Builder Stories

Meet Stephanie Burgess, owner of Burgess Construction, a deck building company based in Snohomish, Washington. Stephanie explores her relentless pursuit of success as a rising entrepreneur in the construction industry, highlighting the importance of perseverance and a positive mindset amidst the hurdles. This episode not only celebrates Stephanie's achievements but also emphasizes that the road to success is seldom a smooth one, yet always rewarding for those who dare to continue pressing forward.

Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Stephanie:

• Managing the ups and downs of business ownership
• Creating a fun company culture
• Investing in yourself to gain skills

Learn more about Burgess Construction here: https://burgessconstructionllc.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 Edward Rivera and Eddie Cruz, business partners in Ion Electrical located in Bedford, New Hampshire. Edward and Eddie share their journey of transforming the traditional contractor experience through AI and smart technology. From their unique approach to customer service and job estimation to their passion for integrating AI into everyday business operations, this episode explores how Ion Electrical leverages technological innovations to streamline their services and stand out in the competitive electrical industry.

Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Edward and Eddie:

• Streamlining processes with AI
• Integrating the internet of things (IoT) into homes
• Collaborating with others in the industry

Learn more about Ion Electric here: https://www.ionelectricalllc.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 Darin Kuns owner of D-K Construction, Inc. based in Flora, Indiana. Darin shares his personal journey, highlighting the decision to follow in his father's footsteps and the enduring philosophy of client relationships over specialization. Explore the company's growth, marked by the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies for enhanced efficiency and communication. Through this conversation, Darin reinforces the values that guide D-K Construction: integrity, unrivaled craftsmanship, and sustainable growth.

Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Darin:

• Joining the family company
• Maintaining strong relationships with partners and subs
• Adopting new technologies

Learn more about D-K Construction, Inc. here: https://www.guildquality.com/pro/d-k-construction-inc

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 Steve Kirk, the founder of Premier Deck based in Rochester, New Hampshire. After an early career in general remodeling, Steve narrowed his focus to decks, finding both passion and profitability. In this episode, he delves into the complexities of growing a business, from choosing the right marketing tactics and hiring the best employees to optimizing project management. Listen now to learn the strategies that have helped Premier Deck expand their reach and reputation, offering valuable lessons for other entrepreneurs looking to scale their operations efficiently.

Here are a few key takeaways from our discussion with Steve:

• Leveraging digital marketing and SEO to attract quality leads • Utilizing software to increase efficiency • Emphasizing a strong team culture • Building a support system

Visit the Premier Deck website here: https://www.premierdecknh.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 Marcus Hampton owner of Hampton Construction and Hampton Outdoor based in Phoenix and doing work all over Arizona. In his inspiring story of perseverance and growth in the face of challenges, Marcus shares his struggles from starting the business as a homeless teen to producing large-scale projects at just under 30 years of age. Approaching life with a resilient mindset, Marcus reminds us why it is important to always be ready for anything that may come your way.

Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Marcus:

• Managing risk in the business
• Putting the right people in the right positions
• Living outside of your comfort zone

Visit the Hampton Construction website here: hamptondesignbuild.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 Rick Williams owner of Williams Professional Painting serving the DC metro area. Rick shares his belief that taking the extra time to do a job right not only builds a positive reputation but also pays off in the long run through increased business opportunities. Rick delves into the nuanced art of knowing when to compromise and when to stand firm in the industry, highlighting the significance of maintaining a broad perspective without getting bogged down in minutiae. Listen to discover why you don't grow to make money, you make money to grow.

Here are a few key takeaways from our discussion with Rick:

• Utilizing full-time employees and subs
• Walking away from jobs that don't work
• Pricing in residential vs. commercial work

Visit the Williams Professional Painting website here: williamsprofessionalpainting.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 Scott and Zach Heinold a father-son duo working together on home builds and renovations in Washington, Illinois. They share the joys and challenges of building a business with family, emphasizing the rarity and blessing of such a partnership. As Scott envisions the future handover of the business, his optimism and support for the next generation shines through. Listen to this inspiring narrative of familial dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, reminding us that with unity and determination, greatness is inevitable.

Here are a few key takeaways from our discussion with Scott and Zach:

• Working with family, successfully
• Focusing on people, employees and customers
• Finding community and support

Visit the Heinold Homes and Renovations website here: https://heinoldhomes.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 Elliott Wittstruck owner of Built with Love, a remodeling company based in Nashville, Tennessee. Beginning his journey as a music teacher, Elliott's path took a dynamic turn through roles as a landlord and handyman, eventually leading him to spearhead whole home remodels. At the core of Built with Love's ethos is a steadfast commitment to a growth mindset, a principle that Elliott has woven into the fabric of his business operations. With a dedicated team of twelve, Elliott champions the value of lifelong learning among his staff, ensuring that each member is not just building homes, but also building their future.

Here are a few key takeaways from our discussion with Elliott:

• Nurturing growth in your own community
• Mentoring others in the industry
• Focusing on the customer experience
• Earning referrals to grow the business
• Pricing jobs accurately

Visit the Built with Love website here: https://www.builtwithlovellc.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 Adam Jackson, owner of Agile Cabinetry located in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. After leaving a corporate IT job and finishing his own kitchen remodel, Adam found his true passion and founded Agile Cabinetry in 2021. Adam highlights how his project management background helps run the business, as well as his dedication to a great customer experience, and using technology to streamline operations. Growing the business from word of mouth, Adam talks about his strategic plans to grow and scale the business.

Here are a few key takeaways from our discussion with Adam:

• Finding your true passion
• Growing through word of mouth marketing
• Planning for future growth
• Maximizing efficiency with software
• Focusing on the customer relationship

Visit the Agile Cabinetry website here: https://agilecabinetry.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 Chad Hamlin, owner of The Hamlin Group located in Atlanta, Georgia. With a passion for problem solving more complicated issues, Chad started as a single architect and has evolved his business into full luxury remodels. He delves into the intricacies of effective hiring, highlighting the importance of trust, setting clear expectations, and maintaining high standards. He discusses knowing your numbers, having a solid plan, charging for what you're worth, and refusing offers that undervalue the work.

Here are a few key takeaways from our discussion with Chad:

• Finding your passion
• Setting clear expectations
• Delegating to scale
• Learning team dynamics and role
• Shifting from self-performing to subcontracting

Visit The Hamlin Group website here: https://www.hamlingroup.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