Trusted Team Brags About Backyard Living Center, Your Trusted Saskatoon Hot Tub Store!

4. Jan 2022 Admin Saskatoon Hot Tubs, Saskatoon Outdoor Living & Recreation, Trusted Brag Blogs

The Trusted Saskatoon team is thrilled to brag about our newest Trusted Saskatoon outdoor living and recreation partner, Backyard Living Center, your Trusted Saskatoon Hot Tub Store!

Sheryl and Matthew Harras are the proud owners of Backyard Living Center, a local, family-owned and operated Saskatoon hot tub store. They are passionate about helping citizens of Saskatoon and the surrounding area find the best hot tub, or outdoor furniture to meet their needs without the high-pressure sales tactics. They really do care and go the extra mile to find out what will work best for you and your family, whether it’s a new hot tub, supplies or chemicals, or just honest advice and tips. They also have amazing customer service, as many of their customers have raved about their personable attitude and dependability. When dealing with Backyard Living Center, you’re not dealing with just any staff members… you’re personally dealing with the owners… and they are owners who care!

Sheryl suffered from painful back issues after several unfortunate vehicle accidents. After seeking relief in many places, much to her surprise, she found that hot tub hydrotherapy really helped! She was never interested in hot tubs, but when one came with a new house the family purchased she decided to give it a try, and here she is years later a hot tub convert who has excellent advice to share!

This couple is striving to be the best in the hot tub industry. So after gaining years of knowledge and expertise with a few other companies, and noting both the good and bad of the industry, they feel confident that they can provide unparalleled service and professionalism along with friendly and honest advice, to those looking to purchase a hot tub. Not only do they have a great selection of Canadian-made hot tubs and spas, but they can also look after your service and repair needs, hot tub and pool water care, and even hot tub and pool financing. In addition, they are introducing luxury outdoor furniture this coming spring!!

“Remember, they don’t just sell hot tubs and spas, they are here to help you with Emotional Wellness, Physical Wellness and Relational Wellness. Did you know that hot tubs are hydrotherapy for your entire body, and can help with headaches, sports injuries, back pain, knee pain, tight muscles and sciatica?"

We are so fortunate that Sheryl, Matthew, and their daughter Sara moved to Saskatoon to establish and grow their business, and we are thrilled about their decision to join our Trusted Saskatoon community. They saw Saskatoon as the perfect place, with the right demographics, the right economy, and the right people to create their dream business. But no matter where you live in Saskatchewan, the team at Backyard Living Center will try their best to assist you.

Community Support Is Important

Making a difference in our community in various charitable ways is a real heartfelt mission of Backyard Living Center. Above is a recent photo of owners Matthew and Sheryl, and below is a photo of a local hero Owen and his Mom. Thanks to their customers for shopping local, the company was able to give back to this young local hero by donating funds so that Owen could get a fin for his amputation and enjoy some swimming lessons.

As part of our Unique Trusted verification process, where we speak to real customers and suppliers, we continually heard the same positive comments about Sheryl and Matthew and the feedback was nothing short of excellent.

“I heard about Sheryl and Matthew from someone else, and when she had mentioned they were going to open up their own store I waited to deal with them, and I’m so happy I did! They have gone above and beyond my expectations, from purchasing, to installation to solving my water and ph problems, I have not experienced any problems whatsoever. I would definitely rate them a 10/10 and have already referred them to friends and family.” - Ryan McIntyre, Rural SK

“I first met Sheryl Harras when she was employed as the Sales manager for a very successful and long established Pool and Spa company based in BC. I myself have been associated with the Pool and Spa industry for 30 years, so I was surprised that after just one meeting I was immediately impressed with her level of professionalism and knowledge. For the next 2 years we developed a mutually beneficial relationship. Her enthusiasm and salesmanship ensured that her store soon became one of my largest customers and still is to this day. More recently, when Sheryl advised me that she was planning to move to Saskatoon and start her own Hot Tub retail store, I was fully committed to help in any way possible. I know with her track record, it will only be a matter of time before Backyard Living Center becomes one of the most successful Hot Tub stores, not just within Saskatoon but within all of Western Canada. H2O Spas is proud to partner with Sheryl and Matt Harras and they can be assured of our support as they continue to grow their business.”

Sincerely, Mark Owen, H2O Spas

See their selection of in-stock H2O Canadian-made premium spas at their showroom on Brodsky Avenue, or visit their website for more choices and information on hot tub supplies, hot tub care and maintenance and service. Take it from us… you will not be disappointed!!!

“Your Backyard Oasis is Waiting For You!”

You can read more amazing client testimonials and see all products and services they offer by checking out the Backyard Living Center’s listing by clicking on the link below.

Backyard Living Center is Your Trusted Saskatoon Hot Tub and Outdoor Furniture Store!

Reed Security Trusted Saskatoon Alarm & Security Experts For Over 10 Years

30. Nov 2021 Admin Saskatoon Alarm & Security, Trusted Partner News, Trusted Tips

TRUSTED SASKATOON RECOGNIZES OUR 10 YEAR TRUSTED SASKATOON PARTNERS!

In this series of articles, we are shining a spotlight on the businesses that have been with us since we launched in 2011. We want to thank them for TRUSTING our team, and we are recognizing each of them individually for providing 10 years of OUTSTANDING service to the public of Saskatoon and surrounding areas! In this article, we celebrate and recognize Virgil Reed and the team at Reed Security - Trusted Saskatoon Alarm and Security Experts!

We are pleased to celebrate Reed Security who has been a TRUSTED Saskatoon partner for over 10 years!

Reed Security was founded in March of 2000 when Virgil was just 26 years of age! It was tough in the early years competing with the large national companies and local competitors, but he saw there was a gap in the Saskatoon market, and seized the opportunity. Today Reed Security has become the largest independent security provider in Saskatchewan and one of the largest in western Canada!!

Starting from humble beginnings from an office in his basement, Virgil Reed, the local founder, and CEO worked tirelessly to provide customers with amazing service, better technology, and unparalleled long-term relationships as his vision for growth. When you become a Reed Security client you will be entering into a relationship, one they want to grow and nurture and become long term. That is why Virgil, and his entire team, live and breathe his company’s motto

“We’re Local. We Care.”

Year after year for over 20 years, a good portion of their business comes from word of mouth and referrals, and each client receives the best care and attention possible. When we presented Virgil with his 10 Year Trusted Saskatoon Award we asked him about the values of Reed Security, what he teaches his team and what separates them from other companies in this industry. He pointed to the wall in his entrance area. It is there for customers and visitors to see and it greets every staff member that walks through those front doors every day. They live, eat, breathe Excellence, Integrity, Accountability, Teamwork in all they do, but most important to Virgil and the team at Reed, is the Customer Experience and making sure at the end of the day, they are happy!

“I have known Virgil Reed since 2007, and have always been impressed with his business acumen, leadership, drive and passion to be the best at everything he takes on. I have had a Reed System in my home for over 10 years, and in an industry that is known all too well for the high pressure doorstep sales tactics, Reed stands apart as a local company with a strong foundation of integrity and solid values. I trust Virgil and his team to protect me and my family and you can too!"
- Sara Wheelwright, Trusted Founder

We guarantee when you choose Reed Security as your security partner, you will receive innovative and reliable solutions at an affordable price from a local family-owned business that cares! They currently protect over 5,000 homes and businesses and provide outstanding Same/Next Business Day Support and Service. If you believe in Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Innovation, Family, and Fun then you share the same values and will look forward to that long-term relationship. We are so proud of their many awards and accolades, including numerous SABEX Awards, NSBA Awards, being voted “Best Customer Service” by the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce and their local support team has a 95% Client Happiness rating!

Thank you for TRUSTING us Virgil, and your amazing team, and thank you for providing 10 years of AMAZING service to the people of Saskatoon. Reed Security continues to be the top-rated security company in Saskatoon, and they have always upheld our 5 TRUSTED GUARANTEES of service.

Reed Security - 10 Year Trusted Saskatoon Alarm and Security Professionals!

When the Trusted Saskatoon team gives a business the 'Thumbs Up' it really means something!! So continue to use and recommend TrustedSaskatoon.com to FIND GREAT LOCAL BUSINESSES YOU CAN TRUST like Reed Security.

Trusted Saskatoon was founded on the principle that great local businesses deserve the promotion. We know they are out there, we have found many already, and we work hard to find more. Please help us by nominating your favourite Saskatoon businesses here.

MEET ALL OF THE 10 YEAR TRUSTED SASKATOON PARTNERS BY CLICKING HERE

Trusted Saskatoon Auto Body Experts at Western Millennium Collision - Winter Vehicle Maintenance Tips

16. Nov 2021 Admin Saskatoon Auto Body, Trusted Tips

At Western Millennium Collision, they focus on three things: quality, convenience, and service. Quality implies that they maintain state-of-the-art tools and equipment so that their highly experienced technicians have all the latest tools and technology to ensure that your vehicle receives the finest quality and extraordinary workmanship. Convenience is all about valuing your time and simplifying the process of having your car fixed from the moment you contact them. Their shop is large enough to accommodate any size of vehicle, so that you can drive into the estimator for a complete evaluation of the damages to determine how fast the repairs can be done and how much it will cost, in one easy step. Western Millennium Collision Is a Trusted Saskatoon Collision Repair & Auto Body Shop.

PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE FOR WINTER

Winter driving conditions are hard on your vehicle. As winter approaches, it is helpful to be prepared for the icy, snowy road conditions ahead. Here are a few easy vehicle maintenance tips to prepare for winter.

CHECK YOUR VEHICLE'S BATTERY TO PREPARE FOR WINTER

To prepare for the cold winter months, one of the most important things to do is check your battery. A quick inspection and battery health test will ensure a dead battery will not leave you stranded in the cold. Your best defence against the cold weather is a fresh battery. If your battery is weak, be sure to replace it.

If you do not drive your vehicle often, it is beneficial to attach your battery to a trickle charger or maintainer. Because your battery needs to work harder in the cold weather, it loses power over time if your vehicle is not frequently in use. Utilizing a trickle charger will ensure your vehicle starts when you need it to.

CHECK YOUR VEHICLE'S TIRE PRESSURE

As the weather gets colder, it is particularly important to monitor tire pressure. In cold weather conditions, low tire pressure is more common. This is because fluctuating temperatures cause the air in your tires to expand and contract. As good tires are essential for icy conditions, low tire pressure leads to poor performance on the road. In addition to monitoring tire pressure, utilizing snow or winter tires may be worth the investment. Winter tires will help with traction and safety on icy winter roads.

GET AN OIL CHANGE

To ensure your engine runs efficiently in cold weather conditions, it needs to be properly lubricated. Due to the fact that cold weather reduces the effectiveness of car oil, it is necessary to use thinner oil during the winter months. Therefore, the wintertime can be a good opportunity to switch to synthetic oil, provided it is appropriate for your vehicle. Overall, synthetic oil is more free-flowing at temperatures below freezing and offers protection against your vehicle’s engine immediately. This is because synthetic oil does not require any time to warm up. Be sure to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to ensure you are using the proper oil viscosity.

PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE'S EXTERIOR

As the temperature drops, exposure to the cold elements is not ideal for the exterior of your vehicle. Whenever possible, always seek shelter for your vehicle in the cold months. This keeps brushing the snow and scraping the ice off of it to a minimum. If you have a garage, it is recommended that you utilize it to park your vehicle. Shelter protects your vehicle’s paint job from the elements.

In addition to your vehicle’s exterior, protecting your vehicle’s interior is also important throughout the winter. Use snow mats to keep melted snow and dirt from wrecking the carpet of your vehicle.

REPLACE YOUR WIPER BLADES

In conditions where snow and ice are prevalent, clear visibility on the road is especially important. To ensure clear visibility, good-quality windshield wiper blades are essential. A good set of wiper blades will suffice for all seasons, and there is not necessarily a need for wiper blades that are winter-specific. However, it is recommended that you replace windshield wiper blades once a year. In addition, a car scraper should always be used to remove ice from your windshield. This will prolong the life of your windshield wipers.

Following these easy tips will ensure you drive comfortably and stay safe on the roads this winter. When you’re driving, you should focus only on the road that is in front of you and if you get in any collision or accident, contact Western Millennium Collision for all your vehicle repair needs.

Western Millennium Collision Is a Trusted Saskatoon Collision Repair & Auto Body Shop.

Trusted Saskatoon Group Benefits Advisors at Wiegers Financial & Benefits Explain Employee Wellness Programs

8. Nov 2021 Trusted Saskatoon Saskatoon Financial Services, Saskatoon Insurance, Trusted Tips

Wiegers Financial & Benefits is one of the largest private financial planning and employee benefits consulting firms in Saskatchewan. Its Saskatoon Financial Planning Division provides business owners, households, retirees, and students with expert investment and insurance planning services to help them reach their long-term financial goals. They also have a Benefits and Personal Insurance planning division. In this latest Wiegers Group Benefits tip, they explain flex benefits for employee wellness. Wiegers Financial & Benefits are Trusted Saskatoon Insurance and Group Benefits experts.

The Future is Flexible: Flex Benefits for Employee Wellness

A proper employee benefits program is a quintessential tool in helping to ensure employee health and well-being. As long as your employees utilize the program, it can help keep them healthy, happy, and focused at work. However, with the changing generations in the workforce – and the fact that millennials now comprise a majority of it – standard employee benefit programs need to change as well.

Younger staff are looking for flexible, digital offerings that let them get what they want out of a plan. They want solutions to support their mental health and wellness. A recent survey indicated that only 53% of Canadians indicated that their mental health was good or very good; this is quite a drop from last year’s report of 67%.[1] An easy solution is to provide an employee and family assistance program (EFAP). While counseling is at the core of an EFAP, it also has many other valuable mental health solutions for employees who are struggling.

A great way to combine the need for flexibility and for wellness is a flex account. A flex account is a pool of money that employees can direct to either a health or wellness spending account. A Health Spending Account (HSA) covers claims for health, dental, and prescription drugs, and is regulated by Canada Revenue Agency. A wellness account, on the other hand, allows you the flexibility of letting your employees choose what they want to be covered.

Some of the most common wellness expenses are gym memberships and sports fees but vet bills and even home office furniture can qualify too. This can be of huge value to employees when at least two-thirds of Canadian businesses have 60% of their staff working from home (and up to 55% of employees will continue to work remotely post-pandemic).[2]

Digital telemedicine offerings are another way that you can offer flexible wellness solutions for your employees. Available through the telephone or through an app, telemedicine offers your employees the ability to connect with a physician or nurse practitioner 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Canadians are showing higher satisfaction rates when meeting with a doctor digitally and many are even saying that they prefer a digital meeting as a first visit.[3]

Having a range of digital and flexible wellness options for your employees gives you not only a leg up on your competition for recruitment but also lets you take care of your employees’ physical and mental wellness. It’s an investment that for most employers, is well worth making.

Matthew Hill, B.A.

Benefits Advisor, Wiegers Financial and Insurance Planning Services Ltd.

Wiegers’ Benefits Consulting Division includes many consultants and support staff who custom-design the most employee-valued and cost-effective group benefit, personal insurance, employee assistance programs, and retirement plans available. Contact Wiegers today for a no-obligation consultation to determine how they can help you.

Wiegers Financial & Benefits are Trusted Saskatoon Insurance and Group Benefits Advisors

Trusted Saskatoon Realtor Marla Janzen's Tips to Prepare Your Home for Fall and Winter Weather

30. Sep 2021 Admin Saskatoon Real Estate, Trusted Tips

As an award-winning SASKATOON REAL Estate agent, Marla Janzen knows the city and surrounding area extremely well. She strives to find her clients the perfect new place to live while negotiating the best terms and price possible. She has a keen eye for house layout and home staging, which really benefits her clients, most of whom are past client referrals! In her latest Saskatoon real estate tip, Marla shares tips on how to prepare your home for the colder months ahead.

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR FALL FEELS

Fall has a certain air to it, don’t you think? As the seasons change, it’s time to get your house ready for the coming rain, snow, and ice. The best way to avoid problems later in the season is to plan ahead and do some simple house maintenance as early as now. By doing this, you’ll be free to take advantage of everything the autumn season has to offer. To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of practical things to do on your own. However, hiring a professional to do it for you will be more cost-effective in the long run, saving you both time and money.

Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare your house for the colder months ahead.

1. Check the roof for leaks

From the ground, you should be able to get a good look at it. Consider using a pair of binoculars or scaling a nearby structure for a better vantage point if you’re up for the challenge. Look for shingles that are loose, broken, or missing. The removal of leaves and other debris can be necessary if your roof is flat.

2. Make sure your gutters are clear

It’s critical to maintain the smooth flow of your roof’s drainage system, which annually diverts tens of thousands of gallons of water from the exterior and foundation walls of your residence. Clogged gutters can result in water damage to your home’s exterior and a flooded basement. They rust and corrode more quickly. Remove all debris from your gutters and cover them with mesh gutter guards before the leaves start falling this season.

3. Remove leaves and check the trees in your area

Examine the trees in your area. Look for broken or too close to electrical wires or the roof, damaged limbs. Meanwhile, clear the yard of leaves by raking them and then removing them. If you have access to a compost pile, use it. If this is not an option, place in yard waste bags and place at the curb for collection by the neighborhood.

4. Replace window and door screens

Strengthen the windows and doors of your home. Having storm windows and doors would be best as replacements for your screens. All doors and windows should have caulk and seals checked.

5. Pool closeout

Schedule a pool closing service if you have a pool and live in a cold climate. If you are capable, you can buy the supplies and close your pool yourself if you know how to do this task.

6. Garage clean up

Organizing your garage or shed for fall and winter is a terrific time to search through your supplies. Don’t wait for snow trouble before you find that snow shovel of yours. If you live in an area with erratic weather, be sure your snowblower is serviced and ready to go.

7. Manage the shed

Most often than not, we have summer items filing up our storage. It’s an excellent time to organize and clean up your shed now by rearranging and putting all summer items at the back and winter products in the front to make it easier to get the things you’d need in the colder seasons. Be sure to get rid of everything that could freeze, as well. Restore and store outdoor furniture that has been left unused over the winter. Clean the cushions by removing them and washing them—store furniture in a dry spot throughout the winter after cleaning and drying it.

8. Make a bundle of firewood a priority

With fireplaces in mind, it’s time to start accumulating firewood. You’ll be happy you did it when the cold weather arrives. Use dried and ready-to-use firewood if you’ve collected it yourself. Covering and storing firewood away from the home is the safest option. Outside, construct a firewood rack and a carrier for moving the wood inside. Make sure you have enough wood on hand for the entire season.

9. Take care of the fireplace and the chimney

The colder months would surely make you and your family spend more time together, lounging in front of the fireplace. Ensure that the fireplace and chimney are both working properly before using the fireplace. It’s highly recommended that you have a professional chimney sweep and inspection if you frequently use your wood fireplace. To avoid chimney fires, schedule a chimney cleaning appointment right away.

10. Make sure that the furnace and boiler are working properly

You should check your furnace or boiler in the fall to make sure it’s ready for the cold weather. A furnace’s filters should be changed on a regular basis throughout the fall and winter. Have it inspected if necessary, by doing so, you’ll be saving money on your utility bills and have extra for shopping, maybe?

11. Turn off all faucets and put hoses away in a dry place

Disconnect outside spigots and drain garden hoses. Turn off external faucets and, if your house is older, the valve inside. Shut everything down. Keep hoses out of the freezer by storing them in a dry location. Follow the manufacturer’s protocol for draining and safeguarding an in-ground irrigation system from winter damage to freezeproof it.

All faucets that leave your home should have an internal shut-off valve. If the interior shut-off valve has a drain stopper, open it while the outside faucet is still turned on. The drain plug on the shut-off valve should be closed and then turn the outdoor faucet back to the off position once all of the water has been completely drained from the line. If you don’t have shut-off valves or can’t find them, hire a certified plumber to install them.

Blowout sprinkler lines and irrigation system. At this time, your irrigation system may need to be drained and checked. Repairs should be performed by a professional, and sprinkler heads near snow removal zones should be marked. By doing this, you’ll have peace of mind during the freezing season.

12. Check the condition of your furnace

It would be best if you had a professional inspect your heating system once a year. Think about doing this task before winter sets in so you don’t have to rush. And while you are at it, include your furnace on the checklist too. Hire an HVAC professional to check for leaks, evaluate the heating efficiency, and change the filter. They can also check for carbon monoxide for air safety. Also, keep spare air filters on hand and swap them out regularly.

13. Clean humidifiers

During the months when it’s operating, maintaining your central humidifier will make you and your house more pleasant. To begin, look over the plates or pads and, if necessary, give them a good cleaning with a strong solution of laundry detergent. Use a wire brush or steel wool to remove mineral deposits after rinsing the area well and drying. Replace any worn-out filters and give the compartment a thorough cleaning. Vinegar is a low-cost and effective solution. Just a trivia, did you know that dry winter air makes fine wood more susceptible to cracking? So much so that dry winter air can also cause harm or irritation on our skin.

14. Make time for carpet care

Cleaning your carpets is best done in the fall. This season is the most fantastic time to open windows and let fresh air in to help with drying. If you don’t know how to operate a carpet cleaning machine, hire a pro to do it for you.

15. Comfy clean bedding

Get your down and cotton comforters, linens, and knits out of the closet and give them a good cleaning. After a thorough wash, place your blankets in a handy closet so that they’re ready to go when the frigid nights arrive.

There you have it—my practical guide to prepping your home for fall. Make sure your house is ready for the next autumn season by being smart and practical. Preventative maintenance now will save you money on costly emergency repairs and other expenditures in the long run. Maintaining your house well not only increases its worth and appeal but also saves you time and energy.

Is there something you need help with around the house or are you planning to sell or buy a new home for the winter? Contact award-winning SASKATOON REAL Estate agent Marla Janzen today for a free consultation!

Marla guarantees to provide you with a stress-free, hassle-free, wonderful experience and we are sure once you have met her that you will not contact anyone else!