Bruce had an early start in the construction industry. He shares the journey of how he began working in business, even in the hardest and dirtiest jobs.
An interview with Bruce:
How did you first get into business?
“I started in grade eight, when I was 13 years old, digging trenches between the houses and roads that my dad was building. I moved on to leveling basements and all kinds of other jobs my father could not find conventional trades to do, most of them were the most difficult and dirtiest jobs in construction.”
Moving on from the back breaking work, the first time Bruce managed his own business was at the age of 21 where he ran his father’s sales department for a large subdivision of 120 homes. His father built the houses and Bruce was the marketing manager. "I sold three or four homes a week as a real estate agent and did very well at an early age."
From digging trenches, to selling real estate, to one of Canada’s largest property management businesses.
“After university I decided to go into business myself and started a property management business out of the primary bedroom of our home, since we had to rent out our basement and the extra bedroom in our home to make ends meet. Eventually it grew to become one of Canada's largest property management firms with several hundred employees and 40,000 residential suites plus commercial and apartment blocks. I sold it in 2014.”
How did you get into commercial glazing?
“For our next business venture, my son Brent and I decided to do something together and looked for an opportunity. We found a small glazing company doing auto, showers and residential work.
We decided to move towards the commercial glazing side a few years after operating and now find ourselves shifting again to focus on aluminum distribution."
What is it like to work with your son?
“My son and I are having a great time together. He's the president and I'm officially the director which means I support many different sides of the business plus cheer him on. He's fully capable and has his CA CPA designation but it’s his first time leading a company, so it's been fun to watch the developments. He has a brilliant mind for innovation and engineering which comes from his great uncle Pete Friesen (who holds world records for moving large buildings) so it's great to see that develop in him.”
Why did you decide to move to aluminum distribution?
“We were attracted to the higher level of sophistication, planning systems and mix of business activities in commercial. We like the idea of innovating and creating our own curtain wall storefront and doors and other products and we've rolled out what looks like North America's most efficient thermally broken door. We have fully automated our shop to produce window frames and doors and we've developed very good systems for importing through mostly Asian suppliers. “
You work with your son as a team. What are each of your strengths?
“I think my strengths are system development, managing people and strategic thinking. Brent’s strengths are engineering, innovating, leading his office staff and collaborating with people, and running the numbers.”
Tell me about the culture at work or the culture you are working towards building.
“We are always working towards creating a culture with people who are committed to doing good work, are able to contribute to a team, and are excited to be part of growing and innovative company.
So are you hiring…?
“Yes! We’re always looking for reliable workers in many different areas."
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