From Timber to Teams: Mike Fanelli’s Legacy in the Trades

In this episode, Michael is joined by Mike Fanelli, owner of Third Generation Builders, based in Lake Katrine, New York. Mike shares his story of launching a construction business rooted in family heritage, hard work, and an evolving passion for craftsmanship. He discusses the values instilled by his father and grandfather, how he’s transferring those lessons to the next generation, and how a strong team culture fuels his business today. This episode is filled with timeless wisdom for entrepreneurs in any industry.

Tune into this episode to also learn:

• Why family heritage and work ethic shaped Mike’s business mindset.
• How Mike grew a construction company through major economic shifts.
• The role of self-awareness and business coaching in sustainable leadership.
• What it takes to build a values-driven team that clients trust.

What we discussed

• [00:01:27] Mike shares the origins of his company name and its family roots.
• [00:03:16] A history of immigration, craftsmanship, and military service in Mike’s lineage.
• [00:05:10] Core values passed down: love for the craft and relentless work ethic.
• [00:07:28] How Mike is exposing his son to the trades without forcing a legacy.
• [00:09:18] From finance to framing — how Mike found his real path.
• [00:11:44] Building log homes, surviving 9/11, and bouncing back from 2008.
• [00:15:51] The importance of self-awareness in leadership and company growth.
• [00:17:06] Hiring for culture and empowering the right team members.
• [00:17:53] The unique approach Mike takes with clients and detailed bids.
• [00:21:05] Exit planning, business coaching, and scaling value beyond the owner.
• [00:26:09] Why Mike plans to work as long as he can—but on his own terms.
• [00:27:05] A client story that led to multiple high-end projects and a friendship.

3 Things To Remember

1. A strong business is built on values, not just tools or talent.
2. Passing a business on to the next generation requires patience and flexibility.
3. The right coach can help an entrepreneur turn experience into exponential growth.

Memorable moments: 

(00:01:27) “I figured I wanted to come up with something that would really pay some homage to them. And I’ve been around it all my life.”

(00:14:46) “The only thing that you can control is the way that you look at things.”

(00:20:43) “It’s not me against you. It’s us together. We’re a team.”

Useful Links

Connect with Michael Pallozzi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpallozzihfm/

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