HGTV Remodeling Rockstar, Mike Holmes

Mike Holmes of the HGTV program, Holmes on Homes, spoke before the attendees of the 2015 Remodeling Leadership Conference in Washington, DC on May 7, 2015. I loved listening to Mike and to have had the opportunity to shake hands, as I have been a fan of Holmes on Homes for a number of years. Mike's deep knowledge of the construction industry, practical experience, and passion towards protecting homeowners from errant contractors by adhering to "Best Practices" procedures, while being shored up with a mildly intimidating physical appearance, makes him the perfect Remodeling Rockstar, to me at least.

My connection with Mike's professional ethos and TV shows reminds me of my own late father's 6'2" 230 lbs. stature (Mike is not that physically large, but his demeanor is larger than life), integrity, and grit to get things done, and of the many salty Senior Staff Non-Commissioned Officer's that I served with while in the Marine Corps. Mike encourages contractors to deliver uncompromising care, the appropriate level of competency to the task to be completed, with accurate budgeting and transparency, and not to falsely advertise their services. Basically, if you have watched his programs, he'll "call a spade a spade" in a heartbeat.

Mike's lecture masterfully differentiates between the good, the bad, and the ugly of contractors by pointing out that it boils down to "care". Care explained, is the motivating factor that drives a contractor to affiliate themselves with trade organizations, become licensed in their field of expertise, continue to learn their trade and knowledge of better products and procedures, be candid with their clients, and strive for everyday excellence. The sum result of the above positive behaviors is that a job has a huge possibility to be done right the first time thwarting waste, lost tempers, and in the worst case, lawsuits!

Mike has recently created an Canadian based service called "Holmes Inspections," and is entering the U.S. market with the professionally mentored home inspections and repair service. Vetted Holmes Inspections contractors will conduct work resembling Mike's "as seen on TV" role by practicing the highest of standards, maintaining transparency with the client homeowners, and have leveraged purchasing powers with material suppliers. Mike also announced that he is launching a new emotionally gripping remodeling reality TV show and continues to give back to industry through his various philanthropic activities.