Business in Calgary - November 2021

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WEBBER ACADEMY Learn more at www.webberacademy.ca

Dr. Neil Webber is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Chris Reitsma as Senior Advisor, Baseball Operations and Pitching Coach for Wildcats Baseball.

Chris Reitsma was the first Canadian baseball player to be drafted in the 1st round of the MLB draft. Reitsma played for the Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves, and the Seattle Mariners. Currently, he is the Pitching Coach for the Canadian Junior National Team, and a Canadian Scout for the Kansas City Royals.

He also pitched for Team Canada in Ro the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games.

facilitating the high-level baseball programs and teams for Wildcats Baseball, Alberta’s newest baseball association. “We are thrilled to have Mr. Reitsma on our management and coaching team, and he brings incredible experience and knowledge to the Wildcats Baseball Association. is is fantastic news that we are a excited to share!” states Dr. Neil Webber.

Chris Reitsma will be a massive asset to Wildcats Baseball and the development of all the players within the association. His role as Senior Advisor, Baseball Operations, and Pitching Coach will include overseeing and

Chris Reitsma is an incredible athlete, talented coach, and devoted father who loves spending quality time with his wife Janelle, and daughters, Kylie, Emily, and Allyson.

“I am very excited and blessed to be part of Wildcats Baseball!

I look forward to mentoring and working with the next generation of Baseball players here in Calgary!”

Chris Reitsma, Senior Advisor, Baseball Operations and Pitching Coach for Wildcats Baseball

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Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time.

Volume 31 | Number 11

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Affordable Housing is Really Unaffordable

By Shane Wenzel

37 126

Calgary Chamber of Commerce

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Parker’s Pen

Join MNP in Honouring Calgary’s Visionary Business Leaders

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CONTENTS COVER FEATURE

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2021 Leaders Awards Honouring Calgary’s great – and resilient – business leaders

By Melanie Darbyshire

ON OUR COVER: THE 2021 LEADERS AWARDS RECIPIENTS PHOTO SOURCE: V STRATEGIES INC.

FIND US ONLINE! B US I N E SS I NCALGARY.COM BUSINESS IN CALGARY

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By David Parker

L

iftboss Inc. was established in May 2006 by four partners John and Andre Gagnon, Dale Beatty and Marc Tougas to be a one stop shop dealership for all material handling needs. Having worked in the industry before, the four partners, pooled all there resources, previous experience together and designed a new business model to fill iftboss Materials Handling congratulates the much needed niche that the industry needed. year’s owned nominations for Business Liftboss Inc.all is this an Alberta and operated in Edmonton and Business in Calgary dealership, offering new and used equipment sales, As one offorklift our principles had a totalLeaders. parts department, rentals, forklift the honorand of receiving the Leader of training, trained certified mechanics to perform invehicles 2013, we all repairsTomorrow in shop andaward service torecognize handle on site repairs.the Liftboss Inc. prides self on quick response nominees.

Theyit’s contribute greatly to time toour customer’s breakdowns. communities and should be recognized

L

for their personal integrity, values, business

adding JCB construction equipment in 2017 has been a great addition, and has made Liftboss Inc. even more visible in the heavy equipment industry in Alberta.

They will always stay true to their material handling roots, but having an established and well respected construction line has solidified the fact that Liftboss Inc. is here for the long haul and ready to compete.

presented some challenges, but has also proven how amazing and a rental, Whether you are lookingour for staff a neware, machine, shown the strengths in our team and service or parts on an existing unit, or simply want Material handling give and them forklifts aprocesses. second option on something, a call and were, and to be,you a huge they will be continue happy to point in thepart rightof direction. what Liftboss Inc. has grown butbased As a group, Liftboss Inc. do whatfrom, they do on four core values: doconstruction what you say line you has will in a welcoming the JCB timely manner;strengthened be open and honest; do whatever it only further the company. takes; and serviceto the customer above all else. As We are excited move into our new each department grows, each team member location on the NW side of Edmonton, is held accountable to those principles, their focus where renovations are almost complete, is to be a quality company that people and to open a third branch in 2022 to are proud to work for. service Grande Prairie and surrounding area.

Having an established and well-respected construction line has solidified the fact that Liftboss Inc. is here for the long haul and ready to compete.

Customer service community was the reason the company initiatives, involvement, was born, and has captured an impressive share innovation and philanthropy. Congratulations of business for Liftboss. In the past 3 years, the to you all. downturn in the Alberta economy has definitely affected the sales activity, but comparatively Liftboss established in May 2006 the service and Inc. partswas business has bysubstantial four partners to be a one-stop shop noticed growth.

The dealership for all material handling needs. sales team builds portfolios for Havingneeds worked the industry before, the each client’s and in service preferences; this way,pooled they canallhave four partners their resources and a conversation withtogether a client instead the future of construction equipment. experience andIntroducing designed a new Whether you are looking for a new machine, of simply walking them around themuch-needed business model to fill the a rental, service or parts on existing The new JCB Hydradig is the world’s first wheeled excavatoranand showroom.

Their clients niche. appreciate service focused Liftboss Inc. is an unit, or simply want a second option on tool carrier designed for purpose and built without compromise. the attention and reward them with Alberta owned and operated dealership, something, give us a call and we will be Travel to—and around—work sites faster than ever, maneuver into repeat business and referrals.

offering new and used material handling happy to point you in the right direction. As tight spaces with greater safety, and apply the right attachments and construction equipment sales, a total a group, Liftboss Inc. is based on four core Material handling and forklifts werewhere and continue to be they’re needed. parts department, forklift rentals, forklift values: do what you say you will in a timely a huge part of what Liftboss Inc. has grown from, but Contact Liftboss JCB formanner; more information. training, trained and certified mechanics be open and honest; do whatever to perform repairs in shop and service it takes; and service the customer above vehicles to handle on site repairs. Liftboss all else. As each department grows, each Inc. prides itself on quick response time to team member is held accountable to those customers’ breakdowns. principles providing everyone opportunity to continually grow within the company. Our The recent downturns in the economy focus is to be a quality company that people and facing the pandemic have definitely are proud to work for.

EDMONTON BRANCH 7912 Yellowhead Trail Edmonton, AB (780) 474-9900

CALGARY BRANCH 8010 40 Street SE Calgary, AB (403) 301-0041

LiftbossJCB.com

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Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time.

Volume 31 | Number 11

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THIS MONTH’S FEATURES

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urbulence in Calgary’s T Reno Market The pandemic and the materials crunch

By John Hardy

CONTENTS COMPANY PROFILES

87 93 99 103 107 115

Krawford Construction

Celebrates 50 Years

RGO

North American Storage

Celebrates 25 Years

Sandler Training

Celebrates 10 Years

LUPI Luxury Homes

Celebrates 50 Years

J ubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd.

NOVEMBER 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Succession Planning Brought to the Forefront COVID-19 pushes companies to prepare for an uncertain future

By Erlynn Gococo

22 28

Celebrates 55 Years

Celebrates 40 Years

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32 40

Oh workers, where art thou?

Alberta business owners battle myriad of obstacles in getting employees back to work

By Jamie Zachary

The Slump, Flux and Trends The slow recovery

By John Hardy

Senior Health Considering contemporary options

By John Hardy

Open Opportunity New legislation modernizes, expands and streamlines Alberta’s apprenticeship and skilled trades educational programming

By Natalie Noble

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Business in Calgary magazine’s circulation is audited twice a year by BPA International.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS REALLY UNAFFORDABLE // SHANE WENZEL

Affordable Housing is Really Unaffordable

BY SHANE WENZEL

Y

ou will recall during the recent federal election all of the parties attempted to outdo each other by presenting as one of their key election promises to build millions of affordable homes over the next few years.

If the elected Liberal Party keeps all their other election promises and platforms that affect housing costs, there will never be an opportunity for owning affordable homes anywhere in Canada in the future.

In addition, unless local governments make an effort to connect the suburb communities that have evolved due to new family formations with their inner cities, they will miss out on turning the suburbs into part of a unified economic base through a tax-sharing plan. Notably, on average, about 40 per cent of jobs are located 10 miles and beyond from the core downtown business district.

Promises to build millions of more houses make it seem as though politicians are fighting hard to keep the dream of home ownership alive, when in reality that is not a meaningful goal. There is no easy way to fix the current housing crisis in Canada for a variety of reasons. The reference is more appropriately “unaffordable housing.”

Take Calgary’s local market for example. Just gaining approval for development can range from five to seven years. However, this process can be sped up somewhat by the developer paying upfront costs up to $1.5 million for the City to dedicate staff to shorten those processes. This is followed by another three years to develop and install the infrastructure in readiness for any housing. Readiness for occupancy can then possibly be as far out as 10 years from beginning to build out stage.

Also unknown to the public is that all servicing infrastructure, including sanitary, water, storm servicing, sidewalks, roads,

local pathways, and parks are front-funded by the developer – not the City of Calgary. In addition are all the fees for development and building permits.

With no certainty to investors from a business perspective from day one of planning to approval to proceed, it is difficult to attract and keep investors with the costs increasing over the process. As a result, over the past 10 years we have seen capital understandably leave the city for elsewhere.

While onlookers might logically think that the continued increased costs of housing are due to increased cost of supplies, the biggest issue faced by industry today is available skilled manpower. Little has been done by a variety of institutions to encourage youth to enter the skilled construction trade industry. Hence, the infamous supply and demand issue has evolved. This inability to find skilled workers has increased the cost of homes exponentially.

Unfortunately, regardless that approximately $11 million was invested by 11 developers and homebuilders into SAIT trade programs some 12 years ago, a changing of the status of SAIT from a college to university has seen those programs effectively put on hold or disappear.

Simply put, homes have now become too expensive for those who need them.

“Promises to build millions of more houses make it seem as though politicians are fighting hard to keep the dream of home ownership alive, when in reality that is not a meaningful goal.”

Shane Wenzel is president of the Shane Homes Group of Companies. Follow him @shanewenzel on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.His column is written for the Alberta Enterprise Group, @AEG on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // NOVEMBER 2021

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OFF

THE

Annual Veterans Funding Drive

Canadian Legacy Project was formed in 2008 with a goal to develop and support programs for our Canadian military veterans who are having a challenging time transitioning back to civilian live. The national charity is volunteer directed ensuring funding get to those who need it most. Due to COVID demand for their PTSD support programs, food programing, education and housing supports are at an all time high, and funding is at an all time low. The need for support within the veteran community is ever increasing and Canadian Legacy Project continues to do everything they can

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to ensure the needs of our Canadian veterans across Canada are being met. (#82478 8202 RR0001) It is their mission to develop and fund programs that are not currently being offered, or that are underfunded by Veterans Affairs. In parallel to this, as a registered charity they advocate on behalf of, recognize and celebrate our Canadian veterans. As well as educate Canadians about our veterans and the sacrifices they have made standing on guard for country.

PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION WHERE WE CAN HELP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY Shawnalynn Perron

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reparation initiates from the first generation business or wealth creators. Expecting the next generation to mature and understand the significance of what they will be managing or inheriting if they are unaware of what exactly it is they are inheriting, is not realistic. It’s like gifting a child a bicycle and expecting them to know how to sit on it, balance on it and ride on it all at once. You need to start one step at a time – it is a process, not an event. This article aims to outline some steps to help your families start preparing for a wealth transition event

3. DEVELOP A ROADMAP FOR EDUCATION

1. STOP KEEPING IT ALL A SECRET

• Understanding personality types • Conflict resolution • Budgeting • Investment management • Leadership • Strategic management • Industry specific research

We need to stop keeping family wealth a secret. The next generation may not know all the details but when they reach a certain age they already know the family has money. They can understand discrepancies between their lifestyle and friends at school or the communities around them. Now, we am not suggesting you tell a 14 year everything about the family wealth, but they need to start learning that money comes with responsibilities.

Keeping the family wealth a secret creates a sense of distrust and that can be destructive when it comes preparing the next generation to live out your succession/legacy/estate plan.

Come talk to us about how you can best start this conversation.

2. CALL A FAMILY MEETING

When you start treating your family wealth like a business and creating new formalities and structure, it can help all members start learning and preparing for what is to come. Learning to listen and work together on topics such as fiscal responsibility, determining educational requirements, and prenuptial agreements can help the family align its values so everyone has a common understanding of intentions and expectations. In addition, trusting your family members with the financial information can go a long way. Knowing that the first generation is trusting in and providing the next generation with confidential information can create maturity, a sense of responsibility and engagement that might surprise you.

Together, we can design your first family meeting agenda.

Through collaboration and discussion, you can learn about where skills may be lacking or where family members might excel.

Identifying the gaps will help develop a list of where education will be required. Depending on the nature of the family’s assets, different skills may be needed.It does notmean buy the latest financial book for dummies and mandate everyone read it.

Education is for everyone including the first generation. Topics can include:

Engage our firm as one of your stops for learning financial literacy and investing 101.

To prepare is to make ready for something ahead of time for activity, use or purpose. When you start your estate planning process you are doing just that. Traditionally, we think this is complete when we sign the Will. We disagree. When you decide to draft a Will, you are committing to preparing all the members involved and impacted by the Will for the eventual outcome, whatever that is. It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure the wealth transition is successful. More importantly, having the family involved in the process can help strengthen and develop a more appropriate plan so unintended consequences do not result.

Through thoughtful conversation and planning, we can help you and your family navigate this process to help achieve a successful wealth transition. Contact our in house Trust & Estate Practitioner at perronteam@cpwm.ca or call at 403-705-1200.

Are you ready to engage and start the process?

Let’s start the conversation and we can share with you the next steps.

Please reach out to our team at perronteam@cpwm.ca or call us at 403-705-1200 to discuss.

Cumberland Private Wealth Management Inc. Perron & Partners [1]

Source: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/51-of-canadians-don-t-have-a-will-in-place-poll-finds-1.976147

TURBULENCE IN CALGARY’S RENO MARKET // CONSTRUCTION

TURBULENCE IN CALGARY’S RENO MARKET THE PANDEMIC AND THE MATERIALS CRUNCH

BY JOHN HARDY

C

algary construction is always impacted by the economy, consumer trends – and the unexpected.

For at least the past five years or so, reno construction has been booming. Then the sudden materials crunch and the disruptive lockdown of the pandemic happened. And Calgary’s reno sector weathered the storms.

“The demand for renovations has been steadily increasingly over the last five years,” says the respected Danny Ritchie, president and co-owner of the Calgary-based Ultimate Renovations. “But especially in the last two years, as we have begun to see the impact the pandemic has taken on people’s lifestyles, many Calgarians who spent little time at home and thought they would invest in vacation properties or travel

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are now staying-put, driving momentum into the renovation industry. The last two years have been very busy for us, and we are excited to be growing in both Calgary and Edmonton.”

The unique and challenging aspect of renovations is the unpredictable shifts and changes in consumer trends. Dream kitchens, decadent ensuite spas one season and home offices, home theatres and study nooks the next.

The pandemic lockdowns and the abrupt changes in people’s routine have had a dual impact on the reno sector. Good and bad. “When the pandemic first hit, we knew a lot of people questioned their job security which ultimately caused people who were considering a renovation to re-evaluate their financial priorities,” Ritchie points out.

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TURBULENCE IN CALGARY’S RENO MARKET // CONSTRUCTION

“WITH MANY PEOPLE WORKING FROM HOME MORE THAN EVER BEFORE, WE’VE CERTAINLY SEEN AN INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR HOME OFFICE SPACES,” RITCHIE NOTES. or used for work and storage, or improving sound insulation in existing walls and areas to create a calm environment for work. The trend shows that people are spending more time and effort in designing a unique working space to maximize their concentration, motivation and productivity.

“However, as people adjusted to new routines and began spending more time at home, the demand for renovations took off. Money that was previously going to be spent on elaborate trips or vacation properties was now being reinvested back into people’s primary residence.

“With many people working from home more than ever before, we’ve certainly seen an increase in demand for home office spaces,” Ritchie notes. “In some cases, this has led to creating whole new home additions without sacrificing the utility of their current living space. For others, their under-utilized backyards have become the new focal point of their homes. By offering creative solutions for three-season outdoor living spaces, people are choosing to help bridge the gap between the outdoors and their home.

“Of course, the impact of the pandemic not only affected our clients but our trade partners too,” he says. “Masks, distancing and being extra careful. The usual course of business had to adapt as well. With social distancing guidelines, for example, we now have less people on job sites at a given time, which in turn affects how quickly we can renovate a space. Luckily, since we have our own team of inhouse trades, the transition was easier to navigate allowing us to minimize the impact on our clients.”

“With everything from outdoor kitchens to fireplaces to entertainment areas with TVs, the appeal of adding an outdoor living space has quickly become one of the most requested Calgary renovations.”

The reno sector, once blitzing with dazzling kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, built-in appliances and space age hood fans is now overwhelmed by the work-from-home scramble of the past two years.

“After several challenging years of economic downturn with a substantial reduction in work volume, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction industry was in yet another challenge due to this year’s sudden material prices hike and caused looming lead time and supply availability issues,” say Bill Black, president and COO of the Calgary Construction Association. Our expectation is that there will be volatility for some time in many areas, as supply chains continue to be impacted by the many factors in play.

COVID-19 is only part of this and became the straw that broke the camel’s back.

With more and more workers taking up remote positions in a post-COVID world, there’s much demand for live/ work-space renovation, whether that’s the transformation of current bedrooms and bonus spaces into offices creating functional spaces that can double for both [live/work] purposes, such as built-in furniture that can be hidden away

From roof trusses to drywall, siding, shingles, PVC and copper pipe, the sudden 2021 construction materials crunch caught the construction and reno sector off-guard and also translated into spiked costs and job delays.

ABOVE: DANNY RITCHIE, PRESIDENT AND CO-OWNER OF ULTIMATE RENOVATIONS.

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TURBULENCE IN CALGARY’S RENO MARKET // CONSTRUCTION

HIGH DEMAND FOR NEW HOMES IN ALBERTA, ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND EVEN GLOBALLY WAS THE CULPRIT FOR MASSIVE INPUT SHORTAGES AND BOTTLENECKS FOR TRANSPORTATION – SHIPPING BY RAIL, TRUCK OR SEA. A RECENT SURVEY BY THE CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION CALCULATED THE ADDED LUMBER COSTS ALONE INCREASED THE PRICE OF A HOME BY $20,000.

“Many of these issues were in play prior. The real looming issue is labour – both site and office. Supply chains will recover and prices will stabilize (likely not back to where they were) but labour and talent will be the true challenge moving forward. The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating on the Canadian economy overall. More specifically, the ripple effect the Alberta construction industry, including renos, has suffered is very real. It will take some time to recover.”

During this year’s construction materials crunch, all aspects of construction, including renos, were broadsided and heavily impacted.

High demand for new homes in Alberta, across the country and even globally was the culprit for massive input shortages and bottlenecks for transportation – shipping by rail, truck or sea. A recent survey by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association calculated the added lumber costs alone increased the price of a home by $20,000.

The price hikes and the suddenness of it all was certainly a broadside, particularly the effect on reno construction work in progress.

“The most common in demand materials for renovations for products we carry are doors, mouldings, flooring and exterior decking material, mainly composite. In the last couple of years, we have seen a boom in exterior materials as people were stuck at home,” says the personable Chris Dupont, manager of TimberTown’s Calgary SE location. “This year we have seen that move to the interior of the house with doors, moulding and flooring.

“The high prices in lumber this year caused some people to put off their exterior renovations. Treated lumber, spruce

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lumber plywood, OSB (Oriented Strand Board, the widely used, versatile structural wood panel) were most affected by the high prices.”

Ritchie acknowledges that the material shortages and fluctuating demand has certainly made sourcing materials a little more challenging for Calgary’s reno sector. “It’s not that lumber, for example, wasn’t available. And we just saw prices sky rocket and only recently return back to baseline levels. Right now, our biggest challenge is sourcing plumbing supplies, windows (as a result of a shortage of silica sand used in the production of the glass itself), MDF building materials and believe it or not, paint!”

The materials crunch is over. Dupont notes that while the shortages and price hikes were sudden, there had been a Canadian lumber supply problem for a while. “The high demand last year along with a move from people to single family dwellings caused a big shortage in the lumber industry. There was also big demand from the United States for these materials. This year saw the prices collapse and they are back to more historical prices. I believe we will see the prices stay more at historical levels going forward.”

Whether it’s the stay-at-home consumer trends or new home feature extras and lifestyle trends, Ritchie emphasizes that reno success is more, much more, than dazzling new rooms, cabinets, countertops and shimmering tiles. “When it comes to customer satisfaction, the bottom line for us is delivering on our promises,” he says with conviction. “Do what you say you’re going to do, do it on time and within budget. It’s as simple as that!”

SUCCESSION PLANNING BROUGHT TO THE FOREFRONT // SUCCESSION PLANNING

SUCCESSION PLANNING BROUGHT TO THE FOREFRONT

BY ERLYNN GOCOCO

COVID-19 PUSHES COMPANIES TO PREPARE FOR AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE

S

uccession planning focuses on implementing a process with the goal of keeping talent in the pipeline. This process typically involves between 12 and 36 months of preparation, which in this case, is not the same as pre-selection.

According to Jim Rea, leader of MNP’s ExitSMART™ Succession Services team in Calgary, many companies had put their succession plans on the backburner. Now, COVID-19 has alerted them to the fact that they are unprepared and have not put adequate thought into whether they should be considering carrying on or bowing out of lead roles.

He says, “The COVID-19 pandemic brought home the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. No one knows when the next personal or worldwide crisis will occur. Thoughtful planning can help small businesses and entrepreneurs prepare for an uncertain future.”

Rea adds that the pandemic has served as a wake-up call for many business owners. “For good or bad, the pandemic is definitely bringing succession into the spotlight.”

Glenda Reynolds, Haskayne School of Business director at the Canadian Centre for Advanced Leadership, echoes Rea’s comments and says, “COVID-19 has caused many people to

REA ADDS THAT THE PANDEMIC HAS SERVED AS A WAKE-UP CALL FOR MANY BUSINESS OWNERS. “FOR GOOD OR BAD, THE PANDEMIC IS DEFINITELY BRINGING SUCCESSION INTO THE SPOTLIGHT.”

ABOVE: JIM REA, MNP EXITSMART™ SUCCESSION SERVICES TEAM.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // NOVEMBER 2021

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SUCCESSION PLANNING BROUGHT TO THE FOREFRONT // SUCCESSION PLANNING

“WHEN LEADERS REALIZE, AS THE RESEARCH SHOWS, THAT PRODUCTIVITY REMAINS HIGH WITH REMOTE WORKING ARRANGEMENTS, ORGANIZATIONS CAN CREATE NEW EMPLOYEE VALUE PROPOSITIONS FOR CONTINUING TO WORK FOR A COMPANY BEYOND TRADITIONAL RETIREMENT AGE,” SAYS REYNOLDS. re-evaluate what is important to them – things like how they want to spend their time and how important their health is to them. They are also evaluating the possible impact of COVID-19 illness, their experience at work and how they are being treated by their organization. Then they are deciding if it is worth investing more or less time with an organization.”

She explains that some people have made the decision to retire early and leave organizational and work life altogether to focus on a new chapter in their lives. While this may be the case for some, Reynolds explains, “Others who still want to work are looking for a connection with companies that allows them flexibility and a better connection with what is important to them. They are looking for leaders who understand how to provide a strong value proposition to employees. Those nearing retirement are looking to see how they can contribute meaningfully, be valued for their knowledge and mentoring ability, and to engage in learning opportunities in things like new technologies.”

“When leaders realize, as the research shows, that productivity remains high with remote working arrangements, organizations can create new employee value propositions for continuing to work for a company beyond traditional retirement age,” says Reynolds. “These arrangements can benefit both employees and organizations and potentially curb early retirements.”

Real HR president Eleanor Culver says that while their clients’ experiences over the last two years have been somewhat painful, the pandemic has been a positive lesson in succession planning. “Succession planning is woefully absent in the vast majority of small to medium-sized Calgary companies; during the pandemic, survival and

short-term goals took precedence over longer-term planning for businesses. Random ad hoc employee absences, lockdowns and continually changing restrictions for businesses have highlighted the need to have a succession plan and adequate cross-training. These are the first steps of developing a practical succession plan.”

Interestingly, Rea points out that businesses that have altered their operations to cope or even thrive through the pandemic have increased their values, making transfer or sale more appealing for the owner, and often speeding up the succession process. He gives the example of a client who decided to move forward on a complete sale to family due to COVID-19. “One of our clients had some pre-existing health conditions and decided that, rather than wait and transact over a period of three to five years, they would exit right away. COVID-19 flattened out job opportunities for their son-in-law, so the plan was made to transition him into leadership more quickly.”

ABOVE: GLENDA REYNOLDS, HASKAYNE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS DIRECTOR, THE CANADIAN CENTRE FOR ADVANCED LEADERSHIP.

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SUCCESSION PLANNING BROUGHT TO THE FOREFRONT // SUCCESSION PLANNING

REAL HR PRESIDENT ELEANOR CULVER SAYS THAT WHILE THEIR CLIENTS’ EXPERIENCES OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS HAVE BEEN SOMEWHAT PAINFUL, THE PANDEMIC HAS BEEN A POSITIVE LESSON IN SUCCESSION PLANNING. “The abundance of ready capital and low interest rates have created increased demand for investment in businesses,” says Rea, “whether that means outright sale to a purchaser or participation of a third-party in a strategic partnership. MNP’s chartered business valuators are increasingly called upon to help determine the values of businesses given the additional challenge of adjusting for non-recurring financial impacts, whether they be positive (unusual demand for products or services, government subsidies, or cost savings) or negative (lost sales due to unanticipated closures, capacity restrictions, etc.).”

“Many of our professional clients have been triggered to pull back from the whirlwind of their practices and to think about the bigger picture as a result of having witnessed some of the difficulties that their colleagues (in similar or other professions) have experienced. Spending increased time with family has caused some to re-examine what their most important values are,” explains Rea. The last two years have triggered a couple of things, says Reynolds. First, companies are starting to establish and implement ‘emergency succession planning protocols’ (typically seen more for natural disaster types of disruptions), particularly at the executive levels and in key business areas.

“Executives may be exiting unexpectedly either due to unexpected health problems that could arise because of COVID-19, or because of lifestyle choices. These ‘emergency protocols’ are being developed because of potential talent shortages, both in leadership where longer succession planning is typically used and in technical areas. These types of protocols have not usually been a priority for organizations.

More traditional forms of succession planning with longer time horizons have typically been the norm but now COVID has provided a sense of urgency as organizations can foresee that there may not be time for knowledge transfer, mentoring or leadership development to take place.”

Second is the focus on the importance of succession planning and leadership capability. “Succession planning is often

considered a longer-term exercise and is therefore sometimes superseded by more immediate business needs. Organizations need to examine their current value proposition for their existing leaders to encourage strong succession. At the same time, organizations need to provide more support to leaders to help prevent or manage the implications of ‘The Great Resignation’ that is happening now.”

“Organizations that pay attention to their existing talent and renew their employee value proposition may be able to keep and even rapidly grow their succession ability,” says Reynolds.

“Organizations that adopt succession approaches that involve leadership development across all levels in their company will decrease their risk of succession issues, increase their ability to recognize the potential of their current talent as well as understand how to retain that talent. Leaders who connect employees with a larger purpose both personally and at an organizational level, while building in flexibility, will come out ahead of leaders and organizations focused on mitigating risk and driving productivity.”

There is no arguing that COVID-19 has caused companies to accelerate, or in some cases begin, its succession planning preparation. Culver points out that while there is no mandatory retirement age in Alberta, “employees and employers need to have frank conversations about the future and engage in creative problem-solving.

“Whether they have experienced COVID-19 firsthand, or have had relatives or friends hospitalized, business owners realize that anything can happen, and they are not going to able to lead their organization forever, so they’d better get some emergency planning done, including deciding on their successors,” says Rea. ABOVE: ELEANOR CULVER, PRESIDENT, REAL HR.

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OH WORKERS, WHERE ART THOU? // HUMAN RESOURCES

OH WORKERS,

WHERE ART THOU? ALBERTA BUSINESS OWNERS BATTLE MYRIAD OF OBSTACLES IN GETTING EMPLOYEES BACK TO WORK

BY JAMIE ZACHARY

22

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// HUMAN RESOURCES

T

o say the COVID-19 pandemic has been a rollercoaster ride for Leslie Echino and her staff would be an understatement.

The owner of Annabelle’s Kitchen, an institution in downtown Calgary for more than 14 years, bravely opened a second location in Marda Loop in late 2019. Yet just months later, the lockdown shut down indoor dining at both locations and forced her to trim staff to keep her business running.

Since then, like many other restaurant operators across the city, Echino has rode the uncertain waves of this pandemic along with her staff, which have ranged from more than 50 to less than five.

“The constant opening and closing, and having to lay people off, has been devastating,” she says. “It can only go on for so long, the cycle of being laid off, before some people have decided to move on into different industries, go back to school or, what I’m hearing, even just taking time off.”

The impact of this pandemic on the labour pool is being witnessed across the province – and for many business owners, creating challenges in returning to some form or normal.

In a survey conducted by Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) in early September, nearly half (41 per cent) of Alberta small business owners cite difficulty recruiting talent as a factor in returning to previous staffing levels. Two-thirds (67 per cent) point to unemployment insurance and COVID-19 support programs such as the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) as the reason why.

Other factors include a lack of available candidates with the necessary skills and experience and wage expectations that are too high.

“It’s clear there’s not one reason why our members are facing challenges recruiting and retaining staff. And yet, it’s also not surprising,” says Annie Dormuth, director of Provincial Affairs, Alberta for CFIB. “For example, we’ve been hearing from business owners of them having to increase their wages to attract workers. In fact, recent data shows that the average hourly wage in Alberta’s

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OH WORKERS, WHERE ART THOU? // HUMAN RESOURCES

than CRB – but rather in, “looking for people who want to be in Alberta, that being newcomers.”

The CFIB survey seemingly confirms the limitations in wage increases being an effective recruitment tool. Only 12 per cent of Alberta small business owners reported that they felt increasing wages were useful and helping in resolving staffing issues. In addition, 17 per cent used hiring bonuses, but felt they were not helpful.

“IT’S BEEN VERY DIFFICULT FOR PLACES LIKE RESTAURANTS AND BARS BECAUSE THEIR WORKERS CAN OFTEN MAKE MORE MONEY STAYING AT HOME,” SAYS BROWNLEE. “IT’S VERY POLARIZING. SOME CAN’T WAIT TO GET BACK TO WORK, WHILE OTHERS NEVER WANT THIS TO END.” hospitality sector is $21 – way above the $15 minimum wage in the province.”

In the meantime, the consequences of the current labour shortage are leaving these small businesses owners to pick up the slack themselves. CFIB reports 56 per cent of Alberta small business owners say they are working more hours, in large part to resolve staffing issues.

“Anecdotally, we’ve been hearing a lot of this for a long time,” says Dormuth. “There’s definitely a labour shortage problem, particularly in the hospitality sector.”

Mark von Schellwitz, vice-president of Western Canada for Restaurants Canada confirms the challenges his sector is actively facing. The hospitality association, which counts 4,000 of its 30,000 members from Alberta, says their last national survey shows 80 per cent of members are still having difficulty hiring back of the house staff such as cooks, and 67 per cent are reporting difficulty hiring front-of-house staff such as servers, bartenders and hosts.

Overall, Schellwitz notes unfilled positions in Canada’s hospitality sector have increased from 60,000 pre-pandemic to 130,000 today.

Catherine Brownlee, president and CEO of the Calgarybased recruitment firm Catherine Brownlee Inc., is also seeing employers in the city struggle to find workers throughout this pandemic. She too notes CRB as a deterrent for many workers in returning to the job, particularly in the hospitality sector.

In Alberta, he points to several reasons behind the lag in labour availability – notably slower-than-normal economic recovery.

“It’s been very difficult for places like restaurants and bars because their workers can often make more money staying at home,” she says. “It’s very polarizing. Some can’t wait to get back to work, while others never want this to end.”

Schellwitz also points to labour-supply mismatch – notably that some of the unfilled positions are not where the people are – as well as a demographic shift where not as many younger workers are not choosing to enter the hospitality sector due, in part, to the pandemic.

Brownlee notes the answer so far hasn’t been in wage increases – “unless, of course, it’s been significantly more

“We’re still nowhere near normal operation levels. And that puts some extra insecurity as to whether someone might get the hours or not,” he says.

“First, there’s a big difference right now between the urban and rural communities. A lot of these smaller communities

ABOVE: CATHERINE BROWNLEE, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF CATHERINE BROWNLEE INC. (CBI).

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // NOVEMBER 2021

25

// HUMAN RESOURCES

around Alberta just don’t have access to a suitable talent pool. A lot of this was pre-existing, but the pandemic has made the situation a lot worse.

“Also, some staff are not ready to return to work. That’s been due to health concerns, as well as safety concerns associated with having to enforcing masking and now, proof of vaccinations.”

As a solution, Schellwitz says Restaurants Canada is strongly advocating for a food service stream to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program that will tap into a much larger labour pool for business owners.

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In addition, the association is seeking continued government support through economic aid programs such as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) that will allow businesses to create improved certainty and predictability. Earlier this summer, CEWS was extended to near the end of October.

“Right now, a majority of business in our sector are still losing money, with about 80 per cent either losing money or just breaking even. So that wage subsidy helps. And many of our members are worried that if they lose that, they’ll have to shut their doors,” he says.

Calgary Hotel Association executive director Sol Zia, whose organization represents more than 80 hotels that comprise more than 90 per cent of available rooms in the city, notes the pandemic has exacerbated many of the historical labour challenges facing the travel and tourism sector, notably retention.

Yet it has also created an issue attracting new workers, particularly as it relates to entry-level positions in areas such as housekeeping, banquet, food and beverage, front desk and maintenance/operations.

“Governments have turned travel and tourism into dirty words – ‘now is not the time to travel,’ as our premier said,

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NOVEMBER 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

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and without an expiry date. In turn, many young workers are not seeing travel and tourism as a career path for them,” he says.

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Zia also points to additional factors that have kept workers away, including attrition as many looked to other sectors.

“Like many others, we experienced mass layoffs at the outset of the pandemic. And we have had a significant portion of that workforce not return,” he says. “Some have left the industry. Our research showed health care was the primary place where they went to.

“But also, the CRB benefit undermined the ability for entrylevel workers to come back because it was ‘rich.’ And then there have been reports across the city of frontline staff taking the brunt of hostility from guests who were unhappy with the initiatives led by government. That didn’t help either.”

For Echino, the secret ingredient to getting her staff back to work has been simple.

“If you treat your employees right, it shouldn’t be that hard to get them back to work,” she says. “We did everything we could to keep staff on or get them back as soon as we could. And we tried to show them that we cared and help support them in whatever way we could.”

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THE SLUMP, FLUX AND TRENDS // REAL ESTATE

THE SLUMP, FLUX AND TRENDS

THE SLOW RECOVERY

BY JOHN HARDY

W

hen it comes to Calgary’s condo market, realtors try to avoid the word slump. Unstable, perhaps.

Flux. Or a somewhat sluggish rollercoaster.

And the blame is not only on the pandemic. Particularly in Calgary real estate, condos have been broadsided by a quadruple whammy. An oversupply. A spiked benchmark mortgage stress test rate that limits affordability for many buyers. Lockdowns and other pandemic impacts. And workby-remote consumer trends.

According to the Altus Group Global Property Development Trends Report, Calgary’s apartment condo prices fell slightly, month-over-month, they were up by three per cent, yearover-year, to $258,609.

With the drastic fluctuations of the past eight months or so, it’s iffy to try and track and project the shifts of the Calgary real estate market, particularly the battered Calgary condo market. “From January until May of this year, there was some

28

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strong condo activity,” says Raymond Wong, vice president of Data Operations and Data Solutions at Altus Group.

“With pent up demand from 2020, a few owners with increasing prices were finally able to sell off existing condos at more favourable values. The first half of the year was exceptionally active to the carry over in demand from purchasers in 2020. Sales activity is probably slowing and the remainder of the year may see a return of pre-pandemic seasonal patterns.

While the pandemic ripples are the legitimate cause of many aspects of Calgary business and the Calgary economy and because affordability is an important real estate factor, COVID-19 doesn’t get much blame for the ongoing Calgary condo situation. “Over-supply is the main issue in the Calgary market rather than affordability, although purchaser power has been reduced with the introduction of the new mortgage stress test,” Wong pointed out.

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According to Ann-Marie Lurie, the knowledgeable chief economist with CREB, “In terms of the apartment condominium market, one of the biggest challenges is the supply. The resale side of the market has struggled with the competition coming from the new builds.

CALGARY OFFICE

“Despite some gains in prices over the past year, prices still remain over 15 per cent below previous highs. This is the only segment of the market that did not see conditions shift to favour the buyer, at the best point conditions were considered balanced. Recently we have seen supply levels rise again relative to the demand, and prices have trended down compared to earlier in the year.”

Altus’ Raymond Wong doesn’t consider the Calgary condo situation a slump.

“Some buyers postponed their purchases in 2020 and moved to 2021, causing a big increase activity in the first half of 2021. Sales and new project launches are up in 2021 compared to 2020. This year’s sales will likely surpass 2019 activity, likely due to the pent-up demand and hesitation from potential purchasers in 2020, pushing their purchases into 2021.”

ABOVE: RAYMOND WONG, VICE PRESIDENT OF DATA OPERATIONS AND DATA SOLUTIONS AT ALTUS GROUP.

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THE SLUMP, FLUX AND TRENDS // REAL ESTATE

“THE CALGARY CONDO MARKET WENT OUT OF BALANCE IN 2015. THE SITUATION IS 80 PER CENT A SUPPLY PROBLEM, CAUSED MOSTLY BY NEW BUILDS. AFFORDABILITY MAY ALSO BE A REASON,” SAYS PIPER, “BUT ALSO THE CONDO FEES THAT HAVE BEEN STEADILY INCREASING. IT’S COMMON TO SEE MONTHLY FEES OVER $500.”

Gord Piper, broker at TSW Real Estate Group/CIR Realty is one of Calgary’s most respected condo specialists. “It’s good to judge the condo market by supply and demand and the number of months of inventory on the market. Over four months is a buyer’s market, 2.4 to 4.0 months is a balanced market and under 2.4 months is a seller’s market. We are currently at 5.3 months of inventory, so we are very much in a buyer’s market.

“The Calgary condo market went out of balance in 2015. The situation is 80 per cent a supply problem, caused mostly by new builds. Affordability may also be a reason,” he says, “but also the condo fees that have been steadily increasing. It’s common to see monthly fees over $500.”

According to Calgary condo experts, the 2022 outlook seems to be more-of-thesame. “Continued construction costs will continue to push prices higher,” Wong says. “Townhomes and low-rise will likely continue to be most in demand with purchasers seeking more space, especially for young families. Sales will likely return to normal, but unlikely to have the same sales activity surge we saw in the first half of 2021.”

ABOVE: GORD PIPER, BROKER AT TSW REAL ESTATE GROUP/CIR REALTY.

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CREB’s Lurie cautions that, “Until we see a rebound in migration, the Calgary condominium market will continue to struggle with elevated supply levels, relative to the demand in the market. This will prevent any significant movement on prices as we move into 2022.”

Piper says an improvement in Calgary’s condo market “would take a slowing of new-builds, although I don’t see that happening as builders are making money.

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SENIOR HEALTH // HEALTH CARE

Senior Health CONSIDERING CONTEMPORARY OPTIONS

BY JOHN HARDY

T

he stereotypes give misleading impression that “the golden years” are a time of aches and pains and worse.

But, in many ways, the stereotypes are stale, dated and being proven wrong.

Stats show that Canadians are living longer than ever, insatiably absorbing new facts and information – from technology to nutrition, wellness and health management – and enjoying longer lifespans and better health than ever before.

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StatsCan notes that seniors outnumber children for the first time in Canada’s history. The proportion of seniors in the Canadian population is expected to double by 2025 and, by 2056, a third of the population will be 65 or older.

The aging-gracefully baby boomers are a key segment of the demographic shift which is already having a significant impact on health care. Seniors account for nearly half of Canada’s health care spending.

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SENIOR HEALTH // HEALTH CARE

The profile of contemporary senior health matters is rapidly changing, and so is the focus and life-strategy of contemporary seniors. Although things happen and nature and life in general have a way of unfolding as it will, gerontologists and other health professionals underscore the importance of seniors seeking out ways to stay healthy, and as strong and flexible as possible.

“It’s a different generation of seniors with different ideologies,” she points out. “While the ‘older seniors’ tend to rely mostly on traditional doctors and specialists, ‘younger seniors’ are trying different things such as meditation, group programs and having a broader team of care and support providers.”

“WHILE THE ‘OLDER SENIORS’ TEND TO RELY MOSTLY ON TRADITIONAL DOCTORS AND SPECIALISTS, ‘YOUNGER SENIORS’ ARE TRYING DIFFERENT THINGS SUCH AS MEDITATION, GROUP PROGRAMS AND HAVING A BROADER TEAM OF CARE AND SUPPORT PROVIDERS,” SAYS MENDHAM. According to Health Canada, injuries are the biggest culprit.

They have enormous consequences for seniors and their caregivers, and are costly to the Canadian health system.

Falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors, while vehicular collisions are the leading cause of accidental deaths in the 65-74 age group. Falls and vehicular collisions together account for approximately 91 per cent of injuryrelated hospital admissions among seniors.

“The health situation, wants and needs of seniors has evolved over the past few years,” says the experienced Kathy Mendham, founder and seniors advisor at Proactive Seniors, the Calgary-based service that helps seniors and their families identify and access the many available senior services and navigate the difficult discussions and decisions related to planning for aging.

Doctors and specialists emphasize that staying healthy is a valuable way for seniors to maintain independence, and suggest five factors that are vital for healthy aging: healthy eating, injury prevention, oral health, physical activity and stopping smoking. Proper nutrition, regular physical exercise, proactively addressing hearing and vision issues, and avoiding certain activities such as smoking have been shown to reduce the likelihood of developing a variety of chronic diseases.

The new health focus of today’s senior: extending overall life expectancy.

Drastically updated findings and statistics show that through better management of vascular risk factors (diabetes, high blood pressure), there is an overall drop in the incidence of certain forms of dementia.

A lingering but dated stereotype was today’s senior generation being loyal and reliant on their family doctor. And although it is personal and individual, seniors are devouring the latest information, more and more curious and broadening their scope of new, alternative and preventative health care options.

Many of today’s senior embrace the realities of modern life as opportunities. As the transition into aged care sets in, there is usually careful thought and preparation, as well as the human nature factor of some concern and trepidation – about how life is about to change. There’s no doubt about it. Entering aged care can sometimes seem like a stressful upheaval and a senior’s big change from the lifestyle that the aging person is familiar with.

ABOVE: KATHY MENDHAM, FOUNDER AND SENIORS ADVISOR AT PROACTIVE SENIORS.

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SENIOR HEALTH // HEALTH CARE

A contemporary trend for seniors is exploring the possibilities of holistic and preventative health care.

Mendham points out a practical but realistic reluctance for alternative health care among Canadian seniors for whom health care has always been “free,” as a vital social benefit.

“Seniors in-general can be hesitant to pay for health care services out of pocket, and sometimes resist accessing feefor-service providers such as physio, occupational therapy, psychology, nutritionists, etc., unless the services are covered by a health plan. We do have a number of clients who access private physician clinics but I think in terms of Calgary’s population, the uptake is likely pretty low.

“This generation is used to medical care being covered and they also tend not to spend much money on themselves.

This is changing with the baby boomer generation becoming the ‘senior’ demographic,” she says. “I think this group will

be much more responsive and receptive to reaching out for support beyond the traditional medical model of care.”

When people talk about being healthy, they are usually talking about being free of physical symptoms of illness.

Contrary to the assumptions and cliches, holistic health care and wellness is about a lot more than just being physically active. It’s also about living a well-rounded lifestyle. The perfect combination of physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Geriatric specialists explain that, high quality, holistic aged care does not just mean that an aging person receives the physical and medical support they need, although this is certainly a key aspect of many care models. It also means the person receives the emotional, social, spiritual and personal support that they need to ensure their quality of life is of the highest possible standard.

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SENIOR HEALTH // HEALTH CARE

HOLISTIC CARE MAY INCLUDE ANY NUMBER OF ASPECTS TO ENSURE ALL OF A PERSON’S NEEDS ARE BEING MET AND CAN INCLUDE EXERCISES SUCH AS YOGA AND LIGHT STRENGTH TRAINING FOR RELAXATION AND MOTOR SKILLS, MUSIC THERAPY AND SING-ALONGS TO ENCOURAGE SOCIAL INTERACTION, OR MASSAGE AND AROMATHERAPY TO HELP MANAGE ANXIETY OR A WORRIED MIND. As today’s seniors transition into their new phase of life, they are bound to have legitimate concerns about the unexpected, how they will change physically, psychologically, socially, and how their environment and behaviour will evolve. While some seniors may adjust to these changes easily, others may develop emotional and/or psychological problems.

Thankfully, there are various holistic approaches for seniors to find happiness and boost their overall health and wellbeing in the process. Holistic care may include any number of aspects to ensure all of a person’s needs are being met and can include exercises such as yoga and light strength training for relaxation and motor skills, music therapy and sing-a-longs to encourage social interaction, or massage and aromatherapy to help manage anxiety or a worried mind.

Some things rarely change. Proper diet and medications are a recurring problem in the management of senior health.

“Medication is sometimes a problem,” Mendham points out. “Physicians and pharmacists seem to be getting better at managing complex medication regimes for the most part. There has been a push to reduce overmedicating seniors and we are seeing improvements here. However, we occasionally find a senior who is not well managed from a

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NOVEMBER 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

medication perspective. They often have multiple physicians or are taking medications that were prescribed years ago for conditions that have resolved. More often the issue with medication is taking them improperly. It is not uncommon for us to identify situations where the senior is not taking the right pills at the right time. This often comes down to issues with understanding and remembering the medication regime, losing pills or not being able to see them, or the family caregiver not understanding the importance of the regime and being too lackadaisical about it.”

She notes that most seniors try to eat a healthy, balanced diet, but many find they have a diminished appetite as they age, so it can take some effort to eat consistent meals and skipping meals can be a problem. “We often hear that seniors are tired or bored with cooking. And for various reasons, they may eat poorly, buy low quality food or don’t eat often enough.”

The urge to consider preventative and alternate options is vital for Kathy Mendham and the Proactive Seniors specialists. “It’s important to think about what ‘thriving’ while aging means and what the individual’s hopes and wishes are. Engaging professionals to help assess function and limitations and recommend appropriate supports are critical but complicated steps.”

The Calgary Chamber is the voice of the business community.

We double down on commerce and work with businesses to create catalysts for growth.

CALGARY SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS

E

very year the Chamber recognizes the hard work and dedication of our small business community through Small Business Week, and in particular the Calgary Small Business Awards. This year over 50 businesses applied for a Calgary Small Business Award, and with eight categories 24 finalists were announced.

On October 22, 2021 the Chamber announced the winners of the Calgary Small Business Awards at a red carpet style gala. Congratulations to all the finalist and winners of this years Calgary Small Business Awards.

connectFirst Small Business of the Year Award Finalists: •Eight Ounce Coffee •Parker Public Relations

Winner:•William Joseph Communications

TD Diversity, Equite and Inclusion Award – Presented by Pride in Business Finalists: •Holistic Institute of Health and Fertility •Included by Design

Winner:•BottomLine MNP Innovation Award Finalists: •GoodLawyer•Stage Hand Winner:•WaitWell RBC Resilient Business Award Finalists: •Crush Camp•Hippo Hug Winner:•Alberta Food Tours

Helcim Emerging Growth Award Finalists: •Radical Bookshop and Press

CPA Alberta Social Entrepreneurship Award Finalists: •Eight Ounce Coffee

•Virtuous Circle Counselling

•Wee Wild Ones of the Wild Nature School

Winner:•TradeSpace

Winner:•Local Laundry

SureCall Community Champion Award Finalists:•420 Premium Market•Eight Ounce Coffee Winner:•Hippo Hug

Servus People’s Choice Award Finalists: •Ballet Beats•The Beach YYC Winner:•Art&fact BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // NOVEMBER 2021

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THE BIG IMPACT OF SMALL BUSINESS

I

used to bother my mother about the old cider jug of loose change she kept on her nightstand. Every night, it was a ritual to shake the nickels and dimes from her pockets and purse. “What are you gonna buy?” I’d ask jokingly, thinking it would never amount to much. “Every penny adds up,” she’d invariably reply.

category, about 35% of Fortune 500 companies have adopted its software including Nike, Coca-Cola, Google and Apple.

Then one year, ahead of the Christmas holidays, she sat my siblings and me down in our living room and presented us each with a plane ticket to the U.S. None of us had ever flown. We’d barely made it out of the province. The trip itself would become a formative childhood memory – made possible by pocket change.

As I’ve come to learn, my personal story of coming to Calgary mirrors the experiences of many. I was drawn to Calgary by the quality and variety of post-secondary options and affordable living. I made my way through university, working part time with Calgary Co-op. After graduating, I decided to stay based on the variety of opportunities here. I’ve since built a career working for small businesses in a variety of industries from hotels and hospitality to non-profits. While this is just my story, it speaks to the

Talent and skills

Small businesses are like that jar of loose change. Individually, their impact on our national economy is hard to notice. But when we step back and take the sum of those nickels and dimes, small businesses are the beating heart of our economy.

A HEALTHY ECOSYSTEM: WHY (ELSE) SMALL BUSINESSES MATTER As we work to nurture Canada’s economic ecosystem, we need to treat small businesses much like my mother treated her jar of change: she fed it regularly and knew its potential. As policy makers, governments, and fellow business community members, understanding how small businesses add up to be quite significant is imperative to our economic success.

Along with powering employment and economic activity, small businesses contribute many other intangibles that add to our quality of life and prosperity: Innovation Innovation often starts small. Apple Computers started out of Steve Jobs’ garage as a small business. As the home of the Caesar and birthplace of ginger beef, Calgary, is no stranger to innovation. New products, technology and services are often powered by small businesses. Benevity came on the scene in 2008 as a Calgary small business software startup with a focus on reinventing corporate giving. Today, having graduated from the small business

38

THE BIG PICTURE OF SMALL BUSINESS In Calgary Top 5 small businesses by industry

Small businesses make up over 95% of all Calgary businesses

Professional, scientific and technical services

Total # of businesses (58,222)

11.5%

Construction

Proportion of total that are small businesses (55,434)

Health care & social assistance Retail trade Other services

20.5%

8.9% 8.5% 7.7%

40%

Per capita, Calgary has the second highest number of small businesses of Canada’s major cities

39.7% 34.5%

30%

37.6%

36.7%

33.2%

30.8% 25.4%

20%

29.1%

10% 0%

Vancouver

Edmonton

Calgary

Saskatoon

Toronto

Ottawa

Montreal

Canada

In Canada Small businesses make up over 97.9% of all Canadian businesses

Canadian small businesses employ nearly 70% of the total private labour force

Small businesses generate over 40% of national GDP

68.8%

19.7%

11.5%

From 2014-2019, small businesses were responsible for over 35% of net job growth

44.7%

41.9%

13.4%

Total # of businesses (1.23M)

Proportion of total that are small businesses (1.2M)

Small Business

Medium Business

Note: defining small business • Calgary Economic Development defines small business as less than 50 employees • The Government of Canada defines small business as 1 – 99 employees and medium business as 100 – 499 employees

NOVEMBER 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Large Business

Small Business

Medium Business

Large Business

Sources: • Calgary Economic Development, Fact Sheet: Calgary Small Business, Calgary Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) 2020 Edition • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Key Small Business Statistics, 2020

idea that a healthy small business ecosystem can attract and retain the talent and skills needed to power our economy.

Community vibrancy The experience of a city is often made memorable by newly discovered small businesses: a favourite hole-in-the-wall breakfast joint, a local spin studio, that perfect locally roasted cup of joe. Cities are often known by their vibrant neighbourhoods: Byward Market, Granville Island, Kensington.

And most often what brings energy to those places is, you guessed it, small businesses. In this way, small businesses do big things to make our neighbourhoods and communities attractive for people to live, work and play.

Diversification While the impact of Calgary’s energy economy is no secret, the ups and downs of our energy sector have actually been a powerful source to jump-start diversification. The impacts of climate change combined with the challenges of global energy prices have spurred innovations that are helping Calgary grow as the heart of Alberta’s energy sector AND a hub for emerging sectors like green technology, life sciences and financial services. Furthermore, Calgary’s boom times have allowed small businesses in sectors like the arts, construction, retail and tourism industry to grow and mature.

THE TIME IS NOW: CELEBRATING AND SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES According to a Chamber survey released earlier this year, approximately 70 per cent of businesses accessed at least one form of government support during the pandemic. For many small businesses, the past 18 months have been the ultimate test of survival. Now, as economies and sectors reopen, they need our support.

THE MATH OF PENNIES AND POUNDS Another anecdote from my mother: “Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish”. Similarly, we shouldn’t forget the value and impact small businesses have to our economy, and what many pennies can amount to. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our cities, driving innovation, employment and job creation, and helping our economy grow and thrive.

Supporting small businesses is much like putting nickels and dimes into a jar of change: keep investing and remain focused on the potential and great things will come. In my case, it was a plane ticket. In the case of Canada’s economy: recovery and long-term prosperity.

Agility and flexibility When it comes to the ability to pivot, small is mighty. Small business’s agility is driven by fewer layers of bureaucracy, decision makers often working the cash register, and a spirit of “get ‘er done,” enabling them to be more nimble than most large corporations.

There is no stronger case for this than the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses, in particular, have had to figure things out quickly. Whether accessing government supports, adapting to unpredictable restrictions, or coming up with new ways to do business, small businesses have shown dexterity when it comes to rolling with the punches to survive.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // NOVEMBER 2021

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OPEN OPPORTUNITY // TRAINING & EDUCATION

OPEN OPPORTUNITY NEW LEGISLATION MODERNIZES, EXPANDS AND STREAMLINES ALBERTA’S APPRENTICESHIP AND SKILLED TRADES EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

BY NATALIE NOBLE

T

here’s no denying it, the world as we knew it three decades ago is a vastly changed place today. In Alberta, skilled trades and apprenticeship programming has long contributed as a massive economic driver to the economy, but the legislation regulating it was over 30 years old. That’s why the Alberta Government, post-secondary institutions, and industry partners across the province have collaborated to modernize apprenticeship education.

It’s an industry that’s expected to see critical demand in coming years, but also offer rewarding career opportunities.

“Working in the skilled trades is a great place to be and find meaningful employment,” says Jim Szautner, dean of the School of Manufacturing and Automation and the School of Transportation at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). “We’re seeing many more mature

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NOVEMBER 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

“WORKING IN THE SKILLED TRADES IS A GREAT PLACE TO BE AND FIND MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT,” SAYS SZAUTNER. “WE’RE SEEING MANY MORE MATURE LEARNERS COMING INTO THE SKILLED TRADES AS WELL AS PEOPLE PIVOTING AND TRANSITIONING CAREERS WITH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMMING TO IMPROVE THEIR STANDARD OF LIVING.”

OPEN OPPORTUNITY // TRAINING & EDUCATION

learners coming into the skilled trades as well as people pivoting and transitioning careers with apprenticeship programming to improve their standard of living.”

The overhaul comes thanks to recently passed legislation. In a response to predicted labour demands in upcoming years and the need for increased hands-on real-world training scenarios, the Alberta Government created a new framework to support the province’s economic recovery, stimulate job creation and allow employers to better develop their own talent. “We know there are thousands of tradespeople retiring every year in the province,” says Alberta’s Advanced Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides. “We need to recruit and encourage more young Albertans to pursue incredibly successful career opportunities in the trades.”

The strategy, Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs, responds to recommendations made by the Skills for Jobs Task Force, a cross-section of representatives from post-secondary institutions and trade unions. Formed in 2019, the task force examined the previous apprenticeship system. Their final report submitted last fall called for a complete rewrite of the 30-year-old Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act with approximately 50 improvement recommendations. “We listened to these experts and took their advice to heart,” says Nicolaides, adding that other countries often hold trades and apprenticeship to a higher esteem than Canada does while the improvements aim to change that. “We want to create a parody of esteem and an environment where a trade certificate has the same value, merit and worth in society as a university degree.”

Szautner agrees, noting that the new act is an enabling act that opens opportunity to expand apprenticeship programming beyond the skilled trades. “What’s most exciting is we can now formally recognize apprenticeship education as an academic credential,” he says. “This will move apprenticeship programming into the same playing field as traditional post-secondary programs and open future doors for those apprentices who look to leverage their training into further academic education as well.”

The first step to updating the system and adding programming required the new framework to differentiate skilled trades from apprenticeship education. “The previous Act tied in apprenticeship education with the skilled trades,

so they were essentially synonymous,” says Szautner. “The new Act disconnects these. Skilled trades will predominantly be delivered with apprenticeship programming. However, apprenticeship programming is expanding in its definition beyond the skilled trades. It will now include finance, banking, sciences, coding, early childhood workers, there is a vastly larger number of industries that can now participate in apprenticeship programming.”

This distinction reduces regulatory inefficiencies and boosts flexibility. “By distinguishing a trade from apprenticeship education, we can better train and educate students who pursue a new career using the apprenticeship style of system, without necessarily having it become a designated trade,” says Nicolaides.

SAIT and other institutions are reviewing existing programs within business, technology and other departments to identify opportunities that bring employers into the fold earlier in a student’s journey. “One of the underlying tenants of apprenticeship education is the heavy emphasis upon on-thejob learning,” says Szautner. “Fifty-one percent of this education is done on the job and employers now have opportunity to participate in the program. This helps them create internal pipelines of talent by participating in these programs so they can help meet the labour force needs of the future.”

Research conducted by the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum indicates a significant return on investment for employers who invest in apprentices and their training. “When employers invest in their people, they tend to be more motivated and engaged,” says Szautner. “By fostering the development of someone involved in the organization, that individual learns the corporate culture and the job at the same time.”

Relationships between postsecondary institutions, students, and employers will now be streamlined. Open applications into the fall of 2021 invited industry members to join the new Board of Skilled Trades and participate in the apprenticeship education system. “What makes apprenticeship programming work so well and be so successful is the underlying foundation of partnership between each stakeholder in the apprenticeship triangle,” says Szautner. “Government, post-secondary institutions, and the industry all have a reciprocal role to play.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // NOVEMBER 2021

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OPEN OPPORTUNITY // TRAINING & EDUCATION

IT ALSO COMES WITH STRONGER REPRESENTATION FROM ACROSS THE INDUSTRY. “FOR THE TRADE SYSTEM TO OPERATE EFFECTIVELY, WE NEED GOVERNMENT, INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS, REPRESENTATIVE UNIONS AND POSTSECONDARY INSTITUTIONS ALL AT THE TABLE. THESE ARE THE CRITICAL PARTNERS THAT MAKE THE SYSTEM FUNCTION WELL AND WILL REINVIGORATE THE SYSTEM,” SAYS NICOLAIDES. Participation on the Board of Skilled Trades or other industry advising groups breathes new life into the program and creates opportunity for industry voices to be heard.”

The new Board of Skilled Trades will enjoy increased flexibility, independence and autonomy than the previous Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board had. “The new board, along with the entire governance framework, is a way to build stronger partnerships,” says Nicolaides. “We found ways to give more authority and decision-making independence to the Board of Skilled Trades rather than having all that authority vested in government and its associated bureaucracy. It will make the trades environment more streamlined, efficient and responsive.”

It also comes with stronger representation from across the industry. “For the trade system to operate effectively, we need government, industry employers, representative unions and postsecondary institutions all at the table. These are the critical partners that make the system function well and will reinvigorate the system,” says Nicolaides.

In addition, certified professionals returning to postsecondary studies to pursue a diploma or bachelor program will receive greater recognition for their skills and

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NOVEMBER 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

knowledge. “The new legislation gives journeymen and those with a trade certification greater academic recognition,” says Nicolaides. “It opens so many more doors for our trades professionals to build on their prior knowledge while upgrading and completing a diploma or degree.”

It’s a move that better recognizes the journeyperson’s aptitude. “Anyone who currently holds their journeyperson certification should be proud of their achievement,” says Szautner. “The work they’ve put into that shows they have academic rigor as well as on-the-job skills and requirements to be highly employable. I applaud all the people out there carrying this certification. It’s something they should be very proud of.”

As prospective students come into apprenticeship and skilled trades educational programming, they should look forward to more options and choices opening up when it comes their educational journies and careers. “That model of going to school for a few years and then working in a role for 30 to 45 years is completely outdated now,” says Szautner. “We’re seeing better educational opportunities for people to continue their lifelong journey, remain current and relevant, or pivot their career if they choose to for any career destination they want to arrive at.”

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Lou MacEachern Official Airline Partner

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Dr. Hasmukh Patel

Fifty percent of businesses may never re-open after a disaster. That’s why knowing the easiest way to contact SERVPRO® is so important. Because the sooner you get in touch with us, the quicker we can start to minimize the damage, as well as the cost. Just go to servpro.com or call 1-800-SERVPRO to activate the cleanup team that’s faster to any-sized disaster. We’re a leader in giving control back to homeowners, property managers and even entire communities after the ravaging effects of water and fire. So whether you’re responsible for 1,000 square feet or 100,000 – it’s your decision to call on the very best. Your trusted, local SERVPRO® professional.

SERVICES IN CANADA PROVIDED BY INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED FRANCHISES OF SERVPRO INTERNATIONAL, LLC.

2021 Leaders Awards Honouring Calgary’s Great – and Resilient – Business Leaders

BY MELANIE DARBYSHIRE

L

eading a business during the best of times is challenge enough. The day-today of managing clients and employees, dealing with regulatory and supply chain issues, anticipating future developments, ensuring growth – all of this is plenty to handle. Leading a business through a global pandemic, with the attendant and ever-changing health concerns and lockdowns is, as many can now attest, an entirely different and difficult endeavour, unlike any previously faced by Calgary’s business leaders.

Unchartered waters, so to speak, requiring varying and overlapping survival strategies: adapt, diversify, prioritize, pivot, gain efficiency, contract. Those businesses that have been able to make it through the pandemic to today have leaders who have made countless agonizing decisions to get here – and here they are – `stronger and more resilient than ever. Looking forward to brighter days ahead.

Our 13th Leaders Awards aim to celebrate these valiant business leaders and their historic achievements. Just one year late since, due to the pandemic and lockdowns, we were forced to postpone the 2020 Leaders Awards, for the first time ever.

The Judges

This year’s Leaders have businesses in a variety of industries, from robotics to consumer products, oil and gas to media and entertainment. Together, they employ close to 7,000 people.

TREVOR WINKLER

CATHERINE GRYGAR

But the awards must go on, as does life, and we celebrate the men and women who not only provide great services and products to their community, but who have led the way the past 20 months.

“The Leaders being recognized this year are exceptional in that the past 20 months have been anything but predictable,” says Trina Holland, associate vice president, Diversified Industries, ATB Business. ATB has been a major sponsor of the Leaders Awards for years. “Spanning a wide range of industries, the leaders have shown that the Calgary Platinum Partner

business community is vibrant, diverse and innovative. To be a successful leader in this environment has required levels of resiliency, patience, and unwavering optimism unlike we have ever seen.”

“This year’s selections likely have the most diverse industry groups that I have noted since being involved in judging,” says returning judge Trevor Winkler, regional managing partner at MNP. “This does speak to the growing breadth of quality businesses in our city that are acknowledged leaders.”

A range of criteria were used to choose the winners. “Market leadership, innovation and community engagement were foremost for me,” says judge Catherine Grygar, a partner at Stikeman Elliott LLP. “A Business in Calgary Leader, in my view, has the acumen to identify opportunities and potential where others may not, has an ability to translate vision into action, and is engaged in the communities where they work and live.”

“On evaluation of a nominee, we certainly look at that respective leader’s involvement, innovation and strategic guidance of the business as well as long-term viability of their business model,” continues Winkler. “Another notable characteristic that is evaluated would be their contributions to the local community – not just financial, but in time as well.”

TRINA HOLLAND

Gold Partners

A gala to celebrate this year’s winners will be held at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre on November 24.

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Not just shares, shared values.

For us, doing business is about being there for you long after the deal is done and the ink has dried.

atb.com/commercial

Brooke Garcia 4 Seasons Transportation

B

rooke Garcia and 4Seasons Transportation are redefining the way special-needs children are treated on their daily journeys to and from school. An exclusive provider of special needs transportation, 4Seasons’ priority is to provide safe and reliable transportation to children with a range of behavioral, cognitive and physical challenges.

A self-described social warrior, Garcia personally encourages her 4Seasons team to be better every day and supports them with a unique Transfer Care Specialist Academy.

“My greatest inspiration is the children we transport.

Being able to positively impact their lives on a daily basis is incredibly rewarding. In a world where we’ve never been more disconnected, it’s time to focus on nurturing and supporting our generations to come.

Human connection is irreplaceable.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Student Transportation

19

450 employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

Years in Business

Decisive Advice.

Workable Solutions.

Congratulations to this year’s Business in Calgary Leaders.

Stikeman Elliott is proud to sponsor these awards and recognize those who stand out for their exceptional work and dedication.

We understand the meaning of community and how important it is to support and celebrate local entrepreneurial businesses.

We are always here to support you.

Catherine Grygar, Partner (2021 Leaders Award Judge) 403 266 9005 cgrygar@stikeman.com

Stikeman Elliott LLP | stikeman.com

Scott Gravelle Attabotics Inc.

A

pioneer of Calgary’s robotics industry, Scott Gravelle built his revolutionary warehousing and fulfillment system by taking inspiration from the natural world – ant colonies. Emulating the efficiency and structure of these mighty systems, he created a warehousing solution based around vertical columns with storage locations in four directions (north, east, south and west) of each column. The system drastically changes the way inventory is stored and retrieved, driving supply chains into the future.

“The best part about building a business in Calgary, is that our greatest resource isn’t the energy that is in the ground, but the talent and energy exists in its people.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Robotics

7

234 employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

Years in Business

Marc Bombenon - Chairman

Desirée Bombenon- CEO

Sam Kolias Boardwalk Rental Communities

O

ne of Canada’s leading multi-family real estate investment trusts (REITs), Boardwalk Rental Communities has evolved under Sam Kolias’ leadership since 1984. What started as one apartment building is today 220 properties in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and B.C. Living and leading by the golden rule – ‘do unto others as they would do unto you’ – Kolias has created a diverse Boardwalk product offering, from affordable value to affordable luxury. Striving to be the “friendliest landlord,” his company has operated under a self-imposed rent control policy since 1999.

“One of our greatest treasures and inspirations in life is our family. Our home is much more than a roof over our heads; home is people, and people are community - a place where we belong together. A place where security, safety, warmth and of course, love always, lives.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Real Estate

38

1673 employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

Years in Business

Building Extraordinary Communities

Welcome home

Congratulations Sam Kolias for your exceptional business leadership in Calgary!

bwalk.com Rental Apartments and Townhomes

Greg Garcia Calgary Elite Roofing Inc.

G

reg Garcia is a natural leader, well respected in the construction industry. At Calgary Elite Roofing Inc., he has made safety a mindset, not just a priority. The successful roofing and exteriors company focuses on three target sectors – residential renovation, new home construction and insurance jobs – employing the highest level of quality workmanship and service at a competitive price. Given their commitment to fostering strong, healthy communities, Garcia and his team have invested heart and money into worthy causes focused on youth, education and health.

“I am committed to fostering strong, healthy communities and supporting causes that matter to the company through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer spirit of my employees.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Construction & Renovation

16

17

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

Years in Business

CONGRATULATIONS

The Team at Calgary Elite Roofing would like to congratulate Greg Garcia and all the 2021 Business in Calgary Leaders Award winners.

Suite 300 - 160 Quarry Park Blvd SE Calgary, Alberta, T2C 3G3 (403) 478-2580 • reception@calgaryeliteroofing.ca

calgaryeliteroofing.ca

Owen Jones Canadian Bio-Systems Inc.

S

upporting farmers is at the core of Canadian Bio-Systems Inc.’s DNA. Under Owen Jones’ leadership, CBS Inc. is a pioneer and world leader in enzyme technology and related biobased technologies. Its high-quality, science-based solutions have allowed it to take advantage of the shift away from antibiotics and other conventional approaches toward innovative biobased alternatives, with a stronger focus on natural ingredients and processes. CBS Inc. has supported scholarships and program funding to more than 250 Master’s and PhD students.

“After looking up to my grandfather in the farming industry, I wanted to make agriculture on the minds of people. We have a great team in place that makes me very optimistic in saying the best days of CBS are still ahead of us. There is a lot to look forward to.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Biotechnology

38

30

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

Years in Business

LEADERSHIP A community does not function without strong leadership from the business community. I would like to congratulate and commend this year’s recipients of the Business in Calgary Leaders awards. Through your intellect, effort and vision you are keeping our city strong and vibrant.

Photo by EWAN PHOTO VIDEO

Usman Tahir Jutt Chirp Foods Inc.

O

ne of Western Canada’s largest owner/ operators for McDonald’s, Usman Tahir Jutt knew from a young age that he wanted to be an entrepreneur and ‘scale for good.’ With 17 McDonald’s restaurants and his own Chirp Foods Inc., Jutt has developed a management model to creatively reduce expenditures by centralizing resources and sharing talent among locations. With more than $45 million in sales, Jutt has contributed nearly $1 million to non-profits across Alberta.

“I’m inspired day in and day out by my two young children. I want my boys to grow up in a world full of opportunity and equity, and that’s why community building is at the very core of my business.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Consumer Products

9

1000 employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

Years in Business

Trevor MacFarlane Dynamic Risk

B

y combining engineering services and software, Dynamic Risk offers industry innovative solutions to improve the safety and reliability of pipelines. Lead by forwardthinking Trevor MacFarlane, the company optimizes risk-informed decision making in a customer centric way, using technology to produce engineering services, data analysis, trending and forecasting.

Fearless, determined and humble, MacFarlane is dedicated to his team and the oil and gas industry, for which he is a vocal advocate.

“Just because no one has ever done it a certain way, should never influence your drive to re-imagine it differently. Dynamic Risk took on a different trajectory of growth, and as a leadership team, we finally embraced that existing constraints and barriers were not ours and anything was possible.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Oil & Gas, Technology

25

120 employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

Years in Business

Alec McDougall ECCO Recycling and Energy Corporation

T

hough ECCO Recycling and Energy Corporation began as the 24th Street Dry Waste Disposal facility (landfill) in 1992, today it includes much more. Under Alec McDougall’s leadership, the company has expanded to include the development of other waste disposal sites, recycling and a wood mulch business. The $24 million recycling facility has extended the life of the landfill and expansion is underway for an additional plant to produce low carbon fuel. The company has a long history of supporting the community, particularly local associations near the facility.

“My mother is my inspiration–widowed at 33, with no assets and four young children, she taught us the value of love, determination, education, hard work and facing challenges. These lessons supported me when I partnered with close friends and colleagues and leveraged everything we owned to realize our dream business, ECCO.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Waste & Recycling

30

96

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

Years in Business

ECCO and Geocycle have collaborated on developing a sustainable low carbon alternative to help reduce GHG emissions at Lafarge’s Exshaw Facility in Alberta - an innovative industrial solution helping close the resource loop and fostering a greener future.

ECCO is excited to announce the new addition to our operations! ECCO’s premier Low Carbon Fuel (LCF) production plant is nearing completion and we are eager to serve our clients at our additional location, near Balzac, in the very near future.

ECCO Chips are made from 100% recycled wood.

Wood chips are coloured using non-toxic, all natural vegetable and mineral dyes, producing a high quality landscape mulch. New products you can really dig into are coming soon! Watch our website for retailers carrying our garden and potting soil.

Learn More www.eccorecycling.com

Jenn Lofgren Incito

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s an executive leadership coach, Lofgren has worked with executives and entrepreneurs from various industries across Canada. Her team of professionals at Incito focus on learning accountability around choice management, setting clear priorities, critical thinking and strategic leadership. Incito’s mentorship programs carry well beyond the end of each coaching session.

As one of only 60 Canadians to receive the exclusive Master Certified Coach (MCC) designation, Lofgren is a recognized and respected thought leader in coaching and development.

“One day I realized I was good at my work, but I wasn’t passionate about it. I made the courageous leap to go back to school and change careers. I’ve never regretted it for a moment despite the struggle and uncertainty. Today I live my purpose helping others lead with courage.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Professional Development

12

8

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

Years in Business

 calitso.com  587-794-4134

Better IT. Better Business.

Providing Managed IT Services & Solutions to Calgary businesses.

Make the switch to Calitso and we provide the first month at no charge to ensure a smooth, risk free transition.

• Managed Cyber Security/Data protection • Cloud Backups & Business Continuity • Network Design & Implementation • Office 365/Microsoft Azure • Remote Work Solutions

Bilal Hydrie Inclusive Energy Ltd.

B

ilal Hydrie is motivated by risk, and has a proven knack for ingenuity, hard work and business success. To fill a gap in the oil and gas industry, he created Inclusive Energy, focused on the purchase, sale and rental of oilfield equipment, as well as chemical storage and distribution.

Today, it carries the largest inventory of surface equipment for drilling and completion in Alberta.

Hydrie’s Global Centurion Investments, a private equity firm devoted to assisting startups, provides in-house financing for manufacturing, engineering, customization, delivery and installation.

“I was very young when I realized that there is nothing that can take place of hard work and persistence. In order to achieve any level of success, you’ve got to put in the work and believe in yourself. You need to have a passion for whatever it is you set out to do. You need to envision yourself nearing your end goal, and stay focused on it.

You will make mistakes along the way, but if you have your eye on the prize, you will have no issues picking yourself up and continuing your journey towards that end goal.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Oil & Gas

Years in Business

5-10 employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

11

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• Well Site Separator Package, Skid-Mounted • Oil Treaters and Flare Knock Out Drums Free Water Knockout (FWKO) systems • Line Heaters • Dehydration Packages and Amine Packages

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BUY BACK OPTIONS • RENT-TO-OWN • IN-HOUSE FINANCING • FLEXIBLE PAYMENTS Inclusive Energy Ltd. is the fastest growing service company with a vast variety of high quality equipment and quick turnarounds to meet the demands of the growing energy industry.

We offer all related services for turnkey projects to help customers execute projects from start, to finish helping us to establish ourselves as an industry leader.

HEAD OFFICE: (403) 444 6897 | SUITE 5050, 150 6TH AVE SW

INCLUSIVENERGY.COM

Darren Bondar Inner Spirit Holdings

T

he first recreational cannabis company to close a true IPO in Canada, Inner Spirit Holdings Ltd. is now one of Canada’s largest cannabis retailers, with over 100 locations open from coast to coast. With an uncanny knack for surrounding himself with the best and brightest, Bondar has faced the challenges of a new and changing industry, employing a franchise model that is unique to the sector. He is a recognized leader in the cannabis industry.

“Cutting the ribbon on our 100th store in Ottawa this summer and then selling Spiritleaf to Sundial for $131 million dollars in the same month was certainly a defining moment of success. With that though is the realization of how many lives we have touched with Spiritleaf from the millions of customers, and the thousand-plus employees that serve them, which are all supported by local business leaders & entrepreneurs and the 24/7 passion that goes into the brand. Its all pretty powerful!”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Consumer Products

5

1000+ employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

Years in Business

Jerry Myer Integrity Group of Companies

F

ounded as a post frame construction company in 2008, Integrity Group of Companies is now, thanks to Jerry Myer, more than a leading Western Canadian construction company – it’s family. The self-made, true Alberta cowboy’s vision for a better post frame industry has been the driving force for Integrity, which today includes a Building Products Division, Custom Cabinet Shop, Full Design Build Division, Fabrication services and more. Integrity supports many youth organizations, such as 4-H organizations, rodeo competitors and sports teams.

“From day one, we decided to build a company that does things better. Bringing together amazing people to help change our industry, support our communities and have a positive impact on our families. Integrity is more than just the name of our company. It’s what we bring to the table every day.

I’m proud to not only be the founder of Integrity, but proud to be a part of the team.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Construction

14

200 employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

Years in Business

Bill Walker Landmark Cinemas

W

ith more than 13 per cent of the Canadian box office market share, Landmark Cinemas is the second largest motion picture, theatre exhibition company in the country. Headquartered in Calgary, it has thrived under Bill Walker’s leadership since 2017. Among his innovative initiatives are recliner seating, which increases personal space and is dramatically more comfortable, and reserved seating. Walker has aligned Landmark with Kids Help Phone, donating more than $310,000 in cash and providing on-screen advertising time valued at more than $1.4 million.

“I am inspired by those who enabled my success, from their willingness to see beyond my credentials, to acceptance of my leadership, these acts have sustained both my personal growth, and that of Landmark Cinemas.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Media & Entertainment

57

1400 employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

Years in Business

Manjit Minhas Minhas Brewery, Distillery & Winery

C

algary’s own beer baroness, Manjit K. Minhas leads a privately owned empire with revenues in excess of $210 million last year.

The co-founder and co-owner of Minhas Brewery, Distillery and Winery started her company at the age of 19, with brother Ravinder, and just $10,000.

Today, they have more than 90 brands of beers, spirits, liqueurs and wines, sold in five provinces, 47 U.S. states and 16 other countries. A Dragon on CBC’s hit TV show Dragon’s Den for the past five years, Minhas has invested in 31 businesses.

“If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Consumer Products

21

364 employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

Years in Business

Slade King Play Golf Calgary

P

lay Golf Calgary’s unique business model comprises five completely different and unique golf courses – The Links of GlenEagles, HeatherGlen, Serenity, Blue Devil and Lil Devil – with consistent quality course conditions, service levels, restaurant quality and programming.

Slade King has fostered three core values for the seasonal business’ team: pride, friendliness, efficiency. The organization hosts more than 30 charity golf tournaments a season and gives away more than $30,000 worth of green fees to local silent auction and fundraising efforts.

“An incredibly large part of anyone’s success is their ability to be curious. Continually learning is critical to have an internal drive. I was very fortunate to learn from an incredible entrepreneur, our CEO Scott Atkinson. Following his gift for building and growth, I was able to create systems, and stability to attract and create an exceptional team to deliver a fun golf experience to our guests.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Sports & Recreation

31

350 employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

Years in Business

Our Team is Awesome Congratulations and thank you to Play Golf Calgary CEO Scott Atkinson and the entire team for being recognized as a business leader in Calgary.

Our core values of Pride, Friendliness and Efficiency motivate us to deliver the very best golf experience.

Serenity Golf Club

HeatherGlen Golf Club

Blue Devil Golf Club

The Links of GlenEagles | Blue Devil Golf Club | Lil Devil Golf Course HeatherGlen Golf Course | Serenity Golf Club www.playgolfcalgary.com Background photo: The Links of GlenEagles

Kevin Phone Premiere Van Lines

A

t Premiere Van Lines, Kevin Phone instills a culture of care and awareness, and an attention to detail that his residential and office moving customers truly appreciate. With a family environment where everyone feels equally responsible for the success of each job, and compensating above the industry average, Premiere enjoys a high employee retention rate. The result is the highest levels of service for the lowest possible price. Phone’s commitment to the environment and charitable organizations has led to initiatives to divert furniture from the landfill.

“Growing up in a close tight-knit family, it provided inspiration to the type of corporate culture we strive for. Aside from our actual family members who are engaged in the business, we try to instill that same sense of being a family with all our staff.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

44

75

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

Years in Business

Moving Services

Andrew Obrecht YYC Cycle

A

ndrew Obrecht’s personal mission is to provide a platform for others to see how authentically powerful and inspiring they truly are. Since launching YYC and YEG Cycle, he has fostered a culture of connection and accountability throughout the company’s ecosystem. His customers – the Bikergang – number over 30,000. They participate in more than 220 spin classes every week, in six studios in Calgary and Edmonton. This community has collectively raised more than $760,000 to support more than 60 charities.

“The thing about momentum is that it’s nearly impossible to start. But once you have it, it’s nearly impossible to stop.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Health & Wellness

8

250 employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

Years in Business

Emmy Koetsier-Seville Vision Sports Centre

I

n opening Vision Sports Centre, Emmy KoetsierSeville brought her vision – to utilize the power of sport as a change agent for social good – to life. Her centre provides business opportunities to local sports enthusiasts by giving them the necessary resources, space and management skills required to build a successful sports program for kids. By focusing on the value of relationships, community collaboration and corporate social responsibility, Koetsier-Seville is redefining the role and obligations of private business in society.

“When I began Vision Sports Centre, my goal was to make sports accessible to as many families as we could possibly reach. Creating a place where young motivated entrepreneurs from all areas of health and wellness could collaborate as well as grow their individual businesses. Ultimately to generate the revenue towards running inhouse scholarship and sponsorship programs needed so desperately in our communities.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Sports & Recreation

10

15

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

Years in Business

“Vision Sports Centre is a place where young, motivated entrepreneurs from all areas of health, wellness, and sport can collaborate and grow their individual businesses.

I would like to deeply thank all of our partners and staff for their support, loyalty, and dedication for making this award possible” ~ Emmy Koetsier-Seville

Vision Sports Centre 7475 Flint Road SE, Calgary, Alberta (403) 252-1400 www.visionsportscentre.com

Legacy LEADERSHIP AWARD

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ole Harris is the positive, passionate, entrepreneurial and infectiously high-energy leader, president and COO of the Centron Group team. “It’s the Centron strength and key to success,” he says. “It’s all about team attitude.

Long term people, who have weathered lots of adversity with a culture of positivity and a can-do attitude.”

For 37 years, the core values of the family business, founded by Cole’s father Bob Harris, chairman and CEO, have earned the Centron Group the distinction of being an iconic Western Canada builder and developer of prime commercial and residential properties of offices, industrial warehouses, retail centres, hotels, multi-residential projects and land development.

Some remarkable Centron achievements include over $5 billion in project value, developing more than 15 million square feet of office, retail and industrial projects, and the development and construction of more than 12,000 residential units, and residential lots.

“We are locally owned and operated and have built our business on drive and integrity,” he says with pride. “A big

part is relationships. The team approach with our Centron team, key suppliers, contractors and especially our clients. We support each other and build off each other’s energy.

“Especially now, with so many challenges in business and the construction sector, we spend a lot of time planning, contingency planning and testing what goes right and what could go wrong,” Cole Harris points out. “It will take continual flexibility, managing the rate of change and being ready to act quickly. The speed of changes is getting faster and faster and the reality is that, it will take us twice as much work to get half as much done.”

With enthusiasm Harris emphasizes celebrating successes, regardless of size, but consistently keeping an eye on the humanity of things. He has sat on several non-profit boards, now focusing on Centron Cares by using their expertise to build and support nonprofit construction and real estate initiatives and most recently, Hull Family Services, Foothills Academy School, EvenStart for Children Foundation, Inn from the Cold and Mustard Seed.

The father of three enjoys spending time with family and friends, often on a ski hill or in a hockey rink.

“IF YOUR ACTIONS INSPIRE OTHERS TO DREAM MORE, LEARN MORE, DO MORE, YOU ARE A LEADER” – John Quincy Adams

LEADERSHIP HAS A LASTING LEGACY. Building community is something we love to do. As a support partner for the Business in Calgary Leaders Awards, University of Calgary Properties Group would like to congratulate Cole Harris as the recipient of the 2021 Legacy Leadership Award. As someone who has demonstrated a sustained impact on the fabric of our city through outstanding leadership and stewardship in community building we are proud to recognize and honour his ongoing contributions.

COLE HARRIS President & COO Centron Group

ucpg.ca

LEADERS ALUMNI “THEN AND NOW”

T

hirteen years after celebrating the first Leaders Awards, our Leaders Alumni continue to play a vital role in making Calgary’s business community an outstanding place to work and have fun. Their business ethics and contributions to the community are as strong today as they were in the year they won the award.

Successful Leaders always look for opportunity to challenge the process and go beyond normal thinking; they look for ways to improve their organization through innovation and forward thinking. In the process, they find opportunities to serve their industry, moving it forward to create a stronger community for all Calgarians.

Business in Calgary magazine is proud of our Alumni Leaders – encompassing 220 members in this exclusive club to date. They are the Leaders in our community and their philanthropic efforts are part of their makeup – giving back to the community is part of who they are. They are growing and in the process are continuously improving contributions to support the many charities and not-forprofit organizations located in every corner of our city. They are – and remain – our Leaders.

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Lou MacEachern

2010 Calgary-based EnviroShred proudly offers the newest fleet of shredding trucks in their service area.

ENVIROSHRED and Business Leader Greg Olynyk Over 15 years of rapid growth sees trusted document destruction company expanding across the province

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ack in the early 2000s, Greg Olynyk and two silent partners created EnviroShred realizing the opportunity for a new company to compete in the marketplace focusing on customer service while providing secure shredding services. Since seizing the vast opportunity, Olynyk has never looked back.

In 2006, EnviroShred contacted local businesses seeking to protect their information and clients with two shredding trucks. Today, despite pandemicrelated challenges, Olynyk is proud to work with a team of 20 Calgary-and Edmonton-based employees, a fleet of 15 onsite trucks, and 1,000 client visits per week. In addition, the company has over 3,000 clients under contract with over 7,000 shredding bins across the province.

“We are servicing clients every one to four weeks with other services including purge services, hard drive and product destruction, and specifically in Calgary to this point, recycling and organics,” says Olynyk. “We have the newest fleet of shredding trucks in our service area. Our long-tenured staff, many working with us over 10 years, know our clients and their needs well. They stick with us, and I’m very proud of that. I have a great team that I work with.”

Calgary-owned with a branch in Edmonton, and serving business communities across the province, EnviroShred proudly gives back. “We support various charities along the way and passionately contribute to the causes we believe in,” says Olynyk.

What’s next for this company as it continues to meet its constantly growing big picture vision to support Alberta businesses and communities? “I’m waiting for the new normal and then we’ll be looking into our next expansion plans,” says Olynyk. In other words, people should stay tuned and know that when EnviroShred says, “the paper trail ends here,” they mean it.

4378 - 116 Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta T2Z 3Z9 Phone: (403) 265-7115 enviroshred.net

2010

DYNAMIC CALGARY AUTOMOTIVE FAMILY STAYS TRUE TO THEIR ROOTS OVER THREE GENERATIONS

by Natalie Noble

O

n a beautiful fall day, Paul Valentine, president with The Valentine Group, looked west out his office window, reflecting on the freedom offered in the continued aspiration for personal transportation. “I’m looking at a clear sky over to the mountains, a little snow on top. I’ll probably drive up for Thanksgiving and get away from the city, returning when I want,” he says. “That’s what my business is all about – giving people the opportunity to live a more convenient life.”

The third generation Calgary automotive entrepreneur continues to expand on his family’s longstanding tradition of showing incredible staff appreciation, taking care of customers’ long-term needs, and giving back to those in the community who’ve been dealt a less fortunate hand. “My dad lived to be 90 and his whole life was giving back to our community and making Calgary a better place,” says Valentine.

The ever-evolving business that grew into The Valentine Group is an iconic part of Calgary’s business community.

Launched in southwest Calgary in 1946 by Paul’s grandfather Bert Valentine upon his return from the war, and partner Ted Halford, the dealership sold Austins, Studebakers and Ramblers, moving into Volvos in 1967.

A year later, Paul’s father Ted stepped in as president, reincorporating as Halford and Valentine Ltd.

“Today, with our Volvo products, customers are prioritizing safety. With Jaguar and Land Rover, it’s performance and excitement,” says Valentine. “Automotive is a fascinating world to work in.”

The secret to the Valentine family’s continued success is two-fold. “Based on my family’s philosophy, everything we do is based on doing the right thing in the long-run for our customer,” says Valentine. “We also ensure our staff are well compensated, well trained and we take care of them. Happy staff members result in a happy customer who returns time and again.”

With over three generations of delivering great service, a foundation of trust and confidence has formed. “We continue to serve first, second, even third generation customers,” says Valentine. “They keep coming back, and that’s worth so much more than focusing on the sale today.

They remember their parents purchasing vehicles here.”

“During the 1970s and 80s, my father continued to build the business and I started in the early 90s,” recalls Valentine.

“By the late 90s, we’d become the only authorized Volvo dealership in Calgary and moved to our current location in 2000. Shortly afterwards Valentine Volvo became the largest Volvo retailer in Canada.”

The Valentine family believe in faith and service to their community. They support the Mustard Seed, the Calgary Drop-In Centre, Discovery House, the Calgary Emergency Women’s Shelter and more. “We give to those in need with the understanding that we sell cars to those in a typically higher income bracket,” says Valentine. “If we sell luxury cars and take a portion of our proceeds to give to those less fortunate, it’s a very easy business decision for us. We’re committed to giving back to Calgary to make living here easier for those who just need a little help.”

But this family is not one to rest on their laurels. By the end of the decade, Ted and Paul continued to pursue new opportunities, purchasing land in northwest Calgary. “We now have Valentine Volvo, Volvo Cars Royal Oak and JaguarLand Rover Royal Oak,” says Valentine, who stepped in as president with The Valentine Group upon Ted’s passing last August, a great loss to Calgary’s community.

Valentine has a genuine love for the city where he was born, raised and continues to lead a team of respected professionals in his family’s tradition. “It’s affordable, dynamic, close to the mountains, rich in culture and has great professional sports,” says Valentine. “We’re a trustworthy, responsible and safe city and we’re very optimistic for the future of The Valentine Group.”

Jaguar Land Rover Royal Oak 7755 110th Avenue N.W. Calgary, AB T3R 1R8

Volvo Cars Royal Oak 7015 112th Avenue N.W. Calgary, AB T3R 1R8

Valentine Volvo 11 Richard Way S.W. Calgary, AB T3E 7M8

info@valentinegroup.ca | www.valentinegroup.ca

2019

Jim McManes

by Rennay Craats

J

im McManes has been a fixture in Calgary’s automotive market since he bought his first dealership, Eastside Dodge, in 1987. Since then he has grown McManes Automotive Group into a juggernaut that includes a leasing company for client convenience, as well as 20 dealerships across Alberta and into B.C. and Manitoba. With this impressive selection of new and used vehicles, McManes Automotive is one of the largest automotive groups operating in Canada.

McManes’ achievements earned him a Leader of Tomorrow award in 2019. It is those leadership attributes that helped navigate McManes Automotive Group through the challenging and uncertain months after COVID-19 struck the following year. Between long-running supplier shortages and global plant shutdowns, inventories of new vehicles have been low across manufacturers and across regions.

d Photography

Photo by Riverwoo

“It will get better but it’s going to be six months before it really gets back to a reasonable level,” he says. “But business has still been very good.”

Since last featured, McManes has continued to grow and improve his group and is currently building a new Varsity Chrysler facility and a new building for the Marlborough Ford dealership. While he remains active mainly in the Calgary locations, McManes trusts his management and ownership teams implicitly to handle running the dealerships and to manage the 1,300-plus employees working under the McManes umbrella.

He pushes to be number one not only in the marketplace but also with employees and manufacturers, which leads them to being number one with customers.

Jim cares about his staff and wants to understand any issues his people have in order to support them so they can, in turn, support clients. He credits his people with the growth and success of his group and invests in them, promoting from within whenever possible.

“All of my partners are pretty independent, and they run their own show. We communicate, but I don’t interfere with their day-to-day operations,” he says.

And lastly, he is a believer in lifelong learning. This is especially important in today’s marketplace. His teams have to keep up with the ever-changing technology in the automotive industry.

McManes’ success over the years is due to his strong work ethic and the culture he has instilled at the dealerships. He drives three simple concepts: “Winning, Caring and Learning.”

As the world inches toward normal after 18 months of COVID-19 uncertainty, Jim McManes is leading McManes Automotive Group to continued and greater success through it all.

www.mcmanesautomotive.com

2009

Shannon Bowen-Smed S

hannon Bowen-Smed has lived a lifetime in the 11 years since being featured as a Leader of Tomorrow. Through the 2013 flood, the Fort McMurray fire, the energy crisis and economic downturn and finally COVID-19, BOWEN Group has redefined itself and converted the challenges it has faced into strengths that have allowed the company to grow.

“BOWEN is incredible at disaster management,” Bowen-Smed says. “We’ve really built a resilient business model that’s based on agility and diversification of services that are configured to each client’s unique needs.”

As an innovative recruiting and contractor management firm, BOWEN is able to pivot as the market changes, offering fit-for-purpose solutions for its growing client base. And as an organization that is 91 per cent diverse, its solutions are rooted in diversity and inclusion. In 2017, BOWEN introduced an indigenous strategy and has done amazing things partnering with First Nations groups to achieve Indigenous-centric solutions across the country.

It all comes back to Bowen-Smed’s mission of “Making People Matter” – whether those people are employees investing in professional and industry development, candidates faced with working in the new economy or clients seeking new staff to grow their businesses. To better serve clients, BowenSmed created an executive advisory council 25 years ago to identify strategies and opportunities in the industry and followed up the success of this entity with the establishment of the leadership council seven years ago. While the executive group employs a five-year lens on workforce strategies, the leadership council consists of HR directors focusing on what they need from BOWEN to help resolve today’s challenges to allow them to meet tomorrow’s opportunities.

“There’s no better way to architect business solutions than with your clients at the table with you. As we

The right fit... the first time.

have looked at new and unique initiatives, they have always been with the clients we serve in mind,” says Bowen-Smed.

The result has been significant, and the numbers tell the tale with 101 per cent year-over-year sales growth. Through the BOWEN Recruiter network (BRN) and the BOWEN sales network (BSN), Bowen-Smed fosters relationships with independent contractors who help fill positions in their geographic areas or specialty markets, allowing BOWEN to expand by leveraging this unique approach.

“We’ve looked at associations, affiliations and alliances to grow our footprint into other markets and other opportunities so that we can continue to really push our revenue boundaries and our opportunities,” she says.

By having the humility and agility to identify opportunities that arise in today’s business world, Shannon Bowen-Smed continues to push boundaries and be a leader throughout Alberta and beyond.

Finding you exceptional talent since 1974. bowenworks.ca | 403 262 1156

2009

Kevin Halliday

by Rennay Craats

E

ntrepreneurs see opportunity, even in the toughest times. Since being featured as a Leader of Tomorrow in 2009, Kevin Halliday has done more than just see the opportunity around him; he’s turned it into diverse businesses in the fitness, hospitality and construction industries. It all started with Spindle, Stairs & Railings in 1999, which has grown into one of the largest and most prolific companies of its kind in Canada.

“I am into growth and opportunity, looking at new things that have never been done before,” says entrepreneur Kevin Halliday, president of Spindle, Stairs & Railings (SS&R). “I’ve been able to adapt and grow and prosper by looking at new ways of doing business.”

SS&R is very successful, but it isn’t in Halliday to be complacent. Instead, he applied his team’s expertise and creativity into a new company called COR.FIT to manufacture obstacles for mud runs and obstacle course races.

This venture attracted attention both from race planners and investors on the Dragon’s Den television show. From there, he opened COR.FIT fitness facilities across Alberta where athletes could enjoy obstacle race and ninja course training.

After selling COR.FIT early in 2020, COVID-19 presented new challenges that Halliday jumped at the chance to solve. He established Plexi Canada to meet the heightened demand for plexiglass barriers to shield staff and patrons from the virus at restaurants, fitness centres, medical offices, retail establishments and hotels.

“Spindle, Stairs & Railings has allowed us to have diversification, to grow into other markets because we think outside the box. We look for issues and solve them,” he says.

Halliday further diversified his scope of business with another company, Urban Studio Sheds, which offers contemporary, high-end sheds for anything from a stand-alone office space or a yoga studio to a cigar room or art studio.

Halliday also invested in the Ceili’s Group and Rooftop YYC, one of the hottest night spots for food and entertainment in downtown Calgary.

Supported by an innovative mindset and an award-winning team, Kevin Halliday’s entrepreneurial spirit seeks out new opportunities to grow his businesses.

“I’m able to create other markets, other brands, other businesses because I have such a great staff. I’m able to look outside the box and help other businesses and other people grow too,” he says.

Bringing together passion and a belief that anything is possible, Halliday continues to grow his business footprint while mentoring small business owners to turn good into great.

One thing is for certain – when opportunity knocks Kevin Halliday swings the doors open and enthusiastically invites it inside.

6423 30 St SE, Calgary, AB T2C 1R4 • (403) 294-0555 • info@greatstairs.com • www.greatstairs.com

Bow Valley College grads are ready to evolve Business and technology students are realizing untapped potential while attending Bow Valley College.

“Our graduates aren’t just prepared for today’s workplace,” says Alison Anderson, dean of the College’s Chiu School of Business and School of Technology. “They’re entering the workforce with future-proof skills and are ready to evolve with the Calgary’s economic and technological landscape.”

Whether developing new skills in business and technology programs or upgrading existing abilities to transition into a new career, Anderson says students are graduating from the College ready to help businesses thrive.

Bowvalleycollege.ca

Even the best are driven to be better Leadership is about staying ahead. It’s defined by the ability to anticipate and adapt to change – to improve, refine and keep moving forward by challenging your team, and business to be better everyday.

MNP proudly congratulates the Business in Calgary 2021 Leaders.

As an entrepreneurial firm built by entrepreneurs, we commend your achievements and commitment to community.

Trevor Winkler, Regional Managing Partner | 403.263.3385 | trevor.winkler@mnp.ca MNP.ca

Colleen Kerfoot (VP of Finance), Dan Swanson (Project Manager), Noel Broughton (Project Manager), Terry Tanasiuk (President), Justin Litun (Project Manager), Jordan Zakordonski (Project Manager), Laird Kulak (Director of Pre-Construction Services), Ben Tanasiuk (Project Manager)

Half a Century of Building Communities Krawford Construction Company Inc. • 50 years

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Frog Lake First Nation, New High School – Construction of a new 21,940 sq’ High School attached to an existing recreation center in Frog Lake, Alberta.

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rawford Construction Company Inc. is a full-service general contractor, construction manager, and design-builder, serving the commercial, institutional, healthcare, industrial, and seniors living sectors. From routine jobs to legacy projects to technically complex, oneof-a-kind builds, Krawford has the experience and creativity to get the job done every time.

“Krawford Construction is a highly diversified construction company with a long-serving, loyal, and knowledgeable team, providing skilled construction services to a wide variety of clients,” says Terry Tanasiuk, company president. It is these strengths – team, reputation, experience, and creativity – that set Krawford Construction apart in the industry.

COMPANY HISTORY

The company was founded in 1971 by Eugene Krawchuk in partnership with Humford Developments – it was a melding of the Krawchuk and Humford that originally gave rise to the Krawford name. In 1984, Eugene Krawchuk moved on to other endeavors and the company became fully owned and operated by Humford Developments.

In 1991, Humford Developments offered an ownership opportunity to some of the company’s long-term employees, many of whom are still with the company today.

In 1994, the company expanded their footprint by opening a Calgary office. Mike Kelly was appointed as Manager of Calgary Operations at the founding of the company’s Calgary office. Krawford’s Calgary operations are managed by a core of dedicated, long-term employees. The company quickly established a strong reputation in Calgary and throughout southern Alberta and has become the builder of choice for many clients in the private and public sectors.

Today, Krawford is owned by Terry Tanasiuk as President and majority shareholder, along with a group of minority shareholders who are all long-term employees. Colleen Kerfoot remains as a member of the senior leadership

team as well as Barry’s son Stuart Hawkeswood, who joined the company as a carpenter over 25 years ago and rose through the ranks to VP of Construction. Mike Kelly continues in the role of Manager of Calgary’s operations.

TEAM STRENGTH

Currently, Krawford Construction employs about 100 people across Western Canada, working from bases in both Calgary and Edmonton.

“When we established our Calgary office, we brought on a great group of people to the office and the field, and many of them are still with the company today,” notes Kelly. “The wide variety of projects that we have successfully delivered is proof of the unique capabilities of our team here in Calgary.”

Tanasiuk adds, “Most of our employees have been here for a very long time, most over 10 years and many for 20 or 30 years. It has been rewarding to see them develop in their fields and as individuals. I have watched their families grow and thrive together. I am glad to have been a part of it all.”

REPUTATION

The company’s healthy team environment plays a large part in its strong reputation in the construction marketplace across Western Canada. In reflecting on the reputation Krawford has built over the past 50 years, Tanasiuk says, “Our team has a wide array of experience and talents, our collaborative culture and vast talent pool allows us to share our ideas to get the job done. Because of this, we have been entrusted with many high-profile, technically challenging, and sensitive projects.” This includes not only new construction and renovations, but also a wide range of unique projects.

In the past 10 years alone, the company has been called on to provide emergency structural remediation

Krawford Construction Company Inc. • 50 years • 2

for a collapsing condominium in Calgary; fast-track, simultaneous construction of four large ambulatory support buildings at hospitals throughout the Edmonton area – a project delivered under-budget and ahead of schedule; several 200-bed senior facilities in Calgary; and the completion of a $40 million-dollar facility on a secure military installation. The latter project is one of many where Krawford Construction has been called in by various bonding companies, and Tanasiuk notes that “we are the ‘go-to company’ for some bonding companies when other contractors fail, and their bonded projects require creative and effective solutions.” These projects require a lot of skillful negotiation with all the stakeholders, something Krawford excels at.

PROJECT EXPERIENCE

Few companies have the depth of experience that Krawford’s project portfolio demonstrates. The company’s portfolio includes construction and renovation of hospitals, health care centres, recreation centers, seniors’ facilities, multi-unit residential facilities, modular construction, fire stations, commercial developments, and industrial facilities.

The company delivers projects ranging from $10,000 to over $60,000,000, using various contract types and project models. Krawford was a pioneer in the implementation of the construction management model in Alberta over 30 years ago and the company continues to deliver projects using construction management, stipulated sum, designbuild, IPD, design-assist and other models.

Brad Wengzynowski (Project Manager), Mike Kelly (Branch Manager), Tony Samborsky (Project Manager), Jennifer McLachlan (Project Administrator/Safety Coordinator), Dan Hayduk (Project Manager)

CONGRATULATIONS KRAWFORD CONSTRUCTION ON 50 YEARS!

EX-TECH CONTRACTING LTD. Commercial & Residential Earth Work Terry Mayer | 403-804-4245 | ex-tech@telus.net | Calgary AB

Krawford Construction Company Inc. • 50 years • 3

CONGRATULATIONS

Krawford Construction on celebrating their 50th anniversary!

Calibre Coatings (Calgary) 6224 29 Street SE • Phone: (403) 287-7728

Calibre Coatings (Edmonton) 8804 51 Avenue NW • Phone: (780) 451-6680

www.calibrecoatings.ca

Congratulations to Krawford Construction on your 50th Anniversary!

We wish you continued success.

• Commercial & Residential Formwork • Concrete Pumping-Placing-Finishing • Innovative Prefab Wall Panel Systems & Floor Cassettes Proud builder of Silverado Seniors Village Ph.1 in business for over 45 years

www.giustigroup.com

The destiny of Hard Work, Is always Success!

Congratulations! to Krawford Construction for completing 50 years of success in business.

We wish you all the success for many more years to come.

Tsuu T’ina Sportsplex – Tsuu T’ina, Alberta. Construction of a multi-use recreation facility, including two NHL ice rinks, outdoor skating rink, dressing rooms, field house, running track, fitness centre, dance studio, offices, administration, reception, concession areas, staff rooms and conference rooms.

Krawford operates throughout Western Canada, and one of the company’s key strengths is the ability to successfully deliver projects in remote and challenging areas. The company has operated from the Canada-U.S. border to the territories, including many northern communities accessible only by air, water or ice road.

Speaking to the company’s diverse experience, Tanasiuk notes that “Krawford helped design and build the first assisted living project in Western Canada for the Good Samaritan Society. This led to five other projects with GSS, as well as many projects with other seniors’ housing. We also built Ecole Mother Teresa School & Ecole Fox Run School, Alberta’s first multi-campus school in Sylvan Lake.

Krawford Construction has built strong relationships with many Indigenous clients throughout Western Canada.

In particular, Krawford delivered the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex for the Tsuu T’ina Nation, a large recreation facility including three hockey rinks and a field house. With Tsuu T’ina’s continuous growth, Krawford participated by building the nation’s museum, health centre and training facility. Krawford has also enjoyed a long relationship with Enoch Cree Nation, working with them for over 20 years and are currently building a health centre and a new commercial building. In both partnerships, Krawford has engaged and supported First Nation subcontractors and skilled labor, giving back to the community.

CREATIVITY AND COLLABORATION

Congratulations Krawford ConstruCtion on 50 Years!

403-201-9730 • bmwexteriors.com

A cornerstone of Krawford’s approach is collaboration.

They take pride in the ability to work with any client, in any situation, in any contracting model to get the job done successfully. From leadership to office staff to the field, their team thrives on creativity, problem-solving and finding unique ways to get the job done.

Technology plays a role in supporting this approach, and Tanasiuk helps distinguish Krawford by staying on top of the technology that is driving the construction industry forward.

“This industry tends to fall behind current technology. At Krawford, we are constantly learning and implementing more efficient methods, and adapting to new and better ways of doing things. As a result, we can be more flexible and resourceful when meeting the exacting standards we set for ourselves and that our clients expect of us.”

Krawford Construction Company Inc. • 50 years • 4

Fish Creek Assisted Living Facility – Calgary. Construction of a new assisted living facility featuring separate independent and assisted living areas joined by a series of links as well as underground parking.

LEGACY

In addition to building communities, Krawford also prioritizes giving back to them. The company has been the gold sponsor for the Tsuu T’ina Sportsplex area; contributed to the Legacy Lodge Assisted Facility; aided in the completion of Wellspring Edmonton’s cancer support facility with the contribution of $250,000 in material and services; participated in the MS bike ride to Camrose; and volunteered at Hope Mission. In addition, the company has a scholarship program that provides scholarships and support to Indigenous students on several First Nations throughout Alberta.

Congratulations Krawford Construction Company Inc. on your 50th Anniversary!

We are proud to be a part of your success.

HUB International Insurance Brokers #201 - 5227 55 Avenue, Edmonton,AB T6B 3V1 Office: 780-732-9917

hubinternational.com Risk & Insurance | Employee Benefits | Retirement & Private Wealth

THE NEXT 50 YEARS

“The most rewarding thing for me is to have watched the company grow over time,” says Colleen Kerfoot, VP of Finance. “It’s been interesting to watch how the dynamics of the industry change from year to year, and how we’ve managed each change. It’s been exciting to be part of a close team that feels like family.”

“It’s been rewarding to have been a part of our Calgary operations since the beginning,” Kelly adds. “It’s exciting to see the next group of leaders come up through the company and I’m sure that we will continue to succeed.”

The Krawford team is grateful for the past 50 years and excited about the next 50 years. They look forward to building on a history of teamwork, creativity, and quality, and continuing to excel in a dynamic and challenging industry. Working with industry partners – from owners to consultants to trade contractors to suppliers – they are excited to continue to play a part in building and sustaining communities in Alberta and throughout Western Canada.

CALGARY

Bay 2, 11166 – 42 Street SE Calgary AB, T2C 0J9 Phone: 403 203 2651 Fax: 403 203 2657 Email: cgy@krawford.com www.krawford.com

Krawford Construction Company Inc. • 50 years • 5

Congratulations to the Leaders of 2021 Join us in celebrating Calgary’s leaders at our 13th Annual Awards Gala.

We will be honouring 18 individuals for their business acumen, contribution to community and their industry. These are the people who are making Calgary a great place to live and work.

Tickets Individual ticket - $150 or Table of 10 - $1500 To purchase tickets please contact Natasha at 403-264-3270 Ext. 2221 or natasha@businessincalgary.com

Save the Date Wednesday, November 24th | 6pm | Calgary Telus Convention Centre

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Lou MacEachern

Official Airline Partner

RGO CREATING SPACES OF THE FUTURE

BY RENNAY CRAATS WITH PHOTOS BY RIVERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

Front Row: Dave Orr, VP Furniture; Sarah Chin, VP Human Resources & Corporate Services; Cathy Orr, President & CEO; Jamie Ferguson, VP Window Coverings.

Back Row: Cory Honsinger, General Manager Canmore Flooring; Roger Duurtsema, VP Flooring; Ross Glen, Chairman; John Schoblocher, Senior Manager Operations & Service; Jonathan “Jake” Gebert, CFO; Steve Register, General Manager Technologies.

RGO

Celebrating 55 Years

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he saying “shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations” is something Cathy Orr is very familiar with. She has read the studies that state only 30 per cent of family businesses survive into the second generation and a paltry 12 per cent make it to the third generation. But with a rock-solid 55-year foundation beneath it, she is confident that RGO will not only survive but thrive.

“There is pressure in all that, but the things that my dad focused on all these years to build RGO put us in a good spot,” says Cathy Orr, president and CEO of RGO. “Everything is changing and we have to find a way to adapt, stay strong and stay viable and relevant. That

Congrats to our valued partner RGO on 55 years!

Epson wishes many more years of success.

403-569-4444 • www.rgo.ca

Congratulations to RGO for 55 years of excellence.

Their service to customers has remained exceptional especially during the pandemic difficult time.

kyoceradocumentsolutions.ca RGO

Celebrating 55 Years

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Ross Glen, Founder & Chairman in the new Pod Tent by Steelcase.

is top of mind for me all the time – how to keep the business really current and attract the best talent.”

The best talent finds rewarding work and a great culture at RGO. Founder Ross Glen’s philosophies, vision and values are evident throughout the organization and it still operates under his core values of passion, trust, competence and efficiency. These values created the culture of collaboration, innovation and expertise that has made RGO an industry leader for decades and led to being named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies Platinum Members, as well as one of the Best Workplaces in Alberta, Best Workplaces for Mental Illness and Best Workplaces for Giving Back. Orr credits this to her leadership team’s practice of checking in, asking questions, listening to answers and ensuring staff feel appreciated and valued.

She has built an outstanding leadership team that supported her as she transitioned into the President and CEO role in 2016 and continue to help her steer the company into the future. Her husband, Dave Orr, joined RGO in the early 1990’s and currently is the VP of Office

Environments and takes care of the furniture side of the business. Jake Gebert came on board as CFO in 2014 and helped Orr with strategic planning and installed some significant changes including streamlining the organization’s IT to create a modern workplace. Sarah Chin, VP of Human Resources and Corporate Services, has led RGO’s navigation through the unique and ever-changing needs of the past couple years, for both staff and clients.

“I have a phenomenal team here. With their support it has been amazing,” she says. “All things considered, it has been a good transition.”

The “things considered” were a combination of an economic downturn, the energy crisis and a global pandemic that has impacted every business in Alberta.

This made it more challenging for her to grow the company in such a tough market and has required agility as the pandemic changed the face of today’s workplaces.

Orr’s goal was to keep doing what RGO had always done – to make spaces better – but what that entailed is vastly different than when her father was at the helm of the company. What started as a business selling office furniture has evolved well beyond that today, to encompass how entire spaces are designed and utilized. Given the number of busts and booms RGO has experienced over the decades, pushing for an increasingly diversified business was important to Glen to start and for Orr to continue. Today’s RGO offerings cover all aspects of a space and the company partners with the top manufacturers in the business to achieve the best results: the company carries Steelcase and Global furniture, Hunter Douglas, Lutron and SunProjects window coverings, Kyocera and Epson technologies the industry’s leading brands of commercial flooring options, as well as Raised Access flooring to offer greater flexibility. More and more, clients are availing themselves of the offerings in multiple RGO divisions to meet their complete office needs.

“I have a phenomenal team here. With their support it has been amazing,” she says. “All things considered, it has been a good transition.”

“We want to keep growing. And carry no debt. Those are critical things in business today,” says Ross Glen, founder and chairman of RGO. “The other thing we have going for us is we’ve got the Steelcase line, which is the biggest in the world. That’s critical because their technology’s ahead of everyone else.”

RGO has exclusive Alberta rights for Steelcase’s catalog of innovative products that are designed based on global research on technology and trends. Steelcase shares their findings on global insights with the RGO leadership team, and most recently they found that 67 per cent of global organizations plan to or are experimenting with hybrid workplaces. RGO is on the cutting edge of technology integration and global trends to ensure clients don’t design spaces that are obsolete by the time they are finished. Whether clients need ergonomic chairs for staff working at home or are designing their spaces to integrate the technology needed to keep employees connected, RGO is proud to be the one-stop shop.

“In everything we do, I see the significant integration with products, technologies, building practices and strong, well thought out designs that all play a vital role in the outcome of the final deliverable,” Orr says.

The team talks about spaces of the future, which provide clients with the tools to make environments functional, efficient and comfortable as well as helping to keep people connected. RGO sells products to post-secondary institutions, corporations, hospitals and seniors’ living

RGO

Celebrating 55 Years

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Front Row: Cathy Orr, President & CEO; Sarah Klemenz (Orr), Supply & Managed Print Sales, Technologies; Cassandra Will, Sales & New Business Development, Furniture. Back Row: Dave Orr, VP Furniture; Ross Glen, Chairman

centres and as these places have changed how they approach interactions in their spaces, RGO has applied its knowledge and expertise to access products that seamlessly bring together all the relevant pieces for a perfect space. This can be anything from lights that automatically come on when someone enters a space, to a comfortable, collaborative space that promotes creativity while integrating technology to accommodate the need for connection.

RGO

Celebrating 55 Years

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“What gets me motivated is where we are creating environments in every part of life, where people work, where they learn, where they grow, where they play, where they’re entertained, where they heal and now where they age well,” she says.

RGO stays ahead of the curve and proudly provides its diverse client base with innovative solutions for their businesses. After 55 years, the organization enjoys a

“What gets me motivated is where we are creating environments in every part of life, where people work, where they learn, where they grow, where they play, where they’re entertained, where they heal and now where they age well,” she says. stellar reputation earned through quality products and service delivered by a dedicated team of professionals. As Cathy Orr looks at the contributions of the next generation working alongside her to grow RGO – her daughter, Sarah, and her niece, Cassandra – she is confident that the family business will have no use for shirtsleeves as it remains strong into the third generation and beyond.

#100, 229 - 33 Street NE Calgary, Alberta T2A 4Y6 Phone: (403) 569-4400 Fax: (403) 569-4550 Dave Orr, VP Furniture and Cathy Orr, President & CEO.

rgo.ca

RGO

Celebrating 55 Years

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November is

Financial Financial Literacy Literacy Month Month Understanding the fundamentals of money is as essential today as numeracy and basic literacy.

Across Canada this November, Canadians are encouraged to invest in their financial wellbeing. This means taking control of their finances and reducing financial stresses by implementing fundamental money management practices like making a budget, having a savings and debt reduction plan, and understanding their financial rights and responsibilities.

Financial literacy is important not only for the financial well-being of individuals, but also for the economy.

Financial Literacy Month is not just for us adults. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have an immense impact on all Albertans, now more than ever, youth need to be prepared for the future, learn to be resilient, adaptable and have the ability to make responsible life choices.

Junior Achievement is Canada’s largest financial literacy education provider for youth. JA Southern Alberta has been teaching financial literacy to young people in Alberta for over 60 years and is a trusted partner for educators and parents. JA’s various financial literacy programs are designed for learners of different ages to ensure students are exposed to smart money management concepts over multiple grades, which in turn increases their financial capability before they begin making major life decisions.

By raising a generation of fiscally responsible individuals, our communities are more prepared to face crises and adversity proactively. Investing in our young community members through financial literacy education, so they understand the importance of money management, business and how to adapt in times of change will create healthy local economies.

Throughout the month of November, JA Southern Alberta and JA Northern Alberta will deliver financial literacy programming in over 200 Alberta classrooms through the support of Servus, provincial partner of JA Financial Literacy Month programming.

JA volunteers inspire and prepare students to succeed in school, and in life.

Interested in sharing your energy and experience with a southern Alberta classroom? Visit jasab.ca/volunteers or scan this QR code to learn more.

GROWTH AND EVOLUTION: North American Storage Celebrates 25 Years

By Nerissa McNaughton

N

orth American Storage is one of Canada’s leading manufacturers and end-toend service providers of pallet racking and industrial shelving systems. Originally incorporated in 1952 as a subsidiary of Steel Equipment of England, the Fabricius family acquired the company in 1972. The evolution to North American Storage happened in 1996.

“It was a partnership between the Fabricius Family who owned North American Steel based in Whitby, Ontario, and Iain and Kim Petrie who ran a business in this location prior to this under a different name,” says Jonathan Hirst, Vice President and General Manager.

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Photos by Rebecca Lippiatt

“Today North American Storage is proudly Canadian owned and operated, and contributes to 400,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehousing capability across six plants and distribution centres,” adds Melissa Hirst, Office Manager.

When Iain and Kim retired in 2015, Jonathan and Melissa took over by purchasing their portion of the North American Storage ownership.

She continues, “We design, manufacture, and install the pallet racking storage products and systems we provide. We have a hand in the entire process, which allows us to maintain oversight of the quality of our products, from negotiating steel purchases directly from steel mills, to maintaining Canadian Welding Bureau and COR certification within our facility, to administering the permit process for clients, right through to final inspections and sign off by the municipality.”

North American Storage’s product lines include roll formed and structural pallet racking, cantilever racking, and shelving. These products are typically integrated into distribution facilities or industrial applications to increase storage density, product access, and operational efficiency. Assistance is offered for facility operators at every step of the process, from greenfield design and working with architects on new facilities, to retrofitting existing spaces.

Jonathan says, “Our engineering services are completely in house, allowing us to streamline design to meet code and permitting requirements across Canada.

Our production and installation teams collaborate on deliveries and erection of the material we manufacture and can facilitate final inspections to ensure clients’ business goals are realized.

“We also offer ongoing client support in the form of manufacturer’s certifications for capacities, and related documentation to ensure clients are compliant with provincial occupational health and safety standards.”

Melissa notes, “Choosing Edmonton as a centre of our Western manufacturing was strategic in that there is a deep pool of talented fabricators in the area and it is located centrally between key markets, reducing shipping costs for our customers.”

When the Nisku facility opened in 1996, it did so with two sales reps in B.C., one in Calgary, and a full time installation crew. Within the first year they were expanding the manufacturing plant. The growth continued at a rapid pace with structural steel racking added in 1998, another expansion in 1999 and more dealers and product lines added through the 2000s.

In 2021, North American Storage marked another major milestone by opening its new facility in Calgary and adding more representatives across Western Canada.

“The success of North American Storage is founded upon a legacy of clients who share our core values of quality, service, and engineered solutions to fit their business needs,” say the owners. “At heart we are problem solvers. We love helping clients break through the barriers of their business and reach their goals.”

North American Storage • Celebrating 25 Years • 2

Jonathan and Melissa credit their team for being a major part of the company’s success.

“The team at North American is so talented and I am proud to be associated with of all of them. I honestly think this group would be successful in any field they set their minds to, but we just happen to be really, really, good at solving warehousing challenges.

“We run a small and knowledgeable team of operations staff that can handle very large and diverse projects.

“We are a big family at heart, and we seek individuals who value an employer offering diversity, challenge, and opportunity to grow professionally. It is not a coincidence that we hang our service awards inside the front door of our office. Our team has many 10 and 20+ year plus employees, so much so it takes up two walls and we are still running out of space!”

North American Storage couldn’t be happier to operate out of Edmonton and Calgary, saying they have enjoyed “phenomenal support in all the communities where we have established offices.”

“Our clients value the ability to speak to key personnel directly to receive actionable information, without navigating complicated automated answering systems or deal with attendants that only pass along questions.”

To their current clients and prospective clients, Jonathan and Melissa advise, “A well developed plan now will pay dividends in the future. If your chosen pallet racking provider is more concerned about closing a sale today than listening to where you want to take your business tomorrow, then you need to find a new provider.”

North American Storage is very invested in the communities it serves, focusing its giving back on supporting organizations that are feeding and housing the vulnerable, and organizations that bolster the hardworking first responders and medical air transport services that save lives everyday.

What does the future look like for the growing company? Jonathan says, “The growth of North American Storage is rooted in the support of Rolf and Tania Fabricius and the North American Steel family, who 25 years ago, believed in a small plant on a dusty road in middle of the oil patch. Today we are still modernizing and have grown into the premier manufacturer of pallet racking in Canada.

“We have reinvested in our production capabilities with updated equipment, currently hiring to add a full-time night shift and are focusing on key hires in the areas of health and safety, quality, supervision and maintenance. We have recently expanded our outside technical sales support by hiring a dedicated individual for the Saskatchewan and Manitoba markets, and bolstered our Edmonton and Calgary teams with new hires starting in 2021 Q4.”

Safety will continue to be a top priority.

North American Storage • Celebrating 25 Years • 3

“We pride ourselves in maintaining a Canadian Welding Bureau Division 2 certification, long before it was a requirement in our industry, and it is a higher certification than many other manufacturers’ in our industry,” says Melissa. “We maintain COR certification and a robust health and safety program that protects our employees both in the plant and on the project site. We are an active participant to the establishment of pallet racking design code nationally through the CSA technical committee process, whose members donate their time to create and promote standard improvements to protect the safety of Canadian workers.”

As North American Storage continues to grow, the emphasis on supporting and valuing the team will never wane.

“We cannot emphasize enough that North American Storage is a product of the commitment and dedication of the employees,” conclude Jonathan and Melissa.

“This 25 year milestone is a reflection of all their efforts and of those that came before us. The company is indebted to them for seeing us through some lean years in the Canadian economy, only to emerge stronger and ready to take on the next challenge.”

NISKU (MANUFACTURING) 2103 – 7th Street, Nisku, Alberta T9E 7Y3 Phone 780.955.2444

CALGARY (DISTRIBUTION) 105 – 7850 66 Street SE Calgary AB T2C 5V1 Phone 587-327-8944

Toll-Free 1.800.241.8968 • sales@naseco.com

naseco.com

Find North American Storage on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram North American Storage • Celebrating 25 Years • 4

CREATING

Ethan Rusnack, Hamish Knox, Sandra Crozier-McKee, Carrie Tuttle and Nisha Berman. Photo by Riverwood Photography.

Success by Design

A Different Kind of Sales Training and Leadership Development

by Rennay Craats 10 Years || Sandler Training

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H

amish Knox’s path to sales and leadership training intersected and doubled back to ensure he encountered the right people at the right time to take him to where he was meant to be. The contacts he made and experiences gained in proofreading and inside sales with Canada Newswire helped land him where he is today: running Sandler Training in Calgary.

More than a decade ago, he and his Newswire sales manager, Gord, met for dinner and the conversation turned to sales training. Gord recommended that Knox check out Sandler seeing as the training program mirrored how Knox thought and talked already.

“That night I couldn’t sleep so I Googled it and found a blog post from Sandler colleague Bill Bartlett. It was like I walked into church and God spoke to me. I was like, how do I do this?” says Hamish Knox, president of Sandler Training in Calgary, who launched the Full Funnel Freedom podcast on October 4, 2021.

Soon after, Knox attended a two-day session to ensure the program was a fit, and he was hooked.

He read founder David Sandler’s book, You Can’t Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike at a Seminar, and he knew he wanted to be part of the organization. He signed franchise papers on January 1, 2011 and left Canada Newswire in April to launch his training business.

“My first six months I made 5,000 cold calls, which was either leaving a voice message for or speaking directly with a decision maker. There was somewhere between 9,000 and 15,000 dials my first six months,” he says.

Congratulations Sandler Training on 10 years!

1712 10th Ave SW (403) 228-2378 | 1 (800) 456-0949 inforequest@rothenberg.ca www.rothenberg.ca Sandler Training || 10 Years || 2

Hamish Knox. Photo by Riverwood Photography.

He finessed his approach and started accelerating the business. As soon as he moved into a space he outgrew it, moving from Kensington to Montgomery and eventually building out his current training centre on 8A Avenue SW. The first year was hard work but rewarding, and his efforts were recognized when he was named Global Rookie of the Year for 2011.

Since then, Knox and his team of four have grown the business, supporting clients professionally and personally. He also mentors up-and-comers through Futurepreneur and is offering a scholarship-in-kind to an Indigenousbased company for a full year in the Sandler Management Solutions program along with access to thousands of hours of audio and video training resources to help them succeed.

All of Sandler’s training is tailored to serve clients in any industry and size of company, and their clients include CEOs, business owners, sales managers and salespeople. Through a full suite of training solutions that address issues in leadership and sales and foster professional development, Sandler helps clients hone their sales and communication skills, resolve conflict and empower them in their business.

CONGRATULATIONS ON 10 YEARS! YOUR SUPPORT HAS LIFTED US TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF GROWTH. WE WISH YOU MANY MORE YEARS OF CONTINUED SUCCESS!

All Systems Go.

Toll Free: 1.888.279.8636 welco.ca

“Sandler is based on transactional analysis, which is the psychological theory of how human beings relate to each other and all the games and scripts and head trash that can conflict when we’re talking to somebody,” says Knox.

“Anywhere there are human beings interacting, we provide support and guidance,” says Knox.

“Sandler is based on transactional analysis, which is the psychological theory of how human beings relate to each other and all the games and scripts and head trash that can conflict when we’re talking to somebody.”

Globally, the average client works with Sandler for nine years, learning from and being supported by trainers through every stage of their lives and business. And there are vast resources available to Sandler trainers; Sandler is the largest leadership and

Providing the DNA of success in finding and developing your next outstanding professionals Congratulations Sandler Training on 10 Years!

hello@peoplebest.com peoplebest.com 3 || 10 Years || Sandler Training

sales development company in the world with offices in 27 countries that serve clients in 55 countries.

Whether sessions are conducted in person, virtually or with online resources, Sandler is proud to support clients however it best fits their needs.

Sandler has attracted attention from prestigious institutions too. Harvard Business School integrated Sandler’s sales training methodology into its MBA curriculum, while Columbia University is currently conducting an ROI study on Sandler’s training program.

There is no question that the system is very successful and very different. While other systems offer a two-day boot camp that throws everything at clients in a short time, Sandler takes a different approach.

“Sandler is built on the idea of ongoing reinforcement over time. Human beings are not light switches. The hardest thing for us to do is adjust our behaviour. With a boot camp, all you’re going to take are the one or two things that were most comfort zone-adjacent to you and maybe you’ll do them, maybe you won’t,” Knox says. “We are very much in the reinforcement business.”

Sandler offers a boot camp to get everyone on the same page and then hosts foundational sessions

JOIN US FOR THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS: Leadership for Organizational Excellence

ARE YOU A...

Business Owner who wants to get out of “doing” your business and get on to “leading” your business?

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that teach the team the same language so they can create sustainability, onboard more effectively and scale business. It subscribes to the AKASH model of learning, which presents an awareness of a knowledge or skill gap, acquires the knowledge to fill it, applies that knowledge, and with enough application it becomes a skill and once that skill is honed it becomes a habit.

“Sandler, in a nutshell, is creating success by design instead of by default,” he says.

Some great businesses find success by default, whereby they have a product and react to growth and success but at the end don’t know how to repeat it. Sandler Training helps professionals create and replicate ongoing success, both personally and professionally.

Hamish Knox believes strongly in the Sandler system and has a decade’s worth of clients who can attest to its effectiveness. He also has the respect of his colleagues around the world. In 2020 he became the first Canadian and the youngest person in terms of age and years with the company to win the David H. Sandler Award. It is the highest non-selling honour determined by peer nomination and recognizes the recipient’s dedication to and embodiment of the Sandler values.

“Hamish has been very prolific with his thought leadership. He has written two books for us, Accountability the Sandler Way and Change the Sandler Way, and participates in podcasts and webinars for our international audience. He is always willing to share advice, coach and role play with his colleagues and regularly takes the stage to address and train colleagues at Sandler network conferences,” says Dave Mattson, CEO of Sandler Global.

Hamish Knox continues to grow Sandler Training in Calgary through his foundational values: achievement, learning, support and celebration.

And there is nothing he’d rather be doing than supporting and celebrating his clients through their journey with Sandler Training in Calgary.

www.hamish.sandler.com/excellence Fractional Sales Management We work with business owners and CEO’s who feel anxious about how thinly their time and energy is stretched, struggling to give their sales team the coaching they need to perform and worried if they are making the right financial and operational decisions for their business to excel.

www.hamish.sandler.com/outsourcedsalesmanager Sandler Training || 10 Years || 4

8561-8A Avenue SW, Suite 2204 Calgary, AB T3H 0V5 403-457-1507 admin.sales4training@sandler.com

www.hamish.sandler.com

Emilio, Antonio, Nick and Daniella Lupi.

Photo by Riverwood Photography.

THE 50 YEAR LEGACY OF LUPI LUXURY HOMES

by Rennay Craats

Lupi Luxury Homes | Celebrating 50 Years

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Nick, Antonio and Emilio Lupi.

Photo by Riverwood Photography.

A

house is just a collection of rooms under one roof but a home is where families gather to build memories. The Lupi family understands this well, and that is why every client Lupi Luxury Homes works with is delivered the home of their dreams. And it has been that way since Antonio Lupi founded the company 50 years ago.

In 1963 Antonio and his wife Antonia embarked on a journey travelling from the small town of Fossacesia, Italy to immigrate in Calgary. Antonio began working at a local bakery in the morning and doing construction in the evening to support his family. After learning essential skills like cribbing and framing, Antonio became eager to master the entire home building process. Shortly afterwards, he attended the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) where he not only received his Journeyman Carpentry Certificate but also fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Lupi Construction Ltd. was founded in 1970 in the Lupis’ Huntington Hills home. Antonia managed the reception duties for the company while raising three children as Antonio lead the job sites and sales of the company.

The birth of a family legacy truly came to fruition once their sons Luciano, Nick and Emilio joined the team. As young boys they would often assist Antonio on the sites sweeping and cleaning up. Through his dedicated work ethic and his ability to take risks, Antonio proudly crafted a legacy of old-world quality, craftsmanship and integrity.

Not much has changed in the past half-century; the Lupi team has remained small to stay connected to clients and continues to create quality homes for all its clients. The business has only a half-dozen of the best people running the operation in the office. Antonio left the awardwinning company he built in the capable hands of his sons knowing they would carry on as he had.

“Very few family businesses survive this long,” says Antonio Lupi. “It’s my sons who have brought the company to the next level. They are doing a great job.”

Unexpectedly, Luciano, the eldest of the Lupi brothers passed away last year. To honor his spirit, Nick, Emilio and the entire Lupi family wanted to do something special. Lupi Luxury Homes introduced the Luciano Lupi Memorial Student Award to support students in the SAIT School of Construction to honor both

Lupi Luxury Homes | Celebrating 50 Years | 2

him and Antonio as alumnae. Luciano oversaw the quality control department and managed the postpossession service. He was integral in establishing and maintaining the reputation for quality and service associated with Lupi Luxury Homes, always going above and beyond to ensure clients were fully satisfied with their Lupi home.

Antonio always hoped his beloved company would continue to be run by the family throughout its growth and progression. The addition of a third generation Lupi with Nick’s daughter, Daniella, joining the company as its marking coordinator represents the best kind of growth for this family business and is encouraged by Antonio.

Today, family continues to be a key part of the business for Lupi Luxury Homes, and even those employees without the Lupi last name are treated like family. The brothers value their family of trade partners who are so much more to them than contractors on their job sites. Many of these partners have worked with the company for decades and have become an important part of the Lupi family. To preserve this, the brothers are careful when bringing on new partners to ensure they have the same

Lupi Luxury Homes | Celebrating 50 Years | 3

Luciano Lupi (1965-2020).

philosophy, work ethic and focus on quality that Antonio established in 1970.

Lupi has earned a stellar reputation in the business, both with other professionals in the field and with clients, and the team does all it can to build upon that reputation.

In fact, Lupi Luxury Homes has been a finalist three consecutive years, winning H.O.M.E. award’s “best customer experience” in two of three years and many local, provincial and national awards as well.

“The great thing about remaining small is we treat every home as if it is our own. That’s something we’ve taken pride in over the years,” says Daniella Lupi. “There’s a lot of thought and love put into each home.”

Currently the builder is developing homes in Rock Lake Estates in Rocky Ridge. Lupi has lots ranging from 40 to 58 feet wide available in both the “Five Lakes” and the final phase of the development “The Summit.” This coveted northwest area features natural reserves as well as mountain views and allows buyers to enjoy the convenience of city living while being surrounded by nature. The Lupi team is well versed in the area after building homes there for over a decade. Nick and Emilio are excited about creating more incredible homes in

Lupi Luxury Homes | Celebrating 50 Years | 4

the development. Homebuyers are excited too. Lupi’s showhome sold within weeks of being open, and they are currently working hard to build another to showcase their craftsmanship and design. The new showhome will be ready in 2022.

have built in northwest communities like Arbour Lake, Edgemont, Hamptons and Hawkwood, Lupi Luxury Homes has left its mark on south neighborhoods like Aspen Estates and West Grove Estates as well. It is also known for its quality inner city infills in established areas

Lupi will also soon be building in Sage Meadows, creating 28 stunning villa units.

This development will feature mainly walk-out lots with breathtaking views with most lots backing west onto a beautiful greenspace. This sensational project is still in the preliminary stages and is set to launch in the fall of 2021.

“One of the benefits of being a customerdriven, custom-home builder is our ability to be flexible not only in how we build but in where we build,” Emilio Lupi, general manager says.

The Lupi name has become synonymous with quality and integrity in all their developments around Calgary. While they

Lupi Luxury Homes | Celebrating 50 Years | 5

like Varsity, Bridgeland, Hillhurst, Lakeview, Elbow Park and Parkdale and for building spectacular custom homes in the surrounding communities of Priddis, Bearspaw, Cochrane and Chestermere.

“Consumers are looking for two main things. A home that stands the test of time, not only in design but quality, and secondly, a builder they can trust,” says Nick Lupi, president.

It’s easy to maintain relationships with clients a year or five years or 20 years later when the company focuses on quality and takes the time to ensure clients are satisfied. The family is honoured to be trusted partners in that journey with clients and to take those relationships further. Lupi began doing renovations after new home clients kept coming back to the company asking for renos for their kitchens, basements and more over the years. Lupi undertakes the renovation process with as much focus and care as they do with their new home construction.

Lupi Luxury Homes | Celebrating 50 Years | 6

When reflecting on the future of both new home construction and renovations, Nick emphasizes how important it is that they hold on to their principles of superior customer service, open communication with their clients, and delivering a high-quality experience from consultation to turning over the keys and post-possession service.

For 50 years, those standards have put Lupi Luxury Homes in a category all its own. From custom homes to renovations, the Lupi team will continue to turn houses into homes and clients into friends for years to come.

That close client relationship is important to all three generations of Lupis. Over the year-long building process, clients become friends and often remain friends for decades. In the early days, Antonio even helped clients with financing if they couldn’t get bank approval, and those clients paid him back and built their second and even third homes with Lupi. Antonio can still remember all the families for whom he has built homes and is still greeted with a hug when he sees them.

Lupi Luxury Homes | Celebrating 50 Years | 7

Now, Antonio Lupi spends his well-earned retirement travelling with his wife Antonia and reveling in watching their seven granddaughters grow up. When he is in town, he drops by the office and although things have changed since he was at the helm, he is glowingly proud of the family business he started by pushing wheelbarrows of concrete and framing homes with his own hands.

Lupi Luxury Homes | Celebrating 50 Years | 8

1700A Varsity Estates Dr NW Calgary, Alberta (403) 239-9699 www.lupihomes.com

Jubilee Engineering Consultants Building Relationships and Business

by Rennay Craats Hamid Mohamed. Photo by Riverwood Photography

Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. • 40 Years

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amid Mohamed came from humble beginnings. He was born in a tiny village in India, grew up in Tanzania and received a scholarship to the University of Nairobi in Kenya, where he completed a degree in civil engineering. After graduation, this man-of-the-world immigrated to Canada and launched his professional life in Toronto in 1974. After a few years, he found that the economic situation in Ontario wasn’t conducive to the work he wanted to do, so Hamid sought greener pastures out west.

He moved to Calgary where he met and married his wife, all while building professional relationships and gaining experience in the business. But the economy soured, and work was hard to come by.

“In 1982, when everything collapsed during the major recession, my friend said ‘you’re sitting at home.

Come sit in my office. I could use an engineer but I can’t pay you. ’ That’s how Jubilee started,” says Hamid Mohamed, president of Jubilee Engineering. He went from unemployed and collecting EI to self-employed with no income.

His friend, who worked for a survey company, knew he could use Hamid as a consultant if he wanted to start a business. Hamid established Jubilee Engineering Consultants, named in honour of the Silver Jubilee of the Aga Khan, the leader of Hamid’s Ismaili community.

“It’s been a very blessed name,” he says, and it has led to a very blessed legacy in Calgary.

Out of that one-room office, Hamid started building his civil engineering business in an extremely difficult business environment, picking up small jobs as he slowly became known in Calgary’s engineering and construction circles. In 1985, he landed his first large-scale project designing and building the Candle Crescent subdivision in Canyon Meadows. He learned quickly and delivered quality on the 20-acre parcel of land, and his success there opened the door for Jubilee to do more country residential developments like Cambridge Park, Pinnacle Ridge, Stonepine and Jewel Valley. Since then, Jubilee has helped develop more than 4,000 acres of land in Calgary and surrounding areas and is responsible for roughly 25 per cent of all development site servicing plan submissions received by the City of Calgary. Jubilee Engineering has helped shape Calgary and has left its mark in nearly every area of the city, as well as many surrounding areas.

WHAT JUBILEE CAN DO Jubilee covers all bases of design and contract administration, offering clients professionals with extensive experience in all areas of municipal engineering, from small drainage problems to whole neighbourhoods.

The firm has a vast portfolio of townhouses, apartment buildings, high-rises, country residential subdivisions, new community design and construction, urban development projects and institutional projects that include schools, sports facilities and hospitals.

Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. • 40 Years • 2

It also has a robust industrial and commercial side that has seen Jubilee teams working on everything from shopping centres to car dealerships, warehouses to restaurants. The team has substantial expertise in designing grading and servicing, stormwater management and erosion and sediment control on these projects.

Whether clients need noise analysis reports, land development and infrastructure design, development site servicing approvals or sanitary servicing studies and environmental protection services, Jubilee is a one-stop shop for all their clients’ civil municipal engineering needs, especially for challenging projects that require innovative solutions.

A WINNING TEAM Jubilee’s carefully selected team of 22 (up to 30 during summer contruction season) boasts some of the best professionals in the business. Hamid has a great mix of experienced staff and younger engineers and technologists, and while the seasoned staff mentor the newer ones, the novice staff often introduce different approaches and new technology into the firm. All of them welcome new challenges and are dedicated to growing the company.

Hamid appreciates his employees’ dedication to the work and they appreciate the great culture of respect and support engrained in the company. It is a flexible, easy-going workplace, and employees have fun together while still producing quality work. This was tested when COVID-19 emerged and businesses had to adjust their practices and protocols quickly in order to survive.

“For several months we were largely work-from-home and then we had people starting to filter in when the rules were less restrictive,” says Aliya Mohamed, human resources associate at Jubilee. “Since we were set up to work from home, we still have people intermittently working from home. They enjoy having the option.”

While working from home is an attractive option, many of Jubilee’s tight-knit employees like to go in to the office not only to access printers and files but also to connect in person with colleagues that have become like family. The positive atmosphere and family feel are a few of the reasons for Jubilee’s high staff retention numbers. Hamid values his staff and knows that Jubilee’s success is closely linked to the quality work they do for clients every day and he rewards them for helping him grow the company.

“We have our fiscal year in the end of June so everybody gets a bonus cheque and then at Christmas they get another cheque,” he says. “They work hard and they deserve it. They are why the work keeps coming and clients keep coming here for years.”

More than half of the staff have been with the company for more than 10 years, with several that have been with the company for more than 15 years. This long-term, loyal employee base allows clients to have the same people transitioning from one of their jobs to the next and creates great relationships between clients and their Jubilee team.

Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. • 40 Years • 4

CONGRATULATIONS JUBILEE ON 40 YEARS!

estimating@northstarcontracting.ca | Ph. 403-228-3421 ext. 230

www.northstarcontracting.ca

BUILDING CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS Those relationships are at the core of Jubilee Engineering, and they have been since Hamid started the company 40 years ago. At a time before cell phones and email, Hamid forged relationships face to face, and it is a practice he continues today and one he encourages his staff to embrace as well. The result is a company that was built on repeat and referral business. But just because he no longer has to knock on doors or advertise to generate business doesn’t mean he doesn’t get out in front of clients. Hamid is a people-person and since the day he started he prefers to sit across from clients to better cement his business relationships and turn clients into friends.

“I’ve made a lot of friends over the years. When we got into a boardroom, it’s not all about business. We joke and have fun at the same time, but we get the work done,” says Hamid.

One of his largest clients for the past 20 years is Tristar Communities, with whom Jubilee has been working to develop the subdivision of Cimarron in Okotoks. This development spans 550 acres with more than 2,000 residential units and more than 140 acres of commercial and industrial land. This massive initiative has been in development for decades and Jubilee has been a proud partner with TriStar throughout the entire process.

“Our experience with Jubilee has been tremendously good. I find that the designs are very efficient and their work is absolutely fantastic. They do phenomenal work,” says Moez Moledina, general manager of Tristar Communities. “They finish all their work on time and for a land developer like Tristar, that is extremely important.”

Meeting deadlines is achieved through Hamid’s focus on relationships as well. Over the years he has spent a lot of time at City Hall talking with people and learning the approvals system. He respects the specifications and adheres to all requirements, which leads to getting project approvals quickly for clients. Jubilee Engineering, and Hamid Mohamed in particular, are well known at City Hall and his attention to detail and quality output make Jubilee a first choice for clients, which includes various levels of local government.

For many clients, they know a good thing when they see it and project managers tend to bring Jubilee with them as their careers lead them to different positions in different companies. Stephen Bugbee met Hamid early in the engineer’s career and has enjoyed a long relationship with him and his firm.

Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. • 40 Years • 6

Celebrating our long-standing partnership with

Jubilee Engineering Consultants.

We are proud to be part of your many years of success!

Congratulations on this milestone.

403-938-7920 • www.bowmark.ca

Congratulations to Jubilee Engineering Consultants on 40 Great Years!

We wish you many more years of continued success.

Tristar Communities Inc. #710, 5920 Macleod Trial S.W. Calgary, AB T2H 0K2 EMAIL: info@tristarcommunities.com PHONE: (403)640-0708 FAX: (403)640-0785 www.tristarcommunities.com www.belvederecalgary.com

Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. • 40 Years • 7

“I’d moved to three or four firms before I became a partner here at Zeidler and Hamid was always part of it,” says Stephen Bugbee, partner at Zeidler Architecture. “Jubilee was always a steady, consistent, hardworking firm that was very reliable. Hamid was always the go-to and he became one of our three main civil consultants that we use all the time.”

There is no greater accomplishment for Jubilee than to be thought of as an integral part of the project team over the long term, and there’s no better compliment than to be the only civil engineer invited to client parties. And there is no greater joy than watching his children follow in his footsteps.

A FAMILY BUSINESS For Hamid’s children, Aliya and Faraz, Jubilee was a playground when they were children. When they were young, they would run around the office and visit with the employees who all knew them well. Now, Faraz is a young engineer learning the ropes from the senior engineers including his father, and Aliya came on board as an HR associate taking care of both the human resources responsibilities and taking over much of the back office functions for the business. Both of his children grew up around the business and now they are learning it from the inside to carry Hamid’s legacy into a second generation.

“I’m hoping that these guys will help to keep running the place,” says Hamid. He is quick to add: “But I’m not done yet. I really enjoy what I do.”

The Mohamed children are in no hurry for their dad to retire either. He is the heart and soul of Jubilee and they are happy to have him at the head of the firm for years to come.

JUBILEE ENGINEERING TOMORROW As Jubilee looks to the future, it is doing so with growth and a full docket of projects to propel it forward.

While 2019 was a slower year in the face of the economic downturn and energy crisis and the first half of 2020 was rocked by the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, things have since rebounded for Jubilee as clients have started investing in projects again.

The team at Jubilee are always looking for ways to save their clients time and money, and they pride themselves on providing their clients with innovative, sustainable, cost-effective designs to ensure the projects are viable and their clients are successful.

Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. • 40 Years • 8

Congratula*ons to Jubilee Engineering Consultants!

We are proud to have partnered with you over the past 40 years ....

CONGRATULATIONS ON THIS BIG OCCASION AND MANY WISHES FOR FUTURE SUCCESS. Services include: Road Building Site Grading Sub division Development Irrigation Canal Construction & Rehabilitation

....and look forward to working with you on your journey of con;nued success

BLUE-CON EXCAVATING LTD.

ph | 403-888-2570 www.tgearthworks.com

Setting Construction Standards “From The Ground Up”

Orange PMS 1585 Grey PMS 423

Congratulations Jubilee Engineering on your 40 th Anniversary, we wish you all the best on another 40 years!

GENERAL CONTRACTING | CONCRETE | PAVING | MILLING | EARTHWORKS

117 HIGH PLAINS PLACE, ROCKY VIEW COUNTY, AB T4A 0W7 • (403) 265-0700 “ OWN THE JOB SITE ”

www.consite.ca

Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. • 40 Years • 9

Congratulations to Jubilee Engineering Consultants on 40 Great Years! We are proud to be your partner.

Geotechnical Engineering Materials Engineering Materials Testing McINTOSH • LALANI ENGINEERING LTD. a division of p: 403.291.2345 | www.mcintoshlalani.com

We appreciate the many years of success in working with Jubilee Engineering Consultants.

Congratulations on 40 years in business!

EARTHMOVING LTD.

SHAPING YOUR FUTURE

ph. 403-275-0154 | www.contourearthmoving.com

The firm is involved in around 200 projects each year, and it is currently working on a number of neighbourhoods, including the new community of Belvedere in east Calgary with Tristar, and some exciting commercial projects.

The diversified customer base has helped Jubilee ride out the slower times and keeps the firm growing. They aim to continue to grow the company while maintaining the small business face-to-face approach that has made Hamid such a highly regarded and popular figure in the industry.

CONGRATULATIONS Jubilee Engineering Consultants on your 40th Anniversary!

7175-12 St. SE, Calgary, AB T2H 2S6 Web: www.vscontracting.ca; Tel: 1 (403) 571-5800

Jubilee Engineering is grateful for all the support received from clients, suppliers, partners and staff and feel blessed to have played a part in building up our city with 40 years’ worth of incredible projects. Jubilee Engineering Consultants has become a leading force in civil engineering in Calgary and its reputation for unparalleled service and excellence will surely keep it at the top.

Since 1978, Volker Stevin Contracting, as one of the Premier Civil Contractors, has been building communities for our Clients in the Calgary Region.

Company Services: - Deep Underground Utilities - Road Construction - Shallow Utilities - Asphalt & Aggregates

- Special Projects

3702 Edmonton Trail N.E. Calgary, AB T2E 3P4 T: (403) 276-1001 • F: (403) 276-1012 www.jubileeengineering.com

Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. • 40 Years • 10

PARKER’S PEN // DAVID PARKER

Parker’s Pen

BY DAVID PARKER

B

eing that it’s a monthly business magazine, by the time you read this the signs will all be down and the reshuffle will have taken place – a new mayor and several new councillors will have settled into their chamber chairs.

I don’t envy the enormous tasks ahead of them. Green line, event centre, downtown office leasing, budgeting and taxation. And I do hope that some of them drive cars and have experienced the problems of a daily commute on four wheels.

With all due respect to my friends from the Netherlands, I don’t like the colour orange. In fact, the seemingly ever-increasing number of orange barriers, traffic cones and right-hand lane closure signs are enough to test any driver’s patience.

And some have been there for so long. John Laurie Blvd., between Shaganappi Trail and 14th Street N.W. has been a constant switcheroo and how long will traffic be constrained while a new turn is being made from 16th Avenue North onto Crowchild Trail?

Council also must regain our reputation as being a businessfriendly city. Ask any business owner, developer, architect or engineer about the frustrations in obtaining approvals from city hall. It’s not only the time it takes but having to pander to some of the rules that seem just a bit ridiculous. Like the number of slots in bicycle racks required in an industrial area or how many trees must be planted by a new building and how far apart they must be.

We do have a lot of good developers here who know they have to put up with costly constraints, but I am not surprised at the number who are spreading their investment wings into the U.S. where it seems new business is most welcome.

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NOVEMBER 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

On our first flight out of the city in over two years, we certainly missed the friendly and helpful White Hatters. And where are the power carts they used to transport those who needed help in reaching the far-flung gates?

The Link is a help but doesn’t take you halfway to the WestJet areas that are a long way off for those using a cane.

Fortunately, the WestJet attendant at the desk took pity on my wife and upon arrival in Vancouver a nice young man with a cart was waiting at the plane doors who drove us all the way into the pick-up baggage area.

Bring back the Calgary volunteers.

British Columbians seem to have accepted new COVID-19 regulations with few problems. Asking for a seat in a tapas bar or paying to enter the well worth a visit Victoria Bug Zoo, simply show your vax proof and ID, carry on and enjoy.

I worry about us losing our sense of humour as some find fault with everything.

A British newspaper reports that a policeman has had to face a disciplinary hearing because on learning of an Asian man who lived to be 105 said, “Maybe I should start eating curry.”

Really! Can I still say I enjoy Chinese food?

Final Words If you want to walk quickly, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.