Patio Magic

Definitely one of the highlights early this year was the visit to HGTV Dream Home 2020 in South Carolina with a group of some of the top hardscape contractors throughout the US. These guys have serious skills and are a great bunch of guys. Thank you @belgardoutdoorliving for including me as a Canadian representative for this Belgard Advisory Council. #thankful

Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for the path life has taken me on including the twists and turns, and the ups and downs. 28 years of building relationships and incredible projects like this one that our team was brought in to help Gerald from Arbor Vista Landscaping with all the hardscape, natural stone walls and waterfall and pond. Definitely was one of our favorite collaborations. Thankful for the opportunity to create and build peoples dreams into reality. Thankful for change and a move towards providing education and equipment solutions to help all the amazing contractors and teams in the industry. Finally so thankful for my teams over the years, for my amazing wife Amy, my four young kids and the rest of my family and friends. #bethankfulforwhatyouhave #workhard and be #patient for what you don’t.

These stairs still look awesome 10 years later. The combination of natural stone steps and Roman Euro look so good together plus both of them are timeless. Quality products and quality work built to last. Have a great weekend everyone!

My boys first day of grade one. Definitely one to remember.

Doing a little cutting on the @iqpowertools dustless saw today. When you have been in the industry for over 25 years your neighbors ask you to cut some bricks for them once in a while. Doing it on the IQ with dust is so nice. I don’t even have to change my nice @belgardoutdoorliving black golf shirt after since it’s still clean. Anytime but especially now it is good to help out your neighbors. Be safe everyone and be a good #neighbor.

Loving this patio from a few years back now that the vegetation is all growing in around it!

Always a good day when the first water lily blooms in your back yard pond.

Being a father of four I am realizing just how much father did for me and how much of an impact he had on who I have become. He spent countless hours investing in my development in sports, school, construction, you name it. I was very fortunate to have that and in fact when I was in my teens we built a house together from surveying to completion. It was there that I negotiated my first paving stone driveway job. $1.00/sq.ft for my labor. Now over 25 years later my dad has... two very bad shoulders and the man I could barely keep up with can hardly hold a hammer. He was so thankful to have me come out recently and build the forms for a new building on his property. In contrast I am equally thankful for a chance to help the man who has spent his life helping me. Remember in the midst of everything to invest in your kids and in your parents. Thank you dad. #familyfirst See more

Happy Father’s Day everyone. Hope you had a great Fathers Day! I had a ton of fun with my four kids today!! Lego’s, biking, rock climbing, truck cleaning, ice cream and some BBQ madness for dinner. #thankful #familyfirst

So there was this time in history when there was covid and the playgrounds were closed so I decided to build a #treehouse /#playground complete with a library for my kids. Turned out to be more than an afternoon project but considering how much my 4 kids use it it was well worth the work. #familyfirst #makingmemories

46 years today. They go by quick. Often I live so fast paced and goal oriented I don’t take enough time to reflect. I have definitely had some failures and with them some solid successes. Each day is a new gift and I like to make the most of them. Thank you to my wife and four young kids for an amazing day and for all the birthday wishes. I’m almost at the 1/2 way point. 100years #lifegoal

Stopped by this unique project from many years back. Rainwater capture under a raised patio, waterfall coming out under the planks and framed in stone of the deck. Overflow from rainwater spills into pond. Pond overflow feeds a marsh area. Roman Euro paver patios, and walkways. Love how projects look as the vegetation matures and when the Hardscape still looks great because it’s installed right!

Got my game face on.

So I thought maybe I should build a treehouse/playground for my twins 6th birthday. I have 4 young kids and my wife and I are realizing how much work and fun it is to have them home all day everyday. This seemed like a good idea to give them some good outside fun. Still have a bit of work left to go, but it’s going to be pretty cool. #familyfirst

A little mid week dip in the #pool? #backyardoasis #backyardgoals

Which one do your site meetings look like right now? 1, 2 or 3? And I’m not referring to how many white hard hats are on site. (One of my boys made me laugh with these setups today). #socialdistancing #worksafe

Every yard needs a patio. A place to relax, unwind and connect with family and friends (if you space your chairs out a bit more.). Patio season is almost here.

Looking forward to catching @frank_bourque webinar on the 16th put on by @lmn_software. Should be done timely content. Sign up for free along with others at golmn.com/webinars/ Definitely full of timely content. #neverstoplearning #adapting #pivoting #efficiency

Happy Easter everyone! My day included; phase two of the runners strider bike rebuild (for my 2 year old daughter), and 3D modeling of the custom playground I am planing to build for my twin boys (and of course their 2 sisters). Most importantly being thankful for the day, my family and of course good health which is top of mind these days.

Safety is key. Over the past number of years we have been working to keep stepping up our safety including pylons to improve street safety for those we share it with. This Easter stay safe every one and remember to do your part to help keep everyone you share your world with safe. Happy Easter friends and followers.

This forced walkout turned out pretty sweet. Two big fire bowls at the top of the natural stone stairs set it off at night. Once the vegetation grows in a bit more it’s going to look pretty spectacular. Need to get back for a few night shots. Lots of @kichlerlighting on this one.

It’s pretty satisfying for our customers and our team to transform this into what you see next. Currently we are designing and estimating at a distance. If your looking for some ideas or pricing give us a call, DM or email. We would love to connect with you. Because every driveway can use a little Magic!

Small but beautiful space. When I started in this industry over 25 years ago with my first project was a 3000sq.ft. cobblestone driveway. Since that time the Patio Magic team has done many large and small projects with it. I still love the feel, the warmth and the evening shadows. If you need help figuring out what will look good in your yard we can provide design and estimating services at a distance so please reach out. Once the frost is out of the ground we can start construction with new protocols in place to protect everyone. Please stay safe everyone and remember every yard can use a little Magic!

A couple shots of this front yard when I stopped by to check on it last summer. I love to see clients taking great care of their yards and making our work look so good. In the last photo the dry creek bed serves to help with water flow from two down spouts off large roof surfaces, and has rubber liner underneath to minimize and weed growth and maintenance over time. We provide solutions and beauty. Because every yard can use a little Magic!

My kids love #backyard #picnics on the #patio. Truth is, I do too! #patiolife #makingmemories #familytime #lastingvalue

Let’s hope #patioseason isn’t too far away.

Clean and practical. #backyardpatio and lawn. 14’x18’ is a functional size for dining #patiofurniture or a sectional with room for a portable fire pit or built in. It will also accommodate a pergola or outdoor kitchen. To plan right take into account scale of areas in relation to the size of the yard and your needs and budget. If you have questions or if we can help you in any way let us know. Because every #yard can use a little Magic. @ Mactaggart, Edmonton

Ready for those summer days? Still cool out there in our market and many sticking close to home these days for good reason. It’s an unusual time to be sure. One positive thing this time has really showed is some of the great benefits of staying connected through technology and the importance of those interactions. As a company and individuals we love to create spaces for our clients to help them connect. For those who may be considering a project or wondering if it is possible? It is. We can still meet and work with you at a distance. In fact we are able to do this by using both current and cutting edge technology which allows us to: meet, plan, design, and #yes BUILD spaces for you to connect with your family and the outdoors. DM, Call, or send a request through our website (link in our profile) to start the process today.

One more reason to I appreciate ICPI is the learning resources. Time to get busy sharpening up some skills. Might have my required certification maintenance credits for the next 10 years. Check them out on line and build up your and your staffs tool box. Important news also is that construction is still considered an essential service and if we all keep our protocol standards high we can continue to work for those clients that are still looking to have the work done this spring and summer. Please reach out if your looking to have a project designed or if your considering getting it constructed this season. We would love to help. Link in profile. Because every yard could use a little MAGIC!

Creativity is the love that has kept me in the landscape construction industry for over 25 years. Designing and building #high-end #speakers hits that same creative need in me and combines it with my love for music. In fact the first 15 years running Patio Magic I reinvested most of the profits in product development and building a second business in this niche. It didn’t catch as much fire as I had hoped so I turned it into more of a hobby. Fine craftsmanship and unique ...design apply in both areas but require some different skills. This recent example really impresses me with their sound quality and aesthetically they are stunning. (Pictured with a promo from back in the day.) Just a peak behind the scenes of a personal hobby/passion that I work on a bit during the winter seasons here in Alberta. #spendmoretimeonthissideoftheglass #dowhatyoulove #offseason #hobbiesareimportant #neverstoplearning See more

A quick encouragement to all the great contractors and business owners out there. Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it. That may be hard to believe right now but It’s key to focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t. Thinking back to times with little to no money when you had to focus on what you could do, how you could be creative, and what you could learn to #improve and #grow. So now is a great time if you are potentially not as bu...sy or temporarily quarantined to invest in building your skills, your teams and your business. Work on some systems, learn design software, strengthen needed areas, organize your trailer and get ready for a sprint when it’s go time. The way I see it the glass is still 1/2 full and right now I’m building a bigger glass for when it starts filling up again. . Lastly and most importantly take a minute to connect with someone you haven’t in a while and give them a word of #encouragement. It costs nothing but it can mean the world to many who are worried and discouraged right now. See more

Loved seeing some clips @techobloc training day from legends like Mike from @paver_king and Sean from @premieroutdoor two guys who have been in the industry for some real years and are killing it out there. Left with some design inspiration and a collection of new books to add to my reading list thanks to Paver Pete. Thanks for a great day and as always a pleasure to see Alaska aka @techotyeger who is a solid industry guy and a knowledgeable resource along with a few friends from around the Province. Have a great season everyone once this snow quits! @ Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre

This spot at the airport is becoming a regular view for me. It often makes me a bit reflective. Work, life, presentations are always evolving and changing. It is my goal to strive to improve every time. It isn’t always possible but the pursuit of it has kept me growing and allowed me to do more than I thought possible. I look forward to the next two days of #presentations to some great people in #saskatoon for the #landscape Saskatchewan spring symposium. #honored to be sharing my knowledge and experience. #neverstoplearning

Great to hear @frank_bourque who has experience not only as a high contractor for years but as a coach business coach & consultant to many of North America’s top Landscsape companies. Weather you have been in the industry a year or 25 definitely full of good take away’s. I think top ones for this season is chasing down those areas that there is waste and I love the 4 o’clock App and efficiency driving value of implementing that. Plus it still amazes me that industry standard is 3% net profit. Know your numbers everyone and bid jobs to be profitable, otherwise you devalue the whole industry and end up out of business in a few years. Let’s keep raising the standards and professionalism. Together we make built up this awesome industry. Thanks for a great day @burncolandscape #alwayslearning #worksmarternotharder

Love the renders from #Belgard Design Studio for a project we did a few years back. Talk about #curbappeal #frontyardgoals #hardscapedesign

In the off season I’m always on the lookout for new tools and equipment to increase production. I think this would really help with efficiency planting large caliper trees with maybe 150 baskets. Anyone out there tried this model? Better than a tree spade for digging into granite I bet.

New Madria Tamdem Wall from @belgardoutdoorliving must say I am really loving the look of this wall. Can’t wait to install some this season. New system but I figure small up charge for the extra labor placing the block, but visual look should make it easy to give it that bump in price to keep it just as profitable to install as other products but with this premium look. I think it’s a winner. What do you think?

#Snowday. Got my #kubota SVL stuck today knocking down and moving some big piles for a long term snow client @northpointeyeg . Some of the neighboring home owners were worried about it melting in the spring. Always good to be a good neighbor. Now back to getting stuck. As an owner and at times like today in the field I realize that the most important quality I possess is #perseverance. With it the seemingly impossible becomes #possible and the biggest #obstacles are event...ually overcome. I think it might be the most important characteristic for any entrepreneur. I found myself rehearsing ingrained sayings as I dug my machine out like problems are opportunities to build character and mistakes are stepping stones to success. Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it. Well the rest of the day was a success, I got some good exercise and I’m still smiling. Stay positive out there. Happy hump day! @ Edmonton, Alberta See more

Come out to #Belgard U in Calgary Feb.13th Learn some solid business practice to help you be more successful and check out many awesome new products. I am looking forward to sharing some great content for all outstanding contractors down here. Don’t miss it! #neverstoplearning #makingtheindustrygreat #takeittothenextlevel #hardscaping #education

Have you got one of these @Yeti? Well you should. I got this beauty from another great contractor in the industry Brandon from @greatnorthernlandscapes who wanted to chat about our neighbors card and some other industry stuff. He is an exceptional guy and runs a quality business and team. We are couple good #Contractors helping each other. I firmly believe there is a lot of work out there and even more to be had if we improve industry standards and professionalism. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other contractors for advice or to #collaborate on projects. You will be seeing more of this in my future.

This was one cool project! All granite pavers, all custom wood work and a massive granite dining table. Without question the most tedious and challenging project this size due to plus or minus 10mm tolerance on the granite. Proud of how the team pushed through and gave the clients a spectacular outcome. #perserverance pays off! Lesson learned though on imported product.

There is a real cost to do the work and do it right. I see some incredible homes like this one with disasters for the landscaping. It is so important to hire a quality company with the expertise to build the project to last. Too many people have the mistaken perception that the issue is with the products when they see results like this. It isn’t! It is poor workmanship or in some contractors defense they get pushed into a lower price and then cut corners to try to keep it profitable. Please do your due diligence as a home owner and as a contractor charge fair for your work and do it right. It helps the whole industry! #doitrightthefirsttime

Just the very start of something cool. Clients loved the basic initial layout now to step it up and bring the design to the next level! #hardscapedesign #outdoorkitchen #pergola #raisedpatio #firepit #raisedbar #hammock #hardscapelighting #modern

Well it’s @bell_letstalk mental health day and I know as a husband and father of four plus running 2 businesses can create some anxiety and stress. I have been fortunate to learn the habit of focusing on the positives and seeing the grass 1/2full. Maybe it’s more DNA than I think but really I believe the more we make it a habit the easier it becomes and the better life can seem. I am not making light of the many and varied mental health challenges out there. I have been i...n a place twice in my life that seemed so dark and desperate I found myself nearly unable to think anything positive. I am forever grateful to those friends who just sat with me, or listened or encouraged, or prayed. You had a bigger role in helping me through those times than you realize. If your in one of those times try your best to reach out, and to those who see or sense that someone is maybe just sit and #listen. Even in our every day a kind word a little #patience and a #smile goes a long way for a stranger who’s world may be dark or crumbling. #letsmaketheworldabetterplace #giveasmile #helpothers See more

In life and in design it’s largely influenced by perspective. #thankful for this gift from a talented local #landscape #designer and friend Lise Prosser from @wildflowerlandscapedesign. It’s been a pleasure teaming up from time to time on various projects. Passionate about the industry and talented. Consider her if you need to farm out some of your design work. #talent #quality #professional and clients love her.

It’s a whirl wind. Quick couple of days in Vancouver. Great turnout for the #Belgard University. I Had the privilege of sharing some knowledge with so many great people. Checked out new products and networked with some great people. Just waiting now to fly home and see my family. (They will be sleeping). #keepmakingtheindustrygreat #neverstoplearning @ Richmond, British Columbia

Waiting for flight to #vancouver and putting some final touches on presentation for contractors at #belgarduniversity in Richmond BC at Executive Hotel & Resort hotel starting at 7:30 am Tuesday Jan. 21st. We can always improve. Whether it’s job site efficiencies, business back end, customer service, or the presentation I am adding finishing touches on, there is always room to improve. Be sure to take advantage of opportunities like this to come out and learn as your @belg...ardoutdoorliving team has been working hard to bring you great value at these events. I look forward as a long term contractor to sharing what I can from my success and mistakes to help those in the industry and to raise up the standards. Please join us if you’re in the area or check with local suppliers/dealers for dates in your area as well as Belgard’s website. #neverstoplearning #givingback #hardscapelife See more

a few more shots of the outside and inside of this beautiful #HGTVDreamHome2020 Hardscaping products #BelgardOutdoorLiving Thanks to #Belgard and #HGTV for hosting us at this upstanding property! The winners will be enjoying ##outdoorliving in #style @ Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

All I can say is wow! Outstanding work by the Belgard team on the outdoor living space for this HGTV Dream Home 2020. Here’s a few pic’s with more of the interior and front drive coming soon. #HGTVDreamHome2020 #BelgardOutdoorLiving #HGTV #Belgard @ Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Just arrived at the #HGTVDreamHome2020 with #BelgardOutdoorLiving Thanks to #HGTV and #Belgard @ Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Excited for our #Belgard Advisory Council to tour the #HGTVDreamHome2020. #Belgard teamed up with #HGTV to build an incredible #BelgardOutdoorLiving space at #HiltonHeadIsland. Some pictures and video coming in the next couple of posts!

Great to see these guys again! This time down in @hiltonhead_sc with the @belgardoutdoorliving advisory council at the Sonesta Resort. Loving the warm weather compared to home, plus the view of palm trees in the morning is pretty nice. This group includes so many incredible contractors including Dan Hughes from @segmental_systems 2 time Champion @hardscapena, Cory Frank from @cghardscapes, Matt Griffin from @prime_lawn, Charlie from @landscapecharlie just to make a few. Looking forward to some great meetings. @ Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island

Ran into some of the @burncolandscape team down here in Toronto @landscapeontario Congress. These guys are always on the look out for #tools, #products and #innovations to help their #contractors succeed. If you’re in western Canada be sure to get out to their contractor training events with @frank_bourque. He’s an industry expert who brings great value to all those looking to build their business and he understands the challenges with over 20 years experience as a contractor. Check the dates with your local yard and don’t miss it. #neverstoplearning

Awesome day yesterday working with @legerlandscapes and @frank_bourque setting up the Hardscape live area at LOC. I am continuously reminded of how many exceptional people are in this industry. Truely #hardscapingis a #hardscapebrotherhood & #hardscapesisterhood @ Toronto Congress Center

Off to Landscape Ontario Congress! Looking forward to helping @frank_bourque and his team with some set up for Hardscape Live. His live events are ones you won’t want to miss! HUGE VALUE! #learnfromexperts #hardscapebrotherhood @landscapeontario Jan.7-9th

I guess someone decided they really liked the hood or needed one. Found this along with a #broken window. At least they left me one bolt for when I go buy a new hood. Seriously so #ridiculous. I had to take a few minutes and remind myself that there is also so much good in the world. #attitudeisachoice #perspective #entrepreneurlife @ Saint Albert, Alberta

Excited by what our team and this company has done and looking forward to our next steps in the year to come! A special thanks to my #team who made so many dreams come true for our clients! Happy New Year to everyoneand all the best in 2020! It’s going to be a incredible year.

Merry Christmas from the Patio Magic Team!

Got busy with my SVL75 today from @edmonton_kubota. Started with about 6 acres of messy lot and scraped it bare then chipped it. Already to keep everyone safe at some great #Christmas services @northpointeyeg. Making the world a safer place one lot at a time. :)

Nice walk down #candycanelane lane tonight with the #family. Saw my first snow man @matrix scene which was awesome! Fun night for all. @ Candy Cane Lane

Still one of my favorite #hardscape builds over the last 27 years. This true #mosaic of a tree really creates some incredible curb appeal and sets this home apart in an upscale neighborhood. First we laid the entire driveway and then used chalk to mark out the design. After that we hand cut the outside of the tree shape. Next we used all our inlay cuts and perimeter cuts plus cut multiple pallets of good block each into several random size pieces and then infilled the detail. All the inlay we stained black. Keep pushing the #creative out there and see what you can do!

Just had lunch at Joey Bell Tower with @nigepross a previous employee who is on the fast track to his CPA designation. I could not be more proud of this young man if he were my own son. Quality guy who even put his neck out there to work in his field with a company for next to nothing to get his foot in the door and now is proving his value at MNP. In any business there is turnover but I have been amazed over the years not only how many incredible employees (team mates) we... have had at Patio Magic but how long many of them have stayed with us. Even though it is always hard to see them go it brings me joy to see them continue to succeed and hope that we were a positive step in their journey. Thanks Nigel for your #friendship and all your hard work years back when you were part of our team. #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #thankful @ JOEY Bell Tower See more

These #retainingwalls made for a great tool stand this past summer. Love them @oxtoolsusa levels we got from our friends @burncolandscape too. #neverhavetomany

Nice little @techobloc patio. Adds some great entertaining space to this back yard.

Lots of hard pack on this one but we’re getting it clear. It’s #snowproblem :)

Definitely some wow factor in this #flagstone patio and pathways we build a few years back.

Natural #rundle boulders and steps complement beautifully on this acreage project.

Most days I am definitely a go getter. It’s a must as an #entrepreneur and I would say the journey is both challenging and rewarding. The last two days I’ve had one of worst flu bugs and fevers of my life. Sadly my two boys have it but to a lesser degree. My incredible wife who barley gets any sleep yet as she is nursing our newborn daughter still finds the energy to take care or our 20 month old and our twin boys plus me. What she does in a lot of ways is more challenging than running a business and more rewarding too. Thank you my love for taking care of us all. #familyfirst

Love the transformation on this one late this summer. The texture on this #urbanastone from @expocrete really looks good. Would have loved to see the daughters reaction as this was s surprise transformation at her parents house where they hosted her wedding a few weeks after we completed it. #firstdance