Master Contractor & HGTV Host
“AN EXCLUSIVE Q & A WITH JIM CARUK: MASTER CONTRACTOR & HOST OF HGTV’S “BUILDER BOSS”.
Moderated by Ian H. Burns, Director of Education for the Caruk Companies. Jim’s presentation promises to be an exciting and interesting event, in a format that is not traditional for the Club!
**TO ENCOURAGE AN OPEN DIALGOUE AND EXCHANGE OF IDEAS, WE INVITE ALL CLUB MEMBERS AND GUESTS TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS VIA FACEBOOK & TWITTER
Connect with Jim on topics including: Real Estate/Renos & Risk Tolerance, Client Care, Building Brand, Community Responsibility, Consumer Advocacy, Life Strategies and more. As a Canadian business owner and influencer, working for 35 years in the building & renovation sector, Jim is someone who’s stayed on top of changing technologies, materials, and best-practice strategies; survived two recessions, and gone on to build one of Canada’s most trusted custom homebuilding, renovation and media brands. Also, as an accredited tradesman and Master Builder, Jim emerged from an era when the blue collar was definitely not as respected as it is today. The TV success has been, in Jim’s view, a very happy by-product of his construction business, and something that he has stepped in and out of seamlessly for over a decade now – all while engaging his true passion for great design, and growing a variety of new brands under the Caruk umbrella.
Jim Caruk Biography: In trades-speak, Jim first “got on the tools’ right out of high school in 1973. As an apprentice sheet metal worker in the union, he went on to earn his heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) certification, running ductwork on some of Toronto’s landmark worksites including Roy Thomson Hall, TD Centre, and First Canadian Place. It was this unique experience that laid the foundation for a personal and professional journey that he refers to as a “truly amazing ride” … one that has kept him inspired, engaged, and always excited about what’s down the road…..
Jim went on to build some of Canada’s most respected homebuilding, renovation and media brands, continuing to run his own award-winning construction business, The Caruk Group (1984). He has hosted seven hit seasons of his pioneering HGTV program, “Real Renos” (2002-2009), recently launched his own national industry trade magazine, Renovation Contractor (2011), and has recently completed production on a new series for HGTV, “Builder Boss”, returning to his broadcast home beginning in February, 2012.
As the first industry professional to fully engage the factual/reality genre on TV, Jim revealed both the high-dollar drama of custom homebuilding and renovation, along with his own often colourful personal life. Homeowners and trades alike responded to Jim’s inclusive, signature style – which relies as much on the connecting power of laughter as proven master class skills, integrity and creative vision. He has become a leading advocate for tradespeople across Canada, and is a regular guest speaker at industry events across the country. As the Editor-In-Chief of Renovation Contractor magazine, he has created a much-needed new forum for though leadership and professional development in the renovation and building industry.
Responding to consumer feedback for real, hands-on training that went beyond reading a book or attending big-box seminars, Jim founded and launched two of Canada’s first Built it Yourself (BIY) Learning Centres in Toronto. Through his network of accredited master builders, teachers, industry professionals and sub-trades, Jim has created an interactive, practical learning forum, delivering essential, hands-on skills and safety know-how to homeowners wanting to complete their own small projects. Inspiring confidence, understanding and a respect for the professionals who handle the big jobs, the BIY concept has been a resounding success.
Ongoing for Jim is the development and fundraising effort behind his Renos for Heroes Foundation (2009). Dedicated to providing essential homebuilding and design services to Canadian soldiers who have lost limbs in battle, Renos for Heroes provides the specialized skills and materials needed to help them regain dignity and meaningful mobility in their own homes.