CHESTERVILLE – Rick Does Renos is located in Chesterville and is operated by Rick Froats and Daphne Evans.
Froats was laid off at the start of the pandemic and was asked to do renovation jobs, which led to the business being formed in 2020. With Froats’ many years in construction, combined with Evans’s considerable experience in insurance, business, and real estate, it made sense to combine their talents.
“We love what we do” commented Evans in a recent interview, mentioning the company does all sorts of renovations, both inside and outside the home, specializing in decks, gazebos, kitchens, and bathrooms. Ricks Does Renos is a registered and fully insured company, which Evans explained demonstrates their sense of commitment to clients and the construction industry.
Evans explained her role in the company is primarily to develop the design of the build, ensuring the plans reflect what the customer wants, with Froats making the magic happen. She described the process followed by their company when approached by a potential client for a build using the construction of a deck as an example.
The couple meets with the potential client to discuss their vision. They then take measurements, evaluate options, create a design, and suggest a budget for the build. If building permits are required, they assist in the application process and follow through until the final inspection.
Running a business in any field requires a lot of time and energy investment. Evans suggests a person considering starting a business should investigate all aspects involved in the business and doing an honest self-evaluation. She mentioned some of the questions which could assist in the decision-making process include: “Are you self-motivated? Will you stay up to date with the bookkeeping part of the business? Will you file your HST and your income tax on time? Are you willing to answer emails and phone calls on weekends, holidays, and evenings?” She mentions how if the answer is ‘no’ to any of these questions, perhaps a re-evaluation of whether to start a business should be undertaken.
When asked about challenges faced, Evans mentioned there are always issues which come up during a project but that is a part of operating any business. She noted running a construction/renovation company is a 24 hours a day, seven days a week commitment. A positive aspect of running Rick Does Renos is the satisfaction and pleasure seeing the dreams of clients being realized mentioned Evans.
More information on Rick Does Renos can be found on their Facebook page or by calling them at 613-617-5088.
If you would like to have a light shined on your business, please contact us at: editor@etceterapublications.ca or call us at 613-448-2321.
Carolyn Thompson Goddard, grew up in Chesterville and attended North Dundas District High School. After completing her BA in Political Science at Carleton University she has worked as a medical secretary and library technician. In 2020 she graduated from Algonquin College with a diploma in Journalism and has been a reporter and column writer for The Chesterville Record for over 10 years.
