Jared Walker Dostie From Summer Showdown

After what he calls, "a little work and a lot of luck," he landed modeling work as well as some small acting parts. With small-town roots and a blue-collar attitude, it was an uncomfortable fit at first. Jared has said, "My greatest acting performance to date was playing a male model." But with the new gig came what Jared calls "The greatest opportunity ever given to me," a chance to see the world. He traveled to several countries, including Japan, Germany and South Africa, where he appeared in catalogs, magazines and TV commercials. During his travels, he filled an insatiable craving for architecture and design while exploring ever corner of each city he lived in.

Back in L.A., Jared still had to make ends meet. Putting to use his solid New England work ethic, he fell back on his skills in the trades to find work. In the beginning it was painting, landscaping and handyman work, but his enthusiasm for woodworking drove him to hone his carpentry skills. His true passion lies in high-end home renovations, so he teamed up with a contractor friend from back east, and their business took off. Together they renovated and remodeled dozens of homes in some of L.A.'s priciest neighborhoods. Jared gained a reputation for doing construction projects with an emphasis on aesthetic and a willingness to involve the homeowner in the process. He believes, "You have to get people excited and involved in the project, give them some ownership and pride in the finished product."