employees on payroll – Shawn relies entirely on subcontractors – the culture has always been one of mutual respect and dedication. In the past, the company employed 30 to 40 people in its shop, and following the devastating Fort McMurray fire in 2016, hundreds worked on the rebuild. Throughout these periods, Shawn prioritized fostering a hardworking but enjoyable atmosphere. “We wanted to get the work done, but we wanted to laugh along the way,” he says. “It was always fun, but there was a seriousness to the fun as well.” This respect and integrity also extend to subcontractors and suppliers. Shawn emphasizes that he treats everyone on a job site equally, from the janitor to the CEO. “I like to think people want to work with me because I’m honest, and I deliver. I’ve never not paid a bill in 26 years,” he says. Deep, long-term relationships built on trust, fairness, and professionalism form the backbone of Stratford Contracting’s operations. Over the years, the company’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. Stratford Contracting was awarded the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce ‘Small Business of the Year’ and the Construction Association ‘Community Recognition Award’ in 2008. From 2009 to 2011, the company also appeared in Profit Magazine’s Fastest Growing Companies in Canada list, cementing their reputation for quality and reliability. Stratford was also recently nominated for this fall’s Chamber Awards for ‘Lifetime Achievement’ as well as in the categories for ‘People’s Choice Small Business of the Year’ and the ‘People’s SEPTEMBER 2025
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