Growing a mechanical service company by more than one truck a year
Special to Ontario Construction News
Each week, in co-operation with Tools of the Trade, Ontario Construction News is publishing a link to the trades business podcast.
This week’s podcast features Brian Williams of Ashton Service Group.
In 1987, Brian Williams and his wife Julie took a leap of faith and decided to become partners in life and in business. Seemingly overnight, Brian went from employee of a mechanical contracting company to business owner. With $10,000 in savings, he bought a van, wrapped it, stocked it, did a service call all in one weekend before looking after his first and what would become long term client, BC Housing.
In true entrepreneurial fashion, the Williams duo hit the ground running and it was not uncommon to catch Brian working until midnight 5-6 days per week while Julie looked after the office. Unfortunately, as the candle started to burn at both ends, Brian developed cancer. Not letting anything get him down, he forged on with a positive attitude and managed to put it into remission.
Listen to this trades business podcast on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Google Podcasts/Stitcher/iHeartRADIO/Tunein Alexa or on your favorite podcast platform.
- In 87, Brian Williams and his wife Julie took a leap of faith and decided to become partners in life and in business. Seemingly overnight, Brian went from employee of a mechanical contracting company to business owner. With $10K in savings, he bought a van, wrapped it, stocked it, did a service call all in one weekend before looking after his first and what would become long term client, BC Housing. In true entrepreneurial fashion, the Williams Duo hit the ground running and it was not uncommon to catch Brian working until midnight 5-6 days per week while Julie looked after the office. Unfortunately, as the candle started to burn at both ends, Brian developed cancer. Not letting anything get him down, he forged on with a positive attitude and managed to put it into remission.
Ashton has since grown by more than 1 truck per year and has been the recipient of the following awards:
Brian’s personal awards:Â
- 2017 Business Leadership Award from the Richmond Chamber of Commerce
- Milan Ilich Award for Leadership in 2013 at the Volunteers are Stars Awards
- 2009 QSC Humanitarian Award, 2013 Nexstar Ambassador of the Year
- 2011 Canadian Contractor Community Leader Award
Ashton’s Awards:Â
- 2013 Henry H Mellon Award of Merit in Job Order Contracting
- 2010 Diversecity Culture Award for Business (1-25 employees)
Listen to this trades business podcast on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / Stitcher / iHeartRADIO / Tunein Alexa or on your favorite podcast platform.