At Menno S. Martin Contractor Limited, we take great pride in the culture of teamwork that has been the backbone of our success for over 80 years. Our team isn’t just a group of coworkers; we’re a close-knit crew that shares common values, supports one another, and strives for excellence in every project. We asked a few of our guys to talk about what they value about their team, and were really thrilled with their answers.
For example, there are times when we might forget how special these relationships actually are, but a recent addition to our team mentioned that when he joined Team Menno, there was a stark contrast to his previous experiences. “It was always very stressful. There were always guys who just seemed to hate being there,” Eric, our Lead Carpenter, shared. But here, “everyone seems to get along really well. The guys laugh and joke around together. It’s been a really nice change.” The rest of our team agrees that this positive atmosphere is what makes coming to work every day something to look forward to.
Our collaboration starts each morning when we gather at the shop to discuss the day’s projects, and often, the team will offer each other specialized support on their job sites. Logan, another of our carpenters says, “Everyone’s willing to help on different projects. If somebody needs a hand with something that maybe their skill sets are better at, everyone is willing to shift around and help each other whenever they can.” This willingness to support one another ensures that we maintain the highest standards of quality in all our work, and helps the team feel connected even while working on different job sites, often for months at a time.
A key part of our success is the openness within our team. There’s no hesitation in asking for help or seeking advice. “Everybody knows if you need to ask a question, those who are more experienced are always willing to give an answer and not make you feel stupid about it,” according to one of our younger members and Apprentice Carpenter, Erik. This culture of acceptance and learning ensures that everyone, regardless of experience level, feels supported and valued.
Our approach to work isn’t just about getting the job done; it’s about doing it right every time. Erik says, “It helps when it’s a good work environment. You’re excited to come to work and really care about what you’re doing.” And according to Logan “This care and dedication are evident in every project we complete, and it’s what keeps our clients coming back and referring us to others. This makes us all feel really proud to continue doing great work.”
Our company’s longevity is rooted in this strong team culture. Our longest-serving carpenter, Larry, who has been with us for 48 years, says, “The bosses over the years have always been good about supporting you in your real life. If you want to take some time off they look for ways to make that work, regardless of the time of year. Many other companies have limits about holidays during the summer, etc.”
Looking ahead, we are committed to maintaining this culture while continuing to evolve. Art says, “I think it’s important to us that we maintain that flow. We’re just doing what Menno did, what Laverne did, and we like to think that maybe we’re doing it even better.”
As we continue to grow, we’ll stay true to the values that have brought us this far—collaboration, respect, and a commitment to quality. We believe that by empowering each other and working together, we’ll keep building on the legacy of Menno S. Martin for many years to come.