Vaughan home improvement app creator lands spot on CBC's 'Dragons' Den'

Quote This Project pairs people looking to get a job completed with tradespeople

Yorkregion.com
May 8, 2017
By Adam Martin-Robbins

Does the thought of trying to find a reputable handyman to renovate your outdated bathroom or build you a new deck fill you with dread?

Ross DiStefano knows that feeling.

He went through something similar and thought there must be a better way.

The experience spurred the Vaughan resident to develop a smartphone app dubbed Quote This Project.

Launched in the GTA two months ago, it boasts thousands of active users and has 270 tradespeople signed up to tackle projects ranging from kitchen and bathroom renovations to lawn mowing and roof repair, among many others.

“It’s a very simple idea and we’re going to take it and revolutionize the way people are getting projects done in their homes today,” DiStefano, 43, said.

How simple is it?

Step 1: Download the free app and complete your profile.

Step 2: Post an image and a description of your project.

Step 3: Wait for quotes to roll in from tradespeople.

Step 4: Sort through the contractors’ bids and invite the ones you feel can meet your budget and timeline to meet with you.

The tradespeople bidding on your project pay $19.99 monthly to gain access to customer postings.

“On the tradesperson's side, he no longer has to waste his time going around quoting everything that has a pulse,” said DiStefano, who moved into the tech field about six years ago after many years as a landscaper.

DiStefano came up with the idea after struggling to find someone to install patio stones in his yard. He and friend Tony Bonnelo were halfway through the installation when DiStefano had to leave town for work.

His wife, Margaret, suggested putting out a call on Facebook for someone to finish the job.

A few responses trickled in, but no one could meet his timeline.

“Tony said, ‘Why don’t you create an app to automate the process so it goes to those who can meet the timeline and (the app) was born,’” DiStefano recalled.

He developed Quote This Project with business partner Dmitri Li of Thornhill.

The pair previously created a geolocation app to connect trade show exhibitors with attendees.

Quote This Project has taken off and is now available in Canada, the U.S., UK, Australia and it will soon be in France.

It has also caught the attention of the folks at CBC’s Dragons’ Den.

DiStefano and Li auditioned for a spot and were among roughly 150 entrepreneurs, out of about 3,500, chosen to appear on Season 12, airing this fall, he said.

“When we were giving our first pitch at our audition, the producer said, ‘Where have you been all my life.’ They downloaded it right in front of us and posted a project,” DiStefano recalled.

He’s sworn to secrecy about what happened on their episode, but says it was “a great learning process on how to speak to venture capitalists.”

Their focus now is on expanding where the app is available.

“In the end, we want this to be the standard practice for any homeowner getting their projects completed.”

To find out more, visit https://www.facebook.com/QuoteThisProject/