Builder Stories

Babak Nikraftar started in construction in 2001 after attending school in Vancouver. His first role was redoing faulty building envelopes on condos in the Pacific Northwest. He then returned to school to study construction management and later joined a local high-rise developer.

Today, Nikraftar runs two companies: Forte Projects which focuses on new construction and CondoWorks for condo remodels and interior design. In this episode, Nikraftar shares how early lessons in construction failures shaped the way he builds today. He discusses how he leads his team, makes new hires, and structures two businesses for long-term growth.

In this episode you'll learn:

• How Nikraftar built a rigorous, multi-step hiring system that filters candidates through applications, timed testing, video submissions, and core values alignment
• What it takes to lead a team with structure, not control
• What to consider when building complementary businesses under the same leadership
• A simple formula Babak uses to decide when it's time make a new hire
• How implementing EOS brought clarity, accountability, and direction to the team

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Learn more about CondoWorks Transformations here and Forte Projects Ltd here.

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

What does it take to evolve from a one-man remodel crew to a high-end design-build brand built for scale? Tyler Madden launched Laurelless with a mission to raise the bar in remodeling, guided by a relentless pursuit of excellence that's reflected in the name itself (Laurelless means no resting on laurels). Nearly a decade later, he has built a company defined by unwavering standards for both the clients they serve and the team they trust to deliver.

In this episode, Tyler shares how he transitioned from self-performing to leading with vision, what systems helped him delegate without sacrificing quality, and how he is creating a company that attracts people who believe in doing things the right way.

• How Madden designed a seamless process that guides clients from concept to completion while minimizing surprises and reducing stress
• What makes Laurelless stand out in a competitive market and how they sell the experience, not just the remodel
• The systems and forecasting tools that support sustainable and profitable growth
• Why vetting clients early with clear expectations around budget, timeline, and trust is key to protecting the team and delivering five-star results
• What it means to create true ownership within your team and why that is essential to scaling

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Learn more about Laurelless here.

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

What does it take to grow a construction business from a dream into a sought-after brand known for craftsmanship and care? Tyler Winship found out firsthand when he launched Englewood Custom Carpentry the same day he was fired from another company. Now, nearly a decade later, Winship is running a thriving business with a reputation that stretches across Florida's Gulf Coast.

In this episode, he shares the systems he used to grow his team, increase profitability, and gain lifelong customers. It's a story of passion for one's craft, and the ability to look at mistakes as an opportunity to grow.

• How Winship came to charge for his expertise…not just time and labor
• What marketing strategies helped him expand beyond word of mouth and drive consistent inbound leads
• Which business systems allowed him to shift from barely breaking even to consistent profitability
• How Winship qualifies leads to ensures he only works with the right customers
• The mindset Tyler adopted to grow his team and build a sustainable company

Learn more about Englewood Custom Carpentry here.

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

What do the most successful remodelers do differently? How do smaller companies break through growth ceilings and become industry leaders? Mark Richardson has spent his career helping contractors make that leap. As the former President of Case Design Remodeling, an author, and a trusted advisor to the industry's top companies, he shares what it really takes to grow. Richardson breaks down the specific habits, metrics, and mindset shifts that help remodeling businesses scale. Whether you're trying to grow revenue, improve profitability, or get your time back, this episode delivers clear, actionable advice.

• How to find the sweet spot for your business
• How much time you should spend on marketing
• When to take on larger, more complex jobs
• Which five KPIs to track, and how often
• The habits that help owners lead and scale more effectively

Learn more about Mark Richardson here.

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

Working with your spouse isn't always easy, but it can be one of your biggest strengths. Here, Dees Britt shares how she and her husband built Redeemed Decks and Outdoor Solutions in Madison, Mississippi, while raising three kids and learning to set boundaries between work and home.

Britt also shares the systems and strategies that helped their business grow faster than expected. From refining the sales process to hiring the right team members and navigating growing pains, she offers practical advice for contractors who want to scale. Her story is full of insight for anyone building a business that's built to last.

• The 80% rule for delegating
• Valuable tips for managing the pre-construction process
• How high your goals should be if you want to grow
• Dees' advice others starting their journey

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Learn more about Redeemed Decks here.

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

You don't need a lifelong construction background to build a profitable remodeling business. In this episode of Builder Stories, Dominick Thompson shares how he went from the automotive industry and military service to learning construction and starting Watershed Builders in Charlotte.

Dominick breaks down how he built strong processes and stability into his business from the very beginning. He priced jobs with confidence, hired the right people, and managed growth without overextending. He also shares how trade relationships, clear roles for sales and estimating, and simple social content helped fuel steady growth and referrals.

• How to set profit margins that protect your business
• When to make your first hires and structure your team
• How trade partners can accelerate your growth
• Simple content strategies that attract high-quality leads

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Learn more about Watershed Builders here.

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 Wilbur Jennings, owner of Wilbur Design + Construct in Marquette, Michigan. Jennings started in the trades at the age of 13, and developed a passion for building. He went on to earn a degree in construction management, and founded Wilbur Design while "flying by the seat of my pants." Over the course of his journey in leadership he incorporated a mission and vision; clear systems and processes; an intentional company culture; and new ways to look at his financials. Here, Jennings shares the most impactful lessons learned in the past ten years.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to define and use a mission, vision, and values to steer your business

• The critical hiring lesson that helped Wilbur build a more accountable and trustworthy team

• The industry resources he's found most helpful

• The job costing systems that have helped him maintain the right level of profitability

• What he would do differently if he were starting the business again today

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Learn more about Wilbur Design + Construct here.

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 Mike Claudio, owner of WinRate Consulting in Charlotte, NC. After walking away from corporate burnout, Mike built a business helping contractors scale with clarity, leadership, and systems that work. In this episode, he breaks down the three biggest reasons construction companies lose momentum, how to build core values that actually guide your team, and the biggest mistake leaders make when casting a vision. Plus, his 4-step hiring process and time management mindset that helps him lead multiple companies, including a custom home business with $60 million in annual revenue.

• The 3 biggest pitfalls that throw construction businesses off course
• Why most leaders miss the mark on vision, and how to do it right
• How to incorporate core values into your business
• Claudio's 4-step hiring method that filters out bad fits fast
• A time management mindset for running multiple initiatives

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Learn more about WinRate Consulting here.

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 George Lokko, owner of Y2 Design & Build located in Westerville, Ohio. George shares how he went from a career in engineering and finance to building one of Columbus' most process-driven and design-forward remodeling firms. After losing his job during COVID, George took the leap into construction by learning from the ground up—literally starting with demolition—and eventually launching Y2 Design & Build. He discusses the power of great design, his 54-step process that minimizes change orders, and the importance of education, communication, and trust in delivering exceptional customer experiences. George also talks about building his team, investing in marketing and SEO, and the role technology plays in streamlining operations.

• How a strong design process eliminates chaos
• Why you don't need a construction background to succeed
• Building a marketing strategy that is intentional
• Using communication tools as a competitive advantage
• Investing in people and processes to scale

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Learn more about Y2 Design Build here.

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 Johnny Buck, founder of 13 Stripes Construction in Marion, NC. In this episode, Buck shares his journey from MMA fighter to construction business owner with a mission to revolutionize the home services industry. After building a top 1% gym and navigating a hurricane that reshaped his business overnight, Buck brings a fresh perspective to construction rooted in discipline and repeatable systems and processes. He talks about scaling from the ground up, building a business designed to sell, and why customer service—not craftsmanship—is the ultimate differentiator.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The three things Buck put on his website that landed him his first jobs
• How to build a sellable construction business from day one
• Why thoughtful, non-branded client gifts are a game-changer, and exactly how much he spends on them
• What every successful business has in common (hint: it's not tools or talent)
• The top two mistakes that all failing companies make
• How Buck is applying his personal brand to dominate a local market

Learn more about 13 Stripes Construction here: https://13stripesconstruction.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