by DAN JONES

Contractor turned reality-TV superstar Mike Holmes has been educating audiences on home improvement for more than two decades.

As a successful and respected contractor, Holmes embraced strong ethics before the bright lights embraced him. Even after starring in 14 TV series and forming a business empire, the 59-year-old says he's as hungry as ever to help others.

"It's always been about educating the viewers so they can make better decisions about renovating right, buying right and building right," Holmes tells the Connection in a phone interview while filming in Vaughan, Ontario.