Remodelers On The Rise

Hosted by Kyle Hunt

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407

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Oct 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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November 5, 202628 min

7 Things Smart Remodelers Will Do in 2027

What do the smartest remodelers have in common going into 2027? Kyle Hunt has coached hundreds of remodelers over the past 19 years. In this episode, he shares the seven habits, systems, and strategies he sees consistently in the strongest remodeling businesses. In 2027, Remodelers On The Rise will be looking at 7 things: clear vision, lead tracking, cycle time, slippage and grippage, team capacity, community, and building a business around your life instead of the other way around. If you're ready to stop winging it and start running a more profitable, more organized remodeling company in the new year, this episode is for you! Here are 3 Free Resources Remodelers On The Rise has to help grow your business: 5 Free Resources for Remodelers 5 Marketing Resources for Remodelers Join the Remodelers Community --- Key Takeaways Your life and your business that you're aiming for, that you're going for, it's not going to happen on accident. Micro speed, macro patience. One finished thing is better than 50 half finished things. Time kills deals. Book your next meeting before you leave that current meeting. Watch your slippage and grippage on each and every project. We do not want them to be running at 110% workload all the time. You don't have to go down this entrepreneur path alone. Build a business around the life that you want. Business does not need the great, great majority of our lives. --- Chapters 00:00 The 2027 priorities for smart remodelers 01:07 Set a clear vision and plan in quarters 05:00 Track lead sources and double down on what works 06:55 Measure cycle time to keep deals moving 11:15 Track slippage and grippage project by project 14:33 Know your team’s capacity and manage workload 19:16 Find a community that understands remodeling 22:39 Build a business around the life you want 25:03 How Remodelers on the Rise supports businesses

October 29, 202654 min

Running on EOS: Vision, Scorecards, and the Systems That Stick

Are you spending so much time managing the day-to-day of your remodeling business that you rarely have a chance to focus on where you're actually taking it? This week, Kyle sits down with Victor Lebegue of VL Builders in Lakewood, Colorado, to talk about how implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) has helped him build a more organized business with a team that's working toward the same goals. Victor shares what he's learned from years of implementing EOS, including how his company uses scorecards to measure performance, why clearly defined core values matter, and how quarterly goals keep important improvements from getting pushed aside when business gets busy. He also shares specific metrics VL Builders tracks and why you don't need to implement every part of EOS at once to start seeing results. Kyle and Victor also discuss what happens when your business starts running smoothly enough that you can step back, work fewer hours, and actually enjoy the freedom you've worked so hard to create. Whether you're just starting to build your team or looking for more structure in an established company, this episode offers practical ideas you can start putting to work in your remodeling business. --- 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 Implement EOS tools gradually, focusing on what your team needs most. Track a few meaningful numbers to measure performance and accountability. Document the processes that have the biggest impact on your business. Use Level 10 meetings to solve issues, not just share updates. Set focused quarterly priorities that move your business forward. Build systems that allow your business to thrive without requiring you to work 50+ hours a week. --- Chapters 00:00 A neighborhood-first marketing idea, then Victor joins 02:14 Relentless improvement and avoiding chaos for excitement 06:23 Learning to rest after years of long workweeks 09:37 A monthly three-day weekend as an employee benefit 12:11 VL Builders' mission and Victor's EOS journey 17:45 EOS vision: values, purpose, and a ten-year target 24:16 Scorecards that make performance and decisions concrete 27:04 Tracking budget variance, leads, and design timelines 35:01 Keep processes lean and protect creative bandwidth 36:47 Level 10 meetings, issue-solving, and adapting EOS 39:49 Quarterly rocks turn annual plans into progress 44:15 Start small: build values, useful data, and fit-for-size meetings 47:36 Use your leadership strengths without pretending to be someone else 50:19 Choose one system to improve and start there

October 22, 202642 min

ADHD and Your Business: How to Work With Your Brain, Not Against It

Running a remodeling business requires a lot of focus, but what happens when your brain is constantly pulling you in different directions? This week, Kyle sits down with Skye Waterson, founder of Unconventional Organisation and host of the ADHD Skills Lab podcast, to talk about the unique challenges and strengths that come with being a business owner with ADHD. Skye shares practical strategies for managing distractions, figuring out what actually deserves your attention, and getting important work done when focusing doesn't come naturally. They also discuss why traditional productivity advice doesn't always work for people with ADHD and how hiring the right team members can help business owners stay organized without having to manage every detail themselves. Whether you have ADHD or simply struggle to stay focused with everything happening in your business, this conversation offers some fresh ideas for approaching your work in a way that makes sense for you. --- Want to learn more about Skye Waterson's ADHD-friendly strategies for business owners? Visit Unconventional Organisation to learn more about Skye's coaching and resources, or check out her ADHD Skills Lab podcast. Get Skye's Free Prioritization Filter: Send the word “prioritize” in a direct message to @unconventionalorganisation on Instagram. Skye will share the prioritization tools discussed in this episode to help you identify what actually needs your attention. --- 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 ADHD in adults and entrepreneurs Prioritization and focus techniques Time blindness and working memory challenges Building effective systems and teams Strategies for consistent revenue growth The role of environment and sensory stacking in focus Hiring and onboarding support for ADHD Decision-making and overcoming rumination --- Chapters 00:00 Introduction to ADHD and Business Challenges 01:56 Skye's Background and Personal Journey 04:03 ADHD Traits and Entrepreneurial Strengths 07:02 Focus Strategies: Prioritization and Environment 12:01 Managing Time Blindness and Working Memory 17:03 Building Supportive Teams and Hiring for ADHD 22:59 Practical Tools: Focus Routine and Sensory Stacking 30:02 Supporting Business Growth with ADHD Strengths 35:53 How Skye Works with Business Owners 39:01 Final Tips and Resources for ADHD Entrepreneurs

October 15, 202629 min

My Remodeling Story: Creating a Remarkable Remodeling Experience from Day 1

As remodelers, you spend so much time guiding clients through their projects. But what happens when you're the one going through the remodeling process? In this solo episode, Kyle shares what he's learning while remodeling his own primary bathroom with a longtime client and local remodeler. From the initial design meetings and making selections to preparing for demolition and watching the first days of construction unfold, Kyle shares what stood out to him now that he's experiencing the process as a homeowner. He talks about why clear communication and realistic timelines matter so much, how overwhelming the selection process can feel, and the little things that make a big difference in the overall client experience. You'll also hear what his remodeler has done particularly well and a few areas where Kyle sees opportunities for improvement. --- If you're looking for ways to create a remarkable remodeling experience, you'll want to hear what Kyle has to say about this side of the process and how to make the first day set a positive tone for the entire project. --- 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 Client experience and communication Design and development process insights Project management and capacity planning Importance of upfront selections and clear schedules Lessons learned from Kyle's remodeling project --- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and overview of Kyle's remodeling project 01:48 The importance of knowing your numbers in remodeling 04:12 How remarkable client experiences lead to more projects 06:07 Choosing the right designer and setting a budget 09:00 The value of initial design concepts and early communication 11:55 Managing capacity and avoiding overwhelm in design development 14:45 Breaking down selections and guiding clients through choices 18:09 The significance of upfront selections and detailed scope of work 21:07 Effective communication and pre-construction planning 24:10 Progress updates, site visits, and client reassurance 27:00 Final thoughts and encouragement for remodelers

October 8, 202646 min

Delegate and Elevate: How to Get More Off Your Plate

If everything in your remodeling business still has to run through you, eventually you become the bottleneck. This week, Kyle sits down with Curtis Lawson, a Remodelers on the Rise Coach and owner of Crafted Custom Homes, to walk through the Delegate and Elevate exercise and how remodelers can use it to take a closer look at where their time is actually going. Curtis explains how to identify the work you should keep doing, what needs to be handed off, and why even the things you're good at may be holding you back if they continue taking up your time and energy. They also talk about what effective delegation actually looks like once you decide to let something go, including clearer roles, better job descriptions, training your team, and creating the accountability needed to make sure the work gets done. --- If you're tired of being the person everyone calls and your business still depends too heavily on you, this episode will help you start creating more space for yourself while giving your team room to grow! --- 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 The origin of the delegate and elevate exercise from EOS How to identify tasks to delegate using the four quadrants The importance of organizational charts and job descriptions Strategies for effective delegation and feedback loops The impact of head trash on business growth and mindset Using technology for handwritten notes and client communication The role of happiness and work-life balance in business success --- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest overview 01:15 Curtis shares the origin of the delegate and elevate exercise 04:01 The importance of removing head trash for growth 09:29 Introduction to the delegate and elevate quadrants 14:24 How to list and categorize daily tasks 17:38 Using the exercise to identify delegation opportunities 22:48 Handling delegation challenges and feedback 36:30 Applying percentages and capacity analysis 44:21 Final thoughts on happiness and work-life balance

October 1, 202632 min

6 Ideas From Inside Remodelers Community

Some of the best business ideas come from seeing what other remodelers are working through in their own companies. In this solo episode, Kyle pulls six ideas from recent conversations and posts inside the Remodelers Community. He shares how one remodeler turned a missed permit into a better process, a different way to think about accountability with your team, and why you might want to revisit an old business book instead of picking up the newest one. He also talks about finding the right place for AI in your business, actually implementing the ideas you bring home from a conference, and taking time to think about where you want your business to be three years from now. If you’re looking for a few practical ideas to take back to your remodeling business this week, there’s plenty in this episode to get you thinking. --- 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 Process refinement and accountability in remodeling Revisiting impactful business books for growth Smart use of AI in estimating and project management Setting clear outcomes for team members Strategic idea implementation from conferences --- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and overview of today's insights 02:46 A story about permit process mistakes and lessons learned 06:14 Why you should re-read impactful business books 08:24 Six principles from 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' 11:11 Defining accountability as agreed-upon outcomes 13:33 Using AI for marketing and estimating—when to rely on templates 16:33 Implementing ideas from the Rise Conference effectively 19:24 The importance of focus and follow-up in business growth 21:49 Reflecting on business progress and setting future goals 22:18 Dreaming three years ahead and strategic planning 23:54 Resources and services offered by Remodelers on the Rise 30:56 Closing remarks and next steps for listeners

September 24, 202646 min

Remodelers Need an Exit Strategy

Do you have an exit strategy? David Lupberger has asked that question in rooms full of contractors and rarely gets more than two hands in the air. Kyle sits down with David, founder of Contractor Transition Strategies, to talk through what it actually takes to build a business with the end in mind, from identifying your successor to closing the asset gap to understanding what your business is actually worth. You can join David for his four-part webinar series starting September 30th here! 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 Timing of exit and transition planning Importance of less owner reliance for business value Valuation methods using EBITDA and multiples Successor development and key employee incentives Financial planning including asset gap and retirement savings Business continuity planning for unforeseen events Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and guest background 00:10 Kyle and David's history and mastermind experience 00:19 The importance of planning for business transition 00:23 Key questions for transition planning: when, asset gap, successor 00:29 Valuation basics: EBITDA and multiples 00:37 Strategies to increase business value and recurring revenue 00:43 Options for sale: third-party, key employee, owner financing 00:44 Legal and tax considerations in transition 01:14 Designing your retirement lifestyle and planning ahead 01:35 The importance of a business continuity plan 02:03 Final thoughts and encouragement for proactive planning

September 17, 202646 min

Your People Aren’t The Problem, Your Systems Might Be.

When good employees leave or your team isn't performing the way you hoped, it's easy to assume you have a people problem. But what if the real issue is the systems behind them? This week, Kyle sits down with Ryan Englin of Core Matters to talk about what it takes to build a team that can succeed without the owner constantly stepping in. Ryan shares why turnover often starts with the systems inside the business and explains the difference between accountability and micromanagement. They also dig into why traditional performance reviews tend to fall short in the trades and how clearer expectations can make leadership a whole lot easier. If you want a team that knows what success looks like and can take more ownership without you hovering over every decision, this conversation will give you some practical places to start. 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 Turnover as a system problem, not a people problem Implementing pulse surveys for employee engagement Defining clear job descriptions and expectations Difference between accountability and micromanagement Using KPIs and real-time tracking for performance The role of systems in reducing turnover Effective communication and performance feedback The importance of caring for your team Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Building Better Teams in Remodeling 01:51 Turnover as a System Problem, Not a People Problem 04:02 The Power of Pulse Surveys for Engagement 09:00 Defining Clear Job Descriptions and Expectations 15:53 Understanding Accountability vs Micromanagement 23:03 Using KPIs and Real-Time Data for Performance 30:01 Why Performance Reviews Fail and What Replaces Them 39:01 Introducing Fieldcon.io for Performance Management 43:51 Caring for Your People and Building Trust

September 10, 20261 hr 6 min

How to Actually Use AI in Your Remodeling Business with Eric Fortenberry

This episode is a rebroadcast of a webinar Eric Fortenberry presented for the Remodelers on the Rise community. Kyle is joined by Eric, founder and CEO of JobTread, to discuss practical ways contractors can start using AI in their businesses. Eric explains how tools like Claude can connect with JobTread and use the information already inside your business to help take repetitive work off your plate. Throughout the webinar, Eric shares real examples of contractors already using AI in the field and in the office. You’ll hear how AI can help build an estimate before you leave a client’s house, turn jobsite notes into a polished daily log, catch potential issues in your budgets, and help you get more out of the information you already have in JobTread. The goal isn’t to overhaul your entire business overnight. Start with one task that takes too much of your time and see where AI can help. 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 construction management Practical use cases of AI in remodeling Best practices for AI prompting and safety Connecting AI to JobTread via MCP Using AI for estimating, scheduling, and reporting Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI's impact on construction management 02:08 Kyle and Eric discuss practical AI use cases 04:12 How to connect AI tools to JobTread 07:03 Best practices for prompting and safety with AI 10:13 Using AI for estimating, scheduling, and daily logs 14:57 Creating reports and analyzing data with AI 20:01 AI for vendor management and email automation 25:12 Training and customizing AI for your business 29:57 The importance of human oversight and ownership 35:14 Real-world examples of AI in action 39:57 Next steps for integrating AI into your business 45:06 Q&A and community insights

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