Words by Natalie Bruckner | Photos by Boston Sheet Metal
For South Surrey-based Boston Sheet Metal, no project is too complex. In fact, no matter what challenges are thrown their way, the team is able to look at the big picture, drill down to the specifics, complete the work, and even walk away upon completion as firm friends with other teams on the project.
Case in point: the state-of-the-art, five-level Zymeworks research and development laboratory in Vancouver. The 10,000-square-foot lab was, in many ways, as complex as a project can get. Its focus on increased control over discovery research, antibody generation, medicinal chemistry, and bioconjugation for generating antibody drug conjugates meant that everything had to be designed in a way that left no room for error.
“This project was fully BIM modelled as many areas were very congested, which was critical for us in installing the full welded stainless steel lab exhaust duct work throughout,” explains Justyn Atherley, project manager with Boston Sheet Metal.
Completing the project was a proud moment for the team at Boston, not only because of what they achieved, but also knowing that they were part of something that will make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients today and for many years to come.
This is only one example. In the seven years that Boston Sheet Metal has been in business, the company has been involved in numerous residential, commercial (special projects), and light industrial projects, and has some exciting projects coming up, including the new EA Sports facility and the Amazon YVR6 distribution centre, both located in Burnaby.
“This is one thing I really admire about this industry… the challenges,” Atherley says. “I am stimulated by challenges, and this industry is full of them. When they arise, I always look forward to sitting down with our team to work our way through them. We are not perfect by any means, but I think we are pretty darn good at getting through challenges professionally.”
Boston Sheet Metal’s reputation is second to none and makes them an obvious choice for any size project. “I believe what makes us stand out is our belief that ‘everything is possible’,” explains Atherley. “Construction projects are always challenging and full of roadblocks. Our team of experts works closely with our customers to ensure that we always find the best route forward when roadblocks present themselves, even when others say it’s not possible.”
The company, which specializes in installations, custom metal fabrication, BIM modelling, and HVAC design, is committed to delivering high quality, professional, and ethical construction-related services to its clients and customers. Beyond that, the company’s focus is on keeping in mind the greater good within everything they do, while building long-term shareholder value, all while working with each customer to accommodate their tight schedules.
There really is no single secret to the company’s success: it comes down to a few things including a hard-working team (the company employs more than 100 workers in the field, shop, and office) and open communication.
“Though simple, I strongly believe the three main factors required to provide the best possible service are communication, response time, and integrity,” Atherley says. “Basically, this means communicate well, in a timely manner, and do or say what you said you were going to do. If not, then communicate in timely manner. Rinse and repeat.”
The company firmly stands by this and as such has even created the acronym CRI to talk about building a successful business. CRI stands for communication, response time, and integrity.
“We often joke about making each other ʻCRI’,” says Atherley.
It’s a philosophy that has buy-in from everyone at Boston Sheet Metal, and it keeps everyone moving in the same direction.
“We instill a ‘teaming’ mentality into our culture,” Atherley says. “We are no less or more important than anyone we work with. We cannot do our work successfully if we don’t work together as one team. This means that we try and align ourselves with the best suppliers, subs, colleagues, and even customers.”
He adds that Boston Sheet Metal feels fortunate to employ some of the best people in the industry, many of whom have become close friends outside of work. “We have a depth of skill and expertise throughout, from estimation, project management, and field superintendents, to foreman, journeyman, and apprentices. I believe one of the main reasons we have been able to have such depth is that the majority of our team members are very open to providing and receiving constructive feedback and also open to sharing and learning new ideas, so that they can all gradually improve themselves. We also try and find each person’s unique strength, and put people in situations where they can flourish.”
To further develop the skills of their team, training is a big part of their ethos. “As a union contractor [Local 280] and part of SMACNA as well, we have access to the best training and tools available in our industry,” Atherley says.
Being relatable and having a true interest in people and what makes them tick can be seen throughout the company. Atherley admits he places a lot of importance on not only forming strong professional relationships in business but also in his personal life. “Life is short, so why not work with people you admire and enjoy working with the most?” he says.
And then there’s the focus on people outside of the industry. Boston’s philosophy of believing in having a higher purpose in what they do isn’t just lip service. Every year the team comes up with creative methods to give back to the community, from an annual Affinity Cup Poker Championship (with BINGO) to raise money for BC Children’s Hospital, to raising money for CKNW Kids Fund by securing a spot on the radio and asking anyone if they would like to go on air (Boston is a platinum donor and to date has raised over $25k). The company also offers to donate one percent of all sales from select outside sales customers that order through the shop to a charity of their choice. ■
