Closer Than You Think: The Power of Tiny Wins in a Remodel (and in Life)
It’s Tuesday again, and to be honest — it feels like one of those weeks where progress is happening in slow motion. Every project on our list moved forward… just not far enough to brag about yet.
But that’s real life in remodeling (and honestly, real life in general). I reread an email from Andy Frisella this morning that hit home — about how the hardest seasons are the ones that forge the strongest versions of us. It reminded me how much that applies to what we do here every day.
Because behind every “before and after” photo are weeks of tiny wins:
A stubborn piece of trim finally comes loose.
The primer dries evenly.
A leak gets fixed before it turns into a problem.
A client texts, “It’s looking great so far.”
None of it feels headline-worthy… until you realize those little moments are what make the big reveal possible.
Why this matters more than shiny before/after photos
People remember how they felt during a project — stressed, excited, proud. The tiny wins make the stress tolerable, build trust, and create the stories you’ll tell later. Projects don’t just change spaces; they change people’s confidence in their home and in themselves.
So if you’re in the middle of a job and it feels slow, don’t quit. If you’re dreaming about starting but worried about the grind, know this — every little step moves you closer. And if you want a team that values small wins as much as final results, we’ve got your back.
— Jess @ Mr Clean Fix LLC
Strength Through Every Challenge
There’s a common belief out there: “Once I have enough money, life will be easier.”
The truth? Life always brings new opportunities to grow, and the challenges just evolve.
Sure, money can take care of bills or bring comfort. But building yourself—your skills, your resilience, your creativity—that’s what prepares you for whatever comes next.
At Mr Clean Fix, we see this in action on every job site. Remodeling isn’t always perfectly smooth. Materials arrive on different schedules. A wall might need extra attention to be perfectly square. Weather can change outdoor plans. These moments aren’t setbacks—they’re chances to innovate, adapt, and shine.
Building Strength Through Experience
When James first started in construction, he realized the challenges never truly disappear—they just evolve. Early on, a problem might be, “How do I cut this board straight?” Years later, it becomes, “How do I manage multiple projects while keeping my team and clients happy?”
As Andy Frisella reminds us:
“You will always have challenges. The way to handle them is by becoming strong, skilled, and resilient enough to face them head-on.”
Why This Matters for Home Projects
Remodeling your home can feel big—but it’s not about avoiding every twist and turn. It’s about having the right team and mindset to tackle anything that comes up.
That’s what we bring to every project. Not just tools and materials, but years of experience, patience, and determination to see things through—no matter what challenges arise.
Moving Forward
Success doesn’t come from a problem-free path. It comes from embracing challenges, solving them creatively, and becoming stronger along the way.
At Mr Clean Fix, we love the process. Every project, every home, every challenge is a chance to grow—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Progress Update: Drywall Flying, Deck Taking Shape & A Desk Like No Other
Every week on these projects feels like a step closer to the finish line, and this past one was no exception. From hanging drywall to sanding a one-of-a-kind desk, things are buzzing on all fronts.
Garage Build: From Open Space to Real Room
The garage project is transforming fast. Insulation? ✅ Passed. Back wall? ✅ Framed. Ceiling drywall? ✅ In place.
And now—we’re tackling the walls! Drywall is going up today, which is always a turning point. Once the walls are in, the space suddenly feels like a room instead of just a framed shell. Monday, we’ll have the drywall inspection, and then it’s on to tape, mud, and smoothing things out for a polished finish. Every sheet brings us closer to closing this build in tight before the colder weather rolls in.
Deck Replacement: Another House, Another Transformation
Different property, different city, but just as much progress. The new deck is moving from foundation to frame, with the top of the stairs and railing posts already taking shape. This is the stage where you can really see how it’s going to live—how people will walk it, gather on it, and enjoy it. Right now, it’s lumber and bolts, but soon it’ll be a space for grilling, relaxing, and soaking in the outdoors.
Secret Room: The Desk That Won’t Quit
Then there’s the “secret room,” home to the most ambitious desk we’ve ever built. This isn’t just a desk—it’s a centerpiece, designed to anchor the whole space.
But first, sanding. Lots and lots (and lots) of sanding. It’s the not-so-glamorous part, but it’s what makes the paint finish look flawless. We’ve been at it for a while, but that’s because this desk isn’t just big—it’s luxury-level big. Once painted, it’s going to be a jaw-dropper, worth every pass of the sandpaper.
Why These Steps Matter
Sure, drywall, framing, and sanding aren’t the flashiest updates. But these are the milestones that make the final reveal possible. Each screw, each sheet of drywall, each railing post, each sanded corner—it’s all laying the groundwork for the wow factor that’s coming.
And that’s why we’re excited. Every week we’re moving from plans and prep to spaces that people will live in, work in, and make memories in.
👉 Stick with us—we’re not far from the big reveals, and trust us, they’ll be worth the wait.
Garage Build Update: Insulation Passed & Wall Framing in Progress
Big progress on the garage build this week! We officially passed our insulation inspection ✅, which means the space is sealed and ready for the next phase. From here, it’s all about framing and drywall prep — the steps that turn an empty shell into a real, usable room.
This is the part of the project where things start to feel real. The studs are up, the shape of the room is defined, and before long drywall will be going in to complete the structure.
Why This Step Matters
Energy efficiency – With insulation and framing in place, the garage will stay comfortable year-round.
Durability – Proper framing sets the stage for everything that follows.
Momentum – Passing inspections and framing walls means we’re right on schedule.
What’s Next
Up next: drywall installation. That’s when the space will really start to feel finished. The plan is to push this project across the finish line by the end of September — and we’re well on track.
Stay tuned for more updates as this build keeps moving forward.
Balance vs. Hustle
Labor Day is usually a time for rest, barbecues, and celebrating the hard work that built this country. But for us, we worked. Not because we don’t value rest—but because we have big goals.
I recently watched an episode of Real AF with Andy Frisella where Andy talked about the concept of balance in business. His take hit home: in the build phase, there is no balance. You can’t expect to grow something extraordinary while also living like you already have it. Success requires hustle—sometimes for 10 years straight—before you can afford to slow down.
And that’s the truth that many people struggle with, ourselves included. There’s this constant tension: friends, family, or even our own inner voice saying, “You need more balance.” But when you’re building a business, balance doesn’t mean equal—it means priorities.
Balance in this season looks like working long hours, sacrificing weekends, and pushing through discomfort because the bigger vision demands it. Balance looks like choosing the temporary grind so that later, real freedom is possible.
We may not always get it right. We may get tired, stretched thin, and tested in ways most people won’t understand. But the commitment to hustle now creates the opportunity for balance later.
So if you’re in that same season—where every day feels like Labor Day—don’t beat yourself up for being “out of balance.” You’re not failing; you’re building.
A few takeaways to remember:
Balance isn’t a 50/50 split – it’s aligning your actions with your long-term goals.
Sacrifice is temporary – the grind builds the foundation for freedom.
Not everyone will understand – but you don’t need them to. Stay locked on your vision.
One day, the season of relentless hustle will pay off. But until then, we keep working—because balance is earned.
Steady Progress: Three Big Projects Moving Forward
Progress may not always happen overnight—but every day, every swing of the hammer, every shovel of dirt, and every brush of paint gets us closer to the finish line. Right now, we’ve got three major projects moving forward, and while it’s been steady (sometimes slow), the transformation is undeniable.
✅ Garage & Patio Build – The siding is about wrapped up and things are really starting to take shape. This build has been a big one, but watching it come together piece by piece has been worth it.
✅ Deck Replacement – The old deck is officially gone, post holes are dug, and we’re ready to start building something brand new. This one’s going to be a huge upgrade, and the prep work is laying the foundation for something awesome.
✅ Dream Secret Room – The drywall nightmare is finally behind us (and trust me, that’s a victory worth celebrating). Now we’re stepping into the fun part: homeowners are picking their perfect shade of green while we bring their vision to life with a custom fireplace and a one-of-a-kind desk. This space is about to become a hidden gem.
Here’s the truth: building something great takes time. But every day we keep pushing, every day we keep moving forward, and that’s how projects get done.
👉 And here’s the call to action: if you’re local and looking for some extra money, we’ve got at least a month’s worth of steady work. Swing a hammer, carry some boards, mix some mud—we could use the hands, and you’ll walk away with both a paycheck and the satisfaction of building something that lasts.
Progress is being made—and with the right people on board, it’ll keep moving strong.