How to Start a Construction Business with $18: Ray Wells' 70% Close Rate Strategy

Joseph Lambert went from a Sandy Springs teen doing lawns and construction to building a premium junk-removal company by learning fast from failures, studying proven models, and executing better—scaling from rented trucks to ~$2.8–2.9M revenue with 8 trucks and 30–35 staff. He sold the business in early 2024 with a team-first deal that gave employees life-changing bonuses, later left his VP role in Oct 2024, and now invests in manufactured housing while exploring waste-industry opportunities—his mantra: take imperfect action and keep moving.

The “American Dream” can sometimes be an over-used and tired cliche. But Adriano Redante, co-owner of Limpia Cleaning Services in Philadelphia, PA, has dusted off and rewritten his own incredible “American Success Story.” After coming to the U.S. from Brazil with just $200 in his pocket and no English, he worked his way up from first the restaurant industry to owning a thriving million-dollar cleaning company. The “key ingredient” to the recipe of that growth was his wife, Carolina, who started Limpia Cleaning as a side-hustle to help support their family. Together, that side hustle has grown into a 14-employee operation built on hard work, resilience, and above all else, family values. The takeaway from this amazing episode of Swivl Sessions is that, sometimes, it isn’t always about where you start in life….but how far are you willing to go?

Fear can be crippling, especially for someone wanting to start a business. But for Peters Pierre-Louis, owner of AP Haulers in Philadelphia, PA — fear was the fuel to help him start a moving and junk removal company built on hustle, adaptability, and a priority on customer service. From being a private chef in New York to managing real estate and eventually hauling full-time, Peters embodies the entrepreneurial spirit. He shares how he turned a side hustle into a growing business, why fear kills more dreams than failure, and how staying consistent, managing expectations, and finding creative ways to pivot have been key to his success. In this episode of Swivl Sessions, his message is simple but powerful: just start, and keep getting better every day.

They always say “the second time around” is never better than the first. But Pablo Chavez, of Deer Park Garage Door, Houston, Texas, is proving that age-old adage wonderfully wrong. Pablo shares how his father started the business in 1999 and how he’s now leading it into a new era—embracing technology, digital marketing, and modern service practices. From late-night calls to fix stuck doors to managing a growing team, Pablo talks about the real-life challenges and rewards of running a family business. In this episode of Swivl Sessions, he discusses how staying compassionate, modernizing operations, and keeping community and care at the heart of the business, will keep the Deer Park legacy alive for future generations.

One of the hardest truths business owners deal with in entrepreneurship today is this: you can’t do it alone. Mark Hummel, of Inspector Empire Builders in Friendswood, Texas, understands that all too well. As a seasoned business coach who specializes in helping inspection companies and service based businesses grow, Mark highlights the critical importance of why having a “life vision” is paramount in personal and business growth. From setting a “#1 priority right now”, to the importance of daily huddles keeping everyone focused, he reminds us all that business growth isn’t about “grinding harder”, it’s about finding mentors and coaches and proven systems that can pave the way to success. This episode of SWIVL SESSIONS is a must-listen for any owner who’s ready to stop running in circles, and start building a business that truly serves their life.

There are two distinct types of contractors in the field service world of today. There are the client focused contractors, who align closely with what a clients vision is, prioritize his requests and specifications, no matter how trendy or predictable they may be. And they are very, very compliant. And then, there is Simon Beames, of the BRITISH REMODELER and GLASS ACT MOSAICS in Colorado Springs, CO, who doesn’t do trendy AT ALL. Or predictable. What he does instead is prioritize that which is different, exciting, and above all else, unique. In this episode of SWIVL SESSIONS, Simon explains why he refuses to chase “Instagram moments,” instead focusing on creating work that is elegant, durable, and deeply personal for each client. From the fulfillment of doing things his way, to hearing about his latest venture, Glass Act Mosaics, where he’s reviving ancient artistry with a modern twist, his advice to future entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: “Don’t be afraid to make the jump.

Reginald Lowe, owner of Apex Residential Solutions in Atlanta, Georgia, shares how being laid off opened the door to an unexpected journey in the HVAC industry. What began as an opportunity to support himself quickly grew into a thriving business built on customer service, persistence, and adaptability. Reginald opens up about the challenges of finding quality help, why building a strong customer base is crucial, and how hiring salespeople transformed his company’s growth. In this episode of SWIVL SESSIONS, dives into the role of business knowledge in scaling an HVAC company, reflects on the impact of AI on the trades, and outlines his vision for Apex’s future, emphasizing just how passion and commitment are essential to entrepreneurship.

Sarah Kasamanian, owner of Golden Notary, in Montgomery, Alabama, certainly has her priorities straight. Driven by a need for better mental health and a desire for independence, she created a successful Home Services niche for herself, running a mobile notary and process serving company.  From the hard work and 24/7 availability to the unique experiences of meeting clients in hospitals, jails, and urgent situations, Sarah emphasizes the importance of customer service, financial planning, and staying resilient when facing setbacks. The conversation highlights the role of mentorship, leadership, and above all else, FAMILY in her business, with Sarah even introducing her daughter, Kaylani, as part of her entrepreneurial journey. This episode of SWIVL SESSIONS is full of insight, honesty, and encouragement for anyone considering the leap into business ownership.

If you had to describe Stephanie and John Williams, founders of Air Duct Dynasty in Kingman, Arizona, in one word..it would have to be FEARLESS.  You have to be when you start an incredible entrepreneurial journey like theirs with only twenty cents in their bank account! From those humble beginnings, they have built a thriving business centered on the belief that clean air changes lives.  In this episode of SWIVL SESSIONS, they discuss how drawing inspiration from the Duck Dynasty brand, they carved their own path in the air duct cleaning industry by focusing on quality service, customer relationships, and community engagement. Their story highlights how small businesses can thrive when they build their own rules, engage with their community, and stay committed to delivering lasting value.

All new business owners have different expectations.  For Lucas Lorenzo, of AFFORDABLE JUNK REMOVAL EXPERTS, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it was about helping families in need. With just $20 and a rented U-Haul, Lucas shares how he launched his business determined to create something not just for himself, but for the community. During the recent flooding that hit Milwaukee, Lucas and his team stepped up in a big way. For him, it wasn’t just about running a business—it was about being there for his community when they needed it most. Reputation, consistency, and community support remain at the heart of everything he does. In this episode of SWIVL SESSIONS, Lucas talks about the realities of “entrepreneurship”, the importance of community outreach, and how nothing of substance in life can begin until “you stop thinking about…and GET STARTED!”