
By CHeryl ricer | Photo By Scott peek photography
Celena Medlin’s path to leadership at Elite Remodeling in Frisco is a testament to steady growth, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. What began in 2007 as a part-time bookkeeping role has evolved into a pivotal leadership position as general manager, where Medlin now oversees nearly every facet of the business.
“I started off doing job costing and just helping where I could,” Medlin recalls. “It just grew from there.”
A Natural Evolution of Leadership
As owner John Todd slowed his day-to-day involvement, Medlin naturally stepped in to fill the gaps. What began as administrative support soon expanded into leadership across financial management, sales, design coordination, and construction oversight. Today, she describes her role as “the glue that holds all the pieces together,” ensuring each department operates cohesively while maintaining Elite’s high standards.
Her background in accounting provided a strong foundation, but Medlin credits much of her growth to hands-on experience and mentorship. “I really gleaned a lot from John over the years — learning not just the remodeling industry, but how to run a business and manage people,” she says.
Driving a Strategic Transformation
One of Medlin’s most significant contributions has been helping guide Elite Remodeling’s evolution from a discount remodeler into a value-driven, high-quality design-build firm. While the vision began with ownership, Medlin played a key role in implementing the processes and systems that brought it to life.
“That transformation touched everything,” she explains. “From the way we present our showroom to the materials we use, the people we hire, and the experience we create for clients.”
The results speak for themselves. Elite Remodeling has been named Dallas Builders Association Remodeler of the Year six times — an achievement that reflects both craftsmanship and operational excellence.
Innovation Through Technology and Process
Medlin also spearheaded major advancements in technology, moving the company from basic spreadsheets and paper files to integrated, cloud-based systems. “If you look at where we started and where we are today, it’s astonishing,” she says. “We’ve gone from very primitive processes to fully interactive platforms where clients can see schedules, communicate with us, and track every detail of their project.”
These innovations improved efficiency, communication, and transparency—cornerstones of Elite’s client experience. Medlin’s influence extended beyond technology into refining workflows, strengthening financial systems, and enhancing collaboration across teams.
A Culture of Excellence and Care
At the heart of Medlin’s leadership is a deep respect for people — employees, subcontractors, and clients alike. She emphasizes a team-oriented culture built on mutual respect and shared expertise.
This philosophy translates into a highly personalized client experience. From detailed project planning to proactive communication and an industry-leading warranty program, Elite prioritizes long-term relationships over short-term gains.
“We hold ourselves to a very high standard,” Medlin notes. “If something isn’t right, we fix it.”
Through vision, humility, and a willingness to grow, Celena Medlin has helped shape Elite Remodeling into a company defined not just by what it builds, but by how it builds it.










