SHERRY HOLMES
Sherry Holmes, is a contractor, part-time designer and weekend DIYer. Her dad is also celebrity contractor Mike Holmes, so construction is in her blood. She started behind the scenes on Mike’s breakout series, Holmes on Homes® and has been a crew member ever since joining her dad and brother on Holmes in New Orleans. She is a co-host in the new series Holmes: Next Generation. Sherry supports and mentors young women and skilled trades and recently became an Ambassador for Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build.
Make sure to check out Sherry’s presentation with her big brother Mike Holmes Jr. where they’ll talk top tips to hiring a contractor and safety in your home. The duo will be hitting our Main Stage on Saturday, January 19th at 1:00-2:00pm and again at 4:00-5:00pm.
MIKE HOLMES JR
Mike Holmes Jr. is a professional contractor, television host, public speaker, educator, and healthy home advocate who received the education of a lifetime by working with his father, celebrity contractor, Mike Holmes, on the hit TV show Holmes on Holmes®. Currently, Mike Jr. can be seen in the second season of HOLMES and HOLMES and the new series Holmes: Next Generation where it’s a family affair and he teams up with his sister, Sherry and dad to rescue homeowners from shady contractors and D.I.Y. projects gone horribly wrong. Mike is also currently in production on the next season of HGTV’s hit show Home To Win. Mike is a big believer in living a healthy lifestyle and building a healthy home. He is passionate about educating people and ensuring good indoor air quality to support healthy attitude and lifestyle. Mike’s passion and commitment for the trades is continued through his work with The Holmes Foundation, Skills Canada, Skills Ontario and Conestoga College and he is thrilled to be this years Ambassador for Habitat for Humanity’s GTA Young Professionals Build.
If you’re going to renovate, Renovate it RIGHT! Mike Holmes Jr. will be talking everything renovation on our Main Stage Sunday, January 20th at 11:00am-12:00pm and at 2:00-3:00pm.
CHRIS PALMER
As a professional Industrial Designer turned Designer Carpenter and Contractor, Chris has brought a new perspective to the world of handcrafting beautiful custom builds. With over 10 years of experience, his company focuses on all levels of projects from custom wall units, to complete home rebuilds.
A creative eye and unique style keeps Chris on trend and his work in demand. Chris often participates in many charities donating his work to help raise money for groups such as Diabetes, Habitat for Humanity and others. You can also find Chris sharing his knowledge on the latest home renovation tips and woodworking techniques as a regular guest expert on The Marilyn Denis Show, The Global Morning Show and his YouTube Channel.
You may also recognize Chris from other media appearances HGTV, such as Canada's Handyman Challenge, Income Property, Open House Overhaul and Backyard Builds.
Do you know your home reno ABC’s? If not, you’ll learn. Make sure to check out Chris’s presentation on the Main Stage Friday, January 18th from 2:30-3:30pm and from 7:00-8:00pm.
Katrina Barclay
Six years ago, Katrina Barclay brought Chalk Paint to Ottawa, and has since shown thousands how to refresh and revitalize their old, tired furniture. Owner of upcycled-furniture boutique and workshop, Malenka Originals, Katrina is the exclusive stockist for Chalk Paint™ decorative paint by Annie Sloan. She has traveled widely to learn painting techniques, including being taught directly by Annie Sloan at her Oxford, England studio. Katrina’s work and business have been featured across multiple media outlets in Ottawa, as well as publications in Canada and the USA.
To learn how you can refresh and revitalize old furniture with Chalk Paint be sure to check out Katrina’s presentation on our Main Stage on Sunday, January 20 from 12:30-1:30pm.
STEVE BARKHOUSE
Steve Barkhouse is the Owner and President of Amsted Design-Build, Ottawa’s most recognized local renovation and design-build company. He regularly shares design inspiration and renovation tips on CTV News at Noon, and through other local news outlets.
Steve essentially grew up on construction sites, and combined with his education in business and design, it was a natural fit to start Amsted in 1989. The company grew out of Steve’s inherent “people-pleasing” nature, and that feeling permeates throughout Amsted today. Amsted has been named Renovator of the Year by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association and the Ontario Home Builders Association a total of 8 times! Amsted has won many local, provincial, national and North-America wide awards for both their projects and employee achievements.
GREG SIMPSON
Greg Simpson is an Architectural Designer at Amsted Design-Build, Ottawa’s most recognized local renovation and design-build company. Greg made the move to Canada 5 years ago and brought with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. He has been part of design teams that have won many Design and Innovation Awards in Australia and Canada. Greg is an integral part of planning design solutions on Amsted projects, ranging from renovations, to additions, to custom homes.
Amsted has been named Renovator of the Year by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association and the Ontario Home Builders Association a total of 8 times! Amsted has won many local, provincial, national and North-America wide awards for both their projects and employee achievements.
Greg will let homeowners in on the secrets to adding value to your home through a bathroom or kitchen renovation. Don’t miss Greg’s’ presentation on our Main Stage on Friday, January 18 from 1pm - 2pm, and from 4pm -5pm!
Sue Pitchforth
Sue Pitchforth of Décor Therapy Plus is an International Award-Winning Designer, and Readers’ Choice Winner for eight years in a row. Sue is a TV personality and professional speaker. Her workshops and seminars are extremely popular inspiring thousands of homeowners. Currently, Sue is changing the Design Industry with her newest program “Property Styling From A Distance”. Sue practices Interior Decorating, Colour Consulting, Home Staging, Re-Design and manages renovations for her clients.
Looking to breathe new life into your home with fresh design ideas? You can catch Sue sharing her expert design tips on our Main Stage on Thursday, January 17 from 5-6pm and on Saturday, January 19 from 5:30-6:30pm!
BETTINA V.
Bettina Vollmerhausen is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Ottawa Tool Library, a not-for-profit social enterprise supporting the sharing of resources in Ottawa. She has honed her skills as a community connector with a keen interest in sustainability, social innovation, and meaningful experiences during her years working in the startup sector.
Aside from making tools available to the community of DIYers, she is an avid knitter and fiber artist who loves to create with her hands and has a particular interest in sharing skills and passing on knowledge as she believes that continuous learning makes life interesting.
Join Bettina Vollmerhausen of The Ottawa Tool Library and find out how you can save $$$ on building the home of your dreams! Bettina will be presenting on our Main Stage on Friday, January 18 from 5:30-6:30pm.
Lagois Design-Build-Renovate Expert Panel
Herb Lagois – President of Lagois Design Build Renovate
For 34 years Herb Lagois has been the owner and President of Lagois Design Build Renovate. Herb’s primary role is lead designer although when he started the company, he physically worked on people’s homes. Today this is why Lagois is a design build firm, helping folks love where they live.
Jacob Kirst – Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator, Jacob Kirst has his finger on the pulse of all projects at Lagois. Responsible for product selections, trade pricing, scope of work and contract writing, his days are filled with variety – which he loves!
Jeff Hurdis – Designer
Jeff Hurdis has the fun job of helping bring clients’ visions to life at Lagois. As resident Designer, he is responsible for the development of 3D renderings and managing the building permit process with the City.
Chris Parish – General Manager
Chris Parish is the General Manager for Lagois. Even though Chris is responsible for day to day operations, he is also the primary contact for our clients throughout the entire Lagois process.
Darren Vander Meer– Site Supervisor
Darren Vander Meer takes charge of the construction project, so our clients do not have to. Darren is your voice communicating with trades and suppliers ensuring your project is on time and on budget.
Make sure to check out the Lagois Design-Build-Renovate Expert Panel as they take you through the do’s and don’ts of the design/build process and how to set yourself up for home project victory! The Lagois team will be hitting our Main Stage on Saturday, January 19 from 2:30-3:30pm, and Sunday January 20 from 3:30pm - 4:30pm.
Neil Harding
Neil Harding has been with Sleep Country Canada for over 17 years. He is responsible for home shows, training and product knowledge nationally. He has extensive experience in all aspects of the mattress industry and is considered an expert in his field.
Make sure to check out Neil Harding on our Main Stage on Thursday, January 17 from 3:30pm - 4:30pm and on Saturday, January 19 from 11:30am - 12:30pm.
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