Contractor Ryan's Blueprint Banter

Today were talking foundations, helical piles, helical posts, screw piles and the pros and cons vs traditional concrete foundations. Taylor from Pro Post Ottawa is our guest for this episode of Contractor Ryan's Blueprint Banter. With over 10 years in the construction industry and foundation repairs and installation, Taylor is an expert when it comes to helical pile foundations. So what is a h...

Our Ottawa climate is tough on decks, leading to common problems like peeling and fading. In this episode, Ryan sits down with Markian Pergat, owner of Sand and Stain - an Ottawa-based deck and fence refinishing company. They discuss why deck failure often comes down to improper prep work or product choice, providing key insights for any home improvement project. They also discuss the different op...

In this episode of Contractor Ryan's Blueprint Banter podcast, James Katz, a civil litigation lawyer with over 20 years of experience, offers valuable legal advice, focusing on contract law within the construction industry. He discusses how a contractor rarely has lawful grounds to abandon a job without it being a breach of contract. This legal analysis is crucial for understanding constructio...

This week, Ryan sits down with  Joel Dykes , founder of  Blue Dog Builds , a renovation company making its mark in Carleton Place with a reputation for clean, client-focused work. Joel shares his journey from barbering to building, the leap of faith in leaving a steady job to start his own business, and the lessons he’s learned about sales, systems, and self-belief along the way. They dive into: W...

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Calgary legend  Pete the Plumber , whose name has become synonymous with quality plumbing in the city. With over  25 years in business , Pete reflects on his journey from starting out in Ontario to building a company with  60 trucks and 80 employees  in Calgary. He shares candid stories of: How a recession pushed him west and why Calgary has never let him down...

Not all moving companies are created equal — here’s how to spot the difference. In this episode of  Blueprint Banter , Ryan sits down with  Slava Kashaev , founder of  Sparta Movers  and part of the  Baeumler Approved network , to uncover what really makes a moving company trustworthy. From local moves across Calgary to overseas relocations, Slava explains the systems, certifications, and customer...

What really adds value to your home — and what secretly takes it away? In this episode of  Blueprint Banter , we sit down with  Chris Audette , a  Baeumler Approved real estate agent , to pull back the curtain on the buying and selling process. From why you should call your realtor  six months in advance  to the real ROI of kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, Chris shares candid insights that home...

Triple-pane efficiency. A 25-year warranty. Windows built to last. As a Baeumler Approved company, GreenFox Windows & Doors has built a reputation across Alberta for custom-manufactured windows, high-efficiency triple-pane designs, and an unmatched 25-year warranty that covers both product and installation.  In this conversation, Max Artemenko explains what makes their approach different — fro...

Mortgages Decoded: Credit, Contractors & Clean Conscience Lending - With Salimah Nanji In today’s episode, Ryan is joined by RBC Mortgage Specialist Salimah Nanji — a 23-year industry veteran who doesn’t just talk mortgages, she breaks them down for real life.  This one is packed with practical insights for first-time buyers, trades professionals, and anyone trying to navigate Canada’s tricky...

Landscaping isn’t just about plants and patios — it’s about planning, precision, and people.  In this episode of our  Blueprint Banter  mini-series featuring Baeumler Approved members, Ryan visits Calgary’s Home Depot to chat with Thomas Rochow, founder of Oasis Landscaping. With nearly two decades of experience, Thomas shares how his team transforms outdoor spaces — from sod-covered lots to fully...

Is spray foam worth the cost? How does it actually work? And can it  really  lift concrete slabs? In this episode of  Blueprint Banter , Ryan sits down with Curt Janzen, founder of Beyond Spray Foam Insulation, to break down the facts, myths, and money-saving potential of spray foam. With nearly 20 years in the business, Curt shares practical insights that every homeowner and contractor should hea...

Eddie Conlin started roofing at 18 and built Total Roofing from the ground up—focusing on safety, service, and treating his crew like family. In this episode, Contractor Ryan talks with Eddie about what it takes to run a top-tier roofing company, why going above code matters, and how he's earned the trust of homeowners across the region—one roof at a time.#BlueprintBanter #TotalRoofing #EddieTheRo...

In this special episode of  Blueprint Banter , Contractor Ryan visits rural Quebec to sit down with Emma Terrell—better known as The Urban Botanist. Emma shares her journey as a botanist, moss wall artist, and passionate educator on the importance of native plants and biodiversity. Recorded inside the off-grid home that serves as the backdrop for her  Rewilding  YouTube series, this conversation e...

In this special Baeumler Approved mini-series episode of Blueprint Banter, filmed inside a bustling Home Depot in Winnipeg, Contractor Ryan sits down with Kyler Bergen, owner of Rockridge Interiors. Kyler shares his expertise on high-quality window coverings that add style, privacy, and comfort to any home. He discusses his passion for providing affordable solutions while ensuring that every clien...

In this inspiring episode of  Blueprint Banter , recorded inside a busy Home Depot in Winnipeg, Contractor Ryan sits down with Shoshana Coodin, Senior Marketing Manager at  Raising the Roof . Shoshana shares the incredible work that  Raising the Roof  is doing to combat homelessness across Canada, from innovative programs to creative partnerships that raise awareness and create lasting change. If...

Recorded live at the Ottawa Home and Remodelling Show, this episode of  Blueprint Banter  features a conversation with Steve Weir, the driving force behind  Baeumler Approved . Steve breaks down what the program is all about, how it connects homeowners with trusted contractors, and the key things to look for when hiring a pro for your next project. Whether you're planning a renovation or just...

In this special  Baeumler Approved  mini-series episode of  Blueprint Banter , filmed inside a busy Home Depot in Winnipeg, Contractor Ryan sits down with Jeremy Mathison, President and CEO of Western Marble Granite & Tile. With 47 years of experience, Western Marble Granite & Tile has built a reputation for top-quality countertops and backsplashes, serving Winnipeg and beyond. Jeremy shar...

In this special  Baeumler Approved  mini-series episode of  Blueprint Banter , filmed inside a busy Home Depot in Winnipeg, Contractor Ryan sits down with Tim Jablonski, owner of Jablonski Carpentry. Raised in the trades by his father and working alongside his brothers, Tim developed a passion for craftsmanship that led him to specialize in custom homes and unique additions in Saint Jean Baptiste,...

In this special  Baeumler Approved  mini-series episode of  Blueprint Banter , filmed inside a busy Home Depot in Winnipeg, Contractor Ryan sits down with Genevieve Krahn, the talented general contractor behind Jane of All Trades Inc. With a passion for carpentry, design, and architecture, Gen is known for her high-quality basement renovations that prioritize function just as much as aesthetics. S...

In this episode of Blueprint Banter, we’re joined by Troy Thompson from Affordable Concrete Services. With over 30 years of experience and 2,500 satisfied customers, Troy shares his expertise on everything from foundation repair and waterproofing to grading, landscaping, and structural services. Featured as part of the Diamond Project on The Contractor Ryan Show, Troy discusses what it takes to po...

Get to know Dustin Slegtenhorst, the new site supervisor for Contractor Ryan. With years of industry experience, an unstoppable drive, and a reputation as an all-around great guy, Dustin has quickly become an integral part of the team. In this episode, Dustin shares his journey, his approach to running a job site, and what keeps him motivated in the ever-evolving construction world. Tune in to hea...

In this episode of  Blueprint Banter , we’re joined by Duane from PROVA to explore the game-changing waterproofing systems that have made PROVA a trusted name in tile installation. Duane walks us through the innovation behind their products, with live demonstrations that showcase just how effective and user-friendly PROVA systems are. Contractor Ryan also shares his experience visiting PROVA headq...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jen Rossides, a mortgage broker with 20 years of experience helping clients achieve their home-building and renovation dreams. Jen dives into construction mortgages, purchase-plus-improvement loans, and essential advice for managing your budget effectively. Whether you’re building a new home or tackling a renovation, this episode is packed with expert tips to help...

In this episode, we catch up with the always entertaining Adam Weir, former right-hand man to Bryan Baeumler and HGTV personality. Adam shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from his days on construction sites, his unique journey into video production, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. With his trademark humor and newfound passion for working behind the camera, Adam gives us a glimp...

In this episode, we’re joined by HGTV favourite Bryan Baeumler to dive into his journey from contractor to TV star and entrepreneur. Bryan shares insights on building a successful construction business, the importance of quality and integrity in the trades, and how his Baeumler Approved network is transforming the industry. Whether you’re a fan of his shows or looking for inspiration in your own p...