In 2007, James thought he had the perfect life: a good job, a beautiful home in Auckland, a growing family, and all the comforts of success. He worked as a Manufacturing Process Engineer for a global company and embraced the Kiwi lifestyle—shorter working days, stunning beaches, and weekends spent jet-skiing. Life, it seemed, couldn’t get any better.
But when a trusted friend defrauded him out of $200,000, everything changed. As legal battles dragged on and stress took its toll, James found himself caught in a dark chapter that nearly derailed his future. Then came the second blow—his company went through a major restructure and laid off 40 staff. Unfortunately, James was one of them.
“It was like being thrown into freezing water,” he recalls.
Faced with the possibility of losing his home and needing to support his family without relying on another employer, James knew he had to act. That’s when he discovered a financial path forward through property investment.
In 2007, James Goren had it all—an engineering job, a beautiful home in Auckland, and a growing family. But life took a sharp turn when a friend defrauded him of $200,000. Soon after, he lost his job in a company restructure. Facing financial ruin, James knew he had to act.
That’s when he discovered property investment. He began renovating homes with a methodical, engineering-style approach—adding massive value in weeks. Word spread. Investors took notice. And The Renovation Team was born.
What started as a personal comeback became a thriving renovation company. Today, James leads one of Auckland’s top-rated teams, delivering fixed-price, fixed-duration renovations—stress-free and on time.
With over 250 projects completed, James still brings the same passion to every job: turning homes into high-value assets, guiding clients with honesty, and helping Kiwis build a better future—one renovation at a time.
Determined to avoid relying on hope, James began learning how to increase a property’s value through smart, equity-focused renovations. He joined a mentoring group, surrounded himself with experienced investors, and began absorbing every strategy he could find.
To put his knowledge into practice, he started to purchased a properties and used it as a live project—refining layouts, making targeted upgrades, and applying a step-by-step, engineering-style renovation plan. The results were extraordinary. He was able to boost the property’s value by 30% to 50%, in just a few weeks so he can re finance it and buy the next property.
Other investors were stunned: “How does James Goren add so much value, so fast?” Word spread. His name became known in property circles, and other investors began asking for his help. What started with one favour quickly grew into multiple projects. And that’s how The Renovation Team was born.
Over time, the business evolved. From investment properties, the team expanded to handle all kinds of renovations—homes for sale, first-home buyers, growing families, and homeowners wanting a fresh start. What remained constant was James’s approach: structured, predictable, and focused on results.
Right from his first renovation, James saw how disorganised the industry was. Trades weren’t coordinated, projects lacked structure, and timelines were constantly shifting. So, he applied manufacturing principles to renovation—just like he would on a production line. Every trade had a defined role, tasks were sequenced properly, and the entire project moved like clockwork.
Today, James leads one of Auckland’s most respected renovation companies, with over 250 successful properties completed. The Renovation Team is known for delivering fixed-price, fixed-duration, turnkey renovation solutions that take all the stress off the client’s shoulders. Whether it’s a full home makeover, a kitchen upgrade, or a value-focused investment project, clients know they’re getting top quality, clear timelines, and no budget blowouts.
James and his team manage every aspect of the renovation—from design and consents to final handover—so clients can simply hand over the keys, go on a relaxing holiday to Fiji, and return to a fully renovated home, complete with a bottle of champagne and chocolate on the bench. No stress. No chasing tradies. Just a flawless result—ready to enjoy.
What truly sets James apart is his ability to simplify complex projects using engineering, process planning, and a deep understanding of property strategy. His model doesn’t just create beautiful homes—it creates equity, financial freedom, and peace of mind.
James is passionate about sharing what he’s learned. Through social media and YouTube, he offers real-life transformations, renovation tips, and guidance for homeowners and investors looking to do it right the first time.
His mission is simple: to deliver quality renovations, create lasting value, and help Kiwis secure a better future—one home at a time.