The Key to Building a Thriving Remodeling Business
Success doesn’t happen in isolation.

If you’re still trying to figure everything out by yourself—still scared to hire better people, still hesitant to invest in coaching, or still avoiding asking for help—then listen up.

The hard truth is, no one achieves greatness alone.

Every major breakthrough I’ve had in my life and business happened because I surrounded myself with people who were smarter, stronger, and more experienced than me. People who pushed me, taught me, and opened doors I couldn’t open by myself.

Today, I want to share the stories of the people who helped me become better—because if you’re trying to succeed solo, you’re holding yourself back.

Success Isn’t a Solo Journey
There’s a popular myth in business and life: the idea of the lone wolf, the self-made success story. But here’s the truth: even the most successful people—those you admire and aspire to be like—had help.

They had mentors, coaches, employees, and teammates who guided them, challenged them, and made them better.

I learned this lesson the hard way. I thought I had to do everything myself. I thought asking for help was a sign of weakness. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Here are the people who proved to me that no one succeeds alone—and the lessons I learned from them.

Lesson 1: Hire People Smarter Than You (Kenny’s Story)
Let me tell you about Kenny, my best lead carpenter and one of the most important people I ever hired.

When I first met Kenny, I was hesitant. He was a union-trained carpenter who had worked for big, successful remodeling companies. He brought incredible experience, skill, and professionalism. But I wasn’t sure if I could afford to hire him.

Here’s the irony: just a few weeks earlier, I had hired someone else, Bill, as a lead carpenter. Unfortunately, Bill was struggling. On paper, he looked great—union-trained, years of experience—but he wasn’t delivering.

Bill’s struggles forced me to be at the lumberyard one morning at 6:30 a.m., where I was introduced to Kenny. Looking back, I realized that if Bill hadn’t struggled, I wouldn’t have met Kenny at all.

Kenny wasn’t just another carpenter. He was different. He didn’t just bring skills—he brought insight.

He showed me how to run jobs more efficiently, based on what he had learned working for larger companies.
He taught me how to set higher standards for craftsmanship and teamwork. His attention to detail raised the bar for everyone on the team.
Most importantly, he was always leveling up his own skills and pushing me to do the same.
Hiring Kenny was a stretch for me at the time, but it was one of the best decisions I ever made. He didn’t just make the team stronger—he changed how I thought about my business.

The Takeaway:
If you’re scared to hire someone smarter or better than you, you’re holding yourself back. The right people don’t cost you money—they make you money.

Lesson 2: Surround Yourself with a Better Circle (Powerlifting and My Friends Ben, Justin, and Tommy)
When I decided to get into powerlifting, I knew I couldn’t do it alone.

My friend Ben introduced me to his brother Tommy, a competitive powerlifter. Tommy invited me to train with him, and I quickly realized I had a lot to learn.

Tommy helped me determine my opening weights for competitions.
He gave me tips on technique and strategy that I had never considered.
Training with him forced me to push harder and think differently.
My other friend Justin was also a huge part of my support system. He encouraged me, challenged me, and helped me stay accountable.

Then, life threw me a curveball.

One winter day, I took my motorcycle out for a rare 70-degree ride. The sun was shining, the road was clear—until I hit a patch of salt left from a previous snowstorm. My bike slid out from under me, pinning my leg under 700 pounds of metal. My knee and ankle were mangled.

Months of training, gone—or so I thought.

The next day, I called a physical therapist and asked, “What do I need to do to still compete?” The rehab was grueling—stretching, strengthening, and therapy every day.

Six weeks later, I was back on the platform. I came in 1st in my age/weight class and 2nd overall for all masters. I lifted over 1,000 pounds across three lifts.

The Takeaway:
If you’re the smartest or strongest person in your circle, you’re in the wrong circle. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, support you, and force you to grow.

Lesson 3: Invest in Coaching (Clay’s Story)
My first business coach, Clay, completely transformed the way I ran my business.

I first heard Clay speak at a conference. I’d originally gone to learn about project management and accounting, but I stumbled into Clay’s session on leveling up. His relaxed yet intense attitude about success caught my attention.

Clay was blunt, direct, and unapologetically honest. Some people loved him, and some didn’t—but I noticed something interesting. The most successful remodelers in the room were all nodding along with him. They were working with him.

That’s when I realized: This is what the most successful remodelers do. They have a coach like Clay.

Hiring Clay wasn’t easy. It cost $10,000 just to get started, and I wasn’t sure if he’d even take me on. His other clients were older, more experienced, and running much larger businesses. But I knew I needed help, and I took the leap.

Here’s what happened:

Clay taught me how to stop working in my business and start working on it.
He connected me with Diego, a web designer, who built me a new website. That website helped me land my first $100,000+ kitchen remodel and catch the attention of an HGTV producer.
That exposure led to even more opportunities, including being hired as an expert witness in contractor-homeowner disputes.
Clay didn’t just teach me strategies—he changed my mindset. He helped me see opportunities where I used to see problems, and he challenged me to think bigger.

The Takeaway:
Investing in the right coach can open doors you never knew existed.

Final Thoughts: You Can’t Do It Alone
Every major success in my life and business happened because I leaned on others. Kenny helped me build a better business. Ben, Justin, and Tommy pushed me to become a stronger person. Clay taught me how to think bigger and seize opportunities.

If you’re still trying to do it all yourself, you’re holding yourself back.

Hire people who are smarter and better than you.
Surround yourself with a circle that challenges and inspires you.
Invest in coaches and mentors who can show you the path forward.
Because no one succeeds alone.

Take the Next Step
Are you ready to stop struggling and start building the business you’ve always dreamed of?

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The choice is yours—keep doing it alone or surround yourself with greatness..