Remodelers On The Rise

Hosted by Kyle Hunt

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398

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Remodelers On The Rise by Kyle Hunt is a podcast designed to inspire remodeling entrepreneurs like yourself. Practical tips, high-level strategy, specific examples, and information that you can grab and implement into your remodeling business. The goal is to empower you to make your remodeling business more enjoyable, profitable, and enable you more freedom in your business and life.

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September 3, 202644 min

Creating Budget Clarity During the Design Process

Budgets can move fast during design, especially once clients start making selections. This week, Kyle sits down with Audra Von Minden Gossage of LTD Builders to talk about the Budget Roadmap, the tool her team uses to keep clients clear on where their budget stands as design moves along. Audra shares how they account for changing selections and costs without redoing a full estimate each time, and how more planning up front has cut down change orders. If clarity in the project budget during design is a struggle for your clients, this episode has some great ideas for your team. 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. 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! Key Takeaways Introduction to the budget roadmap concept The importance of cycle time measurement Managing scope changes and scope differences Presenting material selections without markup Using the budget roadmap to keep clients informed Reducing change order rates to below 2% Building trust through transparency and micro commitments The role of client control and decision-making Chapters 00:00 Introduction and overview of the episode 03:50 Introduction to Audra and her business background 06:22 Challenges with scope and budget expectations 12:05 The origin of the budget roadmap concept 13:51 Explaining the budget roadmap to clients 17:44 Presenting material selections without markup 19:49 Tracking budget changes through revisions 27:36 Finalizing the project budget and client approval 30:47 Reducing change orders and maintaining profitability 33:41 Handling scope changes and client control 37:16 Wrapping up and key takeaways from the episode

August 27, 202630 min

Kyle's Reminders from The Rise Conference

Running a great remodeling business is not about one magic bullet. It is a combination of a lot of little things done consistently well! Coming off the Rise Conference 2026, Kyle shares several ideas and reminders from the two days spent with 100+ remodelers. From thinking through what your biggest constraint is right now, to how delegation can unlock growth, to why tracking the right KPIs matters more than tracking everything, Rise 2026 was full of great sessions and ways you can strengthen your remodeling business. There was no shortage of great content and even better conversation and Kyle is already looking forward to making 2027 even better! Explore real client results and case studies at Contractor Growth Network Results , learn how they help remodelers build marketing that works at Contractor Growth Network, and check out their Podcast for weekly insights designed to help remodelers grow smarter. 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! Key Takeaways Systematic marketing of projects to local neighborhoods Importance of post-project reviews Using story selling to build trust Implementing EOS for business management Tracking KPIs for project success Batching tasks to improve focus Adjusting gross profit margins for profitability Building a strong team through training and delegation The power of peer groups and roundtables Mindset shifts for overcoming challenges

August 20, 202646 min

How to Hire Better and Build a Stronger Remodeling Team

Finding great people is one of the biggest challenges remodelers face, but the answer isn't posting another job ad and hoping the right person comes along. In this episode, Kyle is joined by Justin Landry of JL Talent Solutions and Peer Group Coach Bryan Sebring for a practical conversation about creating a more intentional hiring process. Bryan shares how his approach to hiring has changed after working with Justin and why slowing down has helped him avoid costly hiring mistakes. They dig into what a strong recruiting process actually looks like, from defining the role before you start searching to using assessments and structured interviews to better understand each candidate. Justin also explains why the right people are out there, even when it feels impossible to find them, and how looking beyond the usual job boards can open up a much stronger candidate pool. If hiring has felt rushed, frustrating, or inconsistent in your remodeling business, this episode will help you think differently about how you find people and set them up to succeed! Running a remodeling company can feel lonely, but you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. The Remodelers On The Rise Peer Groups connect you with non-competing remodelers who understand the challenges you’re facing and are committed to helping each other grow. Learn more at https://remodelersontherise.com/live-training-events-for-remodelers/remodelers-peer-group/ 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! Key Takeaways Building clear role definitions Implementing a systematic hiring process Using assessments like DISC and preview Creating a strong onboarding experience Fostering a positive company culture Leadership and conflict resolution in teams The importance of patience in hiring Using data and science in recruitment Onboarding best practices for success Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:10 Start with the end in mind in hiring 02:07 Justin Landry introduces JL Talent Solutions 04:46 Brian Sebring shares his background and path to Justin 08:25 The importance of patience in hiring 10:15 Justin explains the vetting process and assessments 13:25 Proactive vs reactive hiring strategies 16:34 Best practices for posting and attracting candidates 18:47 Using data science and assessments to select candidates 22:42 Effective interview questions and techniques 30:57 The significance of clear role definitions 35:58 Onboarding best practices and 30-60-90 plan 40:56 Leadership, culture, and team integration 42:46 Continuous improvement and learning in hiring

August 14, 202652 min

How One Remodeler Is Practically Using AI

AI isn't just about writing emails or asking ChatGPT a few questions. When it's thoughtfully integrated into your business, it can become a practical tool that saves time and helps your team work more efficiently. This week, Kyle sits down with Jeremy Maher of Phoenix Home Remodeling to talk about how his team is actually using AI in the business. Jeremy shares real workflows they've built to reduce repetitive work and get more value from the information they're already collecting. You'll also hear how AI has become part of their sales process. Jeremy even shares how his team is using it to handle missed calls more effectively. If you've been wondering what AI can actually look like inside a remodeling company, this episode gives you a practical look at what Jeremy's team is doing and what they've learned along the way. JobTread helps remodelers bring estimating, scheduling, job costing, and invoicing into one connected system, so they can clearly see where jobs stand and what’s actually profitable. We’ve watched members move from guessing to confidently knowing their numbers, which leads to better pricing, planning, and leadership. If you’re ready for better systems and better decisions, learn more at jobtread.com . 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! Key Takeaways AI integration in remodeling Automation of client communication and project management Using AI for call analysis and employee coaching Automating review collection and reputation management Leveraging AI for pre-visit prep and scope of work creation Remote team management and outsourcing in construction Adapting AI tools for business growth and efficiency Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jeremy Maher and AI in Remodeling 02:00 Jeremy's background and how he got into AI 04:02 The importance of strategy before automation 06:00 Using AI to enhance customer journey and communication 07:49 Voice AI for call handling and appointment scheduling 13:48 Automated client photo collection process 20:52 AI-generated pre-visit prep and scope of work 26:57 AI analysis of employee performance and coaching 35:05 Automated review management and reputation building 44:07 Role-specific GPTs for team productivity 50:01 Outsourcing and managing remote teams with AI 50:51 Final thoughts and encouragement for remodelers

August 6, 20261 hr 11 min

Building Something Bigger Than Remodeling

Great remodeling companies aren't built by accident. They're built through intentional leadership, clear values, and a commitment to serving both your team and your clients. This week, Kyle sits down with Jimmy Moore of Petra Custom Builders, a longtime Builder Funnel client, to talk about the principles that have shaped his company from day one. They discuss creating a culture people want to be part of, why servant leadership matters, building core values that actually guide decisions, and how investing in marketing has given Jimmy's team the freedom to be more selective about the projects they take on. If you're trying to build a company that lasts, this conversation is full of practical ideas that go far beyond remodeling. Jimmy's experience is also a great example of what can happen when remodelers treat marketing as a long term investment and partner with a team like Builder Funnel. 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. 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! Key Takeaways Jimmy Moore's transition from remodeler to builder The importance of core values and culture The role of intentionality and discipline in leadership Strategic marketing and lead generation with BuilderFunnel The impact of consistent branding and content marketing Building a team that reflects company values The significance of pipeline management and ROI measurement The biblical inspiration behind Petra's name and mission Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Jimmy Moore's background 02:02 Jimmy's perspective on intentionality and discipline 04:05 The story behind Petra's name and mission 07:03 Leadership as service and building company culture 11:58 Jimmy's journey from a young remodeler to a business owner 17:02 The fulfillment found in impactful work 23:00 The evolution of Petra and its core values 27:06 Leadership qualities and servant leadership 35:51 Marketing strategy and partnership with BuilderFunnel 48:00 Results and ROI from BuilderFunnel's marketing efforts 01:00:05 Advice for business owners on marketing investment 01:08:10 The importance of culture and core values in business 01:10:01 Closing thoughts and final advice

July 30, 202659 min

Building a Company Clients Remember

Great client experiences don't happen by accident. They're built through dozens of intentional decisions before, during, and after every project. This week, Kyle sits down with Darin Kuns of DK Construction to share how his team has intentionally designed an experience that stands out. From customer confidence checkups and post-project interviews to thoughtful job site standards and small gestures that make clients feel valued, Darin explains how the little details create lasting trust. If you're looking for practical ideas on building a company people can't wait to recommend, this episode is packed with ideas you can start using right away. 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. 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! Key Takeaways Fix pre-construction bottlenecks Improve planning before production Delegate to increase capacity Track client confidence Create memorable client experiences Gather post-project feedback Set clear job-site standards Recognize and support employees Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Context 00:33 Celebrating 400 Episodes and Guest Suggestions 01:02 Highlighting Todd DeWalt and Construction Leading Edge 01:48 DK Construction's Market and Business Focus 02:11 Identifying Business Heartburns and Bottlenecks 03:07 Addressing Capacity and Process Challenges 04:22 Strategies for Smoother Project Handoffs 05:15 Handling Change Orders and Project Variances 06:04 Time Management and Capacity Planning 07:11 Setting Small Wins in Project Selection 07:53 Focusing on Capacity and Focused Work 08:56 Company History and Market Overview 11:01 Developing Client Relationships and Expectations 12:06 The Three Uniques of DK Construction 14:48 Employee Recruitment and Incentives 20:08 Client Experience and Customer Confidence 24:58 Enhancing Client Delight and Little Things 30:12 Implementing Client Feedback and Post-Project Surveys 34:50 Company Culture and Employee Recognition 39:58 Team Communication and Meeting Optimization 44:52 Signage and Job Site Respect 50:03 Letting Go of Control and Delegation 51:52 Building a High-Performance Team 55:00 Final Thoughts on Customer Service and Business Growth

July 23, 202624 min

Is It Ever Enough? A Conversation About Striving for More

Every business owner eventually runs into a question that has nothing to do with sales, marketing, or operations: Is it ever enough? This week, Kyle riffs on a conversation with a coaching client that led to a deeper discussion about ambition, contentment, and what success really looks like. He shares why entrepreneurs are wired to keep moving the goalposts and the importance of creating a business that supports the life you want to live instead of a business that takes over your life. If you've ever found yourself chasing the next milestone without stopping to ask why, this episode will give you plenty to think about. JobTread helps remodelers bring estimating, scheduling, job costing, and invoicing into one connected system, so they can clearly see where jobs stand and what’s actually profitable. We’ve watched members move from guessing to confidently knowing their numbers, which leads to better pricing, planning, and leadership. If you’re ready for better systems and better decisions, learn more at jobtread.com . 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! Key Takeaways • Define success on your own terms. • Ask if your business is supporting the life you want to live. • Stop constantly moving the goalposts. • Don't let business success come at the expense of your personal life. • Pursue financial security, not endless accumulation. • Run your own race instead of comparing yourself to others. • Give yourself grace and learn from past mistakes. • Revisit your "why" as your life and business evolve. Chapters 00:00 Kyle's Approach to Podcast Content and Riffing 01:01 Reflecting on a Recent Client Conversation 02:00 The Question: Is It Ever Enough? 02:59 The Impact of Age and Season of Life 03:57 Growth Culture and the 'More, More' Mindset 04:51 Evaluating if Your Business Supports Your Life 05:52 Success at Home vs. Business Growth 06:50 Designing a Business for Life Balance 08:13 Guarding Against Money and Materialism 09:12 The Importance of Contentment and Vision 10:06 Financial Goals and Retirement Planning 11:02 The Balance Between Growth and Peace 11:57 Practical Steps to Find Contentment 13:05 Reflecting on Personal and Business Priorities 14:00 Long-term Vision and Short-term Adjustments 14:56 Retirement Savings and Financial Security 15:46 Aligning Business Success with Personal Values 17:14 Healing Past Mistakes and Moving Forward 18:12 The Power of Responsibility and Grace 19:12 The Core Question: What Is Enough? 20:11 Running Your Race and Defining Success 21:07 Final Reflections and Personal Invitation

July 16, 20261 hr 0 min

Five Scenes from a Remodeling Business in 2026

Not every episode follows a single thread, and this one does not try to. Paul McManus of McManus Kitchen and Bath pulls back the curtain on navigating a down market, building a generous PTO policy that keeps great people around, rethinking his website from the ground up, using AI to strengthen process instead of replace it, and opening a brand new showroom with some genuinely creative ideas inside. If you want an honest look at how a seasoned remodeler is thinking and building right now, this one delivers. 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. 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! Key Takeaways Track lead flow and KPIs to anticipate market shifts. Use a flexible PTO policy to boost team loyalty. Invest in showroom expansion and new services. Leverage AI for process improvement and data organization. Focus on process improvement before adopting new AI tools. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and market overview for 2026 02:02 Current market challenges and lead flow issues 04:11 Financial management and preparing for a down year 06:08 Using KPIs to anticipate market trends 07:57 PTO policies and employee engagement 12:00 Website strategies and copywriting tips 20:02 Embracing AI and process automation 38:00 Showroom expansion and new service offerings 50:05 Future market opportunities and growth areas 57:55 Closing thoughts and key takeaways

July 9, 202647 min

The Most Important Page on Your Website

Effective websites sell your projects before a prospect ever picks up the phone! This week, Kyle sat down with Logan Shinholser of Contractor Growth Network to dig into why featured project pages have become the centerpiece of every website CGN builds. They cover what needs to go on these pages to actually build trust, how to use them in your sales conversations before you ever sit down with a client, and why great photography is still the single most important investment you can make in your marketing. If you want your marketing to do a better job of attracting the right clients, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can start using right away! Explore real client results and case studies at Contractor Growth Network Results , learn how they help remodelers build marketing that works at Contractor Growth Network, and check out their Podcast for weekly insights designed to help remodelers grow smarter. 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! Key Takeaways Featured project pages build trust faster than photo galleries. Document what makes your company different. Tell the homeowner's story, not just the remodeler's. Use featured projects throughout your sales process. Show the design journey—not just the finished result. Focus on the projects you want more of. Professional photography is one of your best marketing investments. Specific examples sell better than generic claims. Chapters 00:00 Intro & Welcome 05:18 Why Marketing Remodeling Is Different 08:20 Why Featured Project Pages Matter 13:56 What Makes a Great Project Page 15:37 Choosing the Right Projects to Feature 21:33 How Project Pages Improve Sales Conversations 24:56 Why Professional Photography Matters 32:20 A Better Way to Showcase Before & After Transformations 39:55 Marketing Lessons Every Remodeler Should Apply 42:14 The Two Marketing Assets Every Remodeler Needs 44:27 Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

July 2, 202625 min

Time Kills Deals! Reducing Design & Project Development Timeframe

Most remodelers know they need to move faster through Design and Project Development. Fewer know exactly where the time is going or how to get it back. Kyle walks through specific ideas for reducing cycle time, from building out a Design & Project Development schedule to setting clear client expectations up front, so your projects keep moving and your pipeline stays healthy! JobTread helps remodelers bring estimating, scheduling, job costing, and invoicing into one connected system, so they can clearly see where jobs stand and what’s actually profitable. We’ve watched members move from guessing to confidently knowing their numbers, which leads to better pricing, planning, and leadership. If you’re ready for better systems and better decisions, learn more at jobtread.com . 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! Key Takeaways Time kills deals. Faster design and development leads to more signed contracts. Measure your design-to-contract cycle time. Create a structured design and development schedule. Set expectations that major decisions happen before construction begins. Hold weekly client meetings to maintain momentum. Always schedule the next meeting before ending the current one. Limit the number of active design projects to protect capacity. Simplify client decisions and clearly communicate budget impacts and changes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Topic Overview 02:08 Understanding Cycle Time in Project Development 04:05 Strategies for Reducing Cycle Time 07:01 Setting Clear Expectations with Clients 08:59 Effective Client Engagement Strategies 11:54 Managing Project Capacity and Expectations 14:47 Streamlining Design Choices for Clients 18:10 Utilizing Technology for Communication 21:03 Budget Management and Client Transparency