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Mike de Blois
OWNER & PRINCIPAL
After living in Scotland, Mike settled in Vancouver where he obtained his Red Seal carpentry qualification at the British Columbia Institute of Technology in 2006. He has worked in residential construction ever since, honing and expanding his expertise.
He founded de Blois Built (formerly Bright design Build) in 2009 with his wife Roisin after moving back to Ontario.Mike draws inspiration from the creative aspects of building and his skillset is driven by a passion for quality craftsmanship and good design. He has a strong ability to embrace and effectively work through the inherent challenges of residential construction projects. He is a natural leader, charismatic yet reserved, with an energy that draws people to him, motivating and inspiring those who work with him. Mike’s passion for connecting with others is at the root of de Blois Built’s core values. He is committed to creating a positive and healthy workplace culture, which extends beyond the team to his relationship with clients and industry peers.
He lives in Trent Hills with his wife and business partner, Roisin and their five children. Sports, live music, and travel occupy his time and energy outside of work and home life. -
Roisin de Blois
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
A creative problem solver and the imaginative force behind de Blois Built, Roisin’s leadership is inspired by our values framework of connection and curiosity. She has a nurturing influence, fostering growth through mindful mentorship and her vision of a thriving team supported by innovative and progressive systems and resources.
Roisin earned her Masters of Social Work at the University of Edinburgh and was a clinical social worker in a diverse array of healthcare settings for nearly 30 years. Since co-founding the family business in 2009, she has been working behind-the-scenes in support of her husband Mike, developing the foundations of de Blois Built. In 2021 she retired from social work and joined the company full-time.
After meeting her soulmate in Edinburgh, Roisin emigrated to Canada in 2002, landing first in Alberta, before moving to Vancouver, Toronto, and then settling in Trent Hills, a landscape reminiscent of rural Ireland, where she grew up. Thriving amidst chaos is in her DNA, growing up as one of eight children and now mother to a daughter and four sons. Roisin maintains a strong connection to her Irish roots and family, returning to her homeland regularly. Outside of work and family commitments, you will find her immersed in her passions: cooking up a storm, catching live music, or taming her restless spirit with travel adventures. -
Heather Hill
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Although fairly new to the construction industry, Heather comes with a vast array of tangible experience. Heather obtained her Master's degree in Communications in 2004 and worked in the film industry as a coordinator, production manager and producer. Later, she ran her own business as a certified birth doula and childbirth educator, before becoming a managing editor and a regulatory compliance specialist in the dietary supplement industry.
Heather is a strong natural leader. Her ability to plan ahead and develop easy-to-use organizational tools and systems that streamline workflow improves day-to-day experiences for both our clients and our team. Heather excels at translating complex ideas into terms that are accessible to everyone. With the help of her fun, charismatic character, Heather’s main goal is to help make the jobs of her fellow co-workers easier and foster team connections.
Heather and her husband live with their two daughters and their dog Piggy in the village of Warkworth. When she’s not working, you will find Heather riding bikes, camping, gardening, checking out live music or giving back to her community through volunteer work and activism.
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Max Garside
PROJECT MANAGER
After earning his degree as an Architectural Technician from Centennial College, Max now carries five years of project management experience under his belt. However, it is the last two years of working in residential construction that have confirmed Max’s love for this field of work.
Handling the vast scope of custom builds while staying level headed is Max’s super power. His ability to manage many things at once in a timely, professional manner helps his clients feel confident that their project is in the right hands. Max strives to create great client relationships while building dream homes. This is his primary focus with every project he takes on. This is what makes working with Max such a pleasant experience.
Max lives in Gravenhurst with his wife Brenda and their dog Beasley, and they are hoping to grow their family very soon! -
Alec Davis
PROJECT MANAGER
Alec has a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Lakehead University. Before joining de Blois Built, he worked in heavy civil construction, road construction, and architectural millwork. Alec enjoys working as part of a team to see a project through from concept all the way through to completion. He especially likes complex, challenging projects that require a lot of creative problem solving.
Alec grew up in Trent Hills and built his own forever home in Warkworth. He recently married his high school sweetheart. In his spare time, Alec enjoys woodworking and walks with his dog, Otis.
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Mitch Arnold
SITE SUPERVISOR/ LEAD CARPENTER
Mitch graduated from Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) as an Electrical Engineering Technician and he wasted no time gaining valuable experience in the construction industry. He now has four years of professional framing experience, as well as seven years as a trim carpenter under his belt. With these valuable skills, Mitch was able to build a beautiful home for his own family!
Mitch loves the creativity involved in building a home. He loves being able to take his vision and bring it to life by working through the best techniques to achieve the highest quality product. Mitch is an expert problem solver, able to identify problems and rectify them before they grow or become an issue. His outgoing personality and passion for his work makes Mitch an asset to the team.
Mitch lives in a quaint house in Trenton, with his wife, daughter and puppy.
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Owen Gallant
APPRENTICE CARPENTER
Owen completed the Building Construction Technician Program at Canadore College in 2021 and now has two years of field experience under his belt. Owen is currently working towards completing his General Carpentry Apprenticeship through George Brown College. Certified in first aid, Owen has also taken on the role as a Health and Safety Representative at de Blois Built.
From the early stages of framing which reflect honest craftsmanship, to finish carpentry that highlights the precision of the trade, Owen truly enjoys seeing a project come together. His passion and willingness to learn keeps Owen striving to build to the best of his ability to ensure a great product for his clients – a beautiful home they can create memories in for years to come.
Owen is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys spending his summers fishing in central Ontario. During the winter months you will find him on the rink playing hockey. -
Josh Sawyer
CARPENTER
As a kid, Josh always knew that he wanted to build dream homes. He got his first hands-on taste of construction when he was a teenager, spending his summers doing excavation, landscaping, and building at Shelter Valley Pines Golf Club. After deciding to become a carpenter, he began framing homes in subdivisions, before moving into working on custom builds. Josh loves that he gets to learn more, grow more and work at being the best carpenter he can be every single day on the job site. He is passionate about being on a high-performing team and collaborating with architects and designers in working towards the ultimate in finish and functionality.
Josh is Dad to two awesome kids and his favourite thing is teaching them new things; watching them learn and find new things to love. He also loves fishing & camping, disc golf, snowboarding and dirt bikes. He is into pretty much anything with an adrenaline rush!
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Wes Hardwick
CARPENTER
Wes graduated from Durham College in 2017 with a diploma in Sustainable Carpentry. Over the past 10 years he has worked in both residential and commercial construction in Toronto, Durham, Muskoka, and now Trent Hills. Wes is a creative, open-minded, and well-rounded carpenter who likes taking on new challenges and developing new skills. Wes is passionate about fine carpentry and is an expert in finishing details.
When he’s off the clock, Wes spends most of his time at home with his wife, their new baby, and their two dogs. He also enjoys snowboarding, gaming, camping, fishing, and summers at the cottage.