Remodelers On The Rise

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle sits down with his son, Thomas Hunt, for a candid and entertaining conversation about what it's like to run a painting business at just 19 years old. From cold calls and hiring friends to the unforgettable moment when his crew painted the wrong house, Thomas shares the highs, lows, and hard-earned lessons of managing a $100K student-run business. Whether you're mentoring young leaders, running a seasonal crew, or just need a reminder that mistakes can still lead to momentum, this episode is packed with practical insights and a few laughs along the way. ----- Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Visit Contractor Growth Network to see how they help remodelers like you build marketing that works. And for weekly insights that actually move the needle, tune into their podcast: https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/podcast/ Want to hear more about Contractor Growth Network in action? Check out our June episode, Moving Beyond DIY Marketing. In it, Peter Ranney from RanneyBlairWeidmann shares why he trusted CGN and how they helped his website generate more referral-quality leads for his Design Build Firm. ----- 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! ----- Takeaways Kyle was inspired to join Student Painters after a class talk. The interview process was extensive and professional. Marketing is crucial for success in the painting business. Sales techniques involve building rapport with clients. Support from mentors is invaluable in entrepreneurship. Failures can lead to significant learning experiences. Time management was a key area of growth for Kyle. The trades offer valuable career opportunities. Kyle's summer experience boosted his confidence in business. Entrepreneurship can be a viable path for young people. ----- Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Hunt Family Dynamics 03:58 Thomas's Journey with Student Painters 07:11 The Preseason: Training and Preparation 09:54 Marketing Strategies and Insights 13:20 Sales Techniques and Relationship Building 16:07 Support from Young Entrepreneurs Across America 25:20 Reflections on the Summer Experience 26:49 The Lightning Round Begins 28:28 Epic Failures and Lessons Learned 31:46 Building Rapport and Overcoming Challenges 32:13 Self-Discovery Through Hard Work 33:37 Revenue Goals and Business Realities 35:31 Struggles with Team Management 36:55 The Importance of Organization 39:06 Understanding the Value of Hard Work 41:24 Reflections on College vs. Real-World Experience 43:20 Gaining Confidence in Entrepreneurial Skills 46:32 Perceptions of the Trades Among Peers 51:43 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of Remodelers On The Rise, Kyle Hunt is joined by Bryan Williams of Squirrel Solutions to talk all things onboarding. From prepping before day one to setting clear expectations and leveraging self-learning tools, Bryan walks through a simple, practical nine-step onboarding framework remodelers can apply right away. You'll also hear why great onboarding isn't just about forms and checklists—it's about culture, connection, and setting your new hires (and your business) up to thrive. If you're about to hire or want to improve how you bring new team members into your remodeling business, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas and tools. Looking to strengthen your onboarding process? Squirrel Solutions is offering a free Onboarding Starter Guide designed to help remodelers create a smooth, professional, and engaging first-week experience for new team members. Inside, you'll find practical tips and checklists to set clear expectations, build confidence, and set employees up for long-term success. Download your free guide here! ----- 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! ----- Takeaways Onboarding is an underappreciated skill in remodeling businesses. Proper onboarding can significantly improve employee retention. Pre-onboarding communication helps ease new hires' anxiety. Budgeting for onboarding is crucial for effective training. Defining core expectations involves the entire team, not just one person. Leveraging self-learning tools can save time and resources. Regularly reviewing job descriptions ensures they remain relevant. Setting clear goals for new hires fosters a productive culture. Collecting feedback on the onboarding process is essential for improvement. A strong conclusion to onboarding can leave a lasting positive impression. ----- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:30 The Importance of Onboarding 09:44 Pre-Onboarding Strategies 14:43 Budgeting for Onboarding 17:47 Defining Core Expectations 20:11 Leveraging Self-Learning Tools 26:05 Reviewing Job Descriptions 32:36 Setting Goals and Collecting Feedback 37:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle, Bailey, and Kassi share highlights from the recent Rise Conference. From roundtables that sparked powerful conversations to breakout sessions on AI and marriage, they reflect on moments of learning, laughter, and even tears. You'll hear about community connections, sponsors, standout sessions, and a surprise new employee benefit—plus a big announcement about the 2026 Rise Conference. ----- Thank you to our RISE Conference Sponsors: CGN (Contractor Growth Network) Builder Funnel JobTread DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Contractor in Charge Squirrel Solutions Seabrook Design Co. ----- 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! ----- Takeaways The Rise Conference had over a hundred attendees and multiple breakout sessions. The three I's of the conference were Ideas, Inspiration, and Implementation. Engagement during roundtables was high, with attendees sharing valuable insights. Feedback from attendees highlighted the positive energy and collaborative culture. A new employee benefit was introduced: a tattoo stipend for team members. Future events are planned, including an implementation check-in call and another Rise Conference in 2026. The importance of community among remodelers was emphasized throughout the conference. Attendees left with actionable ideas and commitments to implement in their businesses. The hosts shared personal stories and moments that made the conference memorable. The podcast encourages creativity in employee benefits and community building. ----- Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Rise Conference Recap 03:05 Key Themes and Highlights of the Conference 06:11 Standout Moments and Personal Stories 08:57 Engagement and Community Building 12:00 Implementation and Action Plans 15:01 Feedback and Future Directions 22:42 Exploring the Henry Ford Museum and Attendee Feedback 23:59 The Importance of Focus and Implementation 26:00 Positive Energy and Culture at the Conference 27:03 Stepping Out of Comfort Zones 27:52 New Employee Benefits and Team Bonding 29:55 Creative Employee Benefits: The Tattoo Stipend 34:00 Looking Ahead: Future Conferences and Offerings

Recorded live in front of an energetic and idea-filled crowd at the first-ever RISE Conference, this episode captures the real-time laughs, insights, and off-the-cuff wisdom of Kyle Hunt. From basketball stories and trumpet solos gone wrong to deep dives on estimating, hiring, and the heart behind how much is enough, this live Q&A hits both the practical and personal sides of remodeling business ownership. Plus, you'll hear: Why gray socks might be Kyle's golf superpower The lessons of playing it safe in business—and what finally pushed Kyle to grow Insights on brilliant jerks, design-to-production breakdowns, and raising a teenage entrepreneur An emotional tribute to the clients and community that made the RISE Conference possible Let's just say—next year's live podcast might need a video camera. ----- Thank you to our RISE Conference Sponsors: CGN (Contractor Growth Network) Builder Funnel JobTread DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Contractor in Charge Squirrel Solutions Seabrook Design Co. Also highlighted in this episode: Homes for Hope – a nonprofit organization fighting global poverty through microfinancing and training in partnership with the building industry. Learn more at homes4hope.org ----- 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! ----- Takeaways This conference is not about me. It's about you. Building a remodeling business is a long-term game. I have not been a very heavy risk. Charging for design and project development has a positive ripple effect. How much is enough? Brilliant jerks need to change from brilliant jerks to brilliant, not as jerky. The quality of your team is a huge indicator of success. Every moment is holy and should be cherished. Think differently about a showroom to enhance client experience. I get emotional easily when expressing gratitude.  ---- Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Rise Conference 00:09 Kickoff of the Live Podcast Recording 01:12 Reflections on the Conference Experience 06:12 Personal Stories and Lessons Learned 08:45 Business Growth and Hiring Strategies 10:33 Operational Changes for Efficiency 13:13 Understanding Financial Goals 15:27 Client Relationships and Marketing 16:45 Estimating and Project Management 19:52 Strengthening Design to Production Connections 21:43 Promoting from Within vs. Hiring Externally 24:34 Golf Game and Personal Growth 27:23 Coaching and Improvement in Business 28:31 Exciting Raffle Drawings 30:38 Unreasonable Hospitality in Business 32:39 Nonprofit Impact in the Building Industry 33:49 Engaging with Sponsors and Partners 36:14 Maintaining Energy at Conferences 36:40 Addressing Team Negativity 40:38 Creating a Positive Work Environment 43:26 The Role of Showrooms in Business 46:11 Future Plans and Peer Groups 47:44 Kyle's Journey to Business Coaching 50:23 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Moments 56:41 Gratitude and Closing Remarks

In this episode of Remodelers On The Rise, Kyle sits down with Todd and Jill Johnson of Holly Home Renovations. Together, they share the story of how a talented craftsman and a physical therapist teamed up to start and grow a successful remodeling business focused on historic renovations in Minnesota. You'll hear how they've implemented systems step by step, embraced financial clarity, defined roles clearly, and built a business that supports their life—not the other way around. If you're thinking about bringing your spouse into the business or looking for inspiration on how to align your business with your personal values and goals, this one's for you. Tune in and take away practical ideas to strengthen your own remodeling business. ----- Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Visit Contractor Growth Network to see how they help remodelers like you build marketing that works. And for weekly insights that actually move the needle, tune into their podcast: https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/podcast/ ----- 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! ----- Takeaways Your website should reflect your unique value proposition. Building trust with clients starts before the first call. Establishing clear roles in a partnership is crucial. Financial clarity is essential for business success. Utilizing technology can streamline operations. Community support can enhance business growth. Setting boundaries helps maintain work-life balance. Continuous improvement is key to operational efficiency. Defining your target market can lead to better projects. Contentment in business can lead to sustainable growth. ----- Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Holly Home Renovations 02:57 The Origin Story of Holly Home 09:46 Navigating Challenges and Growth 14:15 Establishing Financial Systems 22:54 Implementing Job Management Software 24:48 Financial Clarity and Business Transformation 27:33 Defining Roles and Responsibilities 35:01 Establishing Boundaries Between Work and Family 39:14 Building a Community in Remodeling 40:28 Vision for the Future of the Business

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle sits down with Dan Ford of Ford Custom Renovations for an honest and insightful conversation about the evolution of his remodeling business. Daniel shares how he went from hustling in the field to building a thriving team, making key shifts like getting off the tools, understanding his numbers, investing in culture, and finding balance between work and family. If you're a remodeler working hard but wondering what's next, this episode is packed with relatable stories and practical lessons to help you take your business, and leadership, to the next level. ----- 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! ----- Takeaways: Build a business with intention, not just a job that keeps you busy. Create a clear vision and company culture that people want to be part of. Understand your numbers—especially job costing and gross profit—to make smarter decisions and grow sustainably. Invest in coaching, peer support, and education to accelerate your growth as a leader. Recognize burnout early and take steps to prioritize health, family, and long-term sustainability. Practice servant leadership by listening well and helping your team grow. Leverage branding, video, and marketing to attract both ideal clients and top-tier employees. Pursue balance by building a business that thrives without relying on you for everything.

In this episode of Remodelers On The Rise, we're sharing a recent conversation where Kyle joined Curtis Lawson on the Your Project Shepherd podcast. Together, they dig into understanding financials, improving sales, building strong teams, and why coaching and peer groups can make all the difference. Curtis also shares some of his own hard-earned lessons as a remodeler and business owner. ----- Ready to connect, learn, and grow alongside other remodelers? Join us at the Rise Conference on August 5–6 for two days of practical insight, real conversations, and proven strategies to build a better remodeling business. Sign up here: https://remodelersontherise.com/rise/ ----- 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! ----- Takeaways The RISE Conference is designed to energize and inspire remodelers. Kyle Hunt has a rich background in remodeling and business coaching. Many remodelers excel in their craft but struggle with business skills. Peer groups provide invaluable support and accountability. Financial literacy is crucial for business success in remodeling. Coaching can significantly speed up the learning curve for remodelers. Leadership skills are essential as businesses grow and evolve. Marketing is a necessary investment for business growth. Identifying the next right step is key for business improvement. Community support can help overcome common struggles in the industry. ----- Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Remodelers on the Rise 02:52 Kyle's Journey in the Remodeling Industry 05:26 The Importance of Business Skills for Remodelers 08:43 Upcoming RISE Conference and Its Benefits 11:25 Understanding Different Types of Business Owners 14:30 The Value of Coaching and Peer Groups 17:44 Financial Literacy for Business Success 21:46 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned 24:38 Resources and Support for Remodelers 27:43 The Impact of Coaching on Performance 31:28 Understanding Financial Struggles in Remodeling 34:17 Sales Process Improvements for Success 35:41 The Importance of Marketing in Business Growth 39:43 Leadership Challenges in Business 46:47 Advice for Established and New Business Owners

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle sits down with Tony Hughes of Urban Refurbishment for an honest and inspiring conversation about stepping off the job site and stepping into true business ownership! Tony shares what it took to finally get off the tools after 12 years, how a team transition became the catalyst for real growth, and why he now tracks financials with enthusiasm (yes, really)! You'll hear how strategic hires, smart marketing (including a surprising use of permanent bracelets), and a clear vision helped Tony break past the million-dollar ceiling and build a business that empowers his team and supports his family. If you're stuck in the "do-it-all" phase and want to learn what it looks like to shift into leadership, this one's for you. ----- Today's episode is sponsored by Builder Funnel! They help remodelers grow through strategic digital marketing — and if you're ready to stop guessing and start growing, don't miss their Remodeler Growth Workshop this October 14–15 in Colorado Springs. This hands-on event will help you identify what's holding your business back and equip you with proven strategies in marketing, sales, culture, and AI. ROTR listeners get 1 year of Remodeler Growth Community+ FREE with registration. Spots are limited — grab yours now at builderfunnel.com/ROTR. ----- 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! ----- Takeaways Transitioning roles can be daunting but necessary for growth. Empowering team members can lead to greater business efficiency. Understanding financials is crucial for business success. Innovative marketing strategies can open new avenues for leads. A structured sales process can save time and energy. Building relationships with strategic partners is key. Setting clear financial goals can help overcome barriers. Effective communication with clients enhances trust and satisfaction. Investing in coaching can lead to significant business improvements. Maintaining a focus on company culture is essential for long-term success. ----- Chapters 00:00 Transitioning Roles in Business 10:12 Empowering Team Members 13:20 Financial Growth and Management 16:14 Innovative Marketing Strategies 19:10 Sales Process Evolution 21:59 Vision for the Future

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle sits down with Rob Fisher of Fisher Custom Builders for a refreshingly honest look at what it's like to start and grow a remodeling business from the ground up. Just three years in, Rob shares what sparked his entrepreneurial journey, the hard (and expensive) lessons he's learned about pricing and profit margins, and the steps he's taking to build a business that runs without him on-site every day. From mentorship and mindset to systems, sales, and stepping back from the tools, this conversation is packed with insights for any remodeler in the trenches asking, "Am I doing this right?" Spoiler: You're not alone—and Rob proves it. ----- Ready to connect, learn, and grow alongside other remodelers? Join us at the Rise Conference on August 5–6 for two days of practical insight, real conversations, and proven strategies to build a better remodeling business. Sign up here: https://remodelersontherise.com/rise/ ----- 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! ----- Takeaways The Rice Conference is a source of energy and inspiration. Building relationships is key in the remodeling business. Understanding financials is crucial for success. It took Rob two years to figure out his pricing strategy. Delegating responsibilities is essential for business growth. Mentorship can provide valuable insights and encouragement. Patience is necessary when building a business. Creating a positive work environment leads to better employee retention. Rob's journey reflects the common struggles of new entrepreneurs. Continuous learning and adaptation are vital for success. ----- Chapters 02:46 From Ministry to Remodeling: Rob's Path 05:45 Lessons from Phil: The Entrepreneurial Seed 08:58 Building Experience: The Early Years in Construction 12:01 The Reality of Business: Hard Work and Patience 14:53 Understanding Financials: The Importance of Margins 17:53 Sales Process: Tracking and Accountability 20:47 Implementing Changes: Design and Project Development 23:55 Final Thoughts: Confidence and Growth 26:50 Lessons Learned the Hard Way 29:03 Transitioning from Field to Office 30:20 Building a Team and Delegating Responsibilities 36:18 The Importance of Mentorship 42:05 Vision for the Future and Business Growth

In this episode, Peter Ranney of Ranney Blair Weidman Remodeling shares how he moved beyond DIY marketing and partnered with Contractor Growth Network (CGN) to create a website and marketing strategy that truly reflects his business. Peter and Kyle dive into the strategy-first approach CGN used to uncover ideal clients, address homeowner fears, and build trust through clear messaging, SEO, video, and featured project pages. If you're looking for a smarter, more holistic way to market your remodeling business, this conversation offers a real-world look at what's possible—and why it matters. Peter also shares common pain points homeowners face during the remodeling process—and how his team proactively solves them through communication, planning, and transparency. ----- Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Visit Contractor Growth Network to see how they help remodelers like you build marketing that works. And for weekly insights that actually move the needle, tune into their podcast: https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/podcast/ ----- 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! ----- Takeaways Marketing is essential for remodeling businesses. A strong online presence helps attract ideal clients. Education builds trust with potential clients. Understanding client fears is crucial for effective marketing. Content should address client needs and concerns. Strategy should precede tactics in marketing efforts. Emotional connections enhance client relationships. Video marketing can effectively convey messages. SEO is vital for generating leads. A unique selling proposition differentiates your business. ----- Chapters 01:51 The Importance of Marketing in Remodeling 03:13 Peter Ranney's Marketing Philosophy 04:55 Transitioning to CGN for Website Development 07:00 Understanding Client Needs and Fears 10:01 The Role of Education in Remodeling Marketing 12:58 Addressing Client Concerns Through Content 16:02 Strategy Before Tactics in Marketing 18:02 Creating an Emotional Journey for Clients 20:37 The Importance of Feature Projects 23:20 Showroom as a Marketing Differentiator 25:02 The Role of Video in Marketing 27:22 SEO Strategies and Results 32:50 Revamping Unique Selling Propositions 36:47 Tracking and Analytics for Improvement