#238 John Masalkofski of Arctic Fence and General Contracting over 50 years of family owned business
Amazing to have John on the show talking the fencing business for the past 50 years, from humble beginnings as an immigrant with his grandfather, working on smaller residential projects to full scale commercial and industrial projects of today. So much to discuss on this show, but first up, we discuss the economy and I must say, it is refreshing to hear from a 26 year old like John that feels there is something bad coming our way, he has heard the stories from his Dad, from his GrandDad from the past, how difficult it was to get work during those lean years, John offers up a lot of great insight.
We have a great conversation about welding and the skill attached. John shares the proper footings for his posts, from resi, to commercial to industrial, sometimes they are working with posts that are 3/8” thick steel for security purposes behind correctional institutions. John brings up so many great points behind profit and understanding your profit margins and what you and your business is really making because most tradespeople don’t really know, they just assume they are making money. Right now John is keeping the business lean because he knows to be safe than sorry.
John shares a number of stories on how is Dad built the business with relationships, being knowledgeable on the job site has an advantage, communicating with engineers and architects, and finally coming to the conclusion that everything works on paper but never on the jobsite, that is where the skills come to play. So many products have been developed by tradespeople handling things on site, figuring how to make things better, more efficient, boots on the ground is incredibly valuable, don’t ever forget that. We finally get a chance to discuss locates and job site duties. We end the show discussing the why of construction, understand the why, when your business isn’t what it used to be, go back to the why, when you have those bad days, bad clients, go back to the why, always go back to the why of construction.
Shared and Discussed Links
https://fencearmor.com/collections/stain-seal-wood-stain
https://streetsoftoronto.com/19-condo-towers-and-up-to-10000-residents-could-land-at-yorkdale/
Thank You so much John for sharing so much about the industry. Find John and the Arctic Crew at the following @arcticfence on IG www.arcticfence.ca and contact John on his email at john@arcticfence.ca
Want to reach out to Manny, text him on his mobile, 416 433-5737 and or email him at manny@hardcorerenos.com or manny@theconstructionlife.com Please let him know who you are and then ask away.
Find Carlito @theconstructionliferenos and reach out to him at theconstructionliferenos@gmail.com
Reach out to Joe and Trevor at the following info. www.venturesxcanada.ca find them on Social Media @venturesxoakville reach them at 289 644-2393 and email oakville@venturesxcanada.com
TCL has and always will be about giving back to the construction industry.