In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle Hunt sits down with Abe Degnan, second-generation owner of Degnan Design Build Remodel, to share the story of building a remodeling business designed to last. Abe reflects on growing up on job sites, joining his father's company, and helping shape an early design build approach through intentional learning, documented processes, and steady leadership.

They dig into lessons Abe has learned over 25 years in business, including hiring with purpose, pricing with confidence, investing in systems, and making the shift from working in the business to leading a team. Abe also shares thoughtful insights on company culture, peer groups, and building a life outside of work, offering encouragement for remodelers who want long term growth without burning out.

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Today's episode is sponsored by Builder Funnel! Click here to learn more about how Builder Funnel helps remodelers and home builders grow through strategic digital marketing.

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Takeaways

Abe Degnan is a second-generation remodeler who joined his father's business. Investing in learning and joining peer groups has been crucial for growth. Hiring the right people is essential for maintaining company culture. Abe's broken leg led to a shift in focus towards office work and management. Understanding pricing and financials is key to business success. High-quality photography is vital for effective marketing. A clear sales process is necessary for consistent success. Establishing a design center enhances client engagement. Balancing family life and business is a continuous challenge. Documenting company values and processes helps differentiate from competitors.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 03:00 Abe Degnan's Journey in Remodeling 06:10 Transitioning from Sole Proprietorship to S Corp 09:00 The Evolution of Design-Build Approach 11:54 Investing in Learning and Company Culture 15:04 Hiring Practices and Employee Retention 17:59 Overcoming Challenges in Business Growth 21:00 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Business 23:38 Pricing Strategies and Financial Management 27:10 Marketing and Sales Process Insights 29:53 Establishing a Design Center and Client Engagement 33:02 Balancing Family Life and Business 35:57 Final Thoughts and Advice for Remodelers

In this episode, Kyle Hunt sits down with Dr Joshua Straub, founder of Famous at Home, for a conversation about emotional safety in marriage, understanding pain cycles, and what it truly means to be "famous at home" as a remodeler. This is a preview of what Joshua will be teaching at the Remodel Your Marriage, Life and Business retreat on February 10, 2026 in Franklin, Tennessee.

Kyle and Josh talk about how emotional safety shapes communication, why many couples get stuck in the same conflict patterns, and how rightly ordering your life at home actually strengthens your business. They also share simple ways to reconnect with your spouse and approach your relationship with more intention.

If you want a healthier marriage, a calmer home, and a stronger foundation for your business, this episode is a great place to begin. Learn more and register for the February retreat here.

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Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

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Takeaways

Emotional safety is crucial for healthy relationships. Couples need to prioritize their marriage amidst business pressures. Communication is key to resolving conflicts and deepening connections. Understanding pain cycles can help couples navigate challenges. Being a student of your spouse enhances understanding and connection. Positive reinforcement can transform relationships. Stress management is essential for maintaining emotional health. Authenticity in relationships fosters deeper connections. Taking responsibility for one's actions is vital in conflict resolution. Creating an emotionally safe environment benefits both partners.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Joshua Straub 10:24 The Importance of Emotional Safety in Relationships 15:34 Navigating Challenges in Marriage and Parenting 16:14 Understanding Emotional Control in Relationships 17:27 The Importance of Emotional Awareness 19:25 Navigating Vulnerability and Authenticity 22:21 Living Authentically in a Fishbowl 24:08 Taking Responsibility in Relationships 25:25 Prioritizing Your Spouse's Heart 28:27 The Impact of Emotional Health on Business 30:22 Practical Steps for Relationship Improvement 32:33 The Power of Positive Communication 34:27 Identifying and Addressing Relationship Opponents

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle talks with Phil and Heather Oddo of Closer Look General Contracting about navigating the messy, painful seasons of business and choosing optimism through it all. They share how years of embezzlement knocked their business down, how Heather left her stable corporate job to join the company right as chaos hit, and what it looked like to rebuild piece by piece. You'll hear how they learned to understand their numbers, say no to the wrong clients, build systems for sales and project flow, and hire the right people for the right seats.

They also dive into how DISC and the Visionary/Integrator roles strengthened their communication and helped them work together as a married couple without letting the business consume the relationship. If you need encouragement to keep going and tools to make the journey smoother, this conversation is a reminder that growth often comes through hard things - and optimism can carry you forward.

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If you and your spouse are ready to invest in your relationship and your remodeling business at the same time, join us February 10 to 12 in Franklin, TN for the Remodel Your Marriage Retreat. This is a getaway built for remodeling couples, with conversations that matter, vision work, time together, and space to reset and refocus.

Sign up today!

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Takeaways

The importance of a supportive partnership in business. Understanding financials is crucial for business success. Setting boundaries between work and personal life is essential. Celebrating small wins can boost morale and motivation. A growth mindset allows for personal and professional development. Utilizing DISC profiles can enhance communication and teamwork. Hiring the right people can transform a business. Visionary and integrator roles help clarify responsibilities. Gratitude can shift perspectives and improve relationships. Defining success is personal and varies for each individual.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Oddos' Journey 03:37 Overcoming Challenges: Embezzlement and Recovery 06:27 Heather's Transition into the Business 09:26 The Importance of Financial Literacy 12:38 Finding Guidance and Building Confidence 15:38 Understanding Personalities: DISC Profiles 18:35 Visionary vs. Integrator Roles 21:31 Key Strategies for Business Improvement 24:39 Leveraging Team Strengths 27:31 Navigating Business Challenges 31:13 Balancing Marriage and Business 34:28 Celebrating Wins and Gratitude 41:01 Embracing a Growth Mindset 50:15 Defining Success and Freedom

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle sits down with Savannah Thomas of Seabrook Design Company to break down how virtual design can strengthen your entire remodeling process.

They explore why detailed upfront planning protects your margins, shortens timelines, and keeps clients happier. Savannah walks through her simple plan bid build approach, how remodelers gather accurate as built information, and the value of weekly check ins to keep projects moving. They also dive into the pros and cons of in house versus outsourced design support and share practical ways remodelers can lighten the load without adding full time overhead.

Curious about how Seabrook Design Co. might support your projects? Take a look at seabrookdesignco.com.

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Looking to get clarity on your 2026 marketing?

Contractor Growth Network is hosting a free webinar on Thursday, December 11th at 2 p.m. Eastern: Build Your Remodeling Company's 2026 Marketing Playbook.

It's designed for remodelers who want to stop guessing and start building a real marketing strategy.

Save your spot at ContractorGrowthNetwork.com/playbook.

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Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

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Takeaways

Contractor Growth Network helps remodelers attract the right leads. Effective communication is key to successful remote design. Upfront design work can prevent issues during construction. Savannah's team can adapt to various client needs and budgets. Detailed selection sheets streamline the decision-making process. Regular check-ins with clients keep projects on track. Understanding client dynamics enhances the design process. Remote design can be just as effective as in-house work. Collaboration with local vendors is essential for remote design. Investing in design can lead to happier clients and better margins.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Communication in Design 00:06 Phases of Design and Drafting 19:54 The Value of Detailed Drawings 22:46 Simplifying the Selection Process 24:46 Streamlining Client Selections 26:30 Effective Communication with Clients 28:17 The Importance of Regular Meetings 30:09 Assigning Homework to Clients 31:47 Pros and Cons of In-House vs. Outsourced Design 33:28 Navigating Client Control and Trust 37:05 Combining Virtual and In-Person Selections

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise Kyle talks with husband and wife team Austin and Callie Cornell of MSC Enterprises They share how they run their remodeling business together balance family life improve their financial clarity and build smoother processes that support steady growth

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Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

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Remodel Your Marriage, Life & Business Retreat – Feb 10-12, 2026 A three-day experience in Franklin TN designed for remodeling-business couples who want to strengthen their marriage, clarify their vision, and build a business that supports a thriving life together. Join Kyle and Sarah Hunt for meaningful conversations, practical sessions, and intentional time to reconnect and refocus for 2026.

Sign up here!

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Takeaways

The importance of marriage in business partnerships. Transitioning business ownership requires open communication. Financial clarity is crucial for business growth. Hiring the right team members can alleviate stress. Understanding numbers leads to better decision-making. Having a dedicated office space enhances productivity. Saying no to projects that don't fit your business model is essential. Peer support groups can provide valuable insights. Flexibility in work allows for better family time. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to success.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and History of Lee's Summit 04:06 Predictions for the Chiefs' Season 05:22 History and Overview of MSC Enterprises 07:34 Transitioning from Teaching to Working in the Business 11:55 Lessons Learned in Transitioning from One Generation to Another 15:35 Lessons in Understanding Financials and Charging Properly 19:33 The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers and Creating a Budget 25:51 The Impact of Leasing an Office Space 28:08 The Role of a Project Coordinator in Reducing Stress and Improving Accuracy 36:36 The Importance of Saying No and Focusing on What Works for Your Business 37:38 The Best Decision We've Ever Made 38:42 Finding Support and Encouragement 39:48 The Importance of Regular Meetings

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise Kyle Hunt sits down with Mark Dixon of Odd Fellows Contracting to unpack the stories and simple frameworks he uses to sell remodeling work without feeling salesy. Mark shares his four possible decisions script, his spaghetti dinner and tomato analogies for talking about price and bids, and how he uses feel felt found and psychological reciprocity to build trust. You will hear how a lifetime in remodeling and decades of sales training turned into a practical toolbox of one liners, questions, and stories you can swipe and adapt for your own sales process.

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Ready to streamline your business and increase profits? Visit JobTreadto see how their all-in-one construction management software helps remodelers and builders simplify estimating, scheduling, job costing, and invoicing.

Want to hear JobTread in action? Check out our upcoming January episode featuring stories from the JobTread Connect User Conference in Dallas. You'll hear directly from contractors who are using JobTread to boost profits, improve communication, and deliver a better client experience.

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Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

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Takeaways

Sales is a skill that requires continuous learning and practice. Storytelling is a powerful tool in sales to connect with clients. Understanding client needs is crucial for effective sales conversations. Empathy plays a significant role in building trust with clients. Using analogies, like making spaghetti, can clarify complex ideas. Having a toolbox of sales techniques helps in various situations. Addressing price objections with understanding can lead to better outcomes. Creating an upfront contract sets clear expectations for clients. The remodeling process often involves going backwards before moving forward. Professionalism in sales doesn't mean being overly formal; authenticity matters.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mark Dixon and Odd Fellows Contracting 03:39 Mark's Journey in Remodeling and Personal Life 06:38 The Importance of Networking and Relationships in Business 09:28 Sales Strategies and Learning from Experience 12:43 The Role of Storytelling in Sales 15:50 Sales Tools: The Four Decisions and Upfront Contracts 18:40 Creative Sales Techniques: The Spaghetti Analogy 21:55 The Spaghetti Analogy: Understanding Client Needs 25:20 The Power of Storytelling in Sales 27:58 Comparing Remodeling Companies: The Tomato Analogy 32:06 Educated Homeowners: The Remodeling Landscape in 2025 34:43 Addressing Price Objections: Strategies for Success 40:49 Becoming a Professional Without Being Professional

In this week's episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle explores a powerful question for remodelers: how can generosity become a meaningful and intentional part of your business vision? He's joined by Matt Baehr, Executive Director of Homes for Hope, to share how microloans are transforming families and communities around the world by fueling real entrepreneurship. You'll hear inspiring stories — like a $50 welding loan that became a thriving homebuilding business, and 20 plastic chairs that launched a successful wedding company — and learn how remodelers can practically support this work. Kyle and Matt talk about dignity-focused giving, breaking cycles of poverty, and ways remodelers can involve their teams and trade partners in generosity that creates lasting impact.

Homes for HOPE partners with builders to fight global poverty through sustainable economic development. Funds raised from home builds support entrepreneurs with training and microloans, helping families break the cycle of poverty with dignity. Learn more at Homes for HOPE.

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Today's episode is sponsored by Builder Funnel! Click here to learn more about how Builder Funnel helps remodelers and home builders grow through strategic digital marketing.

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Takeaways

Homes for Hope invests in entrepreneurs living in poverty. Microfinance helps break the cycle of generational poverty. The building industry is highly generous and supportive of charitable causes. Successful stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through microloans. The importance of dignity in charitable giving and support. Homes for Hope allows builders to contribute to global poverty alleviation. Generosity can be integrated into business practices. Building relationships with communities enhances the impact of charitable efforts. Encouraging employees to participate in charitable giving fosters a culture of generosity. Choosing a cause to support can simplify charitable giving decisions.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes 03:43 The Importance of Generosity in Business 06:45 Understanding Homes for Hope 12:40 The Impact of Microfinance on Poverty 15:25 Building Industry's Role in Philanthropy 20:36 Practical Applications of Homes for Hope 21:37 Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Microloans 25:42 Transformative Stories of Impact 30:11 Building Dreams: The Role of Housing 31:32 Innovative Financial Solutions for Entrepreneurs 37:23 The Ripple Effect of Generosity 40:52 Getting Involved with Homes for Hope

In this solo episode, Kyle takes a step back from strategy and systems to share a simple reminder we all need: it's not all about business. He talks about rightly ordering your life—faith, family, work, and everything in between—and how easy it is to let the demands of business crowd out what truly matters. A thoughtful conversation about slowing down, staying present, and making sure your business serves your life, not the other way around.

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Homeowners are already using AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini to research remodelers — are you showing up where they're searching? Join Contractor Growth Network for a free live webinar on Thursday, November 6th at 2 PM Eastern to learn exactly how AI search is changing online visibility for remodelers.

They'll break down how tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and the new AI overviews are affecting rankings and what you can do right now to stay ahead of the curve.

Reserve your free seat: ContractorGrowthNetwork.com/AI

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Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

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Takeaways

It's not all about business. Are you rightly ordering your life? Success in business cannot come at the expense of success at home. You need to rightly order your life. Take a breath, slow down for a minute. Evaluate your calendar and overall capacity. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Stop being so obsessed with business. Design your business to support your life. Life is way more important than that.

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Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Life Beyond Business 13:35 Rightly Ordering Your Life 16:38 Balancing Business and Personal Life

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle sits down with Chris Moore of Senior Remodeling Experts to unpack why aging in place can be the golden goose for remodelers. Chris breaks down the three segments of the market (traumatic change, progressive change, and no urgent needs) and shows how to weave smart, subtle upgrades into standard projects: three-foot doors, curbless showers, blocking for future grab bars, stacked closets for a future elevator, removable cabinet fronts, and ceiling-lift framing. They talk about messaging that avoids stigma, why most homes are "Peter Pan" housing, and how aging in place is a team sport. You'll also hear Chris's purpose-driven story, the impact of VA grants and Virginia's Livable Homes Tax Credit, and his "Age Out Loud" mission to celebrate later-life living. Bonus: a quick productivity nugget from Kyle to tame your inbox and focus your day.

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Want to keep in touch with past clients and prospects without the hassle of writing content yourself? That's exactly what Remodelers AutoPilot does — each month you get a done-for-you email newsletter and social media posts, ready to send.

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Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

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Takeaways

Remodeler's Autopilot helps maintain client relationships. Aging in place is a growing market due to demographic shifts. Marketing should celebrate aging rather than stigmatize it. Accessibility features can be seamlessly integrated into home designs. Communication is key in discussing aging with clients. Remodelers can benefit from understanding the psychology of aging. Practical modifications can enhance safety and comfort in homes. The importance of personal stories in connecting with clients. Aging should be viewed as a positive aspect of life. Transformations in home design can lead to fulfilling lives.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 03:54 Chris Moore's Journey in Construction 07:07 The Shift to Aging in Place 09:58 Challenges in Marketing Aging in Place Services 13:05 Transforming Perceptions of Aging 16:09 The Importance of Home for Aging 19:02 Living a Purposeful Life at Any Age 24:23 Understanding Aging in Place Needs 25:53 Segments of the Aging in Place Market 27:19 Marketing Strategies for Remodelers 29:05 Incorporating Accessibility Features Stealthily 32:11 Engaging Clients in Future Planning 34:33 The Importance of Thoughtful Remodeling 35:33 Communication and Marketing in Aging in Place 37:00 The Rise of Multi-Generational Housing 39:08 Personal Reflections on Aging and Purpose

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, architect turned remodeler Mary Denby shares how she shifted from wearing every hat to leading with clarity. From creating real processes, to hiring her first estimator, to facing the numbers instead of avoiding them, her story shows the power of focus, action, and joy in business.

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Ready to streamline your business and increase profits? Visit JobTreadto see how their all-in-one construction management software helps remodelers and builders simplify estimating, scheduling, job costing, and invoicing.

Want to hear JobTread in action? Check out our upcoming January episode featuring stories from the JobTread Connect User Conference in Dallas. You'll hear directly from contractors who are using JobTread to boost profits, improve communication, and deliver a better client experience.

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Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!

-----

Takeaways

JobTread provides full visibility into project management. Transitioning from architecture to business ownership can be challenging. Implementing processes is crucial for business growth. Understanding financials is key to running a successful business. Setting boundaries helps maintain work-life balance. Hiring the right team members is essential for success. Leadership involves empowering your team and allowing them to shine. Continuous improvement is necessary for long-term success. Having fun in business is important for motivation. Taking action on ideas leads to positive outcomes.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to MHD Builds and Personal Milestones 03:31 Celebrating 50 Days of Travel and Life's Joys 06:41 Mary's Journey from Architecture to Remodeling 12:34 Building a Business: Challenges and Growth 18:25 Implementing Processes for Success 20:52 The Power of Peer Support 26:16 Hiring Decisions and Business Growth 27:36 Understanding Financials for Better Decision Making 29:35 Leadership Challenges and Team Dynamics 35:56 Facing Financial Realities Head-On 42:43 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts