Home Renovation Impact - ABSDA
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September 2020 • V o l u m e 3 7, N ° 4
Home
Renovation
Impact
41290029
Working
for our
members
every day.
“
There’s no doubt that consolidation has cut
down on the number of product manufacturers.
For independent dealers like me, that means
less competition between suppliers for my
business and less leverage for me to get more
competitive pricing for my customers. That’s
where I rely on Sexton’s strength to negotiate
programs that keep me competitive.”
—Charlie Hotham, Owner, Hotham Building Materials
Hear about our story at
1.800.665.9209
Learn about our story at
sextongroup.com
Our Promise to You.
Our strength as a buying group is built on four major advantages:
We’re a dedicated team of industry professionals focused on your success.
We negotiate competitive programs and leverage our strong relationships with
vendors to resolve any issues quickly for you. We have a first-class accounting
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So you can focus on what matters most — your business.
September 2020 • V o l u m e 3 7, N ° 4
The ABSDA Building Supply News is the official
magazine of the Atlantic Building Supply Dealers
Association and is published in February, May,
July, September and December. The Atlantic
Building Supply News is distributed to all
ABSDA Dealer and Associate Members.
The ABSDA office is located at:
70 Englehart Street,
Dieppe, NB, E1A 8H3
Phone: (506) 858-0700
Email: absda@nb.aibn.com
ABSDA Serving the Industry ABSDA Executive 2020-2021
for over 60 years
It will come as no surprise ABSDA currently has
over 550 active Member Retail Building Supply
and Associate Supplier Members. Chair Past Chair
Guy LeGresley Bill Abbott
ABSDA is the collective voice and liaison for LeGresley Home Abbott's Home
the independent Building Supply and Home Building Centre Building Centre
Improvement Industry. Miramichi, NB Port Au Port, NL
Since 1955 this association has focused on (506) 773-5150 (709) 648-2225
industry specific needs to our Members.
features
ViceChair President
Steve Foran Denis Melanson
Chester Building ABSDA
Supplies Dieppe, NB
Chester, NS (506) 858-0700
(902) 275-5512
Canadian Supporting ABSDA Directors 2020– 2021
Housing Report Workplace Safety
10 18
During COVID-19 Jay Hickey
Hickey's Building
Supplies
Duane MacDonald
Callbecks Home
Hardware Building Centre
Conception Bay, NL Summerside, PEI
(709) 744-2132 (902) 436-1100
Brian Bowers Tanya Hanson Rocca
Pleasant Supplies Roblynn Home Hardware
TIMBER MART Building Centre
Yarmouth, NS Oromocto, NB
(902) 742-9181 (506) 446-6824
in this issue
ABSDA Associate Directors 2020-2021
4 Chair’s Message
9, 14-16 Meet Your ABSDA
Directors
Cheryl Allen
Amherst, NB
(902) 614-9545
Richard Boulet
Resisto
Dieppe, NB
(506) 384-6101
6 Report from the President
18 Supporting Workplace Safety
During COVID-19
10 Canadian Housing Report
21 Industry News Kevin Guest
Truefoam Limited
Dartmouth, NS
Peter Merrill
K M Agency Ltd.
Bedford, NS
(902) 468-5440 (902) 483-3155
Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXX X
Adapting to the
COVID-19 Reality
2020 is a year like we have never experienced. When many
of us were budgeting for the year we could have not predicted
the wild ride ahead.
When the Pandemic broke in March, the economy As we enter Fall, we will be moving forward with
started shutting down and it truly looked like the agenda from the ABSDA Strategic Plan. The
there was no tomorrow. Budget forecasts were ABSDA Office is looking at re-defining the way we
flying out the window and many of us braced for deliver education to the Membership in a COVID-
the worst. Then, with the shutdown, many were 19 and Post COVID-19 world. Many practices will
Guy LeGresley forced to stay at home due to economic and family need to be altered to allow for social distancing
Chair of the Board
situations. and for travel to programs, which will depend
on where Provincial Travel Restrictions end up.
In the months that have followed, many of us ABSDA has been exploring options to retrofit our
have been faced with high consumer demand, own on-site training facility to accommodate some
uncertain product availability and price increases of these issues.
on some commodities which have gone through
the roof. It has been difficult to keep margins in In the months ahead, ABSDA will continue
line when the next price increase comes in on a to review its response to the Pandemic. As
product category at a higher level than we have we move forward into the Fall season, we all
been selling it for. must work together to conduct business in a
manner that is safe for our employees and our
ABSDA is working hard customers. COVID-19 is not going to disappear
quickly. We need to adjust to a new normal,
to look ahead for the Membership working co-operatively as Members of this great
and provide resources for Association and as competitors in the region.
the Members to access. I encourage you to keep informed by taking time
On-Line items such as the to review communication from ABSDA. The
ABSDA COVID-19 Resource Kit Association has your back in this situation and is
always your resource when you have any question.
are being continually updated
and can been found on the Have a safe and productive Fall season.
Home Page of the
ABSDA website.
4 September 2020
ABSDA Building Supply News 5
Recognize Employees During the
Covid-19 Pandemic
When the Covid-19 Pandemic hit the roof in Mid-March
everyone found themselves in unchartered waters literally
overnight. While managing through these strange times are
not fun, it is imperative that we sit back and analyze what
we learned.
While entrepreneurs are used to bobbing and Promote Peer-to-Peer Recognition
weaving through issues and challenges daily, Peer-to-peer recognition can be an effective
Denis Melanson this beast called a Pandemic is a very different way to motivate team members to recognize
President animal. each other. Encourage employees to send notes
of appreciation to their colleagues or praise
Some business owners may have panicked a
them in team meetings. Creating a peer-to-
little prematurely and moved directly to lay-offs,
peer recognition program can also help with
which cause some issues in getting employees
building strong teams!
back. So perhaps lesson number one is, take
a deep breath and wait it out a little before Timely Recognition
reacting. Do not wait for quarterly or annual reviews
to recognize your employee’s efforts and great
Regardless of the numerous business challenges
work. Show them frequently they are valued.
that one faces on a regular basis, one constant
Start morning staff meetings with a moment
challenge continuous to surface near the top,
of praise. Share examples and best practices
which is managing our Human Resources!
so everyone can benefit and learn. Never
Asking our employees to keep up with underestimate the value of a “thank you”!
unprecedented work demands, all while
Value Employees’ Well-Being
managing their personal and family needs
With the Covid-19 Pandemic continuing to
and stressors, was a tall order. This is more
affect employees’ daily lives, Managers should
important than ever. Our Members need to
encourage employees to make their own well-
recognize and reward their employees.
being and that of their families a priority.
A study conducted by the Society of Human Showing you care about the health and well-
Resources Management found that 79% of being of your employees is one of the most
employees say recognition makes them work effective ways to demonstrate appreciation.
harder. Be conscious of how your interactions with
employees affect their well-being.
Here are some things to consider when
it comes to Reward and Recognition of Let us not lose sight of the fact that these are
employees: unprecedented times, and everyone deals with
stress and pressure differently. Do not assume
Personalized Recognition
that everyone is ok. Check in with them. Show
One size does not fit all when recognizing
compassion and provide them with support
employees. Some employees prefer public praise,
wherever needed.
while other favor a one-on-one approach.
Celebrating a very private employee in a public Keep up the great work everyone, and here is to
format may cause the employee to feel anxious hoping for a productive and safe Fall.
or discouraged. Make sure to get to know your
employees and what types of recognition they
are most likely to be comfortable with.
6 September 2020
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ABSDA Building Supply News 7
Present and Past – Where We Have
Come in Sixty-Five Years
The last few months have the most unusual that I have
experienced in my career and it looks like a wait and see game
to see what is ahead for us over the Fall and Winter.
Social distancing and travel restrictions have Normally in this issue of our magazine, we
placed constraints on many of our usual would report on some planned training for
classroom style training programs. With that the upcoming months. While we have been
in mind, ABSDA is partnering with Carriers receiving some requests, we are unable to
Edge to provide On-Line programs which firm up a schedule die to Covid-19 travel
Members and staff can participate in. In the restrictions for instructors travelling into the
John Logan next few weeks, ABSDA will place a link to region from outside the Atlantic Bubble. Our
an on-line registration form which will be regular Forklift Safety instructor is based in
available to the Membership. The following is Nova Scotia, which will allow us to look at
a list of the programs we will be introducing, training in that area as requests come in.
along with the pricing: We will be watching this situation and will
keep the Membership posted as developments
WHMIS 2015 for Drivers $29.95 arise.
Accident Scene $39.95
Transporting of Dangerous Goods $39.95 I would remind you that there are 50 Sales and
Winter Driving $39.95 Customer Service training videos available
Defensive Driving Straight Truck $58.95 on the ABSDA website. These programs run
Fall Protection for Drivers $58.95 between 6 and 15 minutes each and are a great
Hours of Service & Logbooks Canada $58.95 resource for your staff. Simply click on the
Practical Cargo Securement for Education Tab of the ABSDA website to access
Drivers Cargo Van $58.95 these.
Practical Cargo Securement for
Drivers Flatbed $58.95 In November, we will celebrate sixty-five years
Trip Planning, Parking and Deliveries $58.95 since ABSDA was formed. I thought I would
Vehicle Inspection – Straight Truck $58.95 share a couple of photos from the past. The
Vehicle Inspection – Tractor Trailer $58.95 first is a Show Photo from Amherst, NS in
Weights & Measures (MoU) $58.95 the late 1950’s. The second is from a Flooring
Workshop in the 1970’s. Let us know if you
Watch the ABSDA Monthly Newsletter for an recognise anyone in the photos.
announcement regarding the launch of this
new program. I hope everyone has a Great Fall season.
8 September 2020
Meet Your
ABSDA Director
Richard Boulet
Richard Boulet was
elected to the ABSDA
Board of Directors in
2019.
There’s 1 of 3 stores
In high school
Richard worked
for Coca-Cola and
his passion was to
work in sales for the
company. Following
college, he applied
with your name on it.
to work for them,
Richard Boulet landing a position as
Director
a Merchandiser. He
took that position for 8 months until a Sales position
opened. Then he was involved in sales for 7 years
with the organization. Richard proudly says that his
biggest accomplishment during his time at Coca-Cola,
was working at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver as a
Product Manager.
One day while at a restaurant talking to the Sales
Manager from Soprema, Richard was asked if he would
WHICH ONE IS FOR YOU?
be interested in working for Resisto. He wasn’t looking
for another job but decided to look into the position
and make inquiries with people he knew from the
industry. Richard’s father was a carpenter growing
up and his mother works for a hardware store. Their
encouragement made his decision an easy one.
Richard first started as a Sales Representative for 2 years
and then became a Regional Sales Manager for Atlantic
Canada. 2020 marks Richard’s 7th year in the industry.
“I’m passionate about growing my company and making
great relationships along the way. I consider myself
new in the industry and I was lucky enough that I had
some influential people from other companies that Small yet carefully curated,
took me under their wing. My goal is to try and bring this store has everything the people
more people to our industry,” says Richard. “It’s the best of its community could need.
industry and unfortunately the younger generation
doesn’t realize that yet. I was one of them in the past.”
Richard is relatively new to the Board, bringing a fresh The go-to destination for completing
perspective and so far he has been very impressed projects of all kinds, BMR Classic is
with the future plans that the Association has, such
as more education on products for dealers. “We have what we call a “one-stop shop.”
the same passion to bring the younger generation to
the industry. My goal is to make sure that happens. I
am grateful to be a part of this Board going forward”, Primarily designed for construction
states Richard. professionals, this concept offers
Richard has a 1 year old boy and a 3 year old girl. His contractors the royal treatment.
hobbies and interests have changed in the past couple
years. He formerly played hockey, which he hopes to
start playing again in the near future. He also a big
Boston Bruins fan and tries not to miss many games.
Richard also enjoys golfing and spending time with Our team is more than ready to welcome you. Call us:
his family.
Pierre Nolet - Vice-President, Business Development | 450
655-6700 ext 2354 | pnolet@bmr.co
ABSDA Building Supply News 9
Canadian Housing Report
Source – Altus Group
Before the COVID‐19 pandemic, Canada’s home
renovation spending was on the ascendency, growing
in all but two of the last 20 years.
In this article, we provide our annual repairs, considered current expenditures. lines of credit (HELOCs) or refinancing a
outlook for this key economic sector. In 2019, the value of upgrades to mortgage to a larger amount – accounted
Canadian homes totalled $61.2 billion for 6 in 10 dollars borrowed.
Key Renovation Facts – virtually matching spending on
• Total residential renovation spending new home construction. When the Strong growth in home equity during the
reached an estimated $80.1 billion in $18.9 billion in repairs are added in on past decade enabled more homeowners
2019, a 2.6% increase in real terms over the renovation side, total renovation aged 35‐49 to capitalise on HELOCs
2018, growing faster than the economy. spending in 2019 accounted for 58% of for renovations. About 36% of total
This result represented a rebound from all residential construction spending. borrowing with HELOCs for renovations
a 5.1% decline in 2018. The patterns do vary by region. Since was done by homeowners aged 35‐49.
• Home renovations are a bigger 2017, new home spending has exceeded
segment of the Canadian economy renovation spending in B.C. and Alberta. Renovators Major Source of
than new homebuilding. Home Improvement Retail
• Renovation spending, which on Per unit, estimated total renovation Sales
average has achieved a higher rate spending equates to about $5,500 in 2019 Renovation spending and home
of growth than the overall economy – that’s across the base of both owned improvement retail sales are strongly
since 2014, will not be immune to the and rented units, and includes units that correlated (0.97). Reno spending is
effects of COVID‐19 containment incurred renovation expenses as well as an importance source of revenue for
restrictions. Renovation spending is those that didn’t. home improvement retailers, which are
forecast to decline in 2020, though not expected to see a notable decrease in sales
as significantly as the overall economy. Home Equity Lines of Credits this year.
an Important Source of
3 Out of Every 4 Renovation Borrowing for Renovations The pandemic has resulted in a sharp
Dollars Spent on Upgrades Altus Group estimates suggest at least decline in HELOCs interest rates and
Total renovation spending includes $14 billion of new borrowing was done by 5‐year mortgage rates (Chart 4). Both
both upgrades, that are considered Canadian homeowners for the purposes borrowing rates are forecast to hover
capital expenditures (i.e. alterations, of renovations in 2019. Secured financing around historic lows over the next two
improvements and conversions), and – using products such as home equity years, boosting future reno spending.
More Dollars Spent on Renovations than New Homes Renovation Intentions Lower
Canada, 2019, Billions
Than Last Year No doubt influenced
by the pandemic, Altus Group’s
homeowner renovation intentions index
has plunged (Chart 5), as plans to renovate
are running well below a year ago at the
Canada‐wide level, but still generally on
Alterations/
par with readings earlier in the decade.
Improvements/
Conversions With the exception of Atlantic Canada,
$61.2 homeowners in most regions report lower
Spending on Spending on
New Dwellings Renovations renovation intentions than last year.
$57.7 (42%) $80.1 (58%)
Renovations Intentions vs.
Repairs
Homebuying Intentions
$18.9
Altus Group tracks both renovation and
homebuying intentions on an on‐going
basis in our FIRM Survey. An analysis of
this information shows lower intentions
to renovate this year, primarily among
Source: Altus Group based on Statistics Canada data those homeowners not also intending
10 September 2020ABSDA Building Supply News 11
Canadian Housing Report
continued
to move. Intentions to undertake larger postpone home upgrades, pointing to Regional highlights for May
renovations (based on homeowners a decline in home renovation spending include:
agreeing completely or somewhat that across Canada this year. Expect a
they are planning renovations of $10k recovery next year • Atlantic Canada starts rose in all
plus) in the next year are down from • The decline in renovation spending provinces except for Newfoundland;
last year while intentions to buy another is expected to be most significant • Quebec starts came in ahead of
home are virtually unchanged (Chart in Quebec, Alberta, Ontario and last year’s level, almost equally split
6). Only 2% of current homebuyers are Saskatchewan. between the Montreal CMA and the
planning to do both – these homeowners • Renovation spending in the Atlantic rest of the province, after no starts
may either be planning significant renos Provinces is not expected to decline as were recorded last month due to
to prepare their current home for sale, or dramatically as last year. government‐imposed COVID‐19
planning sizeable renovations on their • B.C. is project to experience the most closures;
next home. muted decline in renovation spending. • Ontario starts fell due to lower starts
in the Toronto CMA, and to a lesser
Renovation Spending to Starts Recover in May extent, in the other areas of the
Decline as Pandemic Defers Canada‐wide housing starts for the province;
Home Upgrades month of May were 195,500 units • Starts dipped in both Manitoba and
Subdued home sales in 2019, economic seasonally adjusted at annual rate Saskatchewan;
weakness in the Prairie Provinces and (SAAR), up from the revised number for • Alberta starts were down; and
elevated interest rates slowed renovation April, according to CMHC estimates. • B.C. starts rose due to higher activity
spending growth in 2019. The economic Starts surged in the single‐family in the Vancouver CMA more than
shock brought on by the COVID‐19 sector while also pushing higher in the offsetting a dip in the other areas.
pandemic has forced homeowners to apartment sector.
Housing Starts by Type and Area
Total Starts (000s), SAAR
May April May
2019 2020 2020
Canada, Total 195.9 164.9 195.5
By Type of Unit
Single-family 84.6 64.7 86.8
Apartment 111.3 100.2 108.7
By Area
British Columbia 55.5 30.2 39.0
Vancouver CMA 42.6 15.2 24.9
Other Areas 12.8 15.1 14.1
Alberta 22.6 23.8 19.1
Saskatchewan 2.4 2.5 2.1
Manitoba 9.2 7.5 4.7
Ontario 49.2 94.5 57.6
Toronto CM 20.2 60.9 29.8
Other Areas 29.0 33.6 27.8
Quebec 49.0 0.0 64.5
Montreal CMA 25.5 0.0 32.9
Other Areas 23.5 0.0 31.6
New Brunswick 2.3 2.5 3.4
Nova Scotia 3.6 2.7 3.6
Prince Edward Island 1.3 0.8 1.2
Newfoundland 0.7 0.5 0.3
Source: CMHC and estimates by Altus Group
12 September 2020TIMBER MART is
governed by a national
Board of independent
dealers like you and me.
When a decision is made, it’s made
with our best interests in mind – not
outside shareholders’. To me, that’s
true independence. That’s true
ownership. That’s TIMBER MART.
Brian Bowers
– Pleasant Supplies TIMBER MART, Yarmouth, NS
This is true independence.
This is true ownership.
This is TIMBER MART.
Experience true independence and ownership for yourself.
Learn more at www.timbermartmember.ca
ATLANTIC
Dave Dingwell OFFICIAL HOME IMPROVEMENT PARTNER OF THE CFL
902.940.0954 ABSDA Building Supply News
®™ Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and TIM-BR MARTS Ltd. 13Meet Your ABSDA Director
Brian Bowers
Brian Bowers was elected to the ABSDA Board treated and when they walk through our doors
of Directors in June of this year. they are greeted with a smile and called by name.”
Brian’s career in the Building Supply Industry Currently Brian serves as the Chairman of the
spans twenty-five years. Following school, he Board on the TIMBER MART National Board.
fished lobster for several years. His passion is to work for the “greater good“
of all his counterparts at TIMBER MART
Brian furthered his education, attending the
locations in the region and beyond. That same
local community college, taking a two-year
passion is what he brings to the ABSDA Board.
program in Carpentry. Following graduation,
the local Home Hardware store in Yarmouth In March 2020, Brian Bowers and Pleasant
hired him at their service desk. His experience Supplies TIMBER MART were the recipient of
led him into the position of Building Supply the ABSDA “Retailer of the Year Award”. Receipt
Brian Bowers Manager. From there an opportunity came up of this honour signifies respect of industry
Director to purchase the local AWARD store from the colleagues and recognises the hard work in
owner who was looking to retire. Brian and his operating a successful Building Supply Business.
business partner at the time (Scotty Boudreau)
While Brian does not have a whole lot of free
jumped in with both feet and were successful
time, he always makes it a point to travel to 3rd
in steadily increasing sales every year. In 2017
world countries at least once a year. Starting
Brian bought out Scotty’s shares and has been
back in 2010, his very first mission trip was
the sole owner since.
to Haiti and was there when the massive
“Relationships; For me it’s all about people, earthquake hit that country. “I have been back
whether it’s Vendors, Staff or Customers, you to try help at that same orphanage I went to and
need to build solid relationships and work with have helping every year since,” says Brian. He
people to build their trust” states Brian. “We has also been to Cambodia, Guatemala, Mexico
treat Customers the same way we’d like to be and the Bahamas helping those less fortunate.
Always by your side.
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14 September 2020Meet Your ABSDA Director
Kevin Guest
Kevin Guest of Truefoam Limited was elected In 2017, Kevin was recruited by Truefoam
to the ABSDA Board of Directors in 2017. Limited to assume the role of Sales Manager, the
position he currently holds.
Kevin’s career in the Building Supply Industry
spans 37 years. Kevin got his start as an Order Kevin has always been driven to succeed and
Picker and Delivery Truck Driver with Builders loves a challenge. Through planning and execution,
Market in Cole Harbour, NS. While he was there, he has been able to help all his employers’ businesses
he also was given the opportunity to work on the grow, as well as supporting his customers in any
Order Desk and oversee the Custom Countertop way he could to help their businesses’ grow. Kevin’s
Cutting Program. Kevin’s experience led him motto is “A goal without a plan is just a wish”.
forward to Reynolds Aluminum Building
Kevin is proud to serve the Industry as a
Products Division as Warehouse Manager. In
Director with the Atlantic Building Supply
1990, Kevin moved to Alcan Building Products,
Kevin Guest Dealers Association. Having a say in the
Director first working on the Order Desk and then later
decisions which shape and move the industry
being promoted to Sales Representative for Nova
forward is something he is especially proud
Scotia. Kevin also spent time working with
of. Kevin brings an “out-of-the-box” way of
Roper Windows in Cole Harbour, following
thinking to his role as a Director.
which he opened his own Contracting Business.
Away from work, Kevin and his partner Lisa
In 1995, Kevin was approached by Alcan again,
enjoy spending time with their five children and
following their acquisition by Gentek Building
three grandchildren. Kevin is a car enthusiast
Products. As time went on, Kevin oversaw
and a part time musician, playing lead guitar in
the establishment of the Gentek Branch in
two bands around the HRM area. Many ABSDA
Dartmouth, NS. Kevin would later be asked to
Members may also remember Kevin as one of
manage both the Dartmouth, NS and St. John’s,
the Members of the ABSDA Industry Band “The
NL Branches.
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ABSDA Building Supply News 15Meet Your ABSDA Director
Duane MacDonald
Duane MacDonald was elected to the Callbecks Home Hardware for almost
ABSDA Board of Directors in June of this 50 years and eventually their family
year. purchased the business from the Callbeck
Family. He also served on the ABSDA
Growing up in a family involved in the
Board of Directors and Show Committee,
Hardware Industry, Duane was always
several years ago, as well as holding the
around the store and started working as
position of Association Chair in 2001.
soon as he was old enough.
Duane started working on the business at
Duane’s father, Ron, worked with/for
age 14, working in Paints and Retail Sales
Extreme
Duane MacDonald
Director
Protection
before moving to the Building Supply
side of the business in 2002. He had spent
several years working with Estimating
Come Hail and Contractor Sales before taking on the
position of Store Manager of Callbecks
Home Hardware in Summerside in 2014.
or High Wind In 2018 his family acquired a second
location in Salisbury, NB, at which point
he moved to the position of General
Tear-Resistant Band
Manager for Callbecks Ltd. & Salisbury
Release Tape
HHBC and continues in that position
today, now adding the responsibility of
ArmourZone® overseeing operations at newly acquired
Charlottetown Home Hardware.
As a homeowner, Duane understands
how frustrating it can be when there are
delays and how overwhelming it can be
when you don't know how to complete
a project on your own. His goal is to
FastLock™
Sealant keep projects moving for contractors
and to help general customers with
Built-in Algae
Resistance recommendations for products and
service-people when needed. “There is
Mother Nature’s not always happy these days. But your customers never a dull moment and always new
challenges to sink your teeth into the
will be when they roof with IKO Dynasty or Nordic with ArmourZone ®.
keeps this career exciting to me”, says
They’re among the best performance shingles money can buy. They Duane. “With constant change in how
resist nail pull-through, wind uplift and blow-off like few others can, and we provide service and new products to
offer a 210 km/h (130 mph) Limited Wind Warranty.1 Nordic’s polymer- help make peoples’ lives easier there is
modified asphalt coating earned a Class 4 impact-resistance rating. 2 something to learn every day.”
Count on IKO for extreme performance AND protection, come hail or PEI is a province with unique challenges
high wind. Learn more at 1-855-IKO-ROOF (1-855-456-7663) or IKO.com. and Duane is happy to not only bring that
perspective to the Board but also to learn
more about how the ABSDA works on
an administrative level, and to be able to
N O R D I C™ & D Y N A S T Y® S H I N G L E S bring that perspective to PEI dealers.
1
See Limited Warranty for complete terms, conditions, restrictions and application requirements. If Duane is not at work, you'll generally
2
This impact rating is solely for the purpose of enabling residential property owners to obtain a find him at the cottage or the rink. He
reduction in their residential insurance premium, if available. It’s not to be construed as any type has coached Minor Hockey and served
of express or implied warranty, or guarantee of the impact performance of this shingle, by the on the Rink Board to help resurrect their
manufacturer, supplier, or installer, against hail. Damage from hail, is not covered under the limited warranty.
local rink. He also enjoys spending time
with his wife Jessica & children Everett &
Evelyn.
16ABSDA Building Supply News 1/2 pg Ad.indd
September 2020 1 2020-08-28 3:52 PMExclusive News
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ABSDA Building Supply News 17Supporting Workplace Safety
During COVID-19
Photo created by prostooleh - www.freepik.com
A
big part of how the WCB He says a few are using the time position of sinks could mean there’s
supports injury prevention they have available now to make more water on the floor, which could
is the work our Relationship improvements to their occupational be creating a slip and fall hazard that
Managers and Workplace Consultants health and safety and return to didn’t exist before. A rigorous hazard
do in workplaces, helping employers work systems and processes. “In identification approach will help
implement strategies to reduce many workplaces, this pandemic has ensure new practices don’t create more
injuries and improve return to work increased the level of focus on health risks.”
outcomes. and safety,” says Ian.
Both Tanya and Ian, who before the
That work has changed dramatically WCB Workplace Consultant Tanya pandemic spent most of their time
in recent weeks, as workplaces Newell agrees. She says it’s important working with employers and workers
have adjusted their operations to for employers dealing with COVID-19 in the workplace, are now providing
meet new COVID-19 public health challenges to stay focused on working support using online meeting
requirements, including the WCB, safely. It’s important that any changes technologies like Skype, Zoom, and
which has curtailed in-person visits an employer makes to tackle Covid 19 GoTo Meeting.
and transitioned employees to working don’t undermine other areas of their
from home. safety program or create other hazards. They say that while people always
She recommends employers continue value face-to-face interaction, working
According to WCB Relationship to take a hazard identification, online has some big advantages too. “I
Manager Ian MacDonald, employer assessment and control approach for can have a meeting with an employer
needs for support right now vary from all of their COVID-19 risk mitigation in Yarmouth, and as soon as I’m done
sector to sector. “Some employers have strategies. I can hop into another meeting with a
dramatically reduced their operations, workplace in Amherst, and after that
while others – especially in essential “A good example is the increased attend another meeting in the Halifax
services sectors - have ramped up to need for hand washing in workplaces Regional Municipality,” says Ian.
deal with pandemic.” now,” says Tanya. “The frequency and “The ability to eliminate travel time
18 September 2020Supporting Workplace Safety
During COVID-19 continued
while still having an interaction more workplaces can start by contacting tools and resources, including new
personal than a phone call is huge.” their Relationship Manager. Small resources to help reduce the risk of
workplaces who have a claim can ask COVID-19 transmission.
While Tanya agrees with Ian on the their case worker. All employers and
benefits, she says working online workers can visit worksafeforlife.ca Source: Workers Compensation Board
makes it more challenging to gain an anytime, for a full range of prevention of Nova Scotia
in-depth understanding of the work
and the hazards within a particular
workplace. She also misses the
opportunities being on site provides to
connect with front-line staff.
In terms of prevention advice for
workplaces during the pandemic, Ian
and Tanya suggest:
• Listening to your people and letting
them know you’re there to support
them.
• Staying focused on all the other
aspects of health, safety, and
return to work – even though the
pandemic is top of mind, all of the
usual hazards and issues are still
there.
• If you have staff working from
home – making sure you reach out
to them regularly.
• Engaging and empowering your
JOHSCs and safety reps to help you
work through the employee safety
challenges COVID-19 presents.
• Reaching to the WCB, other
safety resources, and your peer
workplaces to share learnings
around employee health and safety.
• This is also a great time to have
people working from home tackle a
safety project, or do safety research
to compile best practices that can
be put in place down the road when
life returns to normal.
Employers interested in getting direct
support for their prevention and return
to work programs from the WCB team
can do that in a couple of ways: large Designed by Freepik
ABSDA Building Supply News 19All the jobs in our industry.
One convenient new place.
Introducing buildingsupplycareers.ca the
all new national job board for our industry.
Posting a job is fast, simple, and best of all
gives your posting additional reach across
the region and country.
Give it a try today, there are no fees and
you can post as many positions as you wish.
Visit buildingsupplycareers.ca today
In association with:
If you are a member of the ABSDA and wish to post a job position,
20 September 2020 please use the passcode ABSDAJOBS9294 when prompted.Industry
News
Bonaventure Agency Inc. Appoints communities affected by the COVID-19 fax, email, or online).
New Territory Manager pandemic through a range of initiatives. TaigaNow strives to enhance every
Among other things, corporate stores aspect of the customer experience,
Bonaventure Agency Inc. is pleased
from the Lowe’s Canada network received allowing our customers to be more
to announce the appointment of
more than $240,000 to support initiatives nimble and flexible than ever. Long gone
Brittany Graham to the position of
addressing specific needs in their regions. are the times of having to order products
Territory Manager
In the last few months, donations in cash only when we are traditionally open; you
for Nova Scotia and
or in kind worth a total of $245,000 were can now order products 24/7, provided
Newfoundland. Brittany
presented to over 75 food banks, hospital you have an internet connection. You
brings a solid track
foundations, and other organizations will now have more transparency than
record of success
helping the most vulnerable in the ever, seeing your best price for in-stock
to this position as a
communities that Lowe’s, RONA, Reno- products at any time, and you will be able
Business Development
Depot, and Dick’s Lumber corporate to explore the complete catalogue of allied
representative in the
stores serve across Canada. products available from the local Taiga
consumer products Brittany Graham
“With the pandemic causing new distribution center.
industry. With her passion and
problems to emerge and exacerbating Taiga plans to launch TaigaNow
enthusiasm, she looks forward to meeting
existing issues, we felt it was important country-wide in early 2021, and will
her customers in the near future.
to express our solidarity by supporting release the platform regionally as
community organizations that are facing branches are ready. Currently TaigaNow
Paul Williams named President, higher demand and declining resources,” is live and available to customers served
TORBSA Buying Group said Jean-Sébastien Lamoureux, Senior by the Calgary and Saskatoon branches.
The Board of Directors of TORBSA Vice-President, Public Affairs, Asset They anticipate the release of the platform
Limited is pleased to announce the Protection and Sustainable Development in the western branches before moving to
appointment of Paul Williams as at Lowe’s Canada. “Our field teams the east.
President. Paul will replace Bob Holmes, selected the organizations to support
GM, who has been responsible for the based on their knowledge of their regions Home Hardware Appoints Senior
leadership of the group for 26 years. and the needs of their communities.” Director in Operations; Makes
Board Member Greg Drouillard said: Strategic Reorganization
“with the hiring Taiga Announces Online B2B Ordering
Home Hardware Stores Limited
of Paul Williams,
Taiga Building Products is proud to announced the appointment of a
it means exciting
announce the development of an new Senior Director on their sales
times for
online B2B ordering, catalogue and and operations team to support their
TORBSA, and to
administrative platform branded as strategic growth and focus on operational
be in transition
TaigaNow. excellence for their nearly 1,100
mode for more
Ordering – Have full access to stocking independently-owned stores.
growth, with the
products at your local Taiga branch, Darrin Sayles, who joined the team
beginning of a
ability to place orders anytime, anywhere, on September 8, is an accomplished sales
new era”. Paul Williams
as long as you have internet access. Have and operations strategist with a 25-year
Paul was most recently Regional
full insight into your established price at track record of significantly growing retail
Manager, Ontario, for CGC Inc. and had
any given time and see where quantity sales and expanding
previously spent 8 years with Owens
breaks come into effect. store networks. He
Corning Canada, running their National
Catalogue – Browse the complete Taiga held operational
Accounts for Canada.
Building Products catalogue available leadership positions
In operation since 1966, TORBSA
from your local Taiga branch, retrieve and from retailers such
Limited is a $576 million+ shareholder
research product specifications, warranty as Carter’s, Campus
owned organization, with 26 member
information, installation information Crew, American
locations across Canada.
and more. *Commodity products Eagle and Jean
are currently not available to view or Machine. He joins Darrin Sayles
Lowes Canada Donates $245,000 to purchase on this platform due to their Home Hardware from Carter’s, where he
More Than 75 Local Organizations to market volatility* held the role of Senior Director of Retail
Assist with Pandemic Relief Administrative – Review all orders Sales and Operations.
Last April, Lowe’s Canada committed placed for one location through TBP, “Home is focused on operational
$1 million to support its associates and regardless of the entry method (phone, excellence and implementing sales growth
ABSDA Building Supply News 21Industry News continued
strategies to support our Dealers to together with many of the industry’s to work developing the framework for the
achieve our Vision to be Canada's most top vendors and service providers in a e-Volution Online Buying Event.
trusted and preferred home improvement completely virtual environment. In addition to the ability to browse
retail brand,” said Darrin Noble, Vice- The e-Volution Online Buying Event through and buy products from Orgill’s
President, Store Operations. “Darrin ran from Aug. 24 through Sept. 4 and wide array of vendor partners, attendees
Sayles is a proven leader who will bring was open to Orgill’s entire retail customer of the Online Buying Event could also take
a strategic and results-oriented approach base, enabling them to take advantage of advantage of special promotional offers,
to this position and drive our growth promotional buying opportunities, shop pre-season booking programs and even
strategy.” for seasonal merchandise and browse schedule live meetings with vendors and
Darrin Sayles joins Home as Senior through thousands of new products service providers.
Director, National Retail Sales and without ever having to leave their stores. To help facilitate these meetings, Orgill
Operations. Going forward, all Ontario “Because this is the first time we have partnered with Zoom, the industry leader
Retail Sales and Operations Managers will ever held an event like this, we weren’t in online meeting technology.
report directly to Grant Allen, Director, quite sure what to expect,” says Boyden “The partnership with Zoom and our
Retail Operations, Central. The four Moore, Orgill’s President and CEO. “Now ability to integrate their state-of-the-art
Retail Operations Directors (Jeff Martin, that it’s over, I can say that we couldn’t be technology into our e-Volution platform
Grant Allen, Tim Dietrich and Mario more pleased with the results.” went a long way toward helping us
Durocher) and their regional teams will In fact, Orgill reports that buying facilitate more interaction between our
report into Sayles. activity during e-Volution far exceeded customers and our vendors and team
Dale MacPherson has been appointed the results of any previous dealer market members,” Moore says. “By now, everyone
as Senior Director, Store Operations in the company’s history including last is familiar with how Zoom works and we
Support. The Business Development team, fall’s live event. think this helped build a more robust and
formerly led by Dunc Wilson before his The decision to develop and hold the interactive experience.”
retirement earlier this year, was previously e-Volution Online Buying Event came in While meeting online might not
realigned to report directly to MacPherson. May when safety precautions surrounding replace a live market, the e-Volution
He will now oversee Construction and the COVID-19 outbreak prompted Orgill platform, combined with the functionality
Real Estate, while continuing to provide to cancel its in-person Fall Dealer Market of Zoom, enabled vendors and retailers to
support and oversight for the Dealer that had been scheduled for August 27-29 interact with ease throughout the event.
application process. in Las Vegas. “We are very pleased that, given the
“There were a number of factors that challenge of holding live events right now,
Orgill’s e-Volution Online Buying led us to this decision, including an we were able to offer a platform through
Event Draws to a Close After abundance of caution as it related to the e-Volution that helped both our vendors
Successful Debut safety of our employees, customers and and our customers keep their businesses
vendors as well as consideration for how a moving forward,” Moore says. “We will
market would function in an atmosphere undoubtedly learn a lot from this event
where strict social distancing would likely and plan to use it to make our vendor
still be required,” says Moore. and customer interactions even more
Recognizing how important it was productive as we move forward.”
Orgill, Inc. recently completed its first-ever for both customers and vendors to still Orgill is scheduled to hold its Spring
e-Volution Online Buying Event, which be able to get together for a seasonal Dealer Market from February 25-27 in
brought nearly ten thousand retailers buying show, Orgill’s team quickly went Orlando.
Advertisers Index
AFA Forest Products 5 Johnson Insurance 14
www.afaforest.com www.johnson.ca/savings
Building Products of Canada Corp. 7 Kohltech 15
www.bpcan.com www.kohltech.com
Castle Building Centres Outside Back Cover Regal Ideas Insert
https://youarethebrand.ca/ www.regalideas.com
Garon Distribution Inside Back Cover Sexton Group Ltd. Inside Front Cover
www.garon.ca www.sextongroup.com
Groupe BMR 9 Taiga Building Products 11
www.bmr.co www.taigabuilding.com
IKO 16 TIMBER MART 13
www.iko.com www.timbermartmember.ca
22 September 2020ABSDA Building Supply News 23
industry icon
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we say goodbye to a member of the Castle family. Our
dear friend and colleague, Cluny Sheppard, Castle member from Notre Dame Agencies in Lewisporte,
Newfoundland passed away on Sunday, August 23rd. Our deepest condolences go out to the family in this
difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cluny was a true gentleman who made those around him better. For those that crossed his path, it was a
privilege to engage with a man of such integrity, passion for business and absolute commitment to family.
We will miss him dearly.
Ken Jenkins
Castle Building Centres Group
24 September 2020You can also read
