Business Optimization

Smart Home technology and ecosystems have gone mainstream — and more customers are demanding Smart Homes. So, if you want to build in-demand housing, you need to understand this technology and incorporate it into your homes. To help you do that, Gene LaNois, Head of Professional Industry Partnerships at Google, joins the show to share his expertise on all things Smart Home. In this episode, we discuss: - Why Smart Home ecosystems matter - How to incorporate smart technologies in your builds up front - The easiest path to help you get started with you Smart Home builds This post is based on a Business Optimization podcast with Gene LaNois. The views, information, or opinions expressed during the podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Reliance Home Comfort and its team members. To hear this episode, and many more like it, you can subscribe to Business Optimization here. If you don't use Apple, you can find us here.

Most everyone in North America has had this experience: we bought some produce only to have it go wimpy the very next day. The solution to this financial and food waste? Indoor vertical farming. Recently on Business Optimization, we had a chance to chat with Zale Tabakman, President at Local Grown Salads, about the problem, solution, and technology that inspired his business. Zale discussed: - Air quality technology in grow rooms - Challenges and technological solutions to controlling air quality - The logistical challenges behind North American produce - The science behind growing plant muscle through indoor vertical farming This post is based on a Business Optimization podcast with Zale Tabakman. The views, information, or opinions expressed during the podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Reliance Home Comfort and its team members. To hear this episode and many more like it, you can subscribe to Business Optimization here. If you don't use Apple, you can find us here.

Vegetable farming is shifting to local, indoor, and vertical over the next 10 years. And it’s happening in cities. How can we produce the most amount of vegetables in the least amount of space, thus providing a healthy food source, creating sustainable jobs, and impacting local communities? Zale Tabakman, President at Local Grown Salads, offered an answer on this episode of Business Optimization. Here’s what we talked about: - Fundraising for startups, specifically indoor vertical farming - Challenges and opportunities for indoor vertical farming - How to start your own indoor vertical farm - Different ways to improve your eating habits - How vertical farming can transform your local community This podcast is sponsored by Reliance Home Comfort and may feature references to the products and services Reliance offers. The views and opinions expressed during these episodes are solely those of the guests involved and do not necessarily represent those of Reliance Home Comfort.

No one likes to admit it, but builders often get a bad reputation: they get in and out fast, get paid, and don’t care about the communities they leave behind. But that just isn’t true. Builders put hard work, sweat, and tears into what they do. So, how can builders build better reputations in the communities they serve? Pamela Ventresca, COO at PACE Developments, is all too aware of the problem following builders. She joined us on the latest Business Optimization podcast to outline some ways builders can hone their messaging to counter these unfair stereotypes. Pamela covers: - The value of information sessions with home buyers - How amenities help foster a sense of community - How to effectively communicate with home buyers This post is based on a Business Optimization podcast with Pamela Ventresca. The views, information, or opinions expressed during the podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Reliance Home Comfort and its team members. To hear this episode, and many more like it, you can subscribe to Business Optimization here. If you don’t use Apple, you can find us here.

Politics divides people. But for 4,000 builders in 27 local associations across Ontario, one common goal unites them politically — the dream of homeownership. The Ontario Home Builders’ Association brings together builders, developers, renovators, suppliers, and trade professionals. Collectively, these building pros solve the problems that stand in the way of Canadian homeownership. Led by Joe Vaccaro, the association spans the four major political parties. Joe was our guest on this episode of Business Optimization, and we talked about: - How Joe moved from politics to homebuilding (it was his wife's doing) - Where the idea of home believers came from - The importance of good communication during COVID - Making decisions quickly in an association setting This podcast is sponsored by Reliance Home Comfort and may feature references to the products and services Reliance offers. The views and opinions expressed during these episodes are solely those of the guests involved and do not necessarily represent those of Reliance Home Comfort.

In this age, there is a lot of talk about building codes. What does it take to get a home built according to the appropriate codes, particularly as codes are changing what seems like every day.    If you’re a homebuyer, and especially if you’re a home builder, it helps to be aware of the latest trends, codes, costs, and methods available to you. The internet is a confusing place, simply because it’s so crowded and there is so much information.  For homebuyers especially. But, unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of places for the homebuilders to go to get the information that they need.    This is where John Godden and his team at Clearsphere come into play. John was our guest on this episode of Business Optimization, and we talked all about:    - The Smart Builder program   - Renewable strategies and why so many people are trying to “go green”   - Saving money when securing permits   - How to make “Smart” Thermostats Smart   This podcast is sponsored by Reliance Home Comfort and may feature references to the products and services Reliance offers. The views and opinions expressed during these episodes are solely those of the guests involved and do not necessarily represent those of Reliance Home Comfort.

Landlords: Do you struggle with your tenants?   Maybe rules are broken, conflicts bubble or no one is really sure who is responsible for the yard…   If so, you need to work on your communication.   And on our latest episode, we brought in the experts to help.    From LandlordBC, we have Kimberly Coates, Director of Member Engagement, and Hunter Boucher, Director of Operations.   What we talked about:   - Why communication is important from the first day   - What to communicate upfront   - How to communicate in times of conflict   This podcast is sponsored by Reliance Home Comfort and may feature references to the products and services Reliance offers. The views and opinions expressed during these episodes are solely those of the guests involved and do not necessarily represent those of Reliance Home Comfort.

It’s no secret COVID-19 hit hospitality first and hardest.   The road to recovery is going to be hard.   But getting through it just takes creativity, innovation and resourcefulness...   Luckily, the very things the sector has in droves.    In this episode, we sit down with Tony Elenis, President & CEO at Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association (ORHMA), to talk about what the path to recovery will look like for the beleaguered hospitality industry.   Tony discusses:   - Setting realistic expectations for recovery from COVID-19   - How adaptability and technology are shaping the road ahead   - The 3 things that make working in the hospitality industry so great   Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:   - https://dinesafe.ca/   - telenis@orhma.com   This podcast is sponsored by Reliance Home Comfort and may feature references to the products and services Reliance offers. The views and opinions expressed during these episodes are solely those of the guests involved and do not necessarily represent those of Reliance Home Comfort.

Even months in, we’re all still adjusting to the crisis.   But the world can’t simply stop. There’s work to be done.   And when it comes to homebuilding, the ones doing that work are probably members of the NHBA.    That’s why we spoke with Chuck McShane, Executive Officer for the Niagara Home Builders Association, and learned how home builders are carrying on in these trying times.   He covered:   - The mission of Niagara Home Builders Association   - The Canadian government’s role in home building   - How the pandemic is changing home building   If you’d like to learn more about Reliance, or have topic or guest suggestions, feel free to contact us at podcast@reliancecomfort.com.    And check out our services at:   - reliancecommercialsolutions.com   - reliancebuilderprogram.com   - reliancepropertymanagement.ca   This podcast is sponsored by Reliance Home Comfort and may feature references to the products and services Reliance offers. The views and opinions expressed during these episodes are solely those of the guests involved and do not necessarily represent those of Reliance Home Comfort.

The pandemic has started a lot of new trends.    And it’s more than stylish new masks…    Businesses everywhere have had to adapt.    When it comes to building, there are some key trends to keep your eye on.   In our latest episode, Peter Watson, Owner of Tranquility Home Comfort, goes over the biggest building trends you need to know through COVID-19 and beyond.    Peter goes over:   - How the pandemic is affecting business   - Trends to look out for under COVID-19   - Trends on the horizon   If you’d like to learn more about Reliance, or have topic or guest suggestions, feel free to contact us at podcast@reliancecomfort.com.    And check out our services at:   reliancecommercialsolutions.com   reliancebuilderprogram.com   reliancepropertymanagement.ca   This podcast is sponsored by Reliance Home Comfort and may feature references to the products and services Reliance offers. The views and opinions expressed during these episodes are solely those of the guests involved and do not necessarily represent those of Reliance Home Comfort.

Most of us are worried about the environment. We recycle, buy more efficient cars and lightbulbs.    But how many of us boast a net-zero energy usage?    Well, anyone in a building built by Pat Daniels, Construction Manager at Urbandale Construction, can.    Pat is one of the pioneers of the Net Zero construction movement, which is radically transforming how the industry thinks about building.    He came on the show today to explain his energy-conscious building practices and offer some tips for anyone looking to dabble in green building.   What we talked about:   - Why Net Zero construction is the future of the industry   - Why it’s not about the savings, it’s about the lifestyle   - The challenge of getting buy-in for green building   If you’d like to learn more about Reliance, or have topic or guest suggestions, feel free to contact us at podcast@reliancecomfort.com.    And check out our services at:   - reliancecommercialsolutions.com   - reliancebuilderprogram.com   - reliancepropertymanagement.ca   This podcast is sponsored by Reliance Home Comfort and may feature references to the products and services Reliance offers. The views and opinions expressed during these episodes are solely those of the guests involved and do not necessarily represent those of Reliance Home Comfort.

Affordable housing becomes more of an issue every year.   In Canada, $40 Billion has been allocated to the community housing sector.   But how is that money being spent?   In our inaugural episode, we sit down with Jeff Morrison, Executive Director at the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association, to find out.    Jeff covers:   - How the affordable housing sector is changing   - What the National Housing Strategy means for you   - How COVID-19 is changing the housing market   If you’d like to learn more about Reliance, or have topic or guest suggestions, feel free to contact us at podcast@reliancecomfort.com.    And check out our services at:   - reliancecommercialsolutions.com   - reliancebuilderprogram.com   - reliancepropertymanagement.ca   This podcast is sponsored by Reliance Home Comfort and may feature references to the products and services Reliance offers. The views and opinions expressed during these episodes are solely those of the guests involved and do not necessarily represent those of Reliance Home Comfort.

Welcome to Business Optimization, a podcast by Reliance Home Comfort!   If you’d like to learn more about Reliance, or have topic or guest suggestions, feel free to contact us at podcast@reliancecomfort.com.   And check out our services at: reliancecommercialsolutions.com reliancebuilderprogram.com reliancepropertymanagement.ca   You can find this interview, and many more, by subscribing to Business Optimization in your favorite podcast player.