in that there is nothing that we won’t do to complete a project for them.” “Dan hit the nail on the head with respect to the challenges faced on a regular basis for us during remote projects,” adds Hudon. “Working in remote communities over the years has forced everyone on the Penn-co team to become highly talented problem solvers – which is a skillset that translates to every aspect of construction and provides a significant amount of value to project teams.” At the same time, it’s important to note that Penn-co’s growth is not restricted to remote areas of Canada. According to Bickerton, they have also become one of the “go-to” contractors in the south – and according to Hudon, their experience in the north is valuable there as well. “Our experience and our ability to problem-solve has worked very well for us as we experience major growth in southern markets closer to home,” Hudon says. “That expertise allows us to accomplish more with less in many cases, while also bringing to the table creative and outside the box solutions.” Penn-co Construction is also set apart, Bickerton believes, by their customer service – which he calls “the pillar of all projects and their success,” as well as something “we try daily to get better at all aspects of.” “Construction and its processes are inherently confusing,” he explains. “We try extremely hard to take the confusion out of it by attempting to include all participants in the ongoing construction. We’ve also hired a ‘warranty coordinator,’ who at post project is on staff solely to aid and respond to any questions and concerns of the build.” “It’s never our intention to just build and leave,” he adds. “Over our six decades of building, we think we’ve proven that. It’s always been our model to aid at the forefront as projects are being planned and designed, regardless of whether we’re ultimately awarded the project or not. We have a staggering amount of expertise in our offices. Architects, engineers, and owners are all aware that they can lean on us for truthful and experienced answers to any construction questions they may have.” Again, Hudon stresses that Penn-co’s goal is to “bring value” to every project they work on – not just value for themselves, but value for all project stakeholders: “Whether it be work in the north or south, we value the opportunity to bring a solution to life that satisfies our customers’ needs, ensuring that everyone from the maintenance staff to the occupants, staff and other project stakeholders all receive value from the project,” he says. “To that end, our involvement on a project extends far beyond just the erection of a structure, and we try to maximize the value and opportunities for the communities we are building in.” “In many cases, our customers see the projects we are tasked with as large economic drivers for their community. We try to maximize that benefit to them through the use of local resources and value the opportunity to assist local community groups, activities, sports teams, and events.” DECEMBER 2023
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