A Year of Growth and Success: Reflecting on 2024

By Brad Hedblom, President, True Mechanical

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s a privilege to reflect on the remarkable year we’ve shared at True Mechanical. Together, we’ve not only achieved incredible milestones but also reinforced the values that define us: innovation, authenticity, community, and staying true to who we are.

 
Our achievements this year are a testament to the dedication, expertise, and passion of our team. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for your hard work and commitment. It’s your collective effort that makes True Mechanical not just a company, but a thriving community where people grow, lead, and make a lasting impact.
 

Building Connections: A Year of Meaningful Engagement.

This year, we strengthened our bonds through a range of events designed to celebrate our team and foster a sense of belonging:

• Golfing Together: Our Construction Leadership Team Golf Tournament offered camaraderie and competition.
• Field Staff Appreciation: The Rick Crookshank Memorial Field Staff Appreciation Day combined a BBQ, softball, and soccer to honour our friend.
• Friendly Competitions: From the Annual Office Games Day to the exciting Battle of the Supers, teamwork and fun were at the heart of these events.
• Family Fun Day: We opened our doors to employees’ families, creating cherished memories with kids’ activities and games.
• True Mech Gals: We celebrated inclusivity, supporting women in trades and fostering new friendships.
• Annual Christmas Party: Our year-end celebration brought everyone together in style, leaving us energized for what’s to come.
• Glow-in-the-Dark Bowling Showdown: High-energy fun that lit up the lanes and our spirits.

Our Monthly Mix & Mingle Pub Nights have quickly become a cornerstone of True Mechanical’s culture, offering opportunities to connect, collaborate, and unwind. Highlights included Pizza & Q&A with Brad, where employees enjoyed an open dialogue with our president while sharing a delicious meal; the Nacho Average Financial Fiesta, a lively evening filled with trivia, nachos, and actionable financial planning tips; and the Glow-in-the-Dark Bowling Showdown, an electrifying event that brought teams together for high-energy fun and friendly competition.

Recognizing Milestones: Honoring Dedication

Our success is built on the loyalty and talent of our team, and this year, we celebrated the achievements of 170 employees reaching significant service milestones. Your commitment fuels our journey, and we are grateful for each of you:

• 66 employees celebrated 3+ years of service.
• 67 employees marked 5+ years of dedication.
• 27 employees achieved 8+ years of contributions.
• 10 employees surpassed a decade with us.

Raising the Bar: Training and Development.

In 2024, we made significant strides in professional growth by investing in training initiatives that enhanced skills and elevated the capabilities of our team. Certification programs like Victaulic, Uponor, and Viega played a key role in equipping our workforce with cutting-edge expertise. Additionally, we introduced apprentice-focused initiatives, including tutoring sessions, IP refresher courses, and QA/QC training, all designed to ensure our apprentices excel at every stage of their development.

Peer mentoring was another highlight, with Foremen exchanging best practices during site visits, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared learning. Our dedication to career development was further demonstrated through the launch of the True Career Leadership Program, which offers education and training aimed at achieving the prestigious Gold Seal Certification.

This year, we proudly celebrated the accomplishments of 12 apprentices who earned their Red Seal certification, while supporting 91 others in technical trades training. These achievements underscore our ongoing commitment to excellence and the professional growth of our team.

Embracing Community and Indigenous Collaboration.

This year, we deepened our connection with Indigenous communities, reflecting our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We’re proud to partner with the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tseil-Waututh Nations, promoting meaningful participation in our operations. Highlights included:

• Launching the True Indigenous Logo, designed by artist ČuxWiiNuup (Bill Morris Jr.).
• Partnering with ACCESS and the BladeRunners Program to host hands-on demonstrations for Indigenous individuals interested in the trades.
• Collaborating with the Squamish Training and Trades Centre and participating in Indigenous Hiring Fairs.

Making a Difference Globally: Ecuador Project.

Our impact extended beyond borders this year through our partnership with the WE Charity Foundation in Ecuador. Brad Hedblom and his family volunteered in the Rio Napo region, contributing to education and water infrastructure projects. Through efforts like our Mix & Mingle nights, we’re raising $20,000 to fund filtered drinking water systems. This project exemplifies our values of innovation, community, and authenticity.

Looking Ahead.

True Mechanical’s future is bright. As we celebrate the successes of 2024, we remain committed to innovation, fostering talent, and creating a workplace where people thrive.
 

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this incredible year. Together, we are building a legacy of excellence, collaboration, and purpose. Here’s to an even brighter 2025!

 
Brad Hedblom
President, True Mechanical