Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Foley.
Hi Taylor, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story into remodeling wasn’t planned — it just kind of happened. When I was 17, I was running a small business teaching skateboarding lessons and organizing skate camps for local kids around Kansas City. One of the parents liked my work ethic and asked if I wanted to help him on a house painting job. A few days in, he offered to keep me around. When things slowed that winter, one of his general contractors put me to work — and that opened the door to construction.
Over the next few years, I worked for a handful of different contractors and learned a little bit of everything — interior, exterior, commercial, residential, framing, decks, concrete, handyman work, even lawn care. I’m grateful for that wide range of exposure, but I realized early on I was drawn to interior custom remodeling. I liked working directly with homeowners who cared about the details — and I liked seeing their reaction when I impressed them as this young kid who could deliver quality work.
At 22, I joined a large kitchen and bath remodeling company here in town. It was intimidating at first, but I quickly realized, “I’ve got this.” Within a year, I was running complete remodels on my own, training new hires (some twice my age), and consistently winning installer of the month. I loved the work but hit a plateau — I didn’t want to manage crews for someone else, and I didn’t love how they did business. I had already invested so much time mastering the craft that I wanted to take ownership of how things were done.
By 25, I was doing a lot of side jobs, and I realized, “I can keep myself busy, and I can do this better.” That’s how NextGen Remodeling was born in 2019. I had no business degree, no investors — just tools, a vision, and a drive to build something legit. The name “NextGen” came from wanting to do things differently: clean, modern, honest, and to help train the next generation of remodelers.
It grew faster than I ever expected. Before I knew it, I was learning everything about business ownership — sales, design, payroll, leadership, banking, marketing, the whole thing. We opened our showroom in 2021, and over time, NextGen became known for communication, cleanliness, and craftsmanship. We now have 120+ five-star Google reviews and a strong reputation as a young, professional remodeling brand people can trust.
But it hasn’t been all easy. After a few strong years, I hit a rough patch personally. I got distracted, started drinking too much, and lost focus on the business. We lost some good people and momentum. It was a tough chapter, but it changed me. I got healthy, sober, and refocused on what matters most — my people, our clients, and the future we’re building here.
That comeback has been one of the most meaningful parts of my story. We’re back growing again, rebuilding stronger systems, and leading with more intention than ever.
Today, I’m proud of what we’ve built — not just the projects, but the culture. I want to show that remodeling doesn’t have to be scary — it can be fun, smooth, and trustworthy. I also want young people to know you don’t have to go to college to be successful. You just have to work hard, stay curious, and be willing to take risks.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road — but I don’t think it’s supposed to be. Building a business from the ground up with no formal education or funding came with a steep learning curve. I had to teach myself everything about running a company — from sales and design to payroll, leadership, and accounting — while also trying to keep jobs moving and clients happy.
As we grew, I learned that success can actually create its own challenges. Suddenly, I wasn’t just a remodeler; I was a leader responsible for people’s livelihoods. Hiring, training, and managing a team while maintaining quality and culture has been one of the hardest parts. The remodeling industry is already tough — labor shortages, material delays, demanding schedules — but keeping your standards high through all that takes real discipline.
And like I mentioned earlier, there was a chapter where I lost focus personally. I took my eye off the business. We lost good employees and momentum, and I had to face the reality that I was the problem. It was humbling, but it also became a turning point. Getting healthy and sober gave me clarity, and I’ve come back stronger, more present, and more intentional as a leader.
We’ve faced market swings, COVID booms, and the growing pains that come with scaling, but through it all, the constant has been our commitment to doing things the right way — treating people right, owning our mistakes, and learning every single day.
Looking back, the struggles are what shaped me. They forced me to grow up, to lead better, and to build a business that’s built to last — not just survive.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about NextGen Remodeling LLC?
NextGen Remodeling LLC is a full-service, design-build remodeling company based in the Kansas City area. We specialize in high-end interior renovations — mainly kitchens, bathrooms, and basements — and we’re known for our professionalism, communication, and craftsmanship.
What really sets us apart is that we’re younger than most companies in this industry, but we operate with the same experience and polish you’d expect from a long-established brand. We’re not just a couple of guys with a truck — we’ve built a legitimate team and a trusted brand that homeowners can rely on.
Our clients tell us over and over again that what makes us different is how we communicate, how clean we keep our job sites, and how much we care about the details. We make the remodeling process as stress-free and enjoyable as possible — which is saying something in this industry. We take pride in building relationships, not just projects.
We opened our showroom in 2021, which allows clients to see and touch the products we use while working directly with our design team. That’s been a huge step forward for us. Today, we’ve earned over 120 five-star Google reviews and multiple local awards — but what I’m most proud of is the culture inside our company. We’ve got a small, tight-knit team that truly believes in doing things the right way.
Our goal is simple: change the way people think about remodeling. It doesn’t have to be scary, chaotic, or impersonal. It can be clean, organized, collaborative — even fun. That’s what the “NextGen” name is all about — doing things differently, leading with integrity, and helping train the next generation of remodelers to raise the bar for our industry.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The remodeling industry has evolved a lot in just the past few years, and I think the next decade will bring even bigger changes. Homeowners are becoming more design-savvy and more informed than ever. They’re looking for a remodeling experience that’s transparent, organized, and personalized — not just a contractor who can “get it done.” The companies that can deliver a polished, professional experience from start to finish are the ones that will thrive.
Technology will keep pushing the industry forward, especially in how clients visualize their projects. 3D design, virtual walkthroughs, and integrated project-management tools are becoming the standard. Homeowners want to see and understand every detail before work even begins, and I think that’s a great thing for everyone involved.
I also see a big generational shift happening. There’s a shortage of skilled tradespeople nationwide, and a lot of older craftsmen are retiring. That’s part of why “NextGen” means so much to me — we’re focused on training the next generation of remodelers and showing young people that this can be an exciting, creative, and rewarding career.
Sustainability and quality are also trending upward. People are tired of disposable work and quick fixes. They want lasting value — energy-efficient products, timeless design, and craftsmanship that holds up.
Overall, I think the future of remodeling belongs to companies that combine craftsmanship with communication, technology, and trust. The industry is getting smarter, and the clients are, too — and that’s a good thing.
Pricing:
- Kitchen Remodels: Typically range from $60K–$150K+ depending on layout, finishes, and customization.
- Bathroom Remodels: Usually between $30K–$75K+, depending on scope and design level.
- Basement Finishes: Often range from $80K–$150K+, depending on size and features.
- Design Services: Included in our design-build process — every project starts with a tailored plan.
- Our Promise: We prioritize quality, communication, and trust over cutting corners — because your vision is our passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nextgenkc.com
- Instagram: nextgenremodelingkc
- Facebook: nextgenremodelingkc
