THE KITCHEN MAGICIAN

The Fall Home Show welcomes a home improvement expert

by the hoMe buiLDer’s association

Featured speaker is Paul F. Ryan, a nationally recognized home improvement expert. Known as the “kitchen magician,” his seminars feature cost-effective kitchen improvements that will bring years of enjoyment and a nice payday when it comes time to sell. Ryan has remodeled hundreds of kitchens through his work as television show host on both the DIY and TLC cable networks, and off-camera as a licensed building contractor in the Twin Cities.

Ryan says, “People often ask how I got the ‘magician’ tag. What happened is the DIY crew coined the term after seeing so many of my clients literally spellbound at the transformation of their remodeled kitchens!”

The Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead organizes the show. HBA Executive Vice President Bryce Johnson says, “We are excited to unveil the event in this new, refreshing venue. Scheels Arena is inside the hub of activity and offers consumers a convenient location to take in some wonderful seminars, and meet our building industry exhibitors. It’s a great opportunity have experts come together in one place with easy access.”

In this age of webinars, social media and YouTube, the Fall Home Show gives F-M area residents a chance to connect personally with home improvement experts. Now in its 24th year, the event displays a wide array of exhibits under one roof, varying from general contractors to interior designers to basement specialists. It will be Sept. 27-28 at Scheels Arena.

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity will offer kids projects throughout show hours allowing children to construct projects provided by Lowe’s Home Improvement. The event’s sponsors include Budget Blinds of Fargo, Luxury Bath of Fargo and LP Building Products.

About the “kitchen magician” Ryan has been in the construction industry for over 25 years. He began at Valleyfair amusement park in Shakopee, Minn., and built everything from rides to structures. The TV gig was happenstance: in the early 1990s, a company needed someone to host a video project who could talk about tools while using them. Ryan was the perfect fi t.

He became a household name through hosting the national cable broadcast “Kitchen Renovations” and on the popular DIY broadcast “Weekend Handyman.” In addition, he has hosted the DIY broadcast “Home Energy Savings” and TLC’s “How-2 Crew” and has appeared on HGTV and The Food Network.

Ryan’s two-second tip to those embarking on a DIY project of their own: “Have 15 percent extra in your budget for contingencies - you’ll probably need it!” he laughs. [AWM]

IF YOU GO ...

• September 27 and 28

•12–8 pm Friday, 9 am–6 pm Saturday

• The Scheels Arena, 5225 31st Avenue South, Fargo

• See hbafm.com as the show nears for a seminar schedule, or pick up the show guide in The Forum on September 22 or at Hornbacher’s on September 23.

• Admission is $3. Kids under 14 are free with paying adult. $1-off coupon available in show guide. Two-for-one admission hours run 2–5 pm Friday ($1-off admission coupon not valid).

• Free parking.