The legacy continues: Progressive Services Ltd. successfully serving B.C. school districts since 1957

By Jillian Mitchell

Neil Charnley poses in front of the Progressive Services Ltd. booth at the 2013 EFMA Conference in Penticton. John Charnley mans the Progressive Services booth at the 2005 EFMA Conference.

For Neil Charnley, every day is a good day. Working at Coquitlam’s 815 Tupper Avenue is enjoyable, thanks to his dedicated colleagues at Progressive Service: Marcia Douglas (reception) and Gary Sword (shipping).

Together, the team of three diligently meets the flooring needs of British Columbia, as they continue the Progres-

Congratulations to the EFMA on their 50th anniversary. sive Service legacy initiated by Norman Ouelette in 1957.

“It’s somewhat of a family business,” says Charnley, who succeeded his father, John, as the business’s third owner in 2012.

Primarily, Progressive Services provides gymnasium floor finishes to many of the province’s school districts, both private and public; however, the company has also earned a reputation for their industrial coatings in the food industry. In addition to application services, the team also offers consultations and training for their clientele.

“We can come out to any [location] in the province and do the work right from

sanding, sealing, lining and finishing,”

Sammy Tong Belimo Americas Western Region Sales Manager 219-6279 Eagles Drive Mississauga Office Tel: 866-805-7089 Vancouver, BC V6T 2K7 Tel: 604-221-6105 Cell: 778-772-6273 Sparks, NV Office sammy.tong@ca.belimo.com Tel: 800-987-9042 www.belimo.ca

Vancouver Location

1385 Odlum Drive Vancouver, BC V5L 3M1 Tel (604) 251-3151 Fax (604) 251-6233 Toll Free 1-800-689-1441 Email: vancouver@castertown.com

Calgary Location

#22 5329 – 72 Avenue S.E. Calgary, AB T2C 4X6 Tel (403) 236-0028 Fax (403) 279-8231 Toll Free 1-800-665-1348 Email: calgary@castertown.com

progressive services joined the educational Facility Managers association of B.c. (eFMa) back in 1972 and has been a proud member ever since.

adds Charnley. “And we will ship to, travel to anywhere in the province.”

Much of their work consists of 100-percent solid epoxy systems and waterborne urethane, though traditional-style varnishes are also offered. A proud accomplishment, Progressive Services was one of the first companies offering water-borne urethane locally and has done so for over 25 years.

“We do a lot with the water-borne urethane, which are low-VOC and environmentally friendly,” he says. “We bring in raw material and we blend our own water-borne urethane; have done so for a long time. We’re probably one of the only ones locally who do small batches to ensure we’ve got fresh materials. We don’t blend until we start to get orders.”

The flooring company joined the Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. (EFMA) back in 1972 and has been a proud member ever since. As Charnley shares, the draw for him is the many networking opportunities provided by the association.

“It’s not just about sales, the bottom line; it’s about building relationships with the delegates, being someone whom they could call upon where they run into situations where they need guidance or advice,” he says. “We’ve built some tremendous relationships.”

As for plans for the future, Charnley assures that Progressive Services will, of course, continue their EFMA involvement while maintaining the top-of-theline service for which they are known.

A high school gymnasium in Burnaby, B.C.

Also on the books is keeping ahead of the curve with new products and new avenues to explore.

“Part of the coatings industry is that it’s constantly changing, particularly with the changes in environmental regulations and standards,” he says. “We’re always looking for new, innovative product – you know, to be able to provide reliable service and a knowledge base and innovative ways of approaching coating situations.” b

PROGRESSIVE SERVICES would like to congratulate EFMA on 50 great years!

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY!

PRO-PAC WBU-450 Water-Bourne Urethane GYM FINISH

Your “GREEN” Choice in British Columbia for Over 25 Years

PROGRESSIVE SERVICES

Coquitlam, B.C.

604-525-1685 or 1-888-922-8845 Fax: 604-525-6693 progressiveservices@telus.net ACCESSIBILITY SOLUTIONS -Vertical Platform Lifts -Inclined Platform Lifts -LULA Elevators -Dumbwaiters -Portable Lifts -Evacuation Chairs -Residential Elevators -Seat Lifts