From Mike's Facebook:
I'm in High River today to take a look around and see what I can do to help. A lot of people are in trouble because of all the flooding here in Alberta.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Holmes to the Rescue!
Mike has been pretty busy this last week or two with World Skills in Germany. While he's addressed the floods which happened on June 20 in Alberta (see Rebuilding After the Flood and Mike Holmes Comments on the Flooding in Alberta) the question remained as to whether or not Mike would be able to go down and help his fellow Canadians in some capacity. Mike has always stated that his schedule is pretty tight and made many months in advance. Even so, it looks as though Mike has made some time to go to High River, Alberta to lend a hand. The information is sparse at this point, but the Holmes Spot is hoping that Mike will provide some further information as to what he's doing to help the flood victims.
From Mike's Facebook:
I'm in High River today to take a look around and see what I can do to help. A lot of people are in trouble because of all the flooding here in Alberta.
From Mike's Facebook:
I'm in High River today to take a look around and see what I can do to help. A lot of people are in trouble because of all the flooding here in Alberta.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Mike Holmes: "WorldSkills Revolution Must Be Televised"
Last week Mike and his son MJ were in Leipzig, Germany to cheer on Team Canada during the WorldSkills competition. During a WorldSkills leadership conference, Mike Holmes addressed the crowd on why he felt that televising next year's competition in Brazil is a MUST! In the coming years, there will be a shortage of skilled tradesmen and women, and in Mike's eyes, events such as WorldSkills serve to glamorize and celebrate young people entering the trades and filling that shortage. "I want youth to see, taste, smell and feel the passion that WorldSkills competitors have for what they do. And that passion — as well as the integrity and drive of the competitors — will be passed on to kids who see this competition. That’s why it’s important that we get this competition televised," states Mike in the article below. Mike is passionate about WorldSkills, and he's certain that others will be passionate too if they have the chance to see the competition with their own eyes via the television.
From the Montreal Gazette:
Mike Holmes: WorldSkills revolution must be televised
International competition puts trades in spotlight
Team Canada makes a grand entrance at WorldSkills 2013 in Leipzig, Germany.
Last week I was in Leipzig, Germany, for WorldSkills 2013. It’s an international competition that involves over 40 different trades — everything from autobody repair, bricklaying and welding to restaurant service, web design and floristry. It’s basically the Olympics of skilled trades. And what I saw blew me away.
The kids that go to this competition have an unbelievable drive. Imagine: more than a thousand competitors — most of them under 25 — from all over the world, pushing non-stop for four days straight. The focus and determination they have is something that everyone needs to see.
That’s why I made sure I took my son, Mike Holmes Jr., to WorldSkills with me this year. He’s doing an apprenticeship in carpentry — I’m really proud of him. But I thought it was important for him to see people around his age dedicated to their trade — mind, body and soul. If you work in the trades, watching these competitors makes you proud of what you do — myself included!
Junior and I walked around the competition floor watching Team Canada, which eventually took gold in the Heating and Refrigeration category, and was also awarded 14 medals of excellence.
Each trade has its own competition area that’s sectioned off, so you can’t get too close — not that the competitors even knew we were there as their focus was so intense. That’s how I know this competition is working.
WorldSkills isn’t televised. But my goal is to change that. The next WorldSkills is going to be in Brazil in 2015 and it needs to be on television to help get the right people into the right trades.
We’re facing a major shortage in tradespeople. That’s no secret. If you think it’s tough finding the right pros now, just wait.
Hiring the right people for any home repair, maintenance or reno project will be practically impossible. For one, there won’t be many pros out there. And if you find one you’ll be waiting months before they can even look at your project.
Then try paying for their service. Remember supply and demand? If there’s a big demand for professional tradespeople, but there aren’t enough of them, it will be really expensive to hire the good ones.
But this isn’t just about finding a good contractor, painter or plumber.
Tradespeople support every major infrastructure and industry in our modern world. That’s transportation, health care, communications — everything you see around you was built, made and maintained by a tradesperson.
If there aren’t enough of these pros, it’s going to have a ripple effect that will affect our economy and the lives of every person in the country. Tradespeople deserve our respect and they need our support.
But too many parents don’t want their kids to pursue a career in the trades. They think it’s a step down. But if you look at the actual numbers, you have a better chance of finding a job if you’re a skilled tradesperson — and also of making more money than many college or university graduates. I’m not saying every person should be doing a trade. But if you love it, do it.
The kids that go to this competition have an unbelievable drive. Imagine: more than a thousand competitors — most of them under 25 — from all over the world, pushing non-stop for four days straight. The focus and determination they have is something that everyone needs to see.
That’s why I made sure I took my son, Mike Holmes Jr., to WorldSkills with me this year. He’s doing an apprenticeship in carpentry — I’m really proud of him. But I thought it was important for him to see people around his age dedicated to their trade — mind, body and soul. If you work in the trades, watching these competitors makes you proud of what you do — myself included!
Junior and I walked around the competition floor watching Team Canada, which eventually took gold in the Heating and Refrigeration category, and was also awarded 14 medals of excellence.
Each trade has its own competition area that’s sectioned off, so you can’t get too close — not that the competitors even knew we were there as their focus was so intense. That’s how I know this competition is working.
WorldSkills isn’t televised. But my goal is to change that. The next WorldSkills is going to be in Brazil in 2015 and it needs to be on television to help get the right people into the right trades.
We’re facing a major shortage in tradespeople. That’s no secret. If you think it’s tough finding the right pros now, just wait.
Hiring the right people for any home repair, maintenance or reno project will be practically impossible. For one, there won’t be many pros out there. And if you find one you’ll be waiting months before they can even look at your project.
Then try paying for their service. Remember supply and demand? If there’s a big demand for professional tradespeople, but there aren’t enough of them, it will be really expensive to hire the good ones.
Tradespeople support every major infrastructure and industry in our modern world. That’s transportation, health care, communications — everything you see around you was built, made and maintained by a tradesperson.
If there aren’t enough of these pros, it’s going to have a ripple effect that will affect our economy and the lives of every person in the country. Tradespeople deserve our respect and they need our support.
But too many parents don’t want their kids to pursue a career in the trades. They think it’s a step down. But if you look at the actual numbers, you have a better chance of finding a job if you’re a skilled tradesperson — and also of making more money than many college or university graduates. I’m not saying every person should be doing a trade. But if you love it, do it.
Let me give you an example. One Team Canada competitor, David, had previously attended university. Even though he was among the top in his class, he decided to leave the program in his third year to pursue a career in mechatronics.
Now, David’s competing on the global level and achieving success he had never dreamed of. Why? Because he was true to himself and is doing something that he loves. Those are exactly the type of people we need in the trades.
And that’s the mission behind WorldSkills. I want youth to see, taste, smell and feel the passion that WorldSkills competitors have for what they do. And that passion — as well as the integrity and drive of the competitors — will be passed on to kids who see this competition. That’s why it’s important that we get this competition televised.
This year, I was honoured to become a WorldSkills ambassador, and I’m taking this message around the world to get the right people into the trades. It’s a privilege to pass on the passion for what I love.
The stakes are high. If there was ever a competition that was important to future generations and the global economy, it’s WorldSkills. It’s time the world knows.
Catch Mike Holmes in his new series, Holmes Makes It Right Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HGTV. For more information, visit hgtv.ca. For more information on home renovations, visit makeitright.ca.
Now, David’s competing on the global level and achieving success he had never dreamed of. Why? Because he was true to himself and is doing something that he loves. Those are exactly the type of people we need in the trades.
And that’s the mission behind WorldSkills. I want youth to see, taste, smell and feel the passion that WorldSkills competitors have for what they do. And that passion — as well as the integrity and drive of the competitors — will be passed on to kids who see this competition. That’s why it’s important that we get this competition televised.
This year, I was honoured to become a WorldSkills ambassador, and I’m taking this message around the world to get the right people into the trades. It’s a privilege to pass on the passion for what I love.
The stakes are high. If there was ever a competition that was important to future generations and the global economy, it’s WorldSkills. It’s time the world knows.
Catch Mike Holmes in his new series, Holmes Makes It Right Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HGTV. For more information, visit hgtv.ca. For more information on home renovations, visit makeitright.ca.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
2013 Holmes Foundation ATV Ride Video
I think a lot of people were disappointed by the lack of pictures and video that came out of this year's Holmes Foundation ATV Ride. This week, a company which specializes in buying and selling ATVs put out a short video showing clips from the May 11, 2013 event. As you'll see, it was perfect weather to go riding and get muddy!
For more information, see Let's Go Riding!
For more information, see Let's Go Riding!
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Mike Holmes' How-to Videos Show Homeowners How to Live the Good Life
Mike Holmes has become a spokesperson for Allstate's Good Life campaign (see Mike Holmes Part of the "Good Life from Allstate" Campaign for more information) and has been doing commercials and short how-to videos to help viewers live better and safer. The first how-to video was about maintaining your home's furnace by regularly changing the air filters. In the last two installments, Mike shows homeowners how to protect their home against electrical fires and how to prevent break-ins when not at home.
Pictures:
Pictures:
Monday, July 8, 2013
World Skills - Closing Ceremony
Mike and his son MJ are in Germany supporting Team Canada for the World Skills Competition, which ended today with a pomp-filled closing ceremony. Team Canada picked up two gold medals for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, won by Michael Schiedeman from Grande Prairie, AB. Too much Mike for one pic...
The announcement of Michael's accomplishment brought the other two Michaels to their feet!
I think Mike and MJ represented their country very well! Congrats guys and congrats Team Canada!
The announcement of Michael's accomplishment brought the other two Michaels to their feet!
I think Mike and MJ represented their country very well! Congrats guys and congrats Team Canada!
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Rebuilding After the Flood
The floods that happened last month in Alberta, Canada were definitely unexpected, as the area was not used to, and hence not prepared for, flooding of that extreme nature. Many people are comparing what happened there to what happened in New Orleans with Hurricane Katrina. It's going to take years to clean up the mess, and as people rebuild, it's important that they do so taking into account the surrounding environment. Mike recommends that people hire flood abatement companies to get the water and sewage out as opposed to trying to tackle it themselves, which could be a real safety and health hazard. Next, he recommends people choose the right products, such as mold resistant wood and drywall, to rebuild their homes. Mike is looking at the flood as a real wake up call for people to change the way they build.
For more information, please refer to previous Holmes Spot blog entry Mike Holmes Comments on the Flooding in Alberta.
It will take years to clean up properly
A Calgary firefighter checks on a home. There are lots of measures to take after flooding.
Photograph by: Nathan Denette, THE CANADIAN PRESS
I’ve been watching what’s happening in Alberta, like millions of Canadians. I don’t think anyone expected this level of devastation, especially not in Canada where we aren’t used to flooding.
It reminds me of New Orleans in August 2005, and it’s no surprise people are referring to the disaster as the Canadian Katrina.
Waters rose eight inches in 2.5 hours. There have been evacuations — about 120,000 people forced from their homes. People have been trapped on roofs and in attics, and there have been fatalities. But, it’s not over by a long shot.
All that extra water has to go somewhere. And, unfortunately, that means more people will be forced to leave their homes as the water moves downstream.
The flooding has caused a lot of problems and multiple levels of devastation. Alberta is facing an estimated $3 billion to $5 billion in damages — at least. It’s going to take years to clean up.
The first step is dealing with the flood itself and the damage it’s done to the area. But then there’s the mess people are going to face when they’re allowed to go back home.
There are a lot of measures homeowners need to take after a flood. The first is to have any water in the home pumped out, and this needs to be done quickly so mould spores have less time to grow. Patience plays a big role because any space where floodwaters have invaded must be 100 per cent dry before you try to rebuild. Bring in fans, exhaust units — anything you have to so that the flooded areas dry out completely.
I’ve seen people cleaning up without protective gear or equipment. Their hearts are in the right place, but this is a huge safety hazard.
Your best option is to hire a cleanup company, especially if there’s sewage. Professional companies know how to come in and clean up a home the right way.
Another step will be hiring someone to fix the damage. Take time to think about the right materials and products. For instance, this disaster shows the importance of building mould-resistant homes. Not installing mould-resistant products can cost you much more in the long run.
When you’re ready to find a contractor, wait for the right one because many of them are going to be busy. Talk only to contractors who have plenty of experience restoring water-damaged homes.
These pros will know, for example, that if your basement was flooded, at least one foot of drywall above the flood line needs to be removed, plus all the drywall below the flood line, all the insulation in this area and all the flooring. Even if there is ceramic tile on top of a wood substrate it all has to be pulled up because the wood will hold moisture.
The Alberta flood has to change the way we build. It’s our wake-up call.
There’s no denying that we’re facing all kinds of extreme weather — everything from tornadoes and floods to extreme heat and droughts. And that’s just in Canada.
If we want to build and rebuild right, we have to take into account the surrounding environment. And if the environment changes, the way we build must change, too.
Catch Mike Holmes in his new series, Holmes Makes It Right Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HGTV. For more information, visit hgtv.ca. For more information on home renovations, visit makeitright.ca.
It reminds me of New Orleans in August 2005, and it’s no surprise people are referring to the disaster as the Canadian Katrina.
Waters rose eight inches in 2.5 hours. There have been evacuations — about 120,000 people forced from their homes. People have been trapped on roofs and in attics, and there have been fatalities. But, it’s not over by a long shot.
All that extra water has to go somewhere. And, unfortunately, that means more people will be forced to leave their homes as the water moves downstream.
The flooding has caused a lot of problems and multiple levels of devastation. Alberta is facing an estimated $3 billion to $5 billion in damages — at least. It’s going to take years to clean up.
The first step is dealing with the flood itself and the damage it’s done to the area. But then there’s the mess people are going to face when they’re allowed to go back home.
There are a lot of measures homeowners need to take after a flood. The first is to have any water in the home pumped out, and this needs to be done quickly so mould spores have less time to grow. Patience plays a big role because any space where floodwaters have invaded must be 100 per cent dry before you try to rebuild. Bring in fans, exhaust units — anything you have to so that the flooded areas dry out completely.
I’ve seen people cleaning up without protective gear or equipment. Their hearts are in the right place, but this is a huge safety hazard.
Your best option is to hire a cleanup company, especially if there’s sewage. Professional companies know how to come in and clean up a home the right way.
Another step will be hiring someone to fix the damage. Take time to think about the right materials and products. For instance, this disaster shows the importance of building mould-resistant homes. Not installing mould-resistant products can cost you much more in the long run.
When you’re ready to find a contractor, wait for the right one because many of them are going to be busy. Talk only to contractors who have plenty of experience restoring water-damaged homes.
These pros will know, for example, that if your basement was flooded, at least one foot of drywall above the flood line needs to be removed, plus all the drywall below the flood line, all the insulation in this area and all the flooring. Even if there is ceramic tile on top of a wood substrate it all has to be pulled up because the wood will hold moisture.
The Alberta flood has to change the way we build. It’s our wake-up call.
There’s no denying that we’re facing all kinds of extreme weather — everything from tornadoes and floods to extreme heat and droughts. And that’s just in Canada.
If we want to build and rebuild right, we have to take into account the surrounding environment. And if the environment changes, the way we build must change, too.
Catch Mike Holmes in his new series, Holmes Makes It Right Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HGTV. For more information, visit hgtv.ca. For more information on home renovations, visit makeitright.ca.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
One Month Countdown to Holmes Makes It Right In The USA!
Holmes Makes It Right will be premiering in the USA on August 6, 2013 on the DIY Network! From what I've been told, it will be premiering on HGTV in the US within six months after it premieres on DIY. The countdown begins...
Mike Holmes "Wows" Leaders Forum Audience in Liepzig
Mike Holmes and his son MJ are in Leipzig, Germany cheering on Team Canada for the WorldSkills competition. Mike has been posting updates on his Facebook page.
Yesterday, Mike and MJ spent some time sightseeing at some of the beautiful historic churches, such as St. Thomas Church, where many of Bach's famous pieces were performed. Martin Luther also gave a sermon there in the 1500's, and other great composers such as Felix Mendelssohn, Wagner, and Mozart also have ties there (yes, I am a geek).
MJ hung out with the landscapers... well, at the very least, he warmed up with them!
Lastly, Mike and MJ spent some time on the Autobahn in a Porsche! All that was missing was a sexy blond!
On July 4, Mike addressed the audience at the WorldSkills Leaders Forum regarding his wish to have the competition televised around the world. He was then honored by being made a WorldSkills Ambassador! The story even made the front page of the WorldSkills website! Read all about it in the article below, and then view some of the amazing pictures from Mike's address!
From WorldSkills.org:
Lula and Holmes wow the audience of the Leaders Forum in Leipzig!
Today in Leipzig, 300 industry and government officials representing vocational training initiatives worldwide, gathered at the WorldSkills Leaders Forum. WorldSkills was honoured to welcome Brazil’s Former President Lula as the keynote speaker followed by TV celebrity contractor, Mike Holmes.
President Lula reminisced of his past experiences in the industrial sector and his passion for vocational training. Through this passion, he has initiated a number of programs in vocational skills and training for his country.
On behalf of Brazil, President Lula looks forward to hosting the WorldSkills São Paulo 2015, 11-16 August 2015.
David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International, presented President Lula with a special edition of the WorldSkills Leipzig 2013 gold medallion for his dedication to the skills movement in Brazil.
Mike Holmes, Canada’s Most Trusted Contractor, skilled trades advocate and star of the hit series, 'Holmes on Homes' on HGTV inspired the audience and expressed his wish to have the Competition televised around the world by 2015. Mike is the National Spokesperson for Skills Canada and supports education on the importance of quality workmanship, safety and training.
Mike is committed to showing the world what WorldSkills is, and how excellence in vocational skills deserves to be showcased on a global platform.
"I want youth to see, taste, smell and feel the passion that WorldSkills Competitors have for their trades."
Holmes spoke to the shortage of skilled workers world-wide, and that by 2016 there will be 1.5-million skilled-job vacancies in Canada alone. During the WorldSkills Leaders Forum, Mike also accepted the role of being a WorldSkills Ambassador.
For high resolution photos of the event please visit: http://www.flickr.com/WorldSkills
Last Updated ( Friday, 05 July 2013 )
Pictures from the WorldSkills Flickr account:
Yesterday, Mike and MJ spent some time sightseeing at some of the beautiful historic churches, such as St. Thomas Church, where many of Bach's famous pieces were performed. Martin Luther also gave a sermon there in the 1500's, and other great composers such as Felix Mendelssohn, Wagner, and Mozart also have ties there (yes, I am a geek).
MJ hung out with the landscapers... well, at the very least, he warmed up with them!
Lastly, Mike and MJ spent some time on the Autobahn in a Porsche! All that was missing was a sexy blond!
On July 4, Mike addressed the audience at the WorldSkills Leaders Forum regarding his wish to have the competition televised around the world. He was then honored by being made a WorldSkills Ambassador! The story even made the front page of the WorldSkills website! Read all about it in the article below, and then view some of the amazing pictures from Mike's address!
From WorldSkills.org:
Lula and Holmes wow the audience of the Leaders Forum in Leipzig!
Today in Leipzig, 300 industry and government officials representing vocational training initiatives worldwide, gathered at the WorldSkills Leaders Forum. WorldSkills was honoured to welcome Brazil’s Former President Lula as the keynote speaker followed by TV celebrity contractor, Mike Holmes.
President Lula reminisced of his past experiences in the industrial sector and his passion for vocational training. Through this passion, he has initiated a number of programs in vocational skills and training for his country.
On behalf of Brazil, President Lula looks forward to hosting the WorldSkills São Paulo 2015, 11-16 August 2015.
David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International, presented President Lula with a special edition of the WorldSkills Leipzig 2013 gold medallion for his dedication to the skills movement in Brazil.
Mike Holmes, Canada’s Most Trusted Contractor, skilled trades advocate and star of the hit series, 'Holmes on Homes' on HGTV inspired the audience and expressed his wish to have the Competition televised around the world by 2015. Mike is the National Spokesperson for Skills Canada and supports education on the importance of quality workmanship, safety and training.
Mike is committed to showing the world what WorldSkills is, and how excellence in vocational skills deserves to be showcased on a global platform.
"I want youth to see, taste, smell and feel the passion that WorldSkills Competitors have for their trades."
Holmes spoke to the shortage of skilled workers world-wide, and that by 2016 there will be 1.5-million skilled-job vacancies in Canada alone. During the WorldSkills Leaders Forum, Mike also accepted the role of being a WorldSkills Ambassador.
For high resolution photos of the event please visit: http://www.flickr.com/WorldSkills
Last Updated ( Friday, 05 July 2013 )
Pictures from the WorldSkills Flickr account:
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