help building a custom home. JP had previously been working for Lionel in a property management capacity, but he was really interested in building, so he jumped at the chance. At the same time, Will’s company was busy but Will was eager to grow. At this point, the two realized they would be better together, and their two companies merged and formed ECGI Development Group Ltd. Both Will and JP admit the first year was slower than they expected due to declining market conditions – but Will says that gave them the opportunity to “to really put some work in on our back end.” “We looked at some things we never had to do before, like marketing, promotion, and networking,” he says. “We adopted new technology. Our previous businesses were built on word of mouth, so there was never any immediate need to focus on that sort of thing. Last year we had to learn.” That first year, Will and JP also spent a lot of time getting their licenses in order, including their Tarion license. As the year was winding down, they also made a concerted effort to build new relationships – and reinforce old ones – with a wide range of industry stakeholders, including architects, designers, subcontractors, and real estate agents. That initiative proved highly beneficial. “We went through a Rolodex of every person we LEADER IN SUPPLYING BATH/KITCHEN FIXTURES FOR OVER 50 YEARS • SHOWROOM and PARTS COUNTERS • • Aquabrass • Aquadesign • American Standard • Franke • Icera Bath • Oceania Bath • Perrin & Rowe • Riobel • Rohl • MAAX Bath • Victoria & Albert • Vogt PLUMBING RESIDENTIAL LUXURY mike@centennialplumbing.ca 416-661-2753 2901 Steeles Ave. West Unit 42 Toronto (North York), Ontartio, M3J 3A5 THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
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