We had the good fortune of connecting with Jake Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jake, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
From early on, I knew I wanted to own my own business. My career in residential construction began with a national builder, where I built a solid foundation in homebuilding, learning the ins and outs of various trades, and deepening my general construction knowledge. This experience ignited a passion for not just building houses, but for doing it with exceptional quality.
That passion led me to transition to a local builder with a reputation for pushing the boundaries of building science. This company wasn’t just about constructing homes—they were pioneers in energy efficiency, resilience, and quality control. In fact, they had won more national awards for these innovations than any other builder. Seeing the level of care and expertise that went into every project opened my eyes to the potential a business could achieve when it’s rooted in excellence.
My journey continued when I was recruited to work as a director for a custom builder. There, I honed my business skills, developing backend processes, implementing safety programs, and leading efforts that earned us a national housing quality award. These experiences gave me the confidence to take the leap and start my own company.
One piece of advice from a previous boss has always stuck with me. He once told me that if he had known what owning a business entailed, he might never have started one—but it was ultimately the best decision of his life. That resonated with me and motivated me to move forward.
My wife has been a tremendous support throughout this entire journey, and before taking the plunge, I sought advice from family and friends. Their responses were overwhelmingly positive—many saying, “It’s about time!” Armed with that encouragement, I dove headfirst into business ownership.
Now, as a business owner, I’m constantly learning and evolving. I’m building a system that works for me—one that’s scalable and primed for success.
Looking ahead, I’m filled with excitement for what’s next. My vision is to grow the company into a close-knit 10-person team, where every member shares in the commitment to quality and innovation. But it doesn’t stop there—I also want to create a real estate investment arm to buy and hold properties, building a lasting portfolio of homes.
One of the most meaningful goals I’ve set is to leave room in our schedule to offer services below market value to those who need them most. Whether it’s a family looking to get back on their feet or a nonprofit needing support, I want our company to make a real difference in people’s lives.
To me, the sky’s the limit. With the foundation we’ve built, I truly believe we can change the landscape of residential renovations—creating not just homes, but opportunities and lasting impact.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve put in a lot of legwork to not just build a company, but to create a brand that stands out. My focus has been on leveraging social media and innovative building science to offer more than just a quality renovation. We incorporate smart building practices, provide real schedules with transparent estimates, and follow up with vendors to ensure every task stays on track. While this model could easily be replicated by other builders, my focus is on something even more impactful—employee retention, especially as I grow and start hiring.
My goal isn’t just to hire employees—I want to hire future owners. While I intend to continue leading my company, I want my team members to join with a hunger to learn. Over a span of 4-6 years, I plan to teach them everything—from construction techniques to finance and back-office operations—so that, when the time comes, they’ll be equipped to make the leap into business ownership themselves.
The heart of my business will be about more than delivering high-quality renovations; it will be about fostering self-improvement for my employees. I want to create an environment where they choose to stay after their training, but if they decide to move on, they leave with the skills to succeed on their own. It’s a concept I haven’t seen much of in this industry, and I’m excited to develop and implement it!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: I always recommend starting with a day trip down south to Colorado Springs. Explore the breathtaking Pikes Peak, the stunning Garden of the Gods, and the adventurous Cave of the Winds. I would end the day with some fun at the Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs for a touch of nostalgia. Day 2: There are countless trails along the Front Range, but Devil’s Head is a personal favorite. This two-hour round-trip hike leads to one of the few remaining manned fire lookout towers. If you meet the ranger, don’t forget to ask about the Squirrel Club! Afterward, stop by Bud’s Bar for a classic burger and chips (they don’t serve fries!). End the day exploring Castle Rock—filled with unique shops, an outlet mall, and great restaurants. Day 3: Beer lovers, this one’s for you! Head to Fort Collins, which has one of the highest brewery concentrations per capita in the U.S. You can take brewery loops (last I checked, there were 31 in the long loop) and cap off the night with some late-night pizza at Krazy Karl’s. Day 4: Today we’re going to take it easy. Explore Denver’s museums, relax in a beer garden, and grab a bite at the historic Buckhorn Exchange. Spend the day leisurely discovering the city’s character and charm. Day 5: Try to catch a Broncos or Avalanche game. Tailgate, explore the bars, enjoy some live music, and wander through the local shops. Denver’s sports culture is electric, and the energy is contagious. Day 6: Spend the day strolling through the smaller retail areas just outside of Denver. South Broadway and Pearl Street are excellent spots to explore walkable shops and community centers, perfect for finding unique treasures and local experiences. Day 7: Finish off your trip on the water. Rent a boat or paddleboard and spend a relaxing day at one of the nearby lakes, soaking in the beautiful scenery.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The biggest shoutout I can give is to my wife, Dallas. She has been my rock for years, and we continually push each other to grow, have fun, and love each other deeply. I also have to thank so many others who have supported me along the way.
Both my family and my wife’s family have offered nothing but unwavering support. From my first builder, I’m grateful to the team at the Inspiration Community who truly trained me. With my second builder, I’m thankful for Dave, Andrew, Bill, and the 40 other team members who contributed to my growth. Dan, at the custom builder, recognized my potential and gave me the space to grow, thrive, and even start my own business without hesitation.
I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to have friends who’ve lent their time, resources, and even a computer to help me get started. Evan, who launched his business three years ago, laid the foundation for mine, giving me a running start. Additionally, I’ve developed strong relationships with tradespeople who’ve played a crucial role in getting my business off the ground. Alex, who has been more than fair splitting projects with me to help jumpstart the business.
Lastly, I am constantly looking to the Lord, thanking Him for the incredible support system surrounding me. None of this would be possible without the people in my life who have believed in me.
Website: https://Transcendhomes.com
Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Transcend.your.home
Image Credits
Beyond plumbing
Coffman Construction
Right On Contracting