

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Tanner.
Hi Cody, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always longed for freedom. Growing up, my family was very poor, constantly moving from city to city and state to state, never planting roots. As a teenager, I chased freedom through a reckless lifestyle. I had no respect for authority and lived by my own rules.
My older brother—my hero—walked the same streets as me but saw life differently. He had discipline and vision. While I dropped out in the 7th grade, he began taking college courses in the 10th. By 17, he was working with IBM’s project center and teaching teachers. Meanwhile, I had already stolen 16 cars before I even turned 16.
Yet, his accomplishments always inspired me. He looked out for me like a father would. He built his own path, never working for anyone else after age 20. Today, he has a beautiful wife of 25 years, a daughter fluent in two (plus) languages, a thriving business, and a home in Valencia, Spain. I credit him for showing me what was possible—and for every success I’ve had.
My true turning point came with the birth of my first son. For the first time, I understood that life was no longer just about me. I had a higher purpose worth fighting for. Since then, my focus has been on building a legacy to leave behind.
Now, my firstborn, Cody Jr., is a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army, serving with the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. He’s on track to retire as a Master Sergeant. Everything I do is for my children—to create a foundation strong enough to support growth and prosperity for generations to come.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road—not even close. I’ve had to fight for pretty much everything I have. Growing up without a steady home, without my dad, and bouncing from one group home or detention center to another, I learned survival before I learned stability. When I decided I wanted a better life, I didn’t have a clue where to start. Getting my GED felt impossible at the time, but once I passed it, I realized I was capable of more than I ever thought. Starting a business brought a whole new set of challenges—money was tight, mistakes were constant, and I had to figure everything out on the fly. There were nights I doubted myself, days I wanted to quit, but I kept thinking about my kids and the promise I made to be a better father than the one I had. The road’s been rough, but every bump and setback taught me something I needed to know. Looking back now, I wouldn’t trade the struggle—it’s what built me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about DownRight Tile and Renovations?
My business is all about transformation—taking something that’s broken, worn down, or neglected and turning it into something strong and beautiful again. I run a home renovation company, and we handle everything from remodels and restorations to full rebuilds. What sets us apart isn’t just the craftsmanship—it’s the care and pride that go into every job. I know what it feels like to have to rebuild from the ground up, and I bring that same mindset to the homes we work on. My team and I treat every project like it’s our own, and our goal is always to leave things better than we found them—whether that’s a house, a neighborhood, or someone’s trust.
What I’m most proud of is the reputation we’ve built. People know they can count on us to show up, do the work right, and stand by it. We’ve grown through word-of-mouth and repeat customers, which tells me we’re doing something right. For me, it’s not just about building homes—it’s about building relationships and proving that no matter where you start, you can create something solid, something lasting. That’s what my business stands for.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My sons. The legacy I’ll leave behind for them. The example I set to my sons to help them weigh their own paths regarding moving our family forward.
Pricing:
- Partial bathroom remodel (5-10k)
- Full bathroom remodel (10-25k)
- Kitchen backsplash (1-5k)
- 100 sf tiled floor (2.5-5k)
- Fireplace refacing (2.5-8k)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DownRightTile.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downrighttileks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/DownRight-Tile-Renovations-100066926682759/