Q&A with The Trusted Toolbox owner and founder Chris Lalomia

Q:Before The Trusted Toolbox, what was your profession?

A:My last job in the corporate zoo was as SVP over Credit reporting, prior to that I had built a career in a leading business consultancy focused on bank mergers and commercial operations processes

Q:How did the Trusted Toolbox get started?

A:I was working many hours and started to outsource job for my home maintenance and recognized the bad communication, poor accountability and uneven quality from the service I received. I recognized a need that could be serviced with a more professional approach focused on consistency and quality and an easy way to communicate.

Q:What is the most rewarding part of owning the business?

A:I love being able to see people come together and solve problems and see my employees thrive doing what they do best. Watching people perform and create solutions to problems is the most rewarding part. I like to be able to use my ‘whole mind’ and be involved in a number of activities and decisions and take accountability for results or lack of results.

Deck Safety Awareness

Promote a safe outdoor living environment by thoroughly examining your deck with these top 9 checkpoints:

1) Split or Decaying Wood

Start by checking different areas of your deck to notice any compromised wood. This includes boards, railings, stairs, support posts, and joists. More specifically, look for areas that are regularly exposed to water . Decay might be present if the wood is soft and spongy or can be easily broken off. Also, be on the lookout for holes in the wood which may indicate insects.

2) Flashing

Deck flashing is the plastic or metal guards which direct water away from vulnerable areas, ensuring that your deck stays dry. Be sure that the flashing is structurally stable and consider replacing it or adding more flashing in any areas that collect water.