MAY 2025 Though rooted in tradition, Brian has taken clear steps to modernize operations and free up time for what matters most: being present on-site and with clients. A recent time audit revealed a significant chunk of each week lost to manual tasks like invoicing and organizing files. In response, he’s adopted cloud-based tools for document sharing, upgraded accounting software for better mobility, and is exploring project management platforms to improve coordination. “These changes aren’t flashy,” Brian says, “but they let me focus on the work that really counts—and ensure the right person is handling each part of the process.” That balance between growth and personal service is something Brian thinks about often. The team remains intentionally small—three people in the field and one in the office, with plans to fill a soon-tobe-opened management administrative role. That size allows for close oversight and a strong team dynamic, but Brian also recognizes the need for structure. He’s currently documenting workflows and job descriptions to make onboarding easier and to ensure consistency as the team expands. It’s a forward-looking approach grounded in sustainability, not scale for its own sake. “I could lose key guys if I keep juggling too many tasks,” he reflects. “By defining responsibilities—who handles onsite supervision, who manages client communications, who oversees procurement— I’m creating a sustainable model. We’ll grow, but not at the expense of quality or relationships.” Looking ahead, Brian envisions a future where Sylvan Construction takes on a select number of major projects each year—two or three largescale renovations, one or two custom homes— and continues to serve smaller projects in between. He’s exploring closer partnerships with local architects and design firms to offer a more seamless design-build service, and he’s paying attention to how Brockville itself is changing. New neighborhoods are emerging, younger families and retirees are moving in, and the demand for thoughtfully executed renovations is on the rise. Yet even as the company evolves, their core identity remains rooted in trust, craftsmanship, and doing right by the people they work with. “I’m not chasing volume,” Brian says. “I want the right projects—ones where we can make a real impact and keep clients happy. That’s how this business was built: one referral at a time, one project at a time.”
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