The Canadian construction sector is facing several challenges including labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and rising material costs. Despite these recent challenges in Canadian construction, HKC Construction has surged ahead, earning accolades as the 28th fastest-growing company in the country, and the second fastest-growing construction firm, according to the Globe and Mail report ranking Canada’s top-growing companies in 2023. Specializing in general contracting, construction management, and now expanding into design/build, HKC’s expertise spans commercial, industrial, institutional, and retail sectors.
HKC’s remarkable growth has been driven by its commitment to quality, enterprise, and leveraging the benefits of a 50% woman-owned company. The recent accolades from the Globe and Mail underscore HKC Construction’s position as a leader in the industry, embracing cutting-edge technologies and forward-thinking business practices to further solidify its standing.
One of the fundamental values that has fueled HKC Construction’s growth is its entrepreneurial mindset, driven by its young and dynamic owners, Kosta and Helen Mentis. Founded just over a decade ago, HKC began as a small general contracting business primarily serving property management firms with renovation projects. This focus allowed the company to develop a strong foundation and reputation within the industry.
Helen Mentis, Executive Vice President of HKC Construction, recalls the early days: “We had an in-house team consisting of myself, Kosta, and a few laborers. We handled repairs and renovations, and we established the company as focused on quality and the customer experience. We invested our earnings back into the company, and by 2018, we were ready to take the business to the next level.”
The decision to expand came with a strategic vision. “We opened our first head office in Mississauga and diversified our portfolio beyond property management firms,” Mentis explains. This move included reaching out to engineering firms, developers, and retailers, and transitioning from repairs and renovation in the residential sector into commercial general contracting and construction management. HKC built a team of top-level engineers and leaders with engineering backgrounds and expanded the company to include estimating, project management, marketing, and business development departments.
“HKC built a team of top-level engineers and leaders with engineering backgrounds and expanded the company to include estimating, project management, marketing, and business development departments.”
The entrepreneurial spirit of HKC’s owners also led them to continually seek growth opportunities and adapt to new challenges. “Everything was a learning curve,” Mentis admits, highlighting the proactive approach the company took to expand its clientele and services. This mindset has been crucial in navigating the complexities of the construction industry and achieving remarkable and sustained growth.
One key factor that sets HKC Construction apart is its focus on diversifying and sustainable business practices. The company is laying the foundation for the future by expanding its reach and capabilities. “We’re focused on positioning the company favorably for public tenders now,” says Helen Mentis, highlighting its successful inclusion on various public lists. This effort is opening new opportunities for HKC, allowing them to undertake institutional work and secure contracts with the city and province. By diversifying its portfolio, HKC is engaging with a broader range of clients. This approach not only broadens market reach but also ensures a steady pipeline of projects across different sectors.
HKC Construction’s growth and reputation can also be attributed to its unwavering commitment to workplace safety. The company has achieved COR® certification, an occupational safety and health accreditation that verifies a fully implemented safety and health management system meeting national standards. This certification helps prevent or mitigate incidents and injuries along with their associated human and financial costs. It is nationally registered, trademarked, and endorsed by the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA).
In addition to COR® certification, HKC Construction is a proud member of the League of Champions (LOC). The LOC is a cross-sectoral organization committed to health and safety excellence through collaboration and sharing of real-world health and safety practices. This membership aligns HKC with industry-leading best practices and a solutions-oriented approach to safety, reinforcing its status as a health and safety champion.
HKC Construction also participates in the WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) Health and Safety Excellence program in Ontario. This performance-based rewards program offers a clear roadmap for businesses to enhance health and safety processes and systems.
To support its safety mandate and in line with its commitment to embracing technology within an industry that is sometimes resistant to change, HKC has integrated Procore technology into its operations. This leading-edge project management software enhances financial and project management, including safety practices. Procore allows for seamless communication and transparency among all project stakeholders, ensuring compliance with construction safety regulations and facilitating flawless project execution. By prioritizing safety through certifications, memberships, and innovative technology, HKC Construction ensures a secure and efficient working environment, sets a high standard in the construction industry, and underpins its growth trajectory.
The exceptional growth of HKC Construction can also be ascribed to its status as a 50% woman-owned business, a rarity in the traditionally male-dominated construction industry. This ownership structure brings unique perspectives and fosters an inclusive company culture that distinguishes HKC from its competitors. In addition to Helen Mentis, the leadership team at HKC includes a female Director of Construction and a `female lead estimator. In fact, nearly 50% of HKC’s workforce is female, reflecting openness and recognition of the value of diversity and inclusion.
This diverse leadership and workforce contribute significantly to HKC’s business operations and company culture. Further to being highly educated and accomplished in their field, the women in executive and leadership roles at HKC excel in communication, attention to detail, and enhanced collaboration bringing a unique perspective and skillset to client interactions, project management, and the team at HKC. The presence of women in significant roles within HKC creates a supportive and empowering atmosphere for all employees. It helps bridge the gender pay gap and ensures that women are respected and valued for their contributions. The diverse team fosters economic benefits and improved work environments, making HKC an attractive employer for talented individuals regardless of gender.
Being a woman-owned business also opens up unique opportunities for HKC. Many public and private sector clients seek to work with diverse and inclusive companies, and HKC’s ownership status makes it an appealing partner for such projects. This status can also provide HKC with access to specific funding, grants, and programs designed to support women-owned businesses, further enhancing its growth and competitive edge. HKC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion attracts partnerships and collaborations with like-minded organizations, creating a network of support and shared values that drive mutual success. This progressive approach not only benefits HKC internally but also sets a benchmark for the broader construction industry, promoting a future where diversity and inclusion are the norms rather than the exceptions. HKC Construction’s diverse and inclusive leadership has not only set it apart but also driven its impressive growth.
HKC Construction acknowledges its responsibility to create opportunities for women in construction and business. Helen Mentis actively seeks collaborations with women who are recognized as global leaders, aiming to collaborate and work together to support each other’s initiatives. By prioritizing partnerships with women in leadership roles, HKC Construction is not only advocating for gender diversity but also building a network of like-minded individuals dedicated to driving positive change in the construction industry. This forward-thinking approach, combined with a commitment to innovation and excellence, forms the backbone of HKC’s success.
HKC Construction’s formula for growth is centered around its commitment to pioneering new technology while maintaining traditional construction benchmarks. The company continues to innovate and streamline its services, costs, and efficiency, all while upholding its standards of quality, relationships, and results.
One of the key areas where HKC is exploring new technology is AI and machine learning. The company has recently incorporated a specialized department and a cutting-edge team, with the goal of leveraging these technologies to enhance logistics. The AI and Machine Learning department at HKC is working on projects that aim to improve various aspects of the company’s operations. By harnessing the power of AI and machine learning to enhance its existing processes, HKC strives to work smarter, faster, more efficiently, and safer, ultimately delivering better results for its clients. HKC Construction’s formula for growth revolves around its ability to embrace new technologies while staying true to its core values including excellence and integrity. By adopting AI and machine learning, HKC is positioning itself for continued success in the construction industry, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of innovation and efficiency.
HKC Construction’s growth strategy includes a strong focus on zero-waste projects, green construction practices, and sustainability initiatives. The company has recently introduced groundbreaking cost-saving and sustainability practices that will set new industry standards. In a revolutionary approach, HKC Construction is partnering with local charities and missionaries in third world countries to provide functional items that have been removed from its projects during renovation. “By exploring best practices, we have adopted a new approach that seamlessly integrates innovation with construction. Our journey began a few years ago. During our renovation projects, we noticed that demolition involved removing items that, while outdated or at the end of their life cycle by North American standards, were still functional. This realization prompted us to find a more sustainable and impactful solution. We discovered that third-world countries urgently need these items, which often end up in landfills or recycling yards.”
The future of HKC Construction is marked by a steadfast commitment to growth and innovation within the industry. The company is dedicated to broadening its project portfolio and expanding into ground-up construction and design-build projects while deepening its sustainability efforts. Looking ahead, HKC plans to expand its capabilities by venturing into property development and leveraging its expertise to enhance client offerings. The vision is to establish HKC as a resilient and progressive player in the market, aiming to maintain its position as one of Canada’s fastest-growing contractors. The company aspires to undertake larger projects, emphasizing the creation of enduring infrastructure and fostering a company culture that prioritizes employee satisfaction and career longevity. “We really value our employees. Without our employees, we don’t have a company. They’re the driving force. We hire people who are visionaries and who understand and who trust so that we all move and succeed together. It’s not just Kosta and I succeeding. If we succeed, we all succeed together,” says Helen.
