The Construction Life

Alex Maggiacamo from Universal Aluminum Products Ltd. joins Manny and Jason the Keystone Contractor on today's episode of The Construction Life. Starting off the show is a talk about supplies, prices and wait times boiling down to Canada's lack of infrastructure. We play politician, discussing what we would change before segueing into a conversation Employment Insurance and other government benefits. After that heavy topic, we talk tools and brand comparisons, share some strong opinions on spray foam, and wrap up with a new low in client's price negotiation attempts: using supplier prices against tradespeople.

Interested in Universal Aluminum Products Ltd.? Find them at universalaluminumproducts.ca or reach out to Alex at [email protected].

How about The Keystone Contractor? Find him at thekeystonecontractor.com or by email at [email protected].

Thank you to everyone who recently purchased a copy of Manny’s first book, The Amabel Letters. The support has been amazing. Check out the book and find out how to purchase a paperback or ebook copy at www.theamabelletters.com, on Tiktok and Pinterest @theamabelletters and on Instagram @theamabel_letters. Direct questions and inquiries to info@theamabelletters, and remember, reviews are always appreciated.

Connecting with The Construction Life Podcast is easy. To send a question Manny’s way, text his mobile at 416 433-5737 or email him at [email protected]. Be sure to include your name and your question may be read on the show.

Do you have something to add to the conversation? Email [email protected] to schedule a date and time to join up in studio!

TCL has and always will be about giving back to the construction industry.

Today's show features guest, Matthew Hill of ResCom Contracting, and a rehashing of a few of the most pertinent issues within the construction world, such as the dwindling interest in the construction industry among the younger generation, and how construction workers struggle with saying no to clients looking to negotiate prices. Matt discusses some of his experiences with ResCom's marketing being mostly through word of mouth and shares the truth about being "Baeumler Approved." Matt also shares some strong opinions on tool brands, as well as the differences between residential and commercial work. The show wraps up with a conversation about the courtesy of a reply in client communication. For all that and more, join us on this episode of The Construction Life!

Interested in ResCom Contracting? Find them on Instagram at rescom_gc or reach out at [email protected].

Thank you to everyone who recently purchased a copy of Manny’s first book, The Amabel Letters. The support has been amazing. Check out the book and find out how to purchase a paperback or ebook copy at www.theamabelletters.com, on Tiktok and Pinterest @theamabelletters and on Instagram @theamabel_letters. Direct questions and inquiries to info@theamabelletters, and remember, reviews are always appreciated.

Connecting with The Construction Life Podcast has never been easier. To send a question Manny’s way, text his mobile at 416 433-5737 or email him at [email protected]. Be sure to include your name and your question may even be read on the show.

Do you have something to add to the conversation? Email [email protected] to schedule a date and time to join up in studio!

TCL has and always will be about giving back to the construction industry.

We've got a full house on today's episode of The Construction Life Podcast. The AVAS Group is here to talk about their history and the pros of having so many in-house trades. Each member has something to say, from the prevalence of job takeovers to the importance of ventilation systems to "respecting the power" of your generators. Tune in for some incredibly varied conversations, whether you're interested in plumbing, smart homes or any other aspect of the trades you're sure to find something of interest here. AVAS even shares their advice and encouragement for the next generation of tradespeople, and we wrap up the show answering the question: Is AVAS all one colour?

Interested in The AVAS Group? Find them on their website at theavasgroup.com.

Thank you to everyone who recently purchased a copy of Manny’s first book, The Amabel Letters. The support has been amazing. Check out the book and find out how to purchase a paperback or ebook copy at www.theamabelletters.com, on Tiktok and Pinterest @theamabelletters and on Instagram @theamabel_letters. Direct questions and inquiries to info@theamabelletters, and remember, reviews are always appreciated.

Connecting with The Construction Life Podcast is easy. To send a question Manny’s way, text his mobile at 416 433-5737 or email him at [email protected]. Be sure to include your name and your question may be read on the show.

Do you have something to add to the conversation? Email [email protected] to schedule a date and time to join up in studio!

TCL has and always will be about giving back to the construction industry.

Starting off the video podcast era of The Construction Life Podcast, Jason Schywiola from The Keystone Contractor joins us to share his experiences working with egos, attitudes, conmen, and threatening clients. Jason breaks down his opinion on the profitability of cash guys, how he deals with competitive pricing, as well as how ignorance of risk that can drastically change a quote. After a quick discussion about the work ethic of the current generation, Jason wraps up the show by telling us the ugly stories of his workplace injuries, including his surprising recoveries from them. All that and more on this episode of The Construction Life.

When you join the Contractor Panel and share your expert opinions, you influence industry decision-makers and determine what the industry looks like for years to come. You are compensated for every survey you take and can choose to spend your incentives at retailers and restaurants you already love, like Amazon, Wal-Mart, Texas Roadhouse, and more. https://thecontractorpanel.com/ Thank you Jason @thekeystonecontractor on IG and FB find him on his website www.thekeystonecontractor.com and email him fro your next project or to just talk shop [email protected] thank you Jason for sharing so much great information.

Thank you to everyone who recently purchased a copy of my first book and for all the support. Check out the book at www.theamabelletters.com [email protected] you can buy a paperback copy and e book copy and find details about the story on TikTok, Pinterest @theamabelletters and on IG @theamabel_letters and please leave a review on the website, greatly appreciated.

Want to reach out to Manny, text him on his mobile, 416 433-5737 and or email him at [email protected] Please let him know who you are and then ask away.

TCL has and always will be about giving back to the construction industry.

First up!!!! The Tiny Home Show is August 4-7, 2022, in Ancaster Fairgrounds, Municipal Day is the Thursday where there will be a lot of government officials there to discuss a number of things. There will be 12+ tiny homes there for people to walk through and discuss. Over 35 different exhibitors featuring everything you need to know about building, maintaining a tiny home.

Let’s get into everything to do with tiny homes, beginning with 188-450 square feet is the clear definition of a tiny home as per the OBC. Tiny homes, Garden Suites, Second Suites, it all adds up to Aging in Place, Multi-Generational Living, this is where homes are heading and as tradespeople you would benefit greatly to learn more about this segment of the market is heading. Bianca has done her homework and there are so many by laws and rules surrounding these types of homes where she can educate you around the red tape.

We discuss the construction of these dwellings, and it all begins with being creative with the space and you will never feel like you’re living in a tiny home. We discuss the mechanicals and how best to set up your home, it’s a lot easier than you would think. Bianca is one resource to take advantage of, as she has gone down the many routes to make sure you are covered when it comes time to find a parking location as she calls it, your final location of your tiny home in a rural area. Do not be discouraged by all of the information that is required and please don’t take the no from one city official as the final, there is always a way around those no’s leading you to a yes. Remember this one point, nobody in municipal government has the right to say no to affordable housing solutions. They must listen to what you have to offer.

What a great show and if you are interested in attending the show, you will learn so much. August 4-7 2022 at the Ancaster Playgrounds and you can use discount code TCLGOESTINY for a 25% single day discount or 50% off the 4 day passes.

Shared and Discussed Links

https://tinyhome.show

https://olt.gov.on.ca/tribunals/lpat/about-lpat/

https://www.boxabl.com

https://www.healthline.com/health/decision-fatigue

Thank you so much Bianca and Ken for being on the show and sharing so much about your construction and design life and so much about the upcoming Tiny Home Show and Tiny Homes. Reach out to Bianca at her email [email protected] and on IG @thegivingtree.tinyhome and the website www.thegivingtreefamily.com

www.tinyhome.show

Reach out to Ken through his email [email protected] and IG Twitter and Facebook @kenbekedam and

Thank you to everyone who recently purchased a copy of my first book and for all the support. Check out the book at www.theamabelletters.com [email protected] you can buy a paperback copy and e book copy and find details about the story on TikTok, Pinterest @theamabelletters and on IG @theamabel_letters and please leave a review on the website, greatly appreciated.

TCL has and always will be about giving back to the construction industry.

We open the show with a little Dirty Dancing melody. 7 years in the business on his own with his brand but many more years of learning from so many other trades. During his college years he picked up some work with a plumber digging undergrounds 4 months straight and that was his humble beginning. With 4 children Tom has a busy household and he’s had to refocus his energies to keep the money in the bank. It’s a daily challenge running a construction business.

Tom shares his thought on the difference between renos and new construction is Mice, Poop and Mold, simple as that. We discuss hiring and finding new subtrades and teaching them, hopefully getting them to a managerial position in your business. Social Media comes up, as it always does on this show and a few interesting points are brought up. The topic of building a new home comes up and it is something that Tom has considered but he feels he should build his personal home first before tackling that for a client. He’s enjoying the structural side of the business for now and learning so much with each new project. We dive into the relationships between, architects, engineers, designers, tradespeople, and clients. We wrap up the show with a story about renovation fraud and clients and the dreaded final payment.

And the recession is coming!!! Watch for it in 2023.

Shared and Discussed Links

https://www.ocsb.ca/our-schools/high-school/programs-courses/courses/courses-te-construction/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaLGg1wYztk

https://www.gmblueplan.ca

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10419529-foundation

https://www.humber.ca/buildingcodeexams/

https://www.pi-co.ca

https://tinyhome.show

Thank you so much Tom for being on the show and sharing so much about your construction and design life and more. Reach out to Tom at his email [email protected] and on IG @elliotttrustedtrades and the website www.trustedtrade.ca

Thank you to everyone who recently purchased a copy of my first book and for all the support. Check out the book at www.theamabelletters.com [email protected] you can buy a paperback copy and e book copy and find details about the story on TikTok, Pinterest @theamabelletters and on IG @theamabel_letters and please leave a review on the website, greatly appreciated.

Want to reach out to Manny, text him on his mobile, 416 433-5737 and or email him at [email protected] or [email protected] Please let him know who you are and then ask away.

TCL has and always will be about giving back to the construction industry.

How did it all begin? Children’s BDay party and a few drinks and plenty of pics about wood and the ideas started flowing. Steve didn’t have any formal construction experience, but he would tinker and build odd things and then friends suggested he should do this as a business and Vintage was born. Steve and Jenn love what they do, they love to create ideas for clients, they love working with mother nature resources and making vintage ideas come alive.

Vintage has been built on 100% creative and customer service; it is a boutique business catering to the creative clients that want to take their home to new levels of warmth. We discuss different species of wood and mother nature and the climate of your home; clients need to understand that your home environment will have a huge impact on the projects and details that are installed in the home. Of course, the topic of tools comes up and Jenn shares that she loves Festool and Manny calls them the Louie Vuitton of tools. Gary gets on the mic to have a pretty heated conversation over glues and applications and plenty of truths are shared.

Half way through this show, Steve shares some amazing insight about life, dreams, passion and well worth listening to his kind and moving words. We end the show with what must be the longest 12 questions of construction with Steve and Jenn’s replies. Steve ends the show with a phrase his Dad always taught him, the work won’t kill you. Steve has some great life advice towards the end of the show and he speaks highly about his sufficient other in his life.

Shared and Discussed Links

https://www.ghostwoodcanada.com

Thank you so much Steve and Jennifer and Gary and Steve’s lovley wife Carimae for being on the show and sharing so much about your construction and design life and more. Reach out to Steve at his email [email protected] and on IG @vintageideasltd and the website www.vintageideas.ca

Thank you to everyone who recently purchased a copy of my first book and for all the support. Check out the book at www.theamabelletters.com [email protected] you can buy a paperback copy and e book copy and find details about the story on TikTok, Pinterest @theamabelletters and on IG @theamabel_letters and please leave a review on the website, greatly appreciated.

Want to reach out to Manny, text him on his mobile, 416 433-5737 and or email him at [email protected] or [email protected] Please let him know who you are and then ask away.

TCL has and always will be about giving back to the construction industry.

Tony Viera and Dave from GD Contracting Services Inc. are here to share their many stories, from a humble beginning working in roofing and eventually int renovations of all scopes. It all began with roofing, working with their Dad’s and uncles during all extremes of mother nature. Dave did it for 6 years and Tony for 20 years before he got out and began renovating.

This show will dive into the education of construction, the search for the next group of trades, the lessons learned from every employer they worked for and worked with. Construction has and always will be about learning every single day and the Dave and Tony carry that mindset to this very day since they have no plans in the near future to hang up the tool belts. There are major issues coming our way, with Tony and Dave, they know half of their staff is 5 years away from retirement and they are scrambling to figure out future moves, we all are. Take the initiative to stay longer on the job site and watch experienced trades doing what they do best and ask questions. You can look at it two ways, not making money to learn or making future money, you decide, it’s all perspective. At the age of 40 Tony took a blueprint reading course, there is always time to better educate yourself especially in the trades.

Shared and Discussed Links

https://www.jobstart.org

Thank you so much Tony and Dave and sorry we missed Gil for being on the show and sharing so much about your construction life and more. Reach out to Tony at his email [email protected] and on IG gdcontracting and his personal page @tonygdcontractinginc

Thank you to everyone who recently purchased a copy of my first book and for all the support. Check out the book at www.theamabelletters.com [email protected] you can buy a paperback copy and e book copy and find details about the story on TikTok, Pinterest @theamabelletters and on IG @theamabel_letters and please leave a review on the website, greatly appreciated.

Want to reach out to Manny, text him on his mobile, 416 433-5737 and or email him at [email protected] or [email protected] Please let him know who you are and then ask away.

Reach out to Joe and Trevor at the following info. www.venturesxcanada.ca find them on Social Media @venturesxoakville reach them at 289 644-2393 and email [email protected]

TCL has and always will be about giving back to the construction industry.

Matteo Nunziata is on the show to discuss changing the construction industry with his app UBild. Of course, we will discuss plenty of construction bones to pick, old school vs new school, trade schools, technology and construction, politics, and so much more, one show not to miss.

Matteo began his construction career by knocking on doors and offering up odd jobs, known as Odd Job Matthew in the neighborhood, from there he began to look at the industry differently, he realized how inefficient the industry is. The objective of this app isn’t to replace tradespeople, they are augmenting the experience, we’re making people more efficient and by doing that, they keep people at the core of it all.

This isn’t an app for Diyers, this is for the professional industry. It takes a young tradesperson to be a role model for the industry and we must take control of all the opportunities to achieve major change in construction. It truly is about building a community and not competition, tradespeople are wired in such a way that they look forward to the completion of tasks, that serotonin kick is what we all are after.

The app was designed and continues to be built around tradespeople, something the industry really needs.

Shared and Discussed Links

https://waldenhomes.ca

Thank you so much Matteo for being on the show and sharing the app, construction and more. Reach out to Matteo at www.ubildapp.com his email [email protected] and on Twitter @ubildapp and FaceBook UBILD and on IG @ubildapp

Thank you to everyone who recently purchased a copy of my first book and for all the support. Check out the book at www.theamabelletters.com [email protected] you can buy a paperback copy and e book copy and find details about the story on TikTok, Pinterest @theamabelletters and on IG @theamabel_letters and please leave a review on the website, greatly appreciated.

Want to reach out to Manny, text him on his mobile, 416 433-5737 and or email him at [email protected] or [email protected] Please let him know who you are and then ask away.

Reach out to Joe and Trevor at the following info. www.venturesxcanada.ca find them on Social Media @venturesxoakville reach them at 289 644-2393 and email [email protected]

TCL has and always will be about giving back to the construction industry.

I first met Bob nearly 20 years ago and to sit down with Bob, expect hours and hours of your time as he truly enjoys sharing his wealth of knowledge with anyone that will ask. Hold on, for our longest show ever and Carlito and Manny could have gone longer speaking with Bob. This isn’t a show to miss and please do yourself a favour and take notes.

At The Construction Life we embrace guests offering up suggestions and with this show Bob preferred opening the show with a spoken word and quite the opening, thank you Bob. Carlito is back! Life does throw us some curve balls and we all go through good and bad times, Carlito’s Dad passed away and it has been a hard time for him, we wish him the best.

Humble beginnings for Bob back in the 60’s and began his work ethic by tending to farm animals and working at a green house, from their his Dad started a company, Brampton fastener Company, eventually becoming Brafasco. Okay Hero is an expression Bob will share a lot and for good reason, it’s his way of knowing it’s time to get going, what’s next, how to figure out the challenges. After some European traveling and hockey playing, Bob returns home, 18 years old and his Dad turns to him and saying we are putting these nuts and bolts kits together, why don’t you try to sell these to farmers. The last thing Bob wanted to do was be a salesman. Turns out he could sell, and he sold a kit an hour and made 20 bucks per kit back in the late 70’s. That is how it began.

Bob shares his customer service knowledge, working on his own personal home gave him more practical experience and it wasn’t because he wanted to be a contractor, he wanted to be of more service to his contractor customers. Don’t be afraid of getting things wrong, whatever we do, we will do it better the second time. The Judge, Jury and Executioner of every business is the Customer. The customer decides whether you will survive. What an amazing show, you will need a notepad.

Shared and Discussed Links

Devendra recently reached out @dsamlall letting me know he recently graduated from Skilled Trades College of Plumbing and he’s looking for an opportunity to be an apprentice and he’s hungry to learn and work hard. Reach out to him. Thanks

Just a speaking tip Bob shared before the mics were on, instead of having water during your speaking, apply some lip balm to keep your lips moist and avoid the need to drink because the water will make your lips dry out while speaking and the balm won’t, and you won’t be rushed to finish speaking for a bathroom break.

http://www.snellcs.com

https://www.predictivesuccess.com

https://www.sethgodin.com

Thank you so much Bob for being on the show and sharing so much insight into business, nuts and bolts and fasteners and more. Reach out to Bob at www.happyboss.com his email [email protected] and on Twitter and FaceBook @happybossdotcom

Thank you to everyone who recently purchased a copy of my first book and for all the support. Check out the book at www.theamabelletters.com [email protected] you can buy a paperback copy and e book copy and find details about the story on TikTok, Pinterest @theamabelletters and on IG @theamabel_letters and please leave a review on the website, greatly appreciated.