SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018
For the second time in three years, Monk Renovations has been awarded Renovator of the Year at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association - Nova Scotia (CHBA-NS) Peter Kohler Peak Awards. This is no small feat as Monk Renovations has proven their utmost commitment to the community, professional contribution to the renovation industry, and operational standards in daily work. Monk has been working to continually raise the bar for the growing residential renovation industry. They have a professional and skilled crew that allows Monk to execute a wide variety of projects from installing a window to doubling the size of your house. Monk’s commitment is demonstrated by their accreditations and association membership. They are RenoMark certified, Safety Certified, Certified Aging in Place (CARP) professionals, have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and are members of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Dan sits as Second Vice President of the Board of Directors for CHBA-NS and is the Chair of Renovators Council as well as a board member for the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association.
By Ceiledh Monk A s Monk Renovations hits their 10 year anniversary this year, they have experienced continual growth which can be attributed to building a tremendous reputa- tion as a leader in the industry. This has been accomplished by doing the simple things like showing up on time, keeping clients informed, respecting the homes they work in, and doing projects for the price they agreed upon. These are all simple little things, but they mean the world to clients who are not accustomed to contractors who do all the little things and do them well. In an industry where word-of-mouth marketing and refer- rals are imperative, Dan has an ever growing network of amazing clients, suppliers, and subcontractors who spread the word of Monk’s honesty, professionalism, and concise
communication. It says a lot when a client is so proud of a contractor’s workmanship and customer service that they are eager to recommend a particular renovator to their family and friends. Contractors like Karl and Charmaine from Quest Kitchens say, “Been working with him, [Dan Monk - owner of Monk Renovations], for a number of years now, and all his custom- ers have been pleased in the end. He is an engineer, knows his stuff, and gets the things others miss. Guess that’s why he won Renovator of the Year. He’s honest, knows his stuff, and is calm and approachable, very detailed and great communication through the whole job.” Dan is a country boy, raised on the Eastern Shore of Nova
Scotia and started in the construction industry at fifteen years old. He graduated from Duncan MacMillan High School as valedictorian and went on to pursue his engineer- ing diploma at St. Francis Xavier University and received his Civil Engineering degree from the Technical University of Nova Scotia (now Dalhousie University) in 1993. As a young civil engineer, Dan led his own division of Atlantic Industries in Alberta where he oversaw road, culvert, and pipe-build- ing projects. After his time “out West,” Dan came back to Nova Scotia and took a position in environmental remedi- ation with Dexter Construction – a position he enjoyed for eight years.
I put in my notice and I did it” and he took the leap of faith into entrepreneurship. “I decided I was ready, so I put in my notice and I did it” “I just decided I needed a change; I was ready. I used to work 12-hour days. Now, a 12-hour day is a short day. And I’d never want anyone to think I’m complaining. It’s all really a labour of love; it’s a labour of passion. I love building my company and I love building business relationships – and I love seeing where it’s going. Coming into an older home, a tired, neglected home – or just a place where it’s time for a
After fifteen years of working as a professional engineer for other companies, Monk says that, “I decided I was ready, so
bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, but we’re seeing more and more referrals for bigger jobs from people we’ve done those smaller jobs for.” Monk Renovations’ heart and soul remains focused on resi- dential renovations allowing them to rise to the top of their industry. Monk Renovations has built credibility in the ren- ovation industry and Monk is called upon repeatedly for media interviews and can be heard regularly as an expert guest on CBC Radio Maritime Noon along with his monthly column in Spotlight on Business Magazine, “Contractors Corner” where Dan is very generous in sharing his wealth of knowledge on kitchen, bathroom, basement, exterior, deck, addition, and any other renovation or building related questions. Dan is quick to point out that he could not do it all on his own, much of the success and recognition is a result of the team he has built which includes skilled tradespeople, esti- mator, project coordinator, and his connections to reliable suppliers and subcontractors. Each carpenter on the team is a multi-talented and accom- plished individual who can complete virtually every aspect of a renovation. None of this would have been possible without the encouragement and support of Dan’s wife of twenty-four years, Angela. She has supported him in every way possible which has allowed him to grow a dynamic and
refresh – and leaving it when it’s all done is always a memo- rable experience and a ‘wow’ moment where you say, ‘Look what we’ve done. We’ve converted something that was old into something that’s new again – and the client loves it.’ That’s one of the best feelings you can have – and it keeps you going.” Dan has a very unique skill set as he is the only renovation company owner in Nova Scotia who is both a professional engineer and a Red Seal Carpenter. “Being a professional engineer and a Red Seal carpenter is a rare combination in the renovation business,” Dan explained. “For some people, seeing those credentials means a lot – and when they see that I’m also genuinely interested in building a pro- fessional relationship with them, it often seals the deal.” Dan’s background and training are always present in his organization, accuracy, communication, and profession- alism which sets a new standard for all contractors across Nova Scotia . Now after ten years in business and thousands of renova- tions completed, many of which can be viewed in the gal- leries on www.monkreno.com. Dan says, “We’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of repeat clients, a lot of great refer- rals. What’s developed, or changed, for us is that we are doing larger and larger projects. We’ve been doing more whole home renovations, more additions. We’re still in
successful renovation company, employing ten people and manage countless suppliers and sub-trades.
In 2015, the Canadian Government accepted over 25,000 Syrian refugees, of which approximately 2,500 immigrat- ed to Nova Scotia. After this influx of immigrants, Monk Renovations was fortunate to be contacted by a former client about Immigration Services Association Nova Scotia (ISANS), an organization that provides guidance to immi- grants regarding the transition into their new lifestyle. Through this connection, Monk Renovations had the priv- ilege to welcome Ahmad to the team; he is a hardworking and dedicated painter and drywaller who was eager for an As Registered Interior Designers we help you see the possibilities for your home. We analyze your space with function in mind, and then develop new floor plan layouts that would work more efficiently. Our expertise includes interior design concepts, customized storage, built-ins, building codes, sustainability, interior finishes, lighting, electrical layouts and working drawings. Whether you are looking for a major renovation, a different furniture plan, an addition to gain more space, or a basement development, we are the team to consult. Tower Interiors is a multiple award winning Interior Design company. We work with our clients to design spaces that reflect their aesthetic and func- tional requirements, while providing excellence in customer service.
www.mathesonwindows.ca 1.902.462.5959 10 Akerley Blvd, Suite 63, Dartmouth, NS
Is a renovation in your future? Congratulations Dan and Team! We are proud to be able to work with you and your Clients! Making all the decisions needed is time consuming and can be confusing. We are here to help! Go to www.towerinteriors.ca to get your complementary Interior Designer’s guide: “How to Successfully Design Your Renovation”.
www.towerinteriors.ca design@towerinteriors.ca 902-455-1544
opportunity to kickstart his new life and career in Canada. ISANS has a virtually seamless process which provides con- tractors with subsidizedwage funding and an interpret- er during the initial stages, plus, they offer language and safety training, and safety equipment to incoming trades- people. As a result of this great experience, the entire crew at Monk Renovations recommends other contractors to take advantage of ISANS as it is a great source of skilled tradespeople. In just a year and a half, Ahmad has come a long way and he continues to learn and develop his reno- vation skills everyday. Additionally, Ahmad got married this summer and is putting down roots in his new country. Over three years ago, Rob joined the Monk Renovations team as an estimator/project manager. He graduated from a two year carpentry course at Nova Scotia Commu- nity College (NSCC) and spent several years working as a carpenter before NSCC Architectural Drafting peaked his interest. He enrolled in the two year diploma program and learned estimation, communication, and design skills. On top of exposure to building products and practices, NSCC presented career opportunities for students which ultimately led Rob to Monk Renovations. Dan hired him directly after graduating from NSCC and they have been working together to grow and become a productive, well oiled machine ever since. Monk Renovations welcomed Janet to the team as a project coordinator in March 2018. She has been a signif- icant addition to the talent pool at Monk as she is a cer- tified safety professional with bookkeeping and project management experience. She leverages her thoughtful- ness, community orientation, and dedication in her role as she is always thinking of the well-being of clients and crew and makes decisions for the company as if it were her own. She has eagerly jumped into her new role and demonstrat- ed her passion for community involvement by joining the Women’s Council at CHBA-NS and supporting the Sup- portive Housing for Young Women (SHYM) program with YWCA Halifax. Over the past decade, Nova Scotia has been experiencing a decrease in the availability of skilled trades people due to significantly increased retirement rates as the “baby boom”
(902)471-6514 ryang71@hotmail.com 66GeorgeGrayLane,Sambro
Allworkbig andsmall,we will behappy todo it all!
- Freequotations - Licensedseptic installer -Offeringvisual aswell as video inspectiononseptic systems
generation ages, but this is only a taste of what is to come. Statistics indicate that Nova Scotiawill need 100,000+ skilled tradespeople over the next five years to replace those who are exiting the workforce. Preventative maintenance needs to be ramped up which could be achieved by reintroducing shop classes in the school system and encouraging more young people to pursue skilled trades programs at NSCC, especially carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and masonry. New tradespeople must commit to developing their skills and continually refining them throughout their career. Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency would be a great place to start as it will allow tradespeople to further their abilities.
From our humble beginnings in 1996, we have had one unyielding passion; To deliver the best products, the best installation and the best service in the industry.
160 Chain Lake Dr. Halifax, Nova Scotia 902-832-2575
www.ultimatehomecomfort.com Hours: Open Mon. - Fri. 9:30am-5pm Saturday 10am-4pm
Hearth Store HVAC Propane
COME SEE US IN PERSON AND YOU’LL SOON DISCOVER WHY WE ARE NOVA SCOTIA’S NUMBER ONE CHOICE FOR FLOORING. For over 24 years, Taylor Flooring has been proudly serving our clients with some of the highest quality flooring products on the market today. Let our flooring specialists help bring your vision to life.
Their programs allow apprentices to gain practical experi- ence while being supervised and working alongside Jour- neypersons or Red Seals in their chosen trade. Additionally, they have the opportunity to attain their Red Seal Certifica- tion by continuing their education at NSCC between work periods. As this is an issue widely spread across Canada, we need all hands on deck from the government and school boards to the construction associations and contractors. Monk and the crew at Monk Renovations are looking forward to continued growth and improvement in the ren- ovation industry and will continue to raise the bar for all professional renovators.
Ocean Contractors Limited PO Box 604 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 3Y9 Phone: 902.435.1291
Thank you to our advertisers:
www.mathesonwindows.ca
(902)471-6514 ryang71@hotmail.com 66GeorgeGrayLane,Sambro
Monk Renovations
ryang71@hotmail.com Allworkbig andsmall,we will behappy todo it all!
-Freequotations -Licensedseptic installe -Offeringvisualaswella video inspectiononsep systems
PO Box 48003 Bedford, Nova Scotia Email: info @ monkreno.com Phone: (902) 497-0011 Fax: (902) 404-5856
www.richelieu.com
monkreno.com
www.mathesonwindows.ca 1.902.462.5959 10 Akerley Blvd, Suite 63, Dartmouth, NS
www.evergreenelectric.com
www.towninteriors.com
From our humble beginnings in 1996, we have had one unyielding passion; To deliver the best products, the best installation and the best service in the industry. www.casiontaxi.ca
www.ultimatehomecomfort.com
160 Chain Lake Dr. Halifax, Nova Scotia 902-832-2575
Is a renovation in your future? Congratulations Dan and Team! We are proud to be able to work with you and your Clients! Making all the decisions needed is time consuming and can be confusing. We are here to help! Go to www.towerinteriors.ca to get your complementary Interior Designer’s guide: “How to Successfully Design Your Renovation”.
www.ultimatehomecomfort.com Hours: Open Mon. - Fri. 9:30am-5pm Saturday 10am-4pm www.questkitchens.com
www.oceancontractors.ca
Hearth Store HVAC Propane
COME SEE US IN PERSON AND YOU’LL SOON DISCOVER WHY ARE NOVA SCOTIA’S NUMBER ONE CHOICE FOR FLOORING. For over 24 years, Taylor Flooring has been proudly serving our clients with some of the highest quality flooring products on the market today. Let our flooring specialists help bring your vision to life.
www.taylorflooring.com
www.goldensilkscreening.com
www.towerinteriors.ca design@towerinteriors.ca 902-455-1544
as spotlighted in the SEPTEMBER 2018 issue of SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
www.spotlightonbusinessmagazine.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online