Q&A With Jason Cameron, Home Improvement Expert

Over the weekend, the Home & Remodeling Show at the in Chantilly was filled with people interested in DIY projects and home remodeling. 

It was there that I interviewed Jason Cameron, host of Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes on the DIY network.

What got you into home remodeling? Was there a pivotal moment or did you find yourself gradually involved until you realized that it was your calling?

That’s a good question. From a young age I was introduced to working with my hands. My dad was an electrician and a roofer and I used to go out with him as a kid. It just fell along with being able to create something with your own two hands. So that’s where it all started, that was the pivotal moment, and just growing up with the industry and growing up with the trades. I have a lot of respect for the trades.

You’re a role model for many people. Who is your role model?

Oh man, my role model. I’d say my mom is my role model. And the reason I say this is because my mom raised three boys on her own, all by herself. I have a lot of respect and give her a lot of credit. She’s the one that taught me what hard work is all about.

How did DIY network find you?

The DIY Network found me through Jay Shatz from JTV, who produces Desperate Landscapes. So he contacted me shortly after I was done with While You Were Out, because that was my first experience in home improvement. And when that show was over I’m like, ah, you know what, maybe I wanna get back into legit acting—but then Jay called and sucked me back in. And then I had a conversation with DIY, and we got along really well. Next thing you know I’m hosting two shows. 

If you weren’t a carpenter, then what would you be?

I’d be an Air Force Pilot. I’ve always had an interest and a lot of respect for, well the military number one. But just to be up in a fighter jet doing Mach 2 would be incredible. It’s not something that everybody gets to experience so to have that thrill would be amazing, so probably a Fighter Pilot.

What was your favorite Man Cave and why?

The Man Cave that we did in Kuwait. Basically we had to organize and ship all of our containers over to Kuwait. We went to Camp Virginia and worked with USO and actually redid a USO tent in Kuwait for all the troops returning to our theatre. So there was a theatre room, gaming room, lounge area. An amazing experience. That was ultimately my favorite.

If you were going to do your own Man Cave, what’s the one thing you have to have?

Well that’s the sad part, I don’t have a Man Cave. I’d built over a hundred of 'em and I don’t even have one. However though my host, has a Man Cave, his restaurant has a Man Cave and now his wax figure in Madam Tussauds has a Man Cave because I built it, and I don’t have a Man Cave. But mine will ultimately be…I’m a cigar guy, so I like cigars. There’ll be cigars, wine, and then probably a gym on the side.

What’s the number one tool you couldn’t do without?

My tool belt. All the things I use constantly are on my tool belt.

What do you like to do to relax?

Workout. My other life is fitness. I’m a trainer so I spend a lot of time doing that. That helps me relax when I’m stressed. 

Are there any plans for Man Caves to come to DC?

Not right now, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. We’re actually going to Indianapolis for the Super Bowl and doing some shows there. So we will be traveling, I just don’t know on the horizon right now if DC is on the list. But that’s not to say that it can’t be.