When hiring, Don says they look firstly at character and chemistry. Again, he says if they find the right person they will invest in them and work hard to retain them. He says a lot of the same applies to their relationships to their relationships with suppliers and vendors. Many of those partners are based in Winnipeg, and those long-term relationships are built on the same principles of consistency and dependability. “If you can’t get material when you need it, or if it’s not what you expected, you’re dead in the water,” Don says. “So I stick with the ones who’ve proven they’re consistent. They’ve got my back, and I’ve got theirs.” Just as reliable suppliers ensure the right materials arrive on time, dependable equipment and thoughtful job-site practices keep every project running smoothly. Don Cullen Masonry and Tile may still rely on time-honored tools – trowels, plumb lines, and scaffolding – but Don welcomes any innovation that elevates safety or longevity. “I’m not using something just because it’s new,” he explains, “but if it keeps the crew safer or makes the work last longer, I’m all for it.” Over the years, incremental upgrades in dustcontrol systems, respirators, and safety gear have become standard issue on every site. Specialty products – insulated masonry units or advanced mortar mixes – find their way into jobs when they deliver real performance gains, but the heart of the craft remains in the crew’s hands. “It’s a trade that lives in your fingertips,” Don adds. “You learn it from someone showing you, not from watching a video.” THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
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