Viktech magazine Canada #1 / 2015

LET VIKTECH HELP YOU!

www.viktech.ca

Are you involved in a large deadline or do you need to focus your resources on tasks other than recruiting, retaining and training?

We have a database with +360 skilled tradespeople and general labour eager to assist you. Below we have listed examples of 5 of our qualifi ed staff, all of them available to start working for you asap:

Framing Carpenter - Leo Over 20 years in construction as a carpenter | Experience in high-rise building, cottages, decks, docks and chalets |Foundation forming and framing from the ground up in-cluding footings | Two to three years’ experience instal-ling/cladding steel wall and AD panels | WHMIS, Fall Ar-rest Certifi ed and Lift ticket certifi ed | Lives in Kitchener .

Drywall/Tapper/Painter - MichaelTwo years’ experience in drywall installation and taping | Two years’ experience in painting using rollers, brushes and paint sprayer | Demolition and general labour inclu-ding drywall, hardwood fl ooring and paint maintenance | WHMIS Certifi ed | Lives in Toronto.

Skilled Labour - Philip Over 11 years in general construction | Multifaceted general contractor/carpenter’s assistant | Experience in framing, footings, fi nish and trim carpentry, demolition, renovation and some electrical | Experience in restora-

tion carpentry on swing stage| Filled hollow steel door frames with mortar and hanging doors | Knowledge of precast concrete panels and able to read blueprints, sketches, specifi cations| WHMIS & Fall Arrest Certifi ed | Lives in Scarborough and fl exible with commuting.

Skilled Labour - Christopher 10 years of experience in construction| Over four years of framing houses from walls and fl oors to building roofs |Erecting walls, sheathing interior/exterior walls | Four years’ experience in specialized trim and baseboard work, cabinet insulation, kitchen installation and drywall | Two years of landscape installation of patio stones, re-taining walls and maintenance | Able to read blueprints, sketches and specifi cations |WHMIS and Fall Arrest Cer-tifi ed | Lives in Kitchener.

General Labour - Jahvar Over one year of experience as a hoist operator and work within general construction labour | Worked up to 44 fl oors | General labour including safety railings, safety fences, cement work, clean-up and packing/unloading |Lives in downtown Toronto – comfortable taking public transportation | WHMIS and Fall Arrest Certifi ed | Lives in Toronto.

Phone: +1 416 479 5435E-mail: [email protected]

WE SUPPLY WORK FORCE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

#01 | 2015

WWW.VIKTECH.CA

EDGE GROUP: Hard Work, Dedication and Professionalism Lead Us to Success. Page 4

WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU: Our Four Values Are Your Guarantee for Superior Service. Page 11

LATEST STATISTICS: Canadian Building Permits Decrease. Page 6 Call Viktech

Today

- Get Qualified

Labor

Tomorrow

vt-canadamagasin-0115-jan15.indd 1 19/01/15 14.58

VIKTECH MAGAZINEThe Viktech Magazine is published by Viktech Inc. 174 Spadina Avenue - Suite 612 Toronto, ON M5T 2C2 Tel: (416) 479 5435 – email: [email protected] www.viktech.ca www.facebook.com/viktech.ca

Publisher: Viktech Inc. CanadaEditor: Christina JacobsenManaging Editor: Mia KnudsenCountry Manager: Mia Knudsen Graphic Designer: Mach01.com

Printed in CanadaAbout Viktech

About Viktech

Viktech supplies qualified and skilled trades-men to the construction industry. Viktech makes life simple for customers by taking care of payroll, insurance, hiring and giving notice for hired laborers. Viktech is a member of the Toronto Construction Association.

Learn more about Viktech

www.viktech.ca Tel: (416) 479 5435 Email: [email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 2News from Viktech

Page 4-5Edge Group

The president and project manager of the contracting and building restoration company from Vaughan tell about their daily challenges

and why Viktech became a valuable partner.

Page 6-7Latest Statistics:

Canadian Building Permits Decrease.

Page 810 Quick Facts

About the Construction Industry.

Page 9Cool Winter Gear

We found the latest gadgets for you.

Page 10Meet David Heilig

Our new sales representative talks about his background and Viktech.

Page 11What It Means to You:

The Four Values of Viktech.

10 9 4

2|#01 - 2015 | | TEL. (416) 479 5435 | WWW.VIKTECH.CA


VIKTECH’S NEW LOCATION

We have recently moved to our new offices in downtown Toronto right on the corner of Queen

Street West and Spadina Avenue. Our door is always open, so please pay us a visit if you are in

the neighborhood. New YorkDetroit

Vermont

MontrealOttawa

Sudbury North Bay

Hamilton

AlgonquinProvincial Park

Massach

DowntownTorronto

LATESTNEWS4

Country Manager Mia Knudsen working at her desk in the new Viktech office

Downtown Torronto

WWW.VIKTECH.CA | TEL. (416) 479 5435 | | 3|#01 - 2015


The contracting and building restoration company from Vaughan has developed from a start-up into a strong player in the construction industry. President Frank Di Giacomi and project manager Ward Stevens talk about their company and why Viktech became a valuable partner. While the construction industry in Ontario continues to grow, Edge Group too experiences an increasing demand for their services, ranging from curtain wall, masonry, balcony and parking structures for commercial, residential and industrial buildings. The company was founded only 3 years ago by the three partners Frank Di Giacomi, Ward Stevens and Tania Stalteri. Despite being a fairly new company within the business, they have already proven them-selves to be well known and respected within

the construction industry. We met Di Giacomi and Stevens who explained us what they think makes their business so successful.

What is the key to Edge Group’s success?“In my opinion, it is our realistic and sensible approach to providing solutions for our clients. Our philosophy allows us to create and maintain long term relationships with our clients, consultants, architects and management firms.” says Ward Stevens, partner and project manager at Edge Group.

How do you ensure a high performance standard on your projects?“Our employees are educated on products and applications while maintaining the company’s “teamwork” philosophy delivered in a professional way.” says Frank Di Giacomi, partner and president at Edge Group. Truly, this statement appears clear to us since all qualified employees have been hand selected by the three partners of Edge Group.

Hard Work, Dedication and Professionalism Lead Us to Success

EDGE GROUP:

“In our field of business,

we are always on a tight

deadline.”4|#01 - 2015 | | TEL. (416) 479 5435 | WWW.VIKTECH.CA


Does a high performance match with safety standards? What do you do meet safetystandards on your projects?“Safety comes first and is paramount for our company. We run educational programs for our employees and scheduled project monitoring, tool box talks and active members of the Safety Construction Association all play significant roles in maintaining Edge Group’s high standards.” Frank says.

Where did you hear about Viktech?“Viktech’s sales representative, William Marlatt, called us to set up a meeting where he made a very professional presentation of Viktech and the core competences of the company.” Ward says.

For which type of projects did you use Viktech employees?“We have used Viktech for various projects within restoration of historic buildings. On our first project using Viktech, the guys were on a swing stage doing restoration at the University of Toronto. Another project involved doing an international demolition of a historic building on the Esplanade. Viktech delivers flexibility, so when we had a shortage on staff on a long distance project in Kitchener, Viktech helped us out by providing qualified employees who did waterproofing and caulking on a high-rise building.” Ward says.

What are the most valuable benefits for you when using Viktech employees?“In our field of business, we are always on a tight deadline. We retained Viktech’s employees to provide professional trade services to augment our existing forces in order to meet the restrictive schedules. This service has been instrumental during in-house employee vacations, sick leave and days off.” Ward says.

Would you recommend Viktech to others?“Yes, we definitely would. Viktech’s professionalism and personal touch, ensures that we receive the qualified personnel for the specific project whenever needed.” Frank says.

“Viktech’s professionalism and

personal touch, ensures that we

receive the qualified personnel

for the specific project whenever

needed.”

Frank Di Giacomi and Ward Stevens from Edge Group meet their business partner from Viktech, William Marlatt.


British Columbia and Alberta report large declines. Ontario maintains a strong position.

The latest report on building permits published by Statistics Canada in January 2015 accounts for a general decline of new projects in most provinces. The report is based on values for November 2014 and highlights that especially British Columbia and Alberta reported large declines in non-residential and multi-family building projects. The weak position of these two provinces are due to a decrease in intentions for institutional and commercial build-ings in British Columbia and reduced commercial and industrial building intentions in Alberta respectively. Ontario accounted overall for the most significant gain. Due to an increase in construction intentions for multi-family dwellings relating to

apartment-condominium projects, Ontario is the contemporary leader of Canadian building permits. However, also Manitoba accounted for an overall strong position - relating to high values of permits of both multi-family dwellings and non-residential buildings.

Negative Trend in Metropolitan Areas Overall, construction intentions in metropolitan areas are declining. 24 of the 34 census metropolitan areas are experiencing decreases in construction intentions, lead by Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary. However, it is no surprise that Toronto takes the Canadian lead, followed by Barrie and Winnipeg – all explained by an increased intention for multi-family dwellings.

LATEST STATISTICS:

CANADIAN BUILDING PERMITS DECREASE



Commercial BuildingsConstruction intentions for commercial buildings decreased 25.8 per cent to $1.2 billion in November 2014. The category of commercial buildings includes warehouses, restaurants, office buildings, hotels and retail outlets. 6 provinces registered declines, lead by British Columbia, Quebec and Alberta. Nonetheless, the value of commercial permits increased in four provinces, where Ontario maintains in the strongest position.

Institutional BuildingsThe value of permits for institutional buildings fell 24.9 percent to $684 million in November 2014. With British Columbia standing out as the weakest province, four more provinces also experienced a decline in this category. It is speculated that the general decline is due to lower construction intentions for medical facilities, nursing homes and retirement residences.

Industrial BuildingsThe intentions for industrial buildings declined 43.1 percent to $376 million in November 2014, falling to the lowest level since April 2014. The national decrease is mainly due to lower construction intentions for manufacturing plants and utility buildings in Ontario, Alberta and Quebec.

Multi-Family DwellingsNationwide, building permits fell by 3.5 percent to $2.0 billion in November. In total, 6 provinces experienced negative trends, lead by Alberta and British Columbia which account for the greatest part of the decline.

Single-Family DwellingsAlso in this category there was a decline, down 2.6 percent to $ 2.4 billion in November. The highest declines were registered in Saskatchewan and Quebec. While there has been an overall decline, Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswick experienced gains in this category.

Source: Statistics Canada, Building permits, November 2014

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10 QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE CANADIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Source: BuildForce Canada: Fast Facts / Canada’s Construction Workforce Reaches All-Time High

1 6

2 7

3 8

4 9

5 10

Cool Winter Gear235,000 workers are expected to

retire within the next 10 years.

1 in 14 workers employed in Canada work in the construction industry, employing approximately 1.3 million people.

Within the next 10 years, the industry will need 300,000 new construction workers. An additional 64,000 workers are needed to meet the demand of the growing industry.

The construction industry accounts for 12.5 percent of the Canadian gross domestic product (GDP)

While the Canadian GDP grew by 1.3 percent in 2013, construction employment grew by 4.4 percent.

Construction workers install, repair and renovate work worth $200 billion each year.

The Canadian construction industry has hired 600,000 new workers since 1996 – an employment growth rate of 86 percent.

The average construction firm is quite small. 90 percent of the firms in the residential sector and 70 percent in the non-residential sector have less than 5 employees.

Most construction laborers live in Ontario, accounting for 34 percent of the Canadian construction labor force. Followed by Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia (20, 18 and 14 percent respectively)

The average Canadian construction worker is 41 years old (2014).



Here are the latest trends and gadgets for keeping you warm during the winter time

SAY GOODBYE TO COLD FEET

Last winter was terribly cold. And what is worse than slipping on the slippery sidewalk? We will tell you. It is to freeze off your toes. So if you are tired of cold feet during this year’s winter sea-son and want to turn your working or winter boots into some nice and always warm feet pockets, you should get yourself a set of ThermaCELL’s Heated Insoles. It comes with a small remote control so you can avoid overheating, hot spots and sweaty feet – it automatically adjusts the heat to your body temperature. Your boots will stay warm and comfortable not matter how cold it is outside.

Price $129.99 at heat.thermacell.com

Source: BuildForce Canada: Fast Facts / Canada’s Construction Workforce Reaches All-Time High

NO MORE FROZEN CHEEKS AND LIPS!If you are one of those who are not enriched with a wild growth of beard that can warm you in cold winter days, then we have some good news for you. You can now buy a hat with an integrated beard! The beard is made of hand knitted yarn and comes fully detachable and adjustable – you do not even have to have a shave when you get tired of it. The beard hat is available in different styles and colors so you can be sure to find one that suits just your type. Also available in kids sizes!

Price from $19.99 at www.beardowear.com

REAL CANADIAN GLOVES – WARM AND SCREEN COMPATIBLECanadians know how to withstand cold temperatures. And we would like to recommend the new “Glider Gloves” made by a Canadian company that bears the slogan “Trust us – we know cold!”. These gloves are not only thick and warm, they are also screen compatible. So if you do not want to take off your gloves to answer your cell phone, then a pair of these should become your new travelling companion. Available for men and women.

Price from $24.99 at www.glidergloves.com

Cool Winter Gear



Q: What do you like about your new job at Viktech?A: “We are a fairly young and new company. You can feel the spirit and fresh energy that the company bears. I love the challenge and I find it interesting to open new doors and see our company grow. I really appreciate our employees and customers and the industry we are working in. It is not an easy one. Construction work is hard work.”

Q: What do you think is the main strength of Viktech?A: “I would say it is our good workforce. Viktech pays its workers more than others and you can tell that we attract those that are highly skilled and moti-vated. And that is reflected in good work, highly satisfied customers and a lot of positive energy at Viktech.”

Meet David Heilig, our new sales representative at Viktech who joined us in January. Our colleagues inter-viewed David while he was visiting Viktech’s headquarter in Denmark.

Q: David, who are you and what is your back-ground? A: “I was previously working in the furniture industry. So wood is just my element. But I am experienced in manufacturing of machinery, office furniture and desk building.” Q: How would you describe yourself?A: “People know me as the hands-on guy. I like to help people, even if it has nothing to do with my work. So I am even happy to give my neighbors a hand”, David says with a smile.

Q: What are your tasks at Viktech?A: “As a sales representative, I am helping to strengthen Viktech’s brand awareness. I am eager to make Viktech more visible and to show our cus-tomers that we offer the best service in the market.”

Q: What does your typical work day look like? A: “I visit employees and meet our customers at con-struction sites to make sure that everything is going fine. I also spend a lot of time with prospecting and contacting existing and new customers. But I prefer the physical meetings, where I can meet people and learn about their issues and challenges.”

MEETDAVIDHEILIG

David in a meeting with a customer



1234

At Viktech, we do not only deliver tradesmen to the construction industry. We also promise our customers the best service by relying on four basic values which we continuously incorporate in our daily work. Our values are far more than nice words written on a piece of paper - they are your guarantee for superior service.

QualityTo us, quality means that we prioritize quality in every step of our daily work. We do not rest on previous good experiences if we have the chance to improve ourselves and our services. For our customers, it means that they can be sure to collaborate with a professional partner who delivers qualified laborers, prepared and ready to work. We establish close relationships with our customers – throughout the very first contact to the end of a project.

CommitmentWe are passionate about what we do and our collaboration with our customers. Commitment creates dyna-mism and establishes relations that have a positive influence on effective flow in projects. Our customers can be sure that we are as committed to their business as they are. We are dedicated to solve any tasks to our customers’ complete satisfaction and we have the gumption to make an extra effort if requested.

LoyaltyWe keep our promises and we do what we say we will do. It is as simple as that. Our customers know that we are loyal and that they can count on us as their partner. No matter what the issue might be – we will stand by your side helping you even through stormy weather.

FlexibilityWe operate in a dynamic industry, where flexibility is essential to the success of our customers. Therefore, we are always ready to assist our customers when a helping hand is needed. By staying open-minded and listen-ing to upcoming trends, we make sure that our service will continue to meet future needs and demands. We believe that our customers deserve a reliable partner that stays by their side in a challenging and changing environment.

WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU: THE FOUR VALUES OF VIKTECH



ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SKILLED TRADES PEOPLE OR GENERAL LABOUR?

ARE YOU APPROACHING A DEADLINE AND EXPERIENCE SHORTAGE OF YOUR OWN STAFF?Viktech Can Help You!We supply highly skilled staff immediately. No need to worry about recruitment, payroll, WSIB etc. Viktech will take care of all administrative tasks, ensuring that you will have our qualified Viktech staff working with you, under your supervision, in no time.We are experts on supplying Site Construction Crew and Workforce Solutions. We have a large database of qualified skilled tradespeople and general labor that are ready to work for you ASAP.

LET VIKTECH HELP YOU!

www.viktech.ca

Are you involved in a large deadline or do you need to focus your resources on tasks other than recruiting, retaining and training?

We have a database with +360 skilled tradespeople and general labour eager to assist you. Below we have listed examples of 5 of our qualifi ed staff, all of them available to start working for you asap:

Framing Carpenter - Leo Over 20 years in construction as a carpenter | Experience in high-rise building, cottages, decks, docks and chalets |Foundation forming and framing from the ground up in-cluding footings | Two to three years’ experience instal-ling/cladding steel wall and AD panels | WHMIS, Fall Ar-rest Certifi ed and Lift ticket certifi ed | Lives in Kitchener .

Drywall/Tapper/Painter - MichaelTwo years’ experience in drywall installation and taping | Two years’ experience in painting using rollers, brushes and paint sprayer | Demolition and general labour inclu-ding drywall, hardwood fl ooring and paint maintenance | WHMIS Certifi ed | Lives in Toronto.

Skilled Labour - Philip Over 11 years in general construction | Multifaceted general contractor/carpenter’s assistant | Experience in framing, footings, fi nish and trim carpentry, demolition, renovation and some electrical | Experience in restora-

tion carpentry on swing stage| Filled hollow steel door frames with mortar and hanging doors | Knowledge of precast concrete panels and able to read blueprints, sketches, specifi cations| WHMIS & Fall Arrest Certifi ed | Lives in Scarborough and fl exible with commuting.

Skilled Labour - Christopher 10 years of experience in construction| Over four years of framing houses from walls and fl oors to building roofs |Erecting walls, sheathing interior/exterior walls | Four years’ experience in specialized trim and baseboard work, cabinet insulation, kitchen installation and drywall | Two years of landscape installation of patio stones, re-taining walls and maintenance | Able to read blueprints, sketches and specifi cations |WHMIS and Fall Arrest Cer-tifi ed | Lives in Kitchener.

General Labour - Jahvar Over one year of experience as a hoist operator and work within general construction labour | Worked up to 44 fl oors | General labour including safety railings, safety fences, cement work, clean-up and packing/unloading |Lives in downtown Toronto – comfortable taking public transportation | WHMIS and Fall Arrest Certifi ed | Lives in Toronto.

Phone: +1 416 479 5435E-mail: [email protected]

Let Viktech Help You to Focus on Your Core Business!

Contact us:Call (416) 479 5435 or email [email protected] Inc. – 174 Spadina Avenue, Suite 612 – Toronto, ON, M5T 2C2


Documents

Viktech magazine Canada #1 / 2015