ROLE

Chief Financial Officer, Red Deer

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING PART OF THE SCOTT BUILDERS TEAM?

I’m proud to be part of this incredible team. The structure and trust we have built within the team allows me to take ownership of my work and make a real difference within the company. I value the SBI culture, which is focused on building strong relationships both internally and externally. For me, this is essential in any workplace, and it’s what makes Scott Builders stand out. The core values of the organization align with my personal beliefs which makes it easy for me to invest my time and energy into the company, knowing that I am part of a relationship-focused organization that truly cares about its people.

WHAT INITIALLY DREW YOU TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY & WHAT MADE YOU STAY?

What drew me to the construction industry was the depth and level of complexity. Before joining Scott Builders, I came from public practice accounting where there is breadth in what you see but not much depth. I was looking for something different, and the construction industry offered just that. It is constantly evolving, and each project brings with it new challenges that need to be overcome. For me, that’s what makes it so rewarding. I enjoy tackling these challenges head-on and finding creative solutions to problems. It gives me a sense of reward every day to know that I’m making a difference in the industry and contributing to the success of the company.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT HARD AT WORK, WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?

I am a proud father of two young boys. My wife and I love spending time together with our boys and supporting them in their extracurricular activities. I also enjoy taking our family dog, a Shiba Inu named Yoshi, for a few walks a day – it’s a great way to unwind and get some fresh air. During the winter months, I love to ski – it’s a great way to stay active and enjoy our beautiful Canadian winters from the top of a mountain peak.

SOMEONE YOU ADMIRE? (OR YOUR HERO)

Leadership qualities and truth-speaking ability are traits I value in a person, not only in a company setting but also in personal relationships. Being a strong leader means guiding and inspiring others, while speaking the truth builds trust and healthy relationships. These traits are fundamental to leading a fulfilling and successful life.

WORDS YOU LIVE BY: (FAVOURITE QUOTE OR LIFE PHILOSOPHY)

“Treat people the way you would like to be treated.” and “Do the right thing.”.  These words resonate with me personally and I see them built into the core values at Scott Builders.

ROLE

President & CEO, Red Deer

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING PART OF THE SCOTT BUILDERS TEAM?

I love the people we have and the people that we attract to join us. We do business a certain way and that attracts people with high integrity, strong safety and quality values, and a big commitment to our communities. By leaning into our values I’ve found each member of our team comes to the table aligned and ready to work together collaboratively.

WHAT INITIALLY DREW YOU TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY & WHAT MADE YOU STAY?

While in university I worked at a local Edmonton construction company over the summer and really enjoyed the work. Once I graduated my fiancé (now wife) was offered a teaching job in the Red Deer area. I printed off copies of my resume and hit the pavement, going door to door at local construction and engineering companies in Red Deer. I walked into Scott Builders and asked at reception if I could drop off a resume. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was speaking with one of the four owners of the company, Phyllis Ward.

I had no idea who I was talking to, but must have made enough of an impression as she sat me in a conference room and set me up with an interview with Scot Rutherford. After a follow-up interview with one of the other owners, Ralph Ward, I had a start as a project manager. In 2004 Scot and I became part owners of the business. Good thing I was on my best behavior that day when I walked in and talked to Phyllis.

I’ve stayed in construction because I love the opportunity to help companies with exciting problems – their growth. The clients we meet are driving growth in their businesses, they are usually leading with new technology or new strategic initiatives. It is exciting to learn from our clients about how they operate their business, their plans for growth, and how they are successful.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT HARD AT WORK, WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?

When not at work I am usually either playing, coaching, volunteering, or spending time with friends and family. My wife and I love to watch sports, coach, golf, and travel. I volunteer in the community and across the province to give back.

SOMEONE YOU ADMIRE? (OR YOUR HERO)

I have had great mentors at work over the years and connect with many other business leaders through my associations and meetings. My family and extended family and my parents are a great source of pride and admiration. I learn from listening, reading, and watching business, political and other leaders as they share their stories of success and failures. There is always wisdom you can gain from listening and putting yourself in other’s shoes. I firmly believe you don’t get to where you are without help along the way, I have been very fortunate to have great influencers to help me become the man I am today.

WORDS YOU LIVE BY: (FAVOURITE QUOTE OR LIFE PHILOSOPHY)

It’s all the simple things that are difficult to do – most are cliches and none of them are mine. Trust and check, do unto others, be on time, walk the talk, what’s in the way is the way, live your values, start with the end in mind, clean as you go, get back to everyone, etc… It is the difficult to do, yet simple things that make you great. 

ROLE

Architectural Technologist, Calgary

WHAT ARE THE STRENGTHS/SKILLS YOU BRING TO THE TEAM?

I am a versatile and valuable member of the Scott Builders team, bringing expertise in rendering software (Lumion) and graphical renderings, preliminary and technical drawings, and effective collaboration with other architects and leads to ensure client satisfaction.

WHAT DREW YOU INTO ARCHITECTURE?

My passion for architecture began at a young age through playing the popular video game, Sims, where I enjoyed designing and building houses. My father, who took engineering in school, also played a significant role in introducing me to architecture after noticing my love for design. My early exposure to architecture and my innate creativity sparked a passion that has led me to pursue a career in the field.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF PROJECT TO DESIGN?

My favorite projects to design are larger scale projects such as Accurate Screen, a 75,000 sq ft warehouse with an office located in Calgary, as well as recreational centers, commercial buildings, and multi-family residential properties. I enjoy the architectural freedom these projects offer, enabling me to use my expertise and creativity to develop unique and functional designs tailored to each client’s specific needs. My love for design and ability to think creatively make me a valuable asset to any project.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT HARD AT WORK, WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?

At Philosafy Coffee Shop in downtown Calgary.

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO SNACK?

Costco protein bar.

WORDS YOU LIVE BY: (FAVOURITE QUOTE OR LIFE PHILOSOPHY)

You have to fight through some bad days, to earn the best days in your life. – Mom

ROLE

Human Resources Manager, Red Deer

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING PART OF THE SCOTT BUILDERS TEAM?

We stay true to our purpose…”We create great workplaces” and we do that not only for our clients but for our employees.  I believe for an organization to be successful you need great people and that means having a great company built on a strong reputation that stays true to its values of respect and creating an environment employees want to be a part of.  

WHAT INITIALLY DREW YOU TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY & WHAT MADE YOU STAY?

I was initially drawn to Scott Builders’ reputation within the community and in Alberta. I am eager to bring my HR expertise to the team and contribute to the company’s continued success.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT HARD AT WORK, WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and our beloved golden doodle, Cooper. I love to travel and explore the outdoors, taking advantage of the many opportunities for outdoor activities that our province has to offer. When I’m not out adventuring, I can often be found relaxing in my backyard, enjoying some well-deserved downtime.

SOMEONE YOU ADMIRE? (OR YOUR HERO)

I deeply admire my father for his many qualities, including his patience, kindness, determination, drive, and focus. He is a very successful small business owner with an entrepreneurial spirit, but he made sure his family always came first.  Despite experiencing set backs in the past, he never gave up on his dreams and those challenges have contributed to his continued success.  My father has a passion for travel and adventure, and he loves friendly competition in anything from Scrabble to pickleball. His spark for life and his lightheartedness brings a smile to everyone he meets. He has taught me to be excited about life, celebrate the good times, and learn from life’s challenges. I think a great quote that reflects my father is: “Life is not a journey to be rushed; it’s a journey to be savored.”

WORDS YOU LIVE BY: (FAVOURITE QUOTE OR LIFE PHILOSOPHY)

“Happiness is not by chance, but by choice.” Jim Rohn

ROLE

Architectural Technologist, Red Deer

WHAT ARE THE STRENGTHS/SKILLS YOU BRING TO THE TEAM?

I am a detail-oriented, organized, and patient architectural technologist who brings a wealth of computer-savvy skills and product knowledge to our team. My experience in a wide variety of projects allows me to offer unique insights and solutions to any project. These skills make me a valuable member of our team and a trusted expert in their field.

WHAT DREW YOU INTO ARCHITECTURE?

My interest in design and renovation, fostered by watching HGTV shows in my childhood, led me to take design studies courses in high school. There I learned the basics of residential and commercial design, as well as how to use AutoCAD. Designing my dream house and picking out finishes and furniture were a highlight. This experience, combined with my interests and skills, motivated me to pursue architecture at NAIT.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF PROJECT TO DESIGN?

My favourite projects to design are ones that have multiple functions or unique user needs such as healthcare spaces, offices, and fire stations. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I can work out how a space will function and how the users will flow through it comfortably and efficiently.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT HARD AT WORK, WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?

In my time outside of the office, you can find me getting together with family and friends, taking painting classes, volunteering, or being cozy at home with a book or a cross-stitch project.

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO SNACK?

Dark chocolate! Strawberry yogurt is another go-to.

WORDS YOU LIVE BY: (FAVOURITE QUOTE OR LIFE PHILOSOPHY)

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” – Jesus

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” — Aesop

ROLE

Architectural Technologist, Edmonton

WHAT ARE THE STRENGTHS/SKILLS YOU BRING TO THE TEAM?

I am proficient in collaborating with clients while bringing their dream spaces and ideas to life. I like to think the environments I create are smart designs that will stand the test of time. I am dedicated to ensuring all our clients remain comfortable, satisfied, and proud of their projects throughout its entire life cycle. Whether working with concepts and sketches or developing complex layouts, I can turn thoughts into reality, ensuring our clients are left with functional designs meeting their specific needs.

WHAT DREW YOU INTO ARCHITECTURE?

My passion for architecture stems from an inexplainable pure fascination with the built environment. With an innate knack for creating and designing, as well as being shaped by all my life’s experiences thus far, I have refined and tweaked my skill set immeasurably. My unwavering passion for architecture has driven me to continue to develop and advance as an Architectural Technologist, allowing me to bring my creativity, expertise, and flare to every single project I work on.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF PROJECT TO DESIGN?

My favorite projects to design include the Fluid Life 3-story office and lab, the Heartland Ford vehicle dealership, the Scott Builders Edmonton office, and the Trail Appliances Edmonton showroom, warehouse, and office. These projects all had their own varying complexities requiring an extensively thorough design process. I enjoyed the refinement and attention to detail required to create these successful projects/environments, and I take pride in the achieved result and the positive impact they have on the communities they serve.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT HARD AT WORK, WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?

In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, training at the gym, helping with building/crafting projects, trying out new restaurants, and simply hanging with friends and family. I am also a huge music fanatic, attending concerts/musicals when possible and participating in numerous and sometimes seemingly endless carpool karaoke sessions.

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO SNACK?

Protein pudding with raspberries and blueberries, or a handful of sour jubes (sometimes the whole bag).

WORDS YOU LIVE BY: (FAVOURITE QUOTE OR LIFE PHILOSOPHY)

But first, coffee.

Have courage and be kind.  When there is kindness, there is goodness. When there is goodness, there is magic.

Best wishes, warmest regards.