“I watched other contractors and they never really showed what work they actually did. You know, this, this constant thing on social media is so new. Nobody knew that before. And when I started, I was like, we got to show people how this is done.” -Drew Prince Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Drew Prince from Oak Hearth Homes. Drew's story begins with a simple yet powerful dream: flipping houses with his wife. Back in 2016, Drew and his partner embarked on this venture, little knowing it would evolve into a full-fledged remodeling business and ultimately lead them into home building. This progression from flipping to remodeling wasn't a planned one. After a substantial financial loss on a big house flip, Drew found himself pivoting towards remodeling, thanks to recommendations from friends and family. This twist in their business trajectory opened a new world of possibilities. Oak Hearth Homes' growth can largely be attributed to word-of-mouth publicity. Drew emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation within the community. Listen now and get the whole story! “ It was really between people that just follow us and want to, you know, never see our work in person. Then, you know, people that were interested in the house and then friends and family . It was a lot, but it was awesome to see the responses on it.” -Drew Prince From Challenges to Opportunities Every entrepreneur's journey is dotted with challenges, and Drew's was no exception. Quitting a lucrative job in home improvement sales to start Oak Hearth Homes was a risk. Drew recalls how some family members and his former boss doubted his decision. But driven by a passion for hands-on work and a love for the construction industry, he persisted. This leap of faith, fueled by a deep-rooted belief in karma and the power of giving back, has paid off handsomely. A Unique Business Model Oak Hearth Homes stands out for its comprehensive approach to home improvement. Drew's vision is to create a one-stop solution for everything related to homes – from remodeling and building to buying and selling. The idea is to offer customers a seamless, trustworthy experience. This customer-centric approach, combined with high-quality craftsmanship, has set Oak Hearth Homes apart in a competitive market. The Future of Oak Hearth Homes Looking ahead, Drew is excited about delving deeper into custom home building. The satisfaction of designing and building a home from scratch, coupled with the joy of seeing clients' happy faces, fuels his passion. Oak Hearth Homes aims to continue blending impeccable design with functionality, ensuring every project they undertake is not just a house, but a home that resonates with the owner's personality and needs. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Drew's advice to budding entrepreneurs in the home improvement sector is straightforward – build a solid reputation in your community, document your work meticulously (before and after photos), and engage actively with your audience on social media. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations with clients and building relationships based on trust and transparency. A Testament to Hard Work and Community Spirit Drew's story with Oak Hearth Homes is more than just a business success story; it's a testament to resilience, community spirit, and the belief that doing good always pays off. As they expand their services and continue to build beautiful homes, Oak Hearth Homes remains a beacon of inspiration for entrepreneurs and home improvement enthusiasts alike. Want to get in touch with Drew Prince? Contact him through: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakhearthhomes/ Website: https://www.oakhearthhomes.com/