In the competitive and ever-evolving landscape of home improvement, The Third Estimate stands apart not merely because of the quality of its services, but because of its deeply ingrained purpose. Founded in 1996 by husband Steve Colopy and now led by his wife, CEO Tara Colopy, the Ohio-based company has grown from a small home improvement provider into one of the fastest-growing, most respected residential remodelers in the Midwest. Under Tara’s leadership, The Third Estimate is embracing innovation, culture, and sustainability in equal measure, and reshaping what it means to build a home improvement business in the 21st century.
When Tara Colopy took the reins in 2020, she inherited a business that was rich in heart and dedication but in need of operational structure and strategic vision. It was a pivotal moment, not just for the company, but for its future direction. “I walked into a business that needed structure, systems, and heart,” she recalls. “So, I built a plan, laid out a roadmap, and went to work.”
She immediately set out to transform the firm’s internal culture and operations. What began as a family-run company rooted in community values has now scaled into a purpose-driven organization with clearly defined goals, professional development pathways, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Since Colopy’s leadership began, The Third Estimate has grown from $8 million in annual revenue to an anticipated $31 million in 2025. This remarkable trajectory has been fueled by an unwavering commitment to people, customers, employees, and community members alike. “Growth doesn’t happen by chance,” she says. “It happens by choice, by strategy, and by nurturing the people who make it possible.”
A key focus for Colopy during the transition period was implementing scalable systems and structures. The company introduced comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures for every department, restructured workflows, and rolled out company-wide training programs. The goal: predictability and consistency. “We needed consistency,” she explains. “We had to create predictability for our team and our clients so that we could deliver excellence every single time.”
The company also introduced new software systems to manage customer relationships, operations, and project tracking. This investment in technology allows every member of the team to be aligned on timelines, client communication, and project milestones. It also supports the company’s goal of delivering an elevated client experience at every touchpoint.
Today, The Third Estimate operates out of two showrooms, one in Solon and another in Fairview Park, with plans underway for a third location. The multi-location expansion is part of a larger growth strategy that carefully balances reach with quality. “We’re not chasing growth for the sake of growth,” Colopy says. “We want to serve more people, yes, but we want to serve them well.”
While many companies in the remodeling industry focus heavily on sales volume, The Third Estimate differentiates itself through its client-first approach. The company is known for delivering a thoughtful, white-glove experience, one that feels far more like a high-end concierge service than a standard construction project.
From the moment a customer reaches out, they are met with intentional care. A team member reaches out to schedule a welcome call, walk them through the next steps, and begin building a relationship. Clients are educated about their options with complete transparency, and project managers stay in touch throughout every phase of the job.
“We’ve created a customer journey that’s full of intentional touchpoints,” explains Colopy. “From our welcome call to the thank-you gifts and warranty wrap-up, we’re showing clients that they matter to us—not just during the project, but well after it’s done.”
This attention to detail has created a loyal customer base, with more than 20 percent of business coming from referrals and returning clients.
One of the most innovative aspects of The Third Estimate’s service offering is its sustainability-forward roofing solution, Eco Revive Roofing. This proprietary roof rejuvenation treatment helps homeowners extend the life of their existing roofs by five to 15 years, reducing the environmental impact and cost associated with full replacements.
In an industry that generates massive landfill waste each year, Eco Revive Roofing is a bold and necessary alternative. “We’re very intentional about sustainability,” says Colopy. “Eco Revive Roofing saves homeowners money while protecting the environment. It’s a win-win, and it’s a big part of our identity.”
The product is especially appealing to homeowners who are environmentally conscious but not ready for the cost or commitment of a full roof replacement. By offering Eco Revive Roofing, The Third Estimate gives clients a smart, eco-friendly option without compromising on protection or performance. The company continues to explore other green initiatives as well, such as responsibly sourced materials and energy-efficient product offerings. Sustainability is not a marketing buzzword at The Third Estimate; it’s embedded into the culture and the service model.
Beyond its customers and sound growth strategies, The Third Estimate is perhaps most proud of its people. Tara Colopy has built an internal culture focused on transparency, empowerment, and professional development. Employees go through a structured 90-day onboarding program, and leaders are cultivated from within the organization whenever possible. “We believe in identifying potential and nurturing it. I’d rather invest in training someone with the right mindset than hire externally without that cultural alignment.”
One shining example of this philosophy is Tyler Kee, the company’s Marketing Supervisor. Identified early on as someone with strong initiative and creative thinking, Kee was mentored directly by Colopy and given increasing responsibilities over time. He now leads branding, advertising, and community engagement strategies for the entire company.
The office structure itself supports collaboration and transparency—walls have been removed, creating a shared workspace that encourages idea-sharing and teamwork. Departments meet regularly to share updates, set collective goals, and ensure alignment. “We meet every single week to realign,” says Colopy. “Every person knows the vision, the numbers, and where we’re heading. That kind of openness fuels trust and performance,” she says.
“We lead with empathy, intuition, and strong communication. That’s a huge asset in an industry where clients are looking for trust and clarity.”
Colopy is also passionate about creating opportunities for women in the trades. Through the company’s BuildHERS initiative, The Third Estimate awards three $1,000 scholarships annually to young women pursuing careers in construction or remodeling. By partnering with local trade schools and offering mentorship, Tara Colopy and her team are helping to shift the narrative around what roles women can and should play in the construction industry. “We want to show them that they don’t have to follow a path they’re not excited about. There’s opportunity in the trades, and there’s room for women to lead.”
The Third Estimate’s commitment to service, sustainability, and culture has earned it national recognition. It was recently ranked #120 on Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 list and placed #100 by volume in the Top 200. The company is also a recipient of Owens Corning’s Pinnacle Community Award and 2025 Product Excellence Award. Colopy’s impact, meanwhile, extends beyond her own business. As the only woman currently serving on Owens Corning’s national Platinum Advisory Board, she collaborates with industry peers to shape best practices, forecast industry trends, and contribute to national initiatives that raise the bar for the remodeling sector.
Community impact is another cornerstone of The Third Estimate’s mission, and through its Think Third Patriot Project, the company provides complete home exterior renovations to local veterans. This includes everything from roof repairs to siding and windows, at no cost to the recipient. Another key initiative is the firm’s work with Akron Public Schools. The company participates in an annual meal-packing event that supplies children with food for the weekend, ensuring that students who rely on school meals aren’t left without nourishment. In the most recent event, the company packed 4,000 meals, with supplies sourced both by employees and funded directly by the Colopy family.
“These aren’t just charitable acts; they’re part of who we are,” Colopy shares. “It’s about leading with service. It’s about giving back to the community that’s given so much to us.”
As The Third Estimate continues to scale, its leaders remain grounded in their original mission: to serve people with heart, integrity, and excellence. Plans for a third showroom are underway, and the team is focused on further refining internal systems, expanding sustainability efforts, and continuing to invest in employee development.
“We’re small enough to listen and big enough to deliver,” Tara Colopy says. “That’s the balance we’ve worked hard to strike, and that’s what’s going to carry us forward.”
In a sector often dominated by volume and margins, The Third Estimate has chosen a different path: one defined by values, vision, and the belief that success is best measured in people served, not just projects completed. With Tara Colopy’s steady leadership and a team that’s deeply aligned around purpose, the future looks not just promising, but transformational.
