Gilbert + Burke Associates Ltd

GI LBERT + BURKE ASSOC I ATES LTD . When COVID-19 first came on the scene in March, the Burkes saw a sudden downturn in leads and interest. Jobs that were just about to start were delayed by the clients and there was a dramatic impact on the company, as far as revenue was concerned, for a number of months. But by May, people were looking at their lives differently. Those with resources started making plans to improve their living spaces – whether it be their home or their cottage – to enable them to feel more comfortable spending more time there. Currently, the amount of leads and interest has taken a very strong jump. Randy estimates 50 percent more than last year at this time, but that still has to translate into actual work and revenue. In the initial stages of the pandemic, the company had to set staff up to work from home, which also meant learning a new skill set. “Fortunately, we focus mostly on portable devices and we have a central server,” says Cathy. “Then, because construction was considered an essential industry, we had to make sure all our teams in the field and our subtrades were safe, as well as our clients. We paid close attention to public health directions and the Province of Ontario legislation about what was required on every site. We had to make sure our site supervisors and subtrades were aware of the new reality and how to do it. And getting supplies (masks, hand sanitizer, etc.) was a challenge in the beginning, along with handling the internal office work at several different locations and communicating with people.” There was also a shortage of building materials. The company now finds itself sourcing materials from a wider range of lumberyards and suppliers, simply because some locations have certain materials and others are sold out. In addition, project schedules have slowed down because of limitations on the number of people allowed on one site. Although clients, for the most part, have been very understanding. Gilbert + Burke is a champion of environmental responsibility. As Randy explains, “Both Cathy and I are ‘friends of the land.’ We love the outdoors. In fact, right now, we’re building our own new home in the middle of the woods by