All the best, The Editorial Team We will keep adding business units that enhance our offering and separate us from our competition. “ ” Editor From The Dear Reader, Welcome to the latest issue of Construction Source Canada, the magazine that highlights the best in building and building products across the country. With this edition, our last of 2024, we were excited to truly look all over Canada – from the west coast to the east coast, from British Columbia to the Maritimes and all the provinces in between – and discover how this year in construction has unfolded for businesses everywhere. Winwood Millwork, the company on our cover, is a Winnipegbased company. They have been creating custom quality cabinetry and millwork in the city for over 25 years. In recent years, they have been involved in some of the city’s most high profile projects, such as the Canada Life Centre, home of the Winnipeg Jets. We talked to company president Jamie Fissel about some of those marquee projects; the company’s storied history; and the drivers of their recent growth. Also featured in this issue is Maxwell Floors, based in New Westminster, BC. They are an even longer standing company, having commenced all the way back in 1965 as a small flooring retail business before evolving into a leading contractor. Rick Wagner, the company’s president, took over from his father in 2000 and guided the company into the commercial and institutional sectors. We talked to Rick about the company’s growth since, some of their notable achievements in the healthcare and education sectors, and their ongoing efforts to advance and support the flooring industry in BC and Canada. Then there’s Tri-Tec Project Management, an industry-leading project management company based out of Edmonton, Alberta, and another multi-generational company. Over the past 20 years, they have completed a long list of interior renovations and tenant build-outs and they have built lasting relationships with a diverse array of public and private clients. We caught up with Steve Yakimovich, the second-generation principal, and discussed the company’s longevity and the client loyalty that has powered it. For more stories like those from all across the country – stories of industry leadership, relationship-building, and giving back – just keep flipping the pages. Until next year – have a happy holiday season, and thank you for reading!
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
DECEMBER 2024
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA With a readership exceeding 145,000 senior executives, The Construction Source takes immense pride in providing an enticing platform to amplify your message to the most pivotal audience – your valued customers. Whether your aim is to promote an exciting new condo development, attract crucial financial investments for upcoming projects, or establish a commanding brand presence, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. To explore opportunities for featuring your company or showcasing your latest project in The Construction Source, please reach out to our Group Publisher. Jermaine Poulsen e: info@theconstructionsource.ca The Costruction Source Canada 202 - 1200 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario M5R 2A5 E: info@theconstructionsource.ca Executive Publisher Jermaine Poulsen COO Alexandra Box Editor in Chief Zach Janes Director of Operations Jacqueline Van Belois Derrick Pelley Director of Business Development & Marketing Tamara Breen Business Development Managers Mary Ann Taylor Douglas Thomson Marnie McGhie Production Manager Brennan Midghall Digital Strategist Pranim Thapa Administration Manager Belyn Quijance-Dorero
DECEMBER 2024 BMI GROUP Betterment, mobilization, impact WINWOOD MILLWORK INC Building cabinets and relationships MAXWELL FLOORS Building with precision TRI-TEC PROJECT MANAGEMENT People you can trust KEARNS MANCINI ARCHITECTS Designing the future NORPAC CONSTRUCTION Setting the standard TANROCK HOMES Refined Mountain Living CONVERGE CONSTRUCTION Bringing it all together SOSNA INC Design, renovate, enjoy INTEGRITY STONE The importance of integrity ADVANCED GLAZINGS A new era in glass INDUSTRY INNOVATIONS INCINERATING TOILETS IN THIS ISSUEDECEMBER 2024 ADVANCED GLAZINGS INTEGRITY STONE
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA ACRE ARCHITECTS Creating change LASER PAVEMENT SOLUTIONS Improving communities HEAVY IRON INC. Forging a Path of Excellence in the Equipment Industry LITTLE STAR RENOVATIONS Little company, big results HEAVY IRON INC. ACRE ARCHITECTS LASER PAVEMENT SOLUTIONS
DECEMBER 2024 Industry INNOVATIONS MODERN & ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TOILET SOLUTIONS
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA Water connection not required Requires little space No odour Easy installation No frost protection needed Secure for children ash to be emptied No waste handling, only and more Bunkies, For Home, Cottages, Shops, 3 - 4 visits per hour High capacity Propane&Electric models ABOUT CINDERELLA ECO GROUP Cinderella Eco Group is a family-owned company located in the north-western coastal community of Midsund in Romsdal, with deep roots in the beautiful Norwegian fjord-landscape. We have more than 20 years’ experience with the Cinderella Incineration Toilet, a water-free, ecological solution for the management of toilet waste. Cinderella, the natural first choice for those who place high demands on quality and functionality. HIGHLIGHTS OF INCINERATION TOILETS:
DECEMBER 2024
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
Betterment, mobilization, impact
The BMI Group is an award-winning transformative real estate development company based in Tillsonburg, Ontario. Over their history, they have evolved from a three-person enterprise selling potted plants into a development company responsible for bringing upwards of three million square feet of infrastructure back online and over 4,000 acres back into use. For over a decade, their focus has been reimagining, remediating, and redeveloping legacy properties in Ontario, transforming them into new and exciting industrial, commercial, residential, and hospitality opportunities. In recent years, BMI has had a big impact in the city of Stratford, redeveloping spaces while preserving the city’s unique built heritage. They see Stratford as “a modest city with everything to offer,” featuring “the best of both rich character and vibrant activity,” according to Hanna Domagala, director of land development and design. She says BMI’s goal is to emphasize and enhance those attributes with projects like the Bradshaw Lofts – a multi-award-winning adaptive re-use development, and upcoming projects like The Builders Block – a 361-residential plan that aims to conserve and convert the city’s shuttered seven-acre Krug factory property into a multiresidential neighbourhood. Originally, BMI’s vision was much more modest. The brothers Paul, Justus, and John Veldman founded their first company at the St. Jacobs Farmers Market. Equipped only with a truck and two wheelbarrows, they sold potted plants. That enterprise evolved into Courtland Professional Property Management, now one of Southwestern Ontario’s largest property management companies. The brothers Veldman discovered their passion for property revitalization by managing a property DECEMBER 2024
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
for Toyota, who tasked them with recycling their idled machinery. That led the brothers to learn more about the scrap metal industry. Armed with that industry knowledge, the entrepreneurial brothers purchased their first retired paper mill in Sault Ste. Marie. Initially, the brothers’ intention was to decommission the paper mill and sell the assets. However, they came to understand the value of the building, the land, and the cultural importance went beyond the value of the salvage. They realized there was an opportunity to revitalize that property instead of simply tearing it down and that doing so would make a significant positive impact. They then came to find there was lots of opportunity in retired paper mills, not only in Ontario, but all of Canada, and many of those properties were similarly ripe for positivelyimpactful redevelopment. Paul, Justus and John continued to purchase end-of-use paper mills and the business quickly scaled up as a result. In the process of growing, Hanna says the brothers “fell in love with revitalizing properties and buildings.” That passion is now reflected in the company’s name. BMI was first registered as ‘Brother’s Marketing Inc.’, but the acronym BMI has since evolved to stand for ‘Betterment, Mobilization, and Impact,’ which are the “three defining pillars” of the company’s transformative real estate development platform. As an early example of that philosophy in action, Hanna cites one of BMI’s first projects in Stratford – the aforementioned Bradshaw Lofts. There, they re-developed the 1903 Mooney Biscuit & Candy factory – into a mixed-use development DECEMBER 2024
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA Photo: James Brittain Before After
with 56 apartments and four commercial units, right in the heart of Stratford’s downtown. They completed that project in the winter of 2020. In 2021, the City of Stratford awarded Paul Veldman with the’ James Anderson Award’ for contributing to the preservation of the city’s built heritage. “That project was a huge success,” says Hanna, who served as the project coordinator on that job, as she previously worked for the general contractor who built it. She moved to BMI a few years later – she says she was convinced “by all the exciting projects that were happening,” and more importantly, by the impact those projects would make. “I have a background in architecture and planning and urban design,” she explains. “For me, I’m really focused on building communities – not just making beautiful buildings, but contributing to the communities they are in. That’s very much in line with BMI’s strategy of ‘Betterment, Mobilization, and Impact.’” As an ongoing example of that strategy, Hanna cites one of those exciting projects that convinced her to come aboard – The Builders Block, also in Stratford. Again, that project involves conserving and converting the shuttered historic seven-acre Krug factory property into a multi-residential neighbourhood with 361 units, complete with a set of complementary town homes and residential apartments, including a 10-storey feature tower. That new community will cater to young professionals, tradespeople, families, and downsizing retirees from Perth County and beyond. DECEMBER 2024
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
DECEMBER 2024
“Our goal at The Builders Block is to create a community that integrates thoughtfully with its surroundings, efficiently uses existing infrastructure, and couples underground with surface parking to minimize vehicle footprints,” Hanna says. “Importantly, our plan repurposes existing infrastructure to provide new homes in Stratford, helping mitigate urban sprawl, and works to preserve Perth County’s agricultural lands and farming heritage.” “I think The Builders Block is definitely one of those revitalization projects that speak to our commitment to making an impact right in the downtown of smaller towns,” she elaborates. In addition to building the residential buildings – of which there will be nine in total, including the 10-storey building in the center – BMI is also paying a lot of attention to the spaces between the buildings. Again, Hanna says their goal is to develop not just a development, but a community. To achieve that goal, they intend to include a “central lawn” gathering spot for the community, as well as multiple other spaces for drinking coffee and playing with children. They also intend to run a “multi-modal laneway” through the site, something akin to a Dutch ‘woonerf’ – a road where pedestrians, cyclists, and cars all have shared priority. “Hopefully that will change people’s perspectives on how roads can be designed and used,” Hanna says. “It will show that roads can actually be good for all residents at different times, whether they’re in a car, whether they’re walking with their kids, or whether they’re playing ball even.” BMI is also pushing the envelope on that project in other ways. For example The Builders Block will be Stratford’s first development to designate 10 per cent of residences as affordable housing, as defined by Canada’s Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) – “a much needed initiative to support young families priced out of the current market.” Earlier this year, BMI broke ground on the existing four-storey Krug building, which they will divide into two sections. Their goal is to start new construction in the spring of 2025 and have the first units ready in 2026. From there, their vision is to deliver the project in phases, and they anticipate development will be ongoing for the next three to five years. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
The right partners In order to design and plan an ambitious development such as The Builders Block, BMI works with external consultants, whom they typically select by virtue of their expertise and their alignment with their vision. In the case of The Builders Block, their visionary partners include Martin Simmons Sweers Architects, a firm based in Waterloo, and Michael Ormston-Holloway, a landscape architect and urban designer based out of Toronto. When it comes to the building and delivery, BMI sometimes manages their projects in-house and sometimes works with general contractors. On The Builders Block, they have their own site supervisor running the project and they are working directly with subcontractors. “We like to work with local companies,” Hanna says. “We like to make sure the money is spent locally. We also look for partners with DECEMBER 2024
experience, because we know with experiences comes efficiency and speed, and speed is important.” One example of an experienced partner would be M. Vancoillie Masonry – a company that provides custom masonry services to residential and commercial projects from Kitchener-Waterloo to Oxford County and surrounding areas. Mike Vancoillie, the company’s founder and leader, is a fourth-generation mason committed to maintaining the same high level of craftsmanship on each and every project. Mike’s multiple crews share his commitment, and they channel the same quality, hard work, and integrity. BMI highly values their versatility and their consistent quality results. Moving forward, BMI intends to continue building and fostering relationships with local partners like that. They also intend to continue fostering relationships in-house, with their growing team of direct employees – which now includes almost 200 people between their development, construction, and property management divisions. “We really have a breadth of professionals we can lean on within our company,” Hanna says. “That’s happened quickly. Five years ago the company was a core group of about a dozen people. So the scaling up is really proceeding quickly.” The company is also moving fast in terms of investment and expansion. As previously mentioned, they have already brought nearly three million square feet of infrastructure back online and upwards of 4,000 acres of land back into use. Their goal is to keep up that momentum, THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
DECEMBER 2024 which means expanding even beyond the borders of Canada. To that end, they recently announced they bought a paper mill in Port Huron, Michigan. They also recently helped attract Japanese company, Asahi Kasei, to build a $1.6 billion lithium-ion battery separator plant at one of BMI’s properties in Port Colborne. The growth has been unprecedented. “We’re always looking at opportunities and those opportunities sometimes surprise us,” Hanna says. “We do a lot of networking; we have so many stakeholders, so many investors and partners. We’re being seen by a lot of people, we’re being presented with a lot of opportunities. Now it’s just about picking the right projects and figuring out what we are best suited to do.” Lastly, in terms of the sectors they work in, BMI intends to maintain a balance between mixed-use residential-commercial projects and industrial projects. Hanna mostly works on the residentialcommercial side, on projects like the ones they have delivered in Stratford, but she recognizes the value that industrial projects can have on a community: “We are just as committed to industrial sites as we are to the mixed use properties that we’re developing, because the industrial projects are very important in the employment sector,” she explains. “They create a lot of jobs, and those jobs a huge impact on a community. “But the everyday living happens in the residential and commercial buildings,” she adds. “Those buildings also have a big impact on a community. So there’s definitely more to come of both. There are a lot more sites that we’re looking at. There are a lot of opportunities to buy and revitalize and create a better future for the communities.” “We have a lot on our plate right now, and we have to process what we already have,” she concludes, “but we’re definitely still looking at the future.”
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on BMI Group, their vision and values, and their past and present projects – including the latest news on The Builders Block and other Stratford projects – visit thebmigroup.ca
Building cabinets and relationships
Winwood Millwork is a Winnipeg-based company that has been creating custom, quality cabinetry and millwork for over 25 years. Throughout their history, they have grown significantly in terms of size and capabilities. When they started, they were a simple two-man operation doing mostly gas station and office renovations. Today, they operate out of a 29,000-square-foot manufacturing shop with upwards of 40 employees, and they work on some of Winnipeg’s most high-profile projects, such as the Canada Life Centre. Moving forward, they intend to continue taking on those projects, and continue evolving and expanding with stateof-the-art equipment and skilled tradespeople. Some things, though, they intend to keep the same. “One thing that has never changed,” says Jamie Fissel, president, “is our focus on supplying superior products and meeting our customer’s expectations.” Jamie originally started his career in woodworking working alongside his father in a little shop in Woodlands, Manitoba. In 1995, Jamie and his dad moved to Winnipeg, and officially formed Winwood Millwork. Since then, the company has expanded slowly but steadily, with the biggest leaps happening in 2009 – when they expanded into a second building on Wall Street, more than tripling their square footage – and then in 2020 – when they moved to their new plant and current address at 949 Jarvis. Over the years, the company has also grown steadily in terms of project size and capabilities. They have gone from doing projects valued as little as $1,000 to projects valued up to $5 million. Jamie credits that sustained evolution to their focus on “relationship building.” “You obviously need to have a good product and do good work,” he says, “but within the city of DECEMBER 2024
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
DECEMBER 2024 Winnipeg, what really matters is the relationships you build. It’s a smaller city. Your reputation spreads quickly. There’s a limited pool of clients. If you want to be successful, those clients have to want to work with you.” “We’re not just here to push out a product and get the job out of the way,” he adds. “We’re here to build relationships with contractors and architects. We’re here to make sure they are happy and the job gets done the way they want it done. We want to be a company that they can rely on.” According to Jamie, Winwood Millwork does a number of things that contribute to earning that kind of reputation. One thing they do is they stay available to past clients. Though they have grown a lot and now do large projects, they will also take on smaller projects like sneeze guards and doors for existing customers in order to keep them happy, “We want to make sure our customers are taken care of,” he explains. “They can come to us for anything they need in the woodworking industry. If they need sneeze guards, if they need doors, if they need countertops, if they need cabinets, if they need wall panels or ceiling tiles – whatever it is, small or big, we will look after them.” The team at Winwood Millwork also takes ownership of the success of their projects, and Jamie believes that goes a long way as well. “Their project is our project too,” he says. “We’re all on the same team. How we get it done reflects on us and impacts our relationship with the client and our reputation out there in the market. Sometimes we have to sacrifice a little bit of profit to make sure the job gets done right, but at the end of the day, the relationship is more
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA important.” As Jamie previously mentioned, building that trust also requires delivering to a high standard of workmanship – and Winwood Millwork definitely does that. Jamie partly credits their high quality to their embrace of technology, and to their closeknit relationships with suppliers, who keep them up to date. “We’ve made sure we’ve kept up with machinery, with equipment, with all of the new products that are coming out,” he says. “We’re connected with our suppliers, we work well with them, and we meet often. We have open communication so we know what the new products are.” In addition, Jamie also credits the experience and expertise of the company’s team – most of whom are longstanding, and many of whom joined the company right out of school. “Most of our leaders in our shop and in the office have actually been with us for 15 to 20 years. They’ve come up through the ranks. They know what the expectations are; they know they can’t get away with anything other than quality. The importance of quality is instilled in them right at the beginning. They know what we’ll accept and what we won’t.” Jamie believes Winwood Millwork has been able to earn the loyalty of team members by making them feel valued. He acknowledges that his employees they are “just as important, if not more important, than myself to this whole endeavour.” “Without them, we’re nothing,” he says. “They’re vital to the success of the company, and we treat them as such. We communicate in an open fashion. We have social events. We don’t just talk about work – we talk about their families and their lives. We believe if you treat people with respect, you get respect back the other way, and when you have a happy employee, you get better results.” Many of Winwood Millwork’s suppliers and vendors are just as longstanding as their employees. Some of their supplier relationships actually go all the way back to the company’s beginning. Again, Jamie believes that longevity is largely credit to their honesty and style of open communication. “If we have problems or issues on products, delivery dates, even cost, we will get to a solution together,” he explains. “Our approach is to figure out what our issues are, what their issues are, and then we get to that middle ground and make sure that everybody’s happy.”
DECEMBER 2024
A very big success As previously mentioned, Winwood Millwork recently worked on the Canada Life Centre – a marquee entertainment facility in Winnipeg which hosts a variety of premier sports, music and entertainment events, and which is well known as the home of the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets. There, they installed wood ceiling panels, solid surface bars, wood wall panels, cabinets, metal wall panels and bulkheads throughout the whole arena. Jamie is particularly proud of that project partly due to its high profile, and partly due to its inherent challenges. “It’s a busy arena with concerts and events hosted throughout the year,” he explains. “We were not only trying to put out a good product, but a very durable product because of where it is and what it is. We also had to work around schedules and costing.” “We worked hand-in-hand with the GC, the architect, and the owners, THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
figuring out schedules, how to move product, and where we were working on a week-to-week basis based on the availability of the arena. It truly was a team effort to get that one done.” The key to overcoming those logistical challenges, Jamie says, was a “shared understanding” between all members of the project team. “We all knew what the end goal was and what the complications and hurdles were,” he says. “And again, we had ongoing conversations. Two-tothree times a week we would be talking with the GC or the owner. They would be open and upfront and say what we can do and what we can’t do, we’d do the same thing, and then we’d all work together to figure it out.” “That goes back to the philsophy of being a team player and not just being out for ourselves,” he adds. “We understood the complications and restrictions of the client and the schedule and we worked around them. We made sure that everybody on our team was aware of those complications, right down to the people on the floor. Sometimes I had to ask guys to work a little bit of overtime on the weekend in order to meet a deadline. I found that as long as everybody understood why, and they weren’t just being told to do it, they would usually get on board to try to make it a better product and a better project for everyone.” The end-result, Jamie says, turned out “really great.” “I go to Jets games and I’m quite proud of how it all came together and what it looks like now. DECEMBER 2024
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
From the architect to the contractor, to all the sub trades that helped, I think everyone did a great job. It was, in my eyes, a very big success.” Moving forward, Winwood Millwork hopes to replicate that success on other similarly-sized projects, in Winnipeg and beyond. A few years ago, they joined the Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC), which helped them to earn the accreditations they needed for those bigger jobs. And now that they have tasted success, they are eager to do more, and they are willing to venture into Saskatchewan and Alberta to do them. They already have relationships with contractors and architects who work in those provinces and they hope to leverage those. As for the size of the company, Jamie says his goal is to keep growing slowly and steadily. Since moving into their new premises in 2020, they have filled much of the 29,000 square feet, but they still have a little room to grow into. As they grow into that space, they also want to keep bringing on apprentices from Red River College and help develop them into journeymen, much like they have throughout their history. “We want to keep building our industry,” Jamie concludes. “There is a bit of a skill shortage out there, and we want to do what we can to help. We want to support the industry.” DECEMBER 2024
For more on Winwood Millwork, their story, their services, and their past projects – and to get in touch with Jamie and his expert team – visit http://winwoodmillwork.mb.ca/ THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
Building with precision
DECEMBER 2024
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
Maxwell Floors, established in 1965 by Max Bissegger, has built a lasting reputation in the flooring industry. The company began as a small retail flooring business in the neighbourhood of Sapperton in New Westminster, BC. Around 1980, Max’s business partners, including Rick Wagner’s father, purchased Max’s share and took ownership of the company. In 2000, Rick Wagner formed a new partnership with Stewart Kolenda, and together they guided Maxwell Floors into the commercial and institutional sectors. Under their leadership, Maxwell Floors has continued to grow, with a particular focus on contract work for commercial and institutional projects. In 2024, Maxwell Floors celebrated their 59th anniversary, marking nearly six decades of success and evolution in the flooring industry. Maxwell’s excellence is reflected in a diverse portfolio of projects, spanning healthcare, education, and beyond. Among their notable achievements are flooring installations for two hospitals on Vancouver Island in partnership with Graham Construction. The first, completed in 2017, was the Comox-Courtenay Hospital, followed by the Campbell River and District Hospital, completed later that year. The company’s expertise has also reached the Okanagan, with projects in Vernon and Kelowna, as well as the BC Children’s Hospital Sunny Hill Health Centre in Vancouver. For the latter, Maxwell contributed to a large paediatric wing expansion, and they received a Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) award in 2023 for their exceptional work. The Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops stands out as another highlight in Maxwell Floors’ portfolio. The company worked on the Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Tower, a new patient care tower that added 288,472 square feet to the hospital. For their efforts, they earned another Silver DECEMBER 2024
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
Award, along with an honourable mention for overcoming unique installation challenges. Rick Wagner, Maxwell’s co-owner, says those projects were “a testament to our team’s commitment to delivering high-quality flooring solutions under challenging conditions.” Maxwell’s dedication to excellence is further evidenced by their long-standing relationships with organizations like the VRCA and Starnet Worldwide Commercial Flooring Partnership. Starnet is a network of 180-plus companies in North America, with only 14 in Canada, with Maxwell Floors among the three members in British Columbia. Through this membership, Maxwell competes for prestigious design awards, cementing their status as a top-tier flooring contractor. According to Rick, Maxwell Floors has also formed strong relationships with a robust network of trade subcontractors’, suppliers and industry connections – he says those relationships have been vital to their company’s ability to deliver exceptional results. Longstanding relationships with manufacturers enable the company to secure the best materials while navigating market challenges like supply chain disruptions. These partnerships are founded on trust, collaboration, and shared goals. “Having dependable suppliers and industry allies allows us to focus on what we do best—delivering quality projects on time and within budget,” Rick says. As an example of a particular industry ally, Rick cites INSTALL – an association of flooring installers, contractors, manufacturers, and consultants, known for providing their members with the DECEMBER 2024
flooring industry’s best and most comprehensive training. To provide that training, they leverage a wealth of knowledge, decades of experience, and a rigorous training curriculum, and they produce elite flooring installers that stand above their peers and are ready to face any challenge. Maxwell Floors is an example of such an installer. Maxwell Floors is one of only two INSTALL Warranty Contractors in all of British Columbia. To become an INSTALL Warranty Contractor, a company must have impressive performance history, proven financial reliability and good payment history, and all their installers must carry a journeyperson INSTALL Certification that verifies they’re the industry’s best. When an INSTALL Warranty Contractor wins a new project, INSTALL backs the flooring installation with a free extended third-party warranty above and beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. To date, INSTALL has underwritten $1 billion in floorcovering installations by INSTALL Warranty Contractors, and there has never been a single claim made against their warranty. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
Adapting and evolving While Maxwell takes pride in their traditional and industry-verified craftsmanship, they also embrace cutting-edge technology to enhance precision and efficiency. Tools like Measure Square, a specialized estimating software, allow for accurate material quantification while visually mapping flooring specifications for each room. This not only improves project management but also simplifies communication between architects, contractors, and clients. Emerging technologies, such as app-based visualization tools, also enable clients to see how flooring options will look in their spaces, fostering greater confidence in their decisions. In that realm, Maxwell’s leadership hasn’t stopped at what is already available but is also exploring robotics and automation, envisioning innovations like site-specific robotic assistants that could revolutionize the flooring industry. DECEMBER 2024
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
DECEMBER 2024
“The construction industry is changing rapidly, and we’re excited to explore how advanced technologies can complement the expertise of our team,” Rick says. One of the ways the industry is changing is the rise of electric vehicle (EV) dealerships, which require specialized flooring solutions. Maxwell Floors is well positioned to tackle that change. As the transportation industry evolves, they remain at the forefront, ready to meet the unique demands of this growing market. “We’re seeing new market segments, like EV dealerships, emerge as a result of changing transportation trends. We’re prepared to take on these opportunities and provide the flooring solutions they need,” Rick says. Maxwell’s growth and adaptability is not solely driven by innovation; it also stems from their commitment to people. The company maintains a strong internal culture built on development and trust, ensuring that employees are motivated and equipped to deliver exceptional results. Maxwell’s installers complete a rigorous three-year apprenticeship through the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 1541, involving 5,400 hours of training. This training ensures consistency and quality across every project. “This training isn’t just about skill; it’s about ensuring consistency and quality across every project we take on,” Rick notes. That kind of training also helps with employee retention. “We believe our team’s skills and dedication are what truly set us apart,” Rick emphasizes, which makes that retention important. To further foster loyalty, Rick also THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
says they make a special effort to engage their younger workers and support their professional development. “The workforce is evolving, and we need to support the next generation of workers to ensure our success in the future. By focusing on supporting younger workers and strategizing together, we’re preparing for the challenges of the future.” Maxwell Floors also makes a special effort to support the broader industry and the communities they serve. As a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 1541, Maxwell supports unionled initiatives that maintain high standards and promote skilled craftsmanship. Furthermore, the company is actively involved in associations such as the BC Floor Covering Association and the National Floor Covering Association, where team members stay engaged and contribute to the advancement of the flooring industry. Rick also serves on the Canadian Construction Association Board of Directors, representing trade contractors across Canada. “I’m fortunate to have an incredible team that enables me to give back my time in this way,” he shares. These efforts highlight Maxwell’s ongoing commitment to building relationships and trust not just with clients and suppliers, but also within the communities they work. Looking ahead, Maxwell Floors remains committed to their core values of quality, service, and strong relationships with clients and partners. By embracing generational shifts in the workforce, adapting to changing market demands, and maintaining open communication with their union and suppliers, the company is poised to remain a leader in the flooring industry. With a clear vision and a steadfast commitment to innovation and craftsmanship, Maxwell Floors is ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow while delivering the exceptional results its clients have come to expect. DECEMBER 2024
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on Maxwell Floors Ltd. and their services and capabilities—and to get in touch with Rick and the rest of his expert team today— visit www.maxwellfloors.com
People you can trust
Tri-Tec Project Management is an industry-leading project management company based out of Edmonton, Alberta. Over the past 20 years, they have completed a long list of interior renovations and tenant build-outs and they have built lasting relationships with a diverse array of public and private clients. According to Steve Yakimovich, the second-generation principal of the company, their client loyalty is a testament to numerous factors. The biggest factor, he believes, is their commitment to seeing every job through from beginning to completion, no matter the challenge or complexity. “We stand behind all our work and have never walked away from a project,” Steve says. “We are instrumental in all project management responsibilities and we’re able to untangle even the most complex renovations.” “After completing over 1,000 interior renovations and tenant build-outs, we have the experience to foresee issues that may arise,” he adds. “That experience allows us to take the proper steps to minimize or eliminate any additional costs or days to our clients’ projects.” Tri-Tec was founded in 2004 by Steve’s father, Rick Yakimovich, and his partners, Gary Kallis and Bruce Marr. The three founders met while working together for an internal contracting division of the global real estate company Oxford Properties. When that division was shut down, Rick, Gary, and Bruce decided to unite and leverage their experiences with the clients and buildings in the downtown core of Edmonton. “They knew the area, they knew the players, they knew the work that was coming up, they knew the subtrades and trade partners,” Steve recalls. “So that’s how Tri-Tec was born.” DECEMBER 2024
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
For the first two or three years of the company’s life, Tri-Tec mainly worked mostly for Oxford, but eventually they started diversifying. They built relationships with different property managers around town, as well as with a number of municipalities just outside of town. Then about 10 years ago they started doing “quite a bit of work” with school boards and select architectural firms. They later formed a repeat relationship with the RCMP. That diversification spurred the company’s growth. In 2012, Steve joined the business when Bruce Marr retired. That meant he was able to work alongside his father and benefit first-hand from his experience, as Rick had been in the general contracting industry for over 30 years. About four years later, Gary retired as well, making TriTec a true family-owned-and-operated business. Unfortunately, in early 2018, Rick was diagnosed with a terminal illness to which he passed away in early 2019. Just before the diagnosis, however, they brought on Steve’s brother-in-law, Jim Dettling, as an estimator and project manager. Steve’s sister, Tracy, later joined the business during the pandemic as office manager. So Tri-Tec Project Management remains family-powered. These days, Tri-Tec mainly works in Edmonton and surrounding areas – though they have ventured further within Alberta for certain clients, such as the RCMP. In terms of project size, Steve says their projects can range in value from $20,000 on the low-end to $5 million on the highend, with most jobs averaging out somewhere between $300,000 and $800,000. Over the last couple years, he also says they have developed “a kind of unofficial service department” – though DECEMBER 2024
they don’t have employees who just do service work, they value the relationships they have with property managers and building operators, and if they need something small done, Tri-Tec wants to be there to help them. In cases like that, if it’s not something they can handle in-house, they will reach and out to their trusted trade partners and coordinate with them on the clients behalf to make sure it gets done quickly. In Steve’s opinion, it’s that kind of relationshipfocused thinking that sets Tri-Tec Project Management apart. He credits that mindset to his father. In their seven years working together, he says Rick bestowed a lot of invaluable knowledge and insight, but his most important lesson was in the value of relationships – not just with clients, but also with subcontractors, site superintendents, and labour force. “My dad taught me that true success starts and ends with understanding all members of the project team,” Steve says. “When you care for the people you work with and for, success is the result.” When it comes to their direct staff, Steve describes their culture as very close-knit. He says his door is always open and nobody is treated “like a number.” He knows that’s not always the case in the construction industry. He recalls a recent interview he conducted with a recently-hired employee who had previously worked for some larger companies. “He had had worked for another company for two years, and one day he met with his project manager on a bridge job,” Steve says. “He came to his office, he sat down, and the guy looked at THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
him and said ‘Sorry, what’s your name?’ He goes, ‘I’ve been working for you for two years. You don’t know my name?’ I said, ‘That won’t happen here.’ And we’re very happy that we brought him on.” “We care about our team members,” Steve adds. “We truly appreciate what they do on a daily basis. I think we definitely have a good culture, I would say that’s a premier thing for me.” Steve describes his relationships with subcontractors and suppliers as similarly close. On the subcontractor side, he says they are always referred to as “trade partners.” He says those partnerships are important, as they don’t employ a large team in-house, so they make sure they go out of their way to recognize them when they do a good job. “When a job goes right, and you get it done on time, everyone normally just kind of moves on,” he explains. “Everyone moves on to the next project. What we’re trying to do, and what we’ve done in the last few years, is take the time to thank the trades after a successful projects. We give credit where credit’s due. I think doing things like that really helps build relationships and keeps them strong.” One example of a trusted trade partner would be Empire Mechanical Contractors, based out of Sherwood Park, Alberta. They have been proudly providing professional mechanical contracting services to the province for over many years, and over time have developed a full service offering that includes: sanitary services; process piping; hydronic heating; gas fitting services; HVAC services; controls and building management; geothermal services; plumbing services; kitchens and laboratories; and fire protection. Tri-Tec has long relied on them for their versatility, reliability, and the consistency of their quality. DECEMBER 2024
Good buildings and good relationships As an example of what Tri-Tec Project Management is capable of, Steve cites a recent $500,000 renovation of two floors in Edmonton’s CN Tower. Over the past 10 years, Steve estimates that Tri-Tec has worked with that client on roughly “eight or nine” little projects in that office, so he was gratified that they awarded them that fuller renovation after re-signing their lease. “It was actually exciting for a couple of reasons,” he says. “After doing so many small things with them, it was good to get a big job with them. I also thought it was great that they trusted us. We met with them, we did a little bit of cost savings with them, and then they just gave us the contract and we went to work.” “That’s very rare these days,” he explains. “Most owners, if they’re going to be doing an expensive renovation, they’re going to get another price – and rightfully so. That’s just part of the gig. I’m not THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
against that. But it was really neat to see these clients, to shake their hand at the end of the first meeting, and then get going.” “I think that was just based on our relationship with them over the years,” he adds. “They trusted us; they knew we were going to take care of them, they knew we were going to save them money. I think we ended up saving them between $30,000 and $40,000 on some finishes. And it went well. They were happy with it and everything was good. So that was exciting.” As another recent example of Tri-Tec’s excellence, Steve cites the Westmount OBGYN clinic, which they built out last year. That was their first medical project, which they acquired through the wife of a past client. At the recent Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC) Awards of Excellence, the interior design firm on that project, Bold Interior Design, won an award. Bold’s principal, Troy Dashney, was out of the country and unable to make the event, but he reached out and asked Steve to attend along with the client. Steve believes that invitation speaks to how well all the project stakeholders got along throughout the process, and how pleased everyone was with the end-result. Moving forward, Steve’s goal is to continue to deliver award-worthy projects like that one, and to continue working for quality clients, like the aforementioned examples. He believes working with quality clients is even more important than growing – though he does intend to grow, just very carefully. He never wants to grow to the point where he can’t provide a personal service. At the same time, he has three young children, DECEMBER 2024
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
and it’s important to him that he is able to spend time with them. It’s a balancing act, and so far the company been able to achieve the right balance. “We have a really good system, and we’re working in a really good niche,” Steve explains. “We’re working with good school boards, with good property managers and operations personnel, with good designers and engineers, and with good clients. We want to keep working with those good people. We want to keep providing them with the same kind of service and quality they’re used to.” “In terms of growing, we have one office that’s empty,” he adds. “Within the next five years, I’d love to see another project manager fill that office.” “I want to stay involved in everything we do,” he adds. “It’s one thing to deal with a business development person or a project manager; it’s another thing to deal with the owner. I think it’s important to make sure our clients have access to the owner. I think that helps to build good relationships – and that’s what we’re looking to do, always.” “No matter what size we are, we’re going to keep renovating great spaces and keep building great relationships. That’s what we’re all about.” DECEMBER 2024
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on Tri-Tec Project Management, their values, their services, and their past projects – and to get in touch with Steve and the rest of their expert team – visit http://tri-tec.ca/
Designing the future
For over four decades, Kearns Mancini Architects has been a leader in innovative architectural design. Founded in 1984 by Jonathan Kearns and Tony Mancini, the Toronto-based firm was built on the mission of enhancing lives through holistic and ecological design principles. Since their inception, Kearns Mancini has always placed the well-being of the community at the heart of their practice, delivering projects that blend form, function, and environmental stewardship. “It’s never been just about form and function for us,” says Frank Park, one of the firm’s principals. “It’s always been about promoting the well-being of communities and building users.” This guiding philosophy has been the cornerstone of Kearns Mancini’s work, influencing the way the firm engages with clients and collaborates on projects. Now, as they mark their 40th anniversary, the firm continues to uphold this legacy, adapting to the evolving landscape of architecture while remaining committed to their foundational principles. Headquartered in Toronto, Kearns Mancini is proud of their geographical reach, with projects that span the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. Their work is found not only in Toronto’s downtown core but also in regions like Prince Edward County, Windsor, Hamilton, Aurora, and Newmarket. Currently, the firm is actively expanding their influence through a strategic alliance with a local firm in Ottawa, ensuring that their innovative approach to design reaches even further across Canada. Over the years, Kearns Mancini has also been able to work nationally due to their ongoing collaboration with BMO. That partnership, which has lasted for over 30 years, allows the firm to extend their design capabilities to projects DECEMBER 2024
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
DECEMBER 2024 coast to coast, and to offer team members the opportunity to work on projects in diverse regions across Canada.. This long-standing partnership also demonstrates the firm’s adaptability and commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions across the country. Despite being a relatively small firm, with a team of just 20 to 25 people, Kearns Mancini’s agility and efficiency enable them to tackle complex and large-scale projects with the same level of attention to detail as smaller ones. The firm’s staff is a dynamic group, comprising architects, technologists, interior designers, certified Passive House designers, and heritage architects. This diverse team brings a wide range of expertise to every project, fostering an integrated approach to design that allows for flexibility, collaboration, and innovation. On the topic of innovation, Frank says “one of our key strengths is having energy modeling capabilities in-house, which allows us to adjust designs on the fly and balance design excellence with key energy performance metrics.” This ability to make real-time adjustments and incorporate energy modeling into the design process not only helps the firm ensure that each project is energyefficient but also allows clients to see the impact of their design decisions as they happen. This real-time feedback helps guide energy efficiency and operational cost reduction strategies. Kearns Mancini’s approach to design reflects their core values of sustainability, adaptability, and a deep respect for both the built and natural environments. The firm’s diverse portfolio of work includes a wide range of project types, from adaptive reuse and cultural landmarks-to healthcare and community health services, to mid-scale developments and affordable housing buildings. Each project is a testament to the firm’s dedication to creating designs that prioritize the needs of the people who will use the spaces. The firm’s approach to design also emphasizes collaboration with clients at every step. “We make it clear from the start that we’re here as partners, standing shoulder to shoulder to ensure their project is a success,” Frank says. This philosophy of partnership extends beyond project completion – the firm’s goal is always to build long lasting relationships with clients. As a result, they have cultivated a loyal client base, with repeat commissions and word-of-mouth referrals accounting for much of their work at any given time.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTYzNTg=