Brian
Gottlieb
Author, Keynote Speaker & Business Advisor | Founder, Tundraland Home Improvement
When you're growing a business, you debate whether you want to be successful or whether you want to be kind. I don't think it's a choice. It's about being successful and being kind. When you can make a positive impact in the life of just one individual, that's how you take part in changing the world.
Why Brian Gottlieb
Is The Expert
Brian Gottlieb is one of the most accomplished and respected business leaders in the home improvement industry. In 2009, he founded Tundraland Home Improvement on a plastic folding table with just $3,000. Over the next twelve years, he grew that startup into a family of home improvement businesses — including Tundraland, Renewal by Andersen of Greater Wisconsin, and Jacuzzi Bath Remodel of Arizona — that expanded across multiple states, grew to more than 600 employees, and generated nearly $1 billion in lifetime sales. The company was recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing companies in America.
Brian’s leadership philosophy is built on a foundational principle: if you want to build a great business, you must first commit to building great people. This belief system — distilled into his Five Pillars of Leadership framework — created a culture so strong that Tundraland was named the best place to work in the state of Wisconsin. His approach to synchronized leadership, team empowerment, and world-class training became a model that companies across the industry now seek to replicate.
After successfully selling all three of his businesses — Tundraland to a private equity firm, Renewal by Andersen to the leadership team, and Jacuzzi Bath Remodel to the Jacuzzi corporation — Brian shifted his focus to giving back to the business community. He is now an active angel investor, board member, and one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the home improvement and leadership space.
His debut book, Beyond the Hammer: A Fresh Approach to Leadership, Culture, and Building High Performance Teams, was published by Forbes Books in September 2024. The book begins with a business parable that brings his five leadership pillars to life, followed by actionable strategies for creating aligned, high-performing teams. It has been widely praised as the best leadership book of the year for managers and business owners.
Brian is a Harvard Business School executive education alumnus and the creator of Baths for the Brave, a national program that provides free, safer shower systems for veterans with mobility challenges. He lives in Appleton, Wisconsin and continues to mentor, advise, and inspire leaders across every industry.
- Founder, Tundraland Home Improvement (2009–2021 — Sold)
- Founder, Renewal by Andersen of Greater Wisconsin (Sold to Leadership Team)
- Founder, Jacuzzi Bath Remodel of Arizona (Sold to Jacuzzi Corporation)
- Author, Beyond the Hammer (Forbes Books, September 2024)
- Harvard Business School Executive Education Alumnus
- Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Company in America
- Best Place to Work in Wisconsin — Tundraland
- Inaugural Remodeling Mastery Award Recipient (Pro Remodeler)
- Creator, Baths for the Brave — National Veteran Assistance Program
- Active Angel Investor & Board Member
- Keynote Speaker — Leadership, Culture & High-Performance Teams
- ~$1 Billion in Lifetime Sales Across Business Portfolio
Domain
Mastery
Scores
Power100's evaluation of Brian Gottlieb's depth of expertise across the disciplines that define elite leadership in home improvement. Scored 1–10 based on verified performance, track record, and peer recognition.
Achievements &
Milestones
Author of Beyond the Hammer (Forbes Books, 2024) — #1 Leadership Book for Managers
Built a $3,000 Startup Into ~$1 Billion in Lifetime Sales
Inaugural Remodeling Mastery Award — Pro Remodeler
Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Company in America
Best Place to Work in Wisconsin — Tundraland
Harvard Business School Executive Education Alumnus
Successfully Built & Sold Three Home Improvement Companies
Creator of Baths for the Brave — Free Showers for Veterans
Premier Keynote Speaker on Leadership, Culture & Team Building
Active Angel Investor & Board Member Across Multiple Industries
Brian Gottlieb is arguably the most accomplished builder-turned-thought-leader in the home improvement industry. His journey from $3,000 and a folding table to nearly a billion dollars in lifetime sales — followed by successful exits of three companies — gives him credibility that few industry voices can match. His Five Pillars of Leadership framework has become a widely adopted model for contractors looking to build culture-driven, high-performance organizations.
As an author, speaker, and advisor, Brian’s contributions to Power100 offer readers a masterclass in leadership, scaling, exit strategy, and the human side of business growth in home improvement.
What Leaders
Are Saying
Brian is an extraordinary leader whose innovative thinking and boundless energy inspire awe in all who encounter him.
He changed the paradigm when he realized that the success of his window installation business was about making it more of a sales and marketing business than a remodeling business.
Brian Gottlieb is a keynote speaker, author, angel investor, and business advisor who works with companies across the home improvement industry and beyond. After founding and selling three successful home improvement businesses — Tundraland Home Improvement, Renewal by Andersen of Greater Wisconsin, and Jacuzzi Bath Remodel of Arizona — Brian now dedicates his time to helping leaders build high-performance teams and purpose-driven cultures. His debut book, Beyond the Hammer, published by Forbes Books, is a widely acclaimed guide to leadership and team building. Brian is a Harvard Business School alumnus and the creator of Baths for the Brave, a national program providing free accessible showers for veterans.
Read The Expert.
Know The Industry.
Brian Gottlieb contributes to Power100's growing network of verified home improvement leaders. Read their insights, watch their interviews, and follow their work.