Remodeler's Success Rooted in Building a Family Legacy
Maintaining a successful, family-run business is often challenging. But establishing that family legacy can better enable the business to thrive. That’s been the case for Ray Kennamer of Ray Kennamer Construction Inc., in Albertville, Ala. and it's part of the reason why he was named NAHB’s January Remodeler of the Month.
“I wanted to continue the legacy of quality construction in and around Marshall County by carving a niche in the home remodeling and renovation side of the industry,” said Kennamer. “I remember when I was five years old, my father took me along to a jobsite. As I was sitting in his truck, I watched him directing his men, and I knew right then I wanted to do what he was doing.”
At the helm of a third-generation business, Kennamer gains inspiration and support from not only his father and grandfather who came before him, but also other area business owners and members of his local home builders association. Finding advice in those who have similar businesses has been key to his success.
“[Being a part of our local home builder’s association chapter] is a tradition of excellence that was passed down, and it is important for our business to be involved and to support the local chapter,” Kennamer said.“It is vital to support the local chapter to encourage this trade in our community and to promote remodeling as a profession through involvement with the local association”
Finding skilled labor is one of his biggest business challenges right now. With low unemployment and a limited number of skilled workers in the industry, it's become increasingly difficult for Kennamer to find employees with the right skill sets and values that his family instilled in him. But despite his challenges, Kennamer still finds great motivation and satisfaction in his work.
“At the end of the project, when the customer is satisfied with the project and gives us a big hug, that is what motivates me the most and lets me know we have succeeded,” he said.
Read Kennamer’s full Q&A in Qualified Remodeler. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming NAHB’s Remodeler of the Month, visit nahb.org to learn more and apply.
Latest from NAHBNow
Jul 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Retreats in JuneAfter a strong rebound in May, consumer confidence resumed its downward trend in June. Consumers remain concerned about the economy and labor market amid ongoing uncertainty, especially around tariffs.
Jul 02, 2025
5 Proven Strategies Smart Builders Use to Grow in Any MarketSound Capital has worked with builders across market cycles for over 20 years. They have seen who thrived when others pulled back, and they've studied the strategies they used to scale while competitors were sidelined. Here are five things they all had in common.
Latest Economic News
Jul 03, 2025
Solid Job Growth in JuneThe U.S. labor market continued to show resilience in June, with steady job gains led by state/local government and health care sectors.
Jul 02, 2025
Two or More Story Home Starts Rebound in 2024Over half of new single-family homes built in 2024 were two or more stories, according the recent release of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC). After declining in 2023, the share of homes started with two or more stories increased again in 2024, continuing the upward trend in place since 2020.
Jul 01, 2025
May Private Residential Construction Spending DipsPrivate residential construction spending fell by 0.5% in May, marking the fifth straight month of decreases. This drop was primarily driven by reduced spending on single-family construction. Compared to a year ago, total spending was down 6.7%, as the housing sector continues to navigate the economic uncertainty stemming from ongoing tariff concerns and elevated mortgage rates.