Archives: 40 Under 40 Winners

Vincent Walshe founded Erritt Construction Ltd and transformed it into a nationally recognized trenchless and heavy civil contractor. With more than 18 years’ experience and a civil engineering degree from the University of Galway Ireland, he has been directly involved in the delivery of more than 130 kilometres of micro tunnels across Canada while pioneering one pass HDPE lined pipe installations, cast in place caisson shafts, and a self-perform model that reduces risk and improves efficiency and quality. Vincent mentors a safety-focused workforce, collaborates with municipalities to improve design standards and champions trenchless technology through client education and industry committees.

Warren Dietrich is the director of the Construction Specifications Canada Atlantic Chapter and serves on the Executive Leadership Committee for Light the Night Halifax. His leadership promotes diversity, knowledge-sharing and low-carbon practices. As a civil engineer and Certified Low Carbon graduate, Warren manages complex projects across Atlantic Canada in healthcare, water treatment, recreation and housing, including the LEED-certified Gros Morne Visitor Centre. He champions sustainable development, integrates BIM, AI and Procore to drive efficiency, and applies Lean construction principles across his work. Warren also chairs Pomerleau Atlantic’s charity golf tournament, which is expected to raise over $145,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Xavier Berger is a technical leader driving Amrize’s success in Quebec’s ready-mix market, developing innovative concrete mixes for such major projects as the STM Ligne Bleue subway extension and the Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge. A Ph.D. candidate researching embedded sensors for real-time quality control, he guides Amrize’s transition to recycled aggregates, securing regulatory approvals and improving sustainability. Xavier mentors teams, liaises with the Ministry of Transport and the Association Béton Québec, and has co-developed digital tools recognized with an American Concrete Institute Award, demonstrating his commitment to research and industry leadership.

Aaron Buckley manages a portfolio of major water infrastructure design projects and has been instrumental in delivering several of Canada’s largest multi-billion-dollar infrastructure developments, including the Iona Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, Coquitlam Lake Water Supply Program, Northwest Langley Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, Coastal GasLink Pipeline, and Trans Mountain Expansion Project. Aaron founded his own consulting firm before joining Jacobs and now leads multidisciplinary design teams located across multiple continents. Aaron has expanded Jacobs’ business by developing new water supply planning services for clients and innovative software tools that automate design workflows for Jacobs. A mentor, leader and volunteer, he has developed a reputation for delivering complex megaprojects safely and efficiently.

As vice-president for Gracorp’s British Columbia development arm, Adrien Rahbar manages six high-rise rental projects totaling roughly 1 million square feet, or 1,500 housing units, while also building Gracorp’s B.C. team from the ground up. A University of British Columbia alumnus with 15 years’ experience, he has fostered successful partnerships on landmark developments, such as the 50-storey, $330 million Edmonds mixed-use project, a partnership with BC Builds and The Neighbourhood Church. Adrien has a track record of standardizing processes, optimizing forms of development for simplicity, and creating near net zero buildings. Adrien has served with several industry organizations, including the Vancouver Urban Design Panel, the City of North Vancouver Planning Commission and the Urban Development Institute’s U40 Leadership Committee.

Athavan Nadarajah is a leader, innovator and mentor shaping Toronto’s infrastructure. With over 14 years of experience and dual degrees in civil engineering and an MBA through the Jeffrey Skoll program at the University of Toronto, he leads Metrolinx’s $6-billion-plus Ontario Line South. He has managed billion-dollar mine shutdowns, led award-winning flood protection works and oversees tunnelling beneath Toronto’s dense core as part of Ontario South. His work on the Port Lands project helped shape Ontario’s soil reuse policies and advance sustainability. His impact spans mining, marine, road and transit sectors. He was recognized with the 2024 Metrolinx Innovation Award and OPWA Project of the Year for Bayview.

Avi Horwitz founded Sterling Floor and Tile at 22 and has grown the company from his basement into a major flooring contractor employing 25 staff and over 100 subcontractors. His portfolio includes high profile projects like Vancouver’s Apple flagship store and the Brentwood developments. A finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year and BC Business 30 Under 30, he champions mentorship, investing heavily in training and systems, and he sits on the Vancouver Regional Construction Association’s (VRCA) board and multiple trade associations.

Bahaa Hajar is a seasoned construction engineer with over a decade of expertise in digital design and construction. He holds a master’s degree in construction engineering and management, holds CanBIM P3 certification, is an ISO 19650 information management practitioner and is a LEED Green Associate. At Pomerleau, Bahaa is instrumental in advancing innovation by championing digital technologies and facilitating the adoption of international BIM standards across projects. His work encompasses digital project delivery, IoT integration and robotics to enhance construction efficiency, quality, sustainability and overall productivity. Passionate about education and industry collaboration, Bahaa is expanding the curriculum in engineering leadership and design innovation at the University of New Brunswick with a focus on advanced technologies in architecture, engineering and construction. He is fully committed to supporting the digital transformation of the Canadian construction industry.

Blima Ehrentreu is the founder and CEO of The Designers Group, an award-winning interior design firm in New York, Toronto and Miami. With over 15 years of experience, Blima has led her team on more than 500 residential, healthcare, hospitality and commercial projects. Her innovative approach to design, combined with a strong commitment to community impact, has earned her numerous recognitions. She is also a passionate advocate for women in construction and leads several philanthropic initiatives.

As president and COO of A&H Steel, Chad Ekdahl has led a dedicated team in growing annual revenue beyond $100 million, expanding market share in B.C. and Alberta, and earning recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. With two decades of experience and a Six Sigma Green Belt, he has implemented procurement strategies that balance offshore sourcing to navigate tariffs with expanded domestic supply to help stabilize pricing. He has provided strategic oversight for the PNE Amphitheatre’s low-carbon build, and launched a mentorship program that provides training and employment for newcomers. Chad also serves on the Project Management Association of Canada board and chairs the George Spady Society, reflecting his commitment to community and workforce development.

Chris Greene, vice-president of innovation and insights at American Global of Canada, blends insurance, construction and data expertise to modernize risk management. He created the C-RISQ platform, allowing contractors to assess risk in real time and integrating third-party data with underwriting intelligence. With more than a decade in the field and a bachelor’s degree focused on management information systems, he leads cross-functional teams in North America, mentors staff and builds client-facing tools that leverage AI, IoT and automation. An active industry speaker and podcast host, he is passionate about technology adoption.

Chris Jakul joined Stormtec 16 years ago as a junior water technician and rose to vice-president, where he oversees water filtration, emergency dewatering, pump supply operations and trenchless sewer repair projects. He led Stormtec’s emergency response for Calgary’s Bearspaw water main break in 2024, coordinating rapid river pumping stations, and managed a $7-million trenchless sewer repair in Kelowna. Chris champions innovation and profit improvement, introduces trenchless methods, mentors employees, serves on the SAIT EVT Advisory Board, and uses education sessions and book learning incentives to advance the industry.

Chris Terriff is a dynamic leader with over two decades of experience shaping Canada’s industrial construction landscape. A mechanical engineer, he’s led major PCL projects by blending frontline insights with innovation. Known for empowering crews and mentoring future leaders, Chris brings energy and clarity to complex builds. His leadership has earned multiple awards, but he’s just as proud to ride bikes for MS and catch pies in the face for United Way. Off the jobsite, Chris is a devoted husband to Shaina and dad to Wynn and Dane. His purpose, “to lead with energy and develop crews to navigate new horizons together,” reflects the integrity, passion and mentorship that define his career and character.

Christian Correa is EllisDon Ottawa’s Director of Operations, where he oversees a portfolio of over $1 billion and leads a team of 440 employees across 28 active projects. With over 16 years of combined trade and construction management experience, Christian has progressed through five roles since joining EllisDon in 2014. He’s known for transforming complex, resource-constrained projects into on-time, on-budget successes, including the Thunder Bay Correctional Complex and Ottawa LRT. Christian pioneered EllisDon’s first rollout of TouchPlan, now a company-wide standard, and leads a Lean Committee focused on continuous improvement. His leadership blends field expertise with operational discipline, driving innovation, mentoring emerging talent, and fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.

With over 15 years of experience and a bachelor of engineering degree from Concordia University, Christine Chan is a seasoned leader in the construction industry who is known for delivering complex, high-profile projects. Her portfolio includes TRIUMF IAMI New Cyclotron Project, Parq Resort & Casino, Red Fish Healing Centre, Penticton Regional Hospital and the award-winning tenant improvements for Plenty of Fish. Proficient in P3, GMP, design-build and construction management delivery models, Christine excels at fostering collaboration, mentoring emerging talent and driving inclusive workplace culture. As a leader within Turner’s MOSAIC employee resource group, she has championed culture-shaping initiatives and promoted diversity across the organization. Christine is also a passionate advocate for the next generation of builders, engaging students for greenhouse projects and community fundraising events.

Since acquiring Maxan Interior Systems in 2019, Dane Flynn has led the company through a period of remarkable growth, tripling its size, expanding to more than 160 employees and entering new markets. With over 15 years of experience in estimating, project management, operations, sales and executive leadership, he is a strong advocate for a people-first culture. Dane invests in emerging technologies such as point cloud scanning, digital measurement and advanced robotics, and he founded Maxan Academy to help develop the next generation of construction leaders. He’s also committed to women-in-construction initiatives, has introduced company-wide safety days, and supports numerous charitable events.

Emigrating from Ireland with a master’s in engineering, Eamon Sexton built his career in Canada from the ground up, starting as a carpenter’s helper to now leading one of Axiom Builders’ largest divisions. Today, he oversees a team of construction professionals responsible for $1.5 billion in active projects and a $3 billion pre-construction pipeline. Leveraging his technical background and hands-on expertise, Eamon endorses industry innovation by championing new technology, expanding pre-construction services, and developing company-wide tools to streamline information between the field and office. A people-first leader, he is known for nurturing talent and fostering long-term partnerships, actively participating in mentorship initiatives and supporting new Canadians with career transitions.

Since joining Bird Construction in 2020, Geoff Capelle has led the adoption of Integrated Project Delivery and Alliance contracting on 15 projects ranging from $20 million to $1.6 billion. Geoff works with owners from project inception through design, construction and commissioning to effectively implement collaborative structures and develop high-performing teams. With degrees in sociology, urban planning and an MBA, he built a high-performing team focused on Lean Construction and collaborative delivery, founded the Pride@Bird employee resource group, and co hosts the Building Good podcast. Geoff regularly speaks at industry events on collaborative contracting and champions diversity and inclusion.

Geoff Oldfield joined NIC in 2017 as its first office hire and helped grow the company from four staff and less than $1 million in revenue to more than 70 employees and over $40 million. He manages residential and civic projects across remote communities in the Northwest Territories, having delivered over 175 units, including wellness centres, seniors’ homes, community housing and RCMP housing via innovative methods for Northern communities. Geoff’s other notable projects include a unique fish-shaped preschool as well as a major arena upgrade in Délı̨nę, the birthplace of hockey. Holding an MBA, PMP, and multiple construction certifications, Geoff sits on the board for the NWT and Nunavut Construction Association as well as the Yellowknife Development Appeal Board and promotes modular solutions.