GET TO KNOW THE SHOWCASE TEAM

WRLA

LIZ KOVACH WRLA President

Q: What do you like the most about what you do?

A: Aside from the member relationships and the learning opportunities gained during my time at the WRLA, I really love being a change agent and having the opportunity to work with and learn from so many positive, driven people and business leaders that are not satisfied with the status quo. Harnessing knowledge and experience from others successes and challenges; and collaborating with a committed team of staff and volunteers to create solutions for the betterment of an important industry has been truly rewarding and has helped me in my personal and professional growth. Creating opportunities to elevate the profile of the industry with the general public and especially the government has truly been rewarding and I look forward to the future opportunities we can create.

Q: What is one thing that you’ve learned about our industry in the past year?

A: Many things were learnt in the past year but one that stands out for me is that, when you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something that you’ve never done. Change is an inevitable part of life and to achieve the growth that we sometimes seek, it means taking steps to push through the barriers others put up, or fear of how others may react that will prevent us from maximizing our potential. Everything you want is on the other side of fear.

Q: What are your favourite winter activities—indoors or outdoors? (or both, if you’re feeling feisty!)

A: I love winter so have too many favourite activities. Snowmobiling, hanging out by the fire, scheduling wood cutting weekends at the cottage, playing hockey with my niece and nephew on the river, and of course taking my dog Lucy Liu for runs (she loves the cold) are on the top of my long list. Grateful that we get to experience 4 distinct seasons so like to make the most of them all! I also get caught up on a lot of TV shows as I spend a fair amount of time on the bike trainer in the basement…I’m now finally watching The Office.

CHRIS ALLINOTTE Director, Marketing and Communications

Q: What do you like the most about what you do?

A: There’s a lot to like, but my number one favourite thing to do is finding and telling new stories—and our industry has a wealth of them!

Q: What is one thing that you’ve learned about our industry in the past year?

A: I’ve been with WRLA since the summer of 2022, so everything is new. One thing I’ve noticed, and really admire, is how personable this industry is, and how real, lasting relationships are a cornerstone of everyone’s business.

Q: What are your favourite winter activities—indoors or outdoors? (or both, if you’re feeling feisty!)

A: We only end up doing it once a year or so, but getting out on the actual river to ice skate is an incredible experience—as is the follow-up of getting everyone together in the TV room with hot chocolate and a movie!

REBEKAH DOERKSEN Executive Assistant

Q: What do you like the most about what you do?

A: My favourite part of my work is connecting with members and the WRLA team, solving problems, and thinking big about how we can support the industry going forward.

Q: What is one thing that you’ve learned about our industry in the past year?

A: I’m brand new in this role in the industry, but my partner is a home renovator and we’ve been on the other side of supply chain issues during the pandemic. I’m learning how interconnected all the members of this industry are.

Q: What are your favourite winter activities—indoors or outdoors? (or both, if you’re feeling feisty!)

A: My favourite winter weekend activity is a wintry walk. I was part of a winter run club one year and everything was a little too slippery for my comfort, but a walk on snowy trails is grand. Add in my kids and some stops for playing in the snow, and you’ve got a great afternoon.

CAROLYNNE JANSEN Director, Membership and Business Development

Q: What do you like the most about what you do?

A: One of the things that I specifically like about my job is that everyone in the team shared the same vision and is dedicated to the mission of the WRLA. This creates a workplace where everybody is there for each other and here is a genuine spirit of cooperation and shared goals all revolving around helping our members.

Q: What is one thing that you’ve learned about our industry in the past year?

A: I found out how resilient the relationships are that make our industry what it is. Challenges come and go, but it’s those personal connections that pull everyone together and through the good times and the bad.

Q: What are your favourite winter activities—indoors or outdoors? (or both, if you’re feeling feisty!)

A: My favorite part of winter is shovelling the driveway while my granddaughter plays in the snow. Not so much all the snow part but it’s great perspective to see her out there, cheeks rosy, happier then ever, having a blast and chatting away at me. It is a great way to make a mundane task much more enjoyable.

ALISA LUO Graphic Designer

Q: What do you like the most about what you do?

A: There are many parts of my job that I like. Firstly, I get to turn words and articles into an appealing and exciting magazine. Also, coming up with a design based on a concept is super rewarding. Lastly, it’s always fulfilling to see your design come to life.

Q: What is one thing that you’ve learned about our industry in the past year?

A: LBM Industry is more than lumber. Similar to building a house, lumber might be the base, but there are many other parts like windows and doors, installation, paints, etc. These can be referred to as the labour, the supply chain, and the new technologies our members develop. Anyone can join the industry.

Q: What are your favourite winter activities—indoors or outdoors? (or both, if you’re feeling feisty!)

A: Skating or walking at The Forks is nice. But most of the winter, I end up staying home and chilling. Baking cookies, watching movies and drawing. I am going to try crocheting this winter.

TRAVIS WAITE Director, Finance and Administration

Q: What do you like the most about what you do?

A: I enjoy the variety in my work that comes with working in a small organization. No two days look the same and I get to wear many different hats, which keeps the work interesting and engaging.

Q: What is one thing that you’ve learned about our industry in the past year?

A: I’ve learned just how resilient our industry is. There have been so many challenges in the industry this past year and seeing how our members are learning and adapting to these challenges is truly inspirational.

Q: What are your favourite winter activities—indoors or outdoors? (or both, if you’re feeling feisty!)

A: Definitely hockey, with snowboarding a close second!

MYRIAH MARTIN Events and Business Development Coordinator

Q: What do you like the most about what you do?

My favourite part about my job is working with the team and our members to help find answers and solve problems. Be it a login issue or trying to share information about an event or initiative I love connecting with people.

Q: What is one thing that you’ve learned about our industry in the past year?

Our industry is so much more than just Lumber. There are so many different paths a person can take to be involved in the industry and many skills are transferable from one role to the next. That and when one area suffers from supply issues, the ripple effect can be felt far and wide.

Q: What are your favourite winter activities—indoors or outdoors? (or both, if you’re feeling feisty!)

In most years you would find me skiing during the winter months. Right now that’s a little more than my body can handle so this year will be about strengthening and going to the pool and hot tub. But next year you can find me up at the hill, hitting the slopes.

MARTINE YZERMAN Director, Professional Development

Q: What do you like the most about what you do?

A: I love having the opportunity, every single day, to support in the skill development of all the members of the WRLA. I always say “knowledge is power, which is driven by curiosity”.

Q: What is one thing that you’ve learned about our industry in the past year?

A: Having only started in mid October, I simply didn’t appreciate how big the Lumber and Building Industry truly is. There are so many levels and layers within our membership base that it’s incredible to see how they all connect.

Q: What are your favourite winter activities—indoors or outdoors? (or both, if you’re feeling feisty!)

A: I love playing hockey both indoors and out and because I live in Calgary, I am spoiled with my proximity to the majestic mountains, skiing is a big family favourite as well.