Today we’d like to introduce you to John Howse.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I got my start in real estate at 17 as a wholesaler. That was my first real introduction to investing, negotiations, and creating opportunity. After some early success, I transitioned into project management with little hands-on experience—but I knew how to build trust, communicate clearly, and lead people with confidence.
Before launching my own company, I had the chance to watch a prominent construction business operate from the inside. They were profitable, but they struggled with late subcontractor payments, weak client relationships, and poor management. That showed me something important: if a company could succeed doing it the wrong way, imagine what could happen doing it the right way.
So I started my business with a simple mission—deliver excellent service, respect subcontractors as the backbone of the company, and treat clients the way they deserve to be treated. Kindness, professionalism, and accountability cost nothing, but they create everything.
Now in year two, as I approach 23 on May 21, the journey has been full of lessons, wins, and challenges. Today, we’re generating five figures a month, helping support the families of our subcontractors, and transforming homes without overcharging customers.
I believe when you take care of people—your team and your clients—success has a way of finding you.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle in pursuing something you’ve never experienced—and never seen anyone around you achieve—is having the discipline to stay with it and not give up. A friend of mine, who is also a business owner, calls it a “prompting.” It’s that inner pull, that sense of obligation toward what you know you’re meant to do. When you ignore it, it creates unrest.
There were many nights I couldn’t sleep because of that prompting. Many nights I cried out of frustration, feeling like I wasn’t making progress. But deep down, I knew God had given me this assignment, and that truth kept me moving forward. Because of my faith, it has gotten better—I stayed the course. Now I can see my growth, how far I’ve come, and the opportunity ahead to keep improving and grow this business into something that creates jobs, opens doors for others, serves families well, and becomes a genuine positive force in this industry and community.
As it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we are called to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.
I believe God’s will for me was not simply to become a builder, but to stand in the gap and represent Him fully, truthfully, and with integrity in this space and in this position.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Kingsman Design & Construction is a full-service residential renovation company, with plans to focus primarily on new construction and investor-driven renovations in the near future. Our vision is to introduce fresh, innovative home designs to Nashville and the surrounding areas.
We specialize in transforming outdated spaces into refined, modern homes with a luxury look and feel. What sets us apart is simple: we aim to do it right the first time, communicate consistently, and treat every project as if it were our own home.
We also enjoy bringing creative ideas to life. Have a spare bedroom and need more room for the nieces and nephews? We can turn that space into a functional custom bunk room with a design they’ll never want to leave.
Kingsman may be a young company, but the craftsmen behind our projects are highly seasoned. Our carpenters, framers, plumbers, and field crews bring decades of hands-on experience—many with 30 to 40 years in their trade. That combination of fresh vision and proven expertise is what drives our work.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned on my journey is the value of learning while moving. You do not have to know everything to get where you’re trying to go. With time, repetition, and hands-on experience, you sharpen your craft, improve your systems, and grow into the role you once felt unprepared for.
If you wait for perfect timing, you’ll wait forever. Growth usually comes through action, not certainty. You have to recognize opportunities to learn early and take them.
There were many times I worked jobs I didn’t want to work, but even then I would tell my coworkers that job was not the end of my story. I knew I was working toward becoming self-employed in the real estate and construction space. I’m sure they got tired of hearing it, but determination matters. More than anything, I’ve learned that success often belongs to the person willing to keep learning, keep showing up, and keep going long before the results appear.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kingsmanrei.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingsmandesignco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18Jpi3QWoM/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Koron Collins – Photographer
Location – Single Malt Cigar Lounge
