Key Takeaways 

• Define Roles Clearly – Use a “box org chart” to outline responsibilities for each role before hiring.

• Sell Right, Build Right – A thorough sales-to-install process reduces miscommunication and costly rework.

• Track Install Performance – Judge success by budget, schedule, and avoiding callbacks within 30 days.

• Treat Service as an Asset – Even if your focus is installations, maintain a small service/warranty team to handle post-project issues profitably.

• Know Your Numbers – Smaller jobs often have better margins than long, complex ones — but only if you track profitability.

• Cross-Train with a Depth Chart – Ensure no role is a single point of failure by training multiple people to handle it.

• Lay the Foundation Before Growth – Like a remodel, your business needs a foundation (systems) before you build up.

Running a remodeling or trades business is more than just completing jobs on time — it’s about building a machine that works smoothly whether you’re on-site or not. In this episode of , Al Levi, founder of The 7 Power Contractor, shares how he transformed his own family business from daily chaos into a well-oiled, highly profitable operation — and how you can do the same.

From Family Legacy to Operational Mastery 

Al Levi’s journey began in a family business with deep roots. His grandfather opened a gas station in 1936, which grew into a fuel oil heating company after WWII. By the late ’70s, Levi was working alongside his two brothers, gaining hands-on experience in every role — from the shop floor to customer service. 

Initially, the business was heating-focused, but Levi learned a valuable lesson early: saying “no” to customer needs meant sending them straight to competitors. That realization sparked an expansion into air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical services. 

But growth brought new challenges. The business suffered from operational chaos: cranes were double-booked or never booked, schedules overlapped, and no one was sure who was accountable for what. Levi discovered that checklists (SOPs) weren’t enough — what the company truly needed were full operating manuals and clearly defined roles. 

The Systems Mindset: Laying the Foundation Before Growth 

Levi draws a clear parallel between remodeling and running a business: both need a solid foundation before you can build. In business, that foundation is made of systems — not just processes written down, but a complete operational framework. 

Here’s how Levi approached building that foundation in his own company: 

• Box Org Chart – A visual map of every role and its responsibilities.

• Operating Manuals – Detailed instructions for every task, enabling cross-training.

• Sales-to-Install Handoff – Clear expectations between sales and operations, including site visits, measurements, and material/labor breakdowns.

• Service Wing as Warranty – Keeping customers happy after installation and turning service into a profit center.

• Profit Tracking – Budgeting, invoicing, and job costing to understand true margins.  

For and those focusing on luxury home builder marketing, having these systems in place makes it far easier to deliver a high-touch client experience while keeping operations profitable. 

The Seven Powers Framework 

In the podcast, Levi explains that any contractor can diagnose and improve their business by evaluating it through his Seven Powers framework: 

1. Planning Power – Creating realistic, time-bound business goals and mapping the resources needed to achieve them.
2. Operating Power – Implementing clear systems and manuals to ensure consistency and efficiency in daily work.
3. Staffing Power – Hiring the right people for the right roles and giving them the tools to succeed.
4. Sales Power – Building a predictable, repeatable process for selling jobs profitably.
5. Sales Coaching Power – Training your team to close more deals through mentorship and skill development.
6. Marketing Power – Generating consistent, quality leads through targeted marketing efforts.
7. Financial Power – Knowing your numbers, tracking profitability, and making data-driven decisions.
    

Levi advises rating each of these powers on a scale of 0–10, then focusing first on your weakest areas. This same approach applies when evaluating your luxury home builder marketing strategy — identify the weakest link, then strengthen it before scaling further. 

Goal Setting Without Fear 

One of Levi’s big takeaways: too many contractors avoid setting goals because they fear missing them. His advice? 

“There are no unrealistic goals, only unrealistic timeframes.” 

Levi recommends setting 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year goals — never further out — and including both gross sales and gross profit targets. From there, reverse engineer your numbers: 

Example: 

• Goal: $36M revenue

• Each crew can produce $1M/year → need 36 trained crews

• If each job averages $10K, that’s 100 closed leads per crew annually

• With a 50% close rate, you need 200 quality leads per crew per year
   

Doing this math prevents wishful thinking and shows exactly what’s required to hit your targets. This same goal-setting discipline is invaluable when scaling luxury home builder marketing campaigns to reach high-value clients consistently. 

Real-World Results: The $15M to $250M Transformation 

In 2017, Levi began working with a garage door company generating $15M in revenue but struggling with chaos and profitability. By applying his systems — from org charts to operating manuals — the company transformed into a $250M nationwide powerhouse. 

The lesson? Systems are the bridge between potential and sustainable growth — whether you’re running a small remodeling firm or a national luxury home builder marketing operation. 

FAQs About the Seven Powers Framework 

Q: What are the Seven Powers?

A: They are Al Levi’s framework for running a business: Planning, Operating, Staffing, Sales, Sales Coaching, Marketing, and Financial Power. 

Q: How do I know which Power to work on first?

A: Rate each Power on a scale from 0–10. Focus on your lowest-scoring areas first, as they’re likely holding back overall growth. 

Q: Can I improve all Seven Powers at once?

A: You can make small improvements across the board, but Levi recommends concentrating efforts on one or two Powers until you see measurable progress. 

Q: Do the Seven Powers only apply to large businesses?

A: No — they’re designed for any size business. In fact, small companies benefit the most because they can implement changes quickly. 

Q: Is there a “most important” Power?

A: Levi says Planning Power comes first, because without clear goals and a roadmap, improvements in other areas won’t be focused. 

Listen to the Latest Podcast Episode 

This blog only scratches the surface of the strategies Al Levi shares.
Listen to the full episode of The Home Remodeler Toolbox Podcast to hear how you can apply the Seven Powers Framework in your own business, avoid common pitfalls, and build a company that grows — without growing your headaches.