Little did I know when I became a nurse that I was preparing for a second career with surprising similarities. Working on a remodeling business, it turns out, has a lot in common with working in healthcare.
Know where to find the answers
In nursing school, we were taught that it’s not about knowing everything, it’s about knowing where to find the right information. With constant changes in studies, procedures, and medications, assumptions can be dangerous. Lives depend on getting it right.
While the stakes may be different in remodeling, the principle still applies. In our company, a sign above the back door reads: “There is no shame in not knowing. The shame lies in not finding out.” Asking the right questions helps us avoid costly mistakes and deliver better results.
No task is beneath anyone
Some hospital environments operate with strict hierarchies, where roles are rigid and narrowly defined. I was fortunate to work in a culture where everyone pitched in.
That same team-first mindset carries over to construction: office staff stepping in on-site when needed, carpenters helping around the office, and owners picking up tools when the crew is short. Strong teams do whatever it takes.
Translate the jargon
As a nurse, part of my role was translating medical terminology into language patients could understand. Remodeling has its own version of “medical speak”—joists, headers, transoms.
Clients don’t always speak that language, and when we take the time to translate, we build trust. Clear communication is a competitive advantage.
Document the day
Even with constant charting, nurses are trained to write daily summaries—because details matter, especially if questions arise later.
Daily job logs serve the same purpose in remodeling. They provide clarity, accountability, and protection—whether it’s answering a client question months later or navigating a more serious issue.
At the end of the day, both are service industries—one focused on caring for people, the other on caring for their homes. And while a hospital may not be where people want to be, the lessons learned there can help us turn good remodeling experiences into exceptional ones.
The community and caliber of people that you are privileged to associate with in these meetings is outstanding!
That’s exactly what makes Roundtables so powerful. It’s not just about sharing ideas—it’s about surrounding yourself with high-performing remodelers who challenge your thinking, hold you accountable, and help you grow faster than you could on your own.
