10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary •
Not your average success story…
R
ick Ball always had aspirations of owning a business one day, but he never imagined it would employ 20-plus people and find him working throughout Western Canada. He also never imagined his company would place 48th in the top 100 most profitable Canadian companies in 2010, and be one the province’s 50 fastest growing companies in 2012. In 2002, Ball started Avalanche Air Systems Ltd., an HVAC and sheet metal business, and after 10 years, the company has carved out a well-respected reputation. From multi-family and condominium projects to big-box retailers, restaurants and assisted-living complexes, Avalanche has become one of the leading HVAC installation and sheet metal companies to call for design-build projects. Last year, Avalanche placed 49th in the top 200 most profitable Canadian businesses and they were a finalist for the Merit “Contractor of the Year” awards. In addition to their full fabrication shop, they are innovative thinkers, they take pride in their work and their crews are equipped with leading-edge technology, so they communicate in real-time data. Not surprisingly, Avalanche’s unabated growth is due largely to their innovative approach. “We are continually looking at new ways to move forward, provide better communication and engage new ideas as much as possible,” says Rick Ball, president. “Two years ago, I developed an app for iPads and it helps us organize projects, communicate in real time and complete jobs quicker – we’ve made it very user-friendly. Most of the forms can by used by many trades and we created it for field applications,” adds Ball. Avalanche’s forward-thinking approach keeps them ahead of the curve – in an industry that is sometimes slow to embrace change. “We are always looking for ways to give ourselves a bit of an edge and the technology helps us stay ahead of the game. Our field employees all have smartphones and iPads, so they can access any site information – in real time. It makes us more effective,” adds R.J. Sigurdson, head project manager.
Standing: (left to right) R.J.Sigurdson, Troy Henderson, René Ball, Kevin Sernowsky. Seated: Rick Ball
“We can relay information to the crews in the field much faster and it’s been a huge benefit for many contractors. Rick is willing to invest in new tools to help us do our job more effectively and it’s helped every layer of the business,” says Sigurdson.
Avalanche’s forward-thinking approach keeps them ahead of the curve – in an industry that is sometimes slow to embrace change.
10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary •
• 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary Avalanche’s key people include Troy Henderson, who has worked with Ball from the beginning. Henderson started as an apprentice and today he’s a field foreman. Kevin Sernowsky, field foreman/supervisor, has been with Avalanche for seven years and has a great reputation for “getting things done right.” And René Ball, Rick’s wife, is another key person within the company. René looks after administration and safety. “There are innovators, followers and then those people that simply won’t change. I consider Rick to be an innovator: he’s always coming up with new ideas, constantly solving problems and improving the overall management organization,” remarks Sigurdson. More recently, you’ll find the Avalanche crews working throughout the city: from numerous multi-family projects in Calgary, Cochrane and Airdrie to projects downtown. Currently noteworthy
Congratulations Avalanche Air Systems on your 10th anniversary! 1407 - 108 Ave. S.W Office: 403.243.5052 • Fax: 403.243.5072 techair@telusplanet.net
projects include the Champagne Condos in Quarry Park and the Seton commercial development in southeast Calgary. To learn more about the Contractor forms App, visit their website and click on the hard hat icon. Avalanche Air Systems Ltd. C-1235 40 Avenue NE Calgary, AB www.avalancheair.ca 403.278.4567
Congratulations Avalanche Air Systems on your th 10 Anniversary!
Commercial Wiring and Maintenance New Home and Acreage Wiring Custom Home Wiring Renovations, Additions and Garage Wiring Air Conditioner and Hot Tub Hook Ups 14, 4750 - 106 Avenue SE • Ph: 403-203-0027 Fax: 403-203-4499 • info@kivalelectric.com
We congratulate Avalanche Air Systems on 10 years in business! Greg Douklias is the Small Business Advisor servicing your community.
10816 Macleod Trail S.E., Calgary 403-690-3299 greg.douklias@td.com
M00516 (0310)
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For more information, please visit www.commercial.carrier.com
Congratulations Avalanche Air Systems on your 10th Anniversary! We wish you many years of continued success!
• 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary