In this episode of Remodelers On The Rise, Kyle reflects on twelve standout podcast episodes from 2025 — one from each month — and shares the key takeaways and insights that stuck with him. From leadership and branding to marketing, delegation, and client experience, this year-in-review episode is packed with practical reminders to help you move quickly... but not rush, as you grow your business in 2026.

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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.

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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!

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Takeaways

Business is all about solving problems.
Your clients are your most valuable marketing asset.
Move quickly, don't rush.
Branding matters more than you think.
Clients connect with stories.
Investing in team growth leads to higher retention rates.
Trust people, even if they haven't proven their trustworthiness yet.
Advertising is the price you pay for not being remarkable.
We need to learn to delegate to avoid burnout.
Emotional safety is crucial in relationships.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Year in Review
03:44 Branding and Storytelling in Remodeling
06:09 Employee Engagement and Team Motivation
09:04 Strengthening Company Culture
11:59 Building Trust Through Branding
12:57 Time Management for Remodelers
13:53 Transforming Marketing Strategies
15:20 Leadership and Team Management
17:17 Lessons from Entrepreneurship
18:14 Enhancing Client Satisfaction
20:08 Aging in Place Strategies
21:06 Sales Conversations and Storytelling
22:33 Balancing Business and Marriage

In this solo episode, Kyle Hunt encourages remodelers to slow down and reflect before jumping into the next year. He shares three simple ways to review your year, learn from what worked and what didn't, and recognize the progress you've made along the way. If you're looking for a practical and encouraging reminder that reflection builds clarity, momentum, and better plans for the year ahead, listen now!

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Ready to streamline your business and increase profits? Visit JobTread to see how their all-in-one construction management software helps remodelers and builders simplify estimating, scheduling, job costing, and invoicing. Want to hear JobTread in action?

Check out our upcoming January episode featuring stories from the JobTread Connect User Conference in Dallas. You'll hear directly from contractors who are using JobTread to boost profits, improve communication, and deliver a better client experience.

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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!

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Takeaways

Reflecting on the past year is crucial for growth.
Celebrating achievements helps maintain a positive mindset.
Documenting successes provides perspective on progress.
Team bonding activities can enhance morale and collaboration.
It's important to acknowledge both wins and losses.
Creating a year in review can clarify accomplishments and areas for improvement.
Personal reflections are as important as business reflections.
Setting goals for the upcoming year should be informed by past experiences.
Don't be too hard on yourself; focus on progress, not perfection.
Taking time to reflect can lead to better planning and execution.

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Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on the Year: A Personal Journey
03:09 Celebrating Team Achievements
06:05 Documenting Progress: A Year in Review
08:59 Crafting Your Business Story
12:45 Looking Ahead: Setting Goals for the New Year

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle walks through how his team runs their weekly Level 10 meetings and why this simple structure has become one of the most valuable rhythms in the business. He breaks down the agenda piece by piece! You will hear how this meeting keeps priorities moving, creates accountability, and turns planning into real progress in the business instead of ideas collecting dust. If you have been curious about EOS or want a clearer way to run productive weekly meetings, this episode offers a practical way to take the first step!

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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

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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!

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Takeaways

Level 10 meetings are crucial for team accountability.
Core values should be ingrained in the company culture.
Quarterly rocks help in executing annual plans effectively.
Identifying and solving issues is a structured process.
Regular meetings keep the team focused on business goals.
Personal updates foster team connection and understanding.
A scorecard helps track performance and trends.
Meeting ratings provide feedback on meeting effectiveness.
Engaging in discussions about stress levels can improve team dynamics.
Utilizing resources like EOS can enhance business operations.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes
01:37 Understanding Level 10 Meetings
03:33 Structure of Level 10 Meetings
10:49 Quarterly Rocks and Accountability
11:43 Identifying, Discussing, and Solving Issues
16:10 Conclusion and Meeting Recap

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle Hunt sits down with Abe Degnan, second-generation owner of Degnan Design Build Remodel, to share the story of building a remodeling business designed to last. Abe reflects on growing up on job sites, joining his father's company, and helping shape an early design build approach through intentional learning, documented processes, and steady leadership.

They dig into lessons Abe has learned over 25 years in business, including hiring with purpose, pricing with confidence, investing in systems, and making the shift from working in the business to leading a team. Abe also shares thoughtful insights on company culture, peer groups, and building a life outside of work, offering encouragement for remodelers who want long term growth without burning out.

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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.

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Takeaways

Abe Degnan is a second-generation remodeler who joined his father's business.
Investing in learning and joining peer groups has been crucial for growth.
Hiring the right people is essential for maintaining company culture.
Abe's broken leg led to a shift in focus towards office work and management.
Understanding pricing and financials is key to business success.
High-quality photography is vital for effective marketing.
A clear sales process is necessary for consistent success.
Establishing a design center enhances client engagement.
Balancing family life and business is a continuous challenge.
Documenting company values and processes helps differentiate from competitors.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
03:00 Abe Degnan's Journey in Remodeling
06:10 Transitioning from Sole Proprietorship to S Corp
09:00 The Evolution of Design-Build Approach
11:54 Investing in Learning and Company Culture
15:04 Hiring Practices and Employee Retention
17:59 Overcoming Challenges in Business Growth
21:00 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Business
23:38 Pricing Strategies and Financial Management
27:10 Marketing and Sales Process Insights
29:53 Establishing a Design Center and Client Engagement
33:02 Balancing Family Life and Business
35:57 Final Thoughts and Advice for Remodelers

In this episode, Kyle Hunt sits down with Dr Joshua Straub, founder of Famous at Home, for a conversation about emotional safety in marriage, understanding pain cycles, and what it truly means to be "famous at home" as a remodeler. This is a preview of what Joshua will be teaching at the Remodel Your Marriage, Life and Business retreat on February 10, 2026 in Franklin, Tennessee.

Kyle and Josh talk about how emotional safety shapes communication, why many couples get stuck in the same conflict patterns, and how rightly ordering your life at home actually strengthens your business. They also share simple ways to reconnect with your spouse and approach your relationship with more intention.

If you want a healthier marriage, a calmer home, and a stronger foundation for your business, this episode is a great place to begin. Learn more and register for the February retreat here.

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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!

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Takeaways

Emotional safety is crucial for healthy relationships.
Couples need to prioritize their marriage amidst business pressures.
Communication is key to resolving conflicts and deepening connections.
Understanding pain cycles can help couples navigate challenges.
Being a student of your spouse enhances understanding and connection.
Positive reinforcement can transform relationships.
Stress management is essential for maintaining emotional health.
Authenticity in relationships fosters deeper connections.
Taking responsibility for one's actions is vital in conflict resolution.
Creating an emotionally safe environment benefits both partners.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Joshua Straub
10:24 The Importance of Emotional Safety in Relationships
15:34 Navigating Challenges in Marriage and Parenting
16:14 Understanding Emotional Control in Relationships
17:27 The Importance of Emotional Awareness
19:25 Navigating Vulnerability and Authenticity
22:21 Living Authentically in a Fishbowl
24:08 Taking Responsibility in Relationships
25:25 Prioritizing Your Spouse's Heart
28:27 The Impact of Emotional Health on Business
30:22 Practical Steps for Relationship Improvement
32:33 The Power of Positive Communication
34:27 Identifying and Addressing Relationship Opponents

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle talks with Phil and Heather Oddo of Closer Look General Contracting about navigating the messy, painful seasons of business and choosing optimism through it all. They share how years of embezzlement knocked their business down, how Heather left her stable corporate job to join the company right as chaos hit, and what it looked like to rebuild piece by piece. You'll hear how they learned to understand their numbers, say no to the wrong clients, build systems for sales and project flow, and hire the right people for the right seats.

They also dive into how DISC and the Visionary/Integrator roles strengthened their communication and helped them work together as a married couple without letting the business consume the relationship. If you need encouragement to keep going and tools to make the journey smoother, this conversation is a reminder that growth often comes through hard things - and optimism can carry you forward.

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If you and your spouse are ready to invest in your relationship and your remodeling business at the same time, join us February 10 to 12 in Franklin, TN for the Remodel Your Marriage Retreat. This is a getaway built for remodeling couples, with conversations that matter, vision work, time together, and space to reset and refocus.

Sign up today!

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Takeaways

The importance of a supportive partnership in business.
Understanding financials is crucial for business success.
Setting boundaries between work and personal life is essential.
Celebrating small wins can boost morale and motivation.
A growth mindset allows for personal and professional development.
Utilizing DISC profiles can enhance communication and teamwork.
Hiring the right people can transform a business.
Visionary and integrator roles help clarify responsibilities.
Gratitude can shift perspectives and improve relationships.
Defining success is personal and varies for each individual.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Oddos' Journey
03:37 Overcoming Challenges: Embezzlement and Recovery
06:27 Heather's Transition into the Business
09:26 The Importance of Financial Literacy
12:38 Finding Guidance and Building Confidence
15:38 Understanding Personalities: DISC Profiles
18:35 Visionary vs. Integrator Roles
21:31 Key Strategies for Business Improvement
24:39 Leveraging Team Strengths
27:31 Navigating Business Challenges
31:13 Balancing Marriage and Business
34:28 Celebrating Wins and Gratitude
41:01 Embracing a Growth Mindset
50:15 Defining Success and Freedom

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle sits down with Savannah Thomas of Seabrook Design Company to break down how virtual design can strengthen your entire remodeling process.

They explore why detailed upfront planning protects your margins, shortens timelines, and keeps clients happier. Savannah walks through her simple plan bid build approach, how remodelers gather accurate as built information, and the value of weekly check ins to keep projects moving. They also dive into the pros and cons of in house versus outsourced design support and share practical ways remodelers can lighten the load without adding full time overhead.

Curious about how Seabrook Design Co. might support your projects? Take a look at seabrookdesignco.com.

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Looking to get clarity on your 2026 marketing?

Contractor Growth Network is hosting a free webinar on Thursday, December 11th at 2 p.m. Eastern: Build Your Remodeling Company's 2026 Marketing Playbook.

It's designed for remodelers who want to stop guessing and start building a real marketing strategy.

Save your spot at ContractorGrowthNetwork.com/playbook.

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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!

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Takeaways

Contractor Growth Network helps remodelers attract the right leads.
Effective communication is key to successful remote design.
Upfront design work can prevent issues during construction.
Savannah's team can adapt to various client needs and budgets.
Detailed selection sheets streamline the decision-making process.
Regular check-ins with clients keep projects on track.
Understanding client dynamics enhances the design process.
Remote design can be just as effective as in-house work.
Collaboration with local vendors is essential for remote design.
Investing in design can lead to happier clients and better margins.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Communication in Design
00:06 Phases of Design and Drafting
19:54 The Value of Detailed Drawings
22:46 Simplifying the Selection Process
24:46 Streamlining Client Selections
26:30 Effective Communication with Clients
28:17 The Importance of Regular Meetings
30:09 Assigning Homework to Clients
31:47 Pros and Cons of In-House vs. Outsourced Design
33:28 Navigating Client Control and Trust
37:05 Combining Virtual and In-Person Selections

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise Kyle talks with husband and wife team Austin and Callie Cornell of MSC Enterprises They share how they run their remodeling business together balance family life improve their financial clarity and build smoother processes that support steady growth

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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!

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Remodel Your Marriage, Life & Business Retreat – Feb 10-12, 2026
A three-day experience in Franklin TN designed for remodeling-business couples who want to strengthen their marriage, clarify their vision, and build a business that supports a thriving life together. Join Kyle and Sarah Hunt for meaningful conversations, practical sessions, and intentional time to reconnect and refocus for 2026.

Sign up here!

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Takeaways

The importance of marriage in business partnerships.
Transitioning business ownership requires open communication.
Financial clarity is crucial for business growth.
Hiring the right team members can alleviate stress.
Understanding numbers leads to better decision-making.
Having a dedicated office space enhances productivity.
Saying no to projects that don't fit your business model is essential.
Peer support groups can provide valuable insights.
Flexibility in work allows for better family time.
Continuous learning and adaptation are key to success.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and History of Lee's Summit
04:06 Predictions for the Chiefs' Season
05:22 History and Overview of MSC Enterprises
07:34 Transitioning from Teaching to Working in the Business
11:55 Lessons Learned in Transitioning from One Generation to Another
15:35 Lessons in Understanding Financials and Charging Properly
19:33 The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers and Creating a Budget
25:51 The Impact of Leasing an Office Space
28:08 The Role of a Project Coordinator in Reducing Stress and Improving Accuracy
36:36 The Importance of Saying No and Focusing on What Works for Your Business
37:38 The Best Decision We've Ever Made
38:42 Finding Support and Encouragement
39:48 The Importance of Regular Meetings