Posts Tagged ‘Paul Klassen’
Monday, July 11th, 2011
Pinnacle Group has recently joined forces with Permit Masters; an innovative and forward-thinking company within our City that handles all aspects of the permit process – from application through approval!
Obtaining permits through the City can be a daunting process for Homeowners, and while Pinnacle has always handled this aspect of the renovation process for our Clients, our alliance with Permit Masters alleviates this step within our office and allows our staff to focus on the other aspects of the renovation process.
Permit Masters is a one-stop-shop for obtaining Calgary building and development permits for both commercial and residential clients. With extensive knowledge of the building industry and its bylaws, they effectively handle everything from application to approval and perform all necessary ‘in-between’ negotiations with the City. Their experience in dealing with Calgary building and development permits means they are able to manage applications and negotiations quickly and efficiently, resulting in faster approval.
Pinnacle’s partnership with Permit Masters ensures all building and development permits are properly processed and approved; our Clients are confident knowing that all aspects of their permit approvals are covered by industry professionals.
With numerous permits necessary for a single renovation project, we are thrilled with the services Permit Masters offers and look forward to enjoying their contribution to our processes!
For more information about Permit Masters and their specialized services, visit their website at http://www.permitmasters.ca/
Tags: Calgary, Calgary home renovation, Calgary Renovations, Calgary Renovator, Green Renovation, Home Renovations, Home Renovators, New Initiative, Paul Klassen, Permit Masters, Pinnacle, Pinnacle Group, Pinnacle Renovations, Professional Development, Recognition, RenoMark Pinnacle
Posted in Hiring A Renovator Calgary, New Initiative, News and Events, Permit Masters, Pinnacle Renovations, Professional Development, Renovation Calgary, Renovation contractor calgary, TRUST | Comments Off
Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
Paul Klassen; GM of Pinnacle Group Renovations has developed, and is in the process of patenting a new business initiative aimed at providing custom staging for Homeowners and Realtors alike! StageitSOLD™ is a revolutionary new approach to supporting the way Realtors and Homeowners manage the selling and purchasing of residential properties.
This ground-breaking initiative is designed to assist Realtors in closing more sales, creating a marketing niche for their Clients, as well as an aid to Clients in selling their existing home. StageitSOLD™ also aids Clients in purchasing a property with the ‘hidden potential’ to become their ‘Dream Home’.
All of us are familiar with traditional staging; StageitSOLD™ simply takes that process to an entirely new level. The premise is simple; we assist Realtors and Homeowners in two very distinct and unique ways:
For the Selling Realtor… & Client looking to purchase their ideal property:
We help ensure Clients/Buyers don’t walk away from an ideal listing just because the home is dated; perhaps simply needing a new kitchen or possibly a whole-home makeover. We act as a consulting arm to stage the listing in StageitSOLD™ fashion by meeting with both the Realtor and Client at the property of interest. By simply giving us a call; one of our consultants will meet at the property; collaborate on the vision the purchasing Client wishes for the property; we then provide a preliminary renovation proposal on the spot. In many cases in our own experience, the Client purchases a mature property with the intent of a complete renovation update. With the ability to see the hidden potential, the Client has purchased their ideal home; the Selling Realtor has found the ideal property for the Buyer; and our parent company; Pinnacle Group, provides the custom renovation …truly a Win for all parties!
For the Listing Realtor…& Client wishing to sell their home:
We will completely stage an entire estate property that has great ‘bones’ but perhaps has not been updated in years and is stuck in an era with less than fond memories. We will either provide a DVD showing a feature property of what has been done for other homeowners, or we will create a distinctive design in fabulous 3D showing what this property could look like in its transformed glory! We arrange setup on a flat-screen TV at the Open House to show visiting buyers how this home could be transformed. We assist the Listing Realtor in creating a niche for marketing their listings, as well as assist in bringing in a higher price for the selling Client. The Client is able to sell their property based on the 3D transformation; our parent company; Pinnacle Group, has the potential for another renovation; the Listing Realtor has sold the property, and the family selling their home achieves a quicker sale turnaround, not to mention the potential of a higher selling price! Another Win for all parties!
We encourage all Realtors to offer this enhanced marketing opportunity and purchasing flexibility to all their clients. We also encourage all clients looking to list their home or those looking to find their ideal property to ask their Realtor to incorporate this unique and highly effective marketing tool.
StageitSOLD™ has several phases of development, including news on a unique mortgage-staging offering by our friends at BMO™; stay tuned as we unveil additional elements of this exciting initiative!
To check out our dynamic video click on the link below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0-C9A8Z9dt8
StageitSOLD.ca
In stride with full disclosure policy with RECA (Real Estate Council of Alberta); StageitSOLD™ pays a referral fee to the Realtor/Brokerage should the Client choose to renovate their newly purchased property.
Tags: Calgary, Calgary home renovation, Calgary Renovations, Calgary Renovator, Home Renovations, Home Renovators, New Initiative, Paul Klassen, Pinnacle, Pinnacle Group, Pinnacle Renovations, Professional Development, Renovation, Renovation Companies, Stage It Sold, TRUST
Posted in Aging In Place, CHBA Calgary Region, Hiring A Renovator Calgary, New Initiative, News and Events, Pinnacle Renovations, Professional Development, Reality TV, Renovation Calgary, Renovation contractor calgary, Stage It Sold, TRUST | Comments Off
Saturday, April 9th, 2011
Jerome's Living Kitchen
What a spectacular event! Pinnacle’s recent Evening to Remember at Jerome’s Appliance Gallery was a huge success; with 45 guests in attendance, it was a chance for both past revered clients as well as those new to the Pinnacle Family to mix, mingle and enjoy fantastic Hors d’oeuvres prepared by Executive Chef, Gregg Trimming.
Formerly Executive Chef of the Banff Springs Hotel, Gregg is a renowned culinary artist with a dynamic and engaging personality! The evening was filled with delicious appetizers prepared before our eyes; from beef stuffed pastry, to satay chicken with peanut sauce, to amazing mushroom bruschetta! Gregg also shared a ‘trick of the trade’ and held an informal demonstration on the correct method for cutting onions – who knew there was such a thing!
Besides enjoying the food and beverages, guests were also treated to demonstrations of Pinnacle’s new Web Based Software; everyone was in awe of the capabilities of this software and past customers said they would have loved to utilize this software on their projects.
As a climax to the evening, a draw was held for a dinner for 6 at Jerome’s Appliance Gallery, with Gregg preparing custom dishes for the occasion. The fortunate recipients of this fantastic prize were Tim & Elaine Godfrey, who were smiling ear to ear as they were presented with the certificate!
It was an incredible night filled with new connections made within the Pinnacle Community; educating guests about what Pinnacle and Jerome’s have to offer; but above all a fun, relaxed, and entertaining evening!
Executive Chef Gregg Trimming
Buttered Prawns
Barry, Tiffany & Stephanie enjoying stimulating conversation
Tim & Elaine Godfrey, winners of dinner for 6 at Jerome's
Paul with Pinnacle Ice Sculpture
Tags: Calgary, Calgary home renovation, Calgary Reno Tour, Calgary Renovations, Calgary Renovator, Home Renovations, Home Renovators, New Initiative, Paul Klassen, Pinnacle, Pinnacle Group, Pinnacle Renovations, Renovation Companies
Posted in Hiring A Renovator Calgary, New Initiative, News and Events, Pinnacle Renovations, Professional Development, Renovation Calgary, Renovation contractor calgary | No Comments »
Thursday, March 31st, 2011
The Pinnacle Group has recently been nominated for the Better Business Bureau’s Business Ethics Awards! These awards are offered in 4 categories; Small Business (25 or less employees), Medium Business (26 to 75 employees), Large Business (76 or more employees) and Non Profit/Charity.
The awards are designed to recognize trustworthy businesses and organizations that display ethical leadership in our community; nominations are received anonymously, and candidates are evaluated by an independent panel of judges from the business and academic communities. The following criteria are used to determine the recipients of these respected awards:
- Ethical practices surrounding customer/supplier relationships
- History and reputation of ethical practices in the community
- Marketing, advertising, communications, and sales practices
- Employee training and staff policies
- Evidence of financial responsibility
The 2011 Business Ethics Awards will be held on Wednesday, May 4th at the Westin Calgary. We sincerely wish each nominee the very best in the award presentation!
Tags: Calgary, Calgary home renovation, Calgary Renovations, Calgary Renovator, CHBA National Conference 2010, Home Renovations, Home Renovators, Paul Klassen, Recognition, RenoMark Pinnacle, TRUST
Posted in CHBA Calgary Region, Hiring A Renovator Calgary, News and Events, Pinnacle Renovations, Renovation Calgary, Renovation contractor calgary, TRUST | No Comments »
Saturday, March 26th, 2011
Pinnacle will be launching another new initiative the beginning of April, designed to provide visiting guests a chance to view a renovation currently underway! We will be opening up a few homes under construction at varying stages in the renovation process, giving you an opportunity to tour the project! Our knowledgeable Renovation Consultants, as well as a number of our skilled Trade Partners will be on hand to answer your questions.
This mid-construction Tour gives you a chance to see all the newest building technologies, energy efficiency initiatives, and the latest construction methods which are all hidden ‘behind the drywall’ in a typical showhome. We’re opening up these homes for you to see all those trade ‘secrets’ before we close up the walls!
Come join us for a tour of one of our current projects; view before pictures and 3D plans of the renovation changes, enjoy complimentary Tim Horton’s coffee and donuts, and ask your various questions to members of our experienced Team!
Our first tour will be held Saturday April 9th, from 10:00am-3:00pm in Lake Bonavista. For address and directions please call our office at: 403-720-8789. We look forward to seeing you there…!
Tags: Calgary, Calgary home renovation, Calgary Reno Tour, Calgary Renovations, Calgary Renovator, Home Renovations, Home Renovators, House Party, New Initiative, Paul Klassen, Pinnacle, Pinnacle Group, Pinnacle Renovations, Professional Development, Recognition, Reno Calgary, RenoMark Calgary, RenoMark Pinnacle, Renovation, Renovation Companies, TRUST
Posted in Hiring A Renovator Calgary, New Initiative, News and Events, Pinnacle Renovations, Professional Development, Renovation Calgary, Renovation contractor calgary, TRUST | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
Pinnacle Group takes great care in constructing the most comfortable, yet eco-friendly homes possible, which is why we partner with Calgary’s premier Trades and Suppliers, such as Accu-Temp Heating & Cooling Ltd.
Accu-Temp, owned & operated by Nate Burlando, is an HVAC and Air Conditioning specialist, installing all furnaces, ductwork and air conditioning for Pinnacle projects. Continually on the search for improved technologies and products, Accu-Temp installs only the best in their industry. From ultra-high efficient furnaces & humidifiers, to a software program designed to perfectly calculate the ducting required for each individual home, every detail is covered.
Accu-Temp supplies and installs the ultra-high efficient York furnace in many Pinnacle projects; these furnaces are rated as 98% efficient, and are equipped with DC volt variable speed blower motors, which reduce electrical consumption by up to 80%! A high-efficiency furnace provides your home with ideal heating comfort while using less energy than other models. Along with each furnace, Accu-Temp installs user-friendly programmable thermostats which allow the temperature of the home to be set to various levels throughout the day, reducing the need for the furnace to run continuously and heat during the warm parts of the afternoon, or when no one is home. Water saving humidifiers are also installed for Pinnacle’s client family’s; the Honeywell by-pass flow-through high efficiency humidifier uses 35-50% less water than the typical drip style humidifier.
One of the most innovative items utilized by Accu-Temp is a software program that perfectly calculates the necessary heating & cooling requirements for each individual project. The architectural blueprints are loaded into the program, along with the R value of insulation in the walls & attic, the type of windows being installed, and the direction house is facing. The program knows the average daily temperature where the house is located; and based on this and all information entered, calculates the entire heating/cooling requirements; both the size of ductwork required & how many vents are needed for each room. In this way, the heat load & loss are perfectly calculated so the furnace, air conditioning & duct work can be properly sized to fit the house.
From a workmanship perspective; one glance at Accu-Temp’s furnace room says it all! Where many times the furnace room details are forgotten….Accu-Temp truly shows their pride of workmanship. From vertical flues and piping that is installed using a builder’s level, to wiring perfectly strung and attached to control modules, to carefully placed and fastened condensate drain lines…we sometimes think that Nate and his staff learned their trade at Kennedy Space Centre! Suffice it say; when Accu-Temp steps away from a newly installed furnace system, your furnace room may just be a room you bring your friends to…. and admire the masterful workmanship!
Additional to supplying and installing top-of the line products, Accu-Temp also helps Pinnacle’s customer’s quality for the Alberta Energy Rebate program; Pinnacle clients may receive as much as $500.00 back from the government for each of their new furnace purchases.
With so many benefits and attention to the smallest detail, Pinnacle is proud to endorse Accu-Temp as one of our premiere Trade partnerships! www.accu-temp.ca
Tags: Calgary, Calgary green renovation, Calgary home renovation, Calgary Renovations, Calgary Renovator, Green Renovation, Home Renovations, Home Renovators, Paul Klassen, Pinnacle, Pinnacle Group, Pinnacle Renovations, Reno Calgary, RenoGreen tips, RenoMark Pinnacle, Renovation, Renovation Companies
Posted in Hiring A Renovator Calgary, Pinnacle Renovations, RenoGreen Tip, Renovation Calgary, Renovation contractor calgary, TRUST | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
This time of year elicits excitement & a flurry of activity as builders and renovators across the city finalize their entries for the Sales and Marketing (SAM) Awards. The SAM Awards are often viewed as the Oscars of the building community; understandably a lot of preparation goes into selecting the ‘award-worthy’ entries. Each builder/renovator carefully selects their best projects to showcase their company’s expertise; basements, bathrooms, additions, custom homes… there’s a category for them all.
This year Pinnacle has a number of projects we are especially proud of, and we’re in the final stages of compiling our photographs and project details for admission. Although it’s always an honour to showcase a silver goose as a winner of an award, competition is tight and there are typically numerous applicants in each category. Judges often have a difficult time choosing between the various entries, and to help make their job a little easier, last year an additional piece of information was required for each admission. Based on suggestions from the board of directors, as well as numerous Renomark members, client comments now accompany each renovation entry in order to give a truer reflection of the company in question. The better the customer experience, the more likely they will be to refer and positively review their renovator!
Pinnacle has always maintained referrals as our number one marketing tool; we passionately believe that a satisfied client is the best form of advertising available. We choose to endear our clients to us, and trust that they will refer their friends & family; 95% of them do, and they often even return again themselves!
We will be looking forward to attending the SAM Awards gala in April, and sincerely wish all participants in both the building and renovating entries the best of luck!
Tags: Calgary, Calgary home renovation, Calgary Reno Tour, Calgary Renovations, Calgary Renovator, CHBA National Conference 2010, Home Renovations, Home Renovators, Paul Klassen, Pinnacle, Pinnacle Group, Pinnacle Renovations, Professional Development, Recognition, Reno Calgary, RenoMark Calgary, RenoMark Pinnacle, Renovation, Renovation Companies, SAM Awards, TRUST
Posted in CHBA Calgary Region, News and Events, Pinnacle Renovations, Renovation Calgary, SAM Awards | No Comments »
Friday, October 29th, 2010
The Safe Haven Foundation’s annual Street of Dreams Gala is one of the most prestigious philanthropic events of our city. Bringing out the generosity of Calgary’s compassionate business community, it is a fun and lively evening of incredible food & drink, mingling of business owners and celebrity personalities, extraordinary silent & live auction items, and most importantly the continued support of our city’s most vulnerable citizens; our at-risk children & youth.
Each year Paul and Elaine Klassen, along with 6 honoured guests, attend the Gala to support the ongoing passion of Karen & John Sherbut and the Safe Haven Foundation. Attending the event with Paul & Elaine this year were Pinnacle’s Production Manager, Barry Johnson, and his wife, Lisa; Pinnacle’s Interior Designer, Tiffany Gibbons, and her husband, Marc; as well as a past Pinnacle client, Rhonda Bean, and one of her close friends Cindy Verot; both of which had heard of the Gala and were interested in experiencing and supporting it themselves!
This year’s event was held in the first-class venue of the Suncor Energy Centre; complimentary underground valet parking greeted the arriving guests, and upon exiting our vehicles, we were ushered up to the festivities by attentive staff. Stepping through the doors to the gala, we were welcomed with a live orchestral ensemble, champagne, and complimentary photographs were offered as a memorable keepsake of the evening! As a fun & unique spin on this year’s event, instead of a formal sit-down dinner, the “Street of Dreams” was lined with gourmet Chef’s Stations; each of which was paired with a Signature Drink and fabulous ‘Live’ Silent Auction Item. The food was outstanding, and ranged from Lobster Corn Dogs and Sunchoke Soup, to Seared Lamb Lollipops and Sushi Pizza! A Dessert and Gelato bar satisfied the sweet cravings with items such as Mini Charlottes and Dessert Shots.
Paul checking out the autographed jersey
Once again the auction items were incredible, with both a ‘Live’ and Silent Auction; the ‘Live’ items were bid on throughout the evening and ranged from a Viking Ultimate Kitchen (valued at $15,000) to a week for 6 on a West Coast Luxury Yacht – complete with full crew and provisions, to a 4’x8’ original painting by Jason Gogo. Pinnacle Group donated 3 items to the Silent Auction this year; a Waterboss 950 water softener & filtration system complete with recirculation pump contributing to thousands of litres of water savings per year for the fortunate bidder, a beautiful Blanco granite double sink & Kohler faucet, and a complete kitchen backsplash tile package. Each item included full installation, and all were well received by the bidding population! In addition; Paul had the good fortune to tee up with a former Pinnacle client; John Bean, who as VP of finance for the Calgary Flames graciously facilitated a signed Flames Jersey and stick…thank you John! The other auction items were kindly provided by long-time Pinnacle trades; Canyon Plumbing and Floors with Flair…thank you to these fine businesses for their generosity in this philanthropic endeavour!
Additional to the fantastic food and auction items, were various forms of entertainment – both roaming as well as fixed! Numerous stilt walkers mingled throughout the crowd, chatting with guests and periodically dancing to the music! A Caricature Artist offered cartoon renditions of anyone brave enough to sit still for 10 minutes – both Paul & Elaine and Barry & Lisa took the opportunity, with undeniably humorous results! Amongst the evenings other entertainments were the West Jet Balloon Pop, Tarot Card Readers, and live entertainment in the Dreamer’s Lounge by Zoe Theodorou.
Safe Haven and their partner, Brookfield Properties, once again surpassed themselves in the coordination and execution of a fabulous event; every detail was with the usual taste and style this foundation is known for. We will be looking forward to sponsoring and supporting next year’s Street of Dreams Gala! Thank you once again to Karen & John Sherbut, and all the staff, committee members and volunteers of Safe Haven Foundation for a fabulous 2010 Gala Event!
How's the weather up there?!
Barry & Lisa having fun with the Caricature
Marc & Tiffany enjoying the incredible food & drinks
Paul & Elaine with Karen Sherbut
Tags: Calgary, Calgary charity, Calgary home renovation, Calgary Renovations, Calgary Renovator, Home Renovations, Home Renovators, Paul Klassen, Pinnacle, Pinnacle Group, Pinnacle Renovations, Professional Development, Reno Calgary, RenoMark Pinnacle, Renovation, Renovation Companies, Safe Haven Foundation
Posted in News and Events, Safe Haven Foundation | No Comments »
Saturday, June 5th, 2010
On May 20th, Pinnacle Group hosted a gathering at Paul & Elaine Klassen’s residence to celebrate our dear colleague & friend Mary Wallace who will be heading out east to embark on a new adventure with her family!
Many of our fabulous previous clients & trades came out to wish her well and share their appreciation for her valued interior design talents and the tremendous contributions she made to many Pinnacle projects over the years! It was a great evening filled with delicious food, fabulous conversation and extensive reminiscing!
We have appreciated her commitment, and will sincerely miss her vibrant and genuine demeanor but look forward to staying in touch! All the best Mary!
Tags: Paul Klassen, Pinnacle Group, Recognition
Posted in News and Events | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
Whether dealing with a renovator, or just going about our lives as usual, trust is perhaps the most important ingredient in our personal or business relationships.
When was the last time you heard someone say “Trust Me”? Did it make you want to trust them? Probably not. We tend to have a lot more faith in people that don’t ask to be trusted. People who just do things that prove they are worthy of trust.
And trust has two parts to the equation. For a person to be truly trustworthy, they must be a person of integrity to have earned trust, and they must be able to get the required job done.
If your best friend, a person you trust implicitly, is an accountant; you probably would not trust them to give you a root canal! When you trust someone, you wouldn’t be so foolish as to count on them to perform a task they were not capable of, would you? But misplaced trust is all too common.
That is probably why there has been an entire cottage industry built on cleaning up after poor renovators. With TV shows like Holmes on Homes, and the abundance of media attention on homeowners who have been burned by renovators with shady business practices, the message keeps coming across to be careful about who you hire.
No matter what the job is that you need done, in whatever industry is represented, why do so many people take the perceived easy way out? A quick decision made on the basis of price or convenience could turn out to be inconvenient and incredibly costly down the road. Here are a few tips to make your life just a little more painless.
- When researching a company or an individual to see if they have earned the right to be trusted, one of the first things to look for is a sense of establishment. Has the company gone to great lengths to create permanence in their image? Are they easy to track down and find their place of business? The last thing you want is a fly-by-night outfit skipping out with funds before a project is complete, and unfortunately it happens every day in many industries.
- What is their reputation like? How easy is it to find information about their business online? Again, a company that has gone to work to be accessible, above board and legitimate in their efforts to communicate with past, present and potential clients indicates a desire to please.
- Finally, and perhaps most importantly; once you have narrowed down the type of company you believe can fill the scope of your needs, interview them. Do you ‘click’ with them? Are they the best people for the job? It is amazing how easy it is to get a sense whether they are the right company for you and you are the right client for them.
By following these steps, you can make the best decision possible using your head and your heart, and not just one or the other.
A wonderful result of trust is that in the fast paced world we live in, it is the one ingredient that once established, can make a process move along quickly. Trust creates synergy and understanding, attributes that are not present when there is distrust in the mix.
Yes, trust takes commitment and effort to establish, and you can generally tell when a company is committed to a strong relationship with their clients. We hope that this blog has given you a few simple insights to make your next decision easier and based on the things that matter.
© Pinnacle Group – Renovations by Design Ltd.
Tags: Calgary, Paul Klassen, Pinnacle, Pinnacle Group, Reno Calgary, Renovation, TRUST
Posted in TRUST | No Comments »
