PAGE B8 – June 2009 – The GTA Construction Report
Dutch Masters hitting their stride in equestrian field
JOHNATHAN MONK
has a natural ability to communicate ideas
– The GTA Construction Report Special Feature
and develop individualized solutions for
each client’s unique needs. “These talents
When Gary van Bolderen was just four and her life long involvement with horses
years old, he immigrated to Canada from is a combination that fits perfectly with
the Netherlands with his parents, landing Dutch Masters interest in serving it
on a dairy and fruit farm near St. Cather- clients.”
ines, Ontario. Stephanie’s interest with horses began
As he grew older, Gary learned to ap- when she was a young girl with simple
preciate the daily grind and physical labour leisurely rides at her friend’s horse
that was involved in maintaining a farm. farm. She started competing in the hunter
When it was time to set out and make a life ring with her first horse and eventually
on his own, Gary dreamed of owning his moved into the jumper ring at recognized
own farm. However, there was, as he says, shows. Her family has been involved for
one major roadblock standing in the path many years with horses — owning and
of his goal: “Farmland costs money,” he showing them in the jumper ring as well.
says matter-of-factly. “And I didn’t have Stephanie has always been drawing
any.” plans, creating layouts and pencil sketches
So instead of pursuing his seemingly
and developing successful projects for Dutch Masters Construction Services Ltd. since she was a child, leading her to the in-
unreachable destiny at the time, Gary did
horse farms from start to finish.  Born in Midland, Ontario, Stephanie evitable post she holds today.
the next best thing and found work at the
Dutch Masters provides consulting, cus- successfully completed her B.A. in Admin- Finding her way into the Dutch Masters
local Beaver Lumber
tom design, project management and con- istrative and Commercial Studies at the
. office wasn’t an easy road for the very
That simple decision would prove in-
struction services exclusively for the horse University of Western Ontario, as well as qualified Stephanie, however. According to
strumental in Gary’s future. “Life is more
industry. Whatever Dutch Masters client graduating the Interior Design Division Gary, he turned her down “about six times”
accidental than design or affect,” he philos-
prefers – be it a complete turn-key project program at Fanshawe College. for a job but the persistent youngster de-
ophizes. And as it turned out, he was right.
or to simply prepare a set of plans for their “She runs the joint,” Gary says of his cided it was time to meet her future boss
Gary began taking on small jobs with
use — Gary and his staff will supply them young apprentice. “She’s been here for the face-to-face, coming right in to meet Gary.
Beaver and ending up doing some building
with it. last five years and it’s simply unbelievable “Finally, I hired her,” he says with a laugh,
work with Armstrong Farms – an Ontario
And when it comes to his staff, Gary is what she’s done for us.” “and it was the best thing I ever did.
horse breeder
appreciative, redirecting all the accolades Stephanie, Gary says, provides a wealth
. Stephanie has a very technical background
Word got out about Gary’s expertise and
bestowed upon he and his company onto of technical construction knowledge, ex- and is highly organized.”
eventually he began getting more calls
them. Especially when it comes to office ceptional computer skills for creating and “She’s the person most responsible for
from other horse owners through referrals.
manager Stephanie Stone, who also acts as drafting plans and has a flair for practical Dutch Masters winning all those awards we
In 1990 he formed Dutch Masters Con-
the Project Designer and Coordinator for and distinctive design. He says Stephanie have recently. She’s been the project man-
struction Services Ltd. And with that, de- ager for all of them.”
cided to concentrate exclusively on the The awards to which Gary refers in-
design and construction of horse facilities. clude the project of the year award and
The move was a direct response to a horse facilities top award for HollyOaks
client’s request for a project management Farm in Lynden; Kings Grant Farm in
service to encompass all aspects in the de- Caledon; Angelstone Farm in Acton; Run-
sign and construction of new horse facili- ning Fox tack shop in Mono Mills and
ties and farmstead infrastructure. Looking Back farm in Tottenham.  Awards
Since that fateful day, Dutch Masters won prior to Stephanie’s tenure include
Construction has become a leader in South-
ern Ontario in providing original designs
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