Parker: Bright lights suddenly shining on Littleton contractor

By Penny Parker, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published September 30, 2006 at midnight

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Littleton contractor Adam Berlin makes a living getting down and dirty. But he didn't expect to parlay his skills as a home-repair expert into a TV host gig.

"My wife received an e-mail from a friend that said they were looking for a contractor in the metro area who could host five TV shows," said Berlin, who owns Maverick Home Remodeling Inc. in Littleton. "They asked for a five-minute video and a one-page bio."

So Berlin and his wife, Kelly, taped a skit. "I pretended my wife is a client who has a problem with the bathroom," he said. "I come in and say, 'Let's fix it.' "

After three on-camera interviews, Berlin was hired as the host of Sweat Equity, a DIY Network series where the contractor advises homeowners on how to do projects themselves to increase the value of their homes. On each program, a Realtor assesses the home's original value and estimates the increased value after the project is completed.

The five shows, which each feature a different aspect of a different house, will air at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Episode 1 debuts Monday, with the four others airing back to back from 7 to 9 p.m. All episodes were shot in the metro area by local company High Noon Entertainment.

Berlin started his contractor career by painting houses to help pay for college, even though he graduated from CSU with a degree in exercise and sports science.

Rather than follow that career path, he opted into the home remodeling business.

Although Berlin has no illusions of overnight stardom, he wouldn't be against another TV offer. "If the opportunity arises, I would be more than willing to do another show," said the Columbine High School grad. "But if this is my 15 minutes of fame, I had a lot of fun."

MARKS MAKES MARK: How do Republicans raise dough for their candidates? They poke fun at one of their own.

Mort "Thick Skin" Marks was roasted by a stampede of good-natured elephants Thursday at the Radisson Hotel-Denver Southeast.

Here's how they stuck it to the big guy:

• Former state Sen. John Andrews: "I haven't had such a rich vein of material since Agnew was indicted and Nixon was taping himself."

• Arapahoe County trustee Mary Wenke: "Mort is the most famous husband in America since Ricky Ricardo."

• Banker Jay Davidson: "The best thing about being Mort's banker is (Mort's wife) Edie."

• In a letter from Tom Tancredo, who couldn't be there: "In the '60s, I remember when you thought black power was prune juice."

• State Sen. Nancy Spence: "Mort had a job once as a naked dancer. He only lasted a day. They fired him because he made all the customers squint."

• State Rep. Joe Stengel: "Mort's the only guy I know who wears a medical bracelet that says, 'None of his next of kin want to be notified.' "

• Arapahoe County GOP Chairman Nathan Chambers: "Mort burst onto the political scene about the same time as the beetles - not the band, the lifeform.

"Mort started taking Viagra, and something happened that had not yet been recorded in medical annals: He started getting taller."

TYRA'S TOWN: Super model and talk-show host Tyra Banks spent the week in the Mile High City. She dined at Zengo on Tuesday, Cru on Wednesday, then sashayed over to 5 Degrees for a nonalcoholic toast with pals. After that, she was seen at the Denver Pavilions movie theaters. My spies say she's here till Sunday.

NIFTY FIFTY: Departing city attorney and Mayor Hickenlooper chief of staff Cole Finegan reaches the Big 5-0 on Sunday. Hey, Finegan, 50's not fatal. Take it from someone who knows.

EAVESDROPPING on Section 121 Thursday at Coors Field. Rockies lead 3-0. Bases loaded for Dodgers:

Toddler boy to his dad: "Is it 3 to 4?"

Dad: "No, it's 3 to 0."

Dodgers hit a grand slam.

Voice from the front row: "Now it's 3 to 4."

Penny Parker's column appears Tuesday through Saturday. Listen to her on the Caplis and Silverman radio show between 4 and 5 p.m. Fridays on KHOW-AM (630). parkerp@RockyMountainNews.com.

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