The Golden Rule For Remodeling
By CORRIN GUEMMER | Photos by JOHN BURNS
In 2002, Matt Vincent had a steady job in commercial construction. He and his wife Sara had security, but they decided to take a risk and start their own residential construction company.
“There’s a certain beauty in naivety,” Matt said. “We didn’t know everything we were getting into, but we knew we could work hard and do the right thing.”
Matt had been working for a commercial construction company and had convinced his boss to let him try residential projects on the side.
“We’d often turn away residential clients, and for a while, a buddy and I convinced my boss to let us start a residential wing of the business,” he said.
Eventually, the company shifted back to commercial work.
“After a lot of discussion and prayer, Sara and I felt the time was right to step out on our own,” Matt said.
The first few years were long and challenging. Margins were thin, the learning curve was steep and every day presented new obstacles. Sara played a central role, both in the business and at home, supporting Matt and giving him the freedom to focus on getting the company off the ground.
“Her trust in me, expressed not just in words but in actions, gave me the freedom to focus on growing the company,” he said.
Their guiding principles, instilled by Matt’s parents, were simple: always do the right thing, keep your word and use what you have to help others. Within a few years, the company had built a client base, and by the fifth or sixth year, Golden Rule had become stable.
BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATION
Over time, Golden Rule expanded its services. One major addition was a full design department led by Rachel Everhart.
The team helps clients make decisions about layouts, finishes and materials, providing guidance throughout the project. Matt says that having design and construction under one roof prevents common problems in remodeling.
“Their work has not only elevated our projects visually but also eliminated many of the ‘unknowns’ that can derail a remodel,” he said.
The construction teams, including longtime project managers such as Noah Vincent, are central to the company’s reputation.
“Hearing clients compliment our team’s courtesy, cleanliness and craftsmanship never gets old,” Matt said, adding that whether it’s a kitchen update or a full-home renovation, Golden Rule wants homeowners to feel informed and respected throughout the process.
A current project for Dr. Jake Deister and his wife, Melissa, shows this approach. They were remodeling their home for a blended family of ten and wanted a team they could trust to stay on schedule and on budget. Dr. Deister said that choosing Golden Rule was the right decision for several reasons.
“First, I appreciate attention to details,” he said. “Whether it be in my world of medicine or in the world of reconstruction, attention to detail matters. The subcontractors he’s chosen to partner with quite clearly are proud of their work, with good reason.”
He also praised the communication, noting that the team provides weekly updates and outlines the next week’s work.
“Three months into this six-month project and we are a week ahead of schedule. We are more than $10,000 under budget. This is thanks to the team’s careful planning and ability to find better-quality materials at reduced prices.
Even small details, such as cleaning up and organizing tools at the end of each day, make an impression. “The house is literally cleaned at the end of every workday,” Dr. Deister said.
WHEN FORM MEETS FUNCTION
Matt says projects like the Deisters’ reflect the heart of Golden Rule’s approach.
“Ultimately, what stands out most isn’t the space itself, it’s the relationships built along the way.”
The company’s design-build model coordinates design and construction under one roof, guided by their namesake principle: treat others the way you want to be treated. Golden Rule focuses on design that balances beauty and practicality. The team listens closely to what clients love and how they live, focusing not just on how a space should look but on how it needs to function. From there, they bring creative ideas that fit both lifestyle and budget.
“It’s easy to design something beautiful,” Matt said. “It’s harder to design something beautiful that functions flawlessly for years.”
As the company grew, homeowners asked for help with smaller repairs and maintenance. Golden Rule responded by taking on these hourly service projects, everything from drywall repairs and caulking to light fixture changes, gutter cleaning and furniture assembly. This service eventually evolved into GoldenHome, the company’s new membership-based program for ongoing home maintenance.
Members receive scheduled visits for routine tasks, including filter changes, gutter cleaning, caulking, battery replacements and seasonal checks. They also get priority scheduling and reduced trip charges.
Cheryl Lee, GoldenHome’s general manager, says the program is designed to make maintenance easier and more consistent.
“We automate the most critical, seasonal and preventative tasks, guaranteeing homes run smoothly year-round,” Cheryl said, adding that by taking care of routine maintenance, the program helps prevent larger, unexpected problems that can be costly.
GoldenHome also brings consistency to the homeowner experience. Each member is assigned a specific technician and supported by an administrative scheduler. The company uses Service Fusion software to manage details about each home, down to air filter sizes. This allows technicians to become familiar with each home, handle tasks efficiently and provide consistent service over time.
The program targets busy families, professionals and retirees in Topeka and Lawrence.
“Really anyone that needs help around their home and doesn’t have the time or ability to do the work themselves,” Cheryl said. “Anyone who wants things taken care of with the ease of knowing it’s simply handled.
BLUEPRINTS FOR TOMORROW
Golden Rule plans to keep growing, but carefully. The remodeling division will stay focused on planned, design-driven projects, while GoldenHome expands as a year-round service.
“Our remodeling division will continue to focus on high-quality renovations while GoldenHome grows into a major part of our business,” Matt said. “Our goal is to serve more homes year-round, not just through big projects but through lasting care and maintenance. We expect steady growth across both divisions. But beyond the numbers, our real goal is impact, building stronger teams, deeper relationships and better homes in our community.”
The company also prioritizes giving back to the community. Golden Rule organizes Happy Hours: Golden Rule Gives Back, a quarterly volunteer initiative where employees complete small projects for people in need. These tasks have included installing grab bars, building ramps and other accessibility improvements.
“It’s a powerful reminder that joy often comes from serving others together,” Matt said.
For the Vincents, Golden Rule and GoldenHome are about taking care of people, not just projects.
“As we approach our 25th year in business, it’s been rewarding to look back at where we started and see how far we’ve come without losing sight of who we are,” Matt said. “I recently found our very first company brochure, and inside it said: ‘Our philosophy is simple: Treat people the way we would want to be treated. Do quality, professional work. Honor our commitments.’ I’m proud to say those words still define Golden Rule today.
