Episode 192. Maximizing Construction ROI with Strategic Interior Design

Why do people hold on to clutter, and how does it really affect our daily lives? Katie Chermak-Wood, founder of KD Home Clutter, started her business during COVID after struggling to balance work, family, and everything in between. Today, she helps people: – Understand the psychological reasons behind clutter – Find relief by creating organized spaces at home – Navigate difficult situations like downsizing, moving, or even hoarding Katie shares how her process works, stories from her clients, and small steps we can all take to change our habits.

What’s the deal with Warranties!? It’s a question many contractors find themselves asking. Luckily, our very own host, Karalynn Cromeens, happens to know that information like the back of her hand! In this episode of the pod, Karalynn breaks down warranties in construction. What are they? How do they work? What are the most essential do’s and don’ts? Find these answers and more in this week’s episode.

This episode originally aired February 6, 2023. In this interview, Karalynn sits down with Leslie Shiner, founder of The ShinerGroup, a leading consulting firm specializing in helping contractors gain financial control of their businesses. With years of experience and vast knowledge, The ShinerGroup provides personalized solutions to ensure contractors can easily manage their finances. From cash flow management to cost optimization, they offer comprehensive services to help contractors take their businesses to the next level. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your existing business, The ShinerGroup is dedicated to helping you achieve your financial goals and reach success. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about The ShinerGroup’s innovative approach and tune in to hear Karalynn and Leslie discuss the impact they’re making in the construction industry.

What makes a space increase in value? Why would a real estate investor or developer bring in an interior designer right at the start of a project? Liat Siegel has spent years helping clients see the connection between design and profit. She’s worked with everyone from small business owners to people flipping houses, and her approach is about more than just looks. In this episode. she walks us through: Why function comes first in her design process How strategic design can create higher returns What actually happens when you involve the whole team from day one Learn more about Hadar Interiors here: https://www.hadarinteriors.com/

With its ups and downs, he’s made it an impressive 20+ years as a homebuilder industry leader. Founder and Owner of Mark D. Williams Custom Homes and The Curious Builder Podcast is a third-generation high-end residential builder in the Twin Cities, creating dream homes through thoughtful remodeling transformations and ground-up custom builds. His experience is invaluable to your own journey as a construction contractor! Episode 191’s encore show is just as powerful as when it first aired!

What does it take to change your view of what it means to sell in the construction industry? Tom Reber grew up thinking sales was only for certain people, shaped by his blue-collar background and what he learned from family. Over the years, that perspective changed. Today, he helps contractors rethink how they run their businesses by focusing on these principles: Success in sales starts with you—before you ever sell a project, you have to build a strong foundation at home and in your mind. Practicing gratitude, curiosity, and silence can make a real difference in how you connect with clients and close deals. Discipline, from follow-ups to tracking your numbers, matters just as much as any lead or marketing script.

How does relentless drive for success turn into an urgent need for healing? Lolita Guarin bulldozed her way through work until her body forced her to confront the costs of unmanaged stress. Her personal crisis led her to become a stress management coach dedicated to helping others understand and overcome their own stress. Through her C.A.L.M. process, she empowers people to break cycles of burnout and restore well-being.

How do leaders develop the mindset and systems needed to avoid stagnation and achieve growth in their organizations? Karalynn speaks with Leaders Edge founder HR Huntsman about his personal journey to building successful organizations. HR emphasizes curiosity, growth, and learning as keys to developing a leadership mindset. With experience in both nonprofit and business environments, he argues that radical accountability is essential. Leaders, he says, must take ownership of their choices and cultivate a growth mindset within teams. He describes how his company helps businesses clarify issues, foster problem-solving, and design systems for effective teamwork.

Building Your Health, Brick by Bite Dr. Beata Lerman spent decades in biomedical research before deciding food could improve health. She left traditional science to start Sinless Treats Chocolate, a chocolate factory focused on nutrition. Today, Dr. Lerman shares: – what happens when you feed your body the wrong building blocks – how ultra-processed foods affect your health – and why her experiments with chocolate led to a unique approach to wellness Learn more about Sinless Treats Chocolate here: https://sinlesstreatschocolate.com/

How can the fragmented painting industry be united for greater success? Benson Fechter saw opportunity in an industry of thousands of small businesses and began acquiring high-performing painting companies under Legacy Paint Holdings. By implementing shared systems and a focus on operational excellence, he helps local contractors scale revenue and build generational wealth. His approach blends blue-collar grit with strategic growth.

Scott Payne spent 28 years in law enforcement, much of it undercover with the FBI. His decision to write Code Name: Pale Horse came after encouragement from friends and a Rolling Stone article about his career. The process brought unexpected connections with readers and forced him to reflect on personal and professional challenges, including maintaining a double life and the impact on his family. Payne discusses lessons from his upbringing in his family’s landscaping business, the importance of work ethic, and insights into law enforcement culture, including mental health struggles and the concept of warrior mentality. Payne describes the transition to speaking and teaching after retiring, sharing lessons to help others avoid past mistakes.

Navigating the world of facial plastic surgery and entrepreneurship is no small feat. Today’s guest, Dr. Angela Sturm, shares her journey from West Texas to becoming a double board certified facial plastic surgeon in Houston. Her insights on building a successful practice during a pandemic and the importance of mission-driven business leadership offer valuable lessons for any industry. Learn how she balances surgery with running a team and what she wishes she knew before encountering disputes. Dr. Sturm’s story is full of real-world advice and candid lessons every business owner can relate to.