Q&A with Manny Neves, Hardcore Renos , Part 1 of 2
Combining a filmmakers’ eye, a love of international architecture, and a massive social media presence have helped build this Canadian construction company.
Interview by Will Gonell, Gonell Homes
How did you get into the contracting business?
Accidentally. My last year of high school I was all set to study architecture. I applied to architecture programs but during process I changed my mind and studied filmmaking instead. After I graduated worked in every single film department from P.A., to building sets, to grip, to A.D.
One day in my late 30s I was walking through Home Depot and we bumped into a high school mate who was in my drafting class. We talked and then I said, I can do construction. Never studied it, never apprenticed, never built anything for anyone but I just knew I could do it. That was nine years ago.
What are some of the influences that lead to your career path?
I was always fascinated by architecture, particularly architecture outside of Canada. When I got into construction I began my research and development with what I noticed in my personal travels. From Kyoto, to Paris, to Florence to Haiti, the mix of old with new and how they incorporated it. How the buildings, the details, their way of life influenced the way they design and build is far different than here in Canada. As I did and still do, I stop at construction sites and check out the work, I will actually stand there for an hour or longer and study, take mental notes. It’s important to understand why we build not simply how to build.
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned on the job so far?
As much as clients are interviewing you when you first meet, a good contractor should be interviewing the clients. Both of you are heading into a potential relationship and you really need to get along, not agree with them all the time but challenge them.
I stay away from flippers. I’m interested in building homes that will last generations, not trends or real estate markets.
Also, don’t pay anyone in full until the work is complete to your satisfaction.
You describe your work as artistry. Can you elaborate what that means to you?
Starting out studying architecture but then going into filmmaking and then back into architecture gave me an advantage. I was able to understand the function behind building through storytelling. Our homes are a story, the story of the family, the kitchen, the bedrooms. All the rooms and the exterior all serve a plot point to our family story. There are so many reasons why certain landmarks have lasted centuries and so many people connect with those structures.
I absolutely hate trends. Trends are the pop culture crap of construction. Hardwood should be grey, dark, white…. Hardwood should be what the homeowners desire them to be.
I don’t give a crap about the work triangle in a kitchen. I’d rather know how you enter your home with groceries in your hands. Where do you want those groceries to be stored? How do you cook? How do you eat and when? The kitchen needs to work for your family, not a Pinterest board or Houzz album.