Meet Michele Wilson of Sonder Luxe Home Solutions & Coffee With Contractors

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Wilson

Hi Michele, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My construction journey started when I was a kid—because I had no say in the matter. Adopted from Brazil, I took the scenic route through West Virginia and Michigan before settling into life with a dad who was both a master electrician and a firefighter engineer and a mom who taught me business sense at a young age. So, naturally, my childhood was filled with wiring diagrams, fire safety tips, the occasional near-electrocution, and counting vending machine money. Watching both my parents work sparked (pun intended) my love for the trades and a desire to build something meaningful in the construction and home improvement world.

I kicked things off as a Project Manager/Property Manager in the DC area. Still, when I moved to Raleigh in 2021, I noticed a glaring issue: homeowners were often left playing a high-stakes game of “Will My Contractor Show Up?” Many were frustrated, misled, or downright scammed. It was like watching a bad reality show—except it was real, and no one got a prize at the end. So, I did the logical next thing: I became a general contractor. My goal? To set a higher standard, bring some much-needed transparency, and prove that not all contractors ghost their clients or leave a trail of destruction in their wake.

At the same time, I saw another problem—contractors and industry professionals had nowhere to connect, commiserate, or share war stories (besides the occasional awkward supply house run-in). Enter “Coffee with Contractors” TM and “Cocktails with Contractors”—two networking groups designed to bring people together, swap knowledge, and help small businesses grow. Oh, and we also spotlight some amazing nonprofits in the industry because giving back is kind of important.

Somewhere in the chaos, I realized that humor and honesty were my secret weapons—because let’s face it, this industry gives us “plenty” to laugh (or cry) about. That realization led to “Chicks in Construction”—the podcast I’m launching with Mikki Paradis where we pull back the curtain on the real, raw, and ridiculous moments in the industry while celebrating its wins. From job site mishaps and client quirks to the triumphs that make it all worth it, we’re telling the stories you won’t hear in a boardroom. Expect unfiltered conversations, industry insights, and plenty of laughs along the way. “Chicks in Construction” launches later this month (February), and trust me, you won’t want to miss it!

Through a mix of persistence, creativity, and an incredible community, I’ve built something that supports professionals, empowers homeowners, and sparks meaningful (and sometimes hilarious) conversations. It’s been a wild ride, and I can’t wait to see what’s next—hopefully, fewer contractor horror stories and more success stories. At the end of the day, construction should be about quality work, not horror stories. And if I have anything to do with it, that’s exactly the direction we’re headed.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Is entrepreneurship ever smooth? Oh, absolutely—if you enjoy navigating an obstacle course blindfolded while people throw unexpected expenses and bad advice at you. My journey has been anything but smooth, but let’s be real—that’s where the best lessons come from.

One of the biggest challenges? Navigating partnerships that weren’t the right fit. In the beginning, I was so focused on building something meaningful that I didn’t always recognize the subtle signs of misalignment. Unfortunately, that led to some difficult situations where trust was tested, and I had to make tough decisions to stay true to my values and vision. While those moments weren’t easy, they ultimately taught me the importance of setting clear expectations, trusting my instincts, and surrounding myself with people who share the same commitment to integrity and professionalism.

Looking back, those struggles weren’t just roadblocks; they were recalibrations and my way of failing forward. They helped me become more focused, intentional, and selective in both business and relationships. In the end, they shaped the foundation of the community I’ve built today—one that runs on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect (with a healthy dose of lessons learned the hard way).

“Every challenge is just another step toward building something stronger—so if the road gets bumpy, take it as proof that you’re moving forward.” – M. Wilson

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Sonder Luxe Home Solutions, we don’t just renovate homes—we rescue homeowners from renovation nightmares and set a new standard for what construction should be. We believe that quality, reliability, and transparency aren’t optional extras, and yet, somehow, they’ve become rare finds in the industry. Our mission? To bring them back in style. Whether it’s a full-house transformation, a sleek kitchen upgrade, or an outdoor space that makes your neighbors jealous, we take pride in delivering craftsmanship that lives up to the hype.

But we’re not just here to swing hammers and install cabinets. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to community and connection—because let’s face it, this industry can feel like the Wild West sometimes. That’s why we created Coffee with Contractors TM, a networking platform that’s about more than just construction. It’s a space where professionals, business owners, and tradespeople can actually talk—share knowledge, collaborate, and grow together without all the usual competition and ego. Think of it as a professional support group, but with way better coffee and fewer trust falls.

At the core of everything we do is trust—both with our clients and within the industry. Sonder Luxe Home Solutions isn’t just another construction company; it’s a brand built on integrity, innovation, and the belief that working together makes us all better. Through our projects and events, we aim to bridge gaps, create opportunities, and leave a lasting impact—because what’s the point of success if you’re not bringing others along with you?

So, whether you’re looking for a dependable partner for your next project or a place to connect with like-minded professionals, we’ve got you covered. We’re passionate about raising the bar in this industry, and we’re just getting started.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Integrity: it’s not just a buzzword I throw around to sound impressive—it’s the foundation of everything I do. From running Sonder Luxe Home Solutions to organizing “Coffee with Contractors”, integrity has been the one non-negotiable quality that has shaped my success. Operating with honesty, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing has allowed me to build trust—not just with clients, but with colleagues and the professional community as a whole. And let’s be real, in an industry where trust can sometimes feel as shaky as a poorly poured foundation, that matters.

Integrity isn’t just about saying the right things—it’s about showing up, following through, and refusing to cut corners (even when no one’s looking). It’s what drives the way I approach relationships and projects, ensuring that promises are kept, quality is never sacrificed, and decisions are always made with the best interests of everyone involved. It’s also been my anchor in the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship—because let’s face it, setbacks and tough lessons are part of the deal.

But here’s what I’ve learned: when you operate with integrity, the right people and opportunities find “you”. There’s no need to chase every deal, prove yourself to the wrong crowd, or compromise your values just to get ahead. By staying true to what I believe in, I’ve built a reputation for reliability, surrounded myself with people who share the same principles, and created a business that isn’t just successful, but meaningful and sustainable. And at the end of the day, that’s the kind of success that actually lasts.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sonder-luxe.com and https://cwcrdu.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonderluxehomesolutions/ and instagram.com/coffeewithcontractors
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-w/