Home Remodeler Toolbox

Somewhere in your phone right now is a client from two years ago who absolutely loved what you built for them. Maybe even teared up at the final walkthrough. And since then? Nothing. No referrals. Your name never mentioned to a single neighbor or coworker who brought up renovating. Not because they didn’t love the work. Because nobody ever gave them a reason, a moment, or a mechanism to do anythin...

One bad review can quietly cost you $80,000 — and you'll never see it happen. Here's the math Bob walks through at the top of this episode: a single unanswered one-star review gets seen by two or three hundred homeowners actively shopping for a remodeler in your area over the next year. If even 15% of them quietly cross you off the list, that's 30 or 40 leads gone. No phone call, no fo...

1,500 Posts, 421 Followers: The Real Reason Your Content Isn't Generating Leads We do marketing for remodelers and builders for a living — so why does our own Instagram have over 1,500 posts and only 421 followers? In this episode, Bob Vance shares an uncomfortable, honest audit of his own company's marketing, and the blind spot he found that almost every remodeler shares. You'll learn...

Why your finished photos aren't what's winning you clients. Every remodeler posts the same thing: a beautiful after photo. But that photo only answers a question homeowners already assumed the answer to — "can you build something nice?" The real question they're asking (even if they never say it out loud) is: what happens when something goes wrong? In this episode, Bob breaks...

What If You Couldn't Give a Bid? The No-Estimate Challenge What would happen if a law passed tomorrow banning written estimates — no line items, no ballpark numbers, no spreadsheets? Could you still close the deal on nothing but trust, expertise, and how you show up? In this episode, Bob Vance breaks down why so many remodelers get stuck competing on price alone — and how that "remodeling...

"I Didn't Realize I Was Six Months From Feeling Exposed" Most remodeling companies don't fail when they're struggling. They get vulnerable when they're comfortable. In this episode of Home Remodeler Toolbox, Bob Vance breaks down the real cost of waiting — not the dramatic kind, but the quiet, compounding kind that shows up months later when you least expect it. If you&#3...

PROFIT is a common problem for remodeling businesses to have. In this episode of the Home Remodeler Toolbox Podcast , Bob Vance sits down with Kyle Hunt , founder of Remodelers on the Rise, to uncover the biggest mistakes keeping remodeling companies from reaching their full potential. Drawing from nearly two decades of coaching hundreds of remodelers, Kyle shares the practical strategies that hel...

In this episode of Home Remodeler Toolbox , host Bob Vance breaks down one of the most common misconceptions in the remodeling industry: that growth is simply a lead problem. Instead of focusing only on generating more inquiries, Bob explains why most remodelers are actually dealing with a pipeline problem—and how structure, not volume, is what drives predictable revenue. Bob walks through what a...

In this episode of Home Remodeler Toolbox , host Bob Vance sits down with Ethan Bickley , President and CEO of The Blue Collar Recruiter & Virtual Trade School, to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing contractors today: finding, hiring, and keeping skilled tradespeople. Ethan shares how his background in the Army, private security, operations, and recruiting shaped his approach to h...

In this episode of Home Remodeler Toolbox, host Bob Vance tackles a topic that’s often overlooked but critical to long-term success: company culture. He breaks down why culture isn’t just “fluffy HR talk,” but the foundation behind strong teams, better project outcomes, and a more profitable remodeling business. From reducing turnover to improving client experiences, Bob explains how culture impac...

In this episode of Home Remodeler Toolbox , host Bob Vance dives into the big question remodelers are asking right now: Is AI a friend or just another passing fad? He breaks down what artificial intelligence actually is, how it’s already shaping marketing, and why it should be viewed as a powerful assistant, not a replacement for your craftsmanship or experience. Bob shares practical ways remodele...

In this episode of Home Remodeler Toolbox , host Bob Vance sits down with Erin Dougherty, co-owner of Distinctive Design+Build+Remodel in Charlotte, North Carolina, to explore her transition from a decade-long career in TV news production to leadership in the remodeling industry. Erin shares how early exposure to historic home restoration shaped her passion, how she navigated a career shift after...

In this episode of Home Remodeler Toolbox , host Bob Vance talks with Heather Luhn, Associate Vice President at the Home Builders Institute (HBI), about one of the construction industry’s biggest challenges: workforce development. Heather breaks down how HBI, the nonprofit workforce training arm of the NAHB, prepares individuals for careers in the trades through programs like Job Corps, military t...

In this episode of The Home Remodeler Toolbox Podcast, I sit down with David Michelson of Alair Homes Decatur, and his story is one every remodeler should hear. David shares how his family’s building legacy (dating back to 1896! ) shaped his path, and why he ultimately transformed Renewal Design Build into an Alair franchise. His biggest insight? Most builders never get a real exit strategy… and p...

In this episode of The Home Remodeler Toolbox Podcast, host Bob welcomes Monica Lewis, President and Partner at J.S. Brown and Company, to discuss her 23-year journey from interior design graduate to executive leadership. Monica shares how her early experience in lighting, plumbing, and cabinetry showrooms built a strong foundation that led her into design sales, management, and ultimately her rol...

In this episode of The Home Remodeler Toolbox Podcast, host Bob sits down with Eric Goranson, Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD), long-time consultant, and home improvement media personality, to unpack the strategies and lessons learned over his 35-year career spanning design, media, and business. With over 35 years in the kitchen and bath industry, Eric offers a rare perspective on the realities of...

In this episode of The Home Remodeler Toolbox Podcast, host Bob Vance sits down with Eric Peschke, Vice President of Marketing at Zintex Remodeling Group, to unpack the strategies that helped Zintex scale into 32 markets across 10 states. With over 14 years of experience on both the manufacturer and retail sides of home improvement, Eric offers a rare perspective on vendor relationships, lead gene...

Finding and keeping great people is one of the toughest challenges remodelers face—and it’s often the difference between growth and stagnation. In this episode of  The Home Remodeler Toolbox Podcast , Bob Vance sits down with Jody Underhill, founder of Talent on Tap, to unpack why recruiting today is less about job postings and more about marketing your company to the right candidates. With a mark...

In this episode of The Home Remodeler Toolbox Podcast , host Bob Vance sits down with Al Levi, founder of The 7 Power Contractor and a nationally recognized business coach for the trades. With decades of experience growing his own multi-service family business, Al has helped contractors across the country streamline operations, increase profits, and build companies that run smoothly — without cons...

In this episode of The Home Remodeler Toolbox Podcast, host Bob Vance sits down with Jonathan Mast, founder of White Beard Strategies and a leading expert in AI-powered marketing for contractors and remodelers. With a background in business systems and digital strategy, Jonathan has helped thousands of home service companies simplify their marketing, boost profits, and save time using AI tools tha...

In this episode of The Home Remodeler Toolbox Podcast , host Bob Vance sits down with Kristen and Michelle, the powerhouse duo behind Remodel Boutique in Austin, Texas. What began as a real estate side hustle quickly evolved into a full-fledged design-build firm known for its creative, family-focused remodels and inclusive approach to construction. Kristen and Michelle share how they transitioned...

In this episode of The Home Remodeler Toolbox Podcast, host Bob Vance sits down with business coach John Nieuwenburg to explore what it really takes for trades entrepreneurs to grow beyond the daily grind. With decades of experience coaching HVAC techs, plumbers, electricians, and remodelers, John shares how business owners can shift from being technicians to becoming true CEOs of scalable, sellab...

In this episode of The Home Remodeler Toolbox Podcast , host Bob Vance sits down with James Freeman, CEO of PJ Fitzpatrick, to explore the secrets behind his company’s massive growth and industry-leading reputation. Named the #1 CEO in America for the Power 100 three years in a row, James shares his journey from overcoming self-doubt to scaling PJ Fitzpatrick from $25M to over $150M in revenue. Fr...

In this episode of The Home Remodeler Toolbox Podcast , host Bob Vance sits down with Anthony Lopez, Director of Business Development at NARI, to break down the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the remodeling industry. With the election behind us, how will the economy impact remodelers in 2025? Anthony shares insights from the Joint Center for Housing Studies’ Remodeling Futures Program...

In this episode of The Home Remodeler Toolbox Podcast , host Bob Vance sits down with industry veteran Frank Manzare to uncover his incredible journey from aspiring lawyer to leading a multi-million-dollar remodeling business. Frank shares how he built Statewide Remodeling from the ground up, scaling it to $58 million in annual revenue through smart marketing, strategic partnerships, and a relentl...