Five Scenes from a Remodeling Business in 2026

<p>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.</p><hr /><p>Today's episode is sponsored by Builder Funnel! <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.builderfunnel.com/rotr" target="_blank">Click here</a> to learn more about how Builder Funnel helps remodelers and home builders grow through strategic digital marketing.</p><hr /><p>Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Remodelersontherise.com" target="_blank">Remodelersontherise.com</a> today and take your remodeling business to new heights!</p><hr /><p>Key Takeaways</p><ul><li>Track lead flow and KPIs to anticipate market shifts.</li><li>Use a flexible PTO policy to boost team loyalty.</li><li>Invest in showroom expansion and new services.</li><li>Leverage AI for process improvement and data organization.</li><li>Focus on process improvement before adopting new AI tools.</li></ul><hr /><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction and market overview for 2026</p><p>02:02 Current market challenges and lead flow issues</p><p>04:11 Financial management and preparing for a down year</p><p>06:08 Using KPIs to anticipate market trends</p><p>07:57 PTO policies and employee engagement</p><p>12:00 Website strategies and copywriting tips</p><p>20:02 Embracing AI and process automation</p><p>38:00 Showroom expansion and new service offerings</p><p>50:05 Future market opportunities and growth areas</p><p>57:55 Closing thoughts and key takeaways</p>