Remodeling runs in the family for siblings Leesa and Eric Anderson — but it all began with Eric. He launched a local construction business in 2000, with their father, David, helping in the field. After years of hard work with modest returns, the family made a pivotal decision in 2016: they converted the business into a DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen franchise.
That one change brought the structure, systems, and support they needed to grow — and it changed everything. Today, Leesa and Eric lead the business side by side, combining their individual strengths, continuing their family’s legacy, and thriving with the backing of a trusted national network. David now serves in a sales role, allowing him to stay involved without the physical demands of field work
Now serving 11 counties across East Georgia, their business stands out for its professionalism and consistency in a rural, under-served market. “There’s not much direct competition here,” Eric says. “But that also means the bar is low — and we’ve been able to raise it.”
Unlike a traditional 9-to-5, running their DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen franchise gives Leesa and Eric the freedom to adapt their days — and that’s exactly the point. Every day looks a little different, but that flexibility is part of what makes the business work for their lives, not the other way around.
Their days typically start around 7:30 a.m., and Mondays kick off with a Monday Focus Meeting with their team to align on priorities and upcoming remodeling projects. From there, Leesa and Eric head into their individual lanes. Leesa, who spent 27 years in banking before joining the business full-time, manages day-to-day operations — everything from reporting to scheduling to bookkeeping. “I rely heavily on Outlook and recurring tasks,” she says. “It keeps me grounded across daily, weekly, and quarterly priorities.”
Eric’s role centers on sales and design as well as general management. While he’s stepped out of production management now that they have a full-time Production Manager, Eric’s day often includes creating designs and reviewing materials for approved designs. “I’m naturally reactive,” he admits. “So I have to discipline myself to plan my week, block time, and not get consumed by smaller tasks.”
One of the most valuable tools in their workflow is JobTread, a construction management platform they’ve helped shape within the DreamMaker network. Leesa is not only a power user — she’s served on the DreamMaker Technology Committee. Both Leesa and Eric recently spoke on a panel about customizing the software for greater efficiency. “It’s flexible, responsive, and constantly evolving based on real feedback,” Leesa says. “It’s made a big difference in how we run the business day to day.”
A big part of their success also comes from the people around them. Their team includes Andrew Carpenter, Production Manager; William “Bill” Wilcox, Brennon Shepard, and Ivan Prostredny, all three Lead Carpenters; and Will Asbell, Assistant Lead Carpenter. “They’re rock solid,” Eric says. “We trust them, and that trust is what allows us to step back when we need to — knowing the quality and professionalism will still be there.”
Though each day brings surprises, systems like time blocking, utilizing the JobTread platform, and a strong team help keep things on track. “It’s not chaos,” Leesa says. “There’s structure, even when the tasks shift.” That structure also supports a strong work-life balance. Eric works around 40–50 hours a week, and never on weekends. “That’s intentional,” he says. “We’ve built a team we trust, and it allows us to step away when we need to. That peace of mind is something I don’t take for granted.”
Looking back, the decision to convert to DreamMaker was a turning point. “When we started, one of our primary goals was to get Dad [David] out of the field.” Eric says. “He was in his 60s, and it was taking a toll. Now, he’s earning more than before, doing what he enjoys, and we’ve built something that supports our whole family. I’ve got eight kids — this business gives me the income and flexibility to be present with them.”
For prospective franchisees, Eric offers this advice: “Be humble and coachable. You may think you have a better way, but if you don’t give DreamMaker’s systems a fair shot, you’re only hurting yourself.” Leesa adds, “You’re not on an island. From day one, people were eager to help us. Everyone is rooting for your success…all you have to do is ask.”
No two days look exactly alike, but the Andersons’ mission stays the same: run a business they believe in, serve their community with excellence, and glorify God in all that they do — one project at a time.
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