Redefining Accessibility: Transformative Home Renovations with Steve Courville

07/26/24 • 43 min

Imagine transforming your home into a sanctuary of comfort and safety tailored for the elderly and disabled. Join us as we welcome Steve Courville, the mastermind behind Accessibility by Design, who shares his remarkable journey from architecture student to a leading expert in home accessibility renovations. Steve pulls back the curtain on essential modifications like widening doorways, removing carpets, and installing grab bars, all aimed at making homes safer and more accessible. With his wife’s initial foray into the durable medical equipment industry setting the stage, Steve's passion for customization shines through as he recounts how each project is uniquely tailored to meet the homeowner's specific needs.
Steve’s story is not just about bricks and mortar; it's a tale of transformation and specialization. From his days of fixing and selling medical equipment for over 15 years to completing his degree with a newfound discipline from the National Guard, Steve has honed a unique skill set for designing accessible living spaces. He opens up about the innovative solutions and challenges faced, such as reorganizing tiny spaces and relocating plumbing fixtures. Serving the Acadiana area, Steve distinguishes his business from general contractors by focusing on accessibility, delivering over 3,000 projects that enhance the quality of life for those in need.
Our discussion also delves into the business side of home renovations, shedding light on the challenges of marketing, hiring reliable employees, and maintaining ethical business practices. We explore the importance of written contracts, the risks posed by unlicensed contractors, and the delicate balance between work and personal life, highlighted by Steve's memorable vacation to Norway. Tune in to gain invaluable insights from Steve Courville on creating safer, more comfortable living spaces while navigating the complexities of running a specialized business.
Learn more about Accessibility by Design by visiting their website!

To learn more about BBB Serving Acadiana, visit our website:
🔗 https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/better-business-bureau-serving-acadiana

This podcast is an AcadianaCasts production and part of the AcadianaCasts Network. Go to acadianacasts.com for more South Louisiana sourced content.

To learn more about BBB Serving Acadiana, visit our website:
🔗 https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/better-business-bureau-serving-acadiana

This podcast is an AcadianaCasts production and part of the AcadianaCasts Network. Go to acadianacasts.com for more South Louisiana sourced content.

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Integrity and Resilience in Business: Lessons from Beau Killingsworth

Ever wondered how a law school graduate transitions into the world of construction and insurance restoration? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Beau Killingsworth of Colorwheel Roofing Company as he shares his extraordinary journey from playing college football to becoming a successful business owner. Beau's story is a testament to the importance of continual learning, adaptation, and building a trustworthy business. Gain valuable insights into leveraging a legal and financial background in the business world and the critical role of integrity and transparency in achieving long-term success.
In this episode, we navigate the complexities of the tax system and its profound impact on businesses, particularly within the construction industry. Beau opens up about the lessons learned from starting a construction company, the significance of proper licensing and insurance, and the challenges faced after natural disasters like the 2016 flood and Hurricane Laura. Discover how Colorwheel differentiates itself with a modern, clean, and approachable brand in a highly competitive market. We also explore the unique culture and sense of community in Lafayette, Louisiana, and the rewarding experience of choosing it as a business home.
We delve into the turbulent world of the contracting industry, where Beau emphasizes the importance of integrity and transparency. Hear firsthand about the financial pressures small businesses face, from rising material costs to insurance premiums, and how they struggle to balance customer satisfaction with profitability. Learn why having like-minded, integrity-driven team members is crucial for maintaining business trust and the pivotal role small businesses play in our economy. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories that highlight the resilience and perseverance required to succeed in today's business landscape.
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To learn more about BBB Serving Acadiana, visit our website:
🔗 https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/better-business-bureau-serving-acadiana

This podcast is an AcadianaCasts production and part of the AcadianaCasts Network. Go to acadianacasts.com for more South Louisiana sourced content.

Next Episode

Building Trust and Community: Insights from Rick Watkins, Executive Director of Trust Acadiana

What if you could transform your local business with the power of trust and community? Join us as we sit down with Rick Watkins, a seasoned board member of the Better Business Bureau and the executive director behind Trust Acadiana. From his early days in Morgan City to his entrepreneurial journey through Florida’s restaurant scene, and finally returning to opening a restaurant in Lafayette, Rick shares his unique insights into the restaurant industry, especially navigating the complexities of operating in an industrial area. Learn about the strategic decisions that made his ventures successful and the lessons he gathered along the way.
Rick's story doesn't end with the restaurant business; it evolves into something even more impactful. Discover how he transitioned into establishing Trust Acadiana, a thriving barter network that began in 2010 with just 22 members and has grown to over 515 local businesses. Rick sheds light on the importance of community trust, referrals, and the lessons learned from working with a dynamic nine-member rotating board of directors. You'll hear about the rebranding journey to Moxie and why managing this internal currency is crucial for the network's success.
In our final segment, we explore the broader themes of continuous personal and professional development. Rick emphasizes the benefits of engaging with business organizations like the Better Business Bureau and how diverse viewpoints on a board can foster meaningful growth. We also dive into the significance of social media in modern business, generational shifts in work ethic, and the importance of valuing employees. Tune in for a treasure trove of advice on maintaining integrity, trust, and growth in any business endeavor.

To learn more about BBB Serving Acadiana, visit our website:
🔗 https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/better-business-bureau-serving-acadiana

This podcast is an AcadianaCasts production and part of the AcadianaCasts Network. Go to acadianacasts.com for more South Louisiana sourced content.

The Buzz On Better Business - Redefining Accessibility: Transformative Home Renovations with Steve Courville

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.160

Working for yourself is

Speaker 100:00:02.406

great and terrible .

Speaker 200:00:04.871

Yeah .

Speaker 100:00:06.020

You have to kind of balance it . I love it . I've always basically worked for myself . I very seldom did I work for anybody else . I wouldn't work for somebody else very well , because I don'