BIC December 2014 - Devitt Forand profile

50 Years of Building Relationships

By John Hardy

Devitt & Forand | 50 Years | 1

The team at Devitt & Forand.

Photo by Bookstrucker Photography.

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into the ground, it is the Devitt & Forand teams of skilled professionals working together and earning the respected Devitt & Forand reputation – one project at a time.

Although the physical aspects – the roof trusses, structure, windows, walls, duct work, the doors and entrances, the trim and the exterior and interior features and finishes – invariably get noticed and associated with the company’s high levels of construction quality and success, Devitt & Forand is a multifacetted management company.

An exceptional construction management company.

“We are cost and scheduling driven but it all starts with listening and open communication with our clients,” says Rick Andison, vice president, development with Devitt & Forand Contractors, one of Calgary’s most experienced,

Devitt & Forand | 50 Years | 2

here’s a little known secret to the remarkable Calgary success story that is Devitt & Forand Contractors.

After more than 50 years of exceptional quality and the successful completion of mostly Calgary industrial, institutional and commercial construction projects, the real business and uncompromised Devitt & Forand priority is – people! And relationships.

The listening and communication that is the basis of the solid relationship with Devitt & Forand clients. The relationship with Devitt & Forand staff. The Devitt & Forand relationships with trades. And the collaborative Devitt & Forand relationship with architects, engineers, consultants and designers.

And it’s so much more than construction.

From concept to completion, long before shovels go

Caesar’s Steakhouse & Lounge in south Calgary

Vista Landing Shopping Centre The new home of BMW of Royal Oak, a Dilawri Group Dealership

Since 1997, it is our people who have made us Proud to be Unique.

We attract the highest quality of professionals at all levels of experience; 1st year, 2nd year, 3rd year, Journeymen and Foremen.

UNIQUE SERVICE UNIQUE DESIGN UNIQUE PEOPLE

Join our team at www.iam.proudtobeunique.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO FOR 50 YEARS

IN BUSINESS

Unique Scaffold Inc. is a full service scaffold company providing scaffold equipment across Western Canada.

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Douglas Glen Emergency Response Station

Devitt & Forand | 50 Years | 4

Providence Pre-School

The respected, Calgary-based company has stayed true to core values and continues with an uncompromised emphasis on relationships and keeping the business personal. diversified and innovative general contractors and construction management companies.

“It’s vitally important for us because it ensures that we understand their specific and unique needs. Part of what sets us apart is the ability to communicate with all stakeholders – from the client, the consultants, engineers, subtrades and our on-site staff. Everybody knows what is

expected, what is needed and what we will achieve.

“Let’s face it. Construction processes are somewhat similar.

But the stages of the project and the final delivery is much smoother and efficient when everybody is on the same page and we all understand the details of the client’s needs.

“Because, at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about: the client’s needs and expectations.”

www.ultralitedoors.ca Ultra-Lite Doors has served Calgary and area for more than three decades, with durable and distinctive overhead doors in a full range of prices, styles and materials. Family owned and operated, Ultra-Lite Doors offers expert installation and service, along with products from the world’s top manufacturers.

Congratulations, Devitt & Forand!

Wishing you continued success.

Devitt & Forand | 50 Years | 5

Andison is a straight-shooting, high-energy and seasoned construction professional who rarely minces words. Particularly about the company’s philosophy, approach, standards and the role and value of the Devitt & Forand team.

“From new builds, additions to renovations, setting expectations, internally and externally, communication and collaboration are huge factors and important for the way we do things. We really don’t believe in isolating people or trades or any kind of pecking order.

“It’s more than theory. We walk the talk,’” he says with firm conviction. “Everybody participates. Everybody works together. Everyone is accountable for the project to happen and succeed as planned. From the president, the engineers, the estimators all the way to the guy at the end of the screw gun or driving the backhoe.

“We assume complete responsibility for the construction of every project. Our focused team approach results in a higher quality of construction, staying on-budget and a better and problem-free on-time completion.”

With growth comes success. With success come reputation, expectations and invariably high standards.

In the past half-century of growth and success, the innovative Calgary company has kept up to date with the most contemporary aspects of construction, like technology, trends, techniques and the latest construction systems.

There is a Devitt & Forand difference and it continues to set the company apart.

The respected, Calgary-based company has stayed true to core values and continues with an uncompromised emphasis on relationships and keeping the business personal.

“Our client relationships matter the most,” says president and CEO, Brenda Brunette, with enthusiasm and pride. “Keeping it personal not only makes us more effective but ensures that our clients never, ever, feel like just a number in a project file.”

Brunette explains that she is from an accounting background and served as the company’s chief financial officer, acquiring actual construction-industry expertise by osmosis. She abruptly took on president and CEO responsibilities about two years ago, after the sudden death of her husband (and Devitt & Forand chairman and president) Al Brunette.

“Although we continue to earn our track record with every project and every completion,” she points out with a passion for the company and its deep-rooted traditions, “the industry is so dynamic, changing and sophisticated. We are determined that our values, our priorities and how we do business never change.

“We are strict and focused about maintaining our company standards and our commitment. We listen to

Canadian Welding Bureau

it possible for the company to individualize terms and conditions and contractual arrangements to fit the detailed and specific needs of the client’s individual project.

Brunette underscores another important aspect of the Devitt & Forand difference.

“Many of our clients are repeat clients or direct referrals.

That is such positive and gratifying feedback. Actually,” she says with a satisfied, warm smile, “word of mouth is the ultimate reference and testimonial. It also makes it possible for us to continue building our reputation with experience, integrity, vision and results.”

Despite many changes, both within the construction industry and when it comes to the needs and expectations of clients, Andison highlights some of the new ways of doing things and how it keeps the company contemporary, relevant, successful and much in demand.

“No doubt about it, technology has a tremendous impact, not only with actual engineering, planning and estimating stages but the many significant changes with building systems, techniques and materials and other key aspects of the construction process.”

Constant training and upgrading is not only an important component but a company priority. Devitt & Forand staff and trades embrace change and are constantly up to date.

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our clients. That’s number one! We build on our strengths and we continue to be unconditionally fair and honest in everything we do. Of course we make sure all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed and we are always conscious of the invaluable trust factor with our clients, in our industry and in our community.”

Rick Andison outlines that the personalized client and professional relationships, the rapport, the listening and the communication with not only clients but consultants and trades, are all special aspects of the Devitt & Forand difference and the way the company does business.

From projects like building banks and car dealerships, the extensive modernization and renovation of hospitality facilities, the Alberta Trade Centre, retail malls and plazas, schools, the complete renovation of the landmark Caesar’s Steak House in south Calgary to the redevelopment of the popular Signal Hill Library, various multi-tenant residential buildings, a full-scale renovation of the Stroke Unit at Foothills Medical Centre, construction management services for ongoing site renovations and upgrades for SAIT, the Ernie Starr Arena, Fairfield Inn and many other Devitt & Forand projects throughout Calgary.

The personalization and customization which has become a well-known Devitt & Forand specialty makes

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Congratulations Devitt & Forand

on this half-century milestone!

Wishing you continued success.

Stampede Plastering (2000) Inc. 403.249.6618

Congratulations to Devitt & Forand!

Here’s to another half century of continued success!

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Congratulations to Devitt & Forand for 50 Successful years in business!

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Through the strength and integrity of our team, we will provide our services on time, on budget, every time. #2, 215 - 36th Ave.,N.E. Calgary, AB T2E 2L4

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www.rbigroup.net Alberta

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Andison explains that technology is also vital for project and budget management, scheduling and the completion and delivery of projects. He adds that it is also a valuable tool for the company’s ability to be in constant communication with clients, consultants, engineers and its on-site crews.

Devitt & Forand is also widely recognized as an industry leader in the areas of sustainable design and construction, by its management of many projects according to the important LEED rating system. The company’s LEED professionals work with building systems that deliver innovative solutions and incorporate green building materials, light retrofits, employee energy awareness and risk management programs with project completions that have positive, long-term effects on the environment.

He openly admits that a major, current challenge of the construction industry is finding qualified, skilled and reliable trades and professionals. He attributes part of the problem to be the boomer bubble. Some trades with years

ALS Labs

East Calgary Landfill Site Access & Scale House

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Andison concedes that although Devitt & Forand is not immune to the skilled trade squeeze, the industry-leading company’s distinguished 50-year track record and industry reputation is an advantage and a competitive edge.

of experience are approaching retirement and, for several reasons, the younger generations are not as interested in construction trade areas like carpentry, plumbing, masonry, electrical and others.

Andison concedes that although Devitt & Forand is not immune to the skilled trade squeeze, the industryleading company’s distinguished 50-year track record and industry reputation is an advantage and a competitive edge. It enables the company to not only continue the completion of projects with experienced staff and trades but makes it possible to attract qualified staff who are mentored and trained to be productive members of the outstanding Devitt & Forand team.

More than most aspects of the complex and specialized project planning and construction process, he stresses the dynamic rapport and unconditionally honest and truthful communication with clients as a key component of not

only Devitt & Forand’s success but also the company’s industry reputation.

“Our clients are consistently encouraged to ask all questions, about anything and any time. And we always respond to them straight and honestly. The good news and the bad news. It’s what they expect from us. It’s so gratifying when we get comments from clients, mentioning that they value the Devitt & Forand honesty and directness.

“The past and track record and achievements are nice, but we must (and do) prove ourselves each and every day!” Rick Andison emphasizes with driven professionalism. “After all, like life – construction and contracting is a competition.”

The exceptional high quality of work, the rapport and relationship with clients and the uncompromising attention to detail makes the respected, Calgary-based contractor a solid winner! •

www.devitt-forand.com 403.255.8565

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