As Monk Renovations hits their 10-year anniversary in March of this year, they have experienced continual growth which can be attributed to building a tremendous reputation as a leader in the industry. This has been accomplished by doing the simple things like showing up on time, keeping clients informed, respecting the homes they work in, and doing projects for the price they agreed upon. These are all simple little things, but they mean the world to clients who are not accustomed to contractors who do all the little things and do them well. In an industry where word-of-mouth marketing and referrals are imperative, Monk has an ever-growing network of amazing clients, suppliers, and subcontractors who spread the word of Monk’s honesty, professionalism, and concise communication. It says a lot when a client is so proud of a contractor’s workmanship and customer service that they are eager to recommend a particular renovator to their family and friends.
Contractors like Karl and Charmaine from Quest Kitchens say, “Been working with him, [Dan Monk – owner of Monk Renovations], for a number of years now, and all his customers have been pleased in the end. He is an engineer, knows his stuff, and gets the things others miss. Guess that’s why he won Renovator of the Year. He’s honest, knows his stuff, and is calm and approachable, very detailed and great communication through the whole job.”
Monk is a country boy, raised on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia and started in the construction industry at fifteen years old. He graduated from Duncan MacMillan High School as valedictorian and went on to pursue his engineering diploma at St. Francis Xavier University and received his Civil Engineering degree from the Technical University of Nova Scotia (now Dalhousie University) in 1993. As a young civil engineer, Monk led his own division of Atlantic Industries in Alberta where he oversaw road, culvert, and pipe-building projects. After his time “out West,” Monk came back to Nova Scotia and took a position in environmental remediation with Dexter Construction – a position he enjoyed for eight years.
After fifteen years of working as a professional engineer for other companies, Monk says that, “I decided I was ready, so I put in my notice and I did it” and he took the leap of faith into entrepreneurship.
“I just decided I needed a change; I was ready. I used to work 12-hour days. Now, a 12-hour day is a short day. And I’d never want anyone to think I’m complaining. It’s all really a labour of love; it’s a labour of passion. I love building my company and I love building business relationships – and I love seeing where it’s going. Coming into an older home, a tired, neglected home – or just a place where it’s time for a refresh – and leaving it when it’s all done is always a memorable experience and a ‘wow’ moment where you say, ‘Look what we’ve done. We’ve converted something that was old into something that’s new again – and the client loves it.’ That’s one of the best feelings you can have – and it keeps you going.”
Monk has a very unique skill set as he is the only renovation company owner in Nova Scotia who is both a professional engineer and a Red Seal Carpenter. “Being a professional engineer and a Red Seal carpenter is a rare combination in the renovation business,” Dan explained. “For some people, seeing those credentials means a lot – and when they see that I’m also genuinely interested in building a professional relationship with them, it often seals the deal.”
Monk’s background and training are always present in his organization, accuracy, communication, and professionalism which sets a new standard for all contractors across Nova Scotia.
Now after ten years in business and thousands of renovations completed, many of which can be viewed in the galleries on www.monkreno.com. Monk says, “We’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of repeat clients, a lot of great referrals. What’s developed, or changed, for us is that we are doing larger and larger projects. We’ve been doing more whole home renovations, more additions. We’re still in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, but we’re seeing more and more referrals for bigger jobs from people we’ve done those smaller jobs for.”
Monk Renovations’ heart and soul remains focused on residential renovations allowing them to rise to the top of their industry. Monk Renovations has built credibility in the renovation industry and Monk is called upon repeatedly for media interviews and can be heard regularly as an expert guest on CBC Radio Maritime Noon along with his monthly column in Spotlight on Business Magazine, “Contractor’s Corner” where Monk is very generous in sharing his wealth of knowledge with those in the industry and clients that are looking to start a renovation or building related project.
Monk is quick to point out that he could not do it all on his own, much of the success and recognition is a result of the team he has built which includes skilled tradespeople, estimator, project coordinator, and his connections to reliable suppliers and subcontractors. Each carpenter on the team is a multi-talented and accomplished individual who can complete virtually every aspect of a renovation. None of this would have been possible without the encouragement and support of Monk’s wife of twenty-four years, Angela. She has supported him in every way possible which has allowed him to grow a dynamic and successful renovation company, employing ten people and manage countless suppliers and sub-trades.
In 2015, the Canadian Government accepted over 25,000 Syrian refugees, of which approximately 2,500 immigrated to Nova Scotia. After this influx of immigrants, Monk Renovations was fortunate to be contacted by a former client about Immigration Services Association Nova Scotia (ISANS), an organization that provides guidance to immigrants regarding the transition into their new lifestyle. Through this connection, Monk Renovations had the privilege to welcome Ahmad to the team; he is a hardworking and dedicated painter and drywaller who was eager for an opportunity to kickstart his new life and career in Canada. ISANS has a virtually seamless process which provides contractors with subsidized wage funding and an interpreter during the initial stages, plus, they offer language and safety training, and safety equipment to incoming tradespeople. As a result of this great experience, the entire crew at Monk Renovations recommends other contractors to take advantage of ISANS as it is a great source of skilled tradespeople. In just a year and a half, Ahmad has come a long way and he continues to learn and develop his renovation skills everyday. Additionally, Ahmad got married this summer and is putting down roots in his new country.
Over three years ago, Rob joined the Monk Renovations team as an estimator/project manager. He graduated from a two-year carpentry course at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) and spent several years working as a carpenter before NSCC Architectural Drafting peaked his interest. He enrolled in the two-year diploma program and learned estimation, communication, and design skills. On top of exposure to building products and practices, NSCC presented career opportunities for students which ultimately led Rob to Monk Renovations. Monk hired him directly after graduating from NSCC and they have been working together to grow and become a productive, well oiled machine ever since.
Monk Renovations welcomed Janet to the team as a project coordinator in March 2018. She has been a significant addition to the talent pool at Monk as she is a certified safety professional with bookkeeping and project management experience. She leverages her thoughtfulness, community orientation, and dedication in her role as she is always thinking of the well-being of clients and crew and makes decisions for the company as if it were her own. She has eagerly jumped into her new role and demonstrated her passion for community involvement by joining the Women’s Council at CHBA-NS and supporting the Supportive Housing for Young Women (SHYM) program with YWCA Halifax.
Over the past decade, Nova Scotia has been experiencing a decrease in the availability of skilled trades people due to significantly increased retirement rates as the “baby boom” generation ages, but this is only a taste of what is to come. Statistics indicate that Nova Scotia will need 100,000+ skilled tradespeople over the next five years to replace those who are exiting the workforce. Preventative maintenance needs to be ramped up which could be achieved by reintroducing shop classes in the school system and encouraging more young people to pursue skilled trades programs at NSCC, especially carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and masonry. New tradespeople must commit to developing their skills and continually refining them throughout their career. Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency would be a great place to start as it will allow tradespeople to further their abilities. Their programs allow apprentices to gain practical experience while being supervised and working alongside Journeypersons or Red Seals in their chosen trade. Additionally, they have the opportunity to attain their Red Seal Certification by continuing their education at NSCC between work periods. As this is an issue widely spread across Canada, we need all hands-on deck from the government and school boards to the construction associations and contractors.
Monk and his team at Monk Renovations would like to thank everyone that has been part of their success for their first 10 years and they want everyone to know that they are a committed and focused today as they were day one to promote continued growth and improvement in the renovation industry and to raise the bar for all professional renovators.
Monk and team are very thankful for their many past and present clients and look forward to working with them and many more in the years to come.
By Ceiledh Monk