When it comes to resilience, vision, and building something with lasting impact, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Mike Vahdat. Today, Mike is the driving force behind Ambiance Atlanta, a premier design-build remodeling firm in Georgia. But his entrepreneurial journey began in a completely different world.
Born in Iran, Mike immigrated to the United States at the age of 18. He pursued both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech, laying a strong technical foundation for his future endeavors. After a successful corporate career—including roles as Project Manager and Vice President of Engineering at a global firm—Mike sought something more fulfilling and personally meaningful.
In 1999, he took the leap into entrepreneurship, founding a construction company focused on building starter homes and properties for first-time buyers. Over the next decade, he constructed more than 300 homes, ranging from cozy townhouses to high-end estates. However, the 2008 housing market crash changed everything.
“We had $13 million in inventory that we had to liquidate for pennies on the dollar,” Mike recalls. “That was the moment I realized it was time to pivot—from new construction to remodeling.”
That shift proved to be a defining move. Unlike large-scale homebuilding, remodeling offered a more intimate, client-centric process. Projects were completed in about six months, allowing for deeper customization and communication. Today, Ambiance Atlanta manages 5–6 projects concurrently and completes between 50 and 60 projects annually.
In 2025, Mike launched a major expansion initiative, forming a board of directors and setting ambitious growth targets. The company is poised to double its sales this year and aims to reach $15 million in revenue within the next five years.
“We offer everything in-house—design, project management, and bill of materials—because clients value transparency and accountability,” he explains.
To entrepreneurs navigating uncertain markets, Mike offers timeless advice: “Invest just as much in learning how to run a business as you do in doing the work. Learn to delegate. If someone can do 80% of what you can, that’s enough—they’re worth keeping.”
Delegation, he admits, was once a personal challenge. “I used to believe everything had to be done my way. But I’ve learned the power of building systems and trusting the right people to carry them out.”
At the heart of Ambiance Atlanta’s success is a relentless focus on communication. “You have to talk to your clients, vendors, subcontractors—everyone. I still have design files from 20 years ago. Record everything. That’s how you differentiate yourself in this business.”
When it comes to pricing, Mike is unapologetically confident. “We don’t race to the bottom. People buy Lamborghinis, and people buy budget cars—you choose your market and deliver value accordingly. We target the middle to upper-middle market because that’s where we can provide the most impact.”
Marketing efforts are strategic and consistent. With 8% of revenue allocated to marketing, Ambiance Atlanta blends referrals, digital advertising, and community visibility. “Even when we were small, I had branded vehicles and job site signs. Visibility builds credibility. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.”
Despite the company’s growth, Mike has no intention of franchising. “This isn’t a commodity business. Each client, each home, is unique. What works in one space may not apply to another.”
His motivation has remained steady, even through economic cycles. “I’ve been through downturns. What goes up must come down—and then rise again. The key is staying in the game.”
For those entering the remodeling space, his guidance is both practical and profound: “Have a clear vision. Build scalable systems. And above all—never stop learning.”
From mechanical engineer to the founder of one of Atlanta’s most respected remodeling firms, Mike Vahdat’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, clarity of purpose, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.