How do you see your business – design-build and construction management – going forward over the next quarter?
… ‘we build stuff’. Less good than a year ago – but we are winning projects and closing business. People are still busy …
And over the next five years?
… methodology of contraction and the way people get delivery is going to morph – the concept of, ‘how do we partner better with others involved’ to get more interconnected, more synergy with the concept the client should be at the centre of it all. When you are smaller, you give more attention – and produce a better client experience. Schedule, budget and quality – more integration; it doesn’t have to cost more, it’s just better.
What qualities distinguish your preferred colleagues, collaborators and suppliers?
… follow through – people who do what they say they will. Having my back. Knowing they are going to do the right thing. Smarmy sales people freak me out!
What distinguishes you that causes people to choose Patricia Verburgt and Scott Builders, and why do they do business with you, why do they hire you, over your competitors?
… because I’m fun! Seriously, there’s a correlation – I’m genuine. We are not just a general contractor – clients, consultants, contractor, a project is approached based on how the team performs. We are 100% employee owned – what we do and how we do matters. We all have a stake. We are proud of 40 years, but for the next 40 we need new blood, new energy and new ways of delivering as partners in industry.
How would you describe your leadership/management style?
… inspiring, lead by example, a sense of humour. I don’t ask somebody to do something I wouldn’t do myself. High energy, fun …
What do you lose sleep over, what do you worry about?
… fear of failure drives me. I didn’t want to be average – I want to be above average. I’m ‘a little bit competitive’ [the laughter spilling into the hallway]. I worry about what is going on in Alberta, oil prices.
Who or what influenced you most – that has made a difference in your life, or that was a major turning point?
… my parents – their courage and determination coming from Holland to Canada. There was a recruitment program, a point system, so it wasn’t easy. Dad got a job easily. Mom didn’t find it as easy – she worked in a warehouse, then got into banking. Mogens Smed was a great influence, so in tune with ‘we build the relationship’, his ability to connect with people, a European way of doing business.
Work / life balance?
… I’ve made peace with it – it’s out of balance!
For fun?
… love cooking, I’m very good! Love dinner parties, entertaining. Chicken satay lover. My favourite workout at Barre Studio. It’s a ballet-based program.
What do you read?
… The Harry Potter series, got them for Christmas; Peter Theil’s “Zero to One” is on my nightstand, Peter Jensen’s “Thriving in a 24-7 World” is next.
Her ride?
… 2015 Tourag TDI … and, yes, I’m part of the class action lawsuit against VW.
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