In the late 1980s in California, Steve Jordan was remodeling foreclosed houses for banks when he realized that instead of working for the banks, he could create a similar system for himself by purchasing, renovating, and renting houses. He shut down his remodeling company and started Rebuilding America, at one point owning 40 houses. When the real estate values in California became too high for investing, he relocated to Pensacola, Fla., where in three years he amassed 190 rental units. More
A good pay and benefit package helps remodelers attract and keep good employees. How does your company measure up? More
Sky-high housing prices have pushed home ownership beyond the reach of millions of workers, including many in the remodeling field. “These people are in the business of renovating all day long,” says John McCloskey (Big50 2005), who owns J. Francis Co., Pittsburgh. “For them not to own their house is heartbreaking.” More
