CAEJ_WBS

Summer 2009

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WBS CONSTRUCTION Delivering Dreams THE MAGAZINE FOR CONSTRUCTION EXECUTIVES

WBS Construction

Delivering Dreams Produced by Cathleen Sachs & Written by Shelley Seyler When you have plans for a construction project and quotes come back too high, who do you call? WBS Construction.

Founded in 1981, WBS Construction, also known as Winkler Building Supplies Ltd., is managed and operated by brothers,

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Canadian Executive Journal

Summer Edition 2009

Alvin and Harv Thiessen. Headquartered in Winkler, Manitoba and completing projects throughout Southern Manitoba, the company operates with 35 employees and annual revenue of approximately $20 million, providing services for the commercial, residential, and industrial sectors.

Giving the Dream Shape Building begins with a vision for something better; WBS carries the vision until it becomes a reality. President Alvin Thiessen talks about one of the company’s major goals saying they take pride in, “taking a project that’s over budget and turning it into something that’s financially

See

Triple L Excavating for all your

excavating needs:

Dig basements Sewer & water installation Mainline sewer & water Septic tank & fields Directional Drilling Dump truck service Trenching – municipal & residential Snow removal & hauling Any commercial & residential excavating needs Free estimates

Ph. 204.325.7645 Fax. 204.325.5767

triplel@mts.net 420 George Ave., Box 852, Winkler, Manitoba R6W 4A9

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possible.

“We are a builder that goes beyond hammers. We look at ourselves as skill and information technologists. We take the information that is on a blue print and transfer that from paper to experts and subcontractors, and the result is a building,” he continues.

WBS can provide the cost efficiency and works closely with, as Thiessen eloquently states, the “architects who capture the dream and engineers who give the dream structure.”

How do they do this, you may ask? WBS sits down with subcontractors and architects to make a given project a viable goal. “We are the experts on what is efficient in the building process,” Thiessen says proudly.

WBS has managed and built projects that range in size from 1,000 square feet to 100,000 square feet for projects including financial centers, high-rise apartments, car dealerships, churches, educational institutions, large-scale residential developments, bridges, and residences.

For those clients who are already equipped with plans that meet required timelines and budgets, WBS can also provide general contracting services including estimating, arranging of insurance and bonding, regulating health and safety, warranties, and coordination and management of the labor required for the project.

In addition, the company offers top-notch construction planning services for companies that are in the initial stages of the construction process. WBS has the ability to balance the needs of a client’s budget, layout, and quality requirements.

Perfect Examples In the surrounding community of WBS, clients from the local library to the fire hall turned to the company when they received bids well above their budgets. WBS was able to amend the plans and bring their dreams to fruition. “We went through those projects from top to bottom, worked out the inefficiencies, and retained the visual that the architect put into the project,” says Thiessen.

Triple L Excavating

is “good at everything,” jokes President Bob Letkeman, son of Triple L’s founder. Bob and his brother, Rick, joined the family-run company in 1986 after their father, John, had a heart attack and needed their assistance to run the company, making it their mission to keep it in the family. They made it through its dawning days with just one backhoe, a drott, and one truck.

Founded in 1991, Triple L Excavating eventually upgraded to two backhoes, a drott, and one truck, the equipment that carried the company through the next several years.

Headquartered in Winkler, Manitoba, Triple L works within a 100-mile radius of its office and serves the municipal, commercial, and residential sectors of southern Manitoba. From digging basements to completing sewer and water lines, commercial lines, directional drilling municipal water lines, and trenching, Triple L can do it all.

In 1998, Rick and Bob’s father passed away, leaving the company in the capable hands of his two sons. At this time, the brothers bought another truck and upgraded from a backhoe to a trackhoe. Keeping Triple L’s niche static, the brothers continued with the same type of work but added three trackhoes and four trucks.

For residential customers, Triple L can dig basements and assist with septic tank requirements. The company can also complete city and water repairs for local cities.

Triple L is certified to complete septic systems and also holds an in-house safety program to ensure the safety of its employees.

Although “dirt hauling has a lot of competition” as Bob puts it, Triple L’s works closely with WBS which has helped it stay ahead of the curve. With WBS, Triple L has completed septic tank installations for houses in the country as well as sewer systems in cities. Thankful for this partnership, the company is equipped to continue its services, proudly, alongside WBS.

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Winter Edition 2009

Winkler FLOOR FASHIONS LTD. Cloverdale Paint Authorized Dealer

Where beautiful floors begin...

Store Hours: Mon - Fri 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Sat 9:00 am - 12 noon

30 Years 1979 - 2009

WINKLER FLOOR FASHIONS is a full service flooring store offering complete installation on all their products.

Celebrating our 30th Anniversary

There is a complete selection of quality floor and window coverings including hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, vinyl flooring and carpet.

(204)325-8941

855 Memorial Drive, Winkler, Manitoba

Come see us today!

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Realstone Masonry Ltd. All Types of Masonry

Phone: 204.362.0890

Fax: 204.325.7231 Box 2534, Winkler, MB R6W 4C2 We have enjoyed many project partnerships with WBS Construction and wish them well for the future!

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Let our experienced millwork team provide you with excellence in workmanship and service for your next custom commercial or institutional project

204.325.4595 Fax: 204.325.4595

595 George Ave., Winkler, MB R6W 4B9 P.O. Box 2218, Winkler, MB R6W 4B9

raychark@mts.net

WBS also completed work for a kitchen cabinet manufacturer.

A building with ultra-modern appeal, this project had an open web truss ceiling design such as those that are hidden in many commercial applications. The concrete hallways were brushed with a clear sealant that gives the floor an unfinished look; the benefit being a modern looking floor that requires very little maintenance.

“When you look at the building some would say, ‘you never finished that building!’ but the owners wanted their employees to walk into work every day and see that they are cutting edge,” says Thiessen.

WBS also converted a 100-year-old church into a concert hall.

Starting with a gothic-themed façade of stained windows and a peaked top, WBS, together with the architect, saved what they could of the original structure, especially, the acoustics.

Border View Electric Ltd.

For all your electrical, contracting, retail, residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial needs in the Winkler Area.

204.325.5729 F x:: 204 Fa 04.3 . 25 .3 25.9 .996 966 6

Box 902, Winkler MB R6W 4A9

The city purchased the building and contracted WBS to add a lobby, a new set of stairs, and enlarge the stage to span an entire end of the building. When complete, the building became a 520-seat concert hall.

Inside the Success As technology has advanced, so has the ability to improve project efficiency and WBS is taking advantage of some of the latest software that allows the company to streamline its already smooth-running processes. The architects and subcontractors who WBS partners with use CAD for estimating and designing which allows for an intricate look at each level of a given project.

“As we re-work projects, we can see the details that make sense to change. The architect can send the building

“

Thank Thank you you for for the the partnership partnership WBS. WBS. We are looking forward We are looking forward to to building building for you you in in the the future!” future!” for

Specializing in stud and post frames structures, Commercial and Agriculture

Johan’s Construction R.R. #2, #2, Box Box 63 63 R.R. Carman, Carman, Manitoba Manitoba R0G R0G 0J0 0J0

204.745.7628

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electronically, work with CAD and trade information back and forth, down until we all know each detail of the project,” explains Thiessen.

FEHR GLASS has been in business for 35 years, supplying and installing high quality commercial entrances, windows & curtainwall.

We have been associated with WBS Construction in regard to their building projects for many years and appreciate the opportunity to work with their supervisors as well as many other staff members who are involved in the projects.

Our goal will be to continue to provide them with high quality products and on time service.

FEHR GLASS

Commercial Aluminum Storefronts Windows & Curtainwall Safety Glass & Specialty Glazing

204.822.5423

15 Thornhill Ave Morden, Manitoba R6M 1P4

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WBS also elevates the importance of safety and takes part in the COR safety program, a requirement for companies if they want to complete government projects. Being COR certified means that the company complies with rigorous requirements and is inspected regularly. Employees are tested on their knowledge and there are committee meetings on job sites to manage safety on each job. With the company’s in house safety coordinator, the equipment and ladders are also tested.

Ever at the ready, WBS brings in new employees before it direly needs them. Relying mainly on word-of-mouth recommendations, the company also holds a graduate recruitment program with Red River Community College.

With many of the company’s original employees working for WBS, Thiessen says they are planning now for the days when these key components will no longer be with the company.

“I like to call it ‘mirror employees,” says Thiessen referring to

Operating since 1973, Winkler Concrete started with 3 trucks and a loader. In the 2008 season, Winkler has employed a total of 28 employees with 17 concrete mixer trucks and added services of concrete pumping and foundation drilling. Also, since 2002 they have added a second concrete plant site operating under Valley concrete Ltd. Being a family business, started by Abe Wiebe Sr. and joined by Abe Wiebe Jr a few years later, they have since today added 2 grandsons making it three generations of success. su

built on

trust. positioned for growth.

Construction Insurance and Contract Bonding Experts

204.325.8852

Box 610, Winkler MB R6W 4A8 WBS Construction has always tried to maintain a strong working relationship and has always to date involved us in all their construction projects. We feel that they have had a part in our success.

www.rangerinsurance.ca

We would like to wish them success and the best in the future.

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Plastering with Distinction & Entegrity Tel: 204-388-6499 Fax:204-388-6999 Box 1168, Niverville, Manitoba, R0A 2G0 General Manager: Dan Harder

IN-EX Plastering & Stucco

the company’s mentor program. Anticipating that it can take “20 years to make a leader,” WBS is starting now with the next generation, partnering new with experienced to create this leadership from the ground up.

Nestled in its niche in Manitoba, WBS has remained somewhat sheltered from the economic slowdown. “We are not carrying on as briskly as we were but we should have a solid average year. We don’t get high spikes in Manitoba because we don’t get low lows,” he says.

Moving forward, WBS plans to maintain its dream-delivering niche while continuing its commitment to design. “We will continue to help achieve unique buildings,” says Thiessen simply.

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Plumbing Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Central Vacuum Systems Hydraunics Heat Pumps

204-325-7591 Fax 204-325-2213

329 Manitoba Road P.O. Box 521 Winkler MB R6W 4A7

WBS is truly one-of-a-kind, rescuing jobs by taking a vision or a dream and making it a tangible reality in the form of a building.

COMPANY AT A GLANCE Established : 1981 Employees : 35 Presidents : Alvin Thiessen Harv Thiessen

www.wbsconstruction.com

204-325-9133

We value the working relationship we have with companies such as W.B.S. Construction.

We congratulate them on their successes & the subsequent awards that their hard work has brought to them. We look forward to more mutually successful projects in the future.

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Summer 2009

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WBS Construction 300-570 Centennial St. Winkler, MB R6W 1J4 Canada