Today we’d like to introduce you to Breana Smythe.
Hi Breana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My husband, Robert, and I decided to take a leap of faith during the pandemic. Robert’s background growing up as a homeschool child involved spending a lot of time on building sites with his father. He developed a deep love and understanding for construction from an early age. Meanwhile, I had my own experiences with my dad, that had worked for a builder in the past. When Robert’s job transfer was put on hold, we realized it was the perfect time to pursue our dream of having our own remodeling construction company. We were just 24 and 26 years old at the time, but our shared passion and experiences provided a strong foundation. Our decision wasn’t just about work; it was about creating a lifestyle that allowed us to constantly work towards our dreams while setting an example for our kids. We wanted to show them that with hard work, determination, and a commitment to their passions, they could achieve anything. Our goal is to raise well-rounded children who know their worth and have the confidence to execute their own dreams. So, despite all the challenges, we took the plunge, and we haven’t looked back since. God has always provided for us in all the areas we lacked confidence in and has built us up with faith over these years.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Navigating the challenges of starting a remodeling construction company with a one-year-old and no childcare help was a rough one for us. Robert had taken on the majority of the responsibilities, juggling tasks such as going to estimates, performing the jobs, bidding for new projects, all while shouldering the immense responsibility of providing for our family. It was a demanding and often exhausting time, but it was also a testament to our determination. Shortly after relocating to Illinois before the pandemic, we made the bold decision to buy an RV, remodel it ourselves, and live in it until we could establish enough business to secure a loan for a permanent home. Many told us it would be impossible to buy a home since our business hadn’t been open for two years, but fate had other plans. With a little divine intervention, we found a home that exceeded our expectations, both in terms of value and the interest rate we secured. This was a tremendous blessing, especially considering the challenging living conditions in the RV with two dogs, a one-year-old, and the fact that I was five months pregnant. It was exactly the fresh start we needed.
Once we had a stable living situation, we kicked our business into high gear, taking on bigger jobs and hiring additional contractors because, as we quickly learned, good workers in the construction industry are hard to come by. However, the challenges didn’t end there. We had to tackle the often-overlooked aspects of running a small business, like navigating tax exemptions and understanding the complexities of financial operations. We made our fair share of mistakes, but we were determined to learn from them and correct any missteps.
Through hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt, we not only survived but thrived in the world of small business ownership. The construction and remodeling was and still is the easy part; it was the behind-the-scenes operations that proved to be our greatest learning curve. We faced these challenges head-on, constantly improving our business acumen and building a foundation for a successful remodeling construction company that was not just financially sound but also a source of inspiration for our growing family.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Hometown Remodeling and Building is not just a business for us; it’s a labor of love born out of our passion for construction and craftsmanship. Our specialty lies in our commitment to delivering quality that exceeds our customers’ expectations. We take pride in making every project worth more than what our clients paid for. It’s all about the details, the fine craftsmanship, and the dedication we put into building or transforming homes. One thing that truly sets us apart is our desire to help customers understand the value we bring to their homes. We believe in transparency and educating our clients about the importance of our work. By doing so, we aim to create trust and confidence in our customers, making them part of the journey of improving their living spaces. We also have such a love for people that partaking in their family home fills a part of us.
What makes us most proud is being a part of this industry. We’ve learned so much and continuously strive to perfect our work and maintain the highest quality standards. In the process, we’ve identified areas in the construction field that need improvement, things that have given contractors a less-than-stellar reputation. We’re determined to change that perception and restore trust in the industry. We want people to know that Hometown Remodeling and Building is a company they can rely on for honesty, integrity, and exceptional craftsmanship. We’re not just here to complete projects; we’re here to build trust and long-lasting relationships with our clients. We want them to know that when they choose us, they’re not just getting work done but allowing us to create spaces for some of the most important memories in their lives.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something people find shocking about me is that I want to be able to take my kids and myself every couple of months to I’ve in eco villas and or other civilizations. Something about just being able to disconnect and reconnect with the earth motivates me to want to provide in such a way that this is can be a regular thing for my family. If you haven’t heard of them, check it out. You can really learn your talents/gifts or find new ones! Plus, family and community is huge to our family and just being able to gather every day with people and share our days together without all of our daily distractions sounds so comforting!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hometwnremodel.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hometwnremodeling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HTR20?mibextid=LQQJ4d

