STAGE #1 - SEMINARS

11:00-11:45pm - SAT and SUN

TOPIC: Home Remodeling - Pitfalls to Avoid

DESCRIPTION: Are you planning to remodel your home? Attend this session to learn about pitfalls to avoid in your home remodeling. We will also provide tips to maximize the value of your investment in remodeling.

PRESENTER: Mythili Thiagarajan AIA, LEED A.P.

BIO: Mythili Thiagarajan is the Principal of Auromira Architects LLC, a full-service architectural firm specializing in residential and healthcare projects. She is licensed to practice in the State of Minnesota and has over 13 years of experience as an architect. She is a LEED accredited professional.

Mythili Thiagarajan AIA, LEED A.P.
Auromira Architects LLC - Phone: 651.319.9220
Website: www.auromiraarchitects.com

12:00-12:45pm - SAT and SUN

TOPIC: Protect your family with the right locks

DESCRIPTION: We show you what the best locks are to secure your home and simple solutions to increase the security of your home.

PRESENTER: Mark Bellestri

BIO: Mark Bellestri is the owner of Pop-A-Lock MN. Pop-A-Lock is the largest Locksmith company in the country. Mark has been a featured guest on KARE 11 Minnesota Showcase, South Minneapolis home fair and community education events.

1:00-1:45pm - SAT and SUN

EQUAL ACCESS HOMES presents Aging in Place

Yes the population is getting older and we will highlight in this seminar how to design your home to make it easier to get around and enjoy easier access for many years to come.

Presented by Charlie Braun President Equal Access Homes

2:00-2:45pm - SAT and SUN

TOPIC: Identity Theft-The Fastest Growing Crime

DESCRIPTION: This seminar will discuss what identity theft is and its growth, how it affects individuals and how it affects businesses. Some things you can do to prevent identity theft or lessen it's impact on yourself, your children or your business.

PRESENTER: Kerry Meagher

BIO: Kerry Meagher is an attorney who has been certified as a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist by the Institute of Fraud Risk Management. He has done many identity theft presentations to businesses and civic organizations.

Kerry Meagher
KEDE Group, LLC
Prepaid Legal Services, Inc., Independent Associate
Certified Identity Theft Risk Mgmt Specialist
Telephone: 612-619-1725
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/kerrymeagher

4:00-4:45pm - SAT and SUN

TOPIC: Losing the Junk In Your Trunk

DESCRIPTION: We are each like a slab of granite with a Michelangelo sculpture hidden underneath. The secret is to understand that we need not go out in search of more granite to find fulfillment. All we really need to do is simply chisel away at everything that
is not part of the sculpture. Ancient eastern wisdom called this process “neti, neti” or “not this, not this.” Who would you be if you stopped worrying about tomorrow and focused on today? Who would you be if you accepted yourself just as you are? You may just burst out laughing! In this very humorous talk, Michael will discuss the everyday, practical aspects of living simply and letting go what is not needed.
• Start enjoying every day no matter what - rain, bad hair, cranky customer - life is too short not to!
• Reduce your demands and expectations to live more harmoniously with the “reality” of each moment.
• Reconnect with the things that bring you joy and peace.
• Learn to not take yourself so seriously and laugh at the absurdity of life.

PRESENTER: Michael Foley

BIO: Prior to founding Clarity Central, Michael excelled as a major account manager for General Electric and Ameritech. He knows first hand what it takes to differentiate one’s self in the marketplace. As a result, Mike has developed talks and courses that are hard hitting, applicable and powerful. His “zero fluff” approach to education is highly engaging for even the toughest of audiences.

An avid sailor, Michael expanded Clarity Central to offer life/career renewal expeditions and coaching sessions on the water. “There’s something about being on the water that invites a different perspective and clarity that can’t be found in a conference room,” he observes. He often draws on these experiences to craft a message that will both entertain and inspire his audiences. Michael is an ordained minister, has BS in Engineering, an MA in Human Development, and post-graduate certificates in coaching.

STAGE #2 - SEMINARS

11:00-11:45pm - SAT and SUN

TOPIC: Home & Business Standby Generators
Presented by: Midwest Electric & Generator

Improvements to the electrical systems can ease your mind and provide you with comfort, in knowing that your family is safe.

Learn about:
- New Home Wiring
- Electrical Repairs
- Home Additions
- Remodels
- Off Peak Wiring
- Backup Generator Sales & Installation

Bring your questions for the experts:

12:00-12:45pm - SAT and SUN

TOPIC: Organize Your Home
Presented by: Closet Maid

Open the door to a new sense of order and organization in your home. We’re here to help jumpstart your project with thought-provoking ideas and a step-by-step process to design, prepare and install the storage system you’ve always wanted. Learn organization 101 tips and systems to help you organize your home.

1:00-1:45pm - SAT and SUN

TOPIC: Protect Your Basement with Dricore
Presented by Dricore® Sub Flooring

98% of basements will have a moisture problem Learn ways to elimate all the problems associated with a wet basement.

Renovating your basement means comfort, protection and peace of mind. DRIcore® is the essential step to get the job done right and protect your basement from moisture damage.

DRIcore® is a subfloor with a patented moisture barrier that keeps your family warm and dry. The simple, do-it-yourself solution insulates your basement, protecting furniture, flooring and electronics from potential damage. DRIcore® also promotes indoor air quality by allowing your concrete to breathe, reducing the potential for mould and mildew.

DRIcore® is fast and easy to install and is ideal for carpet, laminate, engineered hardwood, tile and vinyl.

2:00-2:45pm - SAT and SUN

TOPIC: Tile Class - Tiling from start to finish
Presented by The Home Depot

DESCRIPTION: By the end of this Seminar, Customers will be able to:
*Prepare floors for tiling with innovative, easy-to-use products
*Develop a floor plan for tiling Kitchen and bath floors
*Set, grout, and seal tile
*Easily install wall tile with new, easy-to-use products
*Select tools and supplies to install tile

PRESENTER: Dale Shaltz

BIO: Dale has been a Home Depot Flooring Expert and Customer Service specialist for 5 years. His Background is also in corporate technology marketing and was a General contractor for many years(residential and commercial projects).

4:00-4:45pm - SAT and SUN

TOPIC: How to Pick the Right Tools for the Job
Presented by DeWalt and the Home Depot

DESCRIPTION: There are many types of tools to choose from, but how do you know which is the right one for you? The experts from DEWALT, an Industry Leader of industrial power tools, will guide you through a wide range of tools for you to choose from in order make the right tool decision to get your job done efficiently.

Feel free to ask questions after the seminar or visit us at the Home Depot booth!

PRESENTER: DEWALT

BIO: DEWALT is a leading manufacturer of industrial power tools with more than 300 power tool and equipment products as well as 800 power tool accessories, including corded and cordless drills, saws, hammers, grinders, routers, planers, plate joiners, sanders, lasers, generators, compressors and nailers, as well as saw blades, metal and masonry drill bits, abrasives, screw driving accessories and more.

STAGE #3 - SEMINARS

11:00-11:45pm -

SATURDAY - Presented by: Castle Home Services

TOPIC/TITLE: "How to interview a contractor before hiring."

DESCRIPTION: Marty Schirber, CR of Castle Home Services, Inc. has written an article to aid consumers in the process of choosing a professional remodeling contractor for their project. So often, the consumer is only told to “get several estimates, and make sure they are licensed, bonded and insured.” While this advice is seldom fully understood, there is so much more to be considered, to ensure a successful remodeling process. At Castle, we believe that education leads to a better understanding of the process, which creates better relationships, and a higher level of satisfaction with the remodeling process.

NAME OF PRESENTER: Marty Schirber

BIO OF PRESENTER: Marty is a certified Remodeler (CR), a distinction granted by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Born the eldest of sixteen children, raised in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Marty has been “running a crew” all of his life. He began his career as a laborer in carpentry and remodeling more than 40 years ago and has learned through hands-on experience. On January 1, 1977, he started Castle Building & Remodeling, Inc. and performed over 4800 successful jobs for over 1580 clients. His son Loren has now taken over that operation and does larger Design/Build Remodeling. Marty started Castle Home Services, Inc. in 2007 to complete home improvements for older urban homeowners (mostly past customers).

SUNDAY - Presented by: SLH

TOPIC/TITLE: Home Automation with Today’s Technology

DESCRIPTION: Imagine walking through the garage entry door of your home and after the alarm system is disarmed the following happens automatically: the welcome home lights turn on, the master bedroom blinds open, the thermostat adjusts to a comfortable at home setting and your favorite selection of songs begins playing from the iPod in every room of the house. Home automation is a growing trend, can save energy and can make your home customized to the way you live. Learn how you can integrate this exciting and surprisingly affordable technology into your home to set a new standard for function and livability.

NAME OF PRESENTER: Don Hains

BIO OF PRESENTER: When Don and Tracy Hains first started Sure-Lock-Homes in 1985, they kept customers safe with reliable home security systems. Over the years we’ve grown, and today as SLH Home Systems, we’re still keeping that commitment and bringing the latest home technologies to you and your family.

Our team works closely with builders, remodelers, designers and homeowners to create custom-designed home electronics systems that are reliable and easy to use. We also provide top-notch ongoing service to keep your systems running smoothly. As a leading home electronics systems design and installation company in the Twin Cities, we specialize in tailoring electronics systems to meet each client’s needs and dreams, while providing up-to-date information, advice, technology and installation.

12:00-12:45pm -

SATURDAY - Presented by: F & P Remodeling and Design

TOPIC/TITLE: "Shades of Green"

DESCRIPTION: This presentation will help you determine which green features and practices make sense for you. Learn about the most cost effective and beneficial green strategies to consider when remodeling to make your home:

• a place of beauty, comfort and ease
• a place of refuge, safety and security
• a reflection of your lifestyle and values

NAME OF PRESENTER: Fred Peters

BIO OF PRESENTER: Fred has been doing eco-friendly Design and Construction for over 30 years. He was a pioneer in developing super insulated, passive solar home Design and Construction in SW. Wisconsin throughout the 1980’s and 90’s. He now specializes in Green Remodeling and Renovation, bringing new life to vintage homes in the Twin Cities area.

SUNDAY - Presented by: Bell Mortgage

TOPIC/TITLE: “Financing Your Remodel; Options & Strategies in Today’s Lending Environment"

DESCRIPTION: It’s no secret home finance options have tightened with the real estate crash, but options still exist for the savvy homeowner. This seminar will discuss the pros/cons of the options available today and strategies you might use to determine what is best for your project.

NAME OF PRESENTER: Mitch Irwin

BIO OF PRESENTER: Mitch Irwin is a Loan Officer with Bell Mortgage. Working in the mortgage industry for over 10 years he has helped many families determine the best way to finance their home purchase, remodel or addition.

1:00-1:45pm -

SATURDAY - Presented by: Thorcarft

TOPIC/TITLE: "Your kitchen: as unique as you are."

DESCRIPTION: The family kitchen today is a multifunctional space reflecting the individuality of the family that lives there. Your kitchen should be as individual as your family is. Learn about some basic layout considerations and some of the many product options that you will need to know if you are planning a kitchen remodel.

NAME OF PRESENTER: Karen Arcand-Johnson

BIO OF PRESENTER: Karen Arcand-Johnson IFDA, an interior designer for over 25 years believes that good communication is the key to success in any project. With her education in design and experience in decorating all areas of the home, she brings an understanding of lifestyles that helps her design kitchens for Thorcraft Custom Kitchens. No matter how simple or complex your project may be, we can help you create the perfect plan for every area of your home.

SUNDAY - Presented by: Age Right Retro

TOPIC/TITLE: Life Changes As We Age…So Should Our Homes

DESCRIPTION: Learn more about minor and major updates you can make to your home to take you through life changes. We will discuss the “tried & true” as well as new products available for various rooms. Remodeling considerations today for tomorrow’s needs that will make your home safer and more enjoyable.

NAME OF PRESENTER: Bob Kasbohm, Mike Kasbohm, Jenny Kasbohm

BIO OF PRESENTERS: Age Right Retrofit, Inc. provides products and home modifications for seniors. Our mission is to make homes safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable for aging adults and those with mobility challenges.

We are licensed General Contractors, Insured, and Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists (CAPS) servicing the Minnesota metropolitan and surrounding area.
We are also authorized dealers and distributors of a wide and growing range of specialized equipment. We provide everything from Grab Bars to top rated Walk-In tubs, lifts, and monitoring systems.

This powerful combination enables us to provide complete turnkey A.I.P. (Aging In Place) solutions. We work in partnership with various healthcare professionals and/or directly with the homeowners and their care givers.

2:00-2:45pm -

SATURDAY - Presented by: Castle Remodeling

TOPIC/TITLE: "Bathroom Remodeling on a Budget"

DESCRIPTION: This class will help you plan your bathroom remodeling project. It will talk about the design process including: Layout, space planning, ease of use. We will also look at Bath products & trends and talk about the materials with the best long term value. We will also talk about typical bathroom remodeling project lengths and approximate project costs. We will finish up with photos of 25 bathrooms Castle has recently remodeled for inspiration & ideas.

NAME OF PRESENTER: Loren Schirber & Elizabeth Bland

BIO OF PRESENTER:

Loren Schirber is the 2nd generation owner of Castle Building & Remodeling a 34 year old design/build remodeling company that has design showrooms in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Castle completes about 200 remodeling project each year that range from handyman projects up to large additions.

Elizabeth Bland is a designer at Castle Building & Remodeling who specializes in designing bathroom remodeling projects of all price ranges. Elizabth holds a BFA in Interior Design for Harrington College of Design in Chicago. She has previous experience working in commercial interiors and high-end residential design, as well as retail sales at a kitchen and bath showroom. She is also a certified AKBD (Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer). Elizabeth is an Allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers.

SUNDAY - Presented by: Castle Home Services

TOPIC/TITLE: "How to interview a contractor before hiring."

DESCRIPTION: Marty Schirber, CR of Castle Home Services, Inc. has written an article to aid consumers in the process of choosing a professional remodeling contractor for their project. So often, the consumer is only told to “get several estimates, and make sure they are licensed, bonded and insured.” While this advice is seldom fully understood, there is so much more to be considered, to ensure a successful remodeling process. At Castle, we believe that education leads to a better understanding of the process, which creates better relationships, and a higher level of satisfaction with the remodeling process.

NAME OF PRESENTER: Marty Schirber

BIO OF PRESENTER: Marty is a certified Remodeler (CR), a distinction granted by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Born the eldest of sixteen children, raised in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Marty has been “running a crew” all of his life. He began his career as a laborer in carpentry and remodeling more than 40 years ago and has learned through hands-on experience. On January 1, 1977, he started Castle Building & Remodeling, Inc. and performed over 4800 successful jobs for over 1580 clients. His son Loren has now taken over that operation and does larger Design/Build Remodeling. Marty started Castle Home Services, Inc. in 2007 to complete home improvements for older urban homeowners (mostly past customers).

4:00-4:45pm -

SATURDAY - Presented by: Porcelite Bathroom Renewal Services

TOPIC/TITLE: How to Refresh an Old Bathub

DESCRIPTION: Need a new tub? I will discuss why refinishing a bathtub more cost effective then replacing a tub.

NAME OF PRESENTER: Rick Specken

BIO OF PRESENTER: Porcelite has been serving the TC metro area for over 33 years. Rick has 20+ years of experience in plumbing and construction. Graduated from Hennepin Technical College in 1987 with a degree in Carpentry.

SUNDAY - OPEN

STAGE #4 - SEMINARS

11:00-11:45pm - SAT and SUN

TOPIC: Financing your Home Improvements

DESCRIPTION: Learn how your home uses energy and how low cost no cost materials such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, pipe wrap and low flow showerheads make a big difference in your utility bills. This presentation will also give homeowners access to reliable and safe fixed rate financing through state agencies and nonprofit organizations for the larger energy efficiency upgrades in the home.

PRESENTER: Neely Crane-Smith

BIO OF PRESENTER: Neely Crane-Smith is the Community Energy Coordinator for the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), a local nonprofit that promotes energy efficiency to strengthen the economy while improving the environment. As a certified residential energy auditor, Neely’s focus is to make energy efficiency fun and easy! To date, Neely has given more than 250 presentations to anyone who will listen, including businesses, congregations and schools. Neely is a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico and is proud to have survived nine Minnesota winters.

12:00-12:45pm - SAT and SUN

TOPIC: GEO-101: A Better Way to Heat & Cool your Home

DESCRIPTION: For the past 31 years, GeoSystems has been providing home owners with exceptional comfort and cost-effectiveness in heating, air conditioning, and on-demand hot water. These products rely on the earth's energy to deliver heating and cooling comfort year-round, helping to reduce the use of fossil fuels in thousands of homes and businesses around the world.

PRESENTER: Mark Kennedy

BIO: Mark Kennedy is the Midwest Regional Sales Manager for GeoSystems. He has been with the company for over 10 years. He is certified through the International Ground Source Heat Pump Assocation and on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Geothermal Heat Pump Association.

1:00-1:45pm - SAT and SUN

TOPIC: Financing your Home Improvements

DESCRIPTION: Learn how your home uses energy and how low cost no cost materials such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, pipe wrap and low flow showerheads make a big difference in your utility bills. This presentation will also give homeowners access to reliable and safe fixed rate financing through state agencies and nonprofit organizations for the larger energy efficiency upgrades in the home.

PRESENTER: Neely Crane-Smith

BIO OF PRESENTER: Neely Crane-Smith is the Community Energy Coordinator for the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), a local nonprofit that promotes energy efficiency to strengthen the economy while improving the environment. As a certified residential energy auditor, Neely’s focus is to make energy efficiency fun and easy! To date, Neely has given more than 250 presentations to anyone who will listen, including businesses, congregations and schools. Neely is a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico and is proud to have survived nine Minnesota winters.

2:00-2:45pm - SAT and SUN

TOPIC: Update your kitchen without breaking the bank!

DESCRIPTION: Let's discuss some low-to-medium cost options that will drastically change the look and functionality of your kitchen!

PRESENTER: Joe Widmer

BIO: Joe Widmer owns a local Kitchen Tune-Up franchise. His time with Kitchen Tune-Up goes back to 2005 and he was part of the team that won the 2006 Kitchen Tune-Up "National Customer Service Award."

4:00-4:45pm - SAT and SUN