Harmony CEO Opens Up
A Strong Foundation
Seven years ago, I chose to go out on a limb. I had achieved enormous success running my own painting company, working on super high-end custom homes, and collaborating with high-end commercial stores like Versace, Hermès, Christian Louboutin, and Louis Vuitton. But when I gravitated to renovation projects after a colleague solicited my expertise for a project he was working on, I realized there was a need in the market I could not ignore.
I developed an eye for architectural design at a young age. I had an affinity for beautiful buildings and marveled at how alluring structures could be when designed well. The older I got, the more architecture captivated me. So, I decided to study the art and science of building design and acquired a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Florida Atlantic University.
I moved to the GTA in 2007 and began working as a painting and decorating company project manager. I found fulfillment in my work, however, something was bothering me. I wanted to put more care into each project and build relationships with the clients in a way I couldn’t do as long as I worked for someone else. I wanted to go the extra mile because I firmly believed that customers deserved the very best. So, I struck out on my own and established my own painting and decorating company that focused only on custom homes, and commercial corporate & retail high-end projects.
Running my own business and managing a team of painters allowed me to hone my leadership skills and increase my knowledge and experience in the field.
There was a distinct standard of excellence my team upheld, and soon, people began to take notice. We worked on high-end custom homes and a variety of notable commercial projects, including several stores as part of the Yorkdale expansion project and Toronto’s luxury shopping district Yorkville Village.
This partnership afforded me the opportunity to work closely with store managers, interior designers, and site supervisors, to bring their ideas to life with extraordinary decorative finishes and impeccable designs. My team worked tirelessly to complete complex projects under very tight schedules that included nights and weekends – all to ensure the project was completed on time.
How It Started
Creating Harmony
When a friend asked me to provide painting services for a basement renovation project, I agreed and ended up completing several renovation projects within a few months. I loved the idea of reinventing basement spaces using my background in structural design and aesthetics.
But the more I familiarized myself with some of the leading renovation companies, the more I observed that there was a gap in their services. I became keenly aware that there was a need for more organized systems that were not only effective but provided the best quality of work regardless of the budget.
As I looked at the floorplans, layouts, and design of many of the renovation projects I painted, I couldn’t help but notice that there was a lot left to be desired. Sometimes companies cut corners to increase profit margins. It troubled me deeply that they were not prioritizing the customer.
Harmony Core Values
Integrity. Dedication. Heart
Fuelled by a profound desire to make a difference in the market, I decided to start my own renovation company and use my expertise in architectural design and structure and do something good for customers.
I didn’t come from a rich family, but I knew that I had the work ethic, resilience, drive, and skillset to build a renovation company that adhered to the highest standards.
That’s Who I Am.
I chose the name Harmony because it embodied everything I wanted my company to be – a top-notch renovation service where every aspect of the company flowed together seamlessly to create a masterpiece.
Seven years ago, nobody knew about Harmony Basements. I was brand new to running a renovation company, but I knew I had what it took to be the difference that was so needed in the industry. Having already experienced success with my painting business, I was no stranger to hard work. I knew all I needed to do was apply the same values and principles to this new venture:
Staying true to these values helped me form trusting relationships with my customers. My experience in project management and designing came to the forefront and my customers realized that they could trust me.
I took a personal approach to each project and provided a comprehensive presentation that included a 3-D design with rendering, and a variety of design ideas. I held the presentations in the client’s home and used my computer. They were blown away by the level of detail in my presentations and what I could show them with just my laptop.
One of the reasons why Harmony has been able to keep our standards high is because our goal has never been to be the renovation company with the most projects. For us, it’s about a personal approach and never about the numbers. Our aspiration for an outstanding reputation supersedes our desire to make a profit. And we know that for longevity in the business, reputation counts.
Harmony Mission
A Lasting Legacy
As my clientele grew, I began to focus on marketing and began to build our team. I knew I needed a strong team to establish and maintain a reputation of excellence. So, I focused on building solid relationships with people I could trust – from framers to carpenters, floorist – everyone on my team needed to hold a similar level of dedication to their craft as I did.
It was also important for me to make sure that my entire team was adequately trained to produce the best results.
One of the reasons why Harmony has been able to keep our standards high is because our goal has never been to be the renovation company with the most projects. For us, it’s about a personal approach and never about the numbers. Our aspiration for an outstanding reputation supersedes our desire to make a profit. And we know that for longevity in the business, reputation counts.
Harmony is so much bigger than my dream. It’s a legacy I’m building for my children and their children.
Today, Harmony is now one of the leading renovation companies in the Greater Toronto Area and has expanded its footprint beyond basement projects to condo renovations, kitchen and millwork cabinetry, and custom renovations.
Diego B.
Founder and CEO, Harmony Reno Group