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From Pete Baughman, owner of Better Builders: My view on Bill’s retirement and our next chapter.
When Bill shared his retirement plans, my biggest concern was how it would feel to our clients and team, not what it meant on paper. For many of you, the news might sound like a big shift: “New owner, new direction.” In reality, this transition has been happening quietly and intentionally for years.
I want to give you a clear, honest look at my journey with Better Builders and what this change really means for you.
How I Found Better Builders
I have spent my entire career in residential construction. I started my first construction company at 19, then spent over a decade as an independent contractor building high‑end custom homes and earning a reputation for quality work in Northeast Ohio.
When my wife’s career brought our family to Washington in 2011, I planned to launch a custom cabinet and furniture business. That changed when the property we hoped to buy fell through, and I suddenly found myself unemployed for the first time in my life.
After sending my resume to every construction company I could find, Bill discovered my cover letter in his junk folder and called me. That coffee meeting at Uptown was the start of my Better Builders story.
Image above: Me as a young lad.
Leading Better Builders Together with Bill
When I joined Better Builders in September 2011, the company was still small but had a strong foundation and clear values. I started as a project and production manager, overseeing the day‑to‑day work on our projects and serving as a primary point of contact for homeowners.
Over time, my role evolved. I moved into sales, helping clients design and develop projects before construction, and became heavily involved in our marketing. I also stepped into strategic planning, goal setting, and team development. Together, Bill and I built the systems and culture that support the Better Builders you know today.
Even before I had an ownership stake, Bill treated me like a partner. My input and perspective were welcomed and trusted, and it always felt like we were working with each other, not for each other.
Image above: Bill and I at the Better Builders booth during the 2026 NW Remodeling Show—one of the many opportunities we've had to connect with homeowners over the years.
What Matters Most: Your Experience
Throughout my career, I have worked on everything from small projects to multi‑million‑dollar custom homes. What matters most to me is that every homeowner, regardless of project size, gets the same level of care, respect, and craftsmanship.
At Better Builders, that shows up in the team we have built. Our people are not just skilled; they are kind, empathetic, and genuinely invested in your experience. Many clients tell us how happy and respectful the crew is in their homes, and I see that as just as important as the finishes we install.
Remodeling is intimate work. You invite us into your most personal space, around your family, your routines, and your belongings. Our goal is for you to feel comfortable and confident with us from the start.
Why This Transition Has Been Years in the Making
On the surface, Bill's retirement and my becoming the sole owner might sound like a sudden change. Behind the scenes, it has been a long, thoughtful process.
I began purchasing ownership in Better Builders in 2019 and have shared leadership across operations, sales, marketing, strategy, and team development for many years. For all intents and purposes, I have been helping run the company alongside Bill, with this moment in mind.
So while the ownership structure is changing, the core of Better Builders is not:
Same values.
Same commitment to craftsmanship and integrity.
Same focus on your experience.
Same team you know and trust.
Image above: The Better Builders team volunteering at MBAKS’ annual Rampathon, building free wheelchair ramps so our local neighbors can move safely in and out of their homes.
Looking Ahead: What You Can Expect
Looking to the future, our mission stays the same: create beautiful, functional spaces that make a home feel even more like home. We will keep refining our processes, investing in our team, and pushing ourselves to grow, but the heart of the company remains unchanged.
We love our West Seattle community and plan to keep our business rooted here while serving homeowners across the surrounding areas. Just as Bill invested in my growth, I am committed to creating opportunities for the next generation of Better Builders team members to grow in their careers and lives.
Most of all, we are grateful for the trust you place in us. I am honored to carry Bill’s vision forward and excited for what we will build together in the years ahead.
If you’re thinking about a future project and want to understand how we work, reach out, and we’ll walk you through the process step by step.
