We’re proud to announce that Vlatko Demrovski, founder and co-owner of Element Design Build Remodel in Hudson, Ohio, has been named the 2026 Fred Case Remodeling Entrepreneur of the Year, a prestigious national award recognizing innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial excellence in the remodeling industry.
The recognition was featured in the October 2026 issue of Qualified Remodeler magazine, highlighting Vlatko’s entrepreneurial journey and the innovative approach that has helped Element transform the remodeling experience for homeowners throughout Northeast Ohio.
For our entire team, this award is an exciting milestone and a reflection of the trust our clients and community have placed in us over the years.
A National Award Recognizing Innovation in Remodeling
Established in 2007, the Fred Case Remodeling Entrepreneur of the Year Award honors remodeling business owners who demonstrate exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, business leadership, innovation, and a commitment to advancing the industry.
Named after Fred Case, a pioneer of the design-build remodeling concept, the award recognizes individuals who find new ways to improve how remodeling companies operate and serve their customers.
Recipients are selected by a three-judge panel of industry experts who evaluate nominees based on community service, business acumen, achievement, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Vlatko’s recognition highlights his forward-thinking approach to integrating technology, streamlining project management, and creating a more connected, efficient remodeling experience.
From a Difficult Remodel to a Different Kind of Remodeling Company
Element’s story began with a frustrating experience in Vlatko and Bethany’s own home.
After purchasing their first home, they hired a contractor for what should have been a straightforward renovation. Instead, the project was plagued by unexpected costs and a disappointing experience.
That experience became the inspiration for something bigger.
“That day, I started my own business,” Vlatko recalled in his Qualified Remodeler interview.
In 2014, he founded Element Design Build with a goal of creating a better remodeling experience for homeowners. Alongside his wife, Bethany Demrovski, co-owner and business manager, he has built Element into a full-service design-build remodeling company serving Hudson and surrounding Northeast Ohio communities.
What began as a determination to do things differently has grown into a dedicated team of designers, project managers, and skilled craftsmen focused on delivering exceptional results.
A Better Remodeling Experience Through Innovation
One of the key reasons Vlatko received this national recognition is his commitment to rethinking how a remodeling company operates, with the homeowner’s experience at the center of every decision.
At Element, that has meant developing a more vertically integrated design-build model that brings design, project management, countertop templating and ordering, and installation crews together under one coordinated process.
“I wanted to own the entire client journey, from the first showroom visit through final punch list.”
Vlatko Demrovski, in Qualified Remodeler
This approach gives Element greater control over project scheduling, communication, and quality while helping reduce the challenges that can arise when multiple independent parties are involved in a renovation.
“When you have vertical integration, you’re able to manage a tighter schedule,” Vlatko explained.
Technology has also played an important role in improving Element’s operations. By connecting project management systems and incorporating AI-assisted workflows, the company has significantly reduced the time required for several important administrative tasks.
For example, preparing a remodeling proposal that previously took 60 to 90 minutes can now be completed in approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Detailed estimates for larger kitchen remodeling projects, which once required two days of work, can now be prepared in just a few hours.
These improvements help our team respond more efficiently, spend less time on administrative work, and dedicate more attention to designing and delivering exceptional spaces.
For homeowners, the goal is simple: a more organized, collaborative, and transparent remodeling experience from the initial consultation through project completion.
Proud to Represent Hudson and Northeast Ohio
While the Fred Case Award is a national honor, its significance is especially meaningful here at home.
Hudson has been central to Element’s growth, and we’re grateful for the relationships we’ve built with homeowners, local professionals, and trade partners throughout Northeast Ohio.
From Hudson to Solon, Chagrin Falls, and surrounding communities, every project represents an opportunity to improve not just a home, but the everyday lives of the people who live there.
This recognition belongs to more than one person. It’s a reflection of the dedication of our entire team and the homeowners who have trusted Element with their remodeling projects.
Looking Ahead: Continuing to Raise the Standard
Winning the 2026 Fred Case Remodeling Entrepreneur of the Year Award is an exciting achievement, but it’s also motivation to keep moving forward.
As Element continues to grow, our priorities remain the same: exceptional design, quality craftsmanship, clear communication, and a personalized remodeling experience from the first conversation through the final walkthrough.
We’re incredibly grateful to our team, our trade partners, and the Northeast Ohio homeowners who have made this achievement possible.
Thank you for being part of the Element story. We look forward to continuing to build something special together.
Learn more about Vlatko’s recognition in Qualified Remodeler‘s award feature and on the official Fred Case Award website.
If you’re considering a kitchen renovation, bathroom remodel, home addition, or whole-home remodel, contact Element Design Build Remodel to learn how we can bring your vision to life.
