New Leadership Brings New Focus

When Dave Rogne joined EMERCOR in 1998 as the operations manager, the company was focused on manufacturing foundations, roofs and wall panels. Having a background in construction and engineering, and having worked in Toronto and Alberta on projects from small additions to a large 50 million dollar shopping center, Dave realized that there were many other traditional construction uses for EMERCOR products. To date, Dave has introduced four new products to the EMERCOR product line. The Insulated Rimboard would be the revolution, providing structure, insulation and a vapor barrier at the floor system in one installation step. Today, Insulated Rimboard accounts for up to 60% of their business and continues to grow.

Prior to joining EMERCOR, Dave recalls a townhouse project with 108 units that he worked on in Calgary. "One of the problems, as often described in the CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) guide, is the 'cold floor phenomenon'. There would be phone calls from people in the units saying that at -20°C their floor would be cold. Knowing that the floors were cantilevered, and that this was a common problem, all I could say was 'well, it's the nature of this type of floor.'" Not being able to provide a solution to the cold floor problem was unacceptable - something had to be done. EMERCOR had the solution - The Cantilever Soffit Panel, an insulated panel that could be attached underneath the cantilever without obstructing airflow, thereby creating a warm floor.

In 2002 Dave Rogne took over as President and with his new position came a new focus on company culture. Truly EMERCOR was no ordinary company. One of Dave's first goals was to create a work environment where employees could feel that the work they were doing was important and appreciated. Trust, accountability and respect soon became the philosophy for the people at EMERCOR. A new culture evolved - but it is not a simple hunch that caused Dave Rogne has left an indelible mark on the company and the people who work there.

As stated by Dave Rogne, "I believe in what my Grandfather taught me and apply his words daily. I want the families that work with me to enjoy their lives to the fullest and benefit from the successes we make together." The company is still small, but the hearts are full. For example, every Christmas the children of the employees receive presents and a party is held for the entire company. Not to mention that each and every employee's birthday is celebrated with a cake. It's understandable why the EMERCOR team approaches service to the customer with pride.

Saying that EMERCOR is all about doing the right thing is an understatement. "When you do a job, you do it right. If there's a problem simply face it and fix it" says Dave. "We stand behind the products we manufacture and want to give our customers nothing but the best." The company's motto says it all:

This motto has been imbedded into everyone in the company, from administration to manufacturing to management. Employees treat each other with the same respect as they treat the customer. Individual empowerment, discussions about improvement and quality are continually encouraged. There is only one chance to make a good impression and do the job right.

"Good enough simply isn't good enough. If we can make it better, we'll keep making it better."
- Dave Rogne