Sam Brusco
Brusco Design & Renovation
401-632-0765
www.BruscoDesign.com
Sam Brusco is a general contractor and carpenter specializing in residential renovations and additions. His company is Brusco Design & Renovation. As the name would indicate, they design projects on the computer (in 3-D) to show what the results will be before they start anything. This is commonly referred to as "design-build".
Brusco said, "our clients know exactly what they will get before we swing a hammer. Very few people can read 2-dimensional plans and envision what a room (or a house) will look like weeks later. The computer allows us or the client to spot design deficiencies before they become a costly mistake. It decreases anxiety and increases customer satisfaction. It makes planning fun for our clients and makes the whole renovation process go smoother".
Mr. Brusco is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), a Certified Green Professional (CGP), a Certified Active Adult Housing Specialist and a graduate of Bentley University Graduate School. He is also the first Rhode Islander to begin coursework for NAHB's new Advanced Green Builder/Remodeler designation. Obviously, education is very important to Mr. Brusco, and when asked why he has dedicated so much time to learning, his response was "most contractors learn from hearsay and trial-and-error; those are both lousy teachers. It's much better to get the latest building science knowledge directly from experts. A surprising amount of the coursework is to create deeper empathy for the people we serve. For example, I am only 44, but I now have a greater understanding of what clients older than I need and want from a contractor. Better knowledge leads to better homes and a better experience for my clients".
In turn, Brusco is passing on this knowledge through a series of classes for homeowners. They include:
How to Hire ANY Contractor: how to find a good plumber, electrician, general contractor, roofer, etc.
How to Avoid a Renovation Horror: the rest of what you need to know before you remodel
Greening Your Home: how to make your home more energy efficient and Earth-friendly and save money in the process
Staying in Your Own Home After 65: maintaining a safe, active and independent lifestyle
He has been teaching these classes free at public libraries and other venues in the Providence area; the first two have even been approved by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulations. This month, he is teaching in North Providence, Cumberland and East Greenwich. More information can be found at www.hireANYcontractor or by calling Sam at 401-632-0765.
Brusco is a proud member of the RI Chapter of the National Aging in Place Council, the RI Builders Association, the National Association of Home Builders, the NAHB 50+ Council, and the US Green Building Council RI Chapter.
Louise Cadieux
Comfort Keepers
651 Putnam Pike PO Box 875
Greenville, RI02828
louisecadieux@comfortkeepers.com
401-688-2521
Louise Cadieux’s rich background as a twenty year advocate for the elderly led her to the position of Networking Manager with Comfort Keepers, a premier provider of non-medical in home care for seniors throughout Rhode Island. Comfort Keepers provides interactive care giving that includes companionship, incidental transportation, meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping and errands. Another service that the company provides is a Safety Choice personal emergency response system (PERS). This benefits the client and allows them to stay in their home, provides a better quality of life, peace of mind and being prepared for the unexpected.
In addition to her networking assignment, Louise has incorporated her past experiences by providing presentations on health, safety and fun topics to senior groups throughout Rhode Island. Louise believes in community involvement and is a board member of the Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island, Secretary of the Osteoporosis Coalition, member of Minority Elder Task Force, and the North Providence Rotary Club.
Also, this year Louise Co-founded and is Co-Chair of the only Rhode Island Chapter of the National Aging in Place Council. Louise said that "it is important to be involved with a trusted group of senior oriented professionals and it is comforting to know that we can then be a good referral source for seniors who require services to continue living in their home. No matter how long we have been in business, there is always something new to learn from one another. I believe the Chapter will benefit many elders who don’t know where to go or who to talk to when they need assistance in making difficult decisions. Elders and their families will reap the rewards by having these professionals and resources available to them".