Profile
Albert and the U.S. The U.S. experience included facing a “horrible” downturn since 2008, Ross said, but it has also taught the company how to survive tough times. “The strong survive,” said the 44year old company president. “You ride it out and have your resources ready at the right time.” Diversification is also important, he said, seen in the wide range of businesses that now anchor Pacific Waterproofing. The company distributes sealants and other waterproofing materials and has a subsidiary hardwood company that specializes in sustainable and reclaimed hardwoods. “I could get you the floor from Frank Sinatra’s house,” Ross said, “or wood from the Kentucky Derby”. Pacific Waterproofing’s roofing division is skewed towards multifamily residential projects, dating partly from early business success with the Bosa Group, which went on to become one of BC’s largest home builders. Pacific Waterproofing, in fact, is now roofing Bosa projects in both Seattle and San Francisco. The company also works with prolific Vancouver developer Concord Pacific. Ross has a simple formula for his company’s success. “You stand behind what you put down,” he said. A member of the RCABC for four years, Ross said Pacific Waterproofing joined the a waterproofing company into a Association because he wanted to corporate contender. expand the company’s work with Then, in 1968, the family moved other roofing systems, such as to British Columbia where Justin’s architectural sheet metal, and be father soon established able to bid on projects “The strong Pacific Waterproofing survive. You ride it slated for a RoofStar as a leading roofing Guarantee. “We have out and have your and waterproofing done a number of resources ready at company. Joining the metal projects and the right time.” company while still a were able to show the teenager, Justin has since quality of workmanship we can do.” diversified into other fields, Ross said he has few problems expanded the firm’s roofing finding qualified workers for his expertise and opened offices in unionized company. “Good people Calgary, Washington State and seem to find us,” he said. California. What Ross does have problems Today the local work of Pacific with is the fly-by-night contractors Waterproofing is seen atop such who underbid on waterproofing landmark projects as the Shangri La jobs and then cannot deliver. Hotel in downtown Vancouver – the Meanwhile, he noted, credible tallest building in the province; the contractors who know how to do Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel; the the work properly are being lowShaw Tower, numerous bid out of contracts. “We get called condominium towers; most of the in a lot to fix jobs,” he said. Concord Pacific sites at False Creek; While Pacific Waterproofing and both the giant Quintet provides its own warranty on residential complex and River sealants, Ross praised the RCABC’s Green communities in Richmond. RoofStar guarantee for separating Pacific Waterproofing has about the top companies, RCABC 75 workers in the field in members, from the rest of the Vancouver and other staff in the competition.
Pacific Waterproofing The Fairmont Pacific Rim and the Shaw Tower in downtown Vancouver are among the landmark roofing and waterproofing contracts entrusted to Pacific Waterproofing Ltd. of Burnaby By Frank O’Brien
It is not often that a contractor member of the Roofing Contractors Association of BC can trace its heritage to pre-war Italy or across three continents, but such is the case with Pacific Waterproofing Ltd. of Burnaby, according to company president Justin Ross. The company’s roots extend to the small Italian town of Sacile where, like nearby Venice, canals lap against building foundations. The founders of what would later morph into Pacific Waterproofing were experts at waterproofing ancient buildings. After World War II, the Ross family immigrated to Australia where Justin’s father built
Justin Ross, president of Pacific Waterproofing Ltd.
Looking to the future of roofing, Ross sees a migration towards natural, more environmentally friendly materials. “The roofing industry turning to more high-tech is pretty exciting,” Ross said, “and it is important to keep in touch and stay ahead of the game.” He also sees new, installerfriendly polyurethane sealants coming into the market and has spotted a trend towards solar reflective products for roofing materials. “Green roofs are also becoming
250.374.0154
250.426.0156
#1– 825 Laval Crescent Kamloops BC V2C 5P2
548 Industrial Road D Cranbrook BC V1C 6R8
www.westernroofing.ca 8
WINTER 2012-13
more important,” he said, but added that building owners would be smart to have the green roof contractor also handle all the plantings, instead of relying on a separate landscaper contractor. Ross is “cautiously optimistic” about the future of the roofing industry in both BC and the U.S. Yet, after three generations, and surviving war and recessions, it is likely that Pacific Waterproofing will continue to thrive, despite what economic storms may be on the horizon. ■
ADVERTISE IN ROOFING BC! 604-507-2162 Paddy@RoofingBC.ca ROOFING BC