Lessons From a Fred Case Award Finalist

📅 April 2, 2026 ⏱️ 49:12 🎤 Kyle, Matt Jenkins

Chapters

Click to jump to section

0:00

JobTread for Clarity

The hosts introduce JobTread as a tool that helps remodeling companies gain clarity on their numbers, job status, and profitability.
1:46

Introducing Matt Jenkins

Kyle introduces Matt Jenkins, owner of MJ Kitchen and Bath, a friend and client, to discuss his company and recent experiences.
5:20

Matt's Company Overview

Matt Jenkins provides a brief overview of MJ Kitchen and Bath, highlighting their growth, team size, and new showroom plans.
7:00

New Showroom Insights

Matt shares exciting plans for his new showroom, focusing on high-end products, educational displays, and even a golf simulator.
9:57

Fred Case Award Experience

Matt details his journey as a Fred Case Award finalist, including the application process and the unique initiatives his company highlighted.
12:56

Unreasonable Hospitality

Matt elaborates on their 'unreasonable hospitality' initiative, inspired by a book and implemented with his team to enhance client service.
30:19

Case Leadership Dinner

Matt recounts his experience at the leadership dinner with Case Design/Remodeling, noting the strong team camaraderie and inspirational atmosphere.
34:45

Advertising & Marketing

Matt discusses Case Design/Remodeling's robust advertising and marketing strategies, including dedicated teams for organic and public relations efforts.
40:39

Case Sales Process

Matt highlights the systematic and consistent sales process at Case, emphasizing its clear, digestible steps for homeowners and the concept of a 'case study'.
49:51

Production & PM Incentives

Matt describes Case Design/Remodeling's production management, particularly their project managers' profit-sharing compensation model and high level of autonomy.
58:25

Design Team & Plans

Matt shares insights into Case's design team, their plan-based quoting system, and their approach to simplifying client selections in their design studio.
1:05:31

Fred Division Overview

Matt explains the 'Fred division' at Case, a large handyman-style division that offers faster service for smaller projects and ongoing client support.
1:12:31

Fred Case Award Outcome

Matt confirms he did not win the Fred Case Award but emphasizes the invaluable learning experience and encourages other remodelers to apply.

Speakers

Kyle

Host

Matt Jenkins

Owner of MJ Kitchen and Bath

Key Takeaways

✦

Leverage technology like JobTread to gain real-time visibility into job costing, scheduling, and profitability for better business control.

✦

Invest in a well-planned showroom that showcases high-end products and educates clients on possibilities, rather than being overly 'salesy'.

✦

Cultivate a culture of 'unreasonable hospitality' by training your team to provide exceptional service, going beyond expectations to create memorable client experiences.

✦

Develop a systematic and clearly defined sales process with consistent steps and deliverables, ensuring clarity for homeowners and improving closing percentages.

✦

Consider incentivizing project managers with a percentage of gross profit to foster a 'business within a business' mindset, empowering them with ownership and accountability.

✦

Strive for plan-based quotes and simplified design selections to minimize mistakes and prevent client overwhelm, even on large, complex projects.

✦

If your core business is rock solid, explore a dedicated 'handyman division' (like Case's Fred division) to serve existing clients with smaller projects and warranty work, enhancing client retention.

Want the full experience?

Join the Inner Circle for full access to every episode, AI-powered insights, personalized coaching, and a network of industry leaders.

Join Inner Circle →

← Know Your Numbers and Then Do Something About It

Simple KPIs, Clearer Accountability →