Ask any one of our team, and they will say that what sets Menno S. Martin Contractor Limited apart, is that we CARE, and we really do! And that care has been a foundational quality of our business, starting with Menno himself, carried on by Laverne and continued by each of us today.
Below, read a little more about the two great men who helped shape our company’s values and culture over the last 75 years.
Menno decided to strike out on his own in 1942 after working for various farms as a young man, a carpentry shop for 5 years and a stint at Hollinger’s Hardware (now Home Hardware). He started doing small repair jobs – then farm buildings, houses and a variety of renovations. Menno was a fine craftsman, committed to an honest day’s work and living by the “Golden Rule”. By the early 1960’s he had 24 carpenters employed.
Menno had a built-in sense of business ethics. Honesty, care, trust, loyalty all came naturally to him. He treated his employees and his customers as he would like to be treated – giving a little bit more rather than less. This is the foundation that Menno S. Martin Contractor continues to build on.
Menno was a storyteller with a dry sense of humor and an incredible memory. He was a very patient and forgiving teacher and coach. His legacy continues and the Company continues to be stewards of what Menno started in 1942.
Laverne began working for Menno S. Martin in the Spring of 1965. He worked in the field for a couple of months and then Menno invited him to work with him in the office, first as a “go-fer” and then later doing material take-offs, pricing out projects and making sales calls.
In 1968 “Menno S. Martin Limited” was incorporated. Menno was looking ahead at retirement and Laverne was interested in buying in to the business. A buy-sell agreement was set up and was consummated over the next 14 years.
Laverne has been actively involved with the Home Builders’ Association – locally, provincially and nationally. He has won various national and provincial awards for his contribution to the building and renovation industry. He continues to volunteer with his church and community on numerous boards and committees.
Laverne has always worked at continuing the values driven company foundation that Menno began. He has worked with hiring excellent employees and trades who could take the company to the next level. Now after more than 50 years with the company it is very rewarding to see the third generation continuing Menno’s legacy.
