Across The Street, Across The Country

Hosted by DKI Canada

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Across the Street, Across the Country, is a newsmagazine show about DKI Canada issues and its members - and not just what they do on the job, but who they are when they're not on the job!

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60 recent

June 5, 202633 min

“Season 5, Episode 10 – Mena and Mario reflect on 30 years of DKI – Refexio”

Partners in business, partners life. That’s a common foundation for many DKI members across Canada. For three decades, Mena Pereira and Mario Caetano, owners of DKI – Refexio, have embodied how this leads to not only business success, but work-life-balance happiness. (Hint: it includes regular visits to their native country of Portugal!). The couple shares how the industry – and how they – have grown in three decades. The ever-rising, and extremely volatile, fuel prices affect everyone. Indeed, recent world events are being watched closely by DKI leaders. We speak to three of them – Rachel Kozak, Rick Morse and Ira Brenton - who offer some insight and counsel for DKI members having to contend with this volatility. Music for this episode is Hard Truth and Fix it For You by Close Kicks and Folk At Heart by Graham Lindsey.

May 25, 202624 min

“Season 5, Episode 9 – Helm of Troy”

He’s not the “new guy” by any stretch. Troy MacDonald has been intrinsically tied to DKI – Meco for decades, as the long-time right-hand man to previous owner Gary Chant who recently retired. And as the new owner, now is Troy’s time as the main man and mentor to his team in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. Troy tells us what this transition has been like, and what makes it unique.DKI members have always been there to respond to the aftermath of wildfires, helping to restore businesses and homes. But while one can never predict a wildfire’s impact or reach, there are ways to prepare, as best as one can. Craig Schaeffer, co-owner of DKI – Terrace, DKI – Smithers and DKI – Prince George shares some of the wisdom he’s gained as a resident – and restoration expert – in an area that’s especially exposed to wildfire season. Music for this episode is Ghost Stories by Looking For Heather and Small Town by Close Kicks

April 30, 202630 min

“Season 5, Episode 8 – DKI + RIA = WIN!”

Every industry, every business, every individual can benefit from a connection to a larger group with shared interests, goals and challenges.It’s why Canada’s leader in property restoration, with outlets all across the country, is a member of the Restoration Industry Association. We speak to two of the leaders of the RIA about what their organization brings to DKI, and how it makes the restoration industry as a whole better, stronger, more united.And Khrista Sampson of DKI – Halifax shares her definition of home.Music for this episode is Kick It Up by Close Kicks and Build A Home by Cassie Noble.

April 10, 202624 min

“Season 5, Episode 7 – Welcome Home”

Amber Marsh and Jeremy Abellera both stepped away, for different reasons, for a short while. And during their time away, they both admit to having missed DKI – and, specifically, the people with whom they’d developed strong bonds. So, it’s understandable why they returned – and why they were enthusiastically welcomed back! Jeremy and Amber are now in different roles with Canada’s leader in property restoration and embracing a new passion in very familiar surroundings. Jeremy, DKI Canada’s National Marketing Manager, and Amber, project office manager with DKI - Pro Pacific, join us to discuss the journey that brought them...home.Music for this episode is, (fittingly) “You Made it Home” and “House We Built ” by Close Kicks and “Build a Home” by Cassie Noble.

March 23, 202624 min

“Season 5, Episode 6 - A First. But Certainly Not The Last”

In the month that marks International Women’s Day, PM Jorga Cooper and PMA Mary Goodwin tell us how they broke new ground – and a figurative ceiling – when, together, they became the first all-female project management team at DKI – CRCS. They tell us of this milestone. And, with colleague, PMA Faithann Chininea, they describe some of the wins – and challenges – in establishing their rightful place in a still male-dominated industry. Rita Chen is all-in when it comes to numbers – especially if they translate into her being able to see their direct connection to making people’s lives better. DKI – Canada’s new controller tells us about this about this passion, and why she chose to bring it to DKI. Amber Marsh, DKI – Propacific Project Office Manager, tells us about the sounds and smells that help define home for her. Music for this episode is Brave and Move on Grow by Cassie Noble, and Always Be Alright by Close Kicks.

March 6, 202624 min

"Season 5, Episode 5 – DKI – Barclay Restoration’s Envik Exhibits Unique Stamina for Charity”

As a member of the Restoration Large Loss Team with DKI - Barclay Restorations, Shawn Envik knows all about strength and staying power. It recently served him well OFF the job site, too, when he took part in a charity fundraising contest that had him extend his arm out for what seemed like an hour. (He admits it was only a few minutes, but felt much longer). He and Andrea May, Strategic Partnership Manager with DKI - Barclay Restorations tell us – and demonstrate – how this unique contest played out. Oh, and they talk high stakes musical chairs, as well!Lindsey and Trevor Lynds are two of the newest members of the DKI family. But the owners of DKI - Truro are already earning high praise from peers – to go along with the DKI 2025 Rising Star Award.What’s home mean for Bryan Pereira, DKI - Canada’s VP of Business Operations? He lets us know in our “How I Define Home” regular feature.Music for this episode is Long Way From Home by Close Kicks and Move on Grow by Cassie Noble.

February 20, 202625 min

“Season 5, Episode 4 - DKI – Miller’s Labour of Lunch”

Two crews that cruise to the challenge of feeding their community’s most vulnerable. Community Crew of Saint-Catharines has been making and delivering lunches to local children in need for more than a decade.It’s an important charity that DKI – Miller stepped up to support – financially, but also by sending its crews to assist with the regular preparations of these lunches. Tracy Holmwood, co-owner of DKI – Miller, tells us how and why their crews stepped up to assist Community Crew.The Fire and Ice Family Festival, which takes place on an Alberta frozen lake, may not be for the faint of heart. But the annual event, which raises big funds for Ronald McDonald House, is a big hit for those with a big heart. Lucas Howes, Business Development Manager with DKI – St. Albert – the event’s long-time organizer, shares how this year’s festival will be even bigger than its previous four incarnations. Music for this episode is Medicine by Cassie Noble and Fix it For You by Close Kicks.

February 6, 202626 min

“Season 5, Episode 3 – Dilorios of DKI – North York became a Team in their Teens”

The married couple that becomes equal partners as DKI members: not uncommon. But a DKI power house couple that’s known each other since their early teens? Meet Judy and Julian DiIorio, owner/operators of DKI – North York. They’re new to the family of Canada’s leader in property restoration. But certainly not knew to each other. They met when they were barely teens, eventually married and started a family. That long familiarity has served them well in business, too. They tell us how.Khrista Sampson of DKI - Halifax returns to the show, three years after her first appearance. And this time, she’s back to tell us what being the recipient of the DKI EmpowerHer Award means to her.For Amanda Saunders, DKI Canada’s Senior Manager of Essential Services, home starts with the smell of salt. The Newfoundland native explains in our regular feature, “How I Define Home.”Music for this episode is “Move on Grow” and “Medicine” by Cassie Noble.

January 30, 202632 min

“Season 5 – Bonus episode: 2025 Year in Review”

From ice storms to wildfires to a major building flood that consumed an entire neighborhood and beyond, DKI members from coast-to-coast met, and conquered, a wide array of restoration challenges. 2025 also saw some genuine celebratory moments, too. New owners came on board, bringing with them new ideas, while sharing in DKI’s mission and philosophy. A high point was, to be sure, the CFL welcoming DKI as a major sponsor. And who can forget all those unique events that helped define DKI as major contributors to their individual communities and national charities? Whether it was a fundraising volleyball tournament in Sudbury, or a friendly wager in support of RMH Canada between two CFL uber fans at the Grey Cup in Winnipeg, DKI members proved that even when they’re (rarely) off the work clock, they’re always on the “helping others” clock.Theme music provided by Cassie Noble, Graham Lindsey and Close Kicks.

January 23, 202622 min

“Season 5, Episode 2 – Matchmaker”

It was ambitious. Especially at a time of year when many might be experiencing donation exhaustion. But DKI Canada felt otherwise - and issued a challenge to prove it.It agreed to match donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities, which ultimately raised a total of $150,000. DKI Canada CEO, Chris Schmidt, explains how it all unfolded – in record time – and exceeded expectations.Giving back is what DKI does – and not just its corporate head office.We speak to Lori Perizzolo, president and CEO of DKI – Calgary, about the passion he and his teams have for giving back to their city. And what his reaction was upon learning that commitment earned DKI – Calgary the DKI Evolve Community Impact Award.Music for this episode is Medicine and Brave by Cassie Noble.