< PreviousAKC Group Inc. “Quality means longevity” This is a distinguishing main feature of our company. “Prior to building I already know how it will end - to the last detail.” Alexander Kravchenko, founder of AKC Group Inc., has been leading teams in the construc- tion industry for over 30 years. “Let’s say big windows are being replaced in a building, we are contracted by companies like WellDone to create the final interior design and renovate hallways, lobby, elevator zones, corridors, parking lots and spaces for public recre- ation in multi-storey condos. It’s the complex, inter- esting, and unique projects that we are after. Today, AKC Group Inc. works at any level and volume and our designers can create a project of any complexity based only on the wishes of the customer.” Window installation is at the root of the company and the craft from which all others grew. Within this market sector, WellDone Inc. Inc specializes in the replacement of alumi- num punched windows and window walls, in-swing and out- swing balcony doors, storefront windows, and doors, building entrances, and sliding and revolving doors. “We do window replacement, wall frames, weather stripping, gaskets – all types of maintenance to the existing windows,” Alexander says. “We have completed some large projects with many different Engineering Consultancy firms and clients.” By way of example, Alexander points to WellDone Inc. providing a full entrance replacement on the Scotiabank building in Scarbor- ough, Ontario. “A large, and very successful, project” he says, and one in which the company’s precision of craft can be seen in the finished product. “In terms of building restoration, we do balcony and concrete work including waterproofing, metal flashing, cladding, siding, masonry, and stucco which is exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). Replace or repair,” Alexander says, “that’s our specialty.” With over 10 years of experience working in the public and private sectors, we offer a diverse range of commercial projects • Condominium building renovations (lobby, party room, gym, corridor) • Full office and retail remodeling • Reconstruction of religious centres, restaurants & medical centres • Engineering design team will assist in strategy creation UNMATCHED QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP info@akcgroup.ca | 416-648-5621 | www.akcgroup.caServicing Toronto & the GTAMuch of WellDone Inc.’s work can be seen on its website through impressive drone footage that captures the scale and complexity of the projects it has come to specialize in. The company is fully bonded with full liability insurance which means it is set up to work on big, high-rise jobs. “We just finished a project where we did full building envelope rehabilitation including balconies, windows – everything you see from the outside is all new. It was a ten-story building and we had to do all types of different work – a huge transforma- tion. We also did sloped glazing on a building that had more than thirty stories. On top, there were five floors of sloped glazing and we had to provide all the access.” WellDone Inc.has the expertise to assess a building’s envelope and provide preventative maintenance to avoid hidden damage, and this is what makes it niche in its ability to solve otherwise undetected problems. “We have a lot of consultants using us now to investigate potential projects – leakage investigations, water penetration investigations. They hire us to assist with all kinds of building investigations when they are preparing the scope of work and the tender for potential projects. We have a bosun chair crew so we can provide some services on a bosun chair and not just on the swing stage. Sometimes it is very difficult to set up a swing stage on the roof for many different reasons, so we can save the client money by providing inves- tigation assistance or even small repairs on a bosun chair. We also do concrete repairs for underground parking garages and decks including waterproofing, coating, painting.” WellDone Inc. carries out building restoration from inception to completion, always ensuring there is minimal disruption, truecanada.ca BOOM LIFT | FORKLIFT SCISSOR LIFT | TELEHANDLER timely execution of work, quality results, and above all else, a safe working environment. Alongside its people and its level of quality, it is WellDone Inc’s commitment to safety that truly sets it apart from the rest. This next-level commitment can be understood through its recent COR Certification which solidi- fies its 12 years of experience delivering quality projects safely. | 21 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONCOR Certification recognizes employers that implement occupational health and safety protocols that exceed current legal requirements and is rewarded after a strict assessment manual is followed and certification audit passed. “Our certificate number is 744, which means that at the time of certification there were only that number of companies certified across, not only construction, but all industries. It was a big achievement for us. It demonstrated that by developing a strategy, prioritizing safety, and work- ing hard to improve safety standards, we could strengthen the already solid relationships we have built across the industry. We were going through the process for almost three years.” COR Certification has changed the approach and mentality of WellDone Inc. as it is now led by the highest level of safety recognition that exists in the field. The company now has a full-time Safety Coordinator, something which is not the norm among general contractors. “In addition to that we work with a safety consultant,” says Alexander. “We work on a retainer basis, but if needed, they can work with us full time.” The practices put in place as part of COR certification are cognizant of WellDone Inc.’s commitment to safety that goes above and beyond tick-box exercises and legal requirements. In the same way that WellDone Inc’s growth came from word of mouth, so too does most of its project pipeline today. The | 22 JULY 2023market-wide hum of satisfied customers across the GTA is what has established WellDone Inc. as a company that cham- pions reliability, quality, and safety. “We like the approach where clients are referring us through word of mouth and saying these guys know what they’re doing.” Because the construction industry is competitive, it can often be tempting for companies to set themselves apart by simply providing the lowest price. However, this ultimately comes with some level of sacrificing, whether that be on service, product, or efficiency. Alexander says that by being the best deal for the client, his company may not necessarily be the cheapest. Under Alexander’s leadership WellDone Inc. has built a work- force who share the same vision, putting it on a collective path towards growth and longevity. “I am committed to my clients and my employees. A lot of our staff are working with us a long time, and like I said earlier the two workers I hired first are still here today. I have a responsibility and a commitment to keep moving forward because everyone here wants to grow,” he says. This company-wide growth mindset is what propels WellDone Inc. forward into a bright future in high-rise building restoration, but above all else, the goal is to grow smart. “My goal is to grow without jeopardizing the quality, approach, and safety standards of the company we have right now. From the outset my goal has been to build and develop and dedicated and highly skilled workforce. For me, this will ensure that we grow in a smart way. Risk is part of operating a successful business, but it needs to be a controlled, smart risk. My goal for the company is that we achieve growth through developing a reputation for quality. The feedback we receive is evidence that we are doing this which only motivates the team and I even further.” “When I chose ‘WellDone Inc.’ as the name for our company, I was making a promise – a guarantee of excellence in every job we undertake. The name in itself carries a weight of expectation, and we fully embrace it. It’s a constant reminder that we need to go beyond just getting the job done; we strive to get it done really well. This isn’t just a clever branding strat- egy - it’s a reflection of everything we stand for as a company. We’re committed to delivering work that doesn’t just meet, but exceeds, the standards implied by our name. A project is only completed when it’s ‘well done’ to the truest sense of the word.” CONTACT INFORMATION Alexander Ivanov President, WellDone Inc. welldoneinc.ca “The job is not done until it’s well done.”WRITTEN BY EMMA KILCAWLEY HEMANI H istorically, the General Contracting sector has always been a busy one. With many companies adopting a multi-disciplinary approach and offer- ing a wide range of services, it can occasionally lead to a sort of ‘race to the bottom.’ Companies bidding to out-do each other in terms of scope and price. While some may find their way with this model, it inevitably leads to a place where the end product is compromised, and the customer is unhappy. For GTA General Contractors, how- ever, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Founded in 1991 by local, skilled carpenter Dino Nafar, the company has a rich history and success that is built on skill, qual- ity, and positive relationships. With over 500 completed projects across more than 40 communities in Ontario, it appears that the company may be on to something. | 24 JULY 2023Photo by Mike Black PhotoWorks CKTL & Co Toronto, ON | 25 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONGTA General Contractors is a leading design-build and gen- eral construction company operating across Ontario. While the company primarily works with clients situated around the Golden Horseshoe in communities such as Toronto, GTA, Niagara, Hamilton, Durham, Muskoka, Waterloo, and Simcoe County, it has also worked on some larger projects in Windsor, Ottawa, and Sudbury. For Tyler Maynard, Vice-Pres- ident and Head of Marketing and Business Development at GTA General Contractors, the company is only just getting started. He believes that the key to the company’s success is through a combination of excellence, dedication, passion and honesty. “We are highly focused and dedicated on delivering innovative, detail-oriented and transparent construction solu- tions.” Evidently, it is working for the people of Ontario. GTA has completed a wide range of projects across the commercial, hospitality, industrial, institutional, and public sectors. Maynard explains while much of the company’s completed work comes from commercial clients, GTA is well equipped to excel in any field. “We complete a lot of projects in commercial, offices, retail, restaurants, and hospitality, heavy and light industrial and daycares as well. However, we take pride in our ability to cater to diverse project needs within all sectors. This includes a comprehensive set of essential services to the construction industry such as general con- tracting, project management, design-build, pre-construction consulting and custom millwork fabrication.” In such a crowded sector, Custom Millwork & Design is one of the areas where GTA truly stands out. With an in-house millwork fabrication facility measuring around 12,000 square feet, the company is capable of going above and beyond for its clients. This facility, according to Maynard, allows the company to “further streamline and enhance our customers' projects with better quality, better service, and an in-house team of very experienced carpenters.” However, construction is key to the services GTA provides. With a highly experienced team who are equipped to handle projects of “varying com- plexities and scales from initial project initiation to comple- tion,” the company has the ability to oversee every aspect of the construction process. For Maynard, this level of in-house skill allowing the company to deliver the highest standards on every level. “The benefit of our team is that we can ensure that our client receives quality craftsmanship, timely execu- tion, and adherence to their budget. We can do this because we have specialized project management professionals who have a deep understanding of the unique requirements of commercial construction projects.” With a wide range of services and a highly experienced team, GTA is leading the field. Above all else, however, is the compa- ny’s desire to ensure its clients are secure and happy through- out a project. Its project management service ensures that all project elements are seamlessly integrated and coordinated, resulting in a streamlined and efficient process while it also offers clients value engineering, a process where costs are managed while maintaining excellence. “If a project goes above the client's budget expectations, our team will do their best to optimize the costs without compromising the quality by offering innovative strategies with cost-effective options.” Qunubu Cannabis Store North York, ON FatFace Barrie, ON | 26 JULY 2023Unsurprisingly, the company has experienced steady growth since its foundation. This has increased hugely in recent times. For Maynard, it is about more than pure expansion. The real benefit is the reputation GTA has earned in the industry. “Over the last couple of years, we have experienced immense growth and have established ourselves as one of the leading commercial construction companies in Canada.” This success and reputation comes from an unwavering commitment to surpassing client expectations and deliver- ing exceptional value and service. As he goes on to explain, the company has prioritized flexibility and innovation, ensur- ing its clients receive a best-in-class experience. “We have continuously embraced improvement and innovation. Our team understands the importance of staying at the forefront of industry trends and adopting cutting-edge practices by leveraging our extensive expertise and knowledge.” The company customizes construction approaches to suit the unique requirements of each individual project the team undertakes, thus allowing GTA “to consistently deliver outstanding results and ensure optimal client satisfaction.” In turn, this has led to GTA working with very high-profile companies and successfully completing standout projects. Some of the brands who have chosen GTA General Con- tractors as their preferred design and construction partner include Five Guys, Gyu-Kaku, Burger King, Atlantic Packaging, August Group, Fatface, Sunpan Trading, Fjallraven, Cambria, GHD Engineering, Simply Smart Childcare, Sportsnet Grill, Marriott Hotels, CBRE, and many more. One of their most recent projects is the new CKTL & Co restaurant in downtown Toronto. The project involved a high level of creativity and attention to detail. Maynard describes the Stock Exchange themed restaurant, which keeps patrons on their toes with fluctuating prices that respond in real time to the popularity of menu items, as being a revolutionary concept and one that the company had to use all its skill to complete. “It is a remarkable establishment, and it was an innovative con- cept that we were able to bring to life in collaboration with the award-winning restaurant consultant team, the Fifteen Group. It was important that we made sure that every detail reflected the concept's unique vision. The lounge of the restaurant showcases a modern and sophisticated interior design with magnificent textures and sleek finishes that ema- nate a sense of luxury.” “The lounge of the restaurant showcases a modern and sophisticated interior design with magnificent textures and sleek finishes that emanate a sense of luxury.” Photo by Mike Black PhotoWorks CKTL & Co Toronto, ON | 27 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONOne standout project that GTA is exceptionally proud of was the Linx Kitchen and Social, located in Barrie. Abe Nafar, President at GTA General Contractors, spoke about how this is Canada’s largest indoor golf simulation and lounge, with high-end dining and corporate accommodation. Nafar explains that this project is the prime example of the benefit of value-engineering. GTA had been brought in by a client who was over budget based on the design they had. Through the company’s value-engineering, GTA completed the project while keeping the same look, feel and functionality of the place. The team reduced the cost of the project by about $400,000, and construction alone on the 10,000-square-foot project was ultimately valued at $1.3 million. According to Nafar, this particular project is a testament to the quality and dedication of his team. “This is one of the projects within the hospitality and entertainment [sector] that we are quite proud of – especially due to the fact that the project was essentially built and completed through Covid.” Another project that GTA has shown their strength and expe- rience was in one of Toronto’s largest daycare development projects for Simply Smart Childcare. Simply Smart Childcare & Montessori School stands as a prominent establishment within the thriving Bloor West Village community, serving as one of Toronto's largest and newest daycare facilities. This notable project encompassed a comprehensive range of tasks, including interior demolition, structural alterations and enhancements, building fit-up, installation of new millwork, replacement of all windows, implementation of new electri- cal and mechanical systems, integration of life safety and emergency access systems, addition of a new elevator, cre- ation of a rooftop playground, installation of safety railings, and various other essential components. Maynard, in reflecting on this project, remarked, "Simply Smart Childcare & Montessori School exemplifies our com- mitment to delivering exceptional solutions that address the unique requirements of each undertaking. The project required meticulous attention to detail and collaboration across various disciplines to ensure a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment for the children and staff. We are proud to have contributed to the growth and devel- opment of the Bloor West Village community through this outstanding childcare facility." 35 Britain Street Toronto, ON | 28 JULY 2023Through the successful execution of this endeavor, our team demonstrated its expertise in delivering high-quality con- struction solutions while prioritizing the safety, functionality, and overall satisfaction of our clients. Another project that GTA was exceptionally proud of was 35 Britain St. in Toronto, ON for August Group. Nestled within the vibrant Moss Park neighborhood in Toronto, 35 Britain Street stands as a testament to the enduring charm of century-old brick and beam buildings. This area has experienced remark- able growth, thanks to significant redevelopment initiatives. The neighborhood showcases an impressive blend of high- rise residential buildings, modern office towers, and unique boutique office spaces, complemented by vintage retail shops. It has also become a hub for creative workspaces in Toronto. In close collaboration with the esteemed August Group, a local commercial real estate investment team, GTA General Contractors played a pivotal role in the successful develop- ment and delivery of this project. This partnership facilitated a seamless integration of the entire construction process, ensuring a cohesive and efficient execution that exceeded the client's expectations. Nafar, reflecting on the project, stated, "Working on the ren- ovation of 35 Britain Street was a remarkable experience. We were entrusted with transforming this century-old brick- and-beam structure into a modern multi-level office space that adheres to current Ontario Building Code standards. It required meticulous attention to detail and a comprehensive approach to address all aspects, including new structural ele- ments, mechanical and electrical systems, accessibility fea- tures, elevator installation, and all-new finishes throughout. Our team embraced the challenge and achieved a remarkable outcome that seamlessly blends the building's rich heritage with contemporary functionality." Through the complete renovation of this iconic building, our team showcased our dedication to excellence and our ability to bring historic structures in line with modern standards. The successful transformation of 35 Britain Street stands as a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional results while honoring the architectural heritage of Toronto's ever-evolving urban landscape. With an impressive portfolio of successful projects and a commitment to excellence as standard, it seems as though the future is very bright for GTA General Contractors. While Maynard and Nafar are well aware that the construction industry can be a volatile one, where fluctuations and change is never far away, the sense, according to Maynard, is that GTA is on a significant upward trajectory. “With our solid track record and a reputation for delivering high-quality construc- tion solutions, we are well positioned to capitalize on the con- tinued growth in the construction industry.” Despite all this, one thing is clear. This is a company who prioritizes growth, client satisfaction and experience. As Maynard signs off, he explains that every success the company has had, and every step forward it has taken, has been because of the success- ful relationships GTA has nurtured throughout its history. “Our main goal, however, is to cultivate long-term strategic partnerships that are founded on trust and transparency. We achieve this because our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction and community impact remains unwav- ering, and we continue to evolve and innovate. From hum- ble beginnings, we've become one of the most recognized up-and-coming forces in the industry in Ontario, trusted by clients across various sectors.” 35 Britain Street Toronto, ON 35 Britain Street Toronto, ON | 29 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONNext >