You plan your renovation with excitement, trust your contractor, and hope for the best...until things start going sideways. That’s when most homeowners realize they didn’t know what they didn’t know. From permits that were never pulled to “contractors” who ghost after demo day, the construction world can feel like a maze of hidden costs and shady shortcuts. Too many homeowners end up confused, overwhelmed, and out of a lot of money. The Chicks in Construction Podcast is here to change that. ...
…
continue reading
Welcome to "The Hummingbird Effect," a podcast dedicated to uncovering the subtle yet powerful ways that small innovations can transform your business. Hosted by Wendy Coulter, CEO of Hummingbird Creative Group, this show delves into the stories and strategies behind successful brand building. For over 25 years, Wendy has helped CEOs and business leaders redefine their brands through innovation and compelling narratives. In this podcast, she shares the insights and lessons learned from her e ...
…
continue reading

1
Everybody Make More Money when You're Nice - Mikki Paradis
55:16
55:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:16Join us on this exciting episode of the Hummingbird Effect Podcast as we sit down with Mikki Paradis, a trailblazing drywall and paint contractor who has been revolutionizing the construction industry for over 20 years. Mikki shares her journey, from starting her own business at NC State to becoming a respected leader known for her integrity and in…
…
continue reading

1
Nightmare Renovation in North Raleigh: Importance of Licensed Contractors & Permits
51:47
51:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:47In this episode of Chicks in Construction, hosts Mikki and Jess dive into a harrowing North Raleigh renovation story that underscores the importance of hiring licensed general contractors, obtaining permits, and not prepaying large sums of money upfront. They highlight a homeowner's ordeal with a fraudulent GC who left numerous structural and compl…
…
continue reading

1
The Four-Week Bathroom Project That Took Four Months
42:37
42:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:37What was supposed to be a clean, modern upgrade to the only full bathroom in a 1960s split-level turned into four months of dust, delays, and constant headaches. With a solid budget and a contractor who promised four to five weeks, this Rhode Island homeowner thought they were in good hands. Instead, they found themselves showering in a freezing ba…
…
continue reading

1
How to Spot a Real Painter vs. Someone Who Just Bought a Paintbrush
1:04:20
1:04:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:20Most painters are disasters waiting to happen. They'll destroy your floors, paint over problems instead of fixing them, take your deposit and disappear for weeks, then leave you with a mess that looks worse than when they started. But how do you spot the difference between a real professional and some guy who thinks painting is easy money? Elizabet…
…
continue reading

1
Reasonable vs. Unreasonable Renovation Expectations
1:02:23
1:02:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:23Mikki and Jess tackle one of the biggest problems in home renovations: homeowners going in completely unprepared for what construction actually looks like. After seeing so many horror stories from listeners, they realized many of the "disasters" could have been avoided if people just knew what was normal versus what was actually worth getting upset…
…
continue reading

1
Insurance Claims Decoded with Public Adjuster Nicolle Bochenski
45:46
45:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:46When your roof leaks, a pipe bursts, or a tree crashes through your house, your first instinct is to call your insurance company. But one wrong word in that conversation can mean the difference between getting fully covered or getting nothing at all. Most homeowners don’t realize how much hinges on the language they use...until their claim is denie…
…
continue reading

1
Top Renovation Budget Tips to Avoid Costly Surprises
1:13:17
1:13:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:17Ever wondered what your renovation should cost? In this episode of The Chicks in Construction, Mikki and Jess get real about renovation budget tips that can save your wallet and your sanity. Whether you're upgrading your forever home or prepping a property for Airbnb, this episode is packed with practical advice that every homeowner needs to hear. …
…
continue reading

1
The Facebook Roofer Who Ghosted and Left Them Soaked
45:41
45:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:41After a spring storm, a brown stain appeared in the ceiling. A quick fix felt doable until the roofer vanished, the drywall collapsed, and the insurance company refused to help. What started as one drip turned into a financial gut punch. In this episode, Mikki and Jess unpack every moment of a roof fix gone sideways. From the first red flag to the …
…
continue reading

1
The Mold Scare Tactics Homeowners Fall For with Danyelle Holland
44:49
44:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:49Mold feels like a silent menace; one whiff of “You’ll need to gut the house” and your budget evaporates. In this episode, Mikki sits down with Danyelle Holland of Atlantic Corp to expose the fear-based sales pitches that can turn a routine remediation into a five-figure panic. When a cough, a crawl-space puddle, or a mysterious odor sends you runni…
…
continue reading
Join Wendy, President of Hummingbird Creative Group, as she discusses the power of authenticity in branding with Hanna Jernigan and guest Ashley Selzer. Ashley shares her journey from owning furniture stores to franchising Wallaby Windows and Doors. Learn how small innovations and being true to oneself can lead to significant business transformatio…
…
continue reading

1
The $2,000-a-Hole Window Myth with Ashley Selzer
1:29:44
1:29:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:29:44Everyone’s heard it: “A quality replacement window should run you two grand per opening, or you’re buying junk.” That pitch (often delivered after hours of kitchen-table arm-twisting) convinces too many homeowners to sign for triple-pane glass and monster price tags they don’t actually need. Mikki’s latest guest, licensed GC Ashley Seltzer of Walla…
…
continue reading

1
Virtual Assistants and Ninjas with Kedma Ough
43:33
43:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:33In this episode, Wendy Coulter, president of Hummingbird Creative Group, and Hanna Jernigan explore the concept of the Hummingbird Effect with guest Kedma Ough, COO of Ninja VA. Discover how small innovations in branding and marketing can lead to significant business results. Learn about Kedma's journey, the transformation from a placement agency t…
…
continue reading

1
The Kitchen Reno That Spiraled to $75,000
46:00
46:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:00Sophie thought she was just getting new countertops. Maybe a fresh coat of paint and a few lights. Her budget? A smart, clear $25,000. But one contractor’s suggestions, plus a string of “unexpected” upgrades, turned her kitchen refresh into a financial nightmare. What started as small updates ballooned into a gut job. By the end, she’d taken out tw…
…
continue reading

1
Raising the Roof: Professionalism Over Profit with Bailey Shey Morris
40:12
40:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:12In this episode, Mikki sits down with Bailey Shey Morris, owner and lead professional at Cadmus Construction, to explore what it truly means to be a trusted roofer in today’s market. Bailey brings a wealth of knowledge and a steadfast commitment to integrity—qualities that distinguish her from the “Chuck in a truck” contractors all too common in th…
…
continue reading

1
The Realtor Was Also the Seller’s Agent And It All Went Downhill from There
43:00
43:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:00This episode unpacks a true homeowner horror story involving a dream home, a shady home inspector, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs. Mikki is joined by real estate agent Heather Lane to talk through what went wrong—and how homeowners can protect themselves from ever ending up in the same situation. Spoiler: if the listing …
…
continue reading

1
The Permit You Didn’t Pull (and Why It Will Cost You)
30:52
30:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:52In today’s episode, Mikki and Jess dig into a renovation horror story submitted by a local North Carolina homeowner—and this one has everything. Think unfinished bonus room turned crooked office, mystery permits, Monday morning sick texts, and drywall work so bad it made the homeowner feel seasick. Yep, it’s that kind of story. Mikki breaks down wh…
…
continue reading

1
Accidental CEO to Culture Maestro: Chris Dyer's Journey
44:01
44:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:01Join Wendy Coulter and Hanna Jernigan from Hummingbird Creative Group as they dive into the world of brand building and culture with special guest Chris Dyer, a renowned culture consultant and keynote speaker. Chris shares insights from his journey as a former CEO managing thousands of employees, and his experience with the 'hummingbird effect' in …
…
continue reading

1
How a Bad General Contractor Turned a Mold Mess into a Disaster
45:04
45:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:04The Chicks in Construction podcast is officially LIVE, and we kicked things off straight from the International Builders' Show—recording from the Hydroblok booth! Our very first guest joined us to talk about one of the biggest nightmares in construction: mold. If you’ve ever dealt with a mold disaster, you know how quickly moisture issues can spira…
…
continue reading
Welcome to The Chicks in Construction Podcast! Your hosts are Mikki Paradise, a seasoned general contractor with 20+ years in the industry, and Jessica Aper, a content creator who works with construction pros and a homeowner who’s learned a lot of lessons the hard way. Together, they’re here to pull back the curtain on the construction world and he…
…
continue reading

1
Franchising Success & The Burning Man Adventure!
35:39
35:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:39Join Wendy Coulter and Hanna Jernigan as they discuss innovative marketing strategies and the 'hummingbird effect' with Jen Katzir, co-owner of We Fixit Garage Door and Gate. Jen shares her journey from co-founding a garage door repair business to establishing a unique venture supporting Burning Man participants. Learn how a small mindset shift can…
…
continue reading

1
Insights from Serial Entrepreneur Glenn Poulos
43:15
43:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:15In this episode, Wendy and Hanna speak with Glenn Poulos, a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience growing and selling businesses. They talk about the 'Hummingbird Effect,' where small innovations in branding can lead to significant impacts across various aspects of a business. Glenn shares his journey from starting in government work to bec…
…
continue reading

1
Cutting Through the Sheet of Marketing Noise with Colin McIntosh
49:58
49:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:58Join Wendy Coulter and marketing strategist Hanna Jernigan as they interview Colin McIntosh, founder and CEO of Sheets and Giggles. Discover how Colin has leveraged the Hummingbird Effect—small branding and marketing innovations leading to significant business successes. Colin shares stories about giving back to the community during COVID-19, the i…
…
continue reading

1
Marketing to Customers Not Algorithms - Gee Ranasinha
58:40
58:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:40In this episode, Wendy Coulter, a branding expert, is joined by Hanna Jernigan and special guest Gee Ranasinha, CEO of Kexino. They delve into the essential components of successful marketing, emphasizing the importance of building emotional connections with customers. Gee Ranasinha shares insights on leveraging the 'hummingbird effect'—where small…
…
continue reading

1
Creating a Cultural Shift: Insights from Christine Bartlett on Brand Strategy
49:48
49:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:48Dive deep into the power of branding with Christine Bartlett, former Chief Marketing Officer at SonicWall and a visionary in the cybersecurity marketing space. Discover how small innovations in branding can substantially impact corporate culture, operational breakthroughs, and business valuation. Christine shares insightful stories from her tenure …
…
continue reading
Join Wendy Coulter on a sunny spring break morning in Charleston as she explores the world of brand building and AI innovation. Special guests include Hanna Jernigan, a marketing strategist, and Worth Gregory, the Chief Marketing Officer at Tactix AI. Wirth shares his journey from football coaching to the tech industry, highlighting how small innov…
…
continue reading

1
Be Different or Be Dead with Roy Osing
1:05:11
1:05:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:11In this insightful episode, Wendy Coulter and Roy Osing discuss the essential steps to building a strong brand and unlocking unprecedented business results. Wendy, a brand expert, introduces Roy, a disruptor who took a startup to $1 billion in sales. Together, they unpack Roy's unique 'Be Different or Be Dead' approach, the importance of strategic …
…
continue reading

1
Co-Developing Success: Mike Ganey's Marketing Strategies
1:05:55
1:05:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:55Join Wendy Coulter as they dive deep into the power of branding and its surprising impacts, with special guest Mike Ganey—a marketing veteran with experience at Anheuser-Busch, Balson, and House-Autry Mills. In this episode, Mike shares insights on the importance of developing a strong brand, the value of customer-focused innovations, and how marke…
…
continue reading

1
Mastering Mindset: Joe Novara on the Power of Positive Change
38:58
38:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:58Join Wendy Coulter as she hosts Joe Novara, a coach and speaker, along with Hanna, a marketing strategist, to explore the profound impact of the Hummingbird Effect on business and personal growth. Discover how small branding innovations can manifest in significant outcomes, hear Joe's transformative journey from the printing industry to coaching, a…
…
continue reading

1
Customer Experience as a Hummingbird Effect for Business Growth
41:18
41:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:18In this episode, Wendy Coulter of Hummingbird Creative Group dives into the essence of brand building with Hanna Jernigan, marketing strategist, and guest Benina from Dubai. They explore the Hummingbird Effect—how minor branding innovations can result in significant business impacts. Benina shares insights from his journey as CEO of High Value Auth…
…
continue reading

1
CEO Insights: Harnessing Tiny Tweaks with Nick Jain
34:59
34:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:59Join Wendy Coulter and Hanna from Hummingbird Creative Group as they delve into the nuances of brand building and the Hummingbird Effect with Nick Jain, CEO of IdeaScale. Discover how small changes can lead to massive impacts in business, from marketing and employee morale to product innovation and company valuation. Nick shares his journey, the im…
…
continue reading

1
From Niches to Networks: Lee Whitley's Journey in Recruiting
36:43
36:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:43In this episode, host Wendy Coulter discusses the transformative power of branding with guests Hannah Jernigan and Lee Whitley. Lee Whitley, a recruiter who transitioned from software sales to building his own business, shares his journey and insights on adapting strategies to thrive in fluctuating markets. The conversation touches on themes like t…
…
continue reading

1
In the Fast Lane: Assembling Your Brand's Pit Crew
50:00
50:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:00Join Wendy Coulter and marketing strategist Hanna Jernigan as they discuss the concept of the Hummingbird Effect, where small innovations in branding can yield big results. The episode features an in-depth interview with Sherry Mitchell from Atticus, who shares her journey in marketing, her experiences with branding, and how seemingly minor changes…
…
continue reading

1
Leveraging LinkedIn: Ruby Garcia's Path to Community Building
36:54
36:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:54Join Wendy Coulter and her special guest, leadership coach Ruby Garcia, in this enlightening video as they discuss the essence of branding, the Hummingbird Effect, and the significant impact of using LinkedIn for building a strong community. Ruby shares her journey from being petrified of live video to harnessing it to create deeper connections and…
…
continue reading

1
Turning Ideas into Influence: Courtney Collins' Marketing Journey
50:29
50:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:29Join Wendy Coulter as she dives into the Hummingbird Effect with Courtney Collins from Bobbit Construction. With over 30 years of experience as an agency owner, Wendy, alongside marketing strategist Hannah, hosts this insightful episode where they discuss innovative marketing strategies, overcoming industry challenges, and the transformative power …
…
continue reading

1
Jennifer Best's Best Insights on Transformative Marketing
42:57
42:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:57Join Wendy Coulter and Hanna Jernigan as they interview Jennifer Best, Vice President of Marketing at AAE Speakers Bureau, in an episode that delves into the transformative power of seemingly small innovations in branding. Jennifer shares how she drove significant results, including a 28% annual increase in inbound lead generation and the creation …
…
continue reading