The Grit Blueprint Podcast
Why Betting On Yourself Creates Lasting Financial Freedom with Devonie Hutchinson
June 11, 2026 Length: 21 min Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
On The Grit Blueprint Podcast, Stefanie Couch talks with Devonie Hutchinson, founder of DGB Developments in Wichita Falls, Texas, about betting on yourself and turning a 2012 weekend side hustle into a full-service construction and junk removal company. They also cover working with a spouse, skilled trades careers, and AI.
About This Episode.
Some of the best builders in this industry started with a truck, a trade, and a decision to bet on themselves. In this episode of the Grit Blueprint Podcast, I talk with Devonie Hutchinson, founder of DGB Developments in Wichita Falls, Texas, about how she turned a 2012 weekend side hustle into a full-service construction and junk removal company, and why she walked away from the false security of a steady paycheck to do it.
We dig into the moment she realized she could count on herself more than any employer, and how that mindset shift moved her from hauling junk to running licensed roofing, remodeling, and large commercial demolition projects, including a 500,000 square foot industrial teardown. If you have been weighing how to start a construction business or wondering whether to go all in on your own thing, Devonie offers a grounded, practical look at taking smart risks while surrounding yourself with the right people.
We also get honest about working with your spouse and a business partner at the same time, raising entrepreneurial kids, and giving back to your community. Devonie explains why she believes skilled trades careers are one of the smartest moves a young person can make right now, how apprenticeships can lead to naming your own price, and why AI is changing white collar work faster than it is changing blue collar work. For anyone in windows, doors, lumber, hardware, or the broader building world, this is a conversation about grit, growth, and refusing to stay the best-kept secret in your market. Watch to learn how to bet on yourself, build a business that scales, and prepare the next generation to win.
Why betting on yourself is often safer than the false security of a paycheck, because the one person you can always count on is you.
Why skilled trades careers can out-earn a college degree, and how an apprenticeship can lead to naming your own price in four years.
How working with your spouse can actually strengthen your business when you each own a different role instead of competing.
Why AI and blue collar jobs are not enemies, and why the job site will stay human long after white collar work changes.
What you'll take away today
- How to start a construction business by taking smart risks and surrounding yourself with the right people before you ever swing a hammer.
Key Takeaways.
- Devonie Hutchinson left the false security of a steady paycheck after realizing she could count on herself more than any employer.
- DGB Developments grew from hauling junk to licensed roofing, remodeling, and large commercial demolition, including a 500,000 square foot industrial teardown.
- Starting a construction business takes smart risks and the right people around you before you ever swing a hammer.
- Working with your spouse can strengthen the business when each of you owns a different role instead of competing.
- Devonie sees skilled trades as a smart path for young people, with apprenticeships that can lead to naming your own price.
Questions and Answers.
How do you start a construction business?
Devonie Hutchinson, founder of DGB Developments, started with a weekend side hustle in 2012 and went all in. Her advice is to take smart risks and surround yourself with the right people.
Are skilled trades a good career choice?
Devonie believes skilled trades careers are one of the smartest moves a young person can make right now. She explains how an apprenticeship can lead to naming your own price in four years and why trades can out-earn a college degree.
Will AI replace blue collar jobs?
Devonie says AI is changing white collar work faster than blue collar work, and that the job site will stay human long after white collar work changes.
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