When Brody Leathwood and Richard Maxwell founded U Build Construction back in 2014 their goals were relatively modest.
The business partners were hoping the Stony Mountain-based home renovations business would become successful enough they could eventually quit their day jobs and devote themselves full-time to the fledgling enterprise.
Ten years later they have accomplished that and then some. U Build now employs 35 full-time staff including project managers, estimators, site superintendents, site staff, operators and administrative staff.
And the company has evolved from a small home improvements business to one of the fastest growing commercial contractors in Manitoba. It specializes in design-builds, new construction management, large-scale additions, move-in ready fit-ups and building envelopes and it’s clients includes a variety of commercial, industrial, retail and institutional customers.
“It’s a great moment to finally be able to take a breath and look back at all the company’s accomplishments and milestones,” Leathwood says of celebrating 10 years in business.
“We truly feel we are just getting going and we are all very motivated to continue growing and ensuring our clients are always well looked after in the process. There’s nothing better than getting our team together as often as possible to enjoy all the great moments along the way.”
Leathwood and Maxwell say a key driver of their company’s growth has been hiring the right kind of people.
“We have strategically hired very hardworking, driven, smart and motivated people to form our team,” Maxwell says.
Another important factor in U Build’s success has been the company’s commitment to providing exceptional customer service and putting the needs of customers ahead of its own. That has allowed the company to maintain a high level of consistency in the work it does and ensure value for its customers.
The seeds for U Build’s success were planted well before Leathwood and Maxwell went into business together. The two childhood friends grew up together in Stony Mountain and attended school in Stonewall. The two business partners and best friends have maintained those close ties to this day and spend most of summer weekends together at the lake where their respective families have neighbouring cottages.
U Build has earned praise for its collaborative approach to working with a team of experts to successfully complete projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.
One of the larger projects it recently oversaw was state-of-the-art upgrades to Ecole Regent Park that included the addition of a new gym, classrooms and a standalone childcare facility at the Transcona area school. It was also the general contractor for a 5,800-square foot addition to Tec-Voc High School in Winnipeg’s West End that included a brand-new aerospace training facility as well as a machine shop and welding shop.
Leathwood and Maxwell say their company has no intention of slowing down. They are focused on building their team so U Build can continue to grow and compete for some of the largest tendered jobs available in Manitoba. In addition, the company has begun design work on a new state-of-the-art facility to replace its current office and warehouse space.