Across The Street, Across The Country DKI Canada

They may have big monetary value. Or they may not. And it doesn’t matter. Because to the person who cherishes that item - that piece of jewellery, that garment, that picture, that chair, table or dresser - it’s the emotional value that’s most important. So if it’s been damaged due to catastrophe, restoring it is paramount.
Sean Carter, of Calgary Contents, has spent much of his career restoring not so much items, as memories. He shares with us the stories behind some of these special restorations, and what drives him to bring these items back to life. 
And DKI’s Natalie Rotondo, who’s lived on three continents, tells us how she defines home.
Music for this episode is Long Way From Home by Close Kicks and Medicine by Cassie Noble. 

Think of it as a jumbo-sized Play-Doh dispenser. But instead of child’s clay, it squirts out a specially-formulated concrete-like material. And instead of it being used to create a dinosaur or a volcano on the kitchen table, it’s used to build houses on lots – faster, less costly and better able to withstand natural disasters than conventional construction, say its practioners.
Three entrepreneurs are betting their backhoe-sized 3D printer - and the unique construction method it’s designed for – is poised to change the way we build homes and, in turn, help solve a housing crisis.
We meet Dwight Corcoran – and his 3D printing robot – at his Cormor office in Central Ontario. 
Music for this episode is “Coming Up” and “You Made it Home” by Close Kicks. 

It’s not that learning-on-the-job can – or should – be replaced. But DKI knows that formal training, in a classroom setting, for its members – present and future ones – also helps to guarantee its standing as Canada’s leader in property restoration. It’s why DKI played no small role in working with Humber College to develop a new 14-week virtual program for those new to the industry, as well as those looking to move up its ranks. Adam Tzarik, DKI Canada’s VP of Business Development, recounts how a chance encounter helped all of this come together – and the role DKI played in designing the course. John McNeil, Humber College professor and course coordinator, shares what students will learn in this innovative Disaster Recovery Manager Program – which they can pursue while still on the job. 
And Natasha Pinto, DKI’s Senior VP Operations, tells us what home means to her. 
Theme music for this episode is “Build a Home” by Cassie Noble, and “Coming Up” by Close Kicks. 

The restoration industry will always rely on skilled people using good old-fashioned hand tools. And DKI has those in spades. (Get it?) But Canada’s leader in property restoration also knows it has to be a leader in industry innovation. That demands adapting to, and embracing,  digital technology. 
DKI’s VP of Software Development, Jason Rosen, tells us how this is being achieved with all its members from coast to coast.
Rob MacPherson, DKI’s Manager of Training and Development, shares the detes on a digital method of creating property estimates. Hint: iPad instead of note pad. 
And DKI - Miller Construction’s Alex Holmwood is our first contributor to a new semi-regular series, where we offer helpful homeowner tips.
Music for this episode is “Small Town, Big Dreams” and “I’ll Always Be Alright” by Close Kicks. 

Ryan, Matt and Kyle Douglas weren’t quite satisfied with just one DKI outlet – carrying on a legacy that was built by the Douglas patriarch, Cris, who is also a DKI founder. So the bros headed 80 Ks north east from their Oshawa location to expand their DKI - CRCS in Peterborough. They share their story of expansion, from the site of their new venture – days before its official opening. 
Gary Chant and his crews with DKI - Meco Construction were still dealing with claims from Hurricane Fiona – when Cape Breton and much of Atlantic Canada got hit with crippling snowfalls. We reach him in his truck to describe the effects of this latest weather disaster.
Rack ‘em up, Lucas Howes and Kevin Morris. We check in with the two DKI pool experts – (well, they’re experts at raising funds for a worthy cause, at least) - from a billiard hall in Lloydminster. 
And we’ve got another instalment of “What home means to me,” courtesy of DKI Canada’s Rob McPherson.
Music for this episode is “Medicine” by Cassie Noble, and a new, acoustic version of “The House We Built” by Close Kicks. 

Some DKI business owners thrive, even rely on, that high-energy, never-stop, Go Go Go personality. 
And then there’s Jason Gaudet. 
DKI - ER Global’s owner/operator does get the job done – always with precision and deft attention to detail. But there’s a very easy-going, calm, confident and thoughtful manner to Jason that belies his age and his dedication to an industry predicated on the hectic and frenzied. 
We travel to Sudbury to meet with Jason to learn what drew him to property restoration work – and, specifically, DKI. He’ll even weigh in on whether Sudbury is in Northern Ontario or the  Near North!
Music for this episode is “Ghost Stories” by Looking For Heather and “Run and Hide” by Close Kicks.