Sylvestre Remodeling enters a new chapter as John Sylvestre passes the leadership torch to his son, Marc, after 55 successful years.
At Sylvestre Remodeling, family, tradition, and trust have always been at the core of what we do. As a family-owned business based in South Minneapolis, we’re proud of the relationships we’ve built throughout the Twin Cities, the homes we’ve transformed, and the legacy we’ve created. This transition is all about keeping those values alive while adding a fresh perspective.
Marc Sylvestre with his wife and their three children.
A new chapter with a familiar face
After years working alongside his dad, Marc now leads the team. He’s excited to continue the family tradition alongside his wife and their three kids. Marc’s roots in South Minneapolis run deep, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
While I haven’t personally lived outside of South Minneapolis, I have countless friends and family who have moved away, only to find themselves drawn back to the neighborhood—and I think that speaks volumes about a place. A big part of that is the people, and it’s what I truly appreciate about living here.
There’s a real sense of respect here—for the community, for nature, and for each other—that makes it easy to connect with people. Marc knows that inviting someone into your home for a remodel takes a lot of trust. “I feel honored when clients trust us with their remodeling projects, and I think being ‘neighbors’ gives us a great starting point for building that trust”
Collaborative Leadership Built on Trust
My approach as a leader—whether on job sites or interacting with clients—is pretty simple: we’re all on the same team. When I work with our team of carpenters and field supervisors, it’s crucial that we talk through the big-picture goals of the project and then break it down into the day-to-day details.
Our work blends skill & creativity, with each team member bringing their unique approach to the goal.
Our vision as a company is to hire the best people and give them the freedom to do what they do best. That means letting them make decisions while making sure they have the right knowledge and tools to do a great job.
Guiding clients through the remodeling process requires clear communication & collaboration.
At the end of the day, we’re all working toward the same goal: finishing their remodeling project efficiently, within budget, and on time. Our job is to guide clients through the process, set clear expectations, and help them navigate the ups and downs that come with remodeling. As Marc puts it, “sometimes it feels like I’m wearing a lot of different hats—part event planner, part therapist, and part teacher.”
Balancing Tradition & Progress
The best part of this transition has been getting to work with my dad every day. Even though some weeks we’re like “passing ships” in the office, it’s really special to grab lunch together now and then or just say a quick hello in the mornings. Earning his trust and confidence has meant the world to me, and I feel incredibly lucky to be in this role with such a great company. I know that when a business changes hands, there’s often a lot of focus on change. But honestly, I don’t see much changing.
That said, there are a few things we’re looking to update at Sylvestre Remodeling to keep up with the times—especially when it comes to tech. We want to use technology that helps us connect with potential clients faster and more consistently. My main focus is on keeping things running smoothly, so our team knows it’s business as usual, and our clients—both new and old—know that we’re still all about delivering top-quality remodeling.
Marc (left) and his father, John (right)
We’re not here to be the biggest—we’re here to be the best.
We’re incredibly grateful for the clients who continue to trust Sylvestre with their homes—this loyalty is a testament to the work my dad and the team have done. Hearing stories of past projects and satisfied clients reminds me of the importance of quality work, doing things right, and it inspires me to carry on that legacy.
Growth can feel daunting, but Marc believes that a lack of growth is even more concerning for a business owner. His goal, like his father’s, is to focus on consistent, thoughtful, and sustainable growth. Running the family business and continuing the tradition built over the past 50+ years is a source of immense pride.
