Builder Stories How to Build a $15M Remodeling Business That Runs Without You | Ken Combs of CQC Home
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Feb 4, 2026 Ken Combs, owner of CQC Home and builder-turned-coach who scaled a Raleigh design-build firm to $15M, shares his playbook. He discusses moving from hands-on labor to subcontracted crews, building SOPs and an org chart that let him step back. He also covers bringing design in-house, a showroom’s role, and a profit-aligned compensation model for project directors.
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From Laborer To $15M Design‑Build
- Ken Combs started as a 19-year-old laborer and taught himself carpentry while subcontracting staircases and porches.
- He later legitimatized the business by adding payroll, insurance, and formal operations to scale to $15M revenue.
Overhead Is The Hidden Cost
- Not understanding overhead made Ken undercharge and nearly run the business into the ground.
- Realizing true business costs forced him to price projects to support warranties and long-term service.
Make Labor Costs Controllable
- Subcontract fixed‑price teams to convert unpredictable in‑house labor into controllable costs.
- Give clear scopes and get fixed bids to protect margin and schedule predictability.