What does designing a home have in common with leading a remodeling company? More than you might think. In this episode of Trade Secrets: Remodeling with NARI, Anthony Lopez sits down with Monica Lewis, President of J.S. Brown & Co., to explore her unexpected journey from designer to company president and the skills that helped her make the transition. Monica shares how design taught her to solve complex problems, listen to different stakeholders, accept feedback, iterate on ideas, and communicate a clear vision. She also discusses learning the business side of remodeling, building confidence as a new leader, creating a culture of mutual respect, and why leadership is ultimately about empowering your team rather than having all the answers. For remodeling professionals considering their own move into leadership, Monica offers a simple reminder: you may never feel completely ready. Sometimes the skills you need are already being developed in the role you're in today. Episode Highlights Monica's journey from design school to President of J.S. Brown & Co. Why designers need greater exposure to the business side of remodeling How you can become a leader before you ever receive the title Why teaching others can make you better at your own craft Monica's realization that leadership is "designing at a different scale" Moving from doing everything yourself to empowering your team How continuing education and peer relationships helped Monica build confidence Why admitting "I don't know" can make you a stronger leader Building a remodeling culture around mutual respect between design, sales, and production How design thinking translates directly to business problem-solving Why strong leaders need to accept feedback without becoming attached to their first idea How curiosity about the entire business can prepare you for leadership Why aspiring leaders should look for opportunities beyond their current job description Monica's advice for taking the leap before you feel completely ready Key Takeaways Leadership can start before the title. When teammates begin trusting you for answers, guidance, training, and support, you're already developing leadership skills. Leadership is another form of design. Instead of designing with walls, materials, and floor plans, leaders work with people, systems, budgets, and processes. You don't need to have every answer. Strong leaders know where their expertise ends, ask for help, and empower talented people around them. Respect creates stronger remodeling teams. Design, sales, production, and operations may have different priorities, but the client benefits when everyone respects each other's expertise and works as one team. Don't wait until you feel ready. Training and education matter, but some leadership lessons can only be learned by stepping into the role and doing the work. Strong remodeling businesses are built by professionals who continue learning, developing their teams, and raising the standard of the industry. If you're looking for education, resources, certifications, and a community of remodeling professionals committed to continued growth, learn more about the National Association of the Remodeling Industry at NARI.org. Subscribe to Trade Secrets: Remodeling with NARI on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts for more conversations with remodeling professionals and industry leaders.
