“I was probably incredibly competitive on price, based on, what legitimate, established contractors were charging for some of the work right, like small kitchens, bathrooms, some basement stuff, things like that.” -Jimmy Moore Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Jimmy Moore from Petra Custom Builders. His journey from a budding carpenter to a visionary business leader offers a wealth of insights and inspiration for anyone aspiring to make their mark in the wood industry.  Jimmy’s foray into the world of construction began post-school, when he joined a commercial general contracting company. His early experiences ranged from miscellaneous construction jobs to more traditional carpentry roles, gradually leading him to a fascination with the management side of the business. This curiosity and drive to explore beyond the known boundaries led him to Petra Custom Builders, marking the start of an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey. Listen now and get the whole story! “I haven't known how to do a lot of this stuff that I've just jumped in and started to do, and then figured it out as I go. And so we decided to start Petra together.” -Jimmy Moore Navigating Challenges and Embracing Management In 2008-2009, amidst economic uncertainties, Jimmy decided to leverage his competitive pricing and the volume of work available to transition from side jobs to a full-time business venture. This bold move laid the foundation for Petra Custom Builders, a venture that started with a vision for a different kind of leadership in the construction industry. Building Petra Custom Builders: A Tale of Growth and Vision The initial years were a testament to the company's growth, with revenue hitting $475,000 in the first year. The journey wasn't just about financial growth; it was about learning, adapting, and setting a sustainable path for the future. In 2015, Petra Custom Builders had grown into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, compelling Jimmy to buy out his partner and take sole leadership. This transition marked a new era for the company, guided by Jimmy’s philosophy of balancing immediate needs with scalable strategies for future growth. The Human Element: People as the Core of Business Jimmy’s approach to business is people-centric. He emphasizes the importance of relationships – with employees, trade partners, and vendors. This focus on people, he believes, is the key to navigating challenges and ensuring the company's adaptability and resilience in the face of change. Visionary Leadership: More Than Just Building Under Jimmy’s stewardship, Petra Custom Builders transcended the traditional boundaries of a construction firm. The company’s ethos evolved to emphasize the service aspect, focusing on enriching and inspiring clients' lives through thoughtful design and construction. This philosophy of servant leadership and focus on relationships is the cornerstone of Petra's success. Looking Ahead: Embracing Challenges and Driving Innovation As the company stands in 2023, it continues to face new challenges, but Jimmy’s approach remains unwavering – to tackle the unknown with confidence and adaptability. His leadership style, deeply influenced by his background in wrestling, advocates for facing challenges head-on and learning from them to forge ahead. “There's this thing. And it's a joke that people see that you have more than two kids, they automatically think that you're a great dad, like, you just got more kids. But there's like this feeling like you're this leader. But I'm, I'm saying that just because you have a you have a pretty sizable team. “ -Steve Larosiliere Want to get in touch with Jimmy Moore? Contact him through: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petracustombuilders/ Website: https://www.petrac