Builder Stories

Meet Stephen Carlson, owner of Coastal Contracting in Long Beach, Mississippi. Stephen shares his journey from starting out in large-scale renovations to building custom homes, highlighting the challenges he faced in growing his business, navigating labor shortages, and overcoming self-doubt. He discusses the value of taking an educational approach with clients and how using construction management software has streamlined operations and improved efficiency for his team. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, Stephen's insights on leadership, client relationships, and continuous improvement offer valuable lessons for every builder.

Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Stephen:

• Overcoming self-doubt as a business owner
• Educating clients about the building process
• Leveraging technology for efficiency

Learn more about Coastal Contracting here: https://coastalcontractingms.com/

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Nate Burket of Riverview Decks, a leading deck-building company based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Nate shares his journey from working in logistics to running a successful deck-focused business, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from multi-trade remodeling to niching down in deck construction. With insights on building strong partnerships, developing a focused business model, and scaling for growth, Nate provides valuable advice for anyone looking to streamline their operations and grow their company. Listen to this inspiring conversation on leadership, business strategy, and the deck-building industry!

Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Nate:

• Asking for the sale
• Niching down for success
• Budgeting to track progress and plan for growth

Learn more about Riverview Decks here: https://riverviewdecks.com/

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Andrew and Ashley Favorite, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind Lakefront Building and Design in Eagle River, Wisconsin. From Andrew's early days in construction inspired by his father's projects to Ashley's transition from teaching to managing the business finances, they share the unique journey of building a successful custom home business together. The Favorites dive deep into the challenges of growing a business, how they've leveraged systems, processes, and coaching to thrive, and the importance of balancing family life with the demands of entrepreneurship. Hear their insights on working as a team, refining their craft, and the long-term vision for Lakefront Building and Design.

Here are a few key takeaways from our discussion with Andrew and Ashley:

• Finding the right people in order to scale
• Investing in a business coach
• Managing the work-life balance

Learn more about Lakefront Building and Design here: https://www.lakefrontbuildinganddesign.com/

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Tommy and Tara Holstein, owners of Solid Ground, an outdoor living company based in Wentzville, Missouri. They share their incredible journey from a one-person operation to a thriving business with a team of 20. With a passion for building, Tommy recounts how his love for construction, nurtured since childhood, evolved into a full-fledged business. Tara, with her strong background in finance and operations, joined the company full-time three years ago, helping to propel their business to new heights. Together, they discuss the challenges and rewards of growing a business, the importance of strong relationships, and the role of trust in both their marriage and their company's success.

Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Tommy & Tara:

• Emphasizing a strong marriage to have a strong business
• Investing in your team members
• Keeping open communication to build trust

Learn more about Solid Ground here: solidgroundstl.com

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Amzie Lehman, owner of Lehman Construction based in Shipshewana, Indiana. Amzie shares his journey from working on the job site with his father to leading a successful construction company alongside his brother and brother-in-law. He discusses the importance of client relationships, the value of an abundance mindset, and how his company has embraced technology and refined processes to deliver exceptional custom homes. Amzie also talks about the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and how that framework guides his business operations.

Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Amzie:

• Using language to fit the customer's needs
• Keeping your processes simple
• Navigating challenges with a focus on growth and collaboration

Learn more about Lehman Construction here: https://lehmanconstruction.com/

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Doug Dwyer, President and CSO of DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen the largest kitchen and bath remodeling franchisor in the country. Doug shares his journey from growing up in the franchise industry to transforming DreamMaker into a national brand with 44 locations across 24 states. Doug dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of scaling a remodeling business, emphasizing the importance of strong margins and maintaining a quality of life. Doug also covers the franchise vetting process, financial commitments, and alignment with company values, along with the potential resale value of franchises. He explains the advantages of franchising with DreamMaker over standalone businesses and highlights their family-like culture.

Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Doug:

• Charging what you're worth
• Specializing to bring value
• Joining a community of like-minded people

Learn more about DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen here: https://www.dreammakerfranchise.com/

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Ervin Ballabani president of Moderno Restoration, Inc. based in Toronto, Canada. Ervin shares his inspiring journey from a condominium property manager to a successful entrepreneur running multiple thriving businesses in the restoration, HVAC, plumbing, and security industries. He opens up about the challenges he faced, including starting his business just before the pandemic hit, and how he turned obstacles into opportunities, ultimately leading his company to unprecedented growth. Ervin also discusses the critical role that JobTread played in streamlining his operations and maintaining control over his growing enterprise. Learn how Ervin's commitment to "doing it right" has driven his success and how you can apply these lessons to your own business.

Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Ervin:

• Leveraging technology to scale
• Focusing on your team and company culture
• Standardizing and documenting your processes

Learn more about Moderno Restoration, Inc. here: https://www.modernorestoration.com/

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Raquel and Diego Rodriguez, the owners of D&R Custom Remodeling located in Austin, Texas. In this episode, they share their journey of transitioning from a family business in decorative glass to establishing a remodeling company in a new city. Despite the challenges of starting anew without a network, their complementary skills—Diego's hands-on construction expertise and Raquel's business acumen—have driven their success. They emphasize the importance of trust, communication, and customer satisfaction, along with continuous learning and adapting. Their story highlights the resilience required in entrepreneurship and the rewarding experience of building a family-oriented business from the ground up.

Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Raquel and Diego:

• Leveraging each other's strengths
• Maintaining a positive mindset and staying proactive
• Continuously learning and adapting

Learn more about D&R Custom Remodeling here: https://drcustomremodeling.com/

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Herman Guerra, owner of HG&Co. Home Improvement based in Dallas, Texas. Herman's journey into the construction industry began at a young age, helping his father with weekend remodeling projects, which laid the foundation for his expertise. After earning a BA in government from UT Austin and working in Child Protective Services and as a juvenile probation officer, Herman ventured into entrepreneurship with a restaurant before returning to his roots in construction. Starting with small handyman tasks, Herman gradually expanded HG&Co. into a full-service design and build company. The turning point was establishing a boutique design center near the Dallas Arboretum, which not only enhanced client experience but also solidified HG&Co.'s reputation for quality and reliability in the local market. Herman's commitment to transparency, quality, and continuous improvement has driven his company's rapid growth.

Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Herman:

• Investing in the customer experience
• Embracing continuous improvement
• Building a great team

Learn more about HG&Co. Home Improvement here: https://www.hgcompany.net/

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Jason Novotny, owner of Hiland Construction based in Anchorage, Alaska. Jason shares his journey from a childhood around real estate, thanks to his father, to becoming a Marine Corps veteran, and eventually founding Hiland Construction in 2019. Specializing in residential and commercial renovations, Jason dives into the unique challenges of construction in Alaska, such as extreme cold, high water tables, and seismic activity. He emphasizes the importance of community, transparent client relationships, and leveraging technology like JobTread to streamline operations. Jason also touches on his commitment to giving back through Joe's House Foundation, which supports veterans and those in need of sober living environments. This episode offers an inspiring look at resilience, innovation, and the power of a strong work ethic in building a successful construction business in one of the most demanding environments in the U.S.

Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Jason:

• Educating clients on the construction process
• Embracing challenges to grow professionally
• Making a positive impact on your community

Learn more about Hiland Construction here: https://hilandconstruction.net/

Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com