Hometown Restyling is celebrating two milestones at once: the Hiawatha-based residential remodeler is marking its 40th year in business while announcing a transition to 100% employee ownership through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, or ESOP.
Founded in 1986 by Wayne Winn, the company began in a rented shop in Hiawatha before relocating to its current location at 1205 North Center Point Road in 1993. In 2020, the company evolved its ownership group to include five local co-owners who have a combined 150 years of experience working at Hometown Restyling.
Through the ESOP transition, the leadership team and management structure will remain in place, ensuring continuity in operations, strategy and customer relationships. One of the five co-owners, Dave Wageman, was named CEO in December 2025.
“It’s an honor to step into this role at such an exciting time,” Mr. Wageman said in a statement, who has been with the company since 2009. “I’ve learned the business from the inside and am excited to have the opportunity to help lead the company.”
According to a news release, Hometown Restyling is the only employee-owned residential remodeler in Eastern Iowa. Mr. Wageman said the designation is one they wear proudly.
“Transitioning ownership to our employees protects the culture we have all built and empowers the people who have made our success possible,” Mr. Wageman said. “It ensures we remain locally owned and operated and committed to serving our customers in Eastern Iowa for generations to come.”
President Tom Casey said employee ownership means people — not shareholders — drive decisions. “It also means that when customers choose us, they are investing in their community and their neighbors,” he said.
Mr. Wageman said the employee-ownership model shapes how the team thinks about the work. “When you’re an owner, you think long-term. You think about impact. You think about excellence, and that is what we have built our reputation on,” he said.
The transition comes amid sustained growth. Following the 2020 derecho and pandemic, Hometown Restyling expanded its workforce by 25% to meet rising demand for local remodeling services, and the increase in demand has continued since. The company has earned a Fastest Growing Company designation in the Corridor three times in the past five years.
Mr. Wageman credited the company’s growth in part to its practice of keeping work in-house. Hometown Restyling employs more than 65 craftsmen, laborers, production staff, carpenters, installation specialists and other experts.
“We remain on a mission to deliver quality products and full-service support with a personal touch,” Mr. Wageman said. “Unlike many competitors who outsource significant portions of their work, we keep as much as possible in-house, allowing us to employ more people locally. That’s something we’re proud of.”
To mark the anniversary, Hometown Restyling is giving away $30,000 through two Home Makeover Sweepstakes this year, offering homeowners a chance to win one of two $15,000 remodeling projects. Eligible projects include window and door replacements, kitchen and bathroom remodels, and the addition of sunrooms or decks.
“Whether it’s replacing old windows or doors, remodeling your kitchen or bath, or adding a sunroom or deck to your home, this is our thank you to our customers for being at our side for four decades.”
Need to know
- Hometown Restyling is transitioning to 100% employee ownership through an ESOP. Dave Wageman, a co-owner since 2020, was also named CEO in December 2025.
- The company is marking its 40th anniversary, having been founded in 1986 by Wayne Winn. It has earned a Fastest Growing Company designation in the Corridor three times in the past five years and has more than 65 employees.
- Hometown Restyling is celebrating the milestone with a $30,000 giveaway, offering two Home Makeover Sweepstakes of $15,000 each to Eastern Iowa homeowners this year.
