Summary In this episode of the Why We Build Podcast, host Greg Waller and guest Gates Bryan discuss the evolution of the remodeling industry, focusing on succession planning, family dynamics in business, and the importance of maintaining company culture. Gates shares her personal journey into the family business, the challenges of balancing family relationships with professional responsibilities, and her vision for the future of Black Dog Builders. The conversation emphasizes the significance of mentorship, positive reinforcement, and the need to prioritize personal relationships alongside business success.

takeaways

• Remodeling is evolving, with many founders approaching retirement.
• Succession planning is crucial for maintaining company culture and legacy.
• Gates Bryan found her passion in design after a challenging start in marketing.
• Family dynamics can enhance or complicate business relationships.
• Maintaining a positive company culture is essential for employee satisfaction.
• Mentorship and learning from others are vital for personal and professional growth.
• Design philosophy can influence leadership style and business optimization.
• Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in business management.
• Balancing personal and professional life is key to long-term success.
• Networking with peers in the industry can provide valuable insights.

Sound Bites

• "Remodeling as a profession is coming of age."
• "I really kind of like this. This is kind of super fun."
• "I love coming to work every day."
• "The culture that has been developed at Black Dog is great."
• "I think my design philosophy is, I'm a puzzle person."

Chapters

00:00Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

01:03The Future of Remodeling and Succession Planning

03:08Gates Bryan's Journey into Remodeling

05:48Family Dynamics in Business

09:45Maintaining Company Culture and Values

12:52Preparing for Leadership Transition

16:06The Role of Mentorship and Coaching

19:13Optimizing Business Processes

21:45Design Philosophy and Future Vision

25:01Final Thoughts and Advice

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this solo episode, Greg explores one of the most valuable—and most overlooked—practices in remodeling: the post-project lookback. As the year comes to a close and production teams push toward the finish line, Greg explains why companies should pause long enough to learn from the work they’ve already completed.

Using practical field experience and insights from coaching remodelers, Greg breaks down how simple lookbacks can uncover patterns, reduce recurring problems, and strengthen collaboration across departments. He then connects the same framework to a year-end company review, helping leaders enter the new year with focus, clarity, and intention.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Why remodelers often avoid lookbacks—and why it hurts performance
• A simple three-question framework that makes debriefs fast and effective
• Common patterns that show up when companies start reviewing their jobs
• How to apply the lookback method to your entire year, not just your projects
• How reflection—not speed—is what drives long-term improvement

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Most recurring issues are predictable; lookbacks make them visible.
• These conversations aren’t about blame—they’re about systems and alignment.
• Capturing what went well is just as important as identifying friction.
• A year-end review helps companies stop dragging old problems into a new year.
• Improvement only happens when teams reflect, decide, and act with intention.

MEMORABLE QUOTES

“Projects rarely fall apart in one big moment—they fall apart in the lessons we never take time to capture.”

“A lookback is where quiet problems finally get a microphone.”

“Companies don’t get better by accident. They get better by reflection, decision, and discipline.”

ACTION STEP FOR LISTENERS

Before the year ends, choose one completed project and run a quick lookback with your team:

1. What went well?
2. What caused friction?
3. What will we change going forward?

One conversation can shift the momentum of your entire next year.

CONNECT WITH GREG WOLECK

• Instagram: @whywebuild_ra
• LinkedIn: Greg Woleck
• Podcast: The Why We Build Podcast (available wherever you listen)
• Website: Remodelers Advantage

Why We Build Podcast – Thanksgiving Episode

Show Notes

Episode Title: Gratitude in the Grind: What Remodelers Can Be Thankful For Host: Greg Woleck

Episode Summary

In this Thanksgiving-week episode, Greg steps away from the usual project management and remodeling industry topics to focus on something more profound: gratitude. Not the fluffy holiday version—but the genuine, earned gratitude that remodelers discover through long days, tough clients, tight timelines, and the thrill of transforming homes.

Greg reflects on the people who make this industry what it is—lead carpenters, production managers, designers, project developers, office managers, trade partners, and everyone behind the scenes. He talks about the trust clients place in remodelers, the craft that gives the work visible meaning, and the challenges that shape professionals into stronger leaders and better humans.

He also shares what he is personally thankful for this year: the Remodelers Advantage community, the teams he serves, and the future of a profession that is becoming more intentional, collaborative, and professional every year.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder of why we build—and why every remodeler has something to be grateful for.

Key Takeaways

• People are everything. Your team, your trade partners, your designers, your office staff—the work only succeeds because of them.
• Clients give remodelers something rare: trust. Even tough clients offer lessons worth appreciating.
• Craft matters. Remodelers get to create something tangible, beautiful, and lasting.
• Challenges are teachers. The surprises, delays, and change orders sharpen leadership, communication, and resilience.
• The remodeling community is special. Remodelers lift each other up—through peer groups, networks, and shared experience.
• The industry is evolving. More professionalism, better systems, stronger alignment between design and production, and intentional leadership.
• Gratitude fuels growth. Taking time to appreciate the work, the people, and the mission helps shape stronger companies and healthier lives.

Links & Resources

• Remodelers Advantage: https://remodelersadvantage.com
• Email Greg: greg@remodelersadvantage.com