BUILDING GREEN + ARCHITECTURE
SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION A road less-travelled SPRING 2017
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Non-conformist Gord Pahlbod blazes his own career trail with Superior Construction
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ord Pahlbod is a respected builder of custom homes in the GTA, with a career path that sets him apart from his contemporaries in the construction industry. That difference gives him a professional edge and unique perspective. Pahlbod, Principal with Superior Construction, is well-known as a professionally-trained engineer (University of British Columbia ’91) with an impressive track record building homes, yet
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the construction business was not his first foray into the working world. Prior to his transition from manufacturing to construction, he made his mark as a Senior Manager at Bombardier building GO Transit double deckers in Thunder Bay. “Prior to Bombardier, I had significant experience in manufacturing, since I graduated with an MBA from the Rotman school of business at the University of Toronto in 1995,” Pahlbod says. “My educational background and manufacturing
experience enhance my performance as a home builder. Give me any set of drawings, I can put it together at a low cost. It doesn’t matter how complicated it is.” “It could be a robot, a house, a car or a space ship! I can figure it out; I love challenges and I look for tough projects that keep me awake at night, projects about building things in smart ways.” At one point in his career, he was in charge of all the corporate efforts across seven plants in Canada with Schneider Electric while helping 26 U.S. and Mexican plants to find smarter ways to lower manufacturing costs by re-designing products and assembly procedures. Since transitioning to the custom home building industry in 2005, Pahlbod says he’s incorporated that competitive edge into his daily work mentality. “I have an excellent technical understanding of building sciences and the construction process” he says. “But a good technical background alone is not what our industry needs. The construction industry needs innovative solutions to build beautiful, safer and smarter homes faster at lower costs.” “The client does not often see the effort that has been afforded to build a safe and beautiful home. As an Iron Ring bearer I am obligated to see that the proper techniques of home construction are followed, ensuring the long-term performance of every home we build.” SPRING 2017
Registered with the Tarion new home warranty program since 2005, Pahlbod has been building custom homes in upscale Toronto neighbourhoods as well as in Brampton, Mississauga, East York, Etobicoke, Noth York, Bayview Village, Willowdale and Peterborough. He says, besides offering inhouse custom home design, Superior Construction is now building multi units. His first town house project – currently under construction – is at the prestigious address of Bayview and York Mills. Always reaching, always learning – these are
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traits Pahlbod has carried with him ever since deciding to make the switch from manufacturing to the home construction industry. “I simply started by reading books on building homes and then wrote the builder exam with Tarion, passing with excellent marks,” he recalls. “I was granted a registered builder status right after.” But the career move was not always seamless. “The technical matters were easy to grasp for me as a professionally trained engineer. The issue that was not easy to digest was managing unprofessional trades.
Given the nature of custom home industry the trades are smaller companies some suffering lack of sound quality control procedures and basic management skills. Often, the deadlines are missed and the builder is at the mercy of non-responsive trades. There are some good trades but the number of experienced trades with the proper level of experience is dwindling year over year.“ Over the years, he says, there have been many heartaches and challenges in his dealings with that part of the construction industry.
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“Real professional trades are rare,” he says. “Some start off well, and then fall down miserably. The ones who are keen to learn and better themselves move up the chain and become general contractors or builders themselves.” “So, for me, managing trades is one part of the job that’s a real challenge. We are short on competent trades in the GTA and this continues to be a real issue that needs to be dealt with. I believe the Ontario provincial government needs to give this serious consideration.” That annoyance aside, Pahlbod doesn’t beat around the bush when describing what his business of choice means to him. Pahlbod says, “My brain constantly looks for getting things done in smarter ways,” he adds. “The end result is a beautiful, superior performing home over the long term.” With a wide range of opinions about the state of the construction industry, some of Pahlbod’s thoughts include: - Studying the production process. For instance, we use a commercial water delivery system in my homes to reduce the chances of leaks. - Finding the combination of the heating/cooling system performance (versus insulation versus basement preparation versus house envelope) is critical in making the environment user-friendly and comfortable. - Home automation is another point of focus for me where I introduce the concept to the buyers, hoping they would realize the long-term benefits - Educating the clients on all aspects of home design and construction is a challenge that is necessary to provide the owners the opportunity to make smart decisions in selecting the right combination of materials, finishes and design. - Although each project has its own unique set of requirements, Pahlbod uses a similar approach each time, while always trying to improve the design/construction process. Why Superior Construction? “We have a broad experience in building homes in many municipalities in and around the GTA. The design and build process is the easy part of what we do. The real challenge is in the dealing with the various city authorities, councillors and, often times, demanding neighbours. Our depth of experience in dealing with the various players is the real asset we offer. Design and technical aspects aside, ultimately the better builders are the ones who keep their clients’ interests at heart. That is only possible by being vigilant on all aspects of the design, permit and construction process. The most gratifying experience for us is to hand over the keys to our clients knowing we have employed all our resources and experiences to ensure the beautiful house they are going to live in is built well, really well.” Gord Pahlbod, Principal with Superior Construction
4711 Yonge St., 10th Floor, North York, ON, M2N 6K8 905-805-8883 gord@bahlbod.ca
www.superiorconstruction.ca 4 Green Building + Architecture
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