Five Scenes from a Remodeling Business in 2026

Not every episode follows a single thread, and this one does not try to. Paul McManus of McManus Kitchen and Bath pulls back the curtain on navigating a down market, building a generous PTO policy that keeps great people around, rethinking his website from the ground up, using AI to strengthen process instead of replace it, and opening a brand new showroom with some genuinely creative ideas inside. If you want an honest look at how a seasoned remodeler is thinking and building right now, this one delivers.Today's episode is sponsored by Builder Funnel! Click here to learn more about how Builder Funnel helps remodelers and home builders grow through strategic digital marketing.Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights!Key TakeawaysTrack lead flow and KPIs to anticipate market shifts.Use a flexible PTO policy to boost team loyalty.Invest in showroom expansion and new services.Leverage AI for process improvement and data organization.Focus on process improvement before adopting new AI tools.Chapters00:00 Introduction and market overview for 202602:02 Current market challenges and lead flow issues04:11 Financial management and preparing for a down year06:08 Using KPIs to anticipate market trends07:57 PTO policies and employee engagement12:00 Website strategies and copywriting tips20:02 Embracing AI and process automation38:00 Showroom expansion and new service offerings50:05 Future market opportunities and growth areas57:55 Closing thoughts and key takeaways