What if taking a sledgehammer to your old apartment could reveal not only a spectacular new home—but also the secret ingredients to thriving in one of the toughest industries out there?

On this episode of Thrive Loud, host Lou Diamond sits down with Elizabeth Vergara, CEO and founder of Vergara Homes and the creative force behind the demo-to-decor podcast “Demo this, Build that.” Elizabeth shares her incredible journey from growing up on construction sites with her father to breaking barriers as a woman entrepreneur in the design-build sector—especially in New York’s fiercely competitive Upper East Side.

Discover:

• The truth behind what really happens during high-end Manhattan renovations—and why “blowing out a wall” is often just a TV fantasy.
• How Elizabeth seamlessly blends interior design with construction management, turning dusty chaos into dream homes (and happy clients).
• The often-overlooked challenges—and unique advantages—for women in the construction industry, plus Elizabeth’s fearless mindset for overcoming stereotypes.
• Insider stories from behind the scenes, including why trust is the key ingredient for every stunning transformation.
• A sneak peek into Elizabeth’s new podcast “Demo this, Build that,” which offers an unfiltered look at the beautiful mess of real-life renovations (hint: it’s definitely not just HGTV magic).

Whether you’re dreaming of a home makeover, fascinated by the world of design, or just love a good story about smashing through barriers—this episode is a must-listen.

Timestamped Episode Overview:

• [00:00:02] Intro to Elizabeth Vergara and her unique design-build journey
• [00:01:43] Growing up in construction and building expertise
• [00:03:00] Challenges and opportunities as a woman entrepreneur in construction
• [00:05:42] The “Queen of 72nd Street”: Surviving and thriving in NYC renovations
• [00:07:46] Building client trust and handling the chaos of home makeovers
• [00:09:32] “Demo this, Build that”: Why Elizabeth’s new podcast pulls back the curtain on real renovations
• [00:13:23] Where to find Vergara Homes and follow Elizabeth’s work
• [00:13:47] Fun Street: Favorite movies, food, music, and more
• [00:17:27] Dance lessons, painting, and life outside the construction zone
• [00:18:41] Wrap up: Takeaways, gratitude, and where to connect

Tune in for inspiration, real talk, and a behind-the-scenes look at transforming spaces—and lives.