TRUSTED DIRECTORIES ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP WITH FIX IT UP!

27. Jan 2021 Trusted Saskatoon Trusted Media , Trusted Partner News, Website

S & E TRUSTED ONLINE DIRECTORIES INC & FIX IT UP -JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

For Release - January 26th, 2021 at 10 am SASKATOON, SK

TRUSTED DIRECTORIES ANNOUNCE A PARTNERSHIP WITH FIX IT UP!

S & E Trusted Online Directories is a multi-award-winning Saskatchewan marketing company headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Founded in 2011 by local award-winning entrepreneur Sara Wheelwright, it has a local online directory division, that includes Trustedsaskatoon.com and Trustedregina.com. In addition, there is a full-service marketing agency, Our company focus is supporting local businesses operated with integrity as a priority.

FIX IT UP is owned by Brad Fekula and Dwayne Melcher. Brad has over a decade of marketing expertise at Cubbon Advertising, primarily dealing with Saskatchewan businesses. Dwayne is the owner of Melcher Media, a previously Trusted Regina website company and a highly respected Saskatchewan tech agency specializing in software and virtual reality (VR) development. The Fix-It Up software allows consumers a convenient and reliable way to save time and money when looking for a local quote. The FIX IT UP quote software was created by the developers at Melcher Media to revolutionize the way quotes are provided.

SASKATCHEWAN TECH COLLABORATING TO CREATE ADDITIONAL VALUE FOR SMALL SASK BUSINESSES

In 2020 Trusted and FIX IT Up entered into a mutually beneficial legal partnership agreement with the view to providing more support to local businesses in Saskatchewan. On the surface the 2 companies may seem to be in competition as local web-based directories; but in fact, on closer inspection, it became obvious that they instead complement each other's activities. They share a common goal, to provide the best solutions and advertising value to their clients in the Saskatchewan services industry.

The Trusted Directories partner with a select and restricted number of locally owned businesses. These businesses fall into 40 specific categories and most are based in and around Saskatoon and Regina. These businesses are mostly service providers, and to become partners they must meet a unique set of standards, pass a Trusted qualification process, and sign a contract to commit to upholding specific standards of service ‘ The Trusted Guarantees’. Trusted then promotes the partners individually and as part of the ‘Trusted Community’. Essentially, we sell the Trusted Partners as our only ‘product‘ to the local marketplace via a comprehensive marketing campaign - including, but not limited to, billboards, radio, social media, CPC campaigns, event marketing, sponsorship, and more. This gives the partners significant exposure in their local marketplace, drives quality leads, and helps their SEO. Trusted also contributes time and money to help the partner's community support efforts, and the Trusted community holds each other accountable as a group of like-minded, quality-driven, locally owned businesses.

FIX IT UP directories on the other hand, primarily provides a comprehensive quoting platform for local service providers in over 220+ categories. A detailed and industry-specific online quoting system saves service providers significant time. In addition, to build such a platform/feature on their own websites would be a significant cost that most service providers would not invest in. FIX IT UP businesses pay a very small lead fee, which they only pay if they are selected for a job they quote. The benefits for consumers and corporations is that they can provide all their information in one easy-to-use platform and await quotes from local service providers. This is a managed process and also saves consumers time shopping around and the frustration of businesses not getting back to enquiries in a timely manner.

The Trusted/FIX IT UP partnership involves the following elements:

1. Integration of the FIX IT UP quote software into the Trusted Directories clouded database platform.

This means that Trusted Partners will be able to receive detailed quotes from local consumers who want a Trusted local service provider. This saves the consumer time and as the partners have to respond in a timely fashion customers are not left ‘ hanging ‘ waiting for a reply. In addition, they can request a quote at their convenience as our platform is open for business 24/ 7!

A bonus for the Trusted partners, is that the quote link and landing page is unique to each business. This means they will not be competing with other businesses in their category that are signed up as a FIX IT UP provider.

See a listing example here: https://www.trustedsaskatoon.com/listing.aspx?lid=334

2. Trusted Saskatoon & Regina Partners who are listed on Fix It Up will be highlighted as Trusted on Fix It Up.

This differentiates Trusted Partners and recognizes the steps they have taken to invest in their integrity.
It also shines a spotlight on their consistently high standards of quality work and customer service and gives them an advantage in the selection process.

3. FIX IT UP operates on a ‘ typical online directory model’.
They aim to sign up as many businesses as possible and charge a very small fee per lead. After staffing and development costs this does not allow for much capital to invest in local marketing to drive consumers to use the platform, especially when it comes to mass media like print, broadcast or billboard.

The Trusted Directories model is different, they charge more for an annual fee and severely restrict the number of businesses in each category to offer much more individual promotion, marketing value, and personalized service for their partners. They appreciate the quality of the FIX IT UP quoting software and in return for integration they are committed to promoting the feature and their FIX IT UP Partnership as part of their ongoing marketing strategy in the cities they serve.

The owners of Trusted and FIX IT UP believe that local businesses like themselves should actively seek out collaboration opportunities in order to become more successful. We appreciate each other’s strengths, and we are proud to enter into a partnership as two established and recognized leaders in the Saskatchewan marketing industry. A community whose tech sector collaborates is a valuable asset to the province and we believe is crucial for the success of Sask tech as a whole.

Support local and we all win!

Kitchen and Bath Classics Trusted Saskatoon Bathroom Store Shares Top 5 Bathroom Design Trends

2. Apr 2020 Trusted Saskatoon Saskatoon Bathrooms, Saskatoon Interior Design, Talk to Experts, Trusted Partner News, Trusted Tips

Whether you are building a new home In Saskatoon or remodelling a single room, the team at Kitchen & Bath Classics Saskatoon is a Trusted Saskatoon Bathroom Store offers you one of the largest selections of plumbing fixtures, faucets, lighting and accessories from quality brand names, Their showroom displays the latest trends and cutting-edge styles. In their latest offering, they share their top 5 trends for bathroom design

Bathroom Design Trends.

Here's a breakdown of the latest bathroom trends according to design industry experts.

Design Your Saskatoon Bathroom With The 2020 Pantone Colour Of The Year- Classic Blue.

Classic blue represents “bringing a sense of peace and tranquillity to the human spirit”. It makes perfect sense that colour with that meaning behind it would be chosen for a place of rest and tranquillity—the bathroom.

Depending on your style and taste, Classic Blue can be used in a variety of ways. For example, a popular way to include colour in the bathroom is through tiles, either for the flooring or in the shower. You can also include a Classic Blue bathroom vanity if you want a pop of colour against flat neutrals that can use a bit of edge. If you’re feeling extra daring, you can even paint an entire bathroom Classic Blue! But we know that not everyone can commit to a paint job in a bold colour. If you want to incorporate the 2020 Colour Of The Year in smaller steps, you can try adding towels, flowers and paintings.

Design With The Hottest Faucet Finish in 2020: Matte Black

The bathroom is a great place to experiment with matte black finishes. You can change your current faucet, showerhead, handheld showerhead, handles, pulls and lighting to this popular finish and see your bathroom transform from ordinary to extraordinarily modern.

Matte black finishes have been perfected to meet the needs of bathroom users, so you don’t need to worry about the finishes wearing off. Many luxury and mid-range brands are adding even more matte black faucets and accessories to their lineup, giving you a large selection to choose from in 2020.

Design Au Naturel and Eco-Friendly

Let your mind be free in the serenity of greenery in the bathroom. Between the hardness of bathroom finishes and materials, it's a much-welcomed idea to have plants and foliage in the bathroom. Bathroom plants are great to freshen the air, add some softness and of course, colour.

The new year also brings focus to creating an eco-friendly bathroom by changing out inefficient faucets and plumbing fixtures.

Here are some bathroom features to think about:

Change out your toilet to a low-flow model
Install a low-flow showerhead that works on magnetized poles, like ones from American Standard
Get a motion-activated faucet so there’s less water wasted between washing your hands and brushing your teeth
Choose quartz countertops as opposed to other materials. Quartz impacts the environment significantly less than other materials

Design In Plain Sight

Here’s what’s funny about bathrooms—there are certain things we want to show off about them, like beautiful tile work in the shower or a gorgeous clawfoot bathtub. But there are other things we don’t necessarily love to look at...like plumbing and drains.

But what if they were designed to be extra pleasing to the eye? That’s what 2020 is all about.

Exposed plumbing is a rising trend. Bathroom brands are now creating industrial-inspired pipe systems that are meant to be shown off in an array of beautiful finishes. You don’t have to hide away complicated pipe systems behind drywall anymore!

As for drains, bathroom brands and designers have found a clever way to hide them in plain sight. Many shower drains can now be designed to look as though they are part of the shower tile or shower floor. The result is a sleek look that doesn’t distract!

You can even go as far as a wall-hung toilet to remove the bulk and clutter of a toilet septic tank. Bathroom brands like TOTO are trailblazing this 2020 toilet trend. It’s also great for smaller spaces where a tank can take up precious square footage.

Design Your Bathroom With Colours, Wallpaper and Fun!

Step outside your comfort zone in the colours and designs you choose for your bathroom. Break out of traditional neutrals in the bathroom and experiment with pops of colour in textiles, accents of paint colour and even wallpaper. Yes, wallpaper...But don’t think it’s the same type of wallpaper from your grandparents’ homes.

Wallpapers come in so many varieties these days. You can choose anything from gentle geometric patterns to bold prints and textures. But a great alternative to wallpaper is a nice tile. Tiles also come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours for any project. The options are endless.

Design Your Bathroom With Kitchen and Bath Classics Saskatoon

If you're considering a bathroom remodel or renovation, contact Trusted Saskatoon Bathroom Store Kitchen & Bath Classics!

Behind The Brand- Marla Janzen Trusted Saskatoon REALTOR ®

2. Mar 2020 Admin Behind The Brand, Saskatoon Real Estate, Trusted Partner News

Behind The Brand is a Trusted Saskatoon video series where we meet the partners and get to know who they are as people. Sara Wheelwright, the founder of Trusted, interviews them in a relaxed atmosphere and we get to know who they are, what motivates them and why they can be trusted!

Behind The Brand #1

Marla Janzen Trusted Saskatoon REALTOR ®

Meet Marla Janzen, an award-winning Trusted Saskatoon and Area Real Estate agent. Marla 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 design and home staging, which really benefits her clients. Find out who she is, why she chose real estate and what motivates her.

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!

Marla Janzen is a TRUSTED SASKATOON REALTOR®

Trusted Saskatoon Photography Expert at Imagery Photography Explains The Evolution Of Photography

11. Feb 2020 Trusted Saskatoon Saskatoon Photography & Framing, Talk to Experts, Trusted Partner News, Trusted Tips

Photographs... memories and precious moments in our lives captured in time with a click of a camera shutter. These are the occasions and days of our lives that only happen once. Trust the professionals at Imagery Photography Saskatoon with your special moments because they understand the importance these memories hold and work with you to ensure that they stay with you for a lifetime. Imagery is your Trusted Saskatoon photographer and in this latest article, owner Milton shares his thoughts on the evolution of photography.

The Evolution Of Photography

Everything moves and shifts with the slow march of time until not much of the past normals are left to be sifted from the sands of the new.

There’s no question that tech has made us much more portable than we ever were. The equipment itself is far more sophisticated and capable — we can see what we are shooting in real-time; we can fine-tune everything to whatever our needs are. We are now able to transmit our pictures from anywhere we can get an internet connection.

When I started, everything was dependent on processed film, which meant having to bring film, a darkroom kit including enlarging and print-making equipment, and a transmitter (very much like a souped-up fax machine). We’d have to find or at least arrange for a telephone line and telephone access when we needed to send our images. The phone lines were all analog, and each picture took around 10 minutes to send — if the line was interrupted for any reason, we’d have to start over. If we got out 10 images in a day, that was huge.

Photographers now can send wide arrays of photos multiple times during the day. The upside of all of this is more time on the scene providing coverage and more choices sent. The smartphone has killed the lower-end camera market, and if it hasn’t killed the mid-range market, it’s sure breathing down its neck. Everyone has a camera with them now at all times, and there's no doubt that we're seeing images that we never before could have contemplated. As we all know, it’s not just still images but also video.

I think it’s the ultimate democratization of photography — anyone at any time from anywhere can produce images that can affect how we think of the world around us. I feel that the common misconception in the debate is that photography has a set value for everyone. I always try to see it in the same way as food shopping. Some of us love to eat, we love to cook, and we love to discover new restaurants.

We spend a disproportionate amount of our income at local farmers' markets, high-end supermarkets, and new openings. It matters to us and it’s something we want to invest in. Others want to spend their money on cars or clothes. That’s fine; they won’t be spending $200 on dinner, because they see no value in it. Photography is very much the same. If a client perceives the value of the event photography to be $100, then they are going to spend $100; a client looking for a $1200 photography delivery is not going to book a $100 photographer.

With each advance in the cellphone market, I wonder what the long-term prognosis is for the high-end cameras. The next evolutionary phase of photography might not be a progression in the way we make images. Instead, it’s quite possible the next unseen horizon will come from the way we share those images with the world or how we store them for ourselves. If a photograph indeed captures a memory, what use is that memory unless it can more tangibly be recalled? Looking back in the history of photography has each subsequent advancement not strived to make the photo more qualitative, more lasting, and more real?

Imagery Photography Is Your Trusted Saskatoon Photographer!

Trusted Saskatoon Realtor Clark Dziadyk Shares Investments Worth Making In Your First Home

13. Jan 2020 Ally Saskatoon Real Estate, Talk to Experts, Trusted Partner News, Trusted Tips

Whether you’re buying a house for the first time, the second or the seventh time, it’s still one of the biggest decisions you ever have to make. In order to ensure sheer success, you need Trusted Saskatoon Realtor Clark Dziadyk! Clark will ease your mind by taking the pressure off of you to find your dream home! Be assured Saskatoon Real Estate Agent Clark Dziadyk Clark puts 100% effort into everything he does. Don’t you hate it when the grass is greener at your next-door neighbour’s place? This summer you could have the lawn that turns everyone’s eyes green with envy and admiration, but you’ve got to get on it right now! Follow these tips to grow the best lawn.

4 Investments Worth Making In Your First Home

Advice for first-time homeowners on areas where spending a little bit more is likely to pay off in the long-run. From

valuable aesthetic updates in key areas such as the kitchen, bathroom and living room to installing smart heating

systems and insulation to prioritize energy efficiency, these tips will leave you inspired to make the most out of your

first home update.

Replace Flooring

Flooring has the power to change a room entirely, so it should go without saying that this is an essential aspect of

the home where you should consider spending a little extra. Since flooring in areas such as the hallway, kitchen and

bathroom is likely to undergo high footfall traffic, your material choice should always look to combine durability

with that visual wow-factor where possible.

When it comes to updating your flooring, choose neutral colours to create a luxe look that goes the distance.

Generally, neutral colours offer you the freedom to change your furniture or accessories without updating all the

fixtures and fittings in the process, and will even allow you to keep up with trends as they change.

Whether you’re opting for some stylish, large format floor tiles which offer a contemporary touch in the kitchen or

some hardwood flooring which adds warmth to your living room, quality flooring is a great way to add personality

to a new space from the off – meaning showing your floors a little TLC should be high up on your list of investment

priorities.

Update Key Areas Of The Home

As the hub of the home where friends and family alike come together to relax, the living room is the best place to

start when it comes to fixtures and fittings. Lighting can have a huge impact on the overall aesthetic in your living

room – so it’s worth spending a little bit more on lamps or downlighters to add that cozy, homely touch to the

lounge.

Additionally, art is a great way to change the ambience in your living room, so choosing pieces with comfort and

calmness in mind is a great way to add a tranquil theme that makes you feel right at home from the get-go.

Naturally, ensuring your bathroom looks fresh, well maintained and hygienic is important when moving into any

new home. Modern or high tech touches are an effective way to add an extra luxe appeal, so consider investing in a

rain shower or waterfall taps to create a relaxing oasis that washes away the stresses of moving and unpacking.

Elsewhere in the home, high-end fittings such as granite or quartz worktops are practical choices that will go the distance. Though these may be a high investment initially, investing in durable, hard-wearing and practical

materials in areas of frequent use ensure longevity and, as such, a great return on your investment in the long run.

Invest In Quality Furniture

Nothing makes a house feel like home quite like furniture – after all, furniture is the most effective way of adding

character to any space. When opting for your style, try to prioritize items that will stand the test of time, as this will

ensure your first few years in your new home isn’t spent constantly renovating in-line with the latest trends.

When choosing timeless furniture, wood is often the first material that springs to mind. While solid wood is often

more expensive than other types, it boasts a distinctive aesthetic and durability that will look great year after year.

Whether you’re purchasing an oak cabinet for the living room or some luxury walnut bedroom cabinets, solid

wood is an effective way to add a high-end, comforting appeal to your home.

Prioritize Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is now one of the highest priorities for homeowners as it can make a significant difference in the

cost of utility bills. While adding energy-efficient features may be a large initial investment, the sooner you start

making the changes, the greater your savings will be – so we recommend optimizing your new home right away.

Some essential areas to evaluate energy efficiency are the boiler and the loft. Poorly insulated lofts can be a major

cause of energy wastage, even if all of your other appliances are in premium condition. If appliances such as your

boiler aren’t in a premium condition, however, this could only add more costs to your energy bills, particularly if it

breaks down during the winter months.

To keep track of your heating usage and spot issues early, a smart heating system is a great way to monitor your

spending. Smart heaters allow you to add more thermostats and controls to different rooms, including hot water

and heating – making this a logical investment for any first home.

Read what clients have to say about Clark on his listing by clicking on the link below!

Clark Dziadyk is a Trusted Saskatoon Realtor

Contact Clark today for your Saskatoon Real Estate needs.