We Were Featured in Construction in Focus magazine!

We’re excited to share that The Third Estimate was recently featured in Construction in Focus magazine, a national publication that highlights standout companies. Construction in Focus magazine recently published a full feature on The Third Estimate, spotlighting our growth, leadership, and the heart behind how we do business.

It’s not every day you get to see your story told on a national stage, and we’re proud of this one because it really captures who we are. The article dives into how we’ve grown from a small, family-run home improvement company into one of the fastest-growing exterior renovators in the Midwest. But more than that, it shines a light on how we’ve done it. With purpose, with people in mind, and without losing what made us special in the first place.

“We’re small enough to listen and big enough to deliver,” said our CEO, Tara Colopy, in the interview. “That’s the balance we’ve worked hard to strike.”

And that’s really the heart of it. Yes, we’re growing. Yes, we’ve opened more showrooms and taken on more projects than ever before. But we’re still showing up for every customer with care, honesty, and intention just like we always have.

A Fresh Take on Home Remodeling

One of the biggest things the article explores is how Tara helped guide the company into a new era. When she stepped into the CEO role in 2020, The Third Estimate already had heart. What she brought was structure, vision, and a focus on culture, things that often get overlooked in the construction world.

Instead of just focusing on the number of jobs we booked, we looked at how to improve the experience for every homeowner. We introduced new training programs, streamlined operations, and added more communication at every step of the customer journey. The result? A smoother, more personal experience from the first phone call to the final walkthrough.

This level of care has helped us build strong relationships with customers and within our team. Over 20 percent of our business now comes from referrals and repeat clients, something we’re incredibly proud of.

A Company Built on Values, Not Just Volume

The article also highlights something we talk about a lot internally, that we’re not here just to chase volume. We want to grow with purpose. Every decision we make, from hiring to new services to opening new locations, is centered around the question: How does this help us serve people better?

That mindset shows up in a few key ways:

• Eco Revive Roofing, our signature roof treatment, is helping homeowners extend the life of their roofs while cutting down on waste. It’s sustainable, cost-effective, and a great fit for people who want to make smart, eco-friendly choices for their home.
• The BuildHERS Scholarship was created to help young women find a future in the trades. Every year, we award $1,000 to three recipients and offer mentorship and support. We believe that leadership in this industry should be more inclusive, and we want to be part of that change.
• The Think Third Patriot Project provides a total roof replacement for local veterans. It’s one of the most meaningful things we do, and it comes straight from our core belief that service to others should be built into the business.

Leadership That Lifts Everyone

Tara’s leadership was a big focus of the article, and for good reason. She prioritizes people over bottom lines. That shows up in how we build our team. Instead of hiring based solely on resumes, we invest in people with the right mindset and a willingness to learn. Our 90-day onboarding process helps new team members feel supported, and we meet weekly across departments to stay aligned, share updates, and keep everyone moving in the same direction.

People like Tyler Kee, our Marketing Supervisor, are a great example of how this works in practice. He started with us as someone who showed potential, and through mentorship, trust, and a lot of collaboration, he’s now leading branding and community efforts for the entire company. This kind of growth isn’t just about titles. It’s about building a company where people feel seen, heard, and valued, and where the work they do actually matters.

Take a Look at the Full Story

Construction in Focus honored us by taking the time to tell our story. They put together a great read for anyone curious about what makes The Third Estimate different, or anyone who wants a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to grow a company the right way. You can read the article here on their site.