West Bend, WI – The story of a local Hartford entrepreneur unfolds through a journey of hard work, passion, and community engagement.
Born and raised in Hartford, Todd Wirtz fondly recalls his involvement in athletics and a graphic arts program enriched by an equipment donation in the late ’80s and early ’90s. His initial exposure to commercial arts and graphic design set the stage for his diverse career path.
After high school, Wirtz pursued studies at MATC in Madison but returned to Hartford for a summer job at East Side Lumber; that return home proved a pivotal point in his career.
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What was meant to be a temporary position became a 25-year journey in the construction industry. Learning the ropes from the ground up, Wirtz embraced hard work, quickly adapting to the demands of the job, and ultimately his desire to become an entrepreneur.
That entrepreneurial spirit took shape in 2021, when he founded ‘Forward Remodeling,’ drawing inspiration from Wisconsin’s state motto and a personal commitment to progress and trust.
The essence of Forward Remodeling is captured in its dedication to diverse projects, ranging from light carpentry to complex outdoor living spaces.
“The resume for Forward Remodeling is vast from light carpentry on the outside of the home and our specialty is definitely our roofing, siding, and windows,” said Wirtz.
“What separates us from the majority of the contractor base is a homeowner can reach out to us and we can do multi-category work, both on a residential remodeling segment or a new construction segment; we’re a one-stop shop.”
Wirtz and his team undertake projects of all scale, driven by a philosophy of honest work, customer communication, and delivering a quality experience. Their first year in business was marked by purposeful growth, learning from each project, and carefully assembling a team that shared his vision and work ethic.
Located in Southeast Wisconsin, Forward Remodeling serves a wide area including Washington, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Dodge counties.
With a team of five dedicated professionals, including PJ, Denise, Kevin, and Adam, the company thrives on its strong community ties.
Forward Remodeling sponsors local athletics and is actively engaged in area charities and community events, reflecting the owner’s upbringing and values instilled by his parents, Ken and Pam.
The ethos of Forward Remodeling is deeply rooted in the founder’s personal story – his journey from a summer job to a successful business owner, his commitment to his community, and his vision for the future.
“My son Brady, 17, is a junior at West Bend East,” said Wirtz. An extremely proud father, Wirtz always encouraged his son to tag along to the job site. “Brady was picking up nails and measuring windows from an early age,” said Wirtz. “Now he and his classmates are building a tiny house.”
Questioned what he hoped his son learned on the job site. “Being honest,” said Wirtz off the top. “Ethical, a good communicator, respectful, and respectful of someone’s property.”
Forward Remodeling has a five-year workmanship warranty on all projects. “If anything goes wrong, that’s our responsibility and we’re going to stand behind it,” said Wirtz. “We use the same crews on all of our work.”
Wirtz said, “Forward Remodeling is not just about business growth but about building trust and relationships in the community, one project at a time.”
Check out Forward Remodeling’s new storefront, 155 N. Main Street in downtown West Bend, WI.