Hat’s off to Colorado actor and improv performer Chris Grundy, who managed to turn his hobby into a paycheck.
Speaking last week from his home in Westminster, this self-proclaimed home-improvement junkie said his favorite thing about hosting “Cool Tools” on DIY Network is the chance to joke and have fun with the guests.
This is more than a tool show, says the Chicago native and former IBM employee. This is a chance for viewers to giggle. They might just learn something while they’re at it.
Why are you well-suited to host “Cool Tools”?
I’m no tool expert so I always feel like I’m learning something new. My father-in-law owns a welding shop and loves tools and gets excited about everything (related to tools)… Getting into this was just lucky for me. I really do like what I do.
What’s been your favorite “Cool Tools” episode?
We film them in segments. We don’t film (an entire episode) all at one time…
I like being able to interview people who are experts on tools. At trade shows I get to talk to people who are completely invested in these tools. Some of them are even the inventors of the tools. We did 260 tools last year.
One of my favorites was a segment in a Bobcat. You’re driving around, and it’s like you’re in a cockpit. There was also a segment I did on a company called Fluke that does Infrared thermal heat monitors. You can point this thing anywhere and it will tell you the temperature.
What trends are you seeing in the tool business?
One thing I’ve been seeing lately is multifunctional tools. If you’ve got five tools that can do 25 things, you’re carrying a lot less stuff…
We’re also seeing a lot more lasers because (professional contractors) appreciate precision. But if you’re a DIYer who’s only working on your house, it may not be worth the extra bucks for a (tool with) the laser.
Season 2 of “Cool Tools” premieres Thursday, April 3 on DIY Network (Comcast channel 277). Details at .
