The War and Treaty’s Michael and Tanya Trotter grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and Washington, DC, respectively, but both have family roots in the South. They also grew up in the musical traditions of their churches – Tanya in the Black Baptist Church and Michael in the Seventh Day Adventist Church – where they learned the power of song to move people. After becoming a father at a very young age, Michael eventually joined the armed forces and served in Iraq and Germany, where he took up songwriting as a way of dealing with his experiences there. Meanwhile Tanya embarked on a singing and acting career after a breakthrough appearance in Sister Act 2 alongside Whoopi Goldberg and Lauryn Hill. Now, after a long and sometimes traumatic journey, Michael and Tanya are married, touring, winning all sorts of awards, and set to release their fifth album together, and their fourth as The War and Treaty. Sid talks to Michael and Tanya about the new record, Plus One , as well as their collaboration with Miranda Lambert, what it was like to record at FAME studios in Muscle Shoals, and how they’re blending country, soul, gospel, and R&B. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…
This series puts a spotlight on the business of home improvement and professional home remodeling. Presented by QUALIFIED REMODELER magazine, "Talking TOP 500" is a series of conversations with owners and managers of firms on the magazine's annual list of the largest 500 remodelers and home improvement pros. Every aspect of sales leadership, marketing and running a profitable business is on the table. Hosted by Patrick O'Toole and Tim Musch.
This series puts a spotlight on the business of home improvement and professional home remodeling. Presented by QUALIFIED REMODELER magazine, "Talking TOP 500" is a series of conversations with owners and managers of firms on the magazine's annual list of the largest 500 remodelers and home improvement pros. Every aspect of sales leadership, marketing and running a profitable business is on the table. Hosted by Patrick O'Toole and Tim Musch.
Tim and Pat sit down Kyle Powers, brand leader for Apex Energy, part of Great Day Home Improvements, one of the largest companies on the Qualified Remodeler TOP 500 list . Kyle has impressive experience for a young home improvement professional. He has previously worked for: Mad City, AHT Windows, Tundraland, Tony Hoty Training & Consulting, Jacuzzi Bath Remodel, and Apex Energy Solutions. He will also be a featured speaker at the fourth annual technology for remodeling and home improvement professionals, FAST Remodeler Live, to be held at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor, May 20-21, 2025. Want to view the full roster of speakers and register? Go to www.fastremodelerlive.com .…
This episode of “Talking TOP 500” features Ryan Shutt, CEO of Southwest Exteriors, an exterior remodeling company based in San Antonio. This year, Southwest is approaching $20 million in revenue. The company’s website features a pricing calculator, which appears to go against aspects of sales orthodoxy, but the results speak for themselves. Shutt was a speaker at 2024’s TOP 500 LIVE conference in Las Vegas, where he presented on Southwest’s reboot of its marketing, sales, and customer service. To watch a clip from Shutt’s presentation, visit Qualified Remodeler’s YouTube channel . He also sat on the CEO Panel Discussion with Audience Questions and Answers. In this episode, Shutt tells the story of how he made Southwest into what it is today.…
Enjoy this special episode of "Talking TOP 500". It's an interview with Power Home Remodeling's Co-CEO Asher Raphael, from this year's TOP 500 LIVE conference in Las Vegas. Upon joining Power as a recent graduate of American University, Raphael did not plan on staying long. But he and his Co-CEO Cory Schiller, saw an opportunity. They set out to create a scalable business model capable of attracting the best and brightest people. The company went from being $8 million revenue in 2004 to $1.24 billion today. Raphael tells the story of Power in this special episode. About the Talking TOP 500 Podcast and your Hosts The Talking TOP 500 podcast takes its name from Qualified Remodeler’s annual ranking of the largest remodeling and home improvement companies. It features interviews with leading remodelers from around the United States and focuses on all aspects of growing and succeeding in home improvement and remodeling. Qualified Remodeler co-owner and publisher Patrick O’Toole as well as industry veteran Tim Musch, recently named a Legend of the Home Improvement industry serve as hosts of the podcast. Qualified Remodeler is a leading business-to-business media brand serving remodelers since 1975. To learn more and subscribe go to www.QualifiedRemodeler.com/subscribe . Patrick L. O’Toole has been and editor in the residential construction space since 1996. Presently, he is EVP and owner of SOLA Group Inc., a holding company for Qualified Remodeler and Kitchen & Bath Design News magazines. With SOLA, he serves as Group Editorial Director for the company and as publisher of Qualified Remodeler. Prior to joining SOLA Group, Mr. O’Toole served as Editorial Director and Publisher of Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler magazines. From 2003 to 2010, he was editor of Qualified Remodeler. Mr. O’Toole began his career in journalism as a Newsman with the Associated Press in Chicago. He holds a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia College and B.A. from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Tim Musch has spent the last 30 years developing and refining technology solutions for contractors in the industry. Prior to that, he spent 15 years gaining experience in a family-owned remodeling company in Central Wisconsin. Tim regularly speaks with industry groups to build the case for the benefits of systemizing local, independent businesses. In 2022, Tim joined the elite group of industry veterans and was inducted into “The Legends of the Home Improvement Industry”. Currently, Tim is a Business Development Specialist for Paradigm, LLC, which is transforming the way that residential construction business is done across the globe with solutions such as their digital selling tool, Paradigm Vendo. QR…
Chris Hermes is the CEO & founder of USA Showers in Phoenix Arizona, with over 25 years of successful experience in the home improvement/construction industry. Chris is a respected leader known for his entrepreneurial spirit, strict discipline, and dedication to developing leaders and helping people. With a track record of success and a passion for innovation, he continues to lead USA Showers to new heights in the home improvement industry. With leading a team of over 40 teammates, they are projected to do 8 million in net sales in 2024. Chris is looking to expand in to other markets to continue to provide careers for 100’s of families andcreate a legendary company. About the Talking TOP 500 Podcast and your Hosts The Talking TOP 500 podcast takes its name from Qualified Remodeler’s annual ranking of the largest remodeling and home improvement companies. It features interviews with leading remodelers from around the United States and focuses on all aspects of growing and succeeding in home improvement and remodeling. Qualified Remodeler co-owner and publisher Patrick O’Toole as well as industry veteran Tim Musch, recently named a Legend of the Home Improvement industry serve as hosts of the podcast. Qualified Remodeler is a leading business-to-business media brand serving remodelers since 1975. To learn more and subscribe go to www.QualifiedRemodeler.com/subscribe . Patrick L. O’Toole has been and editor in the residential construction space since 1996. Presently, he is EVP and owner of SOLA Group Inc., a holding company for Qualified Remodeler and Kitchen & Bath Design News magazines. With SOLA, he serves as Group Editorial Director for the company and as publisher of Qualified Remodeler. Prior to joining SOLA Group, Mr. O’Toole served as Editorial Director and Publisher of Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler magazines. From 2003 to 2010, he was editor of Qualified Remodeler. Mr. O’Toole began his career in journalism as a Newsman with the Associated Press in Chicago. He holds a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia College and B.A. from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Tim Musch has spent the last 30 years developing and refining technology solutions for contractors in the industry. Prior to that, he spent 15 years gaining experience in a family-owned remodeling company in Central Wisconsin. Tim regularly speaks with industry groups to build the case for the benefits of systemizing local, independent businesses. In 2022, Tim joined the elite group of industry veterans and was inducted into “The Legends of the Home Improvement Industry”. Currently, Tim is a Business Development Specialist for Paradigm, LLC, which is transforming the way that residential construction business is done across the globe with solutions such as their digital selling tool, Paradigm Vendo. QR…
Sean McGraw is the Founder of FOR Energy. After graduating from ASU with a degree in Sustainable Energy & Materials, Sean founded Affordable Energy Solutions, which would eventually become FOR Energy, with his father Brian in 2010. When not performing solar consultations, you can find Sean giving back with the Phoenix 20-30 Club or ASU’s GlobalResolve. FOR Energy in Phoenix, AZ provides home energy checkups to homeowners who want to save money and energy. Their certified professionals will use the latest tools and technology to inspect and assess your home’s energy efficiency. They’ll provide a customized report that outlines improvements you can make to reduce energy costs while helping the environment. These improvements include upgrading insulation, windows or appliances, and sealing air leaks. ... About the Talking TOP 500 Podcast and your Podcast Hosts The Talking TOP 500 podcast takes its name from Qualified Remodeler’s annual ranking of the largest remodeling and home improvement companies. It features interviews with leading remodelers from around the United States and focuses on all aspects of growing and succeeding in home improvement and remodeling. Qualified Remodeler co-owner and publisher Patrick O’Toole as well as industry veteran Tim Musch, recently named a Legend of the Home Improvement industry serve as hosts of the podcast. Qualified Remodeler is a leading business-to-business media brand serving remodelers since 1975. To learn more and subscribe go to www.QualifiedRemodeler.com/subscribe . Patrick L. O’Toole has been and editor in the residential construction space since 1996. Presently, he is EVP and owner of SOLA Group Inc., a holding company for Qualified Remodeler and Kitchen & Bath Design News magazines. With SOLA, he serves as Group Editorial Director for the company and as publisher of Qualified Remodeler. Prior to joining SOLA Group, Mr. O’Toole served as Editorial Director and Publisher of Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler magazines. From 2003 to 2010, he was editor of Qualified Remodeler. Mr. O’Toole began his career in journalism as a Newsman with the Associated Press in Chicago. He holds a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia College and B.A. from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Tim Musch has spent the last 30 years developing and refining technology solutions for contractors in the industry. Prior to that, he spent 15 years gaining experience in a family-owned remodeling company in Central Wisconsin. Tim regularly speaks with industry groups to build the case for the benefits of systemizing local, independent businesses. In 2022, Tim joined the elite group of industry veterans and was inducted into “The Legends of the Home Improvement Industry”. Currently, Tim is a Business Development Specialist for Paradigm, LLC, which is transforming the way that residential construction business is done across the globe with solutions such as their digital selling tool, Paradigm Vendo.…
Vince Venditti is an energetic young leader in the home improvement industry. He was previously CMO of American Residential Services and SVP at Leaf Home before making the leap into entrepreneurship. Today he’s president and co-owner of Premier Home Pros in Akron, Ohio. In Talking TOP 500, episode No. 23, Venditti talks about Premier, which just opened its 7th location in Tampa, only 18 months after the company was founded. The company launched in January of 2023 and has accepted no investment funds from outside sources. It ranked No. 178 on the TOP 500 list with $15.1 million in revenue on 1,114 jobs. In 2024, the replacement baths company expects to hit $80 million in revenue. Big things lay ahead for Premier, which was founded by Venditti and two other up-and-coming pros. His partners are also well pedigreed in the industry. Premier chief executive A.J. Wadian was formerly with Leaf Home and Window Nation. Chief growth officer Noah Jackson also hails from Leaf Home and Window Nation. Venditti will be a speaker at TOP 500 LIVE at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Oct. 28-30, 2024. QR…
Jeff Gunhus is founder and CEO of Home Genius Exteriors based in Hyattsville, Maryland. Last year the company generated $73.7 million on 3,755 jobs. Remarkably the company is on track to double these figures to $150 million by the end of 2024. Starting in the early 90s he launched a number of companies across several industries. Then, having just moved from California to Maryland in 2017, he attended Qualified Remodeler's very first TOP 500 LIVE conference. His goal was to lay the groundwork to launch a new company in the home improvement space. That company was Home Genius Exteriors. Gunhus has an entrepreneur's mindset. He’s a person who learns from the successes and mistakes of other business leaders. Patrick O'Toole and Tim Musch cover a range of topics with Gunhus: from lead generation and recruiting to technology and sales. --- Jeff Gunhus will be a speaker at TOP 500 LIVE 2024 Oct. 28 to Oct. 30. It will be hosted at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. To learn more and register go to event.qrtop500live.com. Join us there. QR…
In episode No. 21 of Talking Top 500 , the discussion involves Chadd Castrilli, Vice President of Sales for Dream Home Roofers, which appeared at no. 19 on this year's TOP 500 List with $21 million in revenue on 1,200 completed jobs. Castrilli is an impressive leader in the home improvement industry. He got his start 17 years ago with NuLook Home Designs and rose through the ranks to run the company's sales organization. He then moved to Dream Home Roofers, where he's engineered organizational improvements to the sales department at the New Jersey-based company. Castrilli was also a speaker Qualified Remodeler 's technology conference Fast Remodeler Live in Austin, Texas. Patrick O'Toole of Sola Brands Inc. and Qualified Remodeler and Tim Musch, a member of the Home Improvement Hall of Fame and currently of Paradigm Vendo, sat down with Castrelli to discuss his career and successes in the home improvement industry. QR…
Adam Shampaine is an energetic young leader in the home improvement industry. He's the CEO of Homefix Custom Remodeling in Baltimore, Maryland. Homefix is a very large company with multiple branches in the mid Atlantic region. Last year the company was ranked No. 33 on the Qualified Remodeler TOP 500 list based on $68.3 million in revenue on 3,963 jobs. There’s a lot to unpack about this company and that’s why we are excited to speak with Adam today. In addition, Adam has a very interesting background. As a Maryland native he caught the politics bug at a young age and he spent some time as a Capitol Hill staffer. Then he embarked in law school and guess what, the home improvement industry intervened. So we know there’s a good story in how he got where he is today.…
Today’s discussion is with a well-known leader in the home improvement industry, Adam Kaliner co-founder of Power Home Remodeling. Power, as many industry observers know, is one of the largest companies in the industry. In 2023, they billed $1.25 billion in sales. That’s billion with a capital B. And the company has a total of 3,500 employees. Kaliner co-founded the company with his cousin in their 2-bedroom Delaware apartment back in 1992. He attributes much of the company’s success to the longtime leadership of its energetic duo of co-CEOs Corey Shiller and Asher Raphael. With locations nearly coast to coast, Power, based in Philadelphia, is today a technology organization as well as a people and training organization. Through technology, they’ve been able to very effectively scale their business. QR…
Episode No. 18 is a discussion with one of the brightest rising stars in the home improvement industry—Abby Binder—owner of Abby Windows & Doors, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is a businessperson with a growth mindset. She’s always looking for new ways to improve her people and upgrade her processes. She's always ready to take the next step up in revenue and profit. So far, she's been successful every step of the way. Fresh out of college with the goal of becoming a teacher, Binder started doing home improvements with an uncle. Then in 2010, she struck out on her own, launching her company from scratch. Today Abby Windows and Doors is billing $12 million annually on 600 jobs.…
Professional roundtable groups—comprised of industry peers and led by business consultants—are a familiar feature of the home improvement and remodeling industries. There are peer groups that focus insurance restoration. Others are focused on full-service and design-build remodeling. For home improvement pros a handful of groups come to mind. One of them is Certified Contractors Network, which was founded by roofing contractor Richard Kaller back in the late 1960s. Today the group is led by Scott Siegal and is home to over 400 member companies and hosts dozens oftraining events for its members each year. But leading CCN is only part of the story for Siegal who also owns Maggio Roofing in Takoma Park, Maryland. In Episode No. 17 of Talking TOP 500 we talk with Siegal about how he got his start in the business, his early days as a member of CCN and how he eventually assumed leadership of the organization. We also get Siegal’s take on the opportunities and challenges facing contractors in the year ahead. About Talking TOP 500 Talking TOP 500 refers to the long-running annual ranking of large home improvement firms, the Qualified Remodeler TOP 500, which was just released for the 45th time in August 2023 . Each episode we interview leaders in the home improvement and remodeling industry to get their perspective on all aspects of growth and profitability. The hosts of Talking TOP 500 are Patrick O’Toole of SOLA Group Inc. and Qualified Remodeler magazine and Tim Musch, a former window company owner who wrote the industry’s first dedicated CRM software, MarketSharp. He was recently named a Legend of the Home Improvement Industry by his peers. Today he is with Paradigm Vendo.…
Beth Biron is a rising star in the home improvement industry. She is the chief marketing and sales officer at Reborn Home Solutions , a leading provider of cabinet refacing, one-day baths and windows based in California. Beth has nearly 20 years of direct sales and marketing experience in the energy, solar power and home remodeling industries, with an expertise in performance marketing and process automation. Reborn is part of the Renovo group of companies based in Dallas. And Beth has also onboarded responsibility for generating leads for the massive Dreamstyle Remodeling based in Albuquerque. To give you a sense of the size of the Renovo operation, in 2022 the group of companies ranked No. 8 on the Qualified Remodeler TOP 500 list , posting $653 million in installed sales on 44,275 jobs. In our discussion with Biron, we hear how the company is managing to adapt and change its lead sources in the wake of the COVID-19 boom in home improvement leads. The conversation illustrates how today’s technology and real-time reporting give marketers more tools than ever to drive leads efficiently. But as we also hear, it is fast changing and requires constant monitoring. About Talking TOP 500 Talking TOP 500 refers to the long-running annual ranking of large home improvement firms, the Qualified Remodeler TOP 500, which was just released for the 45th in August 2023. Each episode we interview leaders in the home improvement and remodeling industry to get their perspective on all aspects of growth and profitability. The hosts of Talking TOP 500 are Patrick O'Toole of SOLA Group Inc . and Qualified Remodeler magazine and Tim Musch, a former window company owner who wrote the industry’s first dedicated CRM software, MarketSharp. He was recently named a Legend of the Home Improvement Industry by his peers. Today his is with Paradigm Vendo.…
Episode No. 15 is with John Anglis, founder of CareFree Home Pros of Avon, Connecticut. CareFree is a Bath Replacement business that generated $9.5 million in revenue in 2022, the last year that Anglis owned the company. This past February, Anglis sold CareFree to Sage Home for an undisclosed cash amount. Anglis is not afraid to tell you about the many bumps in the road he encountered before some of the lessons learned all fit in place beginning about nine years ago. Anglis frequently makes the observation that the success of Care Free took hold the more he "got out of the way". About Talking TOP 500 Talking TOP 500 refers to the long-running annual ranking of large home improvement firms, the Qualified Remodeler TOP 500, which was just released for the 45th in August. Each episode we interview leaders in the home improvement and remodeling industry to get their perspective on all aspects of growth and profitability. Patrick O'Toole of SOLA Group Inc. and Qualified Remodeler magazine and Tim Musch, a "Legend" of the home improvement industry co-host the podcast.…
Among the handful of truly fast-growing home improvement companies—those with plans to grow to be national in scope—Great Day Improvements offers a different path. The company is growing with a ground level, entrepreneurial strategy, and with a deep appreciation for what it takes to run a successful home improvement firm. To that end, companies that have been acquired by Great Day are operated by their prior owners, who are kept in place and who continue their respective visions for growth. Last year Great Day generated $1.1 billion in revenue on 70,099 jobs and ranked No. 5 on the most recent TOP 500. They go to market as Champion Windows, Universal Windows Direct, Stanek, Your Home Improvement Company among others. Their two top executives joined the podcast to talk about the evolution of Great Day into a fast growing powerhouse and its plans for the future. Michael Hoy is Chief Executive Officer. He Joined Great Day as CEO in 2015 and has driven the of growth at the Company for the past 8 years. Previously he served in a variety of leadership positions at Renewal by Andersen, Pella, BMC/Stock Building Supply, and 84 Lumber, and he was recently recognized as a Home Improvement Industry “Legend” by the HIMs peer group that is part of Dave Yoho Associates. Ed Weinfurtner is Executive Chairman and Lead investor/owner at Great Day. He led acquisition of Great Day in 2014 and is actively involved in building the business, and leading Great Day’s mergers and acquisitions. Ed is a Harvard graduate and a career entrepreneur who has owned and operated several privately held businesses in variety of industries in addition to Great Day over the past 45 years. ---- About the Podcast “Talking TOP 500” is a reference to Qualified Remodeler’s long-running annual ranking of the largest remodelers and home improvement companies, the TOP 500 . You can see our latest ranking at our website www.QualifiedRemodeler.com . Qualified Remodeler media is owned by SOLA Group Inc., which also operates a conference for remodelers and home improvement pros TOP 500 LIVE. The next conference is scheduled for Oct. 17 and Oct. 18, 2023 and will be held at the M Resort Spa and Casino in Henderson, Nevada. To learn more and register, go to www.TOP500live.com .…
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