Brandy Kawulka: Building a Better Trades Industry, One Renovation at a Time
Take a break, we're on Smoko. This week we're joined by Brandy Kawulka, a powerhouse builder, podcaster, and advocate for women in trades. Brandy shares her journey from studying joinery at BCIT to founding Tartan Contracting, her successful renovation and contracting business based in British Columbia.
From navigating job sites to managing complex renovations, Brandy brings transparency, education, and empowerment to everything she does. She talks about building trust with clients, educating homeowners on renovation basics, and why communication is key in contracting—especially for women working in male-dominated industries.
“If we want more women in trades, we need to talk about all the different pathways, and we need to make those stories visible.” – Brandy Kawulka
We also explore Brandy's podcast, All Things Renovation, where she shares practical tips, interviews industry pros, and—in her latest season—spotlights women in trades to amplify their voices and share diverse stories within the industry.
Whether you're a future tradesperson, a homeowner navigating a reno, or someone passionate about reshaping the trades landscape, Brandy's story is packed with insight, experience, and inspiration.