Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry DeRossett.
Hi Larry, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I didn’t grow up around construction. I grew up in the country in a blue-collar family, just getting by. Because of that, I learned to be resourceful early — figuring things out, making do with what we had, and taking responsibility when something needed fixing. That mindset stuck with me long before I ever thought about running a company.
As I got into construction and renovation work, I learned the technical side over time, but what stood out to me wasn’t just the building — it was how often projects struggled because there was no real direction. Homeowners weren’t confused because they didn’t care; they were confused because no one was clearly leading the process or explaining what was happening and why.
That’s when I started to realize why people liked working with us. It wasn’t just the craftsmanship — it was the clarity. We gave people a sense of direction, helped them understand the sequence, and took ownership of the decisions instead of passing the stress along to the homeowner.
DeRo grew out of that realization. The company is built around providing leadership and structure in a process that can easily feel overwhelming. Today, we’re still a working renovation company, solving real problems on real job sites, but everything we do is guided by the same idea: give homeowners clear direction, steady leadership, and a process they can trust.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Most of the challenges came from learning things the hard way — figuring out systems, people, and boundaries through real projects rather than theory. Early on, it was easy to assume that good intentions and hard work would carry everything, but construction doesn’t work that way. If the structure isn’t there, stress shows up fast.
One of the biggest struggles was realizing that not every project, client, or opportunity is a good fit. Saying yes too often created unnecessary pressure — on us and on the homeowner. Learning when to slow things down, ask better questions, or even walk away was uncomfortable, but it made the company stronger.
Another challenge was stepping into leadership fully. That meant taking responsibility not just for the work, but for communication, expectations, and outcomes — even when things didn’t go perfectly. Over time, those experiences shaped the process we use today and reinforced why clarity and direction matter so much.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been honest. Every challenge pushed us to refine how we work so projects run better and homeowners feel more informed along the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the core, I’m a builder. I like making things — not ordinary, cookie-cutter projects, but work that’s thoughtful and intentional. Most of what we do at DeRo centers around custom renovations, especially kitchens, where function, structure, and day-to-day living all have to come together. I’m drawn to projects that require problem-solving and creativity, not just following a template.
Over time, we’ve become known for taking on more complex or unique projects and bringing clarity to them. That might mean custom cabinetry, one-off details, or coordinating multiple trades so the finished space actually feels cohesive and well thought out. People tend to come to us when they want something done right — and when they want someone to lead the process, not just execute pieces of it.
On a more personal level, I really enjoy working with my hands beyond the job site. Lately, I’ve been learning how to work with clay — experimenting with handmade tiles that can eventually be used in projects, and one day I’d love to make a handmade vanity sink. That kind of work keeps me connected to the craft side of building, where patience and experimentation matter just as much as precision.
What I’m most proud of is the trust we build with homeowners. The work itself matters, but what sets us apart is how we guide people through the process. We don’t rush, we don’t oversell, and we don’t leave people guessing. We take responsibility for direction and decisions so homeowners can feel confident from start to finish.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ve learned that mentors aren’t something you go out and “collect.” In my experience, mentors tend to show up when you’re ready for them. I really believe that idea that the teacher appears when the student is ready. A lot of my learning has come from paying attention, asking better questions, and being open to learning wherever it shows up.
Honestly, YouTube has been one of my biggest mentors. I like being able to learn at my own pace, hear how other people think through problems, and take what applies without forcing a relationship. There’s a lot of value in quietly learning from people who are willing to share what they’ve figured out.
As far as networking goes… I’ll be honest, I’m not very good at it. I’ve tried doing it intentionally a few times, and it’s never really clicked for me. It usually feels forced, and I end up overthinking it more than anything else.
Most of the connections I’ve made that actually mattered didn’t come from networking events or trying to “put myself out there.” They came from working alongside people, learning from them, or just crossing paths at the right time. I don’t really have a system for it — it’s more accidental than planned.
So I wouldn’t say networking is a strength of mine. I’ve learned more by paying attention, doing the work, and figuring things out as I go than by trying to work a room.
Pricing:
- Projects are custom and priced based on scope, complexity, and level of detail — not square-foot averages or templates.
- We focus on clarity upfront through planning and discovery so homeowners understand realistic cost ranges before major decisions are made.
- Most of our work involves custom kitchens, detailed renovations, and one-off solutions, which means pricing reflects craftsmanship, coordination, and time — not volume work.
- We’re not the lowest-price option, and we don’t try to be. Our goal is to deliver well-planned projects with clear direction and fewer surprises.
- Pricing conversations are collaborative and transparent, with an emphasis on fit, expectations, and long-term value rather than quick quotes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.derorenovations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derorenovationstn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/DeRo-Renovations/100063478902950/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dero-renovations-llc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeRoRenovations
