Tall Pines Drywall is, in some ways, a fairly standard specialty trade, but we have put a special emphasis on working with homeowners using an educational and straightforward process. Most other drywall businesses focus on large development projects or contracts with homebuilders while treating requests from private homeowners as a nuisance. Tall Pines Drywall flips that and gears the process towards people with no construction experience who are trying to manage their own projects. We value communication, honesty, and relationship-building.
Tell us about yourself?
I have always been a bit of a floater without much clarity or direction. I spent many years working at a youth camp during the summers while working random jobs in between. I also spent a number of years playing guitar in an indie/pop band called Blue Sky Addicts! Drywall began as just another random job after summer was over. After many years of working on the tools, the opportunity presented itself to build a business. After some frustrating experiences, I dove into some business coaching and really learned about how to run a business. I discovered that I loved it and devoured all the information and education I could on understanding financials, sales, customer service, processes and leadership.
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
Spend more time getting clarity on the purpose and function of my business.
What problem does your business solve?
Tall Pines Drywall gives homeowners a trusted partner when it comes to advancing their home improvement projects, repairs, or house builds. Sometimes, we aren’t the solution for them, and we help point them in the right direction.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
I’m fascinated by businesses that see beyond the service they provide. What is the feeling and experience we can create for people in an otherwise mundane and boring aspect of home building and renovations? Can we bring some fun into the industry and keep things light-hearted? It’s our goal to make the process of hiring a drywall company fun, engaging, and incredibly easy.
What is your magic sauce?
I’m not sure we have completely figured that out yet. Based on conversations and experience with customers, I have noticed that communication is the number one issue that comes up again and again. It’s something we talk about as a team all the time. How can we respond faster, better, and with more transparency? If we can be effective communicators at every level, I have found that most problems and frustrations disappear. It sounds simple, but it’s not always so easy!
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
Global domination. Seriously though, I think we just want to improve incrementally each and every day. If we can have the process dialled in, smooth, and easily repeatable so that we can scale without breaking things, I would be incredibly happy with that. Our workplace culture is not about hustle. It’s about work/life balance and creating enjoyment in the everyday experience. I want the right people in the right seats doing the right things every day.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
Changing our customer avatar away from big developers and engaging more with homeowners and private customers who don’t know the industry has forced us to adapt and adjust every step of our process, from marketing to sales to production. We have listened to our team members about what works and what they enjoy doing and shifted our focus to get everything into alignment throughout our organization.
How can people get involved?
If you are interested in working with, for, or against us, you can visit our website at www.tallpinesdrywall.com or reach out via email to info@tallpinesdrywall.com. We love meeting with new people and have even formed some unlikely partnerships that have been beneficial for both parties. If you have a wacky idea (or a regular one), I’d love to hear it!