As a family-owned remodeling company that has served the St. Louis and St. Charles areas for 40 years, Liston Design Build has seen and experienced a lot. Keith Liston, President and Owner, took over the business from his father in 2009 and has applied invaluable lessons learned from both his father’s mentorship and his own journey within the remodeling industry. These lessons have shaped Liston Design Build into a company that homeowners can trust for home remodeling and renovation projects for over four decades. Here are some of Keith’s key insights from our 40 years in the business:
1. Take Care of People, and They Will Take Care of You
A successful home remodeling business is built on relationships—with both your own team and your clients. Your employees need to know that you care about them, their families, and their futures. Demonstrating a genuinely supportive environment not only leads to a positive team culture, but also ensures that your vision and message are carried forward by your entire team. This approach aids in boosting morale on an ongoing basis which therefore helps enhance the quality of your work, leading to better client interactions and word-of-mouth referrals to new potential clients. Through this process, your clients will also feel that their best interests are always being looked after throughout their renovation project and remodeling job.
2. If It’s Worth Doing, It’s Worth Doing Right
Quality and craftsmanship should be at the heart of every successful remodeling project. While shortcuts may save money in the short term, they often lead to costly issues down the line. True value lies in using quality materials and maintaining high standards in the execution of each and every task. Homeowners investing in kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, or whole-home renovations benefit from work that is built to last, ensuring their home improvement investment stands the test of time – thanks to you and your team.
3. Success Is Your Responsibility
For general contractors and business owners in the remodeling industry, personal and professional growth should always be top of mind. Create opportunities for your team to expand their skill sets and advance in their roles as part of your ongoing business plan. This commitment to growth helps maintain an environment of learning and improvement, which is not only essential for staying competitive and providing high-quality remodeling services, but also greatly beneficial to the members of your team. The same mindset applies to business owners; continual self-evaluation and company assessment help adapt processes as the business grows and client needs evolve over time.
4. Build for the Future
As a small business or startup, it’s important to think beyond the present. Whether you are a serial entrepreneur or fellow remodeling contractor, building your business not just for who you are today but for where you want to go is crucial. This means planning for growth, investing in the right team members, and establishing partnerships that will support future expansion. Whether it’s forming connections with other industry professionals/potential referral sources or ensuring your company and team’s certifications are up to date, planning ahead helps sustain long-term success and client trust.
5. Never Consider a Project Finished If the Client Is Unhappy
Each renovation project is unique and comes with its own challenges, from structural complexities to project management hurdles. This can be especially stressful for clients who are living in their own home during renovations. Regular client meetings, final walkthroughs to address any issues, and actively seeking feedback are essential practices that help ensure client satisfaction throughout your project’s lifecycle. By approaching each project with a dedication to excellence and fostering open, ongoing communication, our team at Liston Design Build is proud to have built lasting relationships over the past 40 years. Our approach to work in the home renovation business means more often than not, projects end with hugs instead of handshakes and invaluable word-of-mouth referrals to potential customers. Bake these values into your business structure and you’ll go far.
Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter
After 40 years in the remodeling business, Liston Design Build is proud to have established itself as a trusted name in the home renovation construction business throughout the St. Louis and St. Charles metro areas. From comprehensive kitchen and bath remodeling to entire home renovation projects, our team of project managers, builders, and designers is dedicated to delivering high-quality craftsmanship and a client-focused experience. These guiding principles ensure that Liston Design Build continues to adapt, grow, and create dream spaces for homeowners now and into the future. Whether through lessons learned from past generations or innovations for the future, this commitment to excellence remains unwavering and is exactly what has defined our work for over 40 years and beyond. Thank you for being a part of our journey!
