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contents
fall 2013 | issue 05
15 industry news
11 Four local finalists
11
Provincial Awards of Excellence announced in Jasper
market overview
13 Reason for optimism
Strong provincial economy buoys home building industry, and vice versa
feature
15 Help wanted
Career opportunities abound in Central Alberta home building industry
show home profiles
22
20 Platinum Homes
Family friendly environment both inside and out
22 Landmark Homes
Affordable, energy efficient and big enough for a growing family
industry events
25 October is reno month
Consumers should look for Renomark certified companies
25
business profile
departments
28 Doormasters
6 Message from the President 30 Getting to know...
Can-do attitude starts at the top
@chbaca1
CHBACA1
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Cover photo: Platinum Homes Photo by Tanya Lee
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message from the executive officer
Parades, people and profiles Everybody loves a parade. And the members of your local Canadian Home Builders Association – Central Alberta region are no exception. That’s why, this year, we’re putting on our Fall Parade of Homes for Red Deer and area residents. This year, we have more than 10 builders, with more than 20 homes, in five different communities participating. Final details weren’t available at press time, so visit www.chbacentralablerta.ca for more information. Something else we are very proud of is the strong showing by several of our members at the recent CHBA – Alberta
CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION – CENTRAL ALBERTA represents professionals in the housing industry. CHBA – Central Alberta has been in existence for over 55 years and is a network of professionals that manages industry issues to provide value to our members. 10, 7895 - 49th Avenue Red Deer, Alberta T4P 2B4 Tel: 403.346.5321 Toll-free: 1.888.346.-5329 Fax: 403.342.1301 Toll-free: 1.877.342.1301 E-mail: eo@chbacentralalberta.ca www.chbaca.ca Denie Olmstead | Executive Officer eo@chbacentralalberta.ca
Awards of Excellence in Jasper. Again, winners hadn’t been announced by press time, but
Joan Butler | Executive Assistant admin@chbacentralalberta.ca
check out the story on page 11 to see who was there representing from Red Deer. And congratulations to all on a job well done! Speaking of jobs, there’s plenty to be had in
a need for people; from trades, to sales
Published by Source Media Group Corp. 207, 5809 Macleod Trail S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9 Tel: 403.532.3101, Fax: 403.532.3109 Toll free: 1.888.932.3101 Email: info@sourcemediagroup.ca www.sourcemediagroup.ca
and marketing staff, to quality suppliers,
Associate Publisher | Jim Zang
the home building industry. With continued growth on the horizon, the need for physical infrastructure isn’t the only challenge facing new community development, there’s also
to professional services. Our feature story
Art Director | Jean Faye Rodriguez
this edition looks at some of the things the industry and various educational partners are doing about it.
Graphic DesignerS | Lama Azhari, Dave Macaulay, Megan Sereda
We also take time out to chat with some current industry workers, including the new President of the CHBA – Central Alberta, Kevin Wilkie, and we meet Gregg Broks of Melcor in our Getting to know segment. Of course new homes are at the core of our business and we’ve got a couple of show home profiles right at the heart of this magazine also, as we visit with Landmark Homes and Platinum Homes. Most homeowners don’t think about things like where their garage door came from. But it had to come from somewhere, and all doors are not created equal. Our business profile on Doormasters is a good example of how quality suppliers play such an
Production Co-ordinator | Colleen Leier contributors | John Burnham, Tess Flewelling, Tanya Lee, Michelle Lindstrom, Tanis Reid, Daniel White Accounting | Donna Roberts director of sales | Norma Robertson norma.robertson@sourcemediagroup.ca advertising sales | Andrea Rinkel andrea.rinkel@sourcemediagroup.ca
important role in providing the finished product, your new home.
Sincerely,
Denie Olmstead Executive Officer CHBA – Central Alberta
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Copyright 2013 by Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publishers. Source Media Group Corp. agrees to advertise on behalf of the advertiser without responsibility for claims or misinformation made by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medium. Source Media Group Corp reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. Central Alberta Homes is published quarterly and is distributed to every member of the Canadian Home Builers’ Association – Central Alberta, as well as on free stands throughout the region. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Source Media Group Corp., 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0J9. Publication Agreement # 41072011
message from the president
CHBA – CA priorities remain communications and community
T
he economy in Central Alberta is growing strong and the industry is getting busy again, after a slight slowdown. We continue to see a large amount of new construction in all areas, including single family, multi-family, acreages and commercial projects. I am excited for my term as President with the CHBA – CA for a multitude of reasons, including being the one who can help maintain the voice of the home building industry. I will strive to help the association keep open communications with our community on the services we offer and to continue supporting our members. Last year we introduced the Central Alberta Homes magazine, the Central Alberta Construction (Business) Expo and social media programs. I am excited to watch those programs continue to grow. My personal mandate is improving board orientation, to keep our volunteers accountable to their commitments and promote a team atmosphere. I will also strive to maintain open communications with local developers and the municipalities regarding future developments. I see some challenges Central Alberta will face over the coming years. At the top of that list is the ability to keep up with the heavy demand during the labour shortages we seem to be facing in this industry. As the home building industry continues to grow, another challenge will be keeping our members engaged in a time where they have less time to volunteer. I am thankful for all the
members who can take time out of their busy schedules to volunteer with the organization. We have many big events over the coming year, including the CHBA Awards and Presidents Gala, Red Deer Home Show, Charity Golf Tournament and much more. It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome new legislation from the Alberta Government regarding mandatory warranty on New Homes. The Home Buyer Protection Act comes into effect Fall 2013 and will require builders to include certain minimums in their warranty programs. In closing, I am honoured to be President this year for the CHBA – CA and look forward to working with all the members and volunteers that make this organization so great. I also look forward to meeting and working with more of our members throughout my term. With our outstanding home builders, trades and suppliers, I believe there is no better place to build a home than in Central Alberta.
Kevin Wilkie President, CHBA – Central Alberta
Kevin Wilkie was born and raised in Calgary and came to Red Deer to attend RDC in 1996, where he stayed to continue his career in New Home Sales. For the past two years he has been Vice President of Sales at True-Line Homes. Kevin has been actively involved with the CHBA – CA for three years and has many fond memories of working in this industry that has allowed him to meet many outstanding people.
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industry news
Four local finalists Provincial Awards of Excellence announced in Jasper
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he Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Alberta (CHBA – Alberta) announced the finalists for the 2013 CHBA – Alberta Awards of Excellence in Housing in late July and a handful of CHBA – Central Alberta members were among the chosen few. Congratulations to all of the finalists (see list at right), especially Platinum Homes, who won their category and grace this edition’s front cover. The CHBA – Alberta Awards of Excellence in Housing, presented by RBC Royal Bank, honoured the top builders and renovators from across the province during a special ceremony on
September 13 at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge as part of the BUILD 2013 CHBA – Alberta Conference. An exciting addition this year was the expanded Builder of the Year Awards, with the outstanding accomplishments of builders in the large-volume, small-volume and multi-family categories each being recognized by a separate award. CHBA – Alberta presented additional awards in the single-family, multi-family and renovation categories and added an award for community/development. (Editor’s note: winners had not been announced as of press time. For a full list of winners visit www.chbaalberta.ca)
CHBA – Central Alberta finalists included the following: n Estate Home Over $1,500,000 Bowood Homes , Birchcliff Retreat n Multi-family Townhome or Duplex Under $300,000 Sorento Custom Homes, Marcelo n Renovation $200,000 $500,000 Platinum Homes & Developments, Goranson Residence n Safety Leadership Awards Bruin’s Plumbing & Heating
Platinum Homes & Developments Goranson Residence
Top: Bowood Homes - Birchcliff Retreat Bottom: Sorento Custom Homes - Marcelo
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market overview
Reason for optimism Strong provincial economy buoys home building industry, and vice versa By M ichelle L i n dstrom
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entral Alberta is benefiting from the province’s growth in wages, employment, migration numbers and construction projects. Régine Durand, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) market analyst for the prairies and territories region, says the outlook for the province, and Central Alberta specifically, is optimistic. A statistic to gauge a prediction on, is housing starts, which Durand says for Red Deer City is at 450 this year — up 24 per cent from last year’s numbers. Surrounding areas are not seeing the positive numbers though: Sylvan Lake has seen a 20 per cent decrease in housing starts since last year and Mountain View County’s starts dropped 48 per cent, year over year. “We’re predicting a 21 per cent growth in housing starts this year in Red Deer City and a four per cent gain for next year, meaning we’ll be close to 700 new homes
for this year,” she says. The strong migration patterns into the city — five per cent of Alberta’s 86,000 people last year — support new home construction on the supply side, creating less competition in resale supply. “New home construction strongly reacts to what’s happening in the competitive resale supply,” Durand says. When looking at total employment in Red Deer City, Durand says the numbers are close to 58,000 people who are employed now compared to 53,000 last year. She adds that there were 4,500 new jobs created over the last year, enabling more people to buy homes. Wages, another factor that directly affects the construction industry, have increased six per cent in the province since last year’s numbers. Alberta’s average weekly earnings, year-to-date up to July is $1,161.
Preliminary Housing Starts in Central Alberta January – July 2013 Location
Single-Detached
Multi-Family
Total
2013
2012
% Change
2013
2012
% Change
2013
2012
% Change
13
34
-62
8
20
-60
21
54
-61
Clearwater County
35
15
–
0
0
–
35
15
–
Lacombe CA
39
32
22
14
100
-86
53
132
-60
Lacombe County
28
12
–
0
0
–
28
12
–
Mountain View County
16
31
-48
0
0
–
16
31
-48
Camrose CA
232
192
21
218
171
27
450
363
24
Red Deer County
39
60
-35
8
8
0
47
68
-31
Sylvan Lake
69
53
30
14
51
-73
83
104
-20
471
429
10
262
350
-25
733
779
-6
Red Deer City
Central Alberta
The optimism continues with various upcoming projects in Central Alberta. Durand notes there is $1.5 billion in the budget for construction projects across all of Central Alberta spanning over a variety of sectors, such as power, infrastructure and oil and gas. A few specific examples include the $204-million Four Stage Transmission Upgrade by AltaLink Management Ltd, $100-million Sports Centre by Red Deer College and $80-million Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade by the City of Red Deer.
Big Business Residential construction is big business in Alberta. How big? $15.1 billion a year big. In fact, according to CHBA – Alberta, every 22 minutes work begins on a new home somewhere in Alberta. The financial figure comes from new research conducted by Will Dunning Inc. showing Alberta builders and renovators completed more than $15 billion in work last year, employing 48,000 workers directly and another 44,000 indirectly. Wages paid totaled more than $5.7 billion. That makes the home building industry a key player in Alberta’s economy. Consider that in 2011 shipments of Alberta agrifoods were worth $12.2 billion and forest products $4 billion, while the machinery and metal fabrication sector generated revenues of $13.7 billion. Residential construction beats them all.
Source: CMHC
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feature
Help wanted Career opportunities abound in Central Alberta home building industry by Ta n is R eid
I
f you are looking for a career that is interesting and rewarding, you need not look any further than the home building industry. People in this industry, such as Troy Walker, Laebon Homes’ construction manager, and Marty Toews, project manager for Laebon Homes, describe the home building industry as dynamic, everchanging and fun. “It’s not boring,” says Toews. “It’s a rewarding job because at the end of the day you can see what happened, what got accomplished and look at what you personally have accomplished throughout the day. Plus there’s lots of new challenges every day with new products and new designs, new building codes and lots of challenges every day.” Whether you are into concrete, framing, plumbing, drywalling, roofing, siding or electrical work there are plenty of places to find your niche in this industry. “Find what works for you,” suggests Walker. “With trades, you can pick any one and you’ll have a job because tradesmen are always needed. The possibilities are endless.” Walker also advises to try different positions until you find what works for you. “It doesn’t hurt to go and try something for a little bit to see what works for you. If you hate doing it then you are wasting your time and everyone else’s.”
Sometimes there is the also the possibility of being a labourer where you can start with a home builder and just be the person who runs around and does odds and ends and figure out where you would like to go from there. However, it is an asset to be able to run equipment and handle tools right off the bat. The home building industry is not only a lucrative industry for adults, but for young adults as well. Mike VanLanduyt, CTS Instructor at Notre Dame High School in Red Deer, who is a journeyman
“… at the end of the day you can see what happened, what got accomplished and look at what you personally have accomplished throughout the day.”
carpenter by trade, started a program at his school called Building Opportunities. Building Opportunities is a 15 credit course for grade 11 and 12 students who work together to get hands on experience constructing a building. The students work from September until Christmas building a house and then after Christmas they have a few weeks to do module work on blueprint reading and to learn job skills such as interview skills. This program opens doors for students to the wonderful world of home building. Students who have graduated from this program have had placements including foundation contractors, framing crews, electricians, plumbers, tile setters and material suppliers. “My hope is that at the end of this program these students would start on an apprenticeship,” says VanLanduyt. “I
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feature
“A trade starts you off on your journey. You get your trade ticket first and do what you want to do with it. It gives you opportunities to do something.” hope that the employer would recognize the time that the student has spent with us towards their apprenticeship hours. Hopefully [the employer] will look at what we have done, as far as our house, and sees that it links with his trade, that the student has transferable skills like measuring and general job attitude skills.” A testament to the growth and vitality of the home building industry is that Notre Dame students have just finished their ninth house and every student who has wanted to be involved has been able to find work. “I think that that will continue,” says VanLanduyt. “The demographic of tradesmen generally is that new tradesmen are needed all the time. Projects in Central
Troy Walker 16
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Alberta seem to be strong.” VanLanduyt likes to see his students entering the construction industry because he thinks that “the construction industry has a lot to offer, the opportunities are certainly there. To me it’s a really solid foundation for a career.” Some people think that, for both students and adults, a job in the home building industry is a good trade to fall back on, however, VanLanduyt sees things much differently. “When it comes to this whole idea that a trade is something to fall back on I actually think that it’s the complete opposite. A trade starts you off on your journey. You get your trade ticket first and do what you want to do with it. It gives you
Mike VanLanduyt opportunities to do something. “It’s not something that people are falling back on, they are taking off from there.” People in Central Alberta who are
feature
Alberta Builder Connect
Website provides link for job seekers, employers
looking to take on a trade in the home building industry are lucky to be situated among a few schools that offer great training in the trades; Red Deer College (RDC), Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). According to RDC, their apprenticeship training is a career option that involves both classroom and on-the-job training. RDC offers training in 16 trades including some relating to home building. NAIT’s School of Trades offers training in 35 program areas leading to journeyman certification certificate or diploma credentials. NAIT boasts that their programs align with the knowledge and skills business and industry look for in graduates and that their instructors are certified, experienced and competent in their specific teaching discipline and are exceptional teachers and mentors. SAIT says that they are renowned for providing first-class training in a variety of trades. Whether you’re a registered apprentice, or are looking to become one, they have a program for you. Not only is this industry attractive when it comes to being a fulfilling and ever-
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Alberta has a website called Alberta Builder Connect, which is a place where members can post jobs specific to the local home building industry. A career in the residential construction industry can mean many different things including working as an Architectural Technologist, Marketing Manager, Sales Professional, or possibly a Site Superintendent. The entire job search database is easily accessible. Simply search by keyword or by category and see all the recent jobs posted in Alberta. You can also learn more about popular career paths in the residential construction industry and access valuable resources on resume writing and interview strategies to help you with your career search. Visit www.albertabuilderconnect.com for more information.
changing job, the financial compensation can be lucrative as well. “Financial compensation differs so much in this industry based on the experience that you have,” says Walker. Whether you are looking into the home building industry for fun, a sense of
accomplishment or to bring home the bacon it is nice to know that first and foremost there is always going to be a need for this line of work. It is not a trend. People are always going to need homes and you could be the person to provide for this need.
Whether you are looking into the home building industry for fun, a sense of accomplishment or to bring home the bacon it is nice to know that first and foremost there is always going to be a need for this line of work.
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show home profile
Platinum Homes Family friendly environment both inside and out S TO RY By T ess F le w elli n g | Photos by Tanya Lee
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inding green space in any sprawling city can be a challenge especially when you are trying to pair it with the perfect home. Platinum Homes has made your search complete. Located at # 7 Sagewood Close in Red Deer’s family friendly Southbrook neighbourhood, a character-rich, familyfocused home is yours to discover. Built off the beaten path with minimal traffic, this show home has access to bike trails, walking trails, playgrounds and natural green space including a winding creek located just outside your door. With a wide range of middle and high schools nearby to choose from ensures your children are set
up for success. Several different parks are spread all around this location including one just up the street emphasizing an active lifestyle. A quick 10 minute walk up the path will connect you with Red Deer’s most popular mall. If you thought the location was the best part wait until you walk inside. This five bedroom, four bath home features a home automation system with the capability of handling a security monitoring system along with a custom made outdoor fireplace. With 2,420 square-feet of living space, and a well landscaped backyard this home is designed to grow with your family big or small.
This home includes street parking along with a three car garage. Professionally decorated throughout this home includes custom locker style cabinets in the mud room which bring a whole new meaning to the word organized. Just past the half bathroom and the spacious pantry brings you to the breathtaking kitchen. With a built in wine cooler, upright fridge and freezer and the granite countertops brings a sophisticated personality to the kitchen. With the dining room table just off to the right of the kitchen and the double patio doors, this home will make entertaining a breeze. 20
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The main living room connected to the kitchen allows for a smart open space that I sure to bring everyone together. A brightly lit office just down the hall emphasizes the clever design of the home. Two bedrooms and the master bedroom are located upstairs and an additional two bedrooms downstairs this home will fit your needs no matter what your children’s age. The upstairs laundry allows you to make the most of your time with a high efficiency washer and dryer, this home also offers tons of storage space. The master bedroom exhibits vaulted ceilings, large windows and a completely custom bathroom. A double vanity, soaker tub and stand up tile shower highlight this bathroom along with a beautifully organized walk in closet. This character rich home will have you itching to move in within no time. The full nine-foot ceilings and wide stairs down in the basement accented with extra-large windows and
show home profile
This five bedroom, four bath home features a home automation system with the capability of handling a security monitoring system along with a custom made outdoor fireplace. in-floor heating make this feel like anything but a basement. Along with two bedrooms the downstairs also includes a full bathroom. Platinum Homes prides itself on building high efficiency, comfortable homes. This award winning builder is ready to help you create your fully custom dream home, with two full time professional designers on staff to assist you with every little detail from tile, carpeting, to picking out samples at your local supplier. Also on hand is an in-house architectural designer walking you through every step of your home building
experience. With their unique approach to home building they offer different floor plans to work from or you can completely customize your home room to room. New developments include lots in Blackfalds, Sylvan Lake and Lacombe. Whether you are looking for a new custom home on your existing property or looking to build on new lot they are ready to make your dream house a reality. This custom home with all of its beautiful custom cabinets and efficient design comes in at $840,000, and is open for viewing from 12 - 5 p.m. every day except Wednesday.
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show home profile
Landmark Homes Affordable, energy efficient and big enough for a growing family By T ess F le w elli n g
W
hether you are a first time home buyer, or looking for a bigger home to accommodate your growing family, Landmark Homes has the perfect home for you. Having been building homes for 36 years and spending seven of those years building in Red Deer, Landmark Homes has years of experience to bring you exactly the features you are looking for in your semi-custom home. Their newest show home, located at 100 Timberstone Way, exhibits sleek sophisticated style while including over a dozen energy efficient features. Nestled among natural green space and winding trails this home includes all the necessities for active living. Several schools and playgrounds are located close by along with a newly built market square, plans have also been put in place for a large soccer field and playground facilities just down the street from this home. This show home is only a 10 minute drive to downtown Red Deer, making it
The white granite countertops, custom lighting and stainless steel double sink in the island make for a very lasting impression. 22 
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ideal for a working family. Landmark Homes Madrid show home is a four bedroom with two and a half bathrooms and 2,330 square-feet of living space, along with an attached double garage. The main floor of the home is designed with families in mind; the walk through pantry and main floor laundry, not to mention the separate office space, efficiently makes use of every inch. The kitchen hosts upgraded cabinets and hardwood floors and a beautiful tile surround for the entire kitchen. The white granite countertops, custom lighting
and stainless steel double sink in the island make for a very lasting impression. Through the kitchen a pair of patio doors lure you outside to the back porch and yard which is exactly why you would want this for a growing family. Included in the kitchen is also a small dining area. The storage space that is available in this home is wonderfully laid out with full access whenever you should need it. Next to the kitchen is one of two open living spaces in this home which boasts large windows and a cozy fireplace. The upstairs living space is sure to impress,
with a large seating area, lots of floor space and several large windows. The master bedroom located just down the hall has an attached en suite bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub, granite countertops and stand up shower. The walk in closet allows for tons of storage space and great organization. The other three bedrooms varying in size from medium to large built accommodate any size of family. The basement of this home comes unfinished with a roughed in three piece bathroom and a central vacuum system. The high efficiency two-stage furnace and tankless hot water heater are cost saving features as well. The one aspect of this home that makes it very warm are the triple pane windows throughout this home conserving 30-40 per cent more energy than double pane windows. Each bathroom is equipped with low flow showerheads and faucets and high efficiency toilets to save on operating costs. This home has received an Energuide rating of 88 while the industry standard is 76-79, Landmark has remained focused on building green gold homes for
its customers and the hard work has paid off. The base price for the Madrid show home starts at $328,000. There are only six homes left for this Timberstone development, and with Landmark Homes offering some with detached garages as well as attached, and so few left in this development, they are sure to go quickly. “Landmark offers many different floor plans and upgrading packages, it is best to sit down with a customer to define exactly what they are looking for,” says Karen Jackshaw, Area Sales Representative. As the leader in sustainable building research and development Landmark Homes certainly does set the bar high when it comes to building green.
... Landmark Homes certainly does set the bar high when it comes to building green.
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industry events
October is reno month Consumers should look for Renomark certified companies
story By Da n iel White | photo by ta n is reid
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elevision is plastered with different shows about home renovations. Unfortunately, many of these shows tend to express a negative slant on the common home renovator and make the host seem like a hero. Fortunately, the real world isn’t like television and there are actually many skilled home renovators in the industry who are capable of building to code. The trick is in finding them. To help with this, and to put consumers’ minds at ease, the Canadian Home Builders Association has created the Renomark seal. “As contractors we are all aware of the stereotype of our industry,” says Jason Heisler who, with business partner Shane Oro, heads up local company Fresh Renovations. “And, unfortunately, it is not a positive one. Being a Renomark member shows to the general public we do not believe the stereotype perceived is correct and we are here to try to change it.” To be Renomark certified, says Heisler, a renovator has to adhere to a strict code of ethics. As well, in order to meet Renomark standards, the renovator has to offer a twoyear warranty on all of their work. “By hiring a Renomark member to complete your renovation, you are hiring a professional,” says Heisler. Fresh Renovations is based out of Sylvan Lake, but tackles projects all over Central
Jason Heisler of Fresh Renovations Alberta. Heisler himself is a red seal carpenter and also sits as a chair of the CHBA’s renovator council. “As council chair, I organize quarterly meetings with other Renomark members and discuss current conditions of the renovation industry” says Jason. “I also attend quarterly phone conferences with other council chairs from across Alberta to keep up to date on industry happenings.” October is Alberta’s renovation month, and during this time, consumers can expect to see some active promotion on the part of the renovation council. “As a group,” says Heisler, “we are currently working on educating the general
Look for the Renomark logo to know you are hiring a professional.
public on the benefits of hiring a Renomark member.“ The most common renovations are still kitchens and bathrooms. Depending on whom you hire, you may choose from standard packages to completely custom renovations, with the cost of a renovation depending on the size of the house and the materials. That being said, the cost of a standard bathroom renovation sits at approximately $10,000, says Heisler, and a kitchen will cost upwards of $20,000. However, renovations don’t happen in an hour or less as they appear to on television. “A typical bathroom renovation, based on completely gutting the bathroom, takes three or four weeks for completion,” he says, depending on the scope — timelines will vary. “A typical kitchen renovation can take three weeks or more.” A relatively short time to wait for that perfect bathroom or kitchen that you’ll be able to enjoy for years to come.
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business profile
Doormasters
CAN-DO ATTITUDE STARTS AT THE TOP story a n d photos by joh n bur n ham
T
hese days, it takes more than just having a quality product for a company to survive. It also takes quality people, with a commitment to customer service and to community. In the case of Doormasters, all these ingredients have been their recipe for success, allowing them to not just survive, but actually thrive and grow right along with the city. In 1987, Dan Murdock and Audrey Eglisson began supplying overhead doors from a 180-square-foot office staffed by a single employee. By 1992, they had moved into 2,700-square-foot facility. Today, the company occupies over 6,000 square-feet and employs approximately 35 people. They started out with a core business philosophy back then, and they stick to it
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today. Owner Dan Murcock puts it like this: “When somebody asks us to do something, we don’t like to say no; we’ll do our best to get as close to it as we can.” This willingness to accommodate — to really listen to the customer — has resulted in the development of some unique overhead door systems: doors that fit in curved walls, doors that let light through, doors that will operate much faster than any conventional door on the market. In fact, in some cases, satisfying a single customer’s need has resulted in the development of a whole new product line. The other key to their success is their attitude toward after-sale service. “Warranty is never over,” states Dan. The industry standard warranty for products like this is one year and then the customer is on their own,
Linda Giugovaz
Jerry Bouvette
Kelly Couttes
Shanice Shalkey
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he says. “But I wouldn’t want to pull that one-year warranty on you and then have to sit beside you at a hockey game.” Because for Dan and the rest of the Doormasters crew it’s about much more than just business. It’s about community. A sense of community that is tangibly expressed not just in their commitment to quality, but also by financial support of several local initiatives. For example, they have supported Red Deer’s Olympic bronze medalist skier Deidra Dionne throughout her career, with a percentage of Sunshine Door sales going directly to her. They also support Special Olympics, and numerous other charities and events. Their commitment to community service goes beyond just giving money, however. Actions speak louder than words, and Doormasters leads by example. Like partnering with the provincial correctional authorities in a pilot program to reintroduce persons who had served their time back into society — this program proved so successful that 20 other businesses are now participating. Doormasters likes to play a hands-on role in making Red Deer’s streets more beautiful. The growing popularity of home designs that feature front garages has made overhead doors a major component of the visual impact and curb appeal of a home. Doormasters understands this perfectly. They provide overhead doors of whatever material and design are required to enhance the beauty and value of the structure. They will even consider the design of other overhead doors on the street to insure that the door they are designing is not only unique but complements whatever else near. And they’re not afraid to step outside
business profile
Doormaskers occupies over 6,000 square-feet and employs approximately 35 people.
their comfort zone to satisfy a customer’s requirements. Recently, an automotive dealership wanted to move their service writing area inside. The idea was that the customer would drive up, the door would open, and he or she could pull into a warm bay where business could be discussed in comfortable surroundings. It was a great idea, but opening a conventional overhead door during Alberta winters presented a problem. The cold air admitted would freeze everybody out before you could get it closed again. Fortunately, the people who supply Doormasters with openers also have a “can-do” attitude. They designed an opener that starts and stops slowly while providing rapid travel for most of the cycle. Doors equipped with them open and close in a flash. Whether they are actually equal to the winters around here remains to be seen. But, one thing is for certain: If — for any reason — they are not, Doormasters will be in there, working until they are.”
Danielle Davis (left) and Brian Haberman
Speed of Light Door
“When somebody asks us to do something, we don’t like to say no; we’ll do our best to get as close to it as we can.”
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getting to know…
Gregg Broks CHBA – Central Alberta Region Board of Directors
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s Melcor’s Senior Development Manager in the Red Deer Region, Gregg Broks is used to multitasking. “I manage the active land development projects for Melcor in Central Alberta, including Red Deer, Sylvan Lake and Penhold,” he says. This involves overseeing the planning, engineering and construction processes from green field through to registration of titled lots in a new community. “I also provide customer service for the builders who build new homes in the community. More and more my job is dedicated on creating the amenities in the neighbourhood that form the character and uniqueness of each new community. I like that Melcor is very focused on being innovative and leading the industry in terms of quality development and value.” He’s also currently the chair of the local chapter of the Urban Development Institute and on the Board of Directors of the CHBA – Central Alberta Region, acting as a liaison between the groups. His background is Civil Engineering, he studied at U of A, and his dad was a Civil Engineer. His mom was a teacher, and Gregg obviously picked up some qualities of both. But where his multitasking skills really come in handy, he says, is at home, where Gregg and wife Billie are the proud parents of three active children between the ages of four and seven. “When we met, I was living in Edmonton and she was living in Calgary. Neither of
us were willing to move to each other’s respective cities, so we met in the middle. We were both happy to move to a smaller community to raise a family. “I love soccer,” he says. “If I could find time to play year round I would, but parenting and coaching my children’s soccer teams has taken priority in the last few years. I also like to be in the water, wind surfing or lounging down a river on a floatie. We also enjoy camping in the many amazing campgrounds in Central Alberta.” “I am passionate about being involved in my community,” says Gregg. “I chair the Junior Achievement Rural Leadership Council, where the goal is to inspire and educate young Albertans to succeed in the global economy and develop
“Infrastructure and planning need to be the focus of municipalities to allow new communities to be built.” 30
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entrepreneurial, financial literacy and leadership skills. I also sit on my kids’ school council and the Multiplex Redevelopment Task Force in Sylvan Lake.” As for the home building industry, the biggest local issue, he says, is going to be keeping up with the demand for new housing, especially in Red Deer. “Infrastructure and planning need to be the focus of municipalities to allow new communities to be built.” As affordability slips away for many home buyers in larger centres, he says, “consumers still speak with their feet, moving to suburbs/smaller centers in order to attain the single family home of their dreams. We’ve even seen this within Central Alberta, where the communities surrounding Red Deer are growing at twice the pace of Red Deer itself.” There will be cycles, he says, but as cities focus on higher density and the costs to service new lots increase, so too will the cost of becoming a home owner. “We are lucky in Central Alberta to have an abundance of opportunity to build new communities and an industry that delivers exceptional products.”