Member Spotlight

ReVision Design/Remodeling

Brad Little

ReVision Design/Remodeling has been in business in Charlotte since 2005 and has developed a reputation as one of the Queen City’s leading design/build remodeling firms. After 16 years they rebranded as Revision Design/Remodeling of Charlotte to position themselves with a name that more accurately reflects the work they do. Since the start, President and CEO Brad Little has done a little bit of everything. With an incredible team that does amazing work, Brad's job is to support them and make sure they have everything they need to provide their clients with a beautiful, stress-free remodeling experience.
 

  1. What are your top three reasons for joining NARI?
1. To be part of a network of like-minded professionals who deal with similar challenges of operating a remodeling business.

2. To network with local and national trade partners and vendors who have a pulse on the latest trends  and consumer behaviors.

3. To join my industry peers in giving back to the community.
  1. What do you love most about the remodeling industry?

Two things are extremely satisfying for me:

1. Helping someone visualize a better version of the spaces they live in and then seeing it come full circle once the project is complete.

2. Putting together a team of young people with professionals that are more experienced and watching them learn and grow together. 


  1. Who inspires you?

Any innovative business leaders that have vision, determination and grit and are constantly questioning the status quo.  Steve Jobs, Phil Knight, and Michael Dell to name a few.


  1. What’s one thing - either industry-related or not - you learned in the last month?
Although planning and forecasting are important things to do, it is more important to always be nimble and adjust quickly to the situation that is right in front of you.
  1. What’s your favorite part of the job?
Watching my team work together to solve hard problems without any finger pointing.
  1. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A perfectly cooked prime rib with an old vine zinfandel.

Blue Sage Homes

Jaime Gonzalez

Blue Sage Homes L.L.C. is a New Home Construction Company that was established in 2014 by Jaime Gonzalez (President/Owner) in El Paso, TX.  He has had a career in the construction industry since 2001 and has worked with high volume New Home production builders since late 2002.

  1. What are your top three reasons for joining NARI?
1. I wanted to be in contact with other professionals in the industry, I truly believe that the people you surround yourself with influence and reflect your character. If you want to be the best, you need to surround yourself with the best.

2. I don’t want to re-invent the wheel. What we do is not new, if there is a resource available that is willing to share knowledge and experience, it just makes sense to be a part of it.

3. NARI is a reputable organization. If Blue Sage Homes is a part of NARI it helps re-assure our customers that we are there to help them, not to take advantage of them.
 
  1. What do you love most about the remodeling industry?

No project is like another, each owner gets their customized space to their liking. Making every project a new experience.


  1. Who inspires you?

Successful people. I don’t only mean financially. People that set goals, work hard and don’t give up until they achieve or exceed them. Be it health, family, work, etc… Anyone that works hard for a goal and makes it reality is great inspiration.


  1. What’s one thing - either industry-related or not - you learned in the last month?
To enjoy life, friends, and family.
  1. What’s your favorite part of the job?
Seeing each client enjoy the transformation of their previous space into a completely new one.
  1. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Steak, with a side of beef sprinkled with a generous helping of Ribeye. Oh! And Bacon for dessert!!

Innovations Carpentry

Jarell Rebar
Owner and Carpenter Jarell Rebar started his own General Contracting company  after graduating from UTA with a degree in Marketing and Spanish. He spent many years prior flipping homes and remodeling with his boss to support his way through school. Throughout his experience there, he learned that quality matters, which he now applies to Innovations Carpentry. 
  1. What are your top three reasons for joining NARI?
My top three reasons for joining NARI were being able to expand my knowledge in the remodeling industry, cultivate new relationships within the industry, and grow my business through a well reputable and well known organization.

I see the biggest benefit in NARI is that I have a community of experts that are willing to help. Being new into the industry I'm constantly seeking more knowledge and more effective ways to conduct business. I love this organization because I can further my education while having people with 20 or more years of experience to go to when I have questions or need guidance. 
  1. What do you love most about the remodeling industry?

Very rarely do you get to work in an industry that you get tangible results at the end of the day. I can look at all the progress I have made on a project both personally, and professionally. The construction industry is constantly changing, which makes every project unique and fun. The constant change in new technology to unique projects makes the fast-paced industry hard not to love.


  1. Who inspires you?

My father is someone who has inspired me throughout life. When he was young, he started his own high tech consulting firm and grew it to have clients worldwide. He recognized that building strong relationships is just as important as being competent in your work, and he became excellent at both through consistent effort. He is also my mentor because he constantly pushes me to be the best version of myself. He's  been there with me through it all, giving me guidance and motivating me to start my own business. 


  1. What’s one thing - either industry-related or not - you learned in the last month?

Last month I learned how to frame out trusses. I started out as a finish carpenter and I’m trying to continue to push myself by learning more about my craft. I’m striving to frame out my first home very soon. 


  1. What’s your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of the job is getting to see my clients smile and get excited about a finished product, which is what drives me to continue learning, developing, and polishing my skills. 


  1. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I had to eat one meal for the rest of my life it would be homemade Macaroni and cheese. It has been my favorite food since I was a kid. 

Christopher's Kitchen & Bath

Austin Ardrey
Christopher's Kitchen & Bath has been family owned and operated since 1959. After beginning humbly as a two man plumbing contractor, their showroom first opened its doors in 1981. Since they first opened, offering exclusively plumbing products, they've expanded their services and product offerings to Kitchen Cabinetry, Bathroom Cabinetry, Kitchen & Bath Fixtures and Hardware, Countertops, Glass, Tile & Flooring and much more. As was the case when they first opened, they offer expert installation of all the products they sell; from sinks to airbaths, tile to lighting.
  1. What are your top three reasons for joining NARI?
Membership in reputable and well-known organizations like NARI shows prospective clients that we're active/vested members of our industry/community. Peripheral benefits, like the Home Depot rebates help pay for themselves. 
  1. What do you love most about the remodeling industry?

No two projects are the same. We have to solve new and unique challenges on every project. 


  1. Who inspires you?

Our whole team. From our designers in the showrooms to our installers and carpenters in the field. Everyone has a unique background and set of experiences that we can capitalize on as a whole in an invaluable way. 


  1. What’s one thing - either industry-related or not - you learned in the last month?

I am constantly learning. It's overwhelming sometimes. From hyper specific details on how something might be installed to "oh duh" moments, it's endless. A lot of the things we learn are because of these unique problem solving situations we're constantly put in dealing with existing construction or spatial constraints. 


  1. What’s your favorite part of the job?

The personal relationships, with clients and colleagues alike. The fact that no two days or projects are going to throw the same challenges at you. The fact that no matter how long you've done this, you haven't seen it all and will still be surprised and continue to learn. 


  1. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Probably a Chipotle burrito bowl. I feel like it ticks enough of the boxes from a dietary standpoint and could be slightly varied enough flavor wise to go the distance. 

LMT Homes

Lauren Tamayo
LMT Homes, located in Asheville, NC, was established in 2014 by Mike and Lauren Tamayo. In 2010 working with a general contractor, they designed and built their first new construction home. In 2012 they found an opportunity to purchase an empty lot and take on the challenge of building their new house on their own. After getting many compliments on the 2 properties and being the business entrepreneurs that they are, they jumped at the opportunity to buy lots and start LMT Homes. 
  1. What are your top three reasons for joining NARI?
1- I am always interested in expanding my knowledge base, 2- networking and creating new contacts with in the industry, 3- getting our company name out
  1. What do you love most about the remodeling industry?

I love how every project is different. You can never get bored because you are always running in to a new challenge and something different that you have to problem solve. It keeps the days exciting!


  1. Who inspires you?

My grandfather was a builder and I think it has always been in my blood, even though I really stumbled in to the industry by accident it hasn’t been until recently that I have had the realization that I come from a creative background and that I grew up hearing the construction lingo and learning about the industry.


  1. What’s one thing - either industry-related or not - you learned in the last month?

I have been learning a lot about myself over the last month. Taking a moment to breathe and feel my feet on the ground has been so important just in life but also for me in the industry. Coming off of the last year which has been challenging in this industry with managing customer expectations and availability of materials I find it easy to get frustrated. It is how I manage that frustration and that feeling of being pulled in so many directions that has been key for me to remember and grow from. 


  1. What’s your favorite part of the job?

I love the creative side and being able to come up with solutions for clients that they might not have previously thought about. For me the most important part of this job is creating a space for my clients to have memories that will last a life time. 


  1. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chocolate…is that a meal? This would actually be really hard fo me to just have 1 meal for the rest of my life, I enjoy variety and different flavors. Having been a professional cyclist for over 20 years where I was more mindful on my diet I appreciate the ability now to enjoy whatever my tastebuds fancy. 

Mayo Custom Kitchens & Baths LLC

Shawn Mayo, CLC
Shawn Mayo, CLC, owner of Mayo Custom Kitchens & Baths LLC based in St. Johns, FL, has made it a point to learn the most up to date business practices. In doing this, his remodeling company has devised a process that has really helped the client achieve their ultimate space by providing the best construction experience out there. 

What are your top three reasons for joining NARI?

I joined NARI to bring back trade recognition, to better improve my own self with accreditations, and to bring a level of culture and ethicality to every client that I meet and also to hopefully one day bring a branch to Jacksonville.
  1. What do you love most about the remodeling industry?

I love to engage with new clients to bring their dreams to life.


  1. Who inspires you?

I honestly have always been inspired by the creative and knowledgeable minds of Tommy Silva and Norm Abram. Absolutely brilliant in working with their hands and in homes that have true character.


  1. What’s one thing - either industry-related or not - you learned in the last month?

Honestly, the one thing that I have learned is to have patience in the process and to listen to what my clients true needs are. Never rushing things and making their needs the top priority.


  1. What’s your favorite part of the job?

My absolute favorite part of what I do is simply creation. Building from a thought, a blip of an idea, and bringing into a tangible thing is truly why I love what I do.


  1. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I would have to say Chicken Wings, Broccoli and Sweet Potato Fries ......I mean who doesn't like Chicken Wings?


Northlight Custom Builders, LLC

Tony Collins, UDCP
Northlight Custom Builders, LLC, located in Lynwood, WA, was founded in 2014 by master craftsman Tony Collins, UDCP, who specializes in custom home remodels and additions across the greater Seattle area. His company has established an outstanding reputation for exceptional quality, personal service and reliability.

What are your top three reasons for joining NARI?

For some reason, NARI does not have a large presence in the Washington State area; finding only around 30 contractors in the State that are remote members,  Other west coast states have much larger NARI representation.  I was not aware of NARI until I recently hired a CRPM who relocated out here from the Chicago area about 2 months ago.  He introduced me to the programs that they offer and the benefits of membership.  I found that the training and certifications were something that I was very interested in, and have already attended UDCP and have signed my two project managers up for CRPM training as well.  The certification process and the confidence they give to our customers is one of the reasons I joined NARI.  In addition, it is important for me to be involved in a national organization to support continual growth for myself and my company, in addition to the presence of the code of ethics which again gives our customers confidence that we are a square away company.
  1. What do you love most about the remodeling industry?

My favorite part is the sense of satisfaction I get from taking something unusable, impractical, or cosmetically deficient and making the space beautiful again. 


  1. Who inspires you?

My team.  My team of office and field staff inspire me.  I have a group of great people; many of which are way smarter than me; who motivate me to try to do better each day.  I try to be the best business operator possible and the decisions I make are always in an attempt to be in their best interest.  


  1. What’s one thing - either industry-related or not - you learned in the last month?

Lately, I have been learning quite a bit.  I just finished the UDCP classes so I learned quite a bit there, but also I just hired a business coach to help with refocusing efforts on setting goals, monitoring progress towards those goals, and improving feedback and analysis on construction projects.  


  1. What’s your favorite part of the job?

The 'reveals'; showing customers what was accomplished that day, week, month, or the final reveal at the end of the project.  It is fun to discuss with them what we got done, what it took to accomplish the goals, and what things are coming up next; and to see their excitement.  


  1. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Anything with chocolate.  I have been eating chocolate for over 1/2 a century, so I am well on my way for a lifetime with it... 


Springs Home Improvement

Chuck Farrington
Chuck and Debbie Farrington founded CFar Enterprises in 2010, a part-time endeavor focused mainly on small home improvement projects. As passion and demand for the business grew, CFar Enterprises, now known as Springs Home Improvement, transformed into a full-time, thriving company focused on larger home remodeling projects.
  1. What are your top three reasons for joining NARI?
    1. Gain more knowledge/training to assist in continuing to grow as an individual and a company.

    2. Gain more knowledge/training to assist in continuing to develop our staff.

    3. Provide more reasons for clients new and existing for establishing trust and competency in the remodeling industry.

  1. What do you love most about the remodeling industry?

Creating new spaces and making the entire process a rewarding experience for clients and our team.


  1. Who inspires you?

Clients and my team of craftsmen.


  1. What’s one thing - either industry-related or not - you learned in the last month?

  I have to keep adapting to the changing environment.


  1. What’s your favorite part of the job?

Working with clients and making them happy and creating a legacy for my family.


  1. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Breakfast.


DelArco Designs + Construction, LLC

Olivia Del Arco
With more than 10 years of experience in the remodeling industry, Olivia Del Arco, Co-owner and Designer of DelArco Designs + Construction, LLC in Houston, Texas, knows what is best for her clients.
  1. What are your top three reasons for joining NARI?
Since I started my remodeling business, I wanted to be associated with extreme professionalism. We consequently joined NARI because it is a pledge of recognition within the industry. Secondly - and I am sure that plenty of my peers feel the same - you often find yourself alone, confronted to your own decisions without any form of external support in these types of business. In that spirit, NARI definitely offers a way to connect with the remodeling community to discuss, amongst others, the challenges that we all face everyday as remodelers. Last but not least, we often get offers for incredibly helpful classes and seminars, thanks to NARI. This contributes to the continuous education of my employees and myself, which ultimately and most importantly benefits our clients.
  1. What do you love most about the remodeling industry?
Without a question, the day to day evolution of the project from when we start to delivery day and ultimately our clients' satisfaction and gratitude . Knowing that we make an impact in people's lives and their families' makes me feel that our job serves a purpose. Also, the remodeling industry is undeniably an added value to the economy and society. We create jobs, help people and bring money into the economy.
  1. Who inspires you?
Our customers! They are the ones who allow us to do what we love, and inspire us to thrive for continuous improvement through their innovative ideas.
 
  1. What’s one thing - either industry-related or not - you learned in the last month?
Losing electricity, water, and phone service  for a few days in Texas last month became a good lesson for me. I have a hard time shutting down and taking time for myself. As everyone in the industry knows, there is always something to do - whether finding some special material, working on estimates, calling clients, taking a course on something new, etc. I was forced to shut down, sit in front of the fireplace, and disconnect from the rest of the world. 
  1. What’s your favorite part of the job?
Planning with the clients, bringing in ideas, and making sure that we bring their vision to a reality. There is no more satisfying reward than hearing our clients saying that they were able to get exactly what they had dreamt of thanks to our company.
  1. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tacos all week long!

NARI Celebrates Women in Construction Week


Women in Construction
NARI is proud to support Women in Construction Week, March 7-13, 2021. As a leading advocate for women in the trades, NARI stands behind all female members who bring professionalism and integrity to every project.

This year, we celebrate five women whose stories embody the knowledge, drive and determination of NARI members to effect change and create a more diverse workforce. Each has followed a different path, but all have made key contributions to their communities, their colleagues and the remodeling industry. Read their stories here.

Heart of the Home


David Richmond
Have a little heart to heart with David Richmond at Heart of the Home in Winchester, VA.
  1. What are your top three reasons for joining NARI?
  • My business model changed from design (NKBA/CKD) to remodeling kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Credentialing is important for professionalism and marketing reasons.
  • I needed appropriate CEU courses to maintain my CKD, not available through the NKBA.

  1. What do you love most about the remodeling industry?
  • Taking the design and bringing it to life...then the look on the client's face

  1. Who inspires you?
  • The experienced craftsman who loves what he does.

  1. What’s one thing - either industry-related or not - you learned in the last month?
  • Get really good at what I am good at. The labor market here is spread so thin, it often backfires to presume people can meet my expectations, so I often need to do it myself.

  1. What’s your favorite part of the job?
  • After demolition; bringing the project to life.

  1. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
  • Breakfast.

KBF Design Gallery


Ashley Sheaffer and Adam Vellequette
Get to know Ashley Sheaffer and Adam Vellequette - the dynamic brother sister duo at KBF Design Gallery in Maitland, FL.
  1. What are your top three reasons for joining NARI?
Ashley: I believe the most valuable lesson we’ve learned since becoming business owners is to tap into the resources and knowledge surrounding you. Joining a national firm of remodeling experts allows us this opportunity to roundtable with a network of professionals that would otherwise be considered “competitors” in our local market. While we’ve grown up in this industry, being at the helm is a new experience for us in the last few years and we’re grateful for the insights from other professionals who are specific to our industry.

Adam: My top three reasons for joining NARI were first and foremost for its reputation and the recognition I would bring my firm by becoming a member. I was also interested in networking with fellow members as well as NARI’s certification/educational courses.
  1. What do you love most about the remodeling industry?
Ashley: The challenge! There’s something particularly rewarding about solving the puzzle for a homeowner. Clients often approach us with a complex wish list for their home and rely on us as the professionals to think outside of the box to accomplish this for them. As an example, now more than ever, clients are requesting a private office space to be included in their home remodel, without deleting the number of bedrooms or dining spaces. In remodeling, you’re faced with the constraints of the existing structure’s bones, and almost always, a budget to keep in mind. I love the challenge of reimagining a space for a client, the opportunity to present them with that solution and making it come to life.

Adam: My love for the remodeling industry stems from my love for creativity. Each design and each home present a unique set of circumstances to overcome in order realize the perfect space suited just for our client’s specific needs. In remodeling, whether you find yourself in the design phase or in construction, there is always an opportunity to get creative.
  1. Who inspires you?
Ashley: Our parents. Our Dad started this business years ago, and I’ll forever be in awe of him as an entrepreneur. We’ve always had a very close family dynamic, and we admire our parents for so many qualities in our personal lives. However, the more we grow professionally, the more inspired I am by the vision it took to get us here. He identified the need for a turnkey remodeler in Central Florida, designed and built a beautiful showroom from scratch, and invented the framework of processes from initial consultation all the way through the installation that we still use today. They’ve taught us that hard work and Faith can carry you through anything.

Adam: I am inspired by the team I have around me. I am amazed at what they have accomplished together and inspired by their potential.
  1. What’s one thing - either industry-related or not - you learned in the last month?
Ashley: As a ‘right-brain’ dominant person, I’m constantly learning (& re-learning) the importance of systems. I’m fortunate to have a business partner who loves implementing them, and while I sometimes view them with a bit of disparagement – I’m quickly reminded of their importance.

Adam: In the last month, I’ve realized more and more the potential for technology in the remodeling industry. If there is one thing 2020 has taught us, it is the immense value in a business’s ability to function outside of its physical location.
  1. What’s your favorite part of the job?
Ashley: Working with our team. I get to work with my brother every day, and have a front row seat to watch him grow as a leader and business owner – it’s often hard to reconcile who he is now with the little brother that I grew up with. I love watching our guys in the field grow in their talents throughout the years, and the confidence we have in our team of installers, knowing they’re going to “do it right” at all costs. I love the team of incredible talent we have in our showroom and watching them flourish as we tweak positions around their specific skillsets.

Adam: My favorite part of the job and what motivates me every day, is the thought that there is always something that can be done to make my company better. Whether it be an entirely new system we are implementing or just an incremental improvement to a Standard Operating Procedure, I get excited at the idea of being better tomorrow than we are today.
  1. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Ashley: Pizza. No question about it.

Adam: Anyone who knows me well knows I am the sandwich king. If I had to eat sandwiches every meal every day in perpetuity, I might have to add a side salad to it, but nothing beats a good sandwich.