Crestview Electric profile

Crestview Electric

Crestview Electric Your vision got You this far.

Where do you from here?

Celebrates 25goYears

By Mary Savage

The mark of a true leader is the ability to embrace today’s challenges head on while uncovering opportunities to shape a successful tomorrow. The mark of a visionary, however, is defined by a leader’s ability to capitalize on those opportunities while effectively using their available resources to do so. Our national scope and local focus positions leading organizations – and the visionaries behind them – for success, no matter where business takes you.

MNP proudly congratulates the 2013 Leaders of Tomorrow.

We celebrate your achievements and anticipate the positive impact you’ll have on our business community.

Contact Dave Zimmel, Ca, CPa (iLL), CMC at 403.537.8416 or dave.zimmel@mnp.ca

The team at Crestview Electric. Photo by Mary Savage.

F

rom his newly constructed second story corner office, Tim Engel reflects on 25 years of building a wellrespected business – the challenges as well as the rewards. His demeanor and leadership style is confident, progressive and determined, and after spending a few minutes with Engel, the layers of his commitment and vision start to surface.

Crestview Electric Ltd. is a well-established, highly successful business and at its core you will find a group of individuals that are both empowered and accountable. The employees take pride in their work, they are passionate and there is an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Much like Engel’s philosophy, the entire company works with a steadfast determination to achieve slow but steady growth.

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Crestview Electric

Crestview Building

Over the decades, Crestview has worked throughout western Canada, although the majority of their work has focused on Calgary and the surrounding communities. They have helped bring infrastructure and communities to life via numerous institutional, commercial, industrial and residential projects as well as maintaining the electrical systems once the buildings are complete.

They take great pride in their long-standing customer relations, many of whom have been with Crestview from their inception. All businesses have to start somewhere and for Crestview, it reaches back to 1988 when Engel and Wes Smith became partners – working in the field by day and Engel’s makeshift office basement by night.

“Economically speaking, it was not an ideal time to start a business,” recalls Engel, president, “but from the first day we opened, we received a lot of support. There were probably 20 – 30 people who called us with work and we hit the ground running.”

Prior to starting Crestview, Engel and Smith each brought over a decade of experience to the partnership. They had worked predominantly in the commercial field, but they also had experience in industrial and residential, so they had the

expertise to accept any electrical contract. “We completed the work that came our way and in the beginning, about half of the jobs were commercial while the other half were comprised of industrial and residential contracts.”

Crestview’s first job took the two-man team to Inglewood to rewire a 100-year old house of a homeowner that was akin to a hoarder. “Some of the rooms were so full of stuff that you couldn’t open the door,” remembers Engel. “It was hard work, but we weren’t in a position to turn down a job,” he adds.

During the early years, Engel and Smith had their share of problems, particularly during the first year. One such example would cause many start-ups to rethink their business plan. About six months into launching Crestview and shortly after hiring their first apprentice, they sent him to refuel the work truck one afternoon.

Turns out their apprentice was side swiped at an intersection, hitting the truck’s gas tank. The truck burned to the ground along with all their tools. “We have always been very resourceful and over the years we have overcome many obstacles that would otherwise discourage many startups,” says Tim.

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Crestview Electric

Calgary Zoo Enmax Conservatory

Ambrose University College

Left to right: Joey Daley, Tim Engel, Ryan Engel. Photo by Mary Savage.

After their first year, they moved to a small bay in the Foothills Industrial Park and stayed in that same location for over 20 years. As the company grew, they expanded into the adjacent bay and over time, the operation gradually took over four bays.

In 2005, Smith retired from the business and Engel bought his shares, making him the sole owner. “Wes and I worked together for about 16 years and there were never any major issues between us. We both had full access to do what was needed in order to run the business,” says Engel.

“We both strived for the betterment of the company and we’ve always been very diligent about looking after our customers. There were days when we didn’t always agree, but the issues were resolved and it was an excellent partnership,” he adds.

By 2010, Crestview had outgrown their space again and they either had to expand into a fifth bay or move to a larger facility. Engel decided it was the right time to construct their

own building and last year, they moved into their new office on the southeast edge of the Industrial Park.

Today the company employs about 120 people that work from a contemporary, two-story building that provides about 8,000 sq. ft. of office space and an additional 7,000 sq. ft. warehouse.

And after 25 years, Tim attributes the company’s success to all the employees – from the apprentices and journeymen to the office staff. “It’s our people that have made us successful,” notes Tim. During the late 1990s and while the company continued to grow, Crestview hired a few people that have proven to be key in their operation. In 1997, Tim’s son, Ryan, joined the company and today he looks after the commercial division.

Another key hire was Joey Daley who joined Crestview in 1998 and oversees the small business division. “Both Ryan and Joey are excellent leaders and bring a lot of experience to the company,” says Engel.

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Crestview Electric

Heritage Park Gasoline Alley

Crestview Building Lobby

On the administration side, Marcelle Vallee, joined the company in 2009 and has worked in nearly every internal department. As the office administrator, her wealth of company knowledge combined with her work ethic has contributed to the overall growth of Crestview and she is an integral person within the organization.

“Our company works very efficiently: it’s all done on time, on budget and we have very few problems. We have open communication, our employees are well trained and very personable – they understand the importance of first impressions and they are very aware of their conduct and professionalism while completing a contract,” he remarks.

“When you look at all the other electrical companies in the marketplace, it seems a lot of them have previous Crestview employees within their organization and they are well respected,” he adds. “When it comes to our people and our processes, we are very strong in the industry. Consequently, we have many long-term employees and customers, and we are proud of our reputation.”

Conduit work at Cranston Sobeys

All in a day’s work…

Crestview provides all aspects of electrical services from commercial and institutional to industrial and residential, but they also offer specialty services that are not readily available with other companies.

They carry a full line of instrumentation equipment that encompasses technical and data communication capabilities, ranging from power analyzers to thermal and data testing equipment. Crestview provides a complete service and that separates them from their competitors.

“Many of the smaller companies can’t afford to buy the specialty equipment, but we’ve been around long enough and we’ve invested in the company to provide some of our bigger customers with these services. They want specific information when it comes to trouble shooting, power surges and like scenarios, and we are able to determine what’s causing these problems or issues,” says Engel.

Over the years, Crestview has built many partnerships in the institutional sector and as a result, they have an excellent track

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W

hen the Crestview employees are not in the field, you will likely find them inside the Crestview classroom, which is one of the only electrical companies in the City to provide ongoing, in-house classroom training. When the plans for the new building were drafted, the classroom was included by design as part of Engel’s long-term vision.

Unlike many companies that have a safety officer or safety division, Crestview takes a different approach.

“We bring the experts to Crestview and train our employees for certification because safety helps ensure programs and efficiency within the company. Additionally Crestview is COR certified and every employee

record. “About half of our projects are designated as L.E.E.D. and we are heavily involved with recycling – from wire and ballasts to lamps. We recycle the majority of materials that are found on a job site,” he adds. “Most of our customers are onside with these programs and we tend to take on projects that are high in the L.E.E.D. orientation.

A landmark project that Crestview completed took them to Heritage Park where they worked on the entire expansion – from Gasoline Alley to the out buildings and the parking lot. Other noteworthy projects around town also include the Edge School and Sports Facility, the IKO Shingle plant, Shoppers Drug Mart distribution warehouse, the Calgary Zoo Enmax Conservatory, the Calgary Stampede Agricultural Building renovation, Ambrose University College and residence, numerous fire halls and City of Calgary projects as well as over 30 new schools and recreation facilities.

Additionally, Crestview completes a lot of sensitive and time-restrictive work. “We work in high security areas of a building and the work is usually completed on a tight schedule. Sometimes our employees will work around the clock

Wishing you continued success as you celebrate 25 years in business.

From all of us at

is trained in First Aid, lift training and related safety aspects,” he says.

“Another training mechanism we provide brings the apprentices into the office where we teach them how to read plans and complete estimates,” adds Engel.

“It’s important for them to see how things work in the office as well as the field, and the training program has worked extremely well.”

“When we hire someone new, we prefer to start with a clean slate, teach them our processes and they tend to stay with us for a long time,” he adds. “The majority of our employees have been with us since they started in the trade.”

to complete the job, but you’ll never hear them complain,” remarks Engel. “The work is not too technically challenging anymore; the challenge is always meeting the customer’s timeline.”

Much of Crestview’s work is repeat business and comes from longstanding relationships. “We’ve received excellent feedback from our customers. We have an open book policy with our clients and that has created a lot of trust,” observes Tim. “It doesn’t matter where we go or what we do; when we leave a site, the customer is always happy. We haven’t become successful overnight. It’s been a process to gradually work with our clients, keep them happy and achieve slow, but steady growth.”

Looking forward, Engel is optimistic that the future is bright. “We are not going to change the way we do things.

It took us 25 years to arrive at this point and as we continue to grow, we will probably become more technical, which will make us stand out from the other contractors. The more technical expertise we have, the greater the knowledge and advantage we can offer,” Engel notes.

As Crestview Electric celebrates their 25th anniversary, they wish to extend a heart-felt ‘thank you’ to all the business partners, suppliers, customers and employees that have contributed to their success. On a personal note, Tim Engel also extends a special ‘thank you’ to his wife and daughter for all of their support over the years. •

Crestview Electric Jack Carter Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC Phone 403.258.6339 | www.jackcarterchev.com

www.crestviewelectric.com 403.279.6661

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Congratulations

Crestview Electric, on your rise to success!

Wishing you many more years of prosperous growth.

Happy 25thAnniversary!

All of us at Guillevin and Leviton extend warmest congratulations to Crestview Electric as they celebrate 25 exceptional years in business. We W look fo f rward to being a part of your continued success in the years to come!

Now s e

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927 A 46th Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2A5

AlbertaLift.com |

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Congratulations to Crestview Electric on your 25th anniversary

Congratulations 25

th

on your

anniversary

Sharing your vision.

Building success.

We are more than builders. We are construction partners who are passionate about what we do and about our partners’ success.

PCL is proud to partner with Crestview Electric in southern Alberta.

CALGARY

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congratulates 3 Skyline Crescent N.E., Calgary, AB T2K 5X2 Ph:(403) 295 6100 | www.tribuild.com

Congratulations to Crestview Electric on 25 Years of Success!

Specializing in Energy Efficient Solutions www.comlight.com

Crestview Electric on 25 years of success!

Congratulations to Crestview Electric Ltd

on their 25th anniversary of providing electrical installation, maintenance and design services to the Calgary and surrounding communities.

We are proud to provide audit, accounting, consulting and income tax services to them and the business community that they serve.

From the partners and staff of

DAVIS, DAIGNAULT, SCHICK & CO. TELEPHONE: (403) 262 - 3394 CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS FAX: (403) 269 - 3540 830, 840 – 7 AVENUE S.W., CALGARY, ALTA. T2P 3G2

Health, Safety and Occupational Training Services

www.safety-insights.com Congratulations to Crestview Electric on 25 years of success!

Ph: 403-236-9600 | Fax: 403-279-9090 www.civicrecycling.com sales@civicrecycling.com

Congratulations Crestview Electric!

We wish you another 25 years of success!

Crestview Electric | 25th Anniversary | 7

General Contracting | Project Management Butler Building Systems | Design/Build Contracting

Congratulations to Crestview as they celebrate

Electric

25 years of success!

General Contracting Project Management Butler Building Systems Design/Build Contracting

www.eecol.com 403-243-5594

Congratulations to Crestview Electric on their 25th Anniversary

Congratulations Crestview on 25 years, proud to be your construction partner and builder.

elan Elan Construction Limited #100, 3639-27th St. N.E., Calgary, AB T1Y 5E4 Tel: Construction (403) 291-1165 Elan Limited| Fax: (403) 291-5396 elanconstruction.com #100, 3639-27th St. N.E.

Bird Calgary Office 106, 12143 - 40th Street SE, Calgary, Alberta tel.403-319-0470 fax.403-319-0476 www.bird.ca

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Calgary, AB T1Y 5E4 Tel: (403) 291-1165 Fax: (403) 291-5396

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