COATING COMPANY TAKES CANADA BY STORM BY RENNAY CRAATS
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anijel Slisko has paint running through his veins. As a teenager, he learned the business from his father, who taught him not only how to do the job well but also how to run a business. Slisko was doing his father’s bookkeeping and banking at 16 years old, and he had a great grasp on what it took to be successful. So, when at 20 years old he ventured out on his own, Slisko was well prepared. “When I started managing my company’s funds, I had that foundation,” says Danijel Slisko, CEO and managing director at United Supreme Group. “If he didn’t do that, I don’t know if I’d be as responsible.” It took a responsible and ambitious person to launch a business barely out of high school, and Slisko jumped in with both feet when he started United Decorating. He started out painting houses but when he got a taste for commercial painting, he knew that was the path he should take. He revelled in the challenges those jobs presented and enjoyed being part of a construction team. Within a few years he was earning contracts to paint schools in the Catholic board and big box stores like Walmart. “I was committed to doing this as my career and if I did it, I was going to be the best,” he says. That personal commitment has served him and his company well. He provides quality service and welcomes new opportunities and challenges. He quickly grew the company from a one-man operation into a team of skilled professionals, and today, there are around 200 staff in the Calgary and Edmonton branches, with a developing presence in Vancouver in anticipation of branch expansion there. As he grew, he expanded United’s expertise beyond architectural painting and into a variety of specialty coatings. The name ‘United Decorating’ no longer fitted the scope of the company, so Slisko changed it to United Supreme to reflect the wide range of superior offerings at the company. Unlike many competitors, United is well rounded; it has professionals with expertise in every area of the business and crews that specialize in different applications so they can cover the entire coatings scope of a project. With 25 years of exceptional service, United Supreme has become a leader in commercial and industrial coatings in Western Canada, working on everything from water treatment plants and bridges to skyscrapers and hotels. On top of the standard architectural painting, United Supreme offers a vast range of applications. The company has experience from floor to ceiling, offering concrete polishing, polymer epoxy and terrazzo flooring as well as anti-graffiti coatings, electrostatic coatings for metal surfaces and graphic films and custom wallpaper.
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United has also become a go-to company for protective coatings to battle corrosion and protect against fire. The team channels its creativity with projects too, as United can create stencils and apply murals to create beautiful spaces. Whether it’s the full scope of a new build or maintenance projects, there is little that United Supreme can’t do to meet its clients’ needs. “We want to be a turn-key, one-stop shop for clients,” says Slisko. “With what we offer, we want clients to just come to us for all their coating needs. Then they don’t have to deal with six different companies – they just deal with one manager and a bunch of specialists.” United Supreme is taking the one-stop shop goal further as it ramps up the paint manufacturing division of the company. The new 25,000-squarefoot head office includes a large manufacturing area that allows United to produce highperformance coatings for its applicators to use in the field. The R&D lab is working on more than a dozen different types of coatings and United will
UNITED SUPREME GROUP CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
Danijel Slisko. Photo by Riverwood Photography.
have its paint manufacturing up and running by fall. This includes industrial coatings that will be manufactured in an explosion-proof F1-rated room to ensure containment in case of an accident with the flammable ingredients. United plans to offer its own line of paint and coatings products to the public down the road, but for now they are exclusively for use on their own projects. “We are taking things very slowly and making sure we’re following the proper procedures,” he says. “You can mess up your brand really fast if something goes wrong. It’s not a sprint for us, it’s a marathon.” And it’s a marathon with no finish line; Slisko refuses to sit back and become complacent. He is passionate about moving his company forward through measured growth to ensure his high-quality standards are never compromised. To achieve that, United fosters a collaborative workplace of respect where everyone is empowered to find ways to do their jobs better. This is apparent in United’s output every day.
“With that culture and attitude, there’s nothing we can’t do,” he says. Its stellar reputation for being a company that will go the extra mile and solve unique problems will pave the way for that expansion. Over the years, the United team has made many connections by working with most of the large and small developers and the OEAC community in the province, and as those contacts change jobs, they bring United with them. Clients appreciate the vast knowledge and expertise of United crews and have made them their first-choice coatings company. United is proud to partner with clients on multiple projects and some he has worked with since nearly the beginning. United has earned the trust of clients, and the team is often consulted about which products and applications best meet a job requirement. This trust and experience led United Supreme Group to complete over $200 million worth of coatings in its 25-year tenure, and Danijel Slisko is excited at the prospect of exploring new ways to serve clients as it looks ahead to another 25 years.
UNITED SUPREME GROUP CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
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New Central Library, MRU Riddell Library and Mackimmie Complex in Calgary AB New Central Library
MRU Riddell Library
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nited Supreme is thrilled to be a part of the above iconic projects. The award-winning designs created a beautiful and functional spaces in the downtown core and surrounding areas and has become a popular attraction.
Mackimmie Complex
United Supreme provided architectural coatings on the walls and the application of fireproof coatings on the 45-degree columns. United also applied anti-graffiti coatings, provided wall coverings, and made the kids area extra special with huge animal decals in the playhouse. The New Central Library is the jewel of the East Village. Mackimmie Complex addressed new building codes and maintenance issues with commercial wall coverings and MRU Riddell Library is a four-storey stand alone LEED gold certified building to meet the unique needs of students, faculty, and community within our undergraduate university environment. These were the fun projects Danijel had been involved in.
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UNITED SUPREME GROUP CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
Calgary International Airport YYC New Terminal Delta Terminal at YYC YYC Terminal
Delta Terminal
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he new YYC terminal at Calgary International Airport is more than double the size of the existing Airport. The new 186,000 square metre – two million square foot terminal space – is the size of 34 NFL football fields. It has added 24 aircraft gates at the YYC and has incorporated numerous technologies and processes designed to streamline the passenger experience throughout the airport.
Delta Terminal
United is so proud to be part of this iconic project. United Supreme Group contributed to the Calgary Airport’s seven-level covered parkade by way of markings and way-finding signage throughout the parkade. The parking structure added almost 2,000 more stalls to YYC’s parking footprint.
UNITED SUPREME GROUP CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
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Kelly Ramsey Building - Edmonton, Muttart Conservatory and Historic City Centre Historic City Hall
Kelly Ramsey
Muttart Conservatory
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elly Ramsey buildings in downtown Edmonton are historical buildings. Great efforts were made to preserve the original buildings as much as possible. This is the first new financial district tower built in Edmonton in 25 years. United Supreme was proud to provide coatings for this building and the team was excited to be part of project that so carefully protected and preserved the history of the area. The Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton is home to more than 700 species of plants in three climateregulated biomes and all are located in the iconic pyramids. United Supreme was part of the renovation project that refreshed and modernized the conservatory and its mechanical systems.
The pyramids presented a particular challenge to the painters, and United found an effective (and fun) solution. To paint the inside of the peaked structures required an aerial approach. The United team strapped into harnesses and attached themselves to ropes to reach the high angle definition access of the pyramids from the top that stood about 80 feet off the ground. To apply a new coat of enamel paint to the steel required a spider lift so painters could reach the peaks of the pyramids. It was an unforgettable project at the iconic botanical garden’s location. United Supreme was involved in restoration of the historic City Centre in Calgary and had the pleasure to paint and refurbish the office of the Mayor of the City of Calgary.
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UNITED SUPREME GROUP CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
Telus Sky, Stantec Tower, Eau Claire and 10th Avenue SW – Highrise Buildings United Supreme is involved in Stantec Tower
Telus Sky
10th Avenue
Eau Claire
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he TELUS Sky building is the iconic building boasting five levels of underground parking on which 30 floors of office space sits. Above this there are another 29 floors designed for short-term and long-term residential rental use. The top two floors are reserved for the executive level penthouse.
United Supreme is currently finishing off those top levels, which marks three years of involvement in this iconic building. This is the third-tallest building in Calgary with 59 floors. United provided architectural painting services along with anti-graffiti coatings and industrial intumescent coatings for fireproofing. United Supreme completed the architectural coatings for the Stantec Building and exceeded expectations by meeting aggressive deadlines. The mixed-use skyscraper stands tall in the middle of Edmonton’s Ice District downtown – making it not only the tallest structure in the City but also the tallest one in Western Canada. The Eau Claire Tower and 10th Avenue SW – United is involved in commercial wall coverings, epoxy floorings, elevators, bollards, conference centre, electrostatic coatings, concrete sealers, etc. These jobs gave United Supreme recognition and respect in Calgary and Edmonton.
UNITED SUPREME GROUP CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
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Sports Complexes – Calgary Climbing Centre, School Gyms and Swimming Pools Strathmore K-9 School
Calgary Climbing Centre
Trico Centre
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nited Supreme is very excited to share the work done by its team on the brand-new Calgary Climbing Centre Rocky Mountain with commercial special coatings. Climb Park offers an entirely original climbing experience. It’s a fun zone with 21 vertical challenge elements where participants push their limits on the jump tower, maze wall, balance pillars, freefall slide, speed walls, spider web, floating cubes, disappearing holds and more. This new facility is a cutting-edge place for climbers to train. The fieldhouse gymnasium, offices, classrooms, CTS spaces and soccer fieldhouse is something to be proud of and boast our accomplishments.
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UNITED SUPREME GROUP CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
Schools in Calgary and Edmonton Districts Including Pool Renovations Schulich School of Engineering
Strathmore K-9 School
Joane Cardinal
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nited Supreme Group prides itself to be part of development and modernization of schools in Calgary and Edmonton. Right from Strathmore K-9 School, Joane Cardinal – Schubert High School, Schulich School of Engineering, U of C Education Tower, Foothills indoor fieldhouse Okotoks – the list is endless. United Supreme has been involved in polymer epoxy, painting and coatings, commercial markings, sandblasting, special coatings, graphics, murals – United takes pride in showcasing their expertise in all the fields of coatings and special applications.
UNITED SUPREME GROUP CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
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National Bank, Porsche at Blackfoot Trail and Great Plains Recreational Facility Great Plains Recreational Facilty
Porsche at Blackfoot Trail
National Bank
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National Bank
he National Bank of Canada is headquartered in Montreal, but it has branches located across the country. The Calgary location on 8th Avenue SW underwent a significant renovation a few years ago, and United Supreme Group was proud to be part of the project.
All five storeys of the bank were completely gutted and renovated, from vaults to offices to storage areas. The atrium in the front entrance created a challenge for United Supreme’s team due to the immense height of the area. The team had to remove windows and climb out or scale down from the roof to access the highest points of the area to paint them. United is always up for a unique problem to solve or a challenge to overcome and the National Bank renovation didn’t disappoint. Bringing together ice sports enthusiasts from across the city to the great plain’s recreational facility with multi-purpose rings for ice sports such as hockey, sledge hockey, ringette and figure skating. Porsche, Royal Oak Jaguar Land Rover – utterly unlike any vehicles. United Supreme was involved in designing and defining the workmanship of painting and coatings in the luxury car dealerships.
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UNITED SUPREME GROUP CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
Bridges and Southwest Calgary Ring Road Development Reconciliation Bridge
Southwest Calgary Ring Road
Southwest Calgary Ring Road
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nited Supreme is proud to showcase its involvement in the development of Southwest Calgary Ring Road Bridges totaling approximately 46 bridges linking the Southwest Calgary ring road that is built between Highway 8 and Macleod Trail SE which included 31 kilometres of new eightlane divided highways. One road flyover, one railway crossing, 46 bridges, one tunnel and three river crossings. A picture speaks thousand words. We are proud to share our achievement. The reconciliation bridge showcases our expertise in industrial protective coatings. It connects downtown Calgary to north central communities in Calgary. The bridge is an important part of the Bow River Pathway system.
UNITED SUPREME GROUP CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
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Hotels – Fairmont Banff Springs, Homestead Inn at Banff, Sheraton, Marriott – To name a few Sheraton Capri
Marriott
Fairmont Banff Springs
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nited Supreme Group has been involved in multimillion-dollar development and refurbishments of the major chain of hotels in Calgary, Banff and Edmonton. The scope of work has been commercial wall coverings, guest rooms painting and special coatings, commercial polymer-epoxy, industrial coatings, concrete polishing, polymer epoxy, terrazzo flooring, anti-graffiti coatings, electrostatic coatings for metal surfaces, custom wallpaper, line markings in parkades and graphic films.
Bank and Baron Pub Bank and Baron
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nited Supreme is proud of its commercial showcase of expertise in the Bank and Baron Pub with special coatings, custom wallpaper and wood polishing to name a few. Built in 1930, the Bank of Nova Scotia building (that is now the Bank and Baron Pub) is a one-storey steel frame, brick and sandstone masonry structure designed largely in the modern classical style and located on two lots and a small portion of a third along the historic Stephen Avenue mall in downtown Calgary. The heritage value of the building lies in its architectural significance as the first building in Alberta to introduce Canadian sculptural themes into a classical design.
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UNITED SUPREME GROUP CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
Rosario Frustaci Owner/President of Scirocco Concrete Ltd. Phone: (403) 616-8650 Commercial/Residential Finishing experts on all concrete projects
Congratulations United Supreme on your 25 years of accomplishments and many more to come. Looking forward to our continued business in the future.
Congratulations United Supreme on 25 Years! We wish you many more years of continued success. PROJECT MANAGEMENT • GENERAL CONTRACTING
Bay F, 1235 - 40th Avenue N.E. Phone: 403 250 7610 | Fax: 403 250 8566 Email: info@Starcraftconstruction.com
www.starcraftconstruction.com UNITED SUPREME GROUP CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
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Congratulations to United Supreme Group on your 25th anniversary! Supporting your business is our business. Pros Need Pros.
© 2021 The Sherwin-Williams Company
CONGRATS UNITED SUPREME ON YOUR
25 th ANNIVERSARY!
CT CONSTRUCTION LTD. - General Contractor 15 Weston Rise SW Calgary, AB T3H 5E8 | 403-680-4047 | Ct.construction@shaw.ca
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UNITED SUPREME GROUP CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
A trusted and cost-effective partner that delivers innovative IT Solutions in southern Alberta
Phone: (403) 569-1101 Fax: (403) 569-1211
info@isparksolutions.com | 403-313-6605 www.isparksolutions.com
2620, 22 St. NE Calgary, AB, T2E 7L9
www.unitedsupreme.ca
Congratulations United Supreme on 25 Years!
United Supreme Insurance Advisor
Congratulations on your 25 years milestone United Supreme!
We wish you many more years of continued success.
Terence D. Cairns, BBA Vice President, Commercial Lines Mobile: 403.498.6640 | Email: TCairns@wmbeck.com www.wmbeck.com
Congratulations United Supreme on 25 years of success!
United25Ad_PRINT.pdf
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2021-05-27
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Congratulations to United Supreme Group on their 25th Anniversary
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210, 2424 4th Street SW, Calgary, AB, T2S 2T4 403-266-2175 | www.hamrose.com
Proudly Canadian Providing Quality Paints & Coatings and Expert Advise to Canadian Communities since 1933 22 store locations in Alberta to serve you. www.cloverdalepaint.com
UNITED SUPREME GROUP CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
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CONGRATULATIONS UNITED SUPREME ON 25 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY!
Every business is unique. Your advice should be too. And that’s why we’re so proud to support businesses and entrepreneurs in Alberta.
We look forward to working with you for years to come. Visit RBC.com/rbccommunity
403.291.1638 | 1675 32nd Ave N.E. www.hanniganspaint.ca
® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada.
bird.ca stuartolson.com
Congratulations United Supreme on 25 amazing years!
Calgary – 403.252.5835 | Edmonton – 780.944.1122 www.executrade.com
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UNITED SUPREME GROUP CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
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