LIVING the Legacy
Photo by Riverwood Photography
“I
could never have anticipated the level of success or legacy Midwest has achieved,” declares Ron Barnes, president and CEO of Midwest Group. This year marks three decades of service in the Calgary-area construction industry, but amid the celebrations, activities and excitement, Barnes is taking the time to remember the company’s humble beginnings. The company was created to provide a customer-first, quality and time-driven alternative to the commercial drywall industry in Calgary. The vision has evolved and expanded in the past 30 years, but Barnes says he “always goes back to those main points. They are fundamental to Midwest’s status and acheivements.”
Barnes recounts the experience of being an entrepreneur. “We have been faced with some tough times in Alberta over the last 30 years and I would be lying if I said I was never worried. The Midwest team is my family and I feel a deep responsibility to do well by them,” says Barnes. The word “team” is allencompassing to Barnes. He believes that partners, family, clients and vendors are all significant team members and “without the passion, loyalty and commitment from this group, Midwest wouldn’t have succeeded.” When discussing the Midwest portfolio, Barnes attributes the success largely to operations manager, Danny McMahon, and
Midwest Group | 30 Years | 1 89