5 Renovation Secrets I Learned from Mike Holmes' Journey

In 2001, Mike Holmes’ show idea was rejected by networks.

But 4 years later, Mike Holmes had his own hit TV show "Holmes on Homes" and was authoring best-selling books on home renovation.

Mike Holmes was right. Everyone else was wrong.

Here’s the story:

While no one was looking, Mike Holmes created "Holmes on Homes," a TV show that exposed shoddy renovations and advocated for proper craftsmanship. And today, he is one of the world’s most recognized experts in home renovation.

Here’s Mike Holmes’ story:

QUICK BACKSTORY:

Mike Holmes grew up in Toronto, Canada.

Despite leaving school at 16 to work in construction, he faced the challenge of being taken seriously in the industry.

He is known for his distinctive red overalls and his motto "Make it Right."

THE ODDS:

To say Mike Holmes was set up for success from the beginning would be an overstatement.

The odds of a contractor becoming a household name through a TV show are extremely low, with only a handful achieving such status. And only a small percentage of TV shows become successful. Which means Mike Holmes’ odds of success were pretty much slim to none.

(Hey, that’s what makes for a great story!)

THE GOAL:

But Mike Holmes had his sights set on changing the home renovation industry by promoting quality workmanship.

And for years, he was relentless about ensuring every job was done to the highest standard, often going above and beyond what was expected, and sharing his knowledge with others.

THE OBSTACLE:

Unfortunately, success turned out to be a lot harder than he originally imagined.

• He faced financial difficulties in the early years of his business.

• He encountered resistance from other contractors who cut corners.

• He struggled to get his message out to a wider audience.

And by the late 1990s, he almost chose to give up.

THE BREAKTHROUGH:

Until one day, while working on a particularly challenging renovation, a TV producer happened to see his work and was impressed.

As the story goes, the producer saw how Mike was helping a family who had been victims of a bad renovation, and thought it would make compelling television.

And the rest is history.

THE ACHIEVEMENT:

Mike Holmes has officially reached the status of being one of the most trusted names in home renovation, with multiple TV shows and awards.

But here’s what you probably don’t know: When Mike Holmes first started back in 1982, he had no fame or recognition. But just a few decades later, he became a TV star and industry leader.

How did this happen? His unwavering commitment to "making it right" resonated with audiences tired of subpar renovations.

Here’s the story:

The Very Beginning

Mike Holmes’ story begins in 1982, when at the age of 19, he started his own contracting business in Toronto.

And while there, he once renovated a home for a family who couldn’t afford it, purely out of goodwill.

And while there, Mike wasn’t even trying to become a TV star. So, he spent his time trying to find success doing random things like:

• Taking on small renovation jobs

• Learning different trades

• Building his reputation locally

Until one day, everything changed.

The Moment Of Change

While working on a renovation for a family who had been scammed by a previous contractor, a TV producer noticed his dedication and expertise.

It was 2003, and Mike Holmes became the first host of "Holmes on Homes," a show dedicated to fixing renovation disasters.

He saw this as an opportunity—and took it.

His game plan:

• Exposing bad renovations and educating viewers on proper techniques

• Showcasing his expertise and passion for quality work

• Building a brand around trust and reliability

As you can probably guess: it worked.

The Pinnacle Of Success

By 2010, Mike Holmes had risen to a wild level of success—way beyond what he probably ever thought possible for himself.

• His show was syndicated in over 80 countries.

• He authored several best-selling books on home renovation.

• He founded the Holmes Foundation to support education in the trades.

And the rest is history.

You may be thinking: "He got lucky" – maybe. Here's my take on "Luck" as best said by Ray Kroc the McDonalds tycoon: "Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get"

Keep Sweating.

-Greg