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Changing the Face of Remodeling One Woman at a Time: How Francesca Bilyard Built Diamonds & DrillBits Into a Customer-First Residential Remodeling Company
- Women Story
- Aug 17
- 4 min read
Francesca Bilyard, Founder of Diamonds & DrillBits LLC, is proving that residential remodeling is about far more than construction—it is about trust, communication, and creating spaces that feel like home. Founded in Pemberton, New Jersey, USA, in 2022, her woman-owned remodeling company has built a reputation for fair pricing, high-quality craftsmanship, and an exceptional customer experience that goes beyond industry expectations.
While many remodeling companies focus primarily on projects, Diamonds & DrillBits was built with a different philosophy: become a customer service company that happens to remodel houses. From complimentary 3D designs to guiding clients through material selections and being present on-site every day until completion, Francesca has created a hands-on experience that has earned community recognition and inspired women to enter one of the most male-dominated industries.
When Remodeling Needed More Than Construction
Home renovations are often associated with uncertainty:
Missed phone calls.
Poor communication.
Unexpected delays.
Clients frequently enter remodeling projects feeling anxious rather than excited.
Francesca Bilyard believed homeowners deserved something different. She envisioned a remodeling company where clients felt supported throughout the entire journey—not just when construction began. Her goal was to build trust through responsiveness, transparency, and genuine relationships.
That customer-first mindset became the foundation of Diamonds & DrillBits.
Building a Business Around Service
In 2022, Francesca launched Diamonds & DrillBits with a clear mission: deliver exceptional residential remodeling while making clients feel cared for every step of the way.
The company offers full-service design-build remodeling, including:
Kitchen remodeling
Bathroom renovations
Basement remodeling
Custom closets
Feature walls
Tile installation
Deck construction
Interior remodeling
Rather than handing clients a design and disappearing until construction starts, Francesca remains deeply involved throughout every phase of the project.
Her philosophy is simple: every homeowner deserves to feel confident about their renovation.
Redefining the Remodeling Experience
One of Diamonds & DrillBits' biggest differentiators is its highly personalized customer experience.
Every project begins with a comprehensive consultation before moving into complimentary 3D design renderings that help homeowners visualize their finished space before construction begins.
Francesca also personally assists clients with material selections and accompanies them on shopping trips when needed, helping transform ideas into practical decisions.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of her approach is what she calls "moving in" with her clients. Throughout each renovation, she is present on-site every day until the project is complete, ensuring consistent communication, quality control, and peace of mind.
Even clients' pets become part of the journey, with Francesca joking that their furry family members become her own during the renovation process.
This level of involvement has helped turn construction projects into long-term client relationships.
Building Credibility in a Male-Dominated Industry
Starting a remodeling company as a woman came with challenges that extended beyond learning how to build a business.
Francesca found herself repeatedly having to prove her expertise—not only to homeowners, but also to contractors and township officials who often questioned her knowledge in ways many male general contractors rarely experience.
Instead of allowing those challenges to define her, she used them as motivation. She learned every aspect of building and scaling a business from the ground up while continuing to exceed expectations on every project.
Her journey became about more than remodeling homes. It became about changing perceptions:
One successful project at a time.
One confident woman at a time.
Creating Opportunities for Women in Construction
For Francesca, success is measured by more than completed renovations. She wants to help build the next generation of women in construction.
Today, Diamonds & DrillBits employs a female team member, and Francesca's long-term vision is to grow an entire team of women working confidently within the remodeling industry.
She believes young girls should see construction, design, and remodeling as careers where they belong—not industries they have to fight to enter.
By leading from the front, she hopes to inspire more women to pursue ambitious goals regardless of traditional expectations.
Recognition Beyond the Job Site
Francesca's impact has extended well beyond residential remodeling.
In 2025, she received the Honor in Personal Excellence from the Burlington County Chamber of Commerce, recognizing her leadership and commitment to excellence.
Her growing reputation also led to a nomination for the Burlington County Consumer Choice Awards for Best Interior Design Company.
Beyond business achievements, Francesca has become a role model for young women. The Girl Scouts of Southern and Central New Jersey invited her to speak at their Girl Scout Leadership Conference on three separate occasions, where she shared her entrepreneurial journey and encouraged girls to pursue leadership with confidence.
These opportunities reflect the broader influence she is creating beyond construction.
Giving Back Through Community Service
Community impact remains an important part of Diamonds & DrillBits' story.
Francesca believes craftsmanship should also create opportunities for kindness.
One meaningful example came through her work with Legacy Treatment Services, where she built garden boxes for the nonverbal inpatient population.
For her, using construction skills to improve people's lives extends beyond clients' homes and into the wider community.
That commitment reinforces the company's people-first philosophy.
Leadership Built on Presence and Accountability
Francesca's leadership style reflects the same values she brings to every renovation.
She believes clients deserve honesty, responsiveness, and someone who shows up consistently.
Rather than managing projects from a distance, she leads through daily presence, direct communication, and personal accountability.
Her approach demonstrates that exceptional customer service can become a company's greatest competitive advantage—even in an industry traditionally defined by tools and timelines.
Looking Ahead
As Diamonds & DrillBits continues to grow, Francesca's vision reaches beyond expanding a remodeling business.
She wants to help redefine what leadership looks like in construction. By building a stronger team of women, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and continuing to serve her community, she hopes to inspire future generations to pursue careers without being limited by outdated stereotypes.
Every completed renovation becomes another example that craftsmanship, compassion, and confidence can exist together.
Francesca's Advice to Women Entrepreneurs
Fear and doubt are part of the game. Ignore the naysayers. When you feel like quitting, work harder because you're on the right path.
For Francesca Bilyard, success isn't measured only by beautifully remodeled homes. It's measured by the confidence she builds—in her clients, in her team, and in every girl who begins believing that greatness has no gender.
Quick Profile
Founder: Francesca Bilyard
Company: Diamonds & DrillBits LLC
Founded: 2022
Location: Pemberton, New Jersey, USA
Industry: Residential Remodeling & Design-Build
Specialization: Kitchen Remodeling, Bathroom Renovations, Basement Remodeling, Custom Closets, Tile Installation, Deck Construction, Interior Remodeling
Mission: Delivering exceptional customer service and high-quality craftsmanship while inspiring women to enter the construction industry.
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