The Contractor Grow Show

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!

Discover how Tyler Watson started in HVAC at just 17 and became a master contractor by 21.

•Learn why Tyler skipped the four-year college route and what trade school really teaches (and doesn’t).

•Hear the surprising truth about what’s hardest when launching your own contracting business—and why your first hire shouldn’t be who you think.

•Get Tyler’s inside strategies for recruiting, retaining, and motivating a skilled team in a tough labor market.

•Find out how Watson Heating & Air grew from solo side jobs to a 15-person, multi-division company serving central Kentucky.

•Explore the real challenges of scaling a service business—balancing growth, profitability, and culture.

•Get actionable advice for contractors on building a reputation that attracts top talent and loyal customers.

•If you’re in Richmond or Lexington, Kentucky, discover how to connect with Watsons Heating & Air for your next project.

www.WatsonsHVAC.com

•Ross Savage reveals his unexpected journey from aspiring firefighter to luxury home builder in Newport Beach.

•Family roots in construction and a pivotal opportunity led to the founding and growth of KRS Development.

•Insights into building ultra-high-end homes, from million-dollar window packages to pushing architectural limits.

•Why most projects involve tearing down old homes and starting fresh in a capped, competitive market.

•The importance of transparency with clients through cost-plus contracts and detailed budgeting.

•Ross’s approach to quality control, personal client relationships, and hands-on project management.

•Navigating neighborhood dynamics and maintaining a positive reputation in tight-knit Orange County communities.

•Contact Ross at [email protected] or visit KRSdevelopment.com for project inquiries or inspiration.

Description:

•Shawn Beard shares how getting fired led him to launch Integrity Fencing at the start of the pandemic.

•Built the company from nothing—no truck, no capital—into a $10M+ annual business in just five years.

•Reveals the surprising twist: his old employer unknowingly sent him leads after laying him off.

•Discusses the importance of team culture, SOPs, and evolving hiring practices as the company scaled.

•Explains how Integrity’s customer-first approach and transparent communication set them apart in a distrusted industry.

•Talks about breaking through growth plateaus and the role of expert consultants in refining profitability.

•Shares strategies for expanding into commercial work, retail supply, and new markets in Colorado.

•Details innovative financing options for homeowners, making fencing projects more accessible.

Website: IntegrityFence.com

Phone: (303) 777-7782

Email: [email protected]

Description:

•Travis Klavohn reveals how a family woodworking tradition spanning five generations led to founding Klavohn Studios in Acworth, Georgia.

•Discover why Travis left a successful insurance career to pursue his passion for fine woodworking during the pandemic.

•Insights into the unique skills and personality traits required for high-end cabinet making and custom furniture.

•How father-son teams and family partnerships shape the culture and quality of Klavohn Studios.

•The challenges and rewards of recruiting, training, and retaining top craftspeople in a specialized trade.

•Travis discusses the importance of leadership rooted in joy and personal fulfillment, both in business and politics.

•Learn how Klavohn Studios collaborates with other local craftsmen in a tight-knit, cooperative community.

•Contact Travis and see his work at www.TravisBuilt.com for custom cabinetry and woodworking needs.

Tom Stuckey, founder of Eagle Eye Builder Group in St. Louis, shares how he helped grow a Florida construction company from $3M to $35M in three years by shifting focus from residential to commercial projects. He discusses his approach to targeting high-net-worth clients, managing economic uncertainty, and his philosophy of subcontracting all work. Tom also talks about the influence of Habitat for Humanity and Boy Scouts on his work ethic, and his plans for future growth.

•Tom Stuckey shares his journey from growing a Florida contractor from $3M to $35M in just three years.

•Discover how shifting from residential to commercial projects fueled rapid business expansion.

•Learn why Tom targets high-net-worth clients and how this buffers his business against economic downturns.

•Insights on managing price increases, tariffs, and material costs in today’s construction market.

•Tom’s unique approach: subcontracting all work and focusing on true general contracting management.

•The impact of early experiences with Habitat for Humanity and Boy Scouts on Tom’s work ethic and leadership style.

•Strategies for sustainable growth and Tom’s vision for scaling Eagle Eye Builder Group in St. Louis.

•Tips for contractors on building a resilient, client-focused business in uncertain times.|

Website: EagleEyeBuilderGroup.com

Phone: (636) 565-3100

In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, host Mark sits down with Tim Travers of Bristol Remodeling to uncover the remarkable journey from humble beginnings to building a powerhouse remodeling and construction company spanning Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and North Carolina.

•Discover how Tim started with just $300 in borrowed tools and grew into a multi-state operation.

•Learn why Bristol Remodeling shifted from house flipping to dominating both residential and commercial remodeling.

•Insights into recruiting, retaining, and motivating top subcontractors—Tim’s formula for building a winning team.

•The critical role of work ethic, pride in craftsmanship, and leadership by example in Bristol’s culture.

•Behind the scenes of managing explosive growth, from opening new locations to breaking ground on subdivisions and medical facilities.

•How community involvement, including a transformative stint as Habitat for Humanity president, shaped the company’s mission and reputation.

•Bristol’s future: new construction, coastal homes, material processing yards, and even potential equipment dealerships.

•Tips for contractors, realtors, and tradespeople on joining or partnering with Bristol’s expanding network.

Want to connect, collaborate, or learn more? Visit BristolConstruction.com (commercial), BristolRemodeling.com (residential), or find Bristol Remodeling & Construction on Facebook!

In this episode of The Contractor Growth Show, Mark sits down with James Thornton of Built to Perfection (Tampa, FL) for a candid conversation about the ups and downs of running a remodeling business, balancing work and family, and building a team that values mentorship and quality.

-The journey of Built to Perfection, from small repairs to a thriving remodeling and new construction business

-How James navigates the challenges of remodeling historic homes and matching rare details

-The pros and cons of remodeling vs. new construction, and why James prefers the challenge of remodeling

-Real talk about working with a small team and trusted subcontractors, and the value of teamwork and shared responsibility

-The impact of word-of-mouth referrals and repeat customers on business growth and reputation

-Challenges and opportunities in balancing a growing business with a large, active family

-The importance of mentorship, teaching, and helping team members and apprentices succeed on their own

-James’s vision for a trades training school and his plans for the future of Built to Perfection

If you’re a contractor, builder, or homeowner in Tampa—or just want to hear an honest, inspiring story about resilience, mentorship, and quality in the trades—don’t miss this episode!

Contact Built to Perfection:

[email protected]

(813) 784-1676

Serving Tampa and surrounding Florida areas.

Subscribe for more real conversations with top contractors and builders!

In this episode of The Contractor Growth Show, Mark sits down with Alex Jaramillo of Guarantee Construction Group (Plymouth, MN and Denver, CO) for a candid conversation about the ups and downs of running a multi-location construction and roofing business through market crashes, industry shifts, and changing personal priorities.

-The 16-year journey of Guarantee Construction Group, from mortgage industry roots to a thriving construction and remodeling company

-How Alex navigated the 2008 housing crash, pivoted from finance to roofing, and found early success after a major hailstorm in Colorado

-The pros and cons of running businesses in two states—roofing in Colorado, painting and drywall in Minnesota—and how Alex balances work and family

-Real talk about starting a business with little construction experience, learning the industry, and the importance of customer service

-The impact of insurance claims on the roofing business and how Alex educates customers on navigating the process

-Expanding service areas: from Minnesota and Colorado to future plans for Florida

-Challenges and opportunities in finding and retaining skilled crews, especially with a diverse labor force

-The growing importance of adaptability and education in the construction industry

-Alex’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, Colorado, or soon Florida—or just want to hear an honest, insightful story about resilience and adaptation in the trades—don’t miss this episode!

Contact Guarantee Construction Group:

Minnesota: 612-490-4175 or visit GCGMN.com

Denver: 303-587-2121 or visit GCGAmerica.com

Serving Plymouth, Minneapolis, Denver, and surrounding areas. Coming soon to Florida!

Subscribe for more real conversations with top contractors and builders!

In this episode of The Contractor Growth Show, Mark sits down with Miriam Mejia of Candid Services (Austin, TX) for a candid conversation about the ups and downs of running a multi-million-dollar commercial redevelopment and real estate business through market shifts, industry changes, and the challenges of balancing work and family.

-The 14-year journey of Candid Services, from property management to a thriving commercial redevelopment and real estate business

-How Miriam pivoted from residential to commercial projects and built a strong, loyal team

-The pros and cons of commercial vs. residential work—and why Miriam chose to focus on commercial redevelopment

-Real talk about retaining top talent and making sure your team feels valued for over a decade

-The impact of underpromising and overdelivering on client satisfaction and business reputation

-Expanding into real estate investing: from rentals and Airbnbs to multi-family buildings

-Challenges and opportunities in balancing a growing business and raising a family

-The growing importance of self-education, mentorship, and networking for business owners

-Miriam’s advice for other contractors and real estate investors facing industry changes

If you’re a contractor, real estate investor, or business owner in Austin—or just want to hear an honest, inspiring story about resilience and adaptation—don’t miss this episode!

Contact Candid Services:

CandidServicesLLC.com/

[email protected]

Serving Austin and surrounding Texas areas.

Subscribe for more real conversations with top contractors and builders!