Welcome to Designer Discussions, where kitchen and bath business owners get the latest training, education, and industry news to elevate their brands and attract high-quality clients. We go beyond surface-level strategies, offering proven tactics to help you stand out and succeed.
Our expert hosts—Jason Lockhart, Maria from DesignAppy.com, and Mirjam Lippuner—bring insider tips, interviews, and best practices to ensure your business thrives. Whether you’re looking for expert guidance on marketing, securing premium clients, or staying ahead of industry trends, we provide the knowledge you need to confidently implement changes that boost your success.
Are you looking to take it a step further? Our monthly training and mentoring services offer hands-on, practical solutions—whether you prefer a do-it-yourself approach or a done-for-you service. Say goodbye to uncertainty and hello to a strategic plan that guarantees growth. Tune in, take control, and make the impactful changes you aim for.
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Check latest episodes from Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business Marketing podcast
If everyone can automate a pitch what is PR actually worth?
2026/10/22
A flawless PR pitch is easy to generate now, and that’s exactly the problem. When journalists are inundated with polished AI-written emails, “perfect” can look suspicious, generic, and instantly skippable. We unpack the real question design professionals are facing right now: if everyone can automate a pitch, what is PR actually worth?
We get practical about where AI PR tools genuinely help your marketing and media outreach, like brainstorming story angles, organizing a media list, researching journalists, and tightening your draft. Then we draw the line on what you should not automate, including anything that removes your voice or pushes out unchecked templates. Personalization still wins, but only when it proves you understand what a journalist covers, who they serve, and why your idea fits that outlet right now.
Most importantly, we break PR value down into three essentials that technology can’t replicate: judgment (knowing what’s newsworthy and when to pitch), substance (bringing evidence, expertise, and a fresh perspective), and trust (being accurate, responsive, and reliable so relationships can grow). If you want to DIY your PR as an interior designer, architect, or remodeler, you’ll leave with a clear, modern approach that uses AI as support, not a substitute.
Subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with a friend who’s trying to get press the right way.
Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.
Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:
https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.html
Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics.
Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide
Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
AI Automation That Fixes Remodeling Chaos with Jeremy Maher
2026/10/08
Remodeling businesses don’t usually fail because they lack talent, they fail because details fall through the cracks: missed calls, slow follow-up, scattered tools, and handoffs that quietly break. We sit down with Jeremy Maher, Co-Founder & COO of Phoenix Home Remodeling in Chandler, Arizona (phxhomeremodeling.com). Jeremy is a former marketing automation and SEO pro who helped build a remodeling company around systems, clear ownership, and a client experience that stays tight from first contact to final scope. If you’ve ever felt like your CRM, inbox, and phone are running you, this conversation offers a practical reset.
We dig into how Jeremy uses Go High Level as the central hub for operations, including text messaging that responds instantly and voice AI that can answer questions and schedule appointments when the receptionist is unavailable. He shares what actually moved the needle: speed to lead, higher conversion rates from a simple text option on the website, and fewer wasted marketing dollars. Then we get into the behind-the-scenes workflows that designers and remodelers will love, like AI generating a scope of work from discovery call notes and AI reviewing transcripts to score sales calls against a consistent checklist, coach performance without emotion, and flag scope items that were missed during fast-paced homeowner conversations.
We also talk about the biggest trap with AI: shiny object syndrome. Jeremy explains his filter for deciding what’s worth building, plus a beginner-friendly place to start: an AI business coach trained on your company docs, your ideal client, your services, and even personality assessments so the advice fits how you operate. If you want AI for contractors, remodeling business automation, marketing automation, and CRM best practices without the fluff, press play and take notes. Subscribe, share the episode with a design friend, and leave a review so more pros can find it.
Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.
Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:
https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.html
Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics.
Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide
Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
From Venezuela To Florida - A Cabinet Design Story
2026/09/24
A thriving design business rarely starts with a viral post. It starts with a real workflow, a reputation you protect, and a brand people can actually find when they search. We sit down with Stephanie Salvatore of Salvatore Home Design to talk about what it takes to build a cabinetry and remodeling company as a young owner and why the “quality over quantity” mindset shows up everywhere, from hiring to installs to marketing.
Stephanie shares her background growing up in a family trade that operated in Venezuela and Aruba, then making the leap to the United States and building momentum in South Florida. We dig into how the business shifted from window treatments to high-value kitchen cabinets, custom cabinetry, and closet design, plus how CNC fabrication and a consistent team help deliver better results. If you’re a homeowner planning a kitchen remodel or a design professional trying to tighten your process, you’ll hear how design, production, and installation connect in the real world.
We also get honest about marketing for contractors and interior design businesses. Stephanie explains how changing a generic company name made Google search visibility easier overnight, why some paid lead platforms produce low-quality calls, and why Facebook Marketplace can unexpectedly drive closet and cabinet projects that turn into long-term client relationships. Then we share a calmer approach to social media marketing: stay current, educate, and aim for consistency instead of daily posting.
If you want more practical advice like this, subscribe to Designer Discussions, share the episode with a friend in the design or remodeling world, and leave a review so more people can find the show.
For more information on Stephanie Salvatore:
https://www.salvatorehomedesign.com/@salvatorehomedesign@realtorsalvatoreTransform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.
Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:
https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.html
Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics.
Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide
Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
Andrew Risinger Explains How Partnerships Grow Better Remodels
2026/09/10
You can feel it when a remodeling business is built on real trust, not just pretty photos. We’re joined by Andrew Reisinger from Kitchen, Bath and Home in Dallas, Texas, to unpack how he went from a “summer internship” mindset to becoming an owner who oversees sales and design, plus earning top industry credentials all the way up to Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer. We talk about what that kind of education actually does for credibility, confidence, and the client experience in high end residential remodeling.
We also get practical about marketing for kitchen and bath professionals. Andrew shares the behind the scenes reality of a stalled outsourced website project, how he learned to build the site himself, and why owning your message matters more than chasing trends. From there, we dig into organic marketing strategies that support long term growth, including what it looks like to be a one stop shop for homeowners while still offering a flexible a la carte approach for designers and contractors who need a strong partner.
The most timely part of the conversation is AI and answer engine optimization. Andrew explains how his team uses AI for communication and content as a “smart assistant,” not an autopilot, then lays out an AEO approach built around the questions clients actually ask and answering them directly in the first 60 words. We connect that to PR, third party mentions, and consistent online signals so your business shows up accurately when people and AI systems search for a trusted remodeler or certified designer.
If you care about building credibility, improving discoverability, and growing through partnerships and networking, this one is for you. Subscribe, share the episode with a friend in the industry, and leave a review so more designers and remodelers can find the show.
Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.
Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:
https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.html
Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics.
Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide
Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
How Designers And Remodelers Build Instant Credibility Online
2026/08/27
Homeowners are making a trust decision about you in minutes, usually before they ever reach out. We break down what they look at first and what quietly pushes them toward a competitor: an outdated website, blurry project photos, missing reviews, and messaging that feels generic. If you want a stronger design and remodeling brand, the goal is simple: remove doubt and show proof of quality everywhere a homeowner clicks.
We start with the basics of a professional, mobile-friendly website that loads fast and actually represents who you are. Then we dig into what makes a portfolio feel credible, including recent work, before-and-after galleries, and testimonials that connect to specific services. We also talk about professional photography and why it is one of the clearest differentiators in interior design marketing and remodeling contractor marketing. When your images are crisp, well-lit, and consistent, homeowners can see the craftsmanship and the transformation without you having to “sell” it.
Next we get into online reviews and reputation management, including why responding to every review matters and how a less-than-perfect rating can become a trust builder when you handle it professionally. We close with the bigger mindset shift: educate homeowners through your website and social posts so you are evaluated as an expert, not compared like a commodity based on price. We also share that we teach much more about this inside our academy and will have a link in the show notes. Subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with a friend, then tell us which trust signal you’re going to improve first.
Here is the link from the podcast:
How To Build a Remodeling Brand That Homeowners Instantly Trust - Kitchen & Bath Marketing SolutionsTransform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.
Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:
https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.html
Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics.
Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide
Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
Top 10 Paid Ads Tips for Design and Remodeling Professionals
2026/08/13
Sending paid ad traffic to your homepage is one of the most expensive “normal” habits we see in the design and remodeling world. We get it, your homepage is beautiful and it shows everything you do. But when someone clicks a kitchen remodeling ad and lands on a page packed with unrelated services, they bounce, and you still pay for that click.
We walk through the five most important paid advertising fundamentals for interior designers, design build firms, and remodeling contractors who want better results from Google Ads and Facebook Ads without lighting their budget on fire. We talk about building a dedicated landing page that mirrors the exact keyword and offer, tightening targeting with location specific keywords so you stop hearing from people outside your service area, and using retargeting pixels to bring back warm visitors who showed interest but did not convert.
We also dig into tracking: how your CRM and website tracking help you measure calls, form submissions, and lead quality so you can cut what is not working and double down on what is. Finally, we share a simple creative upgrade that often boosts conversion rate fast: using video, even if it is just a slideshow of before and after projects. If you want the other five tips, head to our site, and if you have questions, reach out. Subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with a friend who is running ads right now.
Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.
Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:
https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.html
Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics.
Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide
Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
Using AI to Scale a Remodeling Business with Loren Schirber
2026/07/30
Your phone rings after hours and a perfect-fit remodeling lead leaves a voicemail and disappears. We talk with Loren Schirber, second-generation owner of Castle Building and Remodeling in Minneapolis St Paul, about the practical ways she’s using AI to stop that leak and build a stronger design-build business without losing the human side of the work.
We get into what it really takes to scale a remodeling company from a basement operation into multiple design studios with a full team: designers, project managers, and in-house carpenters. Loren shares the behind-the-scenes reality of family business succession, why systems and roles matter, and how tough decisions can protect both the company and the relationships that built it.
Then we go deep on AI in remodeling and construction. Loren explains how AI agents and a modern CRM help capture leads, summarize sales calls, and schedule consultations 24/7. We also cover AI for interior design visualization, faster renderings, and plan and spec comparison that can catch costly mistakes before they hit the field. On the marketing side, we talk digital marketing for remodelers, SEO and AEO, content like remodeling cost guides and “Remodeling 101” videos, and why PR, reviews, and even accessibility now affect search visibility as bots and language models pull from many sources.
If you want smarter workflows, better lead conversion, and clearer positioning in a crowded market, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a builder or designer friend, and leave a review so more pros can find the show.
Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.
Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:
https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.html
Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics.
Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide
Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
Top 10 SEO Tips for Design and Remodeling Professionals
2026/07/16
You do not need a massive marketing budget to start showing up on Google. We break down five high impact SEO moves that design and remodeling companies can tackle first, especially if you are tired of relying only on referrals or expensive ads. Jason shares the same practical guidance he gives other remodelers when they ask what they can do now, on their own, to build momentum with search.
We start with the foundation: your Google Business Profile. We talk about fully completing the profile, using the available space to describe services in detail, and making small but meaningful updates like holiday hours. Then we shift into local SEO strategy, including creating city pages and using location based keywords so you can compete in your real service area and improve your chances of landing in the map pack for “remodeler near me” searches.
From there, we get into content that actually differentiates you: documenting the design and remodeling journey from the first meeting through selections, demolition, installation, and the final reveal. We also cover why reviews matter for both rankings and trust, when to ask for them, and how video or detailed written feedback can help. We close with user experience tips, including mobile optimization and site speed, so your website performs well for both visitors and search engines.
If you found this helpful, subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a design pro who wants more qualified leads from SEO. What is the first fix you are going to make?
Below are the Top 10 tips discussed:
Optimize for Local Search Everywhere: Focus heavily on city-specific service pages, Google Business Profile optimization, and local keywords to dominate local search results.Create Project-Based Content: Showcase detailed before-and-after projects, case studies, and renovation stories to build authority and rank for long-tail searches.Prioritize Google Business Profile (GBP): Consistently update photos, reviews, services, posts, and FAQs because GBP remains critical for local lead generation.Use AI-Assisted SEO Strategically: Use AI tools for research, outlines, optimization, and scaling content while keeping the expertise and voice human.Build Topical Authority: Create clusters of content around kitchens, bathrooms, additions, cabinetry, and remodeling topics to improve overall search relevance.Optimize for Voice & Conversational Search: Write content that answers natural homeowner questions since voice and AI-assisted search continue to grow.Focus on High-Quality Visual SEO: Properly optimize project images, alt text, video content, and file names because visual search is becoming increasingly important.Improve Website Speed & User Experience: Fast-loading, mobile-friendly websites with strong navigation and clear calls-to-action rank and convert better.Generate Consistent Reviews & Reputation Signals: Positive reviews across Google and other platforms strongly influence rankings, trust, and conversions.Create Content for Every Stage of the Remodeling Journey: Develop SEO content that helps homeowners from inspiration and budgeting to hiring and project planning.Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.
Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:
https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.html
Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics.
Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide
Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
The Hidden Side of Remodeling with Rodger Enters
2026/07/02
A remodel can look perfect on paper and still go sideways the moment framing starts. We talk with residential structural engineer Roger Enters of Epong Engineering about what really protects a project: smart planning, clear communication, and getting engineering eyes on the work before assumptions turn into expensive fixes.
Roger shares why residential structural engineering is such a niche, how local licensing and building code expectations vary by market, and why professional trade organizations like NARI and builder associations can raise the standard for everyone involved. We also dig into what “legitimacy” actually means when homeowners are searching for a remodeler or trying to build the right team, plus how showing up to monthly meetings becomes real business development over time.
You’ll hear a real-world case where a sunroom addition nearly went to litigation after the wrong ridge element was used in a vaulted ceiling. Roger explains how an engineer approaches the problem, offers multiple buildable solutions, and helps keep the design intent intact while satisfying inspectors. We also break down one of the biggest homeowner questions in remodeling: removing a wall, understanding load-bearing vs lateral bracing, and why “it’s been fine for 70 years” is not a structural plan.
If you care about safer homes, smoother remodel timelines, and fewer surprises behind the drywall, hit play. Subscribe, share the episode with a builder or designer friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show.
Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.
Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:
https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.html
Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics.
Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide
Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
Website Essentials For Design and Remodeling Professionals In 2026
2026/06/18
Your website can be polished and still quietly leak leads. We see it all the time: great designers and remodelers doing strong work, but their site doesn’t show it clearly, doesn’t earn trust fast enough, or doesn’t tell visitors what to do next. So we break down five website upgrades for 2026 that make an immediate difference for the remodeling industry and design professionals who want better inquiries, better fit clients, and a stronger first impression.
We start with high quality photography, because your images are your credibility. We talk about why professional project photos change how homeowners judge your craftsmanship and taste, and what to do if you’re still shooting work yourself. Then we get practical about conversion: a clear call to action that tells people to book a consultation, submit a project form, or take the next step, instead of leaving them to guess. If you’ve ever wondered why traffic doesn’t turn into leads, this is often the missing piece.
From there, we dig into trust and visibility. We explain how to use social proof the right way, including linking out to authentic Google reviews or Houzz reviews, and why third party validation beats self promotion every time. We also make the SEO case for location specific pages and detailed project pages, where you describe materials, phases, and product choices so search engines and AI search can actually understand your work. Finally, we talk video marketing for your website, even simple Canva slideshows, to increase time on page and help people stop scrolling and start picturing themselves hiring you.
If you want the other five tips, we point you to where to find them. Subscribe, share the show with a design friend, and leave a review so more remodelers and designers can find us.
Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.
Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:
https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.html
Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics.
Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide
Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
Why NKBA Matters with Samantha Vogt
2026/06/04
Networking can feel like small talk until you realize it can also be the strongest business development system you have. We sit down with Samantha Vogt, president of the NKBA Texas North Plains Chapter and a senior interior designer at Jay Wiley Designs, to get specific about what the National Kitchen and Bath Association really offers working designers and remodelers who want to grow with more confidence and less guesswork.
We unpack the practical benefits Samantha sees every day: education that goes beyond inspiration, market research that helps you understand shifting budgets and client expectations, and a community that can become an organic referral pipeline. Samantha breaks down NKBA certifications and specialty badges, plus the value of standards and code guidance for kitchen and bath design, from clearances to accessibility considerations. If you’ve ever wished for a clearer roadmap for professional development, this conversation lays out what’s available and how to use it.
We also talk trends and the bigger industry picture, including KBIS, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, where vendors, CEUs, and panel discussions can keep you ahead of materials and products your clients will ask about next. And yes, we go straight at the AI question: where AI can support your workflow, why it still can’t replace a designer, and how to stay adaptable without buying into hype.
If you want to connect with the right people, learn faster, and build a stronger design business, press play and take notes. Subscribe, share this with a design friend, and leave a review so more pros can find the show.
Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.
Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:
https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.html
Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics.
Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide
Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
10 Questions Design and Remodeling Professionals Ask About PR
2026/05/21
PR can feel like a black box for designers and remodeling pros, so we’re pulling the curtain back with the 10 questions we get asked nonstop. We talk about what PR actually is (hint: it’s not just “getting into a magazine”), why earned media builds trust in a way paid ads can’t, and how to think about visibility across online publications, local outlets, trade media, podcasts, and even speaking opportunities.
We also get practical about doing your own public relations without hiring a pricey PR agency. We unpack what journalists and editors are really looking for, how to turn your projects and expertise into story-ready angles, and why generic self-praise falls flat. Then we dig into photography expectations, including when professional photos are worth the spend and when high-quality iPhone images can be enough for the right kind of coverage.
From there, we zoom out into strategy: how fast PR can work when you focus, why long-term consistency compounds, and why local press often beats national logos for generating qualified leads in your region. We also clarify the relationship between PR and marketing, explain where press releases fit today, and share a mindset shift for handling rejection so you keep pitching without taking it personally.
If you want more visibility, more credibility, and a clearer path to media coverage that supports your business goals, hit play, then subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with a friend.
Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.
Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:
https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.html
Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics.
Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide
Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
The Top 10 Social Media Tips For Designers in 2026
2026/05/07
Social media has never offered more ways to reach clients & it has never been easier to waste an entire afternoon scrolling. We break that tension down with 10 practical social media tips for 2026 built specifically for design professionals who need results without burning out.
We start with the foundation, consistency. If a potential client checks your Instagram or Facebook and your last post is months old, trust drops fast. We talk about what “consistent” actually looks like, why one strong post per week can be enough, and how a simple schedule keeps your brand visible while you stay focused on projects. We also share a batching workflow that takes about an hour a month.
From there, we get into community and content strategy for design and remodeling businesses growth. We explain how joining the right groups and engaging with like minded pros helps you earn shares, comments, and long term momentum. The goal is to give people a real reason to keep coming back to your page. We close with the part nobody talks about enough: your relationship with social media. We share how to avoid spreading yourself too thin, set a weekly engagement window, & stop the death scroll so you can stay sharp, healthy, and consistent.
Subscribe, leave a review, & share the show with a friend. See all 10 tips below:
Trust-First Content — Authentic content that builds credibility and trust now outperforms overly promotional posts. Short-Form Video Storytelling — Educational and story-driven short videos generate the highest engagement and reach. Authority-Based Content — Businesses that consistently teach and share expertise attract higher-quality leads. Local SEO + Social Integration — Local keywords, geotags, and city-focused content are critical for visibility in 2026. Personal Branding — Owners and leadership teams who are visible online build trust faster than company brands alone. AI-Assisted Content Creation — AI tools are helping businesses create faster, more consistent, and scalable content. Community Engagement — Meaningful interactions and conversations matter more than follower count. Educational Carousel Posts — Informative carousel posts are driving strong saves, shares, and audience retention. Consistency Over Virality — Consistent posting and messaging outperform occasional viral content. Full Buyer Journey Content — Successful brands create content that supports every stage from awareness to conversion.Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.
Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:
https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.html
Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics.
Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide
Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
Learn How to Get Found In AI Search
2026/04/23
AI search is quietly reshaping how homeowners choose a designer or remodeler, and the rules are not the same as traditional SEO. If you want your business to show up when someone asks ChatGPT or Perplexity for “the best kitchen remodeler near me,” you need more than a pretty website and a few keywords. You need content that answers the questions people actually ask and signals that you’re a credible expert worth quoting.
We talk through the website moves that make you easier for large language models to understand clear service pages, tight structure, and FAQ-style answers around the big trust questions like cost, scope, and timeline. We also explain how to share pricing without boxing yourself into a single number by using ranges and real examples that add context. If your homepage is a wall of text, we explain why that hurts both humans and AI and what “organized” really looks like.
Then we get into why PR is having a real moment. Earned media creates third-party credibility, and that validation is exactly what AI systems tend to rely on when they build answers. We break down how smaller local mentions, trade publication quotes, and smart press release distribution can put your name in more places AI looks. We also share what not to do, including publishing generic AI-written website copy that gets ignored instead of rewarded.
If you want more designers and remodeling leads from AI search, subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review so more pros can find it.
If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:
https://auditsky.ai (Website AI Audit)https://answerthepublic.com/ (Find out what questions people are asking AI)Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.
Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:
https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.html
Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics.
Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide
Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
Modern Systems And Pricing Strategies For Remodelers
2026/04/09
If your design studio feels busy but the bank account never seems to agree, it’s time to zoom out and look at operations. We’re joined by Diane Welhouse of Wellhouse Consulting Services, a certified kitchen and bath remodeler and longtime remodeling professional, to talk about what actually makes a design or remodeling business durable in a tough marketplace.
We start with the unglamorous stuff that changes everything: replacing outdated, paper-based workflows with modern business systems, choosing scalable technology, and building processes your team can follow. Diane explains why “mainstream” tools like QuickBooks and supported project platforms often beat proprietary setups, especially if you want to grow, hire, or eventually sell.
Then we get into pricing strategy, budgeting, and cash flow. Diane breaks down how to use real numbers, not “industry standard markup,” to set rates and margins, track billable hours, and aim for true profit. A big takeaway is reserve planning in three buckets: operating reserves for downturns, capital reserves for future investments, and “human reserves” so you can hire without fear during that 60 to 90 day ramp-up window.
We also connect operations to marketing and PR: defining your mission, values, and ideal client profile, building trust through thought leadership on LinkedIn, working with local media, and using awards plus before-and-after photos as credibility and content. Hit play, then subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more design pros can find it.
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Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics.
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Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
Podcast reviews
Read Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business Marketing podcast reviews
5 out of 5
35 reviews
★★★★★
Maryfran19 2022/07/22
Loving this podcast so far!
Just recently subscribed to this podcast, and love all the valuable insights you guys are giving! Super helpful, can’t wait for more (:
★★★★★
ygiouijffb 2022/03/11
Great Show!
Such a helpful show!
★★★★★
RRF Design 2022/01/17
Great Podcast for All Designers
I really appreciate the quality of guests and topics that Designer Discussions have on their show. The show moderators research their topics fully and...
★★★★★
MereParr 2022/01/12
Pure GOLD for Designers
This is what every designer needs … a podcast to help them navigate the intricacies of Interior Design. Grateful I found your podcast and am anxiously...
★★★★★
Jori Erdman 2021/10/14
So helpful!
I found this podcast through being connected with Jason on LinkedIn and now I’m addicted. Each episode inspires me to do one or two small things to im...
★★★★★
Breezy Wiliams 2021/10/07
Love Love Love this Podcast
Just tickled pink receiving such valuable information. Thank you for offering this education trust is helping me develop my business. 🙏🏾❤️
★★★★★
Elizabeth Helen K 2021/09/17
This team is pure gold!
If you are in the trade, you need to follow this podcast. Short, sweet, and INFORMATIVE. Have your notes in hand, as their tips will be of major help ...
★★★★★
lotayfrnewnanga 2021/09/13
Insightful Podcast
This may be a new podcast, but I can attest to Jason and company being quite well-versed and experienced in the marketing space primarily because they...
★★★★★
Michelle at Empire SEO 2021/09/05
Great Marketing Podcast for Interior Designers
Very good advice and tips for interior designers needing help with online marketing. I always say speaking “google” is a complicated language. Thank y...