Meet Robert Wood, the 2025 NAHB Remodeler of the Year

When Robert Wood and his wife, Heather, first started their company Mountainwood Homes back in 2008, one of their goals was to win a national award.

“It was a lofty goal considering we were working from a makeshift desk in a spare bedroom,” said Heather. Lofty or not, that goal was achieved at the 2026 International Builders’ Show when Robert was named NAHB’s Remodeler of the Year.

Despite starting Mountainwood Homes amidst an economic crisis, the Woods secured their first remodeling project: a backyard shed for Heather’s father. Their beginnings were humble, but the company has since grown to 42 team members and completed more than 1,200 projects.

Under Robert’s leadership, the company has developed a reputation for guiding clients from concept through completion with transparency and respect, while maintaining strong profitability and steady margins in a challenging market.

A Company Built to Last

Robert is the son of a builder and remodeler who urged him to steer clear of the trades and pursue a corporate job. However, after earning an engineering degree, he immediately started working for a home builder. His degree didn’t go to waste, though, as it gave him a framework for building systems. 

“We built this company to last longer than us,” Robert said. “The only way we knew how was to build something with process; to build repeatable systems and a team that wouldn’t need us on a day-to-day basis.”

At Mountainwood Homes, the Woods built a culture of trust, support and accountability where every employee feels a sense of ownership. Employees don’t need executive signoff to do right by a client. 

“If we know in our gut this is the right thing for the client, we all have the authority to make it happen,” said Darby Sargent, director of design. “That’s a rarity.”

Several employees have stated that getting hired at Mountainwood Homes “felt like coming home.” Field production manager Corey Richardson appreciates the firm’s commitment to doing things the right way. 

“I come to work every day knowing I have the support to do just about anything I need to do,” he said. “It’s about the experience; it’s about the quality of the work. First and foremost, we’re going to do exactly what we say we’re going to do.”

The company offers employee benefits like 401(k) employer contributions, profit-sharing bonuses tied to job performance, and health coverage. Additionally, at least three times a year, they volunteer on community construction projects with the Home Building Foundation and offer support with food pantry shifts.

Gaining Clients for Life 

Robert strives to earn “clients for life, and Heather traces that phrase back to an observation about other service professions: “[Robert] was thinking about how people go to the same accountant because they trust that person year after year – the same with their doctor and their attorney. Why can’t we build that same level of trust to be top of mind so when someone needs another project, they call us?”

About 30% of the company’s business comes from repeat clients, referrals and referrals from nonclients who have seen their work. "We get clients referred to us by people who haven’t used us yet but tell others, ‘I didn’t use Mountainwood, but I really wish I had,’” said Robert.

Many people want to remodel but are hesitant to take the leap, so Mountainwood started hosting “Expert Hours,” which are casual Saturday morning coffee gatherings where prospective clients can come and ask questions, meet the team, see the office and get a feel for the company.

Robert’s looks forward to the reveal of each project. After weeks of demo, framing and finish work, when everything is wrapped and covered, and then comes the day when the paper comes off. “There’s always some anxiety in clients until that point,” he said. “But when the paper comes off, it all comes together. Their doubts are gone and there’s been a transformation.

Influencing the Industry

Robert’s influence extends beyond Mountainwood Homes. He’s served as past president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Portland and currently serves on multiple NAHB committees.

“If you aren’t at the table, decisions might get made that go against your business,” said Robert, who is a member of the NAHB Remodelers Board of Trustees and the NAHB 20 Clubs. He is also a NAHB National Delegate, engaging with policymakers on issues affecting housing affordability and workforce development.

Read more in the full article of the May/June 2026 issue of Pro Remodeler.