In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with Mike Heidelberger of HPI Plumbing (Princeton, MN) for a candid conversation about the ups and downs of running a plumbing business through market crashes, industry shifts, and changing customer needs.

- The 28-year journey of HPI Plumbing, from new construction to a thriving service business

- How Mike navigated the 2008 housing crash and rebuilt the company after major losses

- The pros and cons of new construction vs. service work-and why Mike prefers working directly with homeowners today

- Real talk about quoting jobs, handling surprises behind the walls, and keeping customers happy

- The impact of offering a one-year labor warranty and how it builds trust with clients

- Expanding service areas: from Princeton to Minneapolis, St. Paul, Iowa, and beyond

- Challenges and opportunities in finding and retaining skilled plumbers in today’s market

- The growing importance of water quality and how HPI Plumbing is helping homeowners address “forever chemicals”

- Mike’s plans for scaling up the business again and advice for other contractors facing industry changes

**If you’re a contractor, builder, or homeowner in Minnesota-or just want to hear an honest, insightful story about resilience and adaptation in the trades-don’t miss this episode!**

**Contact HPI Plumbing:**

Website: hpiplumbing.net

Serving Princeton, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding areas

Subscribe for more real conversations with top contractors and builders!

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!

In this episode of the Contractor Growth Show, host Mark sits down with Tyson Van Dyken, owner of 406 Construction, to discuss his journey in the Gallatin Valley, Montana. Tyson shares how his values, family, and love for building have shaped a business known for honesty, community, and quality craftsmanship-from small remodels to multimillion-dollar custom homes.

Episode highlights:

- Tyson’s transition from a pre-med path to a lifelong career in construction

- The founding story of 406 Construction and its rapid growth since 2018

- Why Tyson prefers new builds and custom homes over remodels, and the challenges of renovation projects

- The importance of honesty, transparency, and open-book accounting in every client relationship

- How 406 Construction has thrived purely through referrals and word-of-mouth, with zero traditional advertising

- A heartwarming story of helping a local couple remodel their home to stay in their community affordably

- Balancing business growth with family life, and how Tyson’s children are involved in the trades and other pursuits

- The role of outdoor activities-hunting, fishing, camping, surfing, golfing, and travel-in Tyson’s life and family culture

- Insights on the current labor shortage in Montana construction and the importance of finding the right team

- The story behind the “406 Construction” name and its connection to Montana’s identity

Connect with Tyson and learn more at 406construction.com, or reach out via Instagram and Facebook.

If you’re in the Gallatin Valley or surrounding areas and need a trusted partner for your next home project, Tyson and the 406 Construction team are ready to help!

In this episode of The Contractor Growth Show, Mark interviews Ramiro Alvarez of Home Tech Foundation Systems (Prescott Valley, AZ), a true specialist in foundation solutions for manufactured and historic homes across Arizona. Ramiro shares the story of how he built a thriving, multi-division business rooted in a unique niche-and how his team is now leading the way in affordable housing and land-home projects.

- How Ramiro got his start working with his father and carved out a niche in manufactured home foundations

- The evolution from block stem walls to innovative, FHA-approved permanent foundation systems-cutting costs for homeowners and banks

- Why Home Tech Foundation Systems is trusted by banks, realtors, and homeowners statewide

- The company’s expansion from manufactured homes to historic home foundations and full land-home development projects

- How Ramiro’s team delivers 20+ retrofits and 30+ re-levels every month with just two highly trained crews

- The role of top-notch customer service (and office manager Cynthia!) in earning glowing reviews and repeat business

- How technology enables “quick bids” using Google Maps and street view for fast, accurate estimates

- The impact of TV and YouTube advertising on business growth-even in a referral-driven industry

- Ramiro’s commitment to affordable housing and community development in Prescott Valley and beyond

**If you’re a contractor, builder, or homeowner interested in niche growth, operational excellence, or the future of affordable housing, don’t miss this episode!**

**Connect with Home Tech Foundation Systems:**

Website: hometechfoundations.com

Phone: 928-759-2000

Serving Prescott Valley, the Quad Cities, and all of Arizona

Subscribe for more real stories and actionable insights from top contractors and builders!

In this episode of the Contractor Growth Show, Mark sits down with Tim Keeley of Keeley’s Plumbing in Lombard, Illinois. Tim shares his journey from starting out as a solo plumber to building a thriving residential service business, the challenges of hiring and retaining quality talent, and the strategies that keep his company growing in a competitive market.

Episode Highlights:

- Tim Keeley’s 25-year plumbing career and the founding of Keeley’s Plumbing after the 2008 recession

- How Tim transitioned from new construction to service plumbing and why it was the right move

- The evolution from solo operation to an 8-person team, including office staff, journeymen, apprentices, and helpers

- Real-world challenges of recruiting and retaining skilled plumbers in today’s market

- Creative (and sometimes unconventional) methods for finding new team members

- Why Keeley’s Plumbing shifted focus from new construction/remodeling to exclusively residential service work

- The impact of referrals and word-of-mouth on business growth

- Community involvement: sponsoring local car shows, parades, and kids’ sports teams

- The role of digital marketing, SEO, and Yelp ads in attracting new customers

- Honest insights on growth limitations and the realities of scaling a service-based business

- How to contact Keeley’s Plumbing for residential service in the Chicago area

Tune in for an honest look at what it takes to run and grow a successful local plumbing business-and the lessons learned along the way!

In this episode of the Contractor Growth Show, host Mark interviews Neil Wilson, the founder of DezignBlue, a leading kitchen design firm with locations in Los Angeles and Castle Rock, Colorado. With over 33 years of experience-including 15 years at IKEA-Neil shares how he’s transformed the kitchen design process to be more affordable, transparent, and accessible for clients across the U.S. and beyond.

Discover how DezignBlue leverages deep expertise, innovative partnerships, and a client-first approach to deliver stunning, custom kitchens faster and at a fraction of traditional costs.

Episode Highlights:

- Neil’s journey from opening IKEA stores nationwide to launching his own design firm 18 years ago

- The unique DezignBlue model: in-home consultations, 3D plans, and unlimited design revisions (within reason)

- How Neil collaborates with IKEA and custom front suppliers to offer personalized, budget-friendly kitchen solutions

- Transparent, published pricing-making professional kitchen design accessible to more homeowners

- Serving clients nationwide and internationally, thanks to a network of contacts and digital planning tools

- Winning the “Best of Houzz” award 10 years in a row, driven by organic referrals and client satisfaction

- Why 80–90% of DezignBlue’s business comes from referrals and repeat clients

- Fast project turnaround: clients can have a new kitchen in as little as 3–6 weeks

- Neil’s hands-on, highly available customer service-answering calls and questions seven days a week

- Tips for homeowners considering a kitchen remodel and how to get a free, no-obligation consultation

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Ready to transform your kitchen?

Visit: dezignblue.com

Call Neil directly at (323) 496-9104

Email: [email protected]

Like, subscribe, and leave your questions for Neil in the comments below!

Welcome to another episode of the Contractor Growth Show! This week, host Mark sits down with Keith Webster of KMW Construction, a legendary builder in Aspen, Colorado, with nearly 50 years of experience. Keith shares his journey from Houston to Aspen, his philosophy on quality craftsmanship, and the unique approach that has made his business thrive among some of the world’s most discerning clients.

Whether you’re a contractor, business owner, or just fascinated by the world of high-end construction, Keith’s insights on client relationships, business growth, and balancing work with a rich array of hobbies will inspire you.

Episode Highlights:

- Keith’s 50-year journey in construction, from Houston to Aspen, and his reputation as a “golden nail contractor” focused on the highest quality standards.

- The story behind moving operations from Texas to Colorado, including the serendipitous arrival in Aspen and landing his first local project for the CEO of Gucci.

- Navigating the demands of Aspen’s elite clientele, including billionaires and NDA-protected clients, and the importance of maintaining open, transparent communication-even when direct client contact is limited.

- Keith’s unique approach to project management: open-book, time-and-materials contracts, and why he refuses to participate in competitive bidding.

- How KMW Construction has grown exclusively through referrals and word-of-mouth, with virtually no reliance on traditional marketing.

- The importance of turning down 20–30% of potential clients to maintain quality and avoid “problem projects” that can derail momentum.

- Keith’s diverse passions outside of construction: professional equestrian pursuits, competitive sporting clay shooting, fine art exhibitions in New York, and training as a chef at the Culinary Institute of America.

- Time management and the discipline required to excel both in business and in personal pursuits.

- Wisdom on building lasting client relationships, the value of community and goodwill, and why the right clients make all the difference for a sustainable, joyful business.

**Contact Keith Webster:**

- Phone: 970-618-3887

- Email: [email protected]

- Website: kmwconstruction.com

Check out Keith’s stunning portfolio and learn more about his story and team on the website!

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If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts or questions for Keith. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and actionable advice from leaders in the construction industry!

In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, host Mark Lamberth sits down with Oxana Duhlicher of DOM Roofing and Restoration (Sugar Hill, GA) to uncover the secrets behind their explosive growth, stellar reputation, and award-winning service. Oxana shares the real story of how she and her husband Dmitri built a veteran-owned, family-run roofing powerhouse-now one of Atlanta’s top three roofing companies.

- The origin story of DOM Roofing and Restoration and their unique approach to customer service

- How Oksana and Dmitri grew from a two-person team to a stable, multi-crew operation

- Why DOM Roofing has over 600 five-star Google reviews-and how they truly earn each one

- The key role of ongoing education, public adjuster licensing, and hands-on insurance claim support

- How DOM Roofing’s investment in website design and SEO keeps them ahead of the competition

- The challenges and rewards of balancing family, business growth, and a commitment to integrity

- Why being available 24/7 and treating every customer like family is their not-so-secret weapon

- The importance of giving back-hear about their charitable work and local sponsorships

**If you’re a contractor, builder, or homeowner wanting to learn what it takes to stand out in a crowded market, this episode is a must-watch.**

**Connect with DOM Roofing:**

Website: domroofing.com

Email: [email protected]

Located at 454 Beaufort Highway, Sugar Hill, GA

Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories from top contractors and builders!

In this episode, host Mark sits down with Mike Pierce, owner of Hughes Kitchens & Bath in Canton, Ohio. Discover how this multi-generational, award-winning business has become a community favorite for kitchen and bathroom remodels since 1948. Mike shares the company’s rich history, his personal journey into the industry, and the unique customer-focused approach that sets Hughes Kitchens & Bath apart.

Episode Highlights:

- The origins of Hughes Kitchens & Bath, one of Ohio’s first countertop manufacturers dating back to 1948

- How the company evolved from countertop manufacturing to full kitchen and bath remodels, including the rise of cabinet refacing

- Mike’s personal journey from aspiring chef to business owner, and the pivotal moment that led him to take over the company

- The importance of loving your craft first and building a business around it

- Lessons learned from a three-year business buyout and hands-on mentorship

- Why knowing your numbers and tracking profit per day is crucial for long-term success

- The company’s niche: reinventing spaces within existing home foundations for creative, high-impact remodels

- Building a strong company culture and incentivizing staff to deliver exceptional customer service

- Innovative strategies for earning and responding to over 120 five-star Google reviews

- The family atmosphere at Hughes Kitchens & Bath, with multiple generations working together

- A sales process designed to make remodeling an enjoyable, memorable event for every client

- How community recognition, like the 2024 Community Choice Award, motivates the team

- The shift from traditional marketing to a business built on referrals and word-of-mouth

Thinking about a kitchen or bath remodel in the Canton area? Contact Hughes Kitchens & Bath at 330-455-5269 or visit hugheskitchens.com. Experience the difference of a company where craftsmanship and customer care come first!

In this episode of The Contractor Growth Show, host Mark sits down with Tommy Leigh, founder of Gemini Waterproofing and Restoration, to uncover the untold stories behind New York City’s iconic skyline. With over 36 years in business, Tommy shares how his team keeps the city’s facades safe, beautiful, and standing tall—one brick at a time. From the origins of Local Law 10 to the secrets of building a loyal crew, this conversation is packed with wisdom, heart, and a true love for the Big Apple.

- Discover how Gemini Waterproofing and Restoration began in 1989 and grew into a premier facade maintenance company working on New York’s most recognizable buildings.

- Learn about the impact of Local Law 10 (now Local Law 11) and why regular facade inspections are critical for city safety—and how Tommy’s team plays a vital role in keeping residents and pedestrians protected.

- Get a behind-the-scenes look at the technical challenges of working high above the streets, from scaffolding to repairing weathered masonry and structural steel.

- Hear how Gemini maintains a perfect safety record over decades, thanks to rigorous training, a disciplined team, and a “belt and suspenders” approach to every project.

- Find out Tommy’s people-first philosophy for recruiting, retaining, and caring for a team of 80+ skilled professionals—starting every day with a handshake and genuine connection.

- Listen to real stories from the field, including overcoming bureaucratic delays and delivering results that surprise even the toughest clients, like the MTA.

- Gain insights on building trust, developing long-term client relationships, and why sometimes the best deal is the one that puts people first—even if it means walking away from a quick sale.

- Be inspired by Tommy’s belief that success isn’t about secrets or shortcuts, but about caring deeply for your team, your clients, and your city

Tommy Leigh’s journey is proof that with integrity, heart, and a commitment to doing things the right way, you can build a legacy that stands as tall as the skyline you help protect. Tune in for a masterclass in leadership, craftsmanship, and the true meaning of making a difference—one building at a time.