Who’s your Reno Valentine. Scott McGillivray is Reno Ready.
We found true renovation love, Scott McGillivray. You may know him as the host from the hit HGTV Show Income Property. We caught up with the popular TV Host and trusted contractor to see what he had to say in our exclusive interview.
We hope you’ll fall in love with Scott too seeing him at GTA Home and Reno Show. Scott will be appearing live in Toronto at the GTA Home and Reno Show, February 13th at 1 pm. But before you choose him as your Valentine, I sat down with Scott to get the inside scoop and more.
What is your favourite room in your home and why?
S: The family room. It’s a lot messier than it used to be now that I have two toddlers, but it’s where the whole family hangs out and spends time together.
What is one item in your home you couldn’t live without?
S: My steam shower. I admit it’s a total luxury but now that I have it I can’t live without it. Especially in the winter. My neighbours even come over and use it sometimes.
What advice have you got for aspiring new couples taking on a renovation?
S: Learn the art of compromise before you start!
What is your reno pet peeve?
S: When people cut corners to save money. I can guarantee that not doing something properly the first time will cost you a lot more money in the long run.
Most memorable career moment to date?
S: Winning the Canadian Screen Award for best lifestyle series was a great moment for me personally and the whole IP team. It’s amazing to see something you put so much work into get recognized like that.
photo credit: Pinterest: scottmcg
Any embarrassing on-the-job moments you’d like to share?
S: I usually know everything that’s going on on set, but one time my team totally blindsided me by attacking me with water balloons while I was on camera. And of course the whole thing was filmed…
What are your personal mantras?
S: Don’t let good get in the way of great.
What is your #1 tip for those managing a marriage, family and business?
S: Everything comes down to what’s good for the family. If something isn’t going to benefit my wife and kids in the long run I don’t do it.
What famous figures inspire you?
S: I like people who dedicate their lives to inspiring and empowering other people. Tony Robbins is someone I’ve always been inspired by.
Where do you get your inspiration?
S: If you’d asked me this question a few years ago you would have gotten a different answer, but now it’s my kids. I think about things in a different way and it’s had a big impact on how I run my businesses.
photo credit: Instagram: scott_mcgillivray
What are three things nobody knows about you, but you wish they did?
S: I’m an open book – I have no secrets! Although one thing a lot of people don’t know is that when I was just starting out I posed for some stock images and one made its way onto the cover of a university marketing text book. Every September I get inundated with messages from people asking if it’s me on the cover of their text book. Spoiler alert – it is.
What is your favourite app on your smartphone?
S: I’m hooked on Instagram. I’ve been known to pull over on the side of the road to take pictures of funny things so I can Instagram them. It drives my wife crazy.
