Door and window dealers, home improvement contractors, and other sales professionals traveled to Dulles, Virginia, this week to feast on the wisdom of one of the industry’s longest-standing consulting firms and sales moguls. Dave Yoho Associates hosted its three-day 2025 Growth Mastery Summit, delivering a mix of educational sessions, hands-on workshops, exhibits and networking opportunities. Founded by Dave Yoho, the firm and event are now headed by his son, Brad Yoho, as the company continues to refine its format—balancing time-tested education with the latest technologies.
The summit opened Tuesday with “A Gathering of Eagles”—a panel featuring leaders from across the home improvement industry. The group discussed the pivotal decisions that helped their companies grow through shifting markets, labor challenges and evolving consumer demands. Panelists shared candid lessons on leadership, innovation, and company culture.
“It’s always about the people,” said Nino Vitale of Temo Inc., stressing that no business thrives without a focus on its workforce.
For Linda Johnson of Renewal by Andersen of Central PA, persistence and care for employees remain central to success. “No one was going to tell us we couldn’t do something,” she said. “If we take care of our people, our people will take care of the business.”
Scott Carrico of Power Home Remodeling echoed that sentiment, adding, “Happy people will create a happy workplace.”
Meanwhile, Norman Rales of Kenwood Financial urged attendees to stay grounded in gratitude and relationships. “Pay it forward if you’re successful,” he said. “Always work on relationships.”
On Wednesday, discussions shifted to the fundamentals of growth—leadership, innovation, profit planning, and talent retention. Across five focused sessions, attendees explored ways to strengthen culture, refine processes, and drive revenue in an increasingly competitive environment.
Kyle Erdmann of Erdmann Exterior Design Ltd. said a pay-for-performance model transformed his company’s culture and productivity. “The big thing that pushed us forward was performance pay,” he said. “It made people excited to do a better job. It skyrocketed us.”
Author and investor Brian Gottlieb, former owner of Tundraland Home Improvement and Renewal by Andersen of Wisconsin, highlighted discipline as the key to profitability.
“Chaos can produce revenue. Discipline produces profits,” he said. “The lead is sacred. Through the lens of the customer—are you easy to do business with?”
Ryan Keene of MODE Renovation emphasized the power of new talent and self-awareness. “It wasn’t until we started bringing in new talent that it lit a fire under their butts,” he said. Reflecting on leadership, Keene noted the importance of delegation: “How do I remove myself from everything? I’m creating bottlenecks keeping the business from growing.”
Despite the industry’s constant evolution, Dave Yoho Associates continues to blend proven sales methods with modern tools—from AI-driven analytics and lead-generation platforms to time-tested scripts and customer engagement strategies. Attendees told [DWM] they left with actionable insights they can implement immediately.
While 97-year-old founder Dave Yoho no longer heads the company, his signature wit and timeless advice still guide its mission under second-generation leadership. As Yoho reminded attendees, “In every strength there is a weakness. In every weakness there is an opportunity.”
And above all, he said, success in business still boils down to one simple rule:
“You want that customer to be happy and satisfied whether they buy from you or not.”