The Kitchen Table

Host Ken Baden welcomes Justin Donawa, VP of Field Marketing at Potomac Custom Remodeling, for an unfiltered deep dive into the world of canvassing and door-to-door lead generation. Justin shares what nearly a decade in the field has taught him — from why people fail at canvassing to the mindset shifts, training systems, and recruiting tactics that separate great teams from mediocre ones. Ken and Justin also discuss why canvassing remains the most effective and cost-efficient lead source in the home improvement industry, the difference between insurance restoration and retail sales models, and how to keep a canvassing team sharp, motivated, and retained.

James Shin, author of "The Leader's Soul" and former 20-year Caterpillar executive, joins Ken Baden to discuss why integrity and compassion trump strategy in modern leadership. James shares his journey from South Korea to leading plants in America's Deep South, revealing how a people-centric approach consistently delivered sustainable results. He introduces the PQVC framework (People, Quality, Velocity, Cost) that flips traditional business priorities, and explains why getting to know your team on a personal level isn't just nice—it's essential for success. James addresses the challenges of leading younger generations, the importance of learning from mistakes without quitting, and why building long-term culture matters more than hitting short-term numbers. His practical wisdom, drawn from decades of real-world leadership experience, offers a refreshing alternative to the metrics-obsessed management style dominating today's business world.

In this dynamic episode of The Kitchen Table Podcast, host Ken Baden welcomes back Blake Grissom from Charleston, South Carolina, and introduces James Wolfgang Kuntz from Austin, Texas—two forward-thinking entrepreneurs who are revolutionizing the contractor CRM space with BuilderLink. Blake shares his journey from having a record-breaking year in insurance restoration to launching his own roofing company in a non-storm year, while James brings his decade of tech industry experience to solve the biggest pain points contractors face with current software solutions. The conversation centers around a critical industry shift: the move from insurance restoration dependency to diversified retail business models. With insurance carriers increasingly sending "drop letters" forcing roof replacements at 10-15 years (even 5 years in hail markets), contractors must adapt or face extinction. Current CRMs like Acculynx (recently acquired by Verisk for $1 billion) are built for insurance restoration and project management—not true multi-channel sales enablement. BuilderLink aims to change that by offering an all-in-one platform that includes: - True CRM functionality with 20+ lead generation channels - AI-powered follow-up systems (SMS, ringless voicemail, email) - Marketing automation and call center integration - CAD tools for blueprints and designs - Seamless integrations (Eagle View, Hover, QuickBooks, ABC Supply) - Support for multiple trades (roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters, solar, full GC work) Perhaps most importantly, BuilderLink solves the #1 barrier to switching CRMs: data migration. The team offers turnkey migration assistance, eliminating the typical $10,000+ cost and months of headaches that keep contractors trapped in inadequate systems. The episode emphasizes the importance of collaboration over competition, continuous education, and surrounding yourself with other industry leaders. Both Blake and James credit their success to investing in themselves, networking across state lines, and being students of the game. Ken announces his own beta program: a group coaching initiative launching this winter to help insurance restoration companies implement retail systems that consistently achieve $1,000/square pricing through proper qualification, presentation, and closing strategies. Key Takeaway: The roofing and home service industries are at an inflection point. Contractors who diversify their business models and leverage proper technology will thrive; those who remain dependent on insurance storms will struggle. BuilderLink represents the next generation of contractor software—built by contractors, for contractors.

Taylor Baires shares her remarkable journey in the roofing industry, from childhood memories of distributing door hangers in neighborhoods to becoming a successful business owner and consultant. Growing up with a general contractor father in the Chicago suburbs, Taylor learned the value of hard work early—even sweeping commercial parking lots to earn money. After exploring law enforcement as a correctional officer, Taylor returned to her roots in roofing and construction sales. She discusses the fundamental differences between retail and storm restoration selling, emphasizing why retail experience creates superior storm chasers. Taylor breaks down the psychological advantages women have in door-to-door sales and why the industry needs more female representation. The conversation explores the current state of insurance restoration, particularly in Florida where regulatory changes and rising deductibles are pushing the industry toward retail sales models. Taylor offers practical advice for anyone looking to break into roofing sales and explains her consulting approach for helping companies maximize their potential in both storm and retail markets.

This special episode of The Kitchen Table Podcast features host Ken Baden with guests Jonathan Bannister (Home Service Hustle, Topserve Digital) and Sam Wakefield (Close It Now) to announce the launch of the Door to Door Institute. They discuss a major shift in the home service industry since mid-2023, where a post-COVID boom was followed by a significant decline in call volume. The hosts argue that traditional digital marketing is becoming increasingly expensive and less effective due to market saturation and the rise of AI platforms. They advocate for a proactive, direct-to-source approach through door-to-door canvassing, which they have successfully implemented and refined. The Door to Door Institute offers a full-service solution, combining Jonathan's expertise in branding and targeted marketing, Ken's proven methods for recruiting, training, and managing canvassing teams to generate qualified leads, and Sam's strategies for high-conversion sales and closing. Their goal is to empower home service companies to generate consistent business, self-fund their branding, and achieve sustainable growth independent of fluctuating digital lead costs.

In this episode of The Kitchen Table Podcast, host Ken Baden sits down with Curtis Sprouse, President & CEO of Eureka Connect. With a background as a CFO, CEO, and consultant to billion-dollar companies in the tech and pharma space, Curtis shares his journey from corporate finance to leading healthcare innovation. They dive into the challenges of leadership, the importance of strategy in scaling organizations, and the lessons Curtis has learned across industries. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, consultant, or executive, this conversation offers powerful insights into what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of business.