In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, host Mark sits down with Faustino “Tino” Rocha of DFW Patio Experts in Dallas-Fort Worth. Tino shares his journey from solo builder to running a respected patio contracting business, offering insights into how specialization, communication, and adaptability have shaped his company’s reputation and resilience.

In this episode:

• Tino’s path from hands-on builder to specialized contractor: Tino started DFW Patio Experts six years ago, initially handling every aspect of patio construction himself—from moving posts to painting and roofing. Over time, he evolved the business into a general contracting model focused exclusively on outdoor living, leveraging subcrews for specialized tasks to ensure quality and efficiency.

• Narrowing the focus for better results: After starting with just patio framing, Tino gradually expanded services to include foundations, electrical work, outdoor kitchens, heaters, fans, lighting, and motorized screens. He found that specializing in outdoor living projects, rather than offering a broad range of services, allowed for better quality control, fewer mistakes, and stronger client relationships.

• The value of process and expertise: By focusing on core competencies and hiring crews that specialize in specific trades, Tino reduced costly errors and client dissatisfaction. This approach also enabled a robust warranty and repair process, further building client trust.

• Communication as a cornerstone of client satisfaction: Tino emphasizes daily communication with clients, setting clear expectations about noise, schedules, and project disruptions. He adapts to client needs—like rescheduling for family emergencies—and always seeks feedback to improve the experience.

• Leveraging unique attributes: As a veteran-owned and bilingual business, DFW Patio Experts connects with diverse clients and subcontractors, offering discounts to fellow veterans and facilitating smoother project management.

• Adapting to market shifts: Tino notes that the outdoor living boom during the pandemic—driven by low interest rates and remote work—has slowed as economic conditions change. In response, he’s shifting from a referral-driven model to investing in SEO and digital marketing, focusing on quality over quantity to stand out as the market stabilizes.

• Reputation and future growth: With a five-star rating and a stable project pipeline, Tino prioritizes maintaining quality and client happiness over rapid expansion. He’s preparing for future growth by optimizing marketing and staying adaptable to economic trends.

• How to connect with DFW Patio Experts: Homeowners in Dallas-Fort Worth seeking high-quality outdoor living projects can reach out via DFWPatioExperts.com or call directly to speak with Tino, who manages every project personally from start to finish.

“We really have to focus on what products we’re installing, and how we’re going to keep our clients as happy as possible throughout the whole process.” — Tino Rocha

Don’t miss this episode if you want to hear how a hands-on approach, clear communication, and a commitment to specialization have helped DFW Patio Experts earn trust and thrive in a changing market—from the outdoor living boom to today’s more competitive landscape.

What does it take to build a flooring company that stands out for trust, reliability, and quality—while serving a higher-end community and adapting to economic changes over five decades? In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, host Mark sits down with Steve Huddleston, owner of Color Visions Flooring in Cornelius, North Carolina. Steve shares his journey from starting in a shipyard in the 1970s, to becoming a skilled flooring installer, and eventually building a trusted, family-owned business that serves homeowners, builders, and developers in a vibrant community north of Charlotte.

In this episode:

• Steve’s path from shipyard worker to flooring installer, and his transition to running his own showroom in Cornelius

• How Color Visions Flooring became a mainstay in the higher-end, lakefront community of Cornelius—serving clients who value quality, style, and personal service

• The evolution of the business: from family involvement with his sons, to today’s focus on being a hands-on, owner-accessible neighborhood flooring center

• How Steve and his team stand out from big box stores and online competitors by offering direct access, personalized service, and a commitment to leaving every job cleaner than they found it

• The importance of hiring and training skilled installers who reflect the company’s values of care, accountability, and attention to detail

• How Color Visions has adapted to economic shifts, including the impact of COVID-19 and the resilience of serving a higher-end, local clientele

• The value of word-of-mouth referrals, a strong online presence, and a reputation built on trust and transparency

• Practical advice for homeowners seeking quality flooring in the Cornelius and Charlotte area

How to connect with Steve directly, order samples online, and learn more about Color Visions Flooring at colorvisions.com or by calling (704) 491-25991

Don’t miss this episode if you want to hear how a 50-year veteran is redefining what it means to be a trusted, family-owned flooring business—from shipyard beginnings to neighborhood legacy.

What does it take to build a remodeling company that stands out for trust, transparency, and quality—while adapting to market shifts from storm recovery to retail? In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, host Mark sits down with Oleg Siruk and Ilya Kazlouski, founders of Midwest Construction & Remodeling in Plymouth, Minnesota. Oleg and Ilya share their journey from early days in construction with their fathers, to launching their own business, and now focusing on roofing, siding, and windows for homeowners across the Twin Cities.

In this episode:

•Oleg and Ilya’s path from learning construction with their fathers to founding and scaling Midwest Construction & Remodeling

•How the company shifted from a broad range of services to specializing in exterior remodeling—especially after years of unpredictable storm recovery work

•Challenges of storm-driven business models, including the realities of working with insurance companies and the “gold rush” of hail and wind damage claims

•Why the team downsized and refocused on retail clients, emphasizing quality and transparency over rapid, unpredictable growth

•The importance of building trust, maintaining strong reviews, and leveraging social media and digital marketing to stay visible and connect with clients

•How Midwest Construction & Remodeling is building a welcoming showroom for clients to experience materials firsthand and develop confidence in their projects

•Practical advice for homeowners seeking reliable exterior contractors in the Plymouth and Twin Cities area

How to connect with Oleg and Ilya, visit their showroom, and learn more about their services at MWCRHomes.com

Don’t miss this episode if you want to hear how two young entrepreneurs are redefining reliability in exterior remodeling—from storm recovery to trusted retail service.

What does it take to build a company that helps homeowners and contractors navigate the toughest construction challenges—while also managing risk for banks and lenders across the country? In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with Steve Clark, founder of Owner Builder Advisors in Santa Rosa, California.

Steve shares his remarkable journey from responding to wildfire disasters, to guiding families and developers through every step of the building process, and leading a nationwide team of inspectors for Construction Inspection Specialists. His story is filled with practical advice, real-world solutions, and a deep commitment to accountability.

In this episode:

•Steve’s path from contractor and engineer to launching Owner Builder Advisors after wildfire devastation in Santa Rosa

•How he expanded his services from local disaster recovery to nationwide risk management and advisory for homeowners and developers

•The importance of clear contracts, budget leveling, and site visits in preventing costly mistakes and building trust

•How Owner Builder Advisors helps clients go “from dirt to drapes”—finding land, securing permits, assembling design and build teams, and reviewing contracts

•Steve’s unique approach to educating homeowners and developers, making them better partners for contractors and lenders

•Insights into managing risk, spotting issues early, and keeping projects on track with a nationwide network of inspectors

•Real talk on the challenges of working with contractors and clients, and why “if it’s grey, you’ll pay” is his guiding principle

•How to connect with Steve, learn more about Owner Builder Advisors, and access resources for your next project

Don’t miss this episode if you want to hear what it really takes to build a business that safeguards clients and contractors—from someone who’s seen, managed, and solved the toughest problems in the industry.

In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with Paul Groves, founder of Warbucks Excavating and Drone Services in the Tri-County area of Salem, Ohio. Paul shares his journey from launching a modest excavation business to building a multi-service company that now tackles large-scale land clearing, advanced drone operations, and even animal rescues through a nonprofit foundation.

Paul’s story is one of adaptability and community commitment. Starting with small jobs, Warbucks now manages up to 200-acre land clearing projects for developers and contractors, while also pioneering thermal drone technology for lost pet and wildlife recoveries—all provided free to those in need. He discusses the challenges of retaining skilled teams, the value of hands-on education, and the pressure of consistent growth in a competitive market.

Listeners will learn:

• How Warbucks evolved from minor excavation to large-scale land clearing and drone services
• The role of innovation and community service in business growth
• Strategies for recruiting, training, and retaining top talent
• The impact of awards and industry recognition on reputation and project acquisition
• Real-world advice on navigating economic uncertainty and maintaining consistency in a tough market

Paul’s practical insights, from setting softer project deadlines to fostering a culture of learning and adaptability, offer valuable lessons for contractors aiming to thrive in today’s environment. Whether you’re looking for excavation expertise, considering drone integration, or seeking inspiration for business resilience, this episode is packed with real-world solutions and a commitment to accountability.

To connect with Paul and his team, visit WarbucksExcavation.com or reach out via phone or social media

What does it take to build a successful remodeling business that stands the test of time—while also becoming a published author and keeping your sense of humor intact? In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with Rick Mackay, founder of Dependable Remodeling in Denver, Colorado. Rick shares his candid journey from learning the building trades in southern Colorado, to working with high-end clients, and eventually writing his hilarious and insightful book, Psychotic Remodeling. His story is filled with wit, wisdom, and real-world lessons for anyone in the remodeling or contracting industry.

In this episode:

•Rick’s unconventional path from junior college building classes to running his own business for over 30 years

•How he started writing for Fine Home Building Magazine and turned his stories into a bestselling book

•The value of long-term relationships, local roots, and a reliable reputation in the remodeling world

•Why “learning by doing” and working with trusted subcontractors has been key to his success

•Rick’s unique approach to teaching home maintenance and his fun, hands-on style

•Insights into managing clients, spotting difficult situations early, and keeping projects enjoyable

•Real talk on why he’s not looking to grow the business anymore and what retirement looks like for a veteran contractor

•How to connect with Rick, get a copy of his book, and learn more about his work

Don’t miss this episode if you want to hear what it really takes to build a business and a life in remodeling—from someone who’s seen and done it all, and had a great laugh along the way

What does it take to build a remodeling business known for quality and reliability—while navigating cross-continental challenges and building a life in a new country? In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with Ivan Radosavljevic, founder of RIM Express in Sarasota, Florida. Ivan shares his honest journey from arriving in the US with no experience to mastering tile work, growing (and then wisely downsizing) his team, and focusing on delivering outstanding results for his clients. His story is practical, inspiring, and packed with lessons for anyone looking to build a business that stands apart.

In this episode:

•Ivan’s path from Serbia to the US and his early days in construction, starting with tile installation

•How RIM Express grew from a small operation to a respected name in remodeling, and why Ivan chose to downsize for quality and peace of mind

•The shift from managing a large team to working with trusted subcontractors—and the difference it made for his business

•Why “quality over price” is the guiding principle for RIM Express, and how it sets them apart from the competition

•Insights into project planning, meeting deadlines, and keeping clients happy—even when things don’t go as planned

•The importance of community involvement, from donating work to helping after hurricanes

•Real talk on overcoming setbacks, staying resilient, and learning from every challenge

•How to connect with Ivan and the RIM Express team for remodeling projects or to join their network of trusted contractors

Don’t miss this episode if you want to learn what it really takes to build a business that thrives on trust, quality, and community—straight from someone who’s lived it

What does it take to build a multi-million dollar construction and real estate empire from scratch—while raising four kids and breaking barriers as a first-generation American?

In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with Miriam Mejia, founder of Candid Services in Austin, TX. Miriam shares her candid journey from fee management to leading commercial redevelopments, investing in multi-family properties, and balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood. Her story is raw, inspiring, and packed with hard-won wisdom for anyone chasing big dreams.

In this episode:

•Miriam’s unconventional path from fee management to founding Candid Services in 2011

•How she’s kept her original team together for 14 years—and her secrets to employee retention

•The shift from residential to large-scale commercial redevelopment projects

•Why “under-promise and over-deliver” is her golden rule in construction and investing

•Candid insights into balancing (and sometimes failing at) work, family, and personal growth

•The role of self-education, grit, and networking in her success as a first-generation American

•Real talk on overcoming setbacks, staying resilient, and forgiving yourself along the way

•How to connect with Miriam for partnerships, advice, or inspiration

Don’t miss this episode if you want to learn what it really takes to succeed in construction, real estate, and life—straight from someone who’s done it all.

Taylor English reveals why he left a stable construction management job to found Taylor Design + Build in 2016—and how the company survived and evolved through COVID-19.

• Learn how niching down into deck building sparked explosive growth, leading to the creation of a specialized company: Decked by Tailored.

• Taylor shares hard-won lessons on the dangers of scaling too fast and why he scaled back to focus on quality and team stability.

• Discover the power of outsourcing: Taylor explains how hiring professionals for marketing and bookkeeping freed him to focus on what he loves—building and leading his crew.

• Hear candid insights on the real value (and limits) of a construction management degree versus the “school of hard knocks”.

• Explore the mindset shift from doing everything yourself to letting go and trusting specialists, both in the field and in the office.

• Taylor discusses the importance of a strong online presence and how social media has fueled connections, reputation, and business growth.

• Get Taylor’s advice for new contractors: why your first hire should be an accountant, and how to build a business that delivers both profit and personal fulfillment.

Welcome to another episode of the Contractor Growth Show! In this episode, host Mark sits down with Todd Chionis, owner of Top Drawer Carpentry in Barrington, Illinois. With over 23 years in the business and a stellar reputation for high-quality interior remodels, Todd shares the secrets behind his company’s organic growth, award-winning service, and the personalized approach that sets Top Drawer Carpentry apart.

Whether you’re a homeowner considering a remodel, a contractor seeking inspiration, or simply interested in the business of custom carpentry, this episode offers valuable insights into the process, challenges, and rewards of running a small, client-focused remodeling company.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- The history and evolution of Top Drawer Carpentry, from its Chicago roots to becoming a Barrington staple

- How Todd’s team specializes in interiors—kitchens, baths, basements, and custom trim work

- Why Top Drawer Carpentry relies almost exclusively on referrals and word-of-mouth for new business

- The step-by-step process Todd uses to qualify, quote, and manage remodeling projects—including pre-inspections and realistic budgeting

- How the company leverages industry platforms like Houzz to showcase their work and earn top-tier awards for both design and service

- The importance of transparent communication and expectation-setting with clients, especially when surprises arise during remodels

- Todd’s philosophy on sustainable, quality-focused growth and maintaining a tight-knit, highly skilled team

Todd Chionis and Top Drawer Carpentry exemplify what it means to build a business on trust, craftsmanship, and genuine relationships. From winning the Best of Houzz awards to expertly navigating the challenges of remodeling older homes, Todd’s approach is rooted in honesty, thorough planning, and a commitment to client satisfaction. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to grow a reputable, referral-driven business—or want to understand what makes a top-tier remodeling contractor tick—this episode is a must-watch!