Offering design that protects budget and schedule from day one, Chamberlain Architectural Services combines with independent construction management leader Chamberlain Construction Services and its interior design division to deliver a fully integrated architecture, interiors, and construction solution. At home in Burlington, Ontario, the group has cultivated a highly coordinated approach over the years, providing project owners with greater clarity, control, and consistency when combining their services, while remaining committed to their respective independence and service transparency.

Together, the two young giants have forged impressive growth over the past 48 years. With numerous legacy clients and industry partners, some of the company’s relationships span decades, and with over 500 hotel design projects across Canada and the United States, the company has certainly earned its merit. The 30-year-old construction company has also built more than 150 hotels, while its decade-old design division has completed work on more than 100 hotels and hundreds of other hospitality projects, including work in Hawaii.

Chamberlain Group of companies is headed by a vibrant team of young yet seasoned changemakers. They are Architectural Principals Jon McGinn, Architect, NCARB, OAA; Linnea Chamberlain; and Steve Mauro, Architect, OAA. Chris Mauro is the Construction Principal, while Adrian Mauro serves as CEO of the Construction company, with Chris and Ersilio Serafini as Vice Presidents. Jackie Mauro serves as the Interior Design Director.

With a distinct presence in the Greater Toronto Area, the company continues cultivating its North American footprint. By giving clients the option of using one or both companies, its presence continues expanding—especially as customers who combine its services once rarely return to using only one of the firms. This option is especially popular with companies that work on strict budgets, as project integration affords greater fiscal control, especially when the entire team is engaged in projects early, allowing key decisions around cost, constructability, and design to be aligned from the outset.

There are many who hire only one firm or the other, however. “We’re trying to shed the label that we only do architecture work,” says Chris Mauro. “So now people are seeing that we are a full-fledged construction management company, and we do work with other architects.”

Its high level of expertise makes the company an outstanding choice for discerning developers in need of professionals who smoothly deliver practical, buildable solutions rather than theoretical design. By removing much of the noise common in design and construction processes, these experts take the weight of project management from clients’ shoulders, streamlining coordination and reducing risk throughout the process. Highly invested in the power of technology, Chamberlain balances hard-earned skill with modern placemaking, complete with interior design. It also allows attention to detail to set every aspect of its work apart, with everything from budgets to project specifications treated with the highest regard.

As all these attributes make Chamberlain the ideal partner for collaboration, the company is evolving from working on smaller, 100-room hotels to high-rise hotels and apartment developments. It has also entered the Toronto market in recent years with two large hotels and residential projects alongside purpose-built rentals currently underway in its downtown area. Staying well-informed on the latest market trends, Chris Mauro and his team recently attended a number of prestigious conferences focusing on property conversion and renovation in this field.

With a growing number of local and American hotel groups such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and others enquiring about property improvements on old hotels and motels that would secure high returns on investment, the next few years look good for business. The company is also working on a number of new hotel constructions in locations like Vancouver, British Columbia and Winnipeg, Manitoba, alongside hospitality conversions in Oakville, Hamilton, and Burlington, Ontario.

One current project that stands out is the brand new eight-storey Hyatt Place at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Responsible for all processes including architecture, construction, and interior design, this is the firm’s latest flagship example of its fully integrated project delivery in action. The 196-room hotel features an indoor heated pool, a fitness centre, dining, and multiple meeting spaces. The hotel is now known for modern interiors and an outstanding layout which includes a ballroom. This was an especially challenging project as it had to be concluded next to an existing hotel—a complex task by anybody’s standards, requiring careful coordination across design and construction teams.

Principal Jon McGinn ascribes the rise in hospitality construction to the market recovering from COVID-19 pressures and hospitality conversions outperforming the office market due to increased local travel as more Canadians choose to rediscover their own country rather than travel abroad. He also notes continued growth in the residential rental market. “I think we see hospitality playing a pretty big role in the next few years,” he says.

Approved as one of Marriott Hotel Group’s interior design teams of choice, Chamberlain’s prowess on this front is widely respected. Committed to a “construction-first” mindset, this team sets itself apart by being several steps ahead of design competitors who are typically purely aesthetics-driven. This advantage is achieved in the deep understanding of the architectural layers that comprise overall designs—an aspect of the process that very few interior designers truly grasp. By establishing a clear blueprint of not only electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other systems, but also of who performs which roles, this team establishes a crystal-clear overview of the possibilities within the existing design, installation, construction, and engineering framework before setting off on decorating hauls. The result is a team of interior designers who are unusually technically and structurally minded.

While this system may seem immaterial to the uninitiated, the reality is that interior design done correctly is nowhere near as simple as it appears. By working in this way, the company saves project owners thousands of dollars and a lot of time, avoiding disasters. Another great plus is that its interior designers directly collaborate with its architectural designers, saving even more time, as working with external companies is typically far more time-consuming. That is because relationships and meeting schedules must be established from scratch.

“The architectural team is in the interior design firm as well,” says Jackie Mauro. “We’re all working together in the office, so that constant conversation is always happening. Sometimes we find we don’t even know where interior design ends and architecture begins because it’s so blended in terms of communication,” she says, pointing out that such close collaboration also improves project coordination.

Value engineering is thus a large and ongoing part of the company’s work. Chris Mauro, Jackie’s husband, typically gets involved in establishing design and construction budgets early in the process, keeping a tight lid on expenditures for the benefit of the customer, ensuring cost is managed proactively rather than reactively. “We have these conversations all the time about how it can be more effective and more beneficial for the client group, always,” Jackie adds.

Indeed, the company has a long history of good service. Established as Chamberlain Architect Services Limited by Brian Chamberlain in 1978, and joined by Adrian Mauro a short while later, the two leaders were inspired to improve upon the status quo of the time. And so, the partners set out to create a group of companies that would eliminate the petty and large frustrations common to the design and construction process, like trades clashes and schedule coordination, to name only two. Today, the industry has changed so little that their vision and what the firm delivers still outshine competitors—even when working independently with outside contractors.

To maintain these standards, technology investments are crucial, with Design Assist being one of the company’s most important tools. It offers sophisticated renderings that allow for clearer visualization and more confident decision-making, which truly help project owners in the decision-making process. The company also uses artificial intelligence to assist in some aspects of plan and code evaluation.

“We are testing different programs and different apps to see how we can run these plans through, what we can see. I think at this point we’re still seeing a lot of remedial information provided,” says McGinn, noting that the technology is in its very early stages. “It is nice as a second set of eyes, an opportunity to catch things,” he adds, underscoring the firm’s plans to further expand its investments in this technology over the next few years.

The company is also well-respected for its project documentation acumen. For this reason, it is often employed to complete this crucial process on behalf of other designers prior to construction. It also plays the role of third-party reviewer of completed architectural drawings, a process typically headed by Chris and Adrian Mauro.

Chamberlain’s team of around 50 is also known for its charity work, with 10 members partaking in the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation Ride presented by Johnson & Johnson from June 13 – 14 of this year. Moreover, the firm has made contributions to the SPCA through a large animal hospital project it is working on for them in Hamilton. Then there is its work on a 56-unit affordable and accessible housing complex, complete with a 6,500-square-foot state-of-the-art training facility for the deaf and blind in Toronto. Spearheaded by the Canadian Helen Keller Centre, this project is at 150 Eighth Street in the Etobicoke-Lakeshore neighbourhood. “We were lucky to work on the architecture and interior sides. It’s a full modular building,” says McGinn.

With Chamberlain’s construction company’s sights set on expanding its portfolio of large, long-term projects, its design division is looking toward increasing its business in hospitality and lifestyle brand hotels for the boutique market. While the group continues finding ways of responding to geopolitical price issues in favour of project owners as much as possible, the company also continues refining and improving its offerings through investment and expanding its overall capabilities.

By continuously elevating the customer experience, these teams continue to do what they love best through superb architecture, construction, and interior design—building quality, long-lasting professional relationships across North America and the Pacific.

The post Rethinking Canadian Hospitality<p class="company">Chamberlain Group of Companies</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

Continuing to build his résumé, Vassallo was headhunted by a homebuilding company where he gained experience across both commercial and residential projects. Even with his extensive knowledge, breaking into the commercial construction sector proved challenging, as entry often required a degree in engineering or architecture. It was during his final role as a senior project manager for a local Commercial Construction company that Vassallo decided to launch his own business, KDR Homes.

An acronym for Knowledge, Design, Reliability, Winnipeg-based KDR Homes has since earned a reputation as one of Manitoba’s premier turnkey homebuilders. “From day one, we focused on homebuilding,” says Vassallo, President of KDR Homes. “As a smaller company, the ability to take on commercial work as well as renovations allowed us to maintain a consistent workflow. When one area slowed down, another picked up.”

Better building through technology
Celebrating its 25^th anniversary this coming October, KDR Homes is proud of the hundreds of quality homes it has built across Winnipeg and the surrounding communities. Since its founding, KDR Homes’ experienced team has remained committed to exceptional customer service, listening carefully to client needs from the very beginning of each project.

From overall budgeting to cabinetry selections and flooring finishes, no detail is overlooked. This meticulous, hands-on approach ensures that every home aligns with the client’s expectations and personal vision. Buyers are guided through the process with clarity and transparency, resulting in homes that feel both customized and thoughtfully executed.

KDR Homes continues to operate with a powerful set of core values and beliefs, including integrity, enjoyment, and uniqueness—attributes that clearly differentiate the company within a competitive industry. As stated on the company’s website, “We must be different from and more progressive than all other construction companies; we stand for something. Ever forward, we believe in continual self-initiated change, improvement, learning, and the advancement of standards for their own sake.” To uphold these standards, KDR works exclusively with experienced and safety-certified COR subcontractors.

Unlike many homebuilders, KDR Homes has embraced technology since its earliest days. “We are at the forefront of technology,” says Vassallo, pointing to several innovations that have helped the company enhance both the design process and client experience.

One of the most significant examples came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when show homes were forced to close. Rather than pause operations, KDR invested in advanced European software to create highly realistic, high-resolution imaging. Through fully immersive virtual reality (VR) show homes, the company continued selling a significant number of homes despite the restrictions.

When in-person show homes reopened, demand surged. Clients arrived eager to step into spaces they had already experienced virtually, seeing firsthand the craftsmanship, layouts, and quality finishes. Today, VR remains a central part of KDR’s design and marketing strategy.

Using large-format screens and AI-powered glasses, potential buyers can explore conceptual home designs in full 3D. Clients can walk through hallways, kitchens, and living spaces, then move upstairs to bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets—all while standing in one place. “It’s like watching a conceptual video, but you are actually immersed in the space,” explains Vassallo.

This technology is especially valuable for buyers who have difficulty visualizing finishes from small physical samples. Colours, textures, cabinetry, countertops, and flooring can all be changed in real time, allowing clients to instantly compare options and make confident decisions.

KDR pushed the limits of VR even further for the St. Boniface Hospital Lottery. The company created a complete virtual walkthrough of a conceptual lakeside cottage, making the surrounding environment as much of a feature as the structure itself. Viewers could experience the home in different seasons and lighting scenarios, complete with sunrises, sunsets, rainfall, star-filled skies, and even snowfall. Within two months, the virtual experience generated more than 25,000 views.

Alongside VR, KDR Homes continues to modernize its internal systems using cloud technology and artificial intelligence. With hundreds of daily emails, texts, and phone calls, the company is developing a customer portal that will allow homeowners to track construction progress and view product photos, streamlining communication and improving efficiency for both staff and clients.

Unique home collections
KDR Homes offers buyers a variety of home styles and price points designed to meet different needs and lifestyles. The entry-level Casa Bella Collection features pre-designed homes such as Casa Nordica, Casa Adrianna, Casa Elena, and Casa Moderna. These models are particularly popular with young couples and growing families seeking modern design at an accessible price point.

The Dolce Vita Collection provides a more customized experience, allowing buyers to select colours, materials, and finishes that suit their personal tastes and budgets. Homeowners in this category often include professionals, established families, and empty nesters looking for a refined yet practical living space.

In all cases, clients work closely with KDR’s in-house interior designers, who guide them through each stage of the selection process. “All our homes include a professional design team,” says Vassallo. “That collaboration is what creates the custom look you see in our finished products.” With designers and draftspeople on staff, all drawings, detailing, and research are completed in-house—a defining feature of the KDR experience.

Never content to rest on past success, Vassallo and his team continue to pursue new opportunities. One of the company’s most recent ventures is Bridgwater Trails, a unique development located in Winnipeg’s south end near parks, pathways, and natural green spaces.

The project consists of five modern rowhouses—the first development of its kind for KDR Homes. With drawings complete, the company is currently working with hydro and surveyors in preparation for permitting and construction, which is scheduled to begin this summer.

Each rowhouse measures approximately 1,650 square feet and features a walk-out basement. Buyers can choose between layouts that include a main-floor bedroom with three bedrooms upstairs or a configuration with three upstairs bedrooms only. As with all KDR projects, the homes will be fully move-in ready.

Known for its striking modern aesthetic, KDR Homes consistently delivers properties with contemporary exteriors, expansive windows, and designer interiors. Features such as stainless-steel accents, sleek staircases, glass-enclosed showers, and modern amenities give each home the distinct “wow factor” that continues to attract buyers.

Vassallo remains personally involved in all aspects of design and frequently introduces new products in show homes to assess both appearance and performance. “We warranty everything we build,” he explains. “That means we test products ourselves to ensure they work. We aim to create homes that are stylish but also livable—places where families can truly feel comfortable.”

This willingness to take calculated risks benefits not only KDR Homes but also its suppliers. Show homes effectively serve as a showcase, generating interest in materials such as Dekton, a carbon-neutral ultracompact porcelain surface, as well as ceramic countertops with innovative, suede-like finishes.

Always evolving
KDR Homes continues to invest in both brand growth and operational innovation. The company employs a full-time marketing professional who uses AI tools to analyze web performance and identify opportunities for improvement. Based on data and client feedback, KDR is currently revamping its website to better serve prospective buyers.

Billboards featuring conceptual renderings and QR codes direct interested customers to online resources, while internal tools are also evolving. The company is developing a virtual colour board that displays all materials and finishes used in each home, complete with QR codes linking to product details. This system improves clarity for clients and eliminates guesswork for site supervisors.

Recently celebrating his 55^th birthday, Diego Vassallo has been involved in well over 1,000 residential and commercial projects throughout his career and shows no sign of slowing down. Quality craftsmanship, customer service, and a willingness to innovate remain the defining characteristics of KDR Homes.

“What truly separates us from our competitors is our service,” says Vassallo. “We respond quickly, we stand behind our work, and as the company continues to grow, we never stop looking for ways to do things better.”

The post Knowledge, Design, Reliability<p class="company">KDR Homes</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

Atlantic Roofers traces its origins back 54 years to founder Arthur Allain, who established the company just outside Moncton, New Brunswick. From its earliest days, the company focused on servicing both commercial and private roofing needs. Over time, it expanded geographically and operationally, growing into a multi-location business spanning New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

“It started off by servicing commercial and private roofing needs. Over time, the company branched out,” says Travis White, newly appointed CEO of Atlantic Roofers.

That expansion included ventures into manufacturing and distribution, as well as the creation of additional divisions such as North Shore Roofing in Newfoundland and Labrador and Metaclad, which added expertise in metal roofing, siding, and cladding. Through decades of steady growth, the company built a strong reputation and deep relationships with general contractors and clients across the region.

Ownership transitions over the years have also shaped the company’s trajectory. Most recently, the business was acquired by Denis LeBlanc, marking the beginning of a new era. Over a two-and-a-half-year period, the company undertook a comprehensive effort to refine its operations and management structure, a process that ultimately enhanced its appeal to prospective ownership.

Following the acquisition, the company shifted its focus from internal optimization to outward expansion. With a strong operational foundation already in place, leadership began identifying opportunities to grow both geographically and in scope. Central to this strategy was a recognition that the company’s traditional focus—roofing and waterproofing—represented only one component of a broader opportunity within the building envelope sector. By expanding into adjacent services such as cladding and glazing, Atlantic Roofers could offer more comprehensive solutions to its clients.

This strategic shift reflects a broader trend within the construction industry, where clients increasingly seek integrated solutions rather than fragmented services. By positioning itself as a full building envelope provider, Atlantic Roofers is aligning with these evolving expectations.

As the company’s scope expanded, it became clear that its existing identity no longer fully represented its capabilities. The name “Atlantic Roofers,” while well established, did not encompass the breadth of services the company now offers, and the company’s diversification ultimately made a rebrand necessary, as its identity had evolved beyond roofing alone. However, the rebrand goes beyond a simple name change. It reflects a deeper shift in mindset and culture, one rooted in regional identity and a commitment to community. “A rebrand is not only about a change of a name,” White explains. “It’s about the type of people that we are and the company that we want to build.”

For Atlantic Roofers, that means embracing its roots as an Atlantic Canadian company serving Atlantic Canadian communities. The business sees itself not as a distant corporate entity but as a trusted local partner. “We want to be that trusted neighbor that lives down the street,” White says. “We’re very invested in looking after our customers.”

To support its expanded vision, Atlantic Roofers has pursued targeted acquisitions aimed at strengthening its capabilities and geographic reach. One of its most significant recent moves is the acquisition of Hampton Building Systems, a well-established glazing and cladding company in Newfoundland and Labrador. “Hampton was the premier glazing and cladding company in Newfoundland and Labrador,” White says. “We clearly saw that it was a piece of the puzzle that we needed.”

The acquisition allows Atlantic Roofers to integrate glazing expertise into its service offering while expanding its footprint in a key market. Importantly, the two companies share similar values and operational philosophies, making the transition a natural fit.

In addition to Hampton, the company has also made acquisitions in underserved regions such as northern New Brunswick, ensuring it can provide consistent service across all Atlantic provinces.

While growth and diversification are central to Atlantic Roofers’ strategy, leadership emphasizes that its most important asset is its people. “Strip away the assets, strip away the trucks, strip away the offices, it’s people,” White says. “That’s the foundational core that you build a company on.”

Under new ownership, the company has made a deliberate effort to foster a workplace culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. This includes implementing feedback systems, revisiting incentive structures, and investing in professional development.

One of the team’s most notable initiatives is the creation of a Director of Education and Learning role, dedicated to supporting employee growth and leadership development. In addition, the company has reimagined its approach to human resources, focusing on people and culture rather than traditional HR functions. And the results have been significant: in 2025 alone, the company expanded its workforce by more than 100 employees, nearly doubling its size.

For White, who began his career with Atlantic Roofers as a field technician, this focus on people is deeply personal. “I started at the very lowest level,” he says. “It gives you a deep appreciation for what people go through working in the trades.” That experience informs his leadership style, which emphasizes empathy, empowerment, and collaboration.

Of course, in an industry where risk is ever-present, safety, too, remains a top priority for Atlantic Roofers. The company has elevated safety from a regulatory requirement to a core organizational value, and to support this commitment, has invested in digital tools and automation systems that simplify safety processes and improve compliance. Field technicians can now complete safety documentation through mobile devices, reducing the burden of paperwork and increasing efficiency.

The use of real-time dashboards and analytics also allows the company to monitor safety performance across job sites, identify trends, and reward strong performance. “At any given point in time, we can monitor safety in real time,” says White.

Equally important is the emphasis on leading by example. From field technicians to executives, everyone is expected to uphold the same safety standards.

Atlantic Roofers is also leveraging technology to improve efficiency and enhance project delivery. By integrating digital systems across estimating, project management, and finance, the company is streamlining its workflows and reducing manual processes. Automation and AI-driven tools are playing an increasing role, particularly in data capture and analysis. These technologies not only improve accuracy but also enable better decision-making and client service.

Sustainability is another area where Atlantic Roofers is making meaningful strides. Through collaboration with manufacturers and industry associations, the company is adopting practices that reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and extend the lifespan of building systems. For example, “If the insulation in the roof assembly is still dry, you can do a recap instead of replacing the whole roof,” explains Daniel Godbout, Business Development Manager. “It prevents tons of waste going into the landfill.” This approach not only reduces environmental impact but lowers costs for clients, a win-win scenario.

The company is also exploring emerging trends such as reflective membranes, green roofs, and water retention systems, all of which contribute to more sustainable building performance.

The shift toward sustainability reflects a broader industry transformation. “In the past, materials went directly into landfills,” says Godbout. “Now you can recycle them or build upon them for the future.”

As Atlantic Roofers continues to grow, its leadership remains focused on balancing expansion with purpose. Financial success is important, but it is not the sole measure of achievement. “The most important thing to me is seeing the growth in the leadership of our management team,” White says.

With a clear strategic vision, a strong culture, and a commitment to innovation, the company is well positioned for the future. White is ambitious about what lies ahead, with plans to significantly increase revenue and further expand operations. Yet even as Atlantic Roofers grows, its core philosophy remains unchanged: invest in people, serve the community, and build with integrity. “We are a company about our employees,” White says. “When you invest in people, it grows the company organically.”

Godbout echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the values that define Atlantic Roofers today. “It’s all about our pillars,” he says. “Humble origins, a proud legacy, and being a regional leader.”

From its beginnings as a small roofing contractor to its emergence as a full-service building envelope provider, Atlantic Roofers is a company rooted in tradition yet firmly focused on the future. With strong leadership, strategic growth, and a people-first approach, this team continues to build not only structures, but a lasting legacy across Atlantic Canada.

The post Building Beyond the Roofline<p class="company">Outcape Building Envelope Solutions</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

Today, the company is marking its 20^th anniversary, a milestone that reflects not only growth, but also the steady development of a reputation built on trust and meticulous attention to detail.

Co-owner Braden Lomanto says the company’s story begins with its founder and lead builder, Rick Wiersma, whose early experiences in the trades set the foundation for what the company would eventually become.

Rick entered the construction industry as a teenager and built his skillset working for other builders before a large development shutdown forced him to reconsider his career path. When the company he worked for closed down operations, he began taking on small renovation jobs independently. What started with tasks such as flooring installation and small trim work quickly expanded as homeowners recognized the quality of his work.

Rick’s reputation for precision and detail helped fuel that progression, but the workload eventually reached a point where scaling the business called for a new approach. This is when Braden joined the company to help streamline and organize operations in support of the company’s focus on precision work. From there, the company began taking on larger renovations, additions, and eventually boutique custom homes built from the ground up. “If someone called us today and needed a bathroom renovation, we could absolutely still do it,” Lomanto says. “But where we find ourselves best utilized is with larger, more complex renovations and custom home builds. Attention to detail is best served to fewer homeowners with more involved projects. We can carefully control each step to ensure these large financial investments are not only worthwhile, but reflect a homeowner’s true dream.”

While the company has completed a wide range of projects over the past two decades, Lomanto says the most meaningful achievement is not tied to any single build. “The biggest standout moment for us isn’t necessarily a specific job,” Lomanto explains. “It’s the process of gaining trust from homeowners.”

He notes that many clients begin a project feeling cautious about hiring a contractor. The construction industry’s reputation, shaped by both positive experiences and cautionary stories, often leads homeowners to approach projects carefully. When working with Precise Custom Homes, that uncertainty fades as the project progresses. “By the time we complete a build, the quality of the work and the transparency in communication helps solidify that trust, but you have to earn it,” he explains. “That’s something we’re really proud of after 20 years.”

In many cases, that trust becomes the foundation for long-term relationships. Returning clients and referrals now represent a significant portion of the company’s work, a trend Lomanto sees as a direct reflection of the company’s philosophy and approach to service.

The past several years have been turbulent for the construction industry. The COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented surge in residential renovation and building activity, followed by rising interest rates and shifting market conditions. According to Lomanto, the current market is not necessarily slowing down; it is recalibrating.

During the pandemic, demand for home improvement projects soared as homeowners spent more time indoors and redirected travel and entertainment budgets into their living spaces. At the same time, the rapid influx of work created opportunities for new trades and contractors to enter the market. Material shortages and unpredictable delivery timelines also became common challenges across the industry.

For companies focused on service and craftsmanship, however, the shifting market conditions are now revealing a different landscape. “As things settle, homeowners are becoming more thoughtful about who they hire,” Lomanto explains. “People are taking the time to find the right contractor rather than rushing into a project. This is a good thing.”

This can create difficulties for builders who rely on quick turnaround projects or deliver inconsistent service. Lomanto believes that companies prioritizing relationships and quality are seeing an opportunity. “The builders who have always focused on the homeowner are still doing well,” he says.

Of course, demand for custom homes remains strong and broader economic factors continue to influence the decision-making process for many homeowners. Rising interest rates, global geopolitical tensions, and uncertainty in financial markets have prompted some clients to slow down their planning timelines. The impact varies significantly depending on the scale of the project. For high-end custom homes, where budgets can reach several million dollars, clients often have greater financial flexibility.

Renovations are more sensitive to economic changes. Homeowners considering a large renovation may reconsider if refinancing costs increase or if economic uncertainty makes them more cautious. A renovation that might cost several hundred thousand dollars can quickly become a more complicated financial decision when interest rates shift.

“At times, project costs or scheduling constraints may fall outside a homeowner’s comfort zone, requiring honest and sometimes difficult conversations. When handled thoughtfully, these discussions can also become an opportunity to demonstrate flexibility, and a commitment to finding practical solutions together. We can discuss the options such as focusing on concept design only, building in phases, or even planning the project for a few years down the road.” For Lomanto, helping homeowners arrive at the right decision—even if it means pausing on a project—remains part of the company’s service commitment.

Similarly, the company doesn’t push ‘luxury’ for its own sake. In the custom home market, ‘luxury’ often conjures images of expansive layouts and high-end finishes, but this team believes thoughtful material choices can create an impact without dramatically increasing costs. Small upgrades can significantly elevate the feel of a home.

One example is interior trim and door design. Upgrading to taller doors and larger single-piece trim profiles can instantly create a more refined aesthetic while remaining cost-effective. Likewise, the tactile experience of a solid door and quality hardware contributes to a sense of authentic craftsmanship. “When you walk into a home and have a sensory response to the weight of a solid door or the quality of refined hardware, you notice,” Lomanto says.

Beyond visible finishes, Precise often focuses on improvements behind the walls. HVAC, plumbing, and electrical upgrades as well as infrastructure for future technology can make a home more adaptable without significantly affecting the budget. “As homes are getting smarter, planning wiring for blinds, speakers, entertainment systems, or security systems help homeowners ensure their houses are planned and ready for future installations,” Lomanto explains. “Planning ahead gives them flexibility.” He believes a smaller home built with higher-quality materials and thoughtful design often delivers greater long-term value than a larger home built with compromises.

Despite being a custom home builder, Precise Custom Homes operates with an intentionally small core team to ensure effective control of communication. Precise utilizes a network of specialized subcontractors to complete each project. This structure allows the company to maintain control of all work while maximizing subtrades’ and partners’ capabilities and expertise. “Our trades understand the level of care and attention to detail we expect from them. Similarly, they know how they will be supported by us to ensure a common goal of delivering a finely crafted home to our clients.”

This approach helps maintain consistent standards across projects, but it also means the company must carefully manage staffing and training. The construction industry continues to face an ongoing shortage of skilled tradespeople, particularly in specialized areas. With the ongoing inquiries about apprenticeships, Lomanto is optimistic that support for trade careers over the past several years is now bringing in a younger generation.

Precise often helps connect aspiring tradespeople with subcontractors who can provide real hands-on experience in specific disciplines. Within the company, Lomanto emphasizes a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. Team members are encouraged to ask about what they don’t know, work through challenges collaboratively, and seek out expert guidance when specialized knowledge is required. “It simply ensures that each project benefits from the most informed decisions possible,” Lomanto says.

One of the most significant shifts in recent years has been in the design phase of a project, where advancements in digital modeling now allow homeowners to visualize their homes with remarkable accuracy before construction begins. Three-dimensional design tools enable clients to explore layouts, materials, and architectural details long before a foundation is poured. Architects can create immersive environments that allow clients to walk through a space digitally. This process helps homeowners make meaningful decisions earlier and reduces surprises during construction. “People want to see and feel the layout, visualize cabinet colours, floor stains, everything,” Lomanto explains. “Each decision gives them more confidence in the design.”

While these tools have transformed planning and communication, technology cannot replace the realities of construction where trade management, material handling, and weather conditions still require hands-on management and experienced decision-making.

Among the company’s many projects, one stands out as a defining example of its capabilities. The Copetown Ranch project demonstrates the level of craftsmanship Precise Custom Homes aims to achieve, with a build that includes a primary residence as well as a large auxiliary structure totaling several thousand square feet. Despite its size and complexity, the project was completed in approximately 16 months through careful planning and coordination. Even years after completion, the home continues to impress visitors.

Now, as Precise Custom Homes moves into its third decade, Lomanto says the company’s focus remains firmly on thoughtful, sustainable growth. Rather than expanding rapidly, the company aims to manage two to three custom home builds at a time, a scale that allows the team to maintain its high standard of service to each homeowner. “We know our team can deliver exceptional work at that level,” he says. “Growth should occur organically as demand increases.”

For Lomanto, the long-term vision remains simple: “maintain our commitment to craftsmanship and build real relationships [like those] that helped define the company’s formative years. Construction markets will always go up and down,” he says. “What stays consistent is service and communication.”

For Precise Custom Homes, those principles continue to shape every project, every client relationship, and every step forward.

The post Precision in Practice<p class="company">Precise Custom Homes</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

That evolution is grounded in a clear strategy of combining complementary services with a focus on technically demanding work and maintaining a disciplined approach to safety and execution. Today, CD Specialty Contractors operates across roughly a dozen states, supporting clients in industries ranging from power generation, cement, and chemical processing to data centers, mining, and large-scale commercial construction.

The company’s growth began with a pivotal shift. Originally focused on insulation services in the Greater Denver, Colorado area, the business recognized early on that expansion required a broader offering. Leadership determined that scaffolding was a natural extension, one that not only complemented insulation work but also opened the door to larger industrial and commercial projects.

By acquiring a local, family-owned scaffolding company and integrating operations, CD Specialty Contractors created a more comprehensive service model. Voss explains that combining insulation and scaffolding allows the company to enter markets that would otherwise remain out of reach. It also positions the business to deliver greater value to clients by bundling services that are often interdependent on complex job sites.

That integrated approach continues to define the company’s trajectory. Rather than competing on volume, its focus remains on targeted expansion into sectors where technical expertise and reliability carry significant weight.

Today, CD Specialty Contractors boasts a diverse portfolio of work, with a strong presence in industrial maintenance and turnaround services. Power plants, cement facilities, and chemical processing operations form a core part of the business, offering consistent demand and long-term relationships. The company has also begun supporting data center construction, a sector experiencing rapid growth driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing. At the same time, the company has carved out a distinct niche in Colorado’s resort construction market, where high-end developments in mountain communities such as Vail and Steamboat Springs present unique challenges and opportunities.

“These projects operate on extremely tight timelines,” Voss says. “Contractors can’t begin until ski season ends, and everything needs to be completed before it starts again.”

That narrow construction window places enormous pressure on scheduling, coordination, and execution; with millions of dollars tied up in each development, delays are not an option. Over time, CD Specialty Contractors has earned a reputation for meeting those demands, becoming a preferred partner for several major general contractors operating in the region.

As Voss explains, the company reached a point where outbound marketing became less critical. Instead, clients began seeking out the firm based on past performance and industry referrals, a shift that reflects both credibility and consistency.

Across every service line, safety remains the defining priority. For CD Specialty Contractors, this is a continuous thread woven through planning and execution. Voss emphasizes that every project, regardless of size, begins with a detailed execution plan. That process brings together project managers and leadership to map out each phase of the work, with safety considerations addressed from the outset and revisited at every stage. “Safety is number one,” Voss says. “It’s the first thing we identify, and it carries through every step of the plan.”

This approach is particularly critical in scaffolding, where the company’s work directly affects not only its own employees but also other trades working on the same structure. Daily inspections are standard, ensuring that systems remain secure and compliant as conditions evolve on site.

Beyond routine checks, CD Specialty Contractors takes an additional step that sets it apart. Estimators and project managers conduct unannounced safety inspections throughout the lifecycle of a project, visits designed to verify that completed systems continue to perform as intended. Initially, some clients may question the purpose of these inspections. Over time, however, the value becomes clear. Contractors recognize that the company is proactively safeguarding both its own workforce and everyone else relying on the structures in place.

The company also offers leading-edge fall protection through its proprietary SwitchRail Safety System, a reusable engineered solution increasingly specified by major contractors for perimeter protection on new construction sites.

Another expanding capability is the company’s public access stair systems. Unlike standard worker egress stairs governed by OSHA, public access stairs must meet the stricter requirements of the International Building Code, including child-safety guard panels, kick-plate risers, IBC-compliant stair treads, and continuous handrail connections. CD Specialty Contractors manufactures these systems with high-quality materials and provides engineered drawings for every installation.

Although CD Specialty Contractors does not maintain licensed engineers in-house, engineering remains central to its operations. The company handles design and 3D modeling internally, producing detailed plans for scaffolding and access systems. When projects require stamped drawings, the company partners with licensed engineers in the relevant jurisdiction, a necessity in the United States, where certification requirements vary by state. This hybrid approach allows CD Specialty Contractors to maintain control over design while ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Early involvement in project planning provides additional benefits. By contributing to constructability discussions and identifying potential challenges upfront, the company helps clients reduce risk and avoid costly delays.

Shoring represents another area where CD Specialty Contractors has taken a deliberate approach to specialization. Rather than competing in commoditized segments of the market, the company focuses on technically demanding applications that require precision and expertise. While traditional shoring supports concrete structures during construction, CD Specialty Contractors increasingly works on existing buildings that require temporary support during repairs or upgrades. These projects often involve aging infrastructure or complex load conditions.

Voss points to the lessons learned from incidents such as the Surfside condominium collapse as a reminder of the importance of structural integrity. In response to growing awareness across the industry, demand for specialized shoring solutions continues to rise.

In so much of the company’s work, minor deviations can have major consequences. “In the niche that we’ve gone after, you can’t be off a quarter of an inch,” Voss says. The result is a highly controlled process that prioritizes accuracy and accountability, and that level of precision also supports stronger project outcomes. On a recent assignment, the company completed a complex shoring project in just 60 days, delivering both speed and quality while maintaining strong margins.

This kind of success is possible because CD Specialty Contractors works closely with clients to define project scope and coordinate schedules. Relationships with major suppliers provide access to the latest technologies, enabling the company to offer informed guidance on performance and installation efficiency.

While scaffolding, shoring, and access solutions have represented the majority of the company’s growth, industrial insulation remains at the heart of its identity—and the technical demands of that work continue to evolve. Much of it takes place behind the scenes. Beneath the visible outer layers of aluminum or stainless steel lies a complex system of coatings, heat tracing, and insulation materials designed to control temperature and prevent corrosion, and as Voss explains, understanding how these components interact is essential. “A lot of the plants we’re working in are 40 or 50 years old,” he says. “The insulation technology has come a long way.”

Here, material selection affects not only performance but also long-term maintenance requirements and compatibility with existing systems. In many cases, older products are no longer available, requiring the team to identify suitable alternatives and guide clients through the decision-making process. And environmental considerations are also shaping the industry. As facilities place greater emphasis on energy efficiency and emissions, insulation plays an increasingly important role in reducing thermal loss and optimizing performance.

Behind every successful project is a workforce equipped with the right skills and training, and CD Specialty Contractors invests heavily in both. New employees complete an extensive onboarding program that includes dozens of safety and technical courses. Training continues throughout their careers, with regular updates to ensure compliance with evolving standards and best practices. The company favors small-group instruction, allowing for more focused learning and better retention. Craft-specific training supplements core safety education, with additional input from manufacturers when specialized knowledge is required.

This commitment to development extends beyond technical skills. As the company grows, employees are stepping into leadership roles, gaining experience in management and decision-making. For Voss, this progression is essential to sustaining long-term success. Supporting a larger operation requires careful planning, from staffing and logistics to maintaining consistent standards across multiple locations.

Indeed, over the past three years, the company has more than doubled in size, expanding both its geographic reach and service capabilities. “What began with work at two power plants has grown into a presence across 12 facilities, with additional opportunities on the horizon,” Voss says. The company now holds master service agreements with seven industrial customers across power generation, cement, mining, and specialty chemical markets, and that expansion brings both opportunity and complexity. For Voss, however, these challenges are part of a familiar pattern. “Growing companies is something I’ve done throughout my career,” he shares. “It creates opportunities not just for the business, but for the people within it.”

One of the most notable examples of the company’s growth strategy is its entry into the swing stage market. Initially absent from the company’s service portfolio, this division took shape after hiring two experienced professionals with deep industry knowledge. Within just a few years, the swing stage division became a major contributor, earning a reputation for handling complex and high-risk projects.

As CD Specialty Contractors continues to grow, its direction remains clear. The company is focused on expanding its presence in key markets, strengthening relationships with existing clients, and maintaining the standards that have driven its success. Emerging technologies, including early exploration into artificial intelligence for estimating and administrative functions, offer additional opportunities for improvement. At the same time, the fundamentals—safety and precision—remain unchanged.

For CD Specialty Contractors, the future is defined as much by people as by projects. “There’s a certain level of service that clients expect from us, and they get it,” says Voss. Developing the next generation of leaders, supporting employee growth, and maintaining a strong organizational culture are all critical to sustaining momentum.

In an industry where reputation is built one project at a time, CD Specialty Contractors is proving that consistent execution and a clear sense of purpose can set a company apart.

The post Helping Construction Partners Build with Expertise<p class="company">CD Specialty Contractors</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

Now serving the Greater San Francisco Bay Area from its base in Fremont, the company has long since expanded its operations as an electrical contractor to include voice and data services to serve its varied clients across the construction industry, and its reputation is solid within its home state.

Four decades is a considerable amount of time to be active as a business, and President and General Manager Raul Real has been with RK Electric for nearly its entire lifespan. Raul, having started with the company just a year after its founding, rose through the ranks in a number of positions before carrying the company mantle forward after the retirement of its founder around 2001.

Having fulfilled various positions within the company for 39 years now, Raul says that the secret to success is not necessarily unique but rather tried, tested, and true. “The design-build capabilities we have are how we thrive,” he says.

He says that RK concentrates on what it provides to the construction industry, which is primarily service and construction for electrical systems and for structured cabling. A big part of that focus, especially on the electrical side, has to do with preventative maintenance. Thanks to its in-house engineering department, the company invests in this aspect heavily, preventing unscheduled outages that its clients cannot afford to have happen.

Preventative maintenance begins with ensuring that a client’s blueprints are accurate, followed by infrared testing and preventative maintenance work, which includes visually assessing panels and testing electrical breakers. Further breaker coordination and arc flash studies by RK engineers involve promoting safety for personnel working in the structure and the prevention of outages by coordinating breakers according to their specific size and specifications.

However, preventative maintenance is only as effective as its users allow it to be. Unfortunately, in the past, some clients have neglected to do the preventative maintenance work directed by RK, Raul says. As a result, these clients are put at risk of a large outage that can take down their operations for a long time.

Raul believes that clients who postpone these preventative measures can be short-sighted, a flaw that can prevent them from doing their research and development work normally. However, no matter what the situation, RK Electric is always ready to help bring its clients up to speed and ensure the integrity of their operations.

In his time with RK Electric, Raul has experienced all of the historic ebbs and flows of the technology world in and around Silicon Valley, ranging from the boom and bust of the dotcom era in the 1990s to the recent growth of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers today. The cross-industry focus on AI is significant, with many pilot lines—production lines meant to produce small amounts of a new technology on the way to larger commercialization—being installed in California for placing and testing servers.

“We see AI features in every company, and it’s amazing,” Raul says—and this widespread adoption does not seem to be stopping any time soon. This sector-wide AI focus has led to something of a boom period for RK Electric’s niche within the industry. Raul notes that although there was a brief period of sluggishness in the market around 2024, it has since been on a constant ascension and is still moving forward, with RK itself experiencing steady growth alongside it. There will certainly be no shortage of work as more AI pilot lines are built and the construction industry gets a handle on just what AI can do for it.

The RK Electric team continues to keep busy amidst this rise, having a number of future projects in the pipeline. Raul tells us that the company’s revenue this year is expected to meet its projected budget; it is now just a matter of keeping up with client demand while ensuring the company has a solid foundation and can continue to support its customers amidst this fast pace. Current market and project speed resemble that previously seen in eras like the dotcom boom, which was another period of marked success for the company. RK expects to be able to support quite a few of today’s burgeoning and top technology companies when it comes to structured cabling and electrical services in the near future and, hopefully, for a long time to come.

Following its celebration of 40 years of business, Raul believes that he and the company overall have learned quite a few lessons over the years. “You have to know what you’re good at… and stay in your lane” to succeed, he says. The RK team knows the things at which it excels in its sector, and that is where its focus will remain.

Along with its considerable suite of offerings, the company promotes itself as a flexible company that can change direction and move forward very quickly because of its in-house engineering capabilities. Even on fast-tracked projects where similar companies can often fail to meet expectations, RK can design ahead of time or even engage in real-time design with information flow directly from the end user. The experience and ability to pivot to meet a client’s needs at a moment’s notice is a key attribute that keeps RK’s client base coming back.

Of course, it is about more than just the bottom line and being nimble for RK Electric. Raul says that the company’s philosophy has always been to put forth a team effort, with no one person being more important than any other. “The company succeeds when everyone acts as a team,” he says, because it gives confidence to the business and, in turn, to customers when they see the team moving in one direction.

This kind of unity can be difficult to achieve, but here, it has been baked into daily operations from the very beginning. The present state of construction is allowing for some incredible, exciting opportunities, and the RK Electric team is united in its commitment to swift, client-centered, and effective electrical solutions.

The post 40 Years of Electrical Solutions<p class="company">RK Electric</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

New home buyers tend to focus on aesthetics, like kitchen countertops and cabinetry, says Construction Manager, Jason Cabrelle. “A lot of people take energy efficiency for granted—until they see the savings on their hydro and gas bills.” In the past few years, Park View Homes has focused even more on its commitment to creating properties of the highest standards, and this includes what Cabrelle calls “behind-the-scenes” activity, like air barriers and mechanical systems.

Going “airtight”
Around 2022, Park View started as an ENERGY STAR^® for New Homes Standard builder. Only builders licensed by the Government of Canada “can promote themselves as ENERGY STAR^® builders and can apply to have their homes ENERGY STAR^® certified,” according to regulations.

Owing to the program’s exacting standards for new homes, there were some growing pains surrounding airtightness. “We air test every single one of our houses, which, at the end of the day, gives people more comfort in their homes,” Cabrelle explains. “We want to make sure that you’re as comfortable as possible in your house and that your house is as efficient as possible.” Some of the many advantages of airtightness include fewer drafts, greater comfort, a healthier and quieter home, reduced heating and cooling loads, and less energy waste.

Far from just talking quality, the company measures it, air testing every single house for potential leakage. “Testing each house keeps us accountable; we can’t get away from the results,” Cabrelle says. “We have to honour them. It’s not just that we say, ‘we are ENERGY STAR^®,’ it’s that we are tested, and we live up to it.”

To ensure houses meet rigorous standards, the company works with a third-party energy advisor on energy efficiency designs. Once homes are reviewed and signed off, they receive an ENERGY STAR^® sticker. And Park View has been featured several times on Homesol’s social media as a ‘Tight Home of the Week.’

“Because our homes are so energy efficient, it helps homebuyers qualify for green financing options,” says Cabrelle of the RBC Green Home Mortgage Program, where buyers have the option to extend their amortization period to up to 35 years (compared to typical amortization periods, which are usually a maximum of 30 years).

Attention to detail
Starting as a site supervisor and working his way up to Construction Manager, Cabrelle has seen plenty of changes to Ontario’s home-building sector over the past 14 years. Regardless of home model, location, or price point, all Park View homes are created with the utmost attention to detail and a tight build process.

“We take a custom home feel and quality and transfer that to all our homes, whether it’s a single home or townhouse. We pay the same attention to detail to all our products. It really raises the consistency of our final build quality and the comfort of our houses,” he says.

“People are extremely happy with us as a company and with our communication and attention to detail. We aim to exceed expectations, and number one is our attention to detail. We take pride in our homes and in ensuring the buyer is happy. For me, it’s about building relationships and making sure those homeowners are happy. I don’t think a lot of companies do that; they are just there to build the house and turn away.”

Bellamy Farm Phase III
Founded in 2002, family-owned Park View Homes focuses on secondary markets, which are largely more rural than urban. The company is proud to be part of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA), the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA), and the Lanark-Leeds Home Builders’ Association (LLHBA).

Much of the company’s marketing is in two significant categories: downsizers and first-time homebuyers. Believing that high-quality houses built without cutting corners should be within reach, Park View Homes properties are priced in the low $400s; some, like Bellamy Farm Phase III, start at $379,000. And Park View Homes is offering a promotion on select inventory homes where only a $5,000 deposit is needed to secure your new home.

In the heart of Smiths Falls, Bellamy Farm Phase III is in an area known for its stunning natural beauty. Just an hour’s drive from Ottawa, Smiths Falls boasts small-town charm and nearby amenities like shops, restaurants, and medical facilities, without the stress of big-city traffic congestion and noise. Three home styles are available—Garageless Bungalows, Bungalow Townhomes, and Two-Storey Townhomes—all beautifully designed with ENERGY STAR^® efficiency.

Attainable bungalow townhomes have the option of one or two bedrooms. About 1100 square feet in size, bungalows have a finished basement and are completely freehold. Along with a driveway, the properties have sheds ideal for tools, recycling bins, and other items. Equipped with a heat pump, these homes run an 8kW backup electric heater as secondary heat in the system.

“Those specific buildings—with some changes in our paperwork—could be registered as Net Zero Ready homes,” explains Cabrelle. “The quality is exactly the same as in our $1.5 million homes, as far as finished quality goes.” Creating houses that balance craftsmanship and attention to detail with energy efficiency is a team effort.

Something for everyone
Along with Bellamy Farm Phase III, Park View Homes has two other main subdivisions underway in the Ottawa area: Russell Ridge estates in Marionville (just outside of Russell), and Merrickville Grove in the heritage village of Merrickville. Combined, these three subdivisions cover the varying tastes and needs of many different buyers, from singles to young couples looking for their first house, to families with children, to older empty-nesters seeking the peace of a laidback, rural lifestyle.

Established in 2021, the Russell Ridge community consists of spacious homes on three-quarter-acre country lots with nearby nature trails and quiet country roads. Available in three, four, and five-bedroom designs with optional finished basements, Russell Ridge embodies the finest in construction and efficient ENERGY STAR^® design.

With just 24 homes and no through streets, Russell Ridge is tranquil, secure, and exclusive. With nearby access to schools, shops, and restaurants, easy access to Highway 417, and a 25-minute drive from the east end of Ottawa, this community is perfect for hybrid workers and families alike. Built to order in about 12 months, the Sussex Craftsman Model measures 2,250 square feet and is priced at $1,069,000.

The company’s Merrickville Grove is an 83-home community near Merrickville’s historic Main Street. Known as the “Jewel of the Rideau,” the development is five minutes on foot from the Rideau Canal, coffee shops, quaint local stores, and restaurants. These bungalow townhomes and two-storey townhomes start at an attainable $499,900.

With nearby parks, schools, shopping, and safe, quiet streets, Merrickville Grove is the perfect place for young couples to raise a family and for active retirees who want the comfort of a home with low maintenance. It is a quiet place where homeowners can walk downtown, grab a coffee or a meal, browse shops, and say hi to neighbours. And, to give back to the municipality, Park View Homes hired a company to build a park with structures for everyone to enjoy. Most times, builders will save the park until the very end of the subdivision development; Park View did the opposite. By installing the park early in the construction process, buyers were able to enjoy it as their homes were being built, and locals could take advantage of the space. “We try to help out the communities we work in,” says Cabrelle. “Recently we helped put a new deck and accessible ramp on the public library in Merrickville at no cost.”

Living its values
For most of us, buying a new home is not only a big financial investment, but an investment in the lives of our families. Realizing this, Park View Homes treats homeowners and potential buyers with the utmost respect and integrity. “It’s all about things like that, the relationships we build with homeowners,” says Cabrelle. “We give everybody the same treatment.”

Focused on more than product, Park View Homes builds not only homes but entire communities, and the company’s team stands behind its proven track record of over 1,200 houses constructed to date. “For me, that’s an important thing, where we can help out and show that we aren’t a ‘big bad builder’ who doesn’t care about homeowners,” says Cabrelle. “Actually, it’s the complete opposite; what we care about is that the homeowner is happy with their home and community,” he says.

“We are super proud to be building in those communities, and proud of where we’ve come from. We’re proud to be focusing on home comfort and making sure that we exceed expectations while we try to give them the best experience, start to finish.”

The post Crafting with Care<p class="company">Park View Homes</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

Sherriff Goslin Roofing provides both residential and commercial roofing while offering superlative service regardless of a project’s size. The company, which also installs windows, gutters, and siding, has been family-owned throughout its lengthy history.

“We go back a long way. I’m currently the fourth generation,” says President and Chairman of the Board, Steve Ticknor, who is the great-grandson of co-founder Fred Sherriff.

Serving homeowners
Sherriff Goslin Roofing has 17 branches in total, situated across Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. All branches are company-owned and mutually supportive; if one branch requires assistance on a project, other branches are happy to step in. And while the team does work on commercial projects, the focus is on “residential reroofing on existing homes,” explains Executive Vice President, Craig Lockerbie.

“Our bread and butter is your average homeowner in the small town of Anywhere, USA,” agrees Ticknor. “We want to keep them happy and have them tell their friends and neighbors about us.”

The company’s primary focus is residential reroofing and commercial flat roofing. Its services include roof repairs and replacement, storm damage restoration, and installing shingles and specialty roofs. Among its ancillary services are gutter, window, and siding installation—again, largely for existing structures.

Standout products
At present, the company can handle almost any type of roofing project, including specialty assignments involving metal, copper, or even ‘green’ roofs. Metal roofs are highly durable, stand up to brutal weather conditions, and are aesthetically pleasing. Lockerbie points out that metal roofing “is becoming a bigger part of the business,” due to increased customer demand.

A green roof, meanwhile, features a layer of live vegetation, be it shrubs, flowers, plants, or even trees, installed on a flat roof surface. Rooftop flora enhances insulation, resulting in more energy-efficient buildings, and absorbs rainwater, reducing the flow of runoff into sewers. Green roofs can also offer office workers a tranquil spot to unwind while helping building owners and developers achieve LEED certification. The growing popularity of green roofs “has a lot to do with LEED building; you get credit points for installing a green roof,” Lockerbie explains.

The team has also installed copper roofing, including a recent project involving a copper roof on a Greek Orthodox church.

In addition to outstanding service, Sherriff Goslin stands out with the patented Art-Loc, a specialty shingle originally developed in the 1920s by Bert Goslin. Unlike traditional shingles, these shingles interlock, forming a visually striking and structurally sound diamond-shaped pattern. Initially used to cover cedar shingles at a time when sealant strips were not common, Art-Loc has been an enduring success.

This product “is really what propelled us as a company at that time,” Lockerbie shares. “We still install thousands of squares each year of this product in the Midwest.”

In fact, almost all the shingles used by Sherriff Goslin are manufactured by the Atlas Roofing Corporation of Atlanta, Georgia. “They make Art-Loc for us. We’re the only ones who can sell it,” says Ticknor.

The biggest asset: people
The company’s family ownership model has provided consistency throughout the many decades and serves as a template for workplace loyalty. All told, managers of the 17 branches have a collective 454 years of service, a testament to the dedication and commitment that gives Sherriff Goslin a competitive edge. “We think loyalty is a big deal,” says Ticknor, citing cases where two generations of the same family work for the company.

“One of our biggest assets is the people that work here,” echoes Lockerbie. “We’re still here because of them. That’s very important to us.”

Sherriff Goslin employs between 150 and 180 staff on a seasonal basis as, for obvious reasons, work slows down in wintertime when snow blankets the Midwest. The team self-performs some tasks while subcontracting out other roofing duties, and in terms of new hires, the firm prefers “somebody willing to do whatever the job takes. Somebody not afraid of heights, obviously—you spent a lot of time going up and down a ladder—and somebody that really cares about servicing the customer,” says Lockerbie.

Safety and quality above all
To support its people, the company offers comprehensive employee and safety training. Two full-time safety monitors—who happen to be father and son—conduct safety training and perform on-site inspections, ensuring that employees are up to date with their training, keeping track of new Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements, and constantly visiting jobsites.

And the Sherriff Goslin team is equally devoted to quality and customer care. Each roofing project begins with a free, thorough inspection. If clients wish to go forward, they are assigned a specific project manager who guides them through the process and keeps them updated on the progress of the work. Project managers are immersed in all aspects of an assignment from start to finish. Jobsites are tidied after work is completed, and clients can contact the company if any post-construction problems arise.

High standards, of course, are imperative given the nature of Sherriff Goslin’s business. “When you sell a roof, you’re selling something that you look at every day,” says Ticknor. A poorly done roof will be obvious to anybody driving by. Given this, it is essential that the work is done correctly and that all projects go according to plan, and this attitude is reflected in the company’s core values: safety, integrity, and quality.

A rich history
Sherriff Goslin Roofing traces its roots to 1906—a time when airplanes were a new innovation and automobiles were still rare. That year, Fred Sherriff organized the Battle Creek Roofing and Manufacturing Company. In 1910, he partnered with B.G. ‘Bert’ Goslin, and Sherriff Goslin Roofing was born. In the early years, employees were known to travel to jobsites by bicycle or train.

At one time, the company had branches as far afield as Illinois and even Florida, but over the decades, these were consolidated to streamline operations, as having to drive hours for projects was not a recipe for profitability, says Lockerbie. Regardless of these structural changes, the presence of the Sherriff and Goslin families has remained a constant, and the two families currently share majority ownership.

Churches, along with barns, offices, and other structures, represent the commercial side of the company’s business. High-profile projects within this segment include the Gilmore Car Museum, a huge complex featuring hundreds of vintage vehicles in multiple buildings spread over dozens of acres in Hickory Corners, Michigan. Among other tasks, Sherriff Goslin installed metal roofing and Art-Loc shingles on the museum’s facilities. “It’s a pretty big project that we continue to work. They keep adding buildings there,” says Lockerbie.

Success in the modern era
While Ticknor is certainly proud of the team’s achievements in the commercial sector, the company’s residential work remains paramount. “The big, fancy projects are really cool, but really our mainstay is dealing with individual homeowners, whether a 1,200-square-foot Cape Cod or a $1 million home. It’s about dealing with that individual person, because their home is [probably their] largest investment,” he notes. “No matter how big or small their home is, they’re trusting us to take care of them.”

“I’m seeing a wide variety of work. It’s not just residential; it’s round barns, country clubs, apartment complexes, huge condo complexes,” says Vice President of Marketing Cindy Goodison. Goodison takes the lead in the area of company promotion and uses a licensed drone pilot to get aerial shots of completed roofing projects. Such footage offers a vivid demonstration on how the firm blends old-fashioned craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.

Goodison explains that advertising by the individual branches is more localized. Branches are better suited to respond to local conditions—whether it be a storm or strong economic growth in a community—and use print or television to spotlight their services. “Branches have the latitude to do what they see fit at a branch level,” she says. “They’re the boots on the ground. They know their competitors. If the competition turns up the heat, they know it’s time to start making noise in their areas.”

Going forward, the company plans to focus on enhancing its existing service offerings and continuing to hit high benchmarks in terms of quality, safety, workplace loyalty, and customer support.

“We’d like to be at 125 years in business,” Ticknor says of the five-year forecast for the company, adding that he is thankful for the company’s longevity. “We’ve made it to 120. We don’t take that for granted at all.”

The post This Family-Owned Business Marks 120 Years<p class="company">Sherriff Goslin Roofing</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

“We build trailers for people who work hard. That’s our mission. That’s who we design for, that’s who we respect,” says Francis Wieler, head of Marketing.

Regardless of the industry served, the company’s trailers are used by “working professionals who rely on this equipment daily,” he adds.

Products of the highest standard
RawMaxx has recently launched a variety of new trailers as well as an advanced solution called 3D Configurator. The latter enables prospective customers to create digital trailer designs on a computer screen based on their input, while the new trailers include the G7X Series, GDX Knight, DTX Deckover Tilt, and SGX models. Wieler describes the G7X Series as “an evolution of our GTX Series.” While the GTX trailer is 102 inches wide, the G7X is narrower, at 83 inches. As such, the new G7X Series represents a more affordable option for clients looking for a trailer that is both maneuverable and compact.

Trailers in the G7X Series include the versatile Bumper Pull model, which is available in 20, 22, and 24-foot lengths and comes with a front toolbox, powder coat finish, and a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds (the measure of the total weight of a fully-loaded trailer).

The G7X Gooseneck trailer is another model in the new G7X Series, also available in 20, 22, and 24-foot lengths with a 14,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating and front toolbox. The G7X Gooseneck trailer offers exceptional stability and is well-suited for heavy loads.

The company’s GDX lineup consists of general duty dump trailers, a category popular with contractors. The new GDX Knight trailer features 10-cubic-yard capacity, 41-degree tilt angle, and a manual tarp system. The trailer offers durability and efficiency, and loading and unloading is a cinch. The GDX Knight is designed “for crews who consistently push heavier materials or higher volumes. It has structurally reinforced walls and increased capacity,” says RawMaxx.

The DTX Deckover Tilt is also designed for handling heavy loads, with a GVWR of 14,000 pounds. This model boasts 17-degree tilt angle and a hoist-lift system fitted with a 5×16” cylinder for speedy and efficient loading and unloading. An upgraded version offers a gross vehicle weight rating of 20,000 pounds.

The SGX trailer, meanwhile, has a gravity-tilt design, an 8,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating, and is suitable for moving boom lifts, scissor lifts, and cherry pickers.

Some of these trailers feature the Milwaukee PACKOUT system, an innovative, modular storage setup comprising various chests, boxes, and cooler units for heavy-duty storage. Milwaukee PACKOUT “gives operators an organized space and secured tool storage placement under the trailer directly.”

Quality from the start
RawMaxx was founded in Mexico in 2017 with a focus from the start on manufacturing heavy-duty steel trailers. “While the product line has expanded significantly, the core mission has remained the same: build strong, dependable trailers.”

Manufacturing and design work is all performed in-house aside from a few components such as axles and hydraulic systems, which are obtained from trusted outside suppliers. The company uses CNC laser cutters, press brakes, plasma cutters, and other machinery to self-perform its engineering, fabrication, welding, assembly, and finishing. “We maintain control over our production process to ensure consistency in quality.”

The company sells its products through an extensive dealer network—most based in the United States, with a few in Canada. While clients cannot buy directly, RawMaxx sees this as an advantage.

“We do not sell to end users,” he says. “This allows us to focus on manufacturing products and development. It also helps keep the price lower, because we can sell a full load to a dealer, which ensures that the customer is going to get a better price. If somebody from New York buys a trailer from us directly, the cost of shipping that one trailer is going to be more than if we ship seven or eight trailers on one load.”

People-powered service
At present, the company employs 600 people, an increase of about 40 from this time last year. The spike in personnel can be attributed to increased demand for the products in the United States.

When it comes to new hires, RawMaxx looks for people with a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, a team mindset, a sense of accountability, and an alignment with the company’s values of integrity, hard work, expertise, innovation, and adaptability. “The culture overall here is blue collar, performance-driven, with a focus on continuous improvement and respect for the craft.”

The company prides itself on being “non-corporate,” he adds. There is no rigid company bureaucracy; issues are dealt with right away, and do not require months of meetings, memos, and analysis to address.

Customer support is offered via the company’s nationwide dealer network, and to this end, RawMaxx offers spare parts, replacement parts, service guidance, technical assistance, product updates, and warranties including five years for axles, three years for structural issues, and one year for paint. “If a customer has an issue, we work directly with the dealer to ensure that it’s resolved quickly and properly.”

In addition to its customers, the company believes in supporting charities and its workforce, with charitable endeavors including funding for a local orphanage and an overarching commitment to its nearby communities. And the RawMaxx team is happy to help fellow staff members through rough patches with financial aid or other forms of assistance. Staff members “will always stand together and support each other in times of need or when surrounding communities are in need. The entire team will rally and organize food, clothing, and financial drives. It’s part of the culture here at RawMaxx.”

Safety, of course, is also central to the company culture. Workers receive comprehensive safety training with established protocols in case of accidents or mishaps. Personal protective equipment including helmets, work boots, and googles, are mandatory and paid for by the company.

Making customization easy
RawMaxx has also forged a partnership with prominent automotive celebrity Dave ‘Heavy D’ Sparks, who co-starred on the reality show Diesel Brothers on the Discovery Channel. Heavy D shouts out the company’s innovative design, superior components, focus on safety, excellent customer service, wide array of products, customization, and heavy-duty construction in his glowing testimonial on the company website. Heavy D also participated in the launch of 3D Configurator at the North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) 2025 show in Nashville, Tennessee and praises the solution in a company YouTube video.

3D Configurator, as mentioned, allows potential customers to view digital trailer models based on their selections regarding size, specifications, options, colors, and models. Customer input is used to add or remove details, and the ensuing image can be viewed from multiple angles, giving clients a clear sense of what they are buying. Customers “can see where every dollar is going. They can see visually what the trailer is going to look like,” states RawMaxx, adding that the 3D Configurator “is a tool to give as much confidence to the buyer as possible.”

The solution has earned the company industry kudos and took first place in a competition for ‘Best in Show for Services & Software’ at last year’s NATDA conference.

Facing challenges
While optimistic, RawMaxx is well aware of certain challenges facing the company, including volatility in the trailer sector. Underlying this volatility are rising material costs, supply chain changes, and regulatory developments. RawMaxx addresses these issues “through strong dealer and supplier relationships, in-house manufacturing control, operational efficiency, and strategic pricing adjustments. We focus on stability and long-term relationships rather than short-term reaction.”

Going forward, the company has plenty of new ideas, enhancements, and product concepts in the pipeline. “There’s always new stuff that comes out. We have a few engineers who consistently look at the market, look at what the needs are out there and what people are asking for. It can take months or years to refine something before we do release a new type of trailer.”

Over the next few years, RawMaxx also hopes to see the company strengthen its dealer network even further, continue to innovate on the digital front, and maintain its reputation for durability and integrity.

“Our goal is sustainable growth, while protecting product quality and brand reputation. That’s very important. There are a lot of people who depend on RawMaxx to make a living, whether it’s the people building the trailers or the people who depend on them to get their job done.” RawMaxx plans to be there, serving all of these people with quality, innovation, and integrity, for the long haul.

The post New Products, New Partnerships, and New High-Tech Solutions<p class="company">RawMaxx</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

General Manager and President, Andrew Cameron, tells us that in 2024, the company finished construction on the last of over 230 finished units, work that began in 2022. At this point, it was decided by upper management to set a five-year goal for Northumberland Properties to further motivate its upward momentum. This goal comes down to expanding its current unit count by more than double to a nice, even, 500 units. This is where the process of unit acquisition has become an important aspect of the work, leading to the company’s first acquisition of eight existing buildings (totalling 32 units) in Amherst.

The timing of this acquisition was auspicious because the original owners were ready to retire and came to the company with a potential deal, which was sealed in May 2025. The purchase was seen as a positive learning experience as staffing and capacity needed to be figured out along with the on-boarding of new units and tenants, and Cameron and the Northumberland crew are never ones to back down from a challenge.

Indeed, the past three years have been busy ones on multiple fronts for the company. In 2024, after completing its most recent subdivision, the company purchased a half-acre piece of land across the street from this subdivision for its first multi-family building. Northumberland has worked with architectural design agency Spitfire Design out of Moncton, as well as with the town of Amherst and local contractors, to bring the building to new life and get it ready for tenants. While the development is still in the middle of construction, it held its groundbreaking ceremony in August 2025, and Cameron says it has been an enjoyable process to oversee and participate in so far.

He explains that a lot of four-to-six-unit garden homes and townhouses have been developed in the last few years as well, further expanding the company’s portfolio. With federal and provincial money coming in for developers and businesses like Northumberland, both Amherst and Yarmouth are pushing for greater density of buildings to increase housing supply in their communities. To aid both this and its own goals, Northumberland took a step into developing multi-family buildings, a move that Cameron says was also driven by his desire to learn more about these types of developments. These buildings are of a larger scale than the company’s typical properties and involve more logistics (elevators, fire alarms, intercoms, et cetera), but are also a clear-cut way to expand company operations.

The growth being pursued by Northumberland is taking place during an interesting time for its business sector. Looking back on 2025, Cameron says that the rental industry was beginning to feel closer to the volume and feel of operations from before the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2021 to 2023, he says that it was generally easier to advertise new units and create interest for renters, whereas today, promoting new units takes considerably more effort. This means that Northumberland has to tighten up its approach to running day-to-day operations, especially in regard to marketing, repairs, and maintenance cost controls, because things in the rental and housing and development sectors are ever-shifting and still feel unknown.

The industry may have a somewhat fluid nature, but Cameron says that ultimately, housing and development is an industry still going strong, especially when it comes to construction and property management/leasing. While aspects of the industry remain uncertain thanks to extenuating circumstances like the ongoing American tariffs, Cameron says it is a reminder for both him and everyone in the business at large to focus on aspects that can be controlled, like the maintenance and utility usage of its existing units.

“It is still an exciting time for real estate despite any challenges,” he says, and Northumberland Properties is excited to provide quality apartments and services for its tenants while helping them tenants feel at home and secure where they are. “Everything in real estate is communication,” Cameron says, whether it be from developer to subcontractor or from tenant to staff member.

A new year brings more opportunities for the business to reach its full potential, and the first major goal for Northumberland Properties in 2026 will be to finish its first building of 18 units by the summer, ideally June or July. The company also has another small parcel of land that it can build an additional four-unit building on, so decisions will be made as to how best to execute that idea.

The team is also on the lookout for acquisition opportunities that align with this mission, with a potential eight-acre development in Yarmouth. Northumberland hasn’t built in the town in five years, so there is interest in bringing more units there as plans continue to take shape. Further land purchases are also being investigated in Amherst, such as acreages and infill lots, to complement the apartments currently on offer.

In 2025, Northumberland Properties celebrated 15 years in business, with Andrew Cameron having started the business in 2010 alongside his mother and father. “Our success has been reliant on so many more people besides me,” he says, and he has learned so much in 15 years from tradespeople, employees, and accountants alike on how to best run the business. To be successful in this sector takes a team effort and everyone’s contribution within the company has made a difference to its ongoing success, says Cameron.

When it comes to running a successful property management business, it’s simply made easier and less stressful when you can find and work with exceptional team members, including staff, subcontractors, and tradespeople. In fact, Cameron says, a key lesson learned in the past 15 years has been to find great people, support them, and let them do what they do best while listening and learning from them. Of course, paying one’s bills on time also helps, he says with a laugh.

As well as the value of being surrounded by capable and intelligent people, Cameron says a key to his company’s success has been to always remember that the tenants living in the many different properties are people first and not just numbers in spreadsheets. A lot of senior tenants in Northumberland developments live on their own, so allowing for the time and space for staff to build relationships with these people, as well as maintaining respect and connection to them through the staff and properties, helps them feel that they are known and looked after.

“Don’t forget who the ultimate customer is,” Cameron says, meaning the tenants and their families who will remember when a property and its owners have done right by them. He and his crew have kept this, and the firm’s other values, close to heart during the lifespan of Northumberland Properties, and it continues to pay off grandly for all involved.

The post Expansion Focused on the Ultimate Customer<p class="company">Northumberland Properties</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.