Episode Summary

In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere sits down with Jonathan Webster of JD Stairs to explore the evolution of his family-founded business. Jonathan shares how the company transitioned from its construction roots to become a standout in the custom home market. The conversation dives into the challenges of early growth, including meeting payroll and motivating a team, and how innovation—like 3D scanning and lean manufacturing—transformed their operations.

Jonathan also discusses the impact of market shifts, the importance of strong leadership, and JD Stairs’ expansion beyond Las Vegas. From organizational structure and project management to business development strategies and storytelling, this episode offers valuable insights into adapting, evolving, and growing a business in a changing economic landscape.

Takeaways

1. JD Stairs began as a family-run construction business, and Jonathan Webster entered the stair industry at a young age, learning the trade from the ground up.
2. The early years were marked by real challenges, including tight cash flow and the difficulty of transitioning from a family-run operation to a scalable business.
3. Adopting technology like 3D scanning and lean manufacturing has revolutionized their workflow, driving efficiency and continuous improvement.
4. Hiring a president and restructuring the organization helped JD Stairs grow, enabling Jonathan to focus on innovation and long-term strategy.
5. Storytelling, adaptability, and a strong company culture are central to JD Stairs’ success—and key to navigating market changes and expanding into new regions.

Chapters

00:00 – The Origin Story of JD Stairs

10:01 – Navigating Early Business Challenges

19:47 – Finding a Niche in the Market

27:31 – Navigating Market Changes

29:00 – Expanding Beyond Vegas

30:06 – Embracing Technology and Innovation

31:37 – Day-to-Day Operations and Leadership

32:53 – Business Development Strategies

39:58 – The Importance of Lean Manufacturing

41:11 – Innovations and Future Directions

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Connect with Jonathan at:

https://jdstairs.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/jd-stairs-inc/

https://www.facebook.com/JDStairs/

https://www.instagram.com/jdstairslv/