BUILD Q3 2018

20 Build Q3 2018 productivity, the staff is given a bonus each month (if earned) based on a percentage of our net profit. “The key principles which we adhere to, are that Breslin Con- tracting provides services with the highest quality, performed on budget, completed on time with a strong commitment to safety.” It is no secret that any business will face difficulties along the way, for Breslin Contracting, Tracy touches on just some of the challenges which strengthened their company values. “The challenges that we have had to face is assuring our employees that we will remain a viable company after Pat Breslin passed away. Terry, Mike, and I first had to overcome the grief from the loss of the founders of our company. Some employees speculated that Terry and I, being females, would sell the company, or they speculated the company would fail and go bankrupt. Stopping the rumours and forging on showing that Breslin Contracting is still being profitable strengthened the entire company. Reflecting on Breslin Contracting’s most successful project to date, Tracy notes how difficult it is to pick just one, but instead highlights the most important lessons she has learned through- out the years. Also, Tracy goes into detail about how they ensure the team creates innovative solutions to maintain their success. “What we have learned from all projects is that we have to keep the lines of communication open between the customer and the project manager, as well as between the project manager and the foreman. We developed a construction management system for the foremen in the field so that everything they need is at their fingertips. Keeping emails going between the Project Manager and the customer keeps things on tract. Keeping communication between the PM and the foremen cuts down on inaccurate instructions. “The internet and trade shows have shown new tools out there to make us more competitive by working smarter than harder. Our Operations Manager, Mike Parodi has been in the business for 40 years, and always has good ideas to provide innovative solutions to whatever new problems that may arise. Breslin Contracting is often asked to bid projects that no one else is willing to do. Installing helical piles is a new service that Breslin Contracting provides. Not many companies in this area provide this service” Bringing the interview to a close, Tracy predicts what the future has in store for the industry, as well as how she sees the market changing over the next 12 months. “One thing that has made this industry change, is the lack of additional skilled tradesman. If we ask for applicants, we are lucky to receive two applicants. Anyone worth hiring is already employed. Baby boomers are starting to retire, and there are very few men or women out there to move into their spot. This unfortunate turn of event will drive labour costs up drastically. Locally, there seems to be plenty of construction work out there, but whether the increase in labour costs will cut down on the amount work for the future still has to be seen.” Looking ahead to what the future holds for the firm, Tracy re- veals to us the aspirations that she has for Breslin Contracting. “Moving forward, I would like to see Breslin Contracting, Inc. dabble in real estate development. Breslin Contracting’s officers have not talked about this option just yet, however I feel that real estate development could supply us with work for the men when we are slow, as well as create those relationships with custom- ers that we so need and want.”