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Built to Last: Lessons from a Second Generation Design Build Remodeler

📅 December 18, 2025 ⏱️ 42:11 🎤 Kyle Hunt, Abe Degnan

Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Introduction to Degnan Design Build
    The episode begins with an introduction to Abe Degnan, President of Degnan Design Build & Remodel, and his background as a second-generation remodeler.
  • 0:47
    Second-Generation Business Legacy
    Abe recounts his father's founding of the business in 1981 and his own journey of joining the company after pursuing an architecture degree.
  • 2:00
    Growth and Current Business Structure
    Abe details the current size and structure of his company, which includes 12 employees across various roles.
  • 3:09
    Impact of Learning and Peer Groups
    Abe highlights the significant influence of continuous learning, joining industry associations, and participating in peer groups on his business growth.
  • 4:46
    Turning Point: Broken Leg Incident
    Abe shares how a broken leg forced him to shift his focus from on-site work to office management, leading to significant growth and a better work-life balance.
  • 5:44
    Insights on Pricing and Marketing
    Abe provides advice on understanding markup and margin, the importance of professional photography for marketing, and developing a structured sales process.
  • 6:35
    Company Values and Documented Processes
    Abe discusses the value of clear company values and a documented, nine-step 'proven process' for successful projects.
  • 7:46
    Design Center vs. Showroom
    Abe explains their 'design center' approach for client selections, focusing on curated samples and appointment-based meetings rather than a traditional showroom.
  • 8:46
    Life Outside of Work and Family
    Abe opens up about his family life, including his six children, adoptions, and the importance of perseverance in marriage and personal life.
  • 9:20
    Second Business Venture: Freedom Storage Shops
    Abe briefly introduces his second business, Freedom Storage Shops, which provides condo buildings for small businesses and hobbyists.

Speakers

K
Kyle Hunt
Host — founder and owner of Remodelers on the Rise
A
Abe Degnan
President of Degnan Design Build & Remodel

Key Takeaways

✦

Invest in continuous learning and join peer groups (like Remodelers on the Rise) to gain insights and guidance for business growth.

✦

Clearly define your company culture and values, integrating them into hiring and daily operations to attract and retain the right team members.

✦

Understand the difference between markup and margin, and calculate your numbers accurately to ensure profitability and confidence in your pricing.

✦

Prioritize professional photography for your website and marketing materials; high-quality visuals are crucial for standing out and attracting leads.

✦

Develop and document a clear sales process, such as the Sandler sales methodology, to ensure consistency, train new staff, and refine over time.

✦

Document your operational processes, even imperfectly at first, and continuously refine them. Make your mission, vision, and values public.

✦

Consider a 'design center' approach for client selections instead of a traditional showroom, curating samples and focusing on appointment-based meetings for committed clients.

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