CEO
Direct Movement Group, Jacksonville, Fla.
2016 Revenue: $4.9 million
5 employees
Best Practice: After opening Direct Movement Group in 2014, the company saw rapid growth and today averages seven to 10 projects per month. Downing’s workforce is made up of a sort of hybrid between subcontractors and employees. He finds skilled tradespeople, helps them form their own companies, and then provides them with work. The arrangement allows the professionals to have the freedom of owning a business without concerns about getting hired since, “we’re always able to keep them busy,” Downing says. Direct Movement Group got its start on the online platform Thumbtack, and Downing was one of its first pros to bring in more than $1 million in revenue. He also gets a lot of business through HomeAdvisor.com.
Read more about the 2017 Professional Remodeler 40 Under 40 awardees.