Success is something we all strive for, though its definition is deeply personal. Early in my career, I saw it as the ability to provide for my family. Today, I find it in my kids’ growth into thoughtful, capable young adults. And more and more, I’ve come to believe that real success means bringing others along—helping more people share in the bounty and build community as we go.
At our annual Pinnacle Experience event, Pro Remodeler honored four remodeling professionals with Pinnacle Awards—created to spotlight individuals who are giving back and building up. Unlike honors that focus on a single discipline—like sales or design—the Pinnacle Awards recognize well-rounded excellence. We celebrate those whose impact cuts across boundaries and reflects the kind of success we all aspire to.
Our industry has plenty of big lists—and there’s nothing wrong with that. But with the Pinnacle Awards, we wanted to do something different: create a small, meaningful list that shines a light on quiet excellence.
Each year, the Pinnacle Awards will honor professionals who are quietly excelling and actively lifting others up. Some honorees may never earn in a lifetime what a mid-sized home improvement firm makes in a year. Others may never see their work featured in glossy magazines—not because it isn’t beautiful, but because they don’t have access to the right clients. And yes, some honorees will have those resources too—and they’ll being honored for something deeper.
Pinnacle honorees are recognized for putting heart and soul into the remodeling world. For giving back. For building up. In short, it’s a feel-good moment to celebrate people we genuinely feel good about.
Gregg Helmich, Building Trades Instructor, North Iowa Area Community College
For more than three decades, Gregg has served in one of the noblest professions: teaching. He spent 15 years as a high school industrial technology teacher and the past 18 at North Iowa Area Community College. In that time, he’s shared his passion for the trades with more than 1,500 high schoolers and 700 college students.
Inspired by Dean Snyder Construction, Gregg leaned into the work with remarkable results. Today, around 55 manufacturers regularly donate products to his program—from table saws and brakes to sealants and raw materials. His annual Design Build competition brings together 13 area high schools to read blueprints and construct a life-sized structure in just one day—an event that’s drawn national industry icons to mentor the teams.
Guided by faith, Gregg is driven to make a lasting impact. He doesn’t just teach construction techniques—he models the soft skills, passion, empathy, and integrity that shape future leaders in the building trades.
Allison Iantosca, Partner, President, and CEO, FH Perry Builder
Some remodeling leaders lead with data and logic. Allison Iantosca leads with heart—and has built a $20 million business doing it.
As president of FH Perry Builder, Allison believes deeply that people are a company’s greatest asset. Trained at the Gestalt International Study Center and now a certified GISC coach, she brings emotional intelligence into every aspect of her work. The result? A leadership style that fosters loyalty, deep trust, and clients who are enthusiastic champions of her brand.
Under her guidance, FH Perry Builder has been named one of the Commonwealth Institute’s Top 100 Women-Owned Businesses three years running.
Beyond her own company, Allison is a vocal advocate for women in the trades. She speaks regularly at events like the Women in Residential Construction Conference, and her book Leading With Heart offers a people-first model for leadership and client care—one rooted in connection, empathy, and human capacity.
Lisa Loushin, Head of Design & Dealer Relations, Plato Cabinets
Lisa’s story embodies the promise of possibility. At age 10, she was adopted from Korea—speaking no English—into the “cosmopolitan” state of Minnesota. Her mother quickly noticed a spark: Lisa was constantly rearranging furniture, painting on bedroom walls, and sewing her own clothes. Design was already calling.
She began her career sketching pencil renderings, eventually launching and running her own design remodeling firm. Today, she serves as Head of Design & Dealer Relations for Plato Woodwork, a $30 million company with over 170 employees and 160 dealers nationwide. She’s trained hundreds of designers and helped launch an extraordinary range of products.
Lisa shies away from the spotlight, choosing instead to quietly improve the spaces and people around her. She leaves things better—whether it’s a client’s home, a business process, or a personal relationship.
- In design, she leaves clients with beauty and joy.
- In construction, she leads with stewardship.
- In life, she nurtures her family and friends.
What sets Lisa apart is her grace, compassion, and deep respect for everyone she meets.
Michael Anschel, Principal and President, OA Design + Build + Architecture
Many people work in remodeling—but few think about it as deeply as Michael Anschel.
Michael has reimagined the client experience from the ground up. His approach includes a transparent, up-front pricing model that’s both honest and profitable. He also strikes a rare balance between bold, creative design and rigorous technical execution rooted in building science—something too few remodelers fully grasp.
That unique blend of vision and precision is what led me to tap Michael as the host of The Building Resilience Show. He brings the same thoughtfulness to every conversation that he brings to every project.
Michael is also a consistent presence in his community—both locally and across the remodeling industry—where he gives back with generosity, insight, and a commitment to raising the bar for everyone.
Pro Remodeler is proud to present the 2025 Pinnacle Award honorees, and we thank them for their service to our industry.
About the Author
Daniel Morrison
Editorial Director
Daniel Morrison is the editorial director of ProTradeCraft, Professional Remodeler, and Construction Pro Academy.