Tell us about yourself & your company?
Blake: I run a small, tight knit renovation company, based on the North Shore. I love helping our clients realize their renovation dreams while focusing on the small details that our customers live with every day. I started my company in 2019 to combine my passion with a need in the industry. I have a lot of fun combining software technology with customer service to give our clients a renovation experience that’s actually easy, sustainable and uncomplicated. I’ve been building and renovating luxury homes in Vancouver since 2007, and I bring that experience and knowledge to our customers every day. Not only do my team and I build here, but we live here, play here and we’re happy to call our happy clients our neighbours.
How did you get into the residential construction industry?
Blake: My family has been in the residential construction and building industry for generations. My Grandfather was an HVAC Technician and business owner, My Dad is a home builder, and here I am following in their entrepreneurial footsteps with my own renovation company. As a kid I was a bit obsessed with all things mechanical and crafty. While my initial career direction was toward architecture, I was instantly hooked on jobsite life when I started working with my Dad in the summer of 2005. From there, my interest in learning about the industry kept growing, and it still is to this day.
What keeps you in the industry?
Blake: The challenges and the tangibility. I love working through problems, especially those that don’t yet have a good solution. Being able to innovate on the fly keeps things interesting!
While navigating covid-19, what new opportunities have you discovered?
Blake: The use of technology to communicate and improve efficiency. The more I look toward software the more I see it’s benefits in this industry. That and a renewed interest in building on the customer side. It’s refreshing to see people working with their hands at home and asking questions, now that they have a bit more free time.
It’s 11AM Saturday morning, what are you up to?
Blake: Hiking the North Shore mountains with my girlfriend after a pancake breakfast!
What are your hobbies?
Blake: Mountain sports, water sports and anything outdoor related. Getting into the forest or out on the water always puts things in a new perspective and reminds me of what’s really important.
Proudest moment?
Blake: Helping a friend realize their potential
What have you done in your community in the last year?
Blake: Helping out at the North Shore Ecology Center for a few hours, such a rewarding experience
Favourite HAVAN moment and why?
Blake: Meeting Renee! She’s always full of energy!
Best work perk at your job?
Blake: Working in my home office next to my plants, which I may or may not personify (I do)
What inspires you?
Blake: The people in my life. They’re actually amazing and I should tell them that more often.
What are you excited for / looking forward to right now?
Blake: The ability to travel and hug friends!
Share an interesting fact about your life?
Blake: I once sailed across the Pacific Ocean, and rode a motorcycle from Vancouver to the Arctic. Both were as cold, tiring (and sometimes as fun) as they seem.
Last piece of advice you have received?
Blake: Always be kind, you never know what other people have going on in their lives.
Starbucks order?
Blake: Double shot decaf espresso. Yes, decaf.
Song on repeat right now?
Blake: Keep on Loving You – The SheepDogs
Where were you born?
Blake: Kelowna
Pets?
Blake: I wish!
Favourite holiday / destination?
Blake: Maui
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Blake: Of course! Fresh though, never canned
First concert?
Blake: Does a jam band at my local youth centre as a kid count?
Last book you read?
Blake: The Severance – Ling Ma
Fun fact about you?
Blake: I secretly like to dance but I’m not so secretly terrible
What do you collect?
Blake: Receipts, due to necessity only. Also old coins.
Netflix guilty pleasure?
Blake: The Boys
Anything else you’d like to add?
Blake: Just that I’m grateful to be part of HAVAN!
