In Part 1 of this compelling episode of About Your House Radio, Ray Terry sits down with Jeremy Siryus to unpack a powerful career journey — from graduating into a soft job market to leading teams at some of the largest home improvement retailers in America.

Jeremy shares how he went from working at Dollar General after college to spending 11 years with The Home Depot, where he developed leadership skills, people-first management principles, and a deep understanding of the home improvement industry — despite entering it with zero construction background.

You’ll hear:

• The reality of graduating into a tough job market • Corporate grind culture and its toll on family life • The leap from retail management into store leadership • Managing 150+ associates in Myrtle Beach • Why hiring the right people determines success • The challenges of workforce shortages today • The importance of leadership over technical expertise

Jeremy opens up about fear, growth, mentorship, and the advice that shaped his career trajectory — including the mindset shift required to move from district-level roles into full store management.

The episode also touches on workforce development, hiring challenges, and the growing disconnect between commitment, culture, and opportunity in today’s economy — tying back to the mission of Put Tools in Schools.

Part 2 will dive into Jeremy’s move to the “blue store,” his transition into the remodeling space, and his current leadership role with QuickKit — a cabinet refacing and remodeling solution changing the way homeowners upgrade kitchens.