Episodes

  • From Solo Contractor to $1.5M Remodel Business | Joe Spak on Leadership, Profit & Raising the Bar
    Jan 10 2026

    In this episode of The Summit Podcast, host Bob Turner sits down with Joe Spak, owner of First Coast Renovations, to unpack what it really takes to scale a remodeling business with professionalism, profit, and purpose. Joe shares his journey from Connecticut to Florida, how COVID forced him to go all-in on contracting, and how he grew from a one-man operation into a structured team with project managers, designers, and field crews—while targeting $1.5M+ in annual revenue. This is an honest conversation about: The rollercoaster of lead flow Why “busy” doesn’t mean profitable How small scope misses quietly kill margins The leadership shift from tradesman to CEO Why professionalism is still a massive competitive edge in construction Joe also opens up about fatherhood, fitness, licensing challenges, and what “Joe 2.0” looks like heading into 2026. If you’re a contractor, remodeler, or trades business owner trying to grow without losing your life in the process—this episode is for you.

    👇 Watch, listen, and drop a comment with your biggest takeaway.

    00:00 – Welcome to The Summit Podcast

    01:00 – Joe’s path from corporate life to contracting

    03:00 – How fast growth really happens (and stalls)

    04:30 – Florida remodeling realities & heat lessons

    06:40 – Why the owner must stop “running trash”

    07:30 – The hidden profit leak: scope gaps & job costing

    09:30 – Change orders, discomfort, and giving money away

    10:45 – Revenue vs net profit (the real scoreboard)

    12:30 – Family, balance, concerts, and life outside work

    13:30 – Scaling to $1.5M without adding employees

    14:00 – Licensing challenges & long-term positioning

    16:30 – Why community matters for entrepreneurs

    18:30 – Fitness, discipline, and staying sharp

    19:30 – Joe’s EDGE: professionalism as a weapon

    21:00 – Fatherhood, legacy, and what really matters

    22:00 – Final reflections & Joe 2.0 vision

    🎯 Key Takeaways Growth without systems creates chaos Net profit matters more than top-line revenue Small scope misses quietly destroy margins Professionalism still separates winners in construction Community replaces isolation for business owners Leadership means doing what only you can do What’s ONE thing you need to stop doing in your business so you can grow?

    construction business podcast remodeling business growth contractor leadership scaling a remodeling business construction profit margins job costing for contractors change orders construction contractor mindset from tradesman to CEO home remodeling business construction entrepreneurship Bob Turner podcast Joe Spak First Coast Renovations Rozenberg Group coaching

    #TheSummitPodcast #ConstructionBusiness #RemodelingBusiness #ContractorLife #EntrepreneurMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessCoaching #TradesToCEO #ConstructionLeadership #BuiltNotBorn #ProfessionalismWins

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    23 mins
  • From Pro Baseball to $uccessful Contractor: How Roberto Rodriguez Built a Winning Construction Business
    Jan 9 2026

    In this episode of The Summit Podcast, host Bob Turner sits down with Roberto Rodriguez, owner of ARC Design and Construction, to unpack a powerful journey from professional baseball to building a successful construction business. Roberto opens up about the identity shift that came after COVID ended his baseball career—and how the lessons learned under pressure translated directly into leadership, contracting, and entrepreneurship. This conversation dives deep into: The real challenges contractors face (and why mindset matters more than tactics) How community and coaching accelerate growth Why self-awareness under pressure separates struggling contractors from leaders Defining success beyond revenue—as a father, husband, and business owner Setting intentional goals and building clarity heading into 2026 If you’re in the construction industry, running a contracting or renovation business, or navigating a personal reinvention, this episode will challenge how you think about success—and who you’re becoming in the process.

    👉 Watch until the end for Roberto’s definition of being a “Major League Dad”—one of the most powerful moments of the conversation.

    📌 Subscribe to The Summit Podcast for real conversations on leadership, business growth, mindset, and personal development.

    🧠 KEY TAKEAWAYS Transitioning careers requires identity clarity, not just new skills Self-awareness under pressure is a competitive advantage in contracting Community and coaching shorten the learning curve dramatically Success isn’t just profit—it’s alignment with values Being in the right room accelerates growth faster than working harder Business growth starts with better questions, not better answers You don’t scale a company—you scale yourself first

    00:00 – Why This Conversation Matters

    02:44 – From Professional Baseball to Contracting

    05:38 – The Reality of Pressure in Construction

    08:12 – Why Community Changes Everything

    10:35 – Redefining Success Beyond Money

    13:08 – Structuring a Business That Supports Life

    15:57 – Asking Better Questions as a Leader

    18:35 – Balancing Family, Marriage, and Business

    21:10 – What “Major League Dad” Really Means

    25:46 – Growth, Teams, and Leadership Evolution

    31:22 – Navigating Challenges in the Contracting Industry

    34:08 – Financial Goals vs. Fulfillment

    39:34 – Licensing, Vision, and Future Plans

    42:15 – The Role of Coaching and Accountability

    44:55 – Final Reflections on Growth & Identity

    “You can change the list.” “I want to be a Major League dad.” “Success isn’t what you build—it’s who you become while building it.” “Pressure doesn’t expose weakness—it reveals truth.”

    #ConstructionBusiness #GeneralContractor #Renovations #BusinessCoaching #ContractorMindset #ConstructionLeadership #PersonalDevelopment #EntrepreneurJourney #FromAthleteToEntrepreneur #BusinessGrowth #GoalSetting #SelfAwareness #CoachingForContractors #TheSummitPodcast

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    30 mins
  • From Landscape Design to Real Estate Success | Mindset, Identity & Growth with Mari Graham
    Jan 8 2026

    In this episode of the Summit Podcast, Bob Turner sits down with Mari Graham, a landscape designer turned realtor, to explore what it really means to evolve your identity, adapt your mindset, and grow through change. Mari shares her journey from landscape design into real estate — a transition driven by family, opportunity, and the willingness to embrace discomfort. Together, they unpack powerful lessons on personal growth, mindset shifts, networking, technology in design, and navigating today’s economic landscape, particularly in luxury and service-based businesses. This conversation is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals who feel the pull to reinvent themselves while staying grounded in gratitude and purpose.

    🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How evolving your identity unlocks new levels of growth Lessons from bridging landscape design and real estate Why mindset matters more than circumstances The role of technology in modern design and business How networking creates unexpected opportunities Navigating economic shifts in high-end markets Using gratitude as a performance and leadership tool Finding your edge by leaning into your strengths

    ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Mari Graham 01:13 Journey into Landscape Design & Real Estate 02:52 Evolving Identity & Mindset Shifts 04:06 Bridging Design and Real Estate 06:03 Overcoming Challenges with Purpose 08:29 Market & Economic Insights 10:11 Technology in Modern Design 13:01 Networking & Collaboration 14:23 Preparing for the Future 15:27 Creating Beauty & Balance 18:52 Advice for Entrepreneurs 20:23 Finding Your Edge 23:34 The Power of Gratitude 👇 If this episode resonates, drop a comment with the word EDGE and share what season of growth you’re in right now. 👍 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations on leadership, mindset, and business growth.

    #SummitPodcast #MindsetMatters #PersonalGrowth #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #RealEstateJourney #LandscapeDesign #IdentityShift #NetworkingMatters #TechnologyInDesign #EconomicTrends #GratitudePractice #FindingYourEdge #WomenInBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment

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    26 mins
  • From Cash Flow Chaos to a $50M Vision | Nick Sammons (TruVine Renovations)
    Jan 5 2026

    Nick Sammons is the owner of TruVine Renovations, and in this episode we go deep on what it really takes to grow a construction business without losing your mind (or your margins). We talk about the cash flow pressure that hits when you start landing bigger jobs, why being detail-oriented can either become your superpower or your bottleneck, and the key shift Nick made in his business model to create more stability, profitability, and retained earnings. Then we flip to the personal side: Nick’s fitness journey into ultra marathon training — and the discipline, faith, and grit that fuels his growth as a husband, father, leader, and entrepreneur. If you’re a contractor, business owner, or high-performer who wants to build something real — this one will hit.

    In this episode, we cover: How Nick designs a “peaceful renovation experience” for clients The difference between “detail” and overthinking The business model shift that improved cash flow + efficiency Why retained earnings matters if you want to scale Nick’s long-term vision: building a $50M company with multiple locations Ultra marathons, discipline, and the mindset behind “put in the work” Why feedback from clients is a competitive advantage Simplifying and automating ops so the company can scale clean Sound bites: “I want to be a $50 million company.” “Faith without works is dead.” “You have to put in the work.”

    #constructionbusiness #contractor #remodeling #construction #homeimprovement #generalcontractor #businessgrowth #cashflow #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #leadership #personaldevelopment #highperformance #mindset #fitnessjourney #ultramarathon #discipline #profitability #systems #scaling Chapters (tighter + more clickable wording) 00:00 Nick Sammons + TruVine Renovations 02:41 Detail: superpower or bottleneck? 05:28 Growth pressure + coaching decisions 08:22 The shift that improved cash flow 11:10 What’s coming next for TruVine 13:57 Ultra marathon discipline + identity 16:38 Personal growth vs business growth 19:32 The $50M vision (multiple locations) 22:24 Final takeaways: faith + work

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    31 mins
  • Why Company Culture Matters More Than Profit in Construction - Matt Adamiec, Valdek Construction
    Jan 3 2026

    In this episode of The Summit Podcast, Bob Turner sits down with Matt Adamiec, founder of Valdek Construction, to talk about what it really takes to build a construction business that lasts. Matt shares his journey as a construction company owner in Winnipeg, Canada, and breaks down the lessons he’s learned about company culture, core values, leadership, and long-term thinking. This conversation goes beyond tools and tactics—it’s about building a business rooted in integrity, commitment, and relationships. They discuss why hiring based on core values matters, how culture impacts growth, and why playing the long game is the key to real success. Matt also offers honest advice for new entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of ownership, patience, and personal growth. If you’re a contractor, builder, or entrepreneur who wants to grow without losing your standards—or yourself—this episode is for you. 🔗 Learn more about Valdek Construction: https://valdekconstruction.com

    ✅ Key Takeaways Find people who are already doing what you want to do—and learn from them Company culture doesn’t happen by accident; it must be built intentionally Core values should guide every hiring decision Long-term client satisfaction beats short-term profit every time Commitment to your vision is non-negotiable True success is measured by impact and influence, not just revenue Strong values attract the right team members Patience is essential in both business growth and personal development Daily operations should prioritize relationships and alignment You can build the business you envision—with consistency and discipline

    00:00 Introduction & Matt’s Background

    02:38 Entering the Construction Industry & Early Lessons

    05:16 Why Company Culture Matters

    08:05 Core Values and Hiring the Right People

    10:58 Advice for New Entrepreneurs 13:30 Vision for the Future of Valdek Construction

    16:21 Daily Operations & Leadership Challenges 1

    8:52 Overcoming Adversity & Personal Growth

    21:37 Memorable Experiences & Reflections

    24:17 Final Thoughts on Leadership, Integrity & Legacy

    #TheSummitPodcast #ConstructionBusiness #CompanyCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #CoreValues #EntrepreneurMindset #ContractorLife #BusinessOwnership #ValuesDrivenBusiness #PersonalGrowth #HiringRight #LongTermThinking #BuildWithIntegrity

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    30 mins
  • Running a Family Construction Business Without Burning It Down | Larry White
    Jan 1 2026

    In this episode of The Summit Podcast, host Bob Turner sits down with Larry White, owner of Restorations Unlimited, for a raw conversation about leadership, family dynamics, and what it really takes to grow a construction business without losing what matters most. Larry shares his journey from working alongside his father in the field to leading a growing family-run construction company in Maine. Together, they unpack the real challenges of leadership, the tension that comes with mixing family and business, and how embracing systems, technology, and intentional communication helped Larry level up as an owner.

    This episode is especially valuable for: Contractors running (or inheriting) a family business Owners struggling to shift from “good in the field” to effective leader Business owners trying to scale without sacrificing family or personal life In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why leadership in a family business is harder than most people admit How poor communication quietly damages family-run companies The role technology and SOPs play in sustainable growth Why networking matters more than marketing alone How to pursue business growth without losing work-life balance If you’re building a business with family—or trying to avoid burning bridges while scaling—this episode will hit home.

    🎧 Listen now and share this with a contractor or business owner who needs it.

    00:00 – Larry White’s Path From the Field to Ownership

    05:30 – The Hidden Challenges of Running a Family Business

    10:39 – Leadership Growth and Hard Lessons Learned

    16:07 – Networking, Relationships, and Business Expansion

    21:18 – Using Technology to Scale Without Chaos

    27:01 – Final Lessons on Family, Leadership, and Legacy

    #SummitPodcast #LarryWhite #FamilyBusiness #ConstructionLeadership #ContractorLife #BusinessLeadership #ConstructionBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkLifeBalance #ScalingABusiness #MaineContractor #TradesBusiness #BusinessSystems #ContractorPodcast

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    28 mins
  • He Lost Everything—Now He Helps Business Owners Escape the Trap. Jason Sisneros, Built To Exit
    Dec 29 2025

    Most business owners don’t fail—they get trapped. After bankruptcy and homelessness, Jason Sisneros rebuilt his life around purpose, service, and freedom—and now helps others do the same. In this powerful conversation on The Summit Podcast, Bob Turner sits down with Jason to unpack what real success actually looks like when money alone stops being enough. This episode is for business owners who: Feel successful on paper but stuck in reality Are burned out, boxed in, or quietly asking “what’s next?” Want to build a business that serves their life, not traps it 🔑 What you’ll learn: Why adversity is the ultimate character builder How serving others becomes a competitive advantage What every business owner must understand about exiting their business Why “retirement” is the wrong goal—and what to build instead How joy, love, and community become fuel in hard seasons Jason’s story isn’t about motivation—it’s about ownership, responsibility, and impact. 👇 Comment below: What does “success” actually mean to you right now?

    Chapters: 00:00 Why Jason’s story matters 02:02 Bankruptcy, homelessness, and rebuilding identity 05:51 Character is forged under pressure 09:25 When survival mode ends—and leadership begins 13:32 Fighting for the vulnerable through business 17:26 The hidden cost of entrepreneurship 20:14 Why success without purpose collapses 22:04 Escaping comfort zones that quietly trap you 23:41 Why every business must be built to exit 26:02 Understanding your “freedom number” 28:53 Building impact beyond money 31:03 Joy as a competitive edge 34:57 Love, brotherhood, and real community

    #BusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessOwnerBurnout #ExitStrategy #LifeAfterBusinessFailure #ContractorMindset #LeadershipPodcast #PurposeDrivenBusiness #MensLeadership #OvercomingAdversity #FindingPurposeInBusiness #BobTurnerPodcast #JasonSisneros

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    42 mins
  • The Hidden Cost of Building a Business | Leadership, Legacy & Hard Lessons with Peter Christensen
    Dec 23 2025

    In this episode of The Summit Podcast, Bob Turner sits down with Peter Christensen, owner of Springwood Builders, for a raw and honest conversation about what it really takes to build a business—and the personal cost that often comes with it.

    Peter shares his journey from years in construction to launching Springwood Builders in 2017, opening up about the pressure, responsibility, and leadership challenges that don’t show up on Instagram. From pricing mistakes and cash-flow stress to hiring the right people and learning how to lead through uncertainty, this episode pulls back the curtain on the realities most contractors face but rarely talk about.

    This conversation goes deeper than business. Peter reflects on fatherhood, legacy, mentorship, and the question every driven business owner eventually has to answer: What am I actually building this for?

    If you’re a contractor, entrepreneur, or business owner who feels the weight of leadership and wants to grow without losing what matters most, this episode will hit home.

    🔑 Key Takeaways
    • Starting a business is often harder after the launch than before

    • Leadership growth comes from discomfort, mistakes, and self-reflection

    • Hiring and trusting the right people is essential—but difficult

    • Understanding costs and pricing is non-negotiable for long-term survival

    • Mentorship and community can dramatically shorten the learning curve

    • Legacy, family, and values ultimately drive sustainable success

    🎧 Sound Bites
    • “I wish I’d started sooner—but I also know why I didn’t.”

    • “What am I actually passing down to my kid?”

    • “Cash disappears faster than confidence when you don’t know your numbers.”

    • “Leadership shows up when everything feels heavy.”

    ⏱ Chapters

    00:00 – Peter Christensen & the story behind Springwood Builders 02:03 – The reality no one talks about in entrepreneurship 04:58 – Leadership pressure and personal growth 08:54 – Hard lessons learned the expensive way 10:26 – Advice for overwhelmed contractors 13:25 – Pricing, costs, and business survival 16:00 – Evolving as a leader 17:35 – Finding your edge 19:52 – Legacy, family, and purpose 22:13 – What Peter would tell new contractors

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    26 mins