What’s REALLY Holding Back Your Home Improvement Business with Larry Closs

Reading Time: 2 mins
Last Updated: November 15, 2025    Published: August 1, 2025

In this episode, hosts Todd Miller and Ryan Bell of Isaiah Industries sit down with Lawrence “Larry” Closs, a renowned leader in the home improvement industry and founder of Closs Coaching. Larry shares insights from his decades-long career, discussing the importance of people, creativity, and culture in building successful businesses. The conversation covers leadership, marketing, preparing a business for private equity, and the evolving landscape of home improvement.

Key Topics & Highlights:

  • Larry’s journey: From ad agency owner to founder of multiple successful home improvement companies (New Bath, Max Home, Love Your Bath) and now executive coach.
  • The power of people: Why finding, keeping, and motivating the right team is the foundation of business success.
  • Creativity in business: Not just for marketing—how creative thinking applies to hiring, pay plans, and growth strategies.
  • Building a strong company culture: Why culture “eats strategy for breakfast” and how leaders can foster it from the top down and bottom up.
  • Leading with purpose and intentionality: The importance of aligning business goals with personal values and defining what “winning” looks like for you.
  • Preparing for private equity: Steps to take if selling your business is the end game, including financial readiness and building a strong team.
  • Adapting to change: Thoughts on consumer buying habits, the impact of Amazon culture, and the future role of AI in home improvement.
  • Book recommendations: “Good to Great” by Jim Collins, “E-Myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber, and “Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni.
  • Rapid-fire Q&A: Leadership habits, favorite products, and personal routines.

 

Final Takeaway

Lead with intention, invest in your people and systems, and always strive for a positive impact—both in business and in life.

Connect with Larry Online

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-closs-976a1a12/

Website: https://www.larryclosscoach.com/