VICWEST Signs Popular TV Show Host/Contractor To Three-Year Endorsement Deal

Jim Caruk

Oakville, Ontario, Canada – Vicwest Building Products, a division of Vicwest Inc. (TSX: VIC, VIC.DB, VIC.DB.A), (“Vicwest”) has entered into a three-year association with Jim Caruk, Master Contractor, Editor-in-Chief of Renovation Contractor, founder of Renos for Heroes, and host of HGTV’s Real Renos and Builder Boss. The agreement between Vicwest and Caruk involves a category exclusive endorsement of Vicwest-branded building products.

“We are very pleased to have the endorsement of Jim Caruk for our products,” says Paul Lobb, President and General Manager of Vicwest Building Products. “Jim’s well-established reputation as a contractor and his public personality will help us to reach contractors and homeowners who may be unaware of the long-term savings and benefits of metal roofing as an investment for their homes as well as its environmentally sustainable qualities when compared to other building materials.”

“In my job, it’s important that you use first-class materials. So I’m very pleased to be the brand ambassador of a product that allows me to bring innovation and credibility to the projects I work on,” says Caruk.

“It’s sustainable, made in Canada, pays for itself quickly and then lasts forever and, with product lines like Summerside and Granite Ridge, you can find a style to suit any neighborhood,” Caruk adds. “Homeowners and contractors alike need to be educated about alternative roofing materials such as these.”

Caruk is also happy to be involved with the Vicwest Partner Program. This new program, which launches in the spring, will help connect homeowners with local installers, and provide installers with marketing and sales support.

In addition to his participation in integrated media campaigns, editorial, and promotions for the product lines, Caruk will take part in trade and customer-related events. His premier appearance with Vicwest as brand ambassador will occur on Friday, April 11th & Saturday, April 12 at the Ottawa Cottage and Backyard Show.

About Jim Caruk

With more than 35 years in the renovation and custom homebuilding business, Master Contractor Jim Caruk first came to the public eye in 2003 when his HGTV series, Real Renos, began a seven-year run. He’s since starred in another series, Builder Boss, and is currently in discussions on developing a new television and multi-media program.

In 2011, he launched Renovation Contractor, an award-winning national trade magazine for renovators and custom homebuilders.

Caruk also founded the Burlington, Ontario- based Build it Yourself Learning Centres (www.biyworkshops.com) which, through his network of accredited instructors and industry professionals, provides an interactive, practical learning forum to teach homeowners essential know-how skills to successfully complete building projects themselves.

In 2009, Caruk founded Renos for Heroes (www.renosforheroes.org), a non-profit foundation that provides essential building services and home modifications for wounded Canadian military personnel.

Vicwest has been a generous supporter of the cause. “Just as Vicwest gives back to the building industry with continuous innovation, they have also have given back so generously to the men and women who serve this amazing country,” says Caruk. “I’m so thrilled to have their support with Renos for Heroes.”

About Vicwest Inc.

Vicwest Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of engineered storage and handling systems for grain, fertilizer and liquid storage as well as building construction products for agriculture, commercial, industrial and residential markets. The company operates through two strategically aligned divisions: Vicwest Building Products and Westeel. For more information, visit www.vicwestinc.com.

About Vicwest

Vicwest is a manufacturer and distributor of metal construction products and systems for agricultural, commercial, industrial and residential markets. For more information, visit www.vicwest.com.