy & Materials, Sean founded Affordable Energy Solutions, which would eventually become FOR Energy, with his father Brian in 2010. When not performing solar consultations, you can find Sean giving back with the Phoenix 20-30 Club or ASU’s GlobalResolve. FOR Energy in Phoenix, AZ provides home energy checkups to homeowners who want to save money and energy. Their certified professionals will use the latest tools and technology to inspect and assess your home’s energy efficiency. They’ll provide a customized report that outlines improvements you can make to reduce energy costs while helping the environment. These improvements include upgrading insulation, windows or appliances, and sealing air leaks. ... About the Talking TOP 500 Podcast and your Podcast Hosts The Talking TOP 500 podcast takes its name from Qualified Remodeler’s annual ranking of the largest remodeling and home improvement companies. It features interviews with leading remodelers from around the United States and focuses on all aspects of growing and succeeding in home improvement and remodeling. Qualified Remodeler co-owner and publisher Patrick O’Toole as well as industry veteran Tim Musch, recently named a Legend of the Home Improvement industry serve as hosts of the podcast. Qualified Remodeler is a leading business-to-business media brand serving remodelers since 1975. To learn more and subscribe go to . Patrick L. O’Toole has been and editor in the residential construction space since 1996. Presently, he is EVP and owner of SOLA Group Inc., a holding company for Qualified Remodeler and Kitchen & Bath Design News magazines. With SOLA, he serves as Group Editorial Director for the company and as publisher of Qualified Remodeler. Prior to joining SOLA Group, Mr. O’Toole served as Editorial Director and Publisher of Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler magazines. From 2003 to 2010, he was editor of Qualified Remodeler. Mr. O’Toole began his career in journalism as a Newsman with the Associated Press in Chicago. He holds a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia College and B.A. from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Tim Musch has spent the last 30 years developing and refining technology solutions for contractors in the industry. Prior to that, he spent 15 years gaining experience in a family-owned remodeling company in Central Wisconsin. Tim regularly speaks with industry groups to build the case for the benefits of systemizing local, independent businesses. In 2022, Tim joined the elite group of industry veterans and was inducted into “The Legends of the Home Improvement Industry”. Currently, Tim is a Business Development Specialist for Paradigm, LLC, which is transforming the way that residential construction business is done across the globe with solutions such as their digital selling tool, Paradigm Vendo.
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No. 23: Vince Venditti, President of Premier Home Pros
09/26/2024
No. 23: Vince Venditti, President of Premier Home Pros
Vince Venditti is an energetic young leader in the home improvement industry. He was previously CMO of American Residential Services and SVP at Leaf Home before making the leap into entrepreneurship. Today he’s president and co-owner of Premier Home Pros in Akron, Ohio. In Talking TOP 500, episode No. 23, Venditti talks about Premier, which just opened its 7th location in Tampa, only 18 months after the company was founded. The company launched in January of 2023 and has accepted no investment funds from outside sources. It ranked No. 178 on the TOP 500 list with $15.1 million in revenue on 1,114 jobs. In 2024, the replacement baths company expects to hit $80 million in revenue. Big things lay ahead for Premier, which was founded by Venditti and two other up-and-coming pros. His partners are also well pedigreed in the industry. Premier chief executive A.J. Wadian was formerly with Leaf Home and Window Nation. Chief growth officer Noah Jackson also hails from Leaf Home and Window Nation. Venditti will be a speaker at at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Oct. 28-30, 2024. QR
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No. 22: Jeff Gunhus, founder and CEO, Home Genius Exteriors
09/12/2024
No. 22: Jeff Gunhus, founder and CEO, Home Genius Exteriors
Jeff Gunhus is founder and CEO of Home Genius Exteriors based in Hyattsville, Maryland. Last year the company generated $73.7 million on 3,755 jobs. Remarkably the company is on track to double these figures to $150 million by the end of 2024. Starting in the early 90s he launched a number of companies across several industries. Then, having just moved from California to Maryland in 2017, he attended Qualified Remodeler's very first TOP 500 LIVE conference. His goal was to lay the groundwork to launch a new company in the home improvement space. That company was Home Genius Exteriors. Gunhus has an entrepreneur's mindset. He’s a person who learns from the successes and mistakes of other business leaders. Patrick O'Toole and Tim Musch cover a range of topics with Gunhus: from lead generation and recruiting to technology and sales. --- Jeff Gunhus will be a speaker at TOP 500 LIVE 2024 Oct. 28 to Oct. 30. It will be hosted at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. To learn more and register go to event.qrtop500live.com. Join us there. QR
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No. 21 Chad Castrilli, Dream Home Roofers
08/22/2024
No. 21 Chad Castrilli, Dream Home Roofers
In episode No. 21 of Talking Top 500, the discussion involves Chadd Castrilli, Vice President of Sales for Dream Home Roofers, which appeared at no. 19 on this year's TOP 500 List with $21 million in revenue on 1,200 completed jobs. Castrilli is an impressive leader in the home improvement industry. He got his start 17 years ago with NuLook Home Designs and rose through the ranks to run the company's sales organization. He then moved to Dream Home Roofers, where he's engineered organizational improvements to the sales department at the New Jersey-based company. Castrilli was also a speaker Qualified Remodeler's technology conference Fast Remodeler Live in Austin, Texas. Patrick O'Toole of Sola Brands Inc. and Qualified Remodeler and Tim Musch, a member of the Home Improvement Hall of Fame and currently of Paradigm Vendo, sat down with Castrelli to discuss his career and successes in the home improvement industry. QR
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No. 20 Adam Shampaine, Homefix Custom Remodeling
04/25/2024
No. 20 Adam Shampaine, Homefix Custom Remodeling
Adam Shampaine is an energetic young leader in the home improvement industry. He's the CEO of Homefix Custom Remodeling in Baltimore, Maryland. Homefix is a very large company with multiple branches in the mid Atlantic region. Last year the company was ranked No. 33 on the Qualified Remodeler TOP 500 list based on $68.3 million in revenue on 3,963 jobs. There’s a lot to unpack about this company and that’s why we are excited to speak with Adam today. In addition, Adam has a very interesting background. As a Maryland native he caught the politics bug at a young age and he spent some time as a Capitol Hill staffer. Then he embarked in law school and guess what, the home improvement industry intervened. So we know there’s a good story in how he got where he is today.
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No. 19: Adam Kaliner, Co-Founder, Power Home Remodeling Group
03/21/2024
No. 19: Adam Kaliner, Co-Founder, Power Home Remodeling Group
Today’s discussion is with a well-known leader in the home improvement industry, Adam Kaliner co-founder of Power Home Remodeling. Power, as many industry observers know, is one of the largest companies in the industry. In 2023, they billed $1.25 billion in sales. That’s billion with a capital B. And the company has a total of 3,500 employees. Kaliner co-founded the company with his cousin in their 2-bedroom Delaware apartment back in 1992. He attributes much of the company’s success to the longtime leadership of its energetic duo of co-CEOs Corey Shiller and Asher Raphael. With locations nearly coast to coast, Power, based in Philadelphia, is today a technology organization as well as a people and training organization. Through technology, they’ve been able to very effectively scale their business. QR
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No. 18: Abby Binder, Abby Windows & Doors
02/15/2024
No. 18: Abby Binder, Abby Windows & Doors
Episode No. 18 is a discussion with one of the brightest rising stars in the home improvement industry—Abby Binder—owner of Abby Windows & Doors, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is a businessperson with a growth mindset. She’s always looking for new ways to improve her people and upgrade her processes. She's always ready to take the next step up in revenue and profit. So far, she's been successful every step of the way. Fresh out of college with the goal of becoming a teacher, Binder started doing home improvements with an uncle. Then in 2010, she struck out on her own, launching her company from scratch. Today Abby Windows and Doors is billing $12 million annually on 600 jobs.
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No. 17: Scott Siegal, CEO of Certified Contractors Network | Maggio Roofing
01/04/2024
No. 17: Scott Siegal, CEO of Certified Contractors Network | Maggio Roofing
Professional roundtable groups—comprised of industry peers and led by business consultants—are a familiar feature of the home improvement and remodeling industries. There are peer groups that focus insurance restoration. Others are focused on full-service and design-build remodeling. For home improvement pros a handful of groups come to mind. One of them is Certified Contractors Network, which was founded by roofing contractor Richard Kaller back in the late 1960s. Today the group is led by Scott Siegal and is home to over 400 member companies and hosts dozens oftraining events for its members each year. But leading CCN is only part of the story for Siegal who also owns Maggio Roofing in Takoma Park, Maryland. In Episode No. 17 of Talking TOP 500 we talk with Siegal about how he got his start in the business, his early days as a member of CCN and how he eventually assumed leadership of the organization. We also get Siegal’s take on the opportunities and challenges facing contractors in the year ahead. About Talking TOP 500 Talking TOP 500 refers to the long-running annual ranking of large home improvement firms, the Qualified Remodeler TOP 500, which was just released for the . Each episode we interview leaders in the home improvement and remodeling industry to get their perspective on all aspects of growth and profitability. The hosts of Talking TOP 500 are Patrick O’Toole of SOLA Group Inc. and magazine and Tim Musch, a former window company owner who wrote the industry’s first dedicated CRM software, MarketSharp. He was recently named a Legend of the Home Improvement Industry by his peers. Today he is with Paradigm Vendo.
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No. 16: Beth Biron, CMO of Reborn Home Solutions and Dreamstyle Remodeling | Renovo
12/14/2023
No. 16: Beth Biron, CMO of Reborn Home Solutions and Dreamstyle Remodeling | Renovo
Beth Biron is a rising star in the home improvement industry. She is the chief marketing and sales officer at , a leading provider of cabinet refacing, one-day baths and windows based in California. Beth has nearly 20 years of direct sales and marketing experience in the energy, solar power and home remodeling industries, with an expertise in performance marketing and process automation. Reborn is part of the based in Dallas. And Beth has also onboarded responsibility for generating leads for the massive based in Albuquerque. To give you a sense of the size of the Renovo operation, in 2022 the group of companies ranked No. 8 on the , posting $653 million in installed sales on 44,275 jobs. In our discussion with Biron, we hear how the company is managing to adapt and change its lead sources in the wake of the COVID-19 boom in home improvement leads. The conversation illustrates how today’s technology and real-time reporting give marketers more tools than ever to drive leads efficiently. But as we also hear, it is fast changing and requires constant monitoring. About Talking TOP 500 Talking TOP 500 refers to the long-running annual ranking of large home improvement firms, the Qualified Remodeler TOP 500, which was just released for the 45th in August 2023. Each episode we interview leaders in the home improvement and remodeling industry to get their perspective on all aspects of growth and profitability. The hosts of Talking TOP 500 are Patrick O'Toole of . and magazine and Tim Musch, a former window company owner who wrote the industry’s first dedicated CRM software, MarketSharp. He was recently named a Legend of the Home Improvement Industry by his peers. Today his is with Paradigm Vendo.
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No 15: John Anglis, Founder, Care Free Home Pros, Avon, Connecticut
10/12/2023
No 15: John Anglis, Founder, Care Free Home Pros, Avon, Connecticut
Episode No. 15 is with John Anglis, founder of CareFree Home Pros of Avon, Connecticut. CareFree is a Bath Replacement business that generated $9.5 million in revenue in 2022, the last year that Anglis owned the company. This past February, Anglis sold CareFree to Sage Home for an undisclosed cash amount. Anglis is not afraid to tell you about the many bumps in the road he encountered before some of the lessons learned all fit in place beginning about nine years ago. Anglis frequently makes the observation that the success of Care Free took hold the more he "got out of the way". About Talking TOP 500 Talking TOP 500 refers to the long-running annual ranking of large home improvement firms, the Qualified Remodeler TOP 500, which was just released for the 45th in August. Each episode we interview leaders in the home improvement and remodeling industry to get their perspective on all aspects of growth and profitability. Patrick O'Toole of SOLA Group Inc. and Qualified Remodeler magazine and Tim Musch, a "Legend" of the home improvement industry co-host the podcast.
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No.14: Ed Weinfurtner and Michael Hoy, Great Day Improvements
09/14/2023
No.14: Ed Weinfurtner and Michael Hoy, Great Day Improvements
Among the handful of truly fast-growing home improvement companies—those with plans to grow to be national in scope—Great Day Improvements offers a different path. The company is growing with a ground level, entrepreneurial strategy, and with a deep appreciation for what it takes to run a successful home improvement firm. To that end, companies that have been acquired by Great Day are operated by their prior owners, who are kept in place and who continue their respective visions for growth. Last year Great Day generated $1.1 billion in revenue on 70,099 jobs and ranked No. 5 on the most recent TOP 500. They go to market as Champion Windows, Universal Windows Direct, Stanek, Your Home Improvement Company among others. Their two top executives joined the podcast to talk about the evolution of Great Day into a fast growing powerhouse and its plans for the future. Michael Hoy is Chief Executive Officer. He Joined Great Day as CEO in 2015 and has driven the of growth at the Company for the past 8 years. Previously he served in a variety of leadership positions at Renewal by Andersen, Pella, BMC/Stock Building Supply, and 84 Lumber, and he was recently recognized as a Home Improvement Industry “Legend” by the HIMs peer group that is part of Dave Yoho Associates. Ed Weinfurtner is Executive Chairman and Lead investor/owner at Great Day. He led acquisition of Great Day in 2014 and is actively involved in building the business, and leading Great Day’s mergers and acquisitions. Ed is a Harvard graduate and a career entrepreneur who has owned and operated several privately held businesses in variety of industries in addition to Great Day over the past 45 years. ---- About the Podcast “Talking TOP 500” is a reference to Qualified Remodeler’s long-running annual ranking of the largest remodelers and home improvement companies, . You can see our latest ranking at our website . Qualified Remodeler media is owned by SOLA Group Inc., which also operates a conference for remodelers and home improvement pros TOP 500 LIVE. The next conference is scheduled for Oct. 17 and Oct. 18, 2023 and will be held at the M Resort Spa and Casino in Henderson, Nevada. To learn more and register, go to .
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No. 13: Jason Couto of Couto Construction
08/31/2023
No. 13: Jason Couto of Couto Construction
Patrick O'Toole and Tim Musch talk with Jason Couto of Couto Construction in New Bedford, Mass. in Episode No. 13 of the Talking TOP 500 podcast. Jason learned the business from his father, who was a Portuguese immigrant to the United States and who founded the company when Jason was very young. Since taking over the firm in 2008, Jason has grown the company to over $20 million in revenue and completed a merger with Infinity Home Services, which billed $176.8 million on 10,500 jobs in 2022. --- You're Invited: Make plans to join us October 16-18, 2023 at the M Resort Spa Casino in Las Vegas for . We would love to see you there!
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No. 12: Emily and Kevin Lindus, co-founders, Lindus Construction
08/23/2023
No. 12: Emily and Kevin Lindus, co-founders, Lindus Construction
In Episode No. 12 of the Talking TOP 500 podcast, we speak with a couple who is widely admired in the home improvement industry. They are Emily and Kevin Lindus, owners of Lindus Construction in Baldwin, Wisconsin. They started the company in 1981 out of their kitchen and last year the company generated $43.2 million in revenue on gutters, decks and a number of other home improvements. A few years ago, they sold the business to their sons Andy, Alex and Adam, but they remain on as consultants at the firm. Kevin and Emily are so much like thousands of other husband and wife teams in the home improvement industry, and they have truly thrived. Over the years, they've consistently looked for ways to learn and grow. Their story is truly remarkable. Emily Lindus is a consultant to home improvement companies and she will be speaking at TOP 500 LIVE 2023, which will be held Oct. 17 and Oct. 18, 2023 in Las Vegas. To learn more go to .
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No. 11: Richard Begalla, Executive Vice President, Window Depot
06/22/2023
No. 11: Richard Begalla, Executive Vice President, Window Depot
Episode No. 11 features a conversation with one of the rising startsin home improvement, Rich Begalla,executive vice president of Window Depot’s national network of 82 dealers. He’s also the owner and managerof one of those 82 branches—Window Depot of Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. In 2022 the Window Depot network was ranked No. 17 on the Qualified Remodeler TOP 500 list, posting$127.7 million on 21,283 jobs. Begalla began his career while still in college and hasbecome at age 38 one of the most respected managers inhome improvement today. About this Podcast Talking TOP 500 is a reference to Qualified Remodeler magazine's long-running annual ranking of the largestremodelers and home improvement pros by revenue. Co-hosted by Patrick O'Toole and Tim Musch, thepodcast focuses on issues facing entrepreneurs in this space. To learn more, go to QualifiedRemodeler.com or subscribe to the podcast on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. To subscribe to QualifiedRemodeler magazine or one of its newslettersgo to . Join us face-to-face at TOP 500 LIVE 2023, which is set for Oct. 17 and 18 at the M-Resort in Las Vegas,Nevada. It features two days of the top speakers in the home improvement and remodeling industries. To learn more and register go to . QR
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No. 10: Charlie Gindele, founder of Renewal by Andersen of Orange County
06/02/2023
No. 10: Charlie Gindele, founder of Renewal by Andersen of Orange County
Charlie Gindele is a hugely successful home improvement entrepreneur who, in 2019, sold Renewal by Anderson of Orange County—to Renewal by Andersen corporation. It was the capstone to a 38-year career in the industry. After the sale Gindele agreed to continue as general manager of the business until the end of 2021, when he retired and wrote a business book to help younger home improvement entrepreneurs. That book—Lessons Learned – My Journey from Contractor to Businessman—is available on Amazon.com. A Philadelphia native, he moved to California in 1984 to launch a roofing company and later a window division. He then launched a residential door distribution firm. And in 1993 all three of his businesses were merged into Dial One as a franchise unit. After phasing out the roofing business in 2000 to focus on windows and doors, in 2005 he signed on as a Renewal by Andersen affiliate. He took on fellow home improvement entrepreneur David Moore as a business partner in 2013 and they expanded their territory from Orange County into Riverside and San Bernardino counties. QR estimates that by 2021 Gindele’s RBA affiliate billed in excess of $45 million in sales annually. RBA does not disclose its financial figures. Our conversation with Gindele covers lead generation, attracting high-quality talent, and the lessons he learned during his career. About the Talking TOP 500 Podcast The Talking TOP 500 podcast takes its name from Qualified Remodeler’s annual ranking of the largest remodeling and home improvement companies. It features interviews with leading remodelers from around the United States and focuses on all aspects of growing and succeeding in home improvement and remodeling. Qualified Remodeler co-owner and publisher Patrick O’Toole as well as industry veteran Tim Musch, recently named a Legend of the Home Improvement industry serve as hosts of the podcast. Qualified Remodeler is a leading business-to-business media brand serving remodelers since 1975. To learn more and subscribe go to .
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No 9: Brian Gottlieb, Founder of Tundraland Home Improvements
04/13/2023
No 9: Brian Gottlieb, Founder of Tundraland Home Improvements
Brian Gottlieb is widely regarded as one of the most innovative entrepreneurs in home improvement today. Starting from scratch he built the three businesses to approximately $150 million in revenue and 800 employees. He is founder of Home Improvement, Renewal by Andersen of Wisconsin, and Jacuzzi Bath Remodel of Arizona. Jacuzzi Corporation acquired his Arizona business in 2021. acquired Tundraland that same year. And late last year the executive management team of his RBA affiliate bought that business. In the few short months since his last transaction, Gottlieb has been a consultant to several of the largest companies in the industry. The conversation with Gottlieb for Talking TOP 500 focuses on - the latest ideas in lead-generation - leadership - developing people - creating culture and - scaling a business About Talking TOP 500 The Talking TOP 500 podcast takes its name from Qualified Remodeler’s annual ranking of the largest remodeling and home improvement companies. It features interviews with leading remodelers from around the United States and focuses on all aspects of growing and succeeding in home improvement and remodeling. Qualified Remodeler co-owner and publisher Patrick O’Toole as well as industry veteran Tim Musch, recently named a Legend of the Home Improvement industry serve as hosts of the podcast. Qualified Remodeler is a leading business-to-business media brand serving remodelers since 1975. To learn more and subscribe go to . QR
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No. 8: Tony Hoty, President, Window Depot of Cleveland on Home Shows and Events
03/16/2023
No. 8: Tony Hoty, President, Window Depot of Cleveland on Home Shows and Events
The spring home-show season is here. All around the country, remodelers and home improvement pros are preparing to exhibit at one or more of these popular local consumer events. For many remodelers, home shows are their bread and butter. The leads generated at these events can make-or-break their year, or, at the very least, put them on the path toward a successful year. For others, home shows are just one of many reliable lead sources at their disposal. Regardless, success at these events takes planning, preparation, and solid strategy for engaging with consumers who are ready to make improvements. That is why the Talking TOP 500 podcast turned to an expert on face-to-face marketing for Episode No. 8—Mr. Tony Hoty. Hoty is a long-time entrepreneur in the industry. This year his company, Window Depot of Cleveland, will hit $6 million in installed sales. He’s also a leading consultant to other remodelers and home improvement pros, particularly when it comes to the topic of generating leads. Hoty is a frequent presenter at and is host of the popular LeadCon conference, which is presented each spring. This interview with Tony Hoty offers a great primer on how to put your best foot forward at home shows and events in 2023. About this Podcast Talking TOP 500 is a reference to of the largest remodelers and home improvement pros by revenue. Co-hosted by Patrick O'Toole and Tim Musch, the podcast focuses on issues facing entrepreneurs in this space. To learn more, go to or subscribe to the podcast on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. To subscribe to Qualified Remodeler magazine or one of its newsletters,
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No. 7: Dawn Dewey of Dreamstyle Remodeling
02/23/2023
No. 7: Dawn Dewey of Dreamstyle Remodeling
The job of creating a consistent flow of quality leads is not for the feint-of-heart. Home improvement company owners typically shoulder this task themselves, sharing responsibility with a marketing associate. Many of the largest home improvement companies today are big enough to require the services of a true chief marketing officer. One of the best in the business in that role is Dawn Dewey, senior vice president of Dreamstyle Remodeling in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 2021 the company billed $151.9 million in revenue on 10,621 jobs. To keep Dreamstyle's sales team out in the field and selling jobs across six states requires a multi-platform approach to driving leads. In this podcast Dewey goes into detail about the company's approach to managing lead sources: Testing, Investing and Resting. If driving leads for new business is something that keeps you up at night, you'll want to hear Dewey's thoughts on the topic in Episode No. 7 of Talking TOP 500. Talking TOP 500 is a reference to Qualified Remodeler magazine's long-running annual ranking of the largest remodelers and home improvement pros by revenue. Co-hosted by Patrick O'Toole and Tim Musch, the podcast focuses on issues facing entrepreneurs in this space. To learn more, go to or subscribe to the podcast on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. To subscribe to Qualified Remodeler magazine or one of its newsletters,
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No. 6: Chris Counahan, Chief Sales Officer, Leaf Home
02/09/2023
No. 6: Chris Counahan, Chief Sales Officer, Leaf Home
Chris Counahan is the chief sales officer of , the No. 2 company on Qualified Remodeler’s annual ranking of the industry’s largest remodelers and home improvement firms—. In 2021 Leaf Home hit $1.43 billion in revenue on a staggering 337,340 jobs. Our conversation with Counahan offered a mix of Leaf Home history along with present-day opportunities and challenges. He also spoke about how he got into the industry and his friendship with Leaf Home founder Matt Kaulig, which dates to when both played football at the University of Akron. Counahan explains that Leaf Home, despite its size, is like all home improvement companies today. In 2023, it must fine-tune its approach to generating leads and it must make the most of new technology. Other topics discussed include: - Leaf Home’s acquisition philosophy - It’s plan to one-day become a publicly traded company - The company’s outlook for 2023 About Qualified Remodeler Qualified Remodeler is published in print, online and through virtual and in-person events. If you are a remodeler or home improvement pro, we encourage you to subscribe to our print edition or one of our weekly newsletters. Pros might also be interested in attending one of two in-person events planned for 2023. The first is , which will be held May 16-17 in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the industry’s only technology conference focused on the business needs of remodelers and home pros. Additionally, Qualified Remodeler will be hosting its and networking event at the M-Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Oct. 16-18, 2023. Qualified Remodeler is a . media brand. All rights reserved 2023.
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No. 5: B.J. Werzyn, CEO of West Shore Home
01/17/2023
No. 5: B.J. Werzyn, CEO of West Shore Home
B.J. Werzyn is the CEO and founder of West Shore Home, which was ranked No. 7 on the TOP 500 last year. That ranking was based on 2021 installed revenue of $659.8 million on 57,572 jobs, up from approximately $40 million in 2018. Today the company operates in 35 markets and has 3,000 employees in several regions around the country. In his Talking TOP 500 interview with co-hosts Patrick O’Toole and Tim Musch, Werzyn discusses the company’s phenomenal growth trajectory, which has occurred in two ways: the launch of new West Shore locations in key geographic regions, and the purchase of existing companies around the United States. As Werzyn explains, it began with rock-solid systems and processes and also requires reliable leadership development process, and a dependable core of technology systems. West Shore Home is not yet a fully national company, but it is clearly on its way. Learn more by listening to this edition of Talking TOP 500. is published in print, online and through virtual and in-person events. If you are a remodeler or home improvement pro, we encourage you to to our print edition or one of our weekly newsletters. Pros might also be interested in attending one of two in-person events planned for 2023. The first is , which will be held May 16-17 in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the industry’s only technology conference focused on the business needs of remodelers and home pros. Additionally, Qualified Remodeler will be hosting its 6th Annual at the M-Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Oct. 16-18, 2023. Qualified Remodeler is a media brand. All rights reserved 2023.
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No. 4: Vince Nardo, CEO of Reborn Cabinets
12/27/2022
No. 4: Vince Nardo, CEO of Reborn Cabinets
For over three decades, Vince Nardo and his brother Anthony have run the family-owned cabinet refacing business based in Anaheim, California. During that time, they've grown the firm dynamically. Today the firm operates six branches in California, Nevada and Arizona and is ranked No. 24 on Qualified Remodeler's ranking of the largest 500 remodelers. Last year they billed $86.1 million on 6,305 jobs. In the podcast Nardo talks about the evolution of the firm from its roots as a startup in 1983 to 2022, when it was acquired by Audax Private Equity and merged with Renovo Home Solutions. He shares his bullish outlook for cabinet refacing, for Renovo and for the home improvement industry at large.
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No. 3: Scott Berman, Florida Window & Door
11/15/2022
No. 3: Scott Berman, Florida Window & Door
Talking TOP 500 catches up with Scott Berman, owner of Florida Window & Door based in Lake Worth, Fla. Berman’s firm is among the largest independent operators in the nation. With six locations in the Sunshine State, his firm will bill over $100 million this year. Much of the company’s growth has come in since 2015 but Berman’s success has been years in the making. He started in the business in the early 1990s in Ohio working for his father and he owned an earlier company in Florida before launching Florida Window & Door in 2009. In our conversation, Berman talks about how a repeatable, systemized sales system got his firm on the right track to scale up his business. He also discusses why he did not sell his company during the ongoing private-equity boom. Other topics include marketing best practices and his outlook and mindset heading into 2023, a year that is forecast to be slower due to higher interest rates and lower consumer demand. In 2021 Berman was honored by being named a Legend of the Home Improvement Industry by Dave Yoho Associates.
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No. 2: Bob Quillen, Dropping 20 Percent to the Bottom Line
10/11/2022
No. 2: Bob Quillen, Dropping 20 Percent to the Bottom Line
In 2021, Bob Quillen sold Quillen Brothers Windows of Bryan, Ohio to Leaf Home. It was the culmination of years of hard work to develop rock solid systems and processes. Quillen is known for operating his business at very high levels of net profit. UPDATE: Bob Quillen had been scheduled to speak at TOP 500 LIVE in Columbus, Oct. 18-19 but had cancel. We will be sure to have him back. Enjoy our conversation with a rock-solid home improvement professional.
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No. 1: Amy Zimmerman, CMO of Tundraland Home Improvement, a Leaf Home Company
09/20/2022
No. 1: Amy Zimmerman, CMO of Tundraland Home Improvement, a Leaf Home Company
On this episode of Talking TOP 500, Patrick O’Toole and Tim Musch chat with Amy Zimmerman (CMO Leaf Home | Tundraland Home Improvements) about the latest trends in lead generation for home improvement companies. Zimmerman previews her TOP 500 LIVE panel discussion featuring four All-Star marketers who will present their top lead-gen trends in-person Oct. 18-19, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. The impact of the economic slowdown on lead-generation activities today. Trends in marketing technology: Zimmerman highlights the latest tools with the biggest lead-gen upside. From the newest website bots to personalized text messaging, the key, she says is to keep the messaging targeted and authentic. Success with marketing technology hinges on clearly identifying your target clients. Amy Zimmerman will lead a panel of All-Star Lead-Generation pros at TOP 500 LIVE. To learn more about attending the event in person, go to .
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