Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared Thayer.
Hi Jared, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up around construction through my dad and grandpa, who both did construction work at home. That early exposure gave me an appreciation for building, working with my hands, and solving problems.
After high school, I started working for a sign construction company. Over the next several years, my path alternated between school and construction work. I worked for a variety of contractors in different trades, including commercial construction, roofing, remodeling, and window and door companies.
One thing that shaped me early on was that I never really worked for what I would consider a truly great service company. I saw a lot of businesses that were technically capable, but lacked professionalism, communication, systems, or a strong customer experience. That eventually motivated me to try to build something better myself.
In 2014, I started my company doing property management maintenance work. In the beginning, it was very humble work: cleaning gutters, fixing leaky toilets, handling small repairs, and taking whatever jobs I could get. Over time, those small jobs led to larger opportunities as trust and relationships grew.
Eventually, we transitioned more fully into remodeling and later brought design in-house so we could provide a better overall experience and product for homeowners. Today, Thayer Design Build is a remodeling company with 10 full-time employees performing seven figures in annual revenue.
The journey has taught me a great deal about persistence, leadership, customer service, and continual improvement. I’m proud of how far we’ve come since starting in 2014, but I also feel like we still have a long way to go and a lot of growth ahead.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been perfectly smooth, but overall I feel fortunate that the business has grown steadily over time.
Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve faced challenges with cash flow, hiring, leadership, systems, and learning how to run a company while actively working in it. In the early years, I did whatever work was needed to keep things moving, from small maintenance jobs to remodeling work as the company gradually grew.
That said, I think the biggest obstacle for most business owners, including myself at times, is mindset. A lot of people get stuck because of the way they view themselves, their business, or what success is supposed to look like. Your beliefs shape your decisions, standards, and willingness to grow.
Personal development has played a major role in my journey. Learning how to think differently, communicate better, lead people well, and continually challenge my own assumptions has been just as important as learning the technical side of business or construction.
As the company has grown, I’ve realized that business growth and personal growth are deeply connected.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Thayer Design Build?
Thayer Design Build is a design-build home remodeling company based in Corvallis, Oregon, serving homeowners throughout the surrounding area. We specialize in kitchens, bathrooms, whole-home remodels, and additions.
At our core, we are focused on delivering a high level of service and quality through great people doing great work. One thing that has always mattered deeply to us is the client experience. Remodeling can be stressful, so we’ve worked hard to build a company that communicates well, stands behind its work, and genuinely cares about people.
One thing that sets us apart is that we have design in-house. Being a true design-build company allows us to create a more cohesive process for homeowners from concept through construction. We also intentionally stay focused on remodeling rather than trying to do everything. We believe specialization leads to a better product and experience.
Another thing that differentiates us is accountability. We stand behind our work with a 10-year warranty, which reflects the confidence we have in our team and process.
Brand-wise, I’m probably most proud of our reputation in the community. We’ve earned over 200 five-star reviews online, which took years of consistency, service, and follow-through to build. I’m also incredibly proud of our team. We have talented, committed people who genuinely care about doing excellent work and serving clients well.
Beyond the business itself, supporting the local community is important to us. We try to contribute meaningfully to nonprofits and organizations in the area because we believe businesses should positively impact the communities they operate in.
Outside of our local service area, I also coach other remodelers and contractors who want to improve their businesses, leadership, systems, profitability, and overall quality of life. That has become a growing passion of mine as I’ve learned through building Thayer Design Build over the past decade.”
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is my health. Without good physical and mental health, its difficult to show up well for the people who depend on you. If I’m not healthy, I can’t be present for my children, lead my team effectively, serve clients well, or continue building toward the future I want.
After health, relationships matter most to me, especially my role as a father. I have three boys under the age of eight, and they are the center of my life. A lot of my decisions and long-term thinking are driven by wanting to raise strong, grounded, capable young men and to be fully present in their lives.
Although I’m no longer married, I’m very grateful for the relationships and community around me. I have great friends, an incredible team, meaningful client relationships, and strong ties within the local community. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate how important relationships and connection really are.
Another thing that matters deeply to me is progress. I genuinely enjoy improving things, whether that’s a business, a process, myself, or the experience we provide to clients. I’m very driven by growth, learning, and contribution. I like building things that last and helping create a better future than the present.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Thayerdb.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thayerdesignbuild
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/thayerdesignbuild
