In his role as Chief Executive Officer, Sean focuses on driving the organization towards growth and innovation.
Years of Experience
30+ years in construction, 17 years in a senior leadership role.
Book Recommendation
Good to Great by James C. Collins - this is one of the best business books I have ever read and I recommend it to anyone.
Community Involvement
Volunteered on numerous industry baords, continue to advise and volunteer supporting our industry's needs.
Biggest Lesson Learned
The biggest lesson learned when I was young was the value of team. An organization is only as good as the people who work there, so we should have the best people and we should provide them with opportunities, support and most of all - genuinely care about them.
Roger Babichuk
In his role as Chief Financial Officer, Roger focuses on finance, risk management, and support services that enable growth.
Years of Experience
23 years at Chandos, 30 in the industry
Community Involvement
On the board of The Citadel Theatre
Biggest Lessons Learned
Relationships matter, admit when you make a mistake, surround yourself with great people, learn from failure, and embrace change and make it an opportunity.
Nic Darling
In his role as Chief Operating Officer, Nic is responsible for all business operations, people, and projects.
Years of Experience
17 years
Industry Expertise
Collaborative solutions, design-build, and team building.
Community Involvement
United Way of Calgary and Area.
Favorite Thing About Construction
Getting multiple people in a room, with a diverse cross-section of backgrounds, and solving complex issues.
Ellie Choi
In her role as the Senior Vice President, Risk and Legal and head of Safety, Ellie works closely with the senior leadership team at Chandos as we grow from a regional contractor to one with a national footprint with currently 7 districts across Canada. Ellie also supports the Board in her role as Corporate Secretary.
Years of Experience
25+
Industry Expertise
Ellie's entire career has been spent working in construction as a lawyer, risk mitigation strategist, team builder, and a business leader.
Biggest Lesson Learned
"Others learn from watching what you do more than what they hear you say so be careful in your actions as in your words."
Oliver Dees
In his role of Senior Vice President, Strategic Services, Oliver leads our national special services group, with a focus on national corporate accounts.
Years of Experience
22 years
Book Recommendation
How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner
Community Involvement
Actively seeking out opportunities for Chandos to support and build for local Calgary non-for-profit organizations such as CUPS, The DI, Childrens Cottages and Hull Services.
Biggest Lesson Learned
Currently transitioning from building great projects, to building great people who build great projects.
D'Arcy Newberry
In his role as Senior Vice President, Civil and Edmonton, D’Arcy is responsible for all business operations, people, strategies, and ventures in our Edmonton district which includes our initiates in North Alberta, Northern British Columbia, Yukon Territory, North West Territories, and Nunavut.
Years of Experience
27 years.
Book Recommendation
The Anatomy of Peace by The Arbinger Institute
Community Involvement
Adoption Options is an organization that both my wife and I hold in the very highest regard.
Favorite Thing About Construction
Driving around and seeing projects that Chandos has been involved with and appreciating the significant impact that construction has on our communities, as well as knowing that we were able to help our clients achieve their goals.
D'Arcy Newberry
In his role as Senior Vice President, Civil and Edmonton, D’Arcy is responsible for all business operations, people, strategies, and ventures in our Edmonton district which includes our initiates in North Alberta, Northern British Columbia, Yukon Territory, North West Territories, and Nunavut.
Years of Experience
27 years.
Book Recommendation
The Anatomy of Peace by The Arbinger Institute
Community Involvement
Adoption Options is an organization that both my wife and I hold in the very highest regard.
Favorite Thing About Construction
Driving around and seeing projects that Chandos has been involved with and appreciating the significant impact that construction has on our communities, as well as knowing that we were able to help our clients achieve their goals.
Jen Hancock
In her role as Vice President, Collaborative Construction, Jen has oversight of our sustainability initiatives and shared services team while serving as an innovation coach for project teams executing highly innovative work.
Years of Experience
18
Industry Expertise
Sustainability, lean, IPD, and collaborative project delivery.
Book/Podcast Recommendation
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
Lean Improvement
Monday morning work planning, which includes a visual planning board, makes my week smoother, I get more done, and I feel less stress about the work I have to do.
Dennis Kuschminder
In his role as Vice President District Manager, Vancouver, Dennis has shared responsibility for all business operations, people, strategies, and ventures in our Vancouver district.
Years of Experience
31 years
Industry Expertise
Constructing all types of buildings, concrete, steel, and wood frame. I have completed projects in almost every province in Canada.
Biggest Lesson Learned
When delegating it is important to set up check ins. Make sure that everyone 100% understands what the deliverable is.
Vince Plourd
In his role as Director of VDC (Virtual Design and Construction), Vince oversees the strategic implementation and management of digital construction technologies and processes to enhance collaboration, efficiency, and innovation throughout our organizaiton and construction projects.
Years of Experience
15+ years.
Book Recommendation
Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish
Community Involvement
Built Environment Edmonton, Building Transformation Construction Mnagement Think Tank Chair, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Civil Engineering Technologies Program Advisory Committee.
Biggest Lesson Learned
Active listening - listen to understand, not to have a rebuttal. When you listen to understand, you open a whole new world of opportunity.
Greg Stack
In his role as Vice President and District Manager, Greg is responsible for all business operations, people, strategies, and ventures in our Chalk River district.
Years of Experience
41 years
Book Recommendation
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand.
Community Involvement
Member and volunteer at the Royal Canadian Legion.
Biggest Lesson Learned
Pay attention.
Jason Towers
In his role as Vice President and District Manager, Jason is responsible for all business operations, people, strategies, and ventures in our Red Deer district which includes Saskatchewan and the interior of British Columbia.
Years of Experience
20 years
Industry Expertise
Collaborative delivery methods. Retail and institutional construction. Leading culture based teams.
Biggest Lesson Learned
You have to be authentic. If you’re not, you are done before you start.
What Keeps You At Chandos
Culture and forward thinking.
Stacey Vanovermeire
In her role as Controller, Stacey leads our accounting team supporting projects/districts across Canada.
Years of Experience
15 years
Book Recommendation
Ride of Lifetime by Robert Iger.
Biggest Lesson Learned
You will never be able to make everyone happy. The goal should always be to make the best decision with the information that you have, and be willing to make a change down the road if something isn't working.
Lindsay Worton
In her role as a Integrated Project Delivery and Continuous Improvement Coach, Lindsay works closely with project teams executing highly innovative work.
Years of Experience
18 years in Design + Construction (primarily in public sector leadership).
Book Recommendation
EQ Fitness Handbook: You in Relationship (300 Daily Practices to Build EQ Fitness)
Community Involvement
SickKids Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Toronto, Operation Grow/HTH, CAMH, OGCA Innovation Committee
Biggest Lesson Learned
Have the tough conversation. Be candid, with care. Chances are, we don't have all of the information or perspective we need. Ask more questions.
Owen Nordmark
In his role as Vice President and District Manager, Calgary, Owen is responsible for all business operations, people, and ventures in Southern Alberta.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
40 years
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Charity contributions and I have provided funding to Plan Canada for 20 years, supporting 5 children over those years.
BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED
Perserverance and critical thinking are major for this business.
Peter Weiss
In his role as VP and District Manager, Ottawa, Peter is responsible for all business operations, people, and ventures in the district.
As quoted from the Atomic Habits book, "Goals are good for setting a direction, but systems are best for making progress".
Kevin Englert
As Director, IT, Kevin is responsible for the management, strategy and execution of IT infrastructure of our organization.
Years of Experience
25+ years
Favourite Thing about Construction
I enjoy the creativity and problem solving. It’s amazing what our teams can do when challenged for solutions.
Biggest lesson learned
Take the time to listen and understand different perspectives without jumping to conclusions.
Community involvement
United Way and UNICEF.
Tim Laronde
As our National Director, Indigenous Strategies,Tim is focused on enhancing Indigenous cultural awareness within Chandos; attracting and retaining Indigenous talent; and building capacity by developing meaningful and respectful relationships to help create wealth in Indigenous communities and businesses.
Years of Experience
25+ years
Book Recommendation
The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America by Thomas King.
Community Involvement
Former Community Trustee with Nipissing First Nation 2013 Boundary Claim Trust, Former Board Member with Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, and Former Board Member with Anishnawbe Health Foundation. Current Board Member with Kindred Works, and Member of the Leadership Circle with Forward Summit.
Biggest Lesson Learned
When you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.
Zach Moe
As Director, National Sales, Zach leads and coaches our sales team on theprocess, development, and execution of business development activities.
Years of Experience
10 years
Book Recommendation
Ride of Lifetime by Robert Iger.
Biggest Lesson Learned
Don't be afraid to ask questions, make informed decisions quickly, and learn from your mistakes.
Shawn Gardener
As Director, Business Solutions, Shawn is responsible for the widespread use and adoption of technology to support our business processes.
Years of Experience
25
Book Recommendation
Professional: 2 Second Lean by Paul Akers
Personal: anything by Canadian Author Guy Gavriel Kay (fantastic Fantasy fiction writer) which I would endorse much more than any business book!
Community Involvement
A long time supporter of the United Way.
Biggest Lesson Learned
Everyone makes mistakes - own them, share them, correct them and learn from them. There are all kinds of quotes out there on that topic, I can’t say I have a favourite. I just know that when you let your mistakes weigh you down that you get stuck (and fear of making mistakes will also prevent you from excelling).
Renée Cheng
Dean at the University of Washington College of Built Enviroments
Cheng served as head of the School of Architecture, and associate dean of research at the University of Minnesota. She is also a member of the American Institute of Architects, and promotes equity in architecture and the built environment.
Darren Rawson
Principal of Ozone Advisory Group
Rawson is a proven business leader with core skills operating businesses, driving change, enhancing enterprise value and building high-performing teams. He is a former executive with 17 years experience as CEO of mid-sized companies. His 30+ year career has spanned a variety of industries including upstream/downstream oil & gas, industrial chemicals, specialty metals, manufacturing, distribution and construction, and includes 25 years of international business experience.
Noelle Devlin
As the Director of Human Resources, Noelle is responsible for creating an environment where employees thrive, support the organization's success, and align with company culture. Serving as a strategic partner to leadership, she advises on workforce matters to drive the business forward.
Years of experience
20+ years
Community involvement
Involved in multiple pension boards and youth sports volunteering
Book recommendation
Professional: Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown
Personal: Vox by Christina Dalcher
Biggest lesson learned
Something I've learned in my career is the value of self awareness and seeking external perspectives.
Neil Solankurkar
As Director Quality Management Neil is responsible for implementation and continuous improvement of the Chandos quality management system and the Chandos Production System.
Years of Experience
22 years
Book recommendation
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Biggest lesson learned
The power of team work and ability to work collaboratively with others drives the collective efforts, which are critical for achieving success.
Sean Penn
In his role as Chief Executive Officer, Sean focuses on driving the organization towards growth and innovation.
Years of Experience
30+ years in construction, 17 years in a senior leadership role.
Book Recommendation
Good to Great by James C. Collins - this is one of the best business books I have ever read and I recommend it to anyone.
Community Involvement
Volunteered on numerous industry baords, continue to advise and volunteer supporting our industry's needs.
Biggest Lesson Learned
The biggest lesson learned when I was young was the value of team. An organization is only as good as the people who work there, so we should have the best people and we should provide them with opportunities, support and most of all - genuinely care about them.
Roger Babichuk
In his role as Chief Financial Officer, Roger focuses on finance, risk management, and support services that enable growth.
Years of Experience
23 years at Chandos, 30 in the industry
Community Involvement
On the board of The Citadel Theatre
Biggest Lessons Learned
Relationships matter, admit when you make a mistake, surround yourself with great people, learn from failure, and embrace change and make it an opportunity.
Audrina Lim
In her role as Director, Carbon Transition, Audrina has oversight on our sustainability initiatives including our Net Zero by 2040 goal, waste diversion, and supporting our projects pursuing sustainability certifications and targets.
Years of Experience
20 years of experience in achitectural practice, 9 of which are in Canada.
Book Recommendation
An Imperfect Offering: Humanitarian Action for the Twenty First Century by James Orbinski (2008)
Community Involvement
I volunteer on the Board of Directors for the Calgary Construction Association, and as a mentor for the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association.
Biggest Lesson Learned
We all have the capacity to make a positive impact.
Lyle Brookes
In his role as Senior Legal Counsel, Lyle provides legal advice to project teams regarding requests for proposals, tendering, contract negotiation, interpretation, and legal disputes.
Years of Experience
23 years of experience.
Book Recommendation
As a former naval officer, Lyle enjoyed It's Your Ship by Captain Michael Abrashoff.
Community Involvement
Involved in local sports organizations, former chairman of the Canadian Bar Association Construction Bar—Alberta North, and one of the founding directors of the Edmonton Community Legal Centre.
Biggest Lesson Learned
Successful dispute resolution is often achieved by taking a fair and principled approach that can be backed up by both the law and available evidence.
Dominic Ries
In his role as Director, Technical Solutions, Dominic is focused on client development in the recreation, health care, hospitality, and laboratory segments of the Canadian market.
Years of Experience
25 years of experience, 6 at Chandos.
Book Recommendation
The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Dr Betty Edwards (thinking through the linear, mathematical, sequencing side of the brain)
Community Involvement
Volunteering at the food bank.
Biggest Lesson Learned
Coaching the teams early on pre-mortem opportunities and mentorship in construction business development.
Jesse Reynolds
In his role as Vice President and District Manager, Toronto, Jesse leads a dynamic team of construction professionals who deliver exceptional value to project partners at every stage of construction.
Years of Experience
23 years of experience
Book Recommendation
Quiet Leadership by David Rock
Favourite thing about construction
The opportunity to create spaces for people to live, work and play, community infrastructure that serves a purpose and impacts lives positively. Being able to revisit projects from years before and re-live all of the lessons learned and challenges overcome.
What keeps you at Chandos?
It’s a fast-paced and forward-thinking environment that offers its people opportunities for growth and ownership like no other construction company. To feel such a strong sense of belonging among so many incredible people, be a part of a movement bigger than yourself, it’s hard to imagine working anywhere else.
Biggest Lesson Learned
When you need to go fast, go alone. When you need to go far, go with others.