I am humble and grateful that you have taken the time to read my blog. I want to start with a story to tell you how I got here. I never thought I would be in the renovation business as I was a gym rat. I still am, needless to say! But one of my closest friends at the time asked me when I was going to start to be serious with my life, so he asked me to go and apply for a job at a kitchen and bathroom showroom. I had no clue what I was getting myself into, but he was doing very well in his life and I was ready for a change, so I decided to go and give it a try. Worst case, I still had the gym to fall back on. So needless to say, without any experience at all, green like the grass, I was hired and put on the parts counter. I had no idea what a cartridge was, or seats or valves, and I would have all these plumbers and DIY guys coming looking for these things. I was told “fake it until you make it! It’s easy”.
With some practice, and who knows how many mistakes, I learned how to fix and/or replace parts for almost any plumbing situation. After that I was promoted very quickly to the position of project manager. I had no business being there, but I learned many things. I was responsible for delivering what was promised by the bathroom specialists to the home owner or business owner. I was responsible for getting all of the products, managing installers, dealing with setbacks and deficiencies, and making sure the bathroom was built properly, on time, and on budget. You learn a couple of things along the way that, let’s say, can help you prepare for what you don’t know. I guess when you are responsible for everything, you start to see things that can make the process easier, smoother, less stressful, at least that’s what I think.
From there I became a bathroom specialist and I was able to bring my best practices and things that I learned along the way to create a road map that was easy to follow, to help you get to where it is you are hoping to go. I have been helping people build Bathrooms & Kitchens for the past 14 years. We typically build 1- 3 bathrooms any given week and I would probably have to pull out a calculator to figure it out, but I think I have been a part of many successful projects. Now let me tell you not every project went according to plan and not every project was perfect. I have had my share of leaks, cracked tile, broken shower doors, things not delivered when promised and unforeseen challenges. Although no one likes these challenges, I do take full responsibility for them and make sure they are resolved to the best of my ability. I know that sometimes, at the time, it will seem like it’s not good enough, but it is what it is, and my doors will be open and my phone will be on, and we will be here for you. We will get it done.
So, no matter if you are a home owner, designer, plumber, or DIY guy, my goal and purpose is to bring everything that I have learned, and that I am learning, to the table to help in any aspect of the renovation process. My promise is to bring you information of value that will help you achieve successful projects designed to fit you, your home, and your budget.
About Patrick Pienkosz
Patrick Pienkosz is the owner of Elegant Bathrooms located in Stoney Creek, Ontario.
