The Ontario Construction Report – September 2009 – PAGE OCR 7
Parkland
which call the shots. I’m constantly doing
paperwork, jumping through oops and deal-
Plumbing-Heating
ing with red tape just to keep my status as
Continued from page 6
a service provider.
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Unfortunately these outfits work under
contract and margins are low for making a
I tell my guys not to be scared to do
profit on the work. Generally, a repair over
something extra if you see it. Especially
$500 can take up to three weeks to approve,
for the elderly; things like changing light
unless it is an absolute emergency.
bulbs, fixing door handles, cleaning eaves
troughs . . . These things are routine but
What does the future hold in store for
score big points.
the industry?
Most importantly, we don’t gouge our
In Canada, I think we’ll see more habits
clients – I would rather make my money
and energy-saving techniques that have
over the long run.
been long-established in Europe.
The plumber and gas fitter will no
Does that work?
longer be just the guy or gall in overalls. A
I think so. I have lost customers to com-
high degree of expertise and training will
petitors that offer specials or cheaper
be a requirement to succeed in this field.
rates,but many have come back because
A complete overhaul of the apprentice-
they prefer our quality workmanship.
ship program, the training ratio require-
Many of my newer customers are sons
The Three Wise Men Perry, Vern and Gary
ments, and suitably ongoing and
and daughters of old customers. that means
provincially funded education (even after
a lot. It’s like being part of the family.
certification) is needed.
What changes have you seen in the in-
dustry over the last 20 years?
What about Parkland’s future?
Things have changed, particularly in the
After 35 years of twisting the wrenches
last five years. People do a lot of back-
and 20 of putting my neck on the block
ground research through the Internet and
every day, I’m hoping to pass the torch to
are much more informed on equipment and
an eager and ambitious individual. They
solutions to their needs. It’s actually hard
say anything is for sale and I’m open to of-
to keep up with some of it.
fers. I’d like tog et a new job where you
Most residential customers are energy
can get sand between your toes.
conscious and want the best systems they
Vern Poschner can be reached by phone
can afford, to provide them with a pay-back
at (807) 548-2999 or by email at
on consumption costs.
vern@parklandplumbing.com. The com-
Many commercial properties have
pany’s website is at http://www.parkland-
downloaded their maintenance programs to
The old farts - Dale, Terry and Pat plumbing com.
large property management companies
Congratulations to
Parkland Plumbing & Heating
as you celebrate 20 years of success.
Plumbing • Heating • Pumps • Water Products
Committed to Customer Service Excellence
1760 Elice Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0B6
Tel: 204-784-0100 Fax: 204-775-7352
The three upstarts - Jordan, Pat and Jon
Congratulations to Parkland Plumbing & Heating.
Congratulations to
We are proud to be part of your 20th anniversary.
Parkland Plumbing & Heating
on 20 years of continued success.
Martin R. Nelson
Professional Corporation
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
1027 Railway Street,
R.R.#2, Kenora, ON
P9N 3W8 421 Second Street South, Kenora, Ontario P9N 1G7
Tel: 807-468-5070 Bus: (807) 468-5656 Fax: (807) 468-3556
Fax: 807-468-1554
mrnelson@kmts.ca
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