CPI Construction Celebrates 20 Years
Quality people, quality results, a great construction experience.
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By Nerissa McNaughton
PI Construction Ltd. is proud to turn your visions into reality by providing outstanding construction experiences. Building in the commercial warehouse, industrial, suburban office, commercial retail, tenant improvement, and restoration markets, CPI guides clients through the pre-construction, construction and post construction phases of their projects. CPI’s work includes a number of Ford dealerships (Sherwoord, Waterloo, and Koch Ford), the Orion Silent Aire Facility, the Agrium Prill tower restoration, the Canadian Welding Bureau’s new training facility and the new Spruce Grove maintenance facility, among many other notable projects. As the company turns 20 this year, Business in Edmonton sat down with Stan Colville, president; Jayson Barclay, vice president and COO; Carl Semashkewich, vice president; and Sean Lazarowich, vice president preconstruction services; to discuss CPI’s past, present and future. Colville, who returned to school at the age of 25 after discovering a passion for construction, decided he wanted to be a project manager and own his own company during his time at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. In 1995, Colville formed the beginning of CPI Construction, which was part of a larger subsidiary company. In 2006 it became CPI Construction Ltd. with the current partners. At every stage in the journey, clients and stakeholders have been more than impressed with the quality of work and customer service provided by CPI.
CPI Construction Ltd.
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2 0 th A n n I v e r s A r Y
Stan Colville, Jayson Barclay, Sean Lazarowich and Carl Semashkewich
“First and foremost, no matter what project type we are pursuing, we want to provide our clients a great construction service,” says Lazarowich. “We are very service orientated. We keep everything open and clear, a belief that serves our clients in many ways, includ-
ing tackling problems head on, talking openly to our clients, being honest and forthright and having integrity,” agrees Barclay. For CPI, understanding their clients’ business is the top priority. “A common word in today’s market is collaboration,” Lazarowich confirms. “It’s the only way we work. It’s best to be at
20 Years is a true statement that CPI Construction Ltd. is an exemplary leader in the construction industry. Priority Mechanical Ltd. congratulates CPI Construction Ltd. on their continued success. We are proud to be part of their team. 9259 -35 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T6E 5Y1 Phone: 780-435-3636 • Fax: 780-450-3550 www.prioritymechanical.com CPI Construction Ltd.
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2 0 th A n n I v e r s A r Y the table to discuss a project in the early design stages.” Barclay adds, “We add the most value when we build the relationship first, only then can we build their building confidently.” An example of this collaborative approach is seen in the Ford dealership projects. Sherwood Ford was, at that time in CPI’s history, a very large, highly visible project for the young company. The client was extremely happy with the results, as was Ford’s head office. Ford had set a mandate for most of the locations across the country to renovate and refresh the showrooms and offices. Following Sherwood Ford, CPI was awarded the upgrades for the Waterloo Ford and Koch Ford Lincoln buildings. “Because of a long-standing relationship with the owner, they trusted us,” smiles Semashkewich. “There were controls set out for the dealerships. Once they had an architect that had a handle on those controls, they saw the advantage in working with us.” Although CPI took on many more notable projects over the two decades, the company has never been afraid to push into new, advanced territory. For CPI, keeping ahead of the curve goes hand in hand with outstanding customer service. “Our staff keeps us on the edge of technology,” Lazarowich confirms. “The new generation entering the construction work force in the field and office is driven by technology and by having that technology available. Technology has been a big investment for CPI.” CPI has great blend of seasoned veterans and highly talented new-generation staff. To date, CPI’s largest project is the new Spruce Grove maintenance facility. An impressive 80,000 square feet, this building will ensure the city of Spruce Grove has enough space, now and in the foreseeable future, to carry out its operations. This building was built to LEED Silver requirements. Strong industry relationships that are full of respect, especially towards their subtrades and workers, have been the key
in CPI being able to sustain labour and resources for projects during the Alberta boom – a boom that means prosperity and opportunities, but at the cost of labour and resources. “It is usually difficult to get good people and retain them to build the business, but with the strong core workforce we’ve built, CPI isn’t seeing that challenge. Respect for our workers has turned back into loyalty for CPI,” says Colville. “We are in a heated economy, which is very good for business,” explains Semashkewich, “but you have to be very selective with what you go after and what you take on.” CPI will not take on a project unless it can be delivered above the owners expectations. This goes to the engrained culture that CPI has built on strong customer relationships. As Barclay points out, “We surround ourselves with industry people that are likeminded, and that goes a long way in standing behind your project across the board. Everyone is working towards a common goal.” Lazarowich explains further, “We have a strong relationship with subtrades and suppliers, so despite the challenges in the industry, they turn to us because they know and trust us. They know that we plan accordingly and are selective on who we work with. We don’t overcommit and we don’t underperform.” In addition to having a reputation for delivering high-quality projects on time and on budget, the CPI team also excels because they have passion for what they do. “Our staff is fully engaged and looks forward to meeting the clients and providing that great construction experience. Construction isn’t a simple process. It’s not as well defined as some people think and there are always challenges. We try to eliminate the client’s risk well in advance and provide them with a great product at the end of the day,” says Lazarowich. “To be able to say we have been part of Edmonton’s growth
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AltaPro Congratulates CPI Construction on 20 years of “Achieving exceptional results with your team and customers”
We are honored to be recognized as finalists for the "2014 Contractor of the Year” Trade under 15 M. We wish to thank our People who through their expertise have earned this recognition. People is our greatest asset and success is only possible with you. We also wish to thank our valued clients and contractors who have given us the opportunity to provide electrical services. Thank you for your trust and confidence in our dynamic team! CPI Construction Ltd.
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and that something we’ve built will be standing for 30 – 40 years is something we can be proud of — being part of that growth — that, to me, is very rewarding,” smiles Colville. Edmonton’s landscape is rapidly changing thanks to a robust economy and the influx of businesses attracted to our progressive city, not to mention the many revitalization projects in progress. CPI is proud to be such a vital part of this city’s development, for the last 20 years and for many years to come. “I would like to thank all the people that are working for CPI,” concludes Colville of those that helped CPI on the path to success, “in addition to our repeat clients and core clients that we work with on a continual basis.”
Congratulations to CPI Construction on their 20 Year Anniversary!
17229 103 Ave NW Edmonton, AB T5S 1J4 (780) 436-2174 www.cpiconstruction.ca
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CPI CONSTRUCTION.
CONGRATS ON
YEARS OF SUCCESS!
Congratulations
CPI Construction on 20 Years! We are proud to play a part in your success.
314 Hayes Crescent Acheson, Alberta - T7X 5A4 Phone: (780) 447-1882 • Fax: (780) 962-1967 • www.kichton.com
CPI Construction Ltd.
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