Listen as Ray Terry, host of About Your House Radio, sits down with Bryce Awuzie of Precision Plumbing to talk about an unconventional career path that connects military service, entrepreneurship, and the growing demand for skilled trades.

Bryce shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force as an intelligence analyst to transitioning into civilian life during the COVID era. Through programs like SkillBridge, he explored the trades while working with commercial electrical contractor Miller Electric, gaining firsthand experience in prefab construction and the skilled workforce that keeps the industry moving.

The conversation dives into the realities many veterans face when leaving the military and trying to translate specialized experience into civilian careers. Bryce explains how his passion for photography, videography, and marketing ultimately led him into a marketing role within the construction industry, helping companies attract the next generation of skilled workers.

Ray and Bryce also discuss:

• The value of hands-on training versus traditional classroom education • Why skilled trades offer long-term job security • Workforce shortages across construction industries • Veteran transition programs like SkillBridge • The importance of marketing in recruiting trades professionals • Entrepreneurship lessons learned from launching a small farm

Throughout the episode, Ray emphasizes the importance of promoting trade careers to younger generations and the mission behind initiatives like Put Tools in Schools.

If you're a student, parent, contractor, or veteran exploring career options, this episode highlights the opportunities available in the skilled trades and why hands-on industries remain essential to the future workforce.

Is it really possible to transform a kitchen for under $2,000?

In this episode of About Your House Radio, we sit down with Jeremy Stritch from QuickKit to break down the cabinet rejuvenation process that’s creating major buzz in the DIY and contractor markets.

We cover:

• What “Quick” really means (10-day delivery + 2-day install)
• How contractors can add a new revenue stream
• Why this product is perfect for Airbnb owners and rental properties
• The truth about prep work (don’t skip sanding!)
• Quarter-inch panels, toe kicks, crown molding & decorative end caps
• Lifetime warranty & 250,000+ homes renovated
• Real pricing breakdown for an average 40-part kitchen
• Why this isn’t full cabinet replacement — and why that matters

Whether you’re a homeowner on a budget, a flipper looking to boost ROI, or a remodeler needing pipeline work, this episode dives deep into where cabinet refacing fits in today’s market.

Serving the Charlotte metro area and beyond.

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In Part 1 of this compelling episode of About Your House Radio, Ray Terry sits down with Jeremy Siryus to unpack a powerful career journey — from graduating into a soft job market to leading teams at some of the largest home improvement retailers in America.

Jeremy shares how he went from working at Dollar General after college to spending 11 years with The Home Depot, where he developed leadership skills, people-first management principles, and a deep understanding of the home improvement industry — despite entering it with zero construction background.

You’ll hear:

• The reality of graduating into a tough job market • Corporate grind culture and its toll on family life • The leap from retail management into store leadership • Managing 150+ associates in Myrtle Beach • Why hiring the right people determines success • The challenges of workforce shortages today • The importance of leadership over technical expertise

Jeremy opens up about fear, growth, mentorship, and the advice that shaped his career trajectory — including the mindset shift required to move from district-level roles into full store management.

The episode also touches on workforce development, hiring challenges, and the growing disconnect between commitment, culture, and opportunity in today’s economy — tying back to the mission of Put Tools in Schools.

Part 2 will dive into Jeremy’s move to the “blue store,” his transition into the remodeling space, and his current leadership role with QuickKit — a cabinet refacing and remodeling solution changing the way homeowners upgrade kitchens.

In Part 2 of this dynamic conversation, Ray Terry continues his sit-down with Alex Fisher and Josh Davis of Rhino Lift Foundation Solutions — diving deeper into what it really takes to build and scale a foundation repair company in today’s market.

This hour goes beyond helical piers and structural stabilization. It explores entrepreneurship, leadership, hiring challenges, and the realities of growing a business from a single Chevy 2500 truck to a 30-employee operation serving North and South Carolina.

You’ll hear:

• How Rhino Lift was launched in their late 20s • Why tools, trucks, and field systems matter in the trades • The importance of permitting, engineering relationships, and torque verification • Real pricing insight on helical piers and foundation repair • What happens when homes are built on poor or uncompacted soil • Concrete stitching and structural crack repair explained

But the heart of this episode centers on business leadership.

Alex and Josh openly discuss: • Recruiting and retaining quality team members • Why communication is their biggest operational challenge • Building culture, accountability, and integrity • Learning through failure instead of fearing it • The shortage of young leaders entering the trades

Ray also shares powerful reflections on work ethic, mentorship, nuclear family influence, criticism, and why communication — not email — remains the most powerful business tool available.

If you’re a contractor, homeowner, entrepreneur, or young person considering the skilled trades, this episode delivers real-world perspective on ownership, responsibility, and building something that lasts — both structurally and professionally.

To learn more about Rhino Lift Foundation Solutions or to schedule an inspection across the Carolinas, search Rhino Lift Foundation Solutions online.

In Part 1 of this powerful two-part episode, Ray Terry sits down with Alex Fisher and Josh Davis of Rhino Lift Foundation Solutions to talk business growth, foundation repair, and why integrity matters in the home services industry.

From rural roots in Mount Pleasant, NC to launching a multi-crew operation across North and South Carolina, Alex and Josh share how they built Rhino Lift from the ground up — starting with just the two of them working in crawlspaces — and growing into a 30-employee operation serving homeowners and commercial clients across the Carolinas.

This episode dives deep into:

• Helical pier foundation repair • Crawlspace encapsulation & waterproofing • Basement stabilization & structural wood repair • Concrete lifting & slab stabilization • The truth about fear-based sales tactics in foundation repair • Why transparency and education set their company apart

Ray also connects the conversation back to Put Tools in Schools, sharing stories from recent elementary school career days and emphasizing the urgent need to expose young students to skilled trades opportunities. From lag bolts to impact drivers, this episode celebrates hands-on learning, critical thinking, and the pride that comes with building something real.

You’ll also hear candid discussion about:

• College vs. trade pathways • Starting a business in your mid-20s • Growing responsibly without losing company culture • Expanding across the Southeast while elevating employees into leadership

If you’re a homeowner concerned about cracks, settlement, or moisture issues — or a young entrepreneur looking to build something meaningful in the trades — this episode delivers real-world insight from two leaders who are doing it the right way.

In Part 2 of this special live broadcast, Ray Terry continues the conversation with Tegan Statham of Floor Coverings International Southeast Charlotte, diving deeper into flooring realities homeowners don’t always think about — until there’s a problem.

This episode goes beyond style and design and into what truly impacts your floors: moisture, crawl spaces, concrete slabs, ventilation, and proper installation. Ray shares real-world stories about cupping hardwood, water intrusion, mold concerns, and why your flooring issue may actually be a foundation or moisture problem underneath your home.

Tegan explains:

• The difference between installing flooring on slabs vs. crawl spaces • Why engineered hardwood is often required on concrete • How moisture affects hardwood performance • When carpet makes sense (yes — it’s making a comeback) • Stair treads, custom rugs, refinishing, and commercial projects • Why project management prevents costly installation mistakes

The conversation also expands into skilled trades, problem-solving, and why hands-on knowledge still matters in an AI-driven world. From bathroom ventilation tips to real-life crawl space horror stories, this episode is packed with practical insight homeowners can actually use.

If you own a home in the Charlotte area — or plan to renovate — Part 2 delivers honest advice about flooring, moisture control, and making smart long-term decisions.

In Part 1 of this live February 17th broadcast, Ray Terry of About Your House Radio welcomes Tegan Statham of Floor Coverings International Southeast Charlotte for a wide-ranging and energetic conversation about flooring, skilled trades, and the future of workforce development.

Broadcasting from the Toolbox Podcast Studio, Ray opens the show with updates on Put Tools in Schools — a growing initiative focused on connecting middle school and young adult students to opportunities in the skilled trades. Ray shares powerful stories from recent workdays, where students removed carpet, learned tool safety, discovered how to operate equipment like side grinders, and experienced hands-on teamwork in action. From reading a tape measure to understanding basic tool function, the mission is simple: connect students early, spark curiosity, and build real-world confidence.

Tegan reflects on her background — from upstate New York to corporate America with Verizon and Discovery Channel — before returning to the construction and flooring industry. With over eight years in flooring and now leading her franchise, she shares how her journey came full circle and why she loves what she does.

The conversation dives deep into today’s flooring market, including:

• The growing labor shortage in the trades
• Why carpet installers are becoming harder to find
• How laminate flooring has made a major comeback
• Why some multi-million-dollar homes are choosing modern laminate over LVP
• The truth about “waterproof” flooring
• The impact of COVID on pricing and renovation expectations
• Why hardwood continues to dominate the Charlotte market

Tegan explains what makes Floor Coverings International unique: mobile showrooms with 3,000+ samples brought directly into the client’s home, free consultations, and a customer-first approach focused on lifestyle, durability, and long-term value — not just aesthetics.

The episode also touches on trade careers versus traditional college paths, the realities of education today, and why skilled trades may offer stronger long-term earning potential than many degree-based careers.

This is more than a flooring conversation — it’s a discussion about craftsmanship, opportunity, and building the next generation of skilled professionals.

Stay tuned for Part 2 as the conversation continues.

In this episode of About Your House Radio, host Ray Terry sits down with 18-year-old construction day laborer Landon Fiel for a powerful conversation about career paths, education, and life in the skilled trades. Landon shares what it’s really like entering the workforce straight out of school, working in residential construction, and using modern tools — including smartphones — to solve real jobsite challenges like building codes, inspections, and ADA remodeling. The discussion dives into big topics many families are thinking about today: Are college degrees always the best path? Why hands-on learning builds real confidence The value of communication on the jobsite The truth about certifications vs. experience How trade skills create independence and opportunity Why young people need exposure to career pathways beyond the classroom Ray and Landon also talk about family life, mentorship, work ethic, and how programs like Put Tools in Schools are helping students discover purpose through skilled trades, construction careers, and practical life skills. This episode is an eye-opening look at education, work, and the future — straight from the perspective of the next generation entering the trades. #SkilledTrades #ConstructionCareers #BlueCollarLife #TradesNotCollege #WorkWithYourHands #CareerPathways #YouthInTrades #HomeImprovement #JobsiteLife #AboutYourHouse

In this episode of About Your House Radio, host Ray Terry continues the conversation with 18-year-old construction worker Landon Fowler to break down a question most students never get answered in school: What ARE the trades — and how do you actually get started? This episode is a practical, eye-opening guide for students, parents, and educators about career pathways in construction and skilled trades. Landon shares his experience growing up homeschooled, dual-enrolling in construction management courses, and working hands-on in residential remodeling. Ray and Landon explain: What “the trades” really include (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, drywall, painting, concrete, welding, HVAC, heavy equipment, and more) Why most middle and high school students are never exposed to these careers What an apprenticeship actually is How hands-on work builds confidence, independence, and critical thinking The difference between corporate career paths and trade careers Why communication is the most important job skill How job security works in the construction industry How to walk into a company and get hired — even with no experience How trade careers can lead to entrepreneurship and business ownership The episode also highlights the nonprofit initiative Put Tools in Schools, which works to introduce students to trade careers through interactive, hands-on learning and industry partnerships. This conversation is for anyone questioning the traditional college path and looking for purpose, stability, and real-world skills that can last a lifetime. #SkilledTrades #ConstructionCareers #WhatAreTheTrades #BlueCollarLife #TradesNotCollege #CareerPathways #Apprenticeship #WorkWithYourHands #JobSecurity #AboutYourHouse

In Part 2 of this episode of About Your House, host Ray Terry continues the conversation with Bruce Zaidman of American Wood Reface, diving deeper into the realities of kitchen remodeling and today’s home improvement market.

Bruce shares expert insight on cabinet refacing, custom cabinetry, and why quartz countertops remain the top choice for durability, hygiene, and low maintenance. The discussion highlights how modern kitchen updates can dramatically improve function and appearance — often without the time and expense of a full gut remodel.

The episode also addresses an important homeowner topic: high-pressure sales tactics and misleading promotions in the remodeling industry. From “buy one get one free” deals to “same as cash” financing, Ray and Bruce explain how inflated pricing structures work and how homeowners can protect themselves.

Listeners will gain practical advice on:

• Choosing the right countertop material • When refacing vs. replacing makes sense • Budgeting realistically for kitchen upgrades • Remodeling for enjoyment vs. resale • How to vet contractors and avoid costly mistakes • The importance of communication during projects

This episode is a must-listen for homeowners considering renovations and anyone who wants to make smarter decisions in today’s remodeling market.