Dave Keyowski is the owner of Keyowski Contracting in Foam Lake, Sask.
Dave has been in the business for 20 years and throughout that time he has mentored young contractors who have gone on to build their own successful businesses.
Chad Greziuk is one of those young contractors: he worked for Dave for four years. Since then, he has started his own company in Foam Lake called Gutter King Eavestroughs, and the two have developed a strong working relationship.
The two, with a combined Co-op membership span of over 30 years, are both part of the Contractor’s Choice Program and appreciate the product-delivery service that is offered at their local Co-op Home Centre. Dave says that the local Co-op has “great personality.”
Having been in the industry for over 20 years, Dave has learned what it takes to run a business and has passed this knowledge on to younger employees who have worked alongside him.
According to Dave, he tries to instil one main principle in all of his employees: “The customer is always right and make sure at the end of the day that they are happy.”
He is proud of employees like Chad who while working with him have gained the confidence and skill they need to start their own successful establishments.
Chad said that if he learned one thing from Dave, it was this: “Take your time and do a good job.”
Both Dave and Chad run their companies with similar values, which is to do the work properly and be particular. That is no coincidence, as over the years the two have learned from one another. They continue to maintain a strong relationship.
“If I ever have questions about business, I would go to Dave for advice,” said Chad of his mentor and former employer.
When it comes to building a prosperous company, it is important to have strong relationships with your employees. For Dave and Chad, they could build a connection that in turn helped Chad start Gutter King Eavestroughs.
The ability to pass on his knowledge and see former employees branch out on their own is one of the most rewarding parts of being a contractor for Dave.
