Every company has its tale of triumph, and all those stories tell about how entrepreneurs learned and achieved what they always wanted. In the world of drywall and construction, where precision and quality are paramount, one name stands out: Steven Frechette. Steve is the power behind the Board, the founder of the company, Board Boss Drywall. In addition to getting enough clients and establishing his business, he has had to survive in the business world, which is often very challenging.
Another intriguing story where the humble start culminates in a multi-million-dollar business – Board Boss Drywall presents the life’s arc of Steve.
Today, we interview Steven to discuss the aspects of his professional journey and some important lessons he’s learned throughout his experience.
- What was your experience before the creation of Board Boss Drywall and how has it equipped you to carry out business in the construction industry?
I began working in the construction industry in my early teens when I started going to work with my father. He was a foreman at a local drywall company, and I took every opportunity to learn by working with him on weekends and during the summers. I quickly realized that I enjoyed earning money and gaining hands-on experience more than sitting in a classroom.
After graduating, I started working full-time and quickly climbed the ranks to become a foreman myself. During this time, I also launched a sole proprietorship, taking on projects during evenings and weekends. As my business grew and the projects became larger, I decided to fully dedicate myself and in September 2017, I officially founded Board Boss Drywall.
The experience I gained as a foreman at a company with an excellent reputation was invaluable. I learned crucial skills in jobsite management, material handling, and crew coordination, which have been instrumental in running Board Boss Drywall. This background has equipped me with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of the construction industry and build a successful business.
- Is it possible to tell about one of the most dramatic episodes in your work that has permanently changed your outlook towards the administration of a company?
Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic was undoubtedly one of the most challenging episodes our company has faced. As an “essential” business, we had projects that needed to be completed with deadlines while also addressing the safety concerns of our employees who were understandably anxious about their health.
Navigating this period required us to stay constantly updated with the latest government restrictions to ensure compliance. We faced difficulties in sourcing much-needed PPE, which was in high demand and often sold out. Additionally, we had to manage smaller crews, isolating them on different floors or in separate houses to minimize contact.
During this time, I learned the importance of organization and communication. We had to be in constant contact with our staff, addressing any health concerns, and ensuring that those who needed to work alone or take time off to isolate could do so safely. It was a period of intense challenge, but the processes and protocols we implemented during the pandemic have ultimately strengthened our company. We’ve become more resilient and better prepared to handle future uncertainties.
- In the construction industry, reputation is crucial. How have you approached building and maintaining Board Boss Drywall’s reputation?
I’m frequently asked this question, and my approach can be summarized in two key points.
First, I believe in leading by example. I am always just a phone call away and don’t hesitate to strap on my tool belt to work alongside our crews when necessary to meet deadlines. This hands-on approach demonstrates my commitment and reliability, which our general contractors greatly appreciate. They know they can count on me to take personal responsibility if anything goes wrong.
Second, and most importantly, is fostering a positive company culture through our highly skilled foremen. It’s crucial that they not only ensure the work is completed to our high standards but also support our crew in every way possible. Providing our team with the resources they need to perform their jobs efficiently and maintaining the quality that people have come to expect from Board Boss Drywall is essential. By prioritizing these aspects, we’ve built and maintained a reputation for excellence and dependability in the construction industry.
- How important is continuous learning in the drywall and construction field? Can you share examples of how staying updated with industry knowledge has helped Board Boss Drywall maintain its competitive edge?
Continuous learning is crucial in the drywall and construction field, and at Board Boss Drywall, we embrace it in various forms. Traditional continuing education is essential, such as regularly refreshing health and safety courses and staying current with building codes through dedicated training.
On-the-job training is another vital component of our learning strategy. Our foremen conduct regular Toolbox Talks, where they instruct or refresh our team on specific topics. Additionally, we pair apprentice-level workers with journeymen to ensure they learn from the best and develop their skills effectively.
The construction industry is rapidly evolving with new technologies and tools designed to improve efficiency. To stay ahead, we attend events and tradeshows and read industry magazines to keep up with the latest trends. This allows us to test new tools and products on-site, determining which innovations enhance productivity and which do not.
- What are the ways you change the company culture of Board Boss Drywall, and why is company culture significant in business?
Company culture is significant because it directly impacts employee morale, productivity, and job satisfaction but is a challenge due to the nature of our work. Our teams are spread across various locations in the region and sites are always changing. The most impactful individuals on any of our jobsites are our incredible foremen. They are responsible for managing site operations and workers, and their leadership is crucial in shaping the culture at each site.
The culture can vary significantly from site to site, influenced by factors such as organization, tight deadlines, weather conditions, and site maintenance. This is why it’s essential for our foremen to be empowered to make quick decisions that ensure safety and harmony on site. Their ability to adapt and manage these variables effectively fosters a positive and productive work environment.
- Can you share a significant failure or setback you’ve encountered in your entrepreneurial journey?
There have been many setbacks along my entrepreneurial journey, and each one has been a valuable learning experience. Two instances stand out.
The first was my reluctance to relinquish control over certain aspects of the jobsites quickly enough. For years, I found myself incredibly burnt out by trying to do everything all the time. This approach was unsustainable, and it took a toll on both me and the company. It has been a slow transition, but we are gradually adding more staff and training them to take over various aspects of jobsite management. This delegation has not only improved efficiency but also allowed me to focus on strategic growth.
The second significant setback was allowing certain crew members to continue working with the company despite negatively impacting morale. Maintaining a positive company culture is crucial, and once a company has unhappy workers, it becomes incredibly difficult to turn things around. I learned the hard way that it’s essential to protect and nurture a positive work environment. Now, I am much more proactive in addressing issues that could harm our company culture.
- As the owner of a successful drywall company, what drives you to continue growing and improving Board Boss Drywall? What are your next goals for the business?
It’s in my nature to continuously seek expansion and growth. I am driven by the tangible impact my company has had on the Niagara Region. Whether it’s contributing to much-needed housing projects or completing stunning hotels, Board Boss Drywall has played a crucial role in the development of significant infrastructure throughout the area. Seeing our work positively influence the community fills me with immense pride.
Looking ahead, my goal is not only to grow the size of the company but also to enhance our reputation. I aspire for Board Boss Drywall to be recognized as one of the best construction companies in our region. By maintaining our commitment to quality, innovation, and positive company culture, I am confident we can achieve this recognition and continue to make a meaningful impact in the construction industry
Recent Comments