SPRINGFIELD'S FIRST OFFICIAL ACT

CHAPTER THREE

A Quarter Century

in

Professional Practice

A Reputation Earned Through
Honour, Integrity, and Trust.

The Beginning

Upon completing my Springfield education, I chose the real estate profession over university, earning my licence through the Winnipeg Real Estate Board and joining Riverdale Realty Ltd., the family brokerage established by my father. Like many young people beginning a career, I quickly discovered that enthusiasm alone was not enough. Purchasing or selling a home was often the largest financial decision a family would ever make, and clients naturally hesitated to place that responsibility in the hands of a young Realtor who still had to prove himself.

During that first year, I supplemented my income by working as a crusher man's helper for Fraser Sand & Gravel. I never considered it a setback. It simply reinforced a lesson that had already been instilled through the apiary and the family farm: honest work is never beneath you, and confidence is earned through perseverance rather than expected because of ambition.

By my second year I had discovered that I was not simply selling real estate. I enjoyed solving problems, helping people make informed decisions, and earning their confidence. Referrals gradually replaced introductions, confidence replaced uncertainty, and each successful transaction reinforced the importance of preparation, knowledge, and trust. From that point forward, I never looked back.

Those early years taught me that a professional reputation is not built through advertising or promises. It is built one client, one decision, and one handshake at a time.

Lifelong Learning

From the beginning of my career, I believed professional responsibility demanded continual learning. A licence may open the door to a profession, but it does not make someone an expert.

Knowledge must be earned, maintained, and expanded throughout a lifetime.

While practising full-time, I devoted evenings and Saturdays to continuing my education at Red River Community College, completing studies in the Business Law of Canada and Marketing. Those studies strengthened my understanding of the legal and commercial principles supporting every transaction while reinforcing the importance of professionalism, ethics, and always acting in the best interests of those I represented.

My education did not end in the classroom. Throughout my career I pursued advanced professional courses, legal seminars, and industry training, eventually earning recognized Industrial, Commercial, and Investment qualifications through the Canadian Real Estate Association.

Every course added another layer of understanding, but more importantly, it reinforced a simple belief: no professional should ever stop learning.

Education became a lifelong pursuit. Whether through formal certification, professional seminars, independent study, psychology, economics, business, governance, or countless hours in legal libraries, I believed informed judgment begins with understanding. The more I learned, the more I realized there was still more to learn.

I spent countless hours in the Great Library of the Manitoba Courts and the E.K. Williams Law Library at the University of Manitoba researching land titles, corporations, governance, planning, and related legal principles. Over time, the librarians came to know me by name, and I was granted an honorary library card providing extended access to one of Manitoba's premier legal research libraries.

I have come to appreciate that classrooms provide foundations, but curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to continue learning build judgment. That commitment to lifelong learning has remained with me throughout every stage of my life.

Beyond Property — Understanding People

As the years passed, I came to understand that real estate was never simply about land, buildings, or contracts. Behind every property was a person, a family, a business, an investment, a dream, or sometimes a hardship. Every client brought different priorities, different challenges, and different responsibilities. No two transactions were ever exactly alike.

Over the course of a quarter century, I had the privilege of working with people from virtually every walk of life. Young couples purchasing their first home, growing families, farmers, tradespeople, professionals, investors, developers, corporations, financial institutions, lawyers, architects, planners, police officers, and business leaders all entrusted Riverdale Realty Ltd. with matters that were often among the most significant financial decisions of their lives.

As my experience grew, so did the complexity of the assignments entrusted to me. Our work extended well beyond traditional residential brokerage into industrial, commercial, investment, land assembly, and development projects. We represented numerous developers and worked alongside planners, architects, engineers, surveyors, lawyers, financial institutions, and municipal authorities throughout various stages of the development process. Our role extended far beyond marketing real estate. It required an understanding of accepted planning practices, land use, municipal planning, market demand, project feasibility, infrastructure, and the many real estate considerations necessary to transform an idea into a successful development.

Some files represented a family's first home, while others involved the planning, marketing, and sale of entire residential developments comprising upward of two hundred lots for a single developer.

Our work also included numerous gated communities and developments governed by complex Development Agreements, some with particular attention to Common Element Agreements.

These projects required close coordination among developers, planners, architects, engineers, surveyors, lawyers, financial institutions, and municipal authorities. Through those experiences, I developed an appreciation not only for the real estate requirements of development, but also for accepted planning practices, land use, infrastructure considerations, market realities, and the importance of balancing private investment with the broader interests of the community. Those experiences reinforced my belief that successful communities are built when responsible development, sound planning, economic realities, and the public interest remain in balance.

At one point, Riverdale Realty Ltd. was privileged to represent as many as twelve custom home builders in Winnipeg simultaneously, several specializing in high-end residential construction. Many of those companies—or today the next generation of their families—continue to build exceptional homes throughout Manitoba.

By the time Riverdale Realty Ltd. concluded its operations, our records reflected more than 2,300 successfully completed files. Those figures tell only part of the story. One completed file might represent a family's first home, while another could encompass an entire residential development of upward of two hundred lots. Behind every completed file stood individuals, families, businesses, developers, financial institutions, and entire communities that had entrusted Riverdale Realty Ltd. with matters of lasting importance. Every completed file represented confidence placed in our professional judgment.

As our reputation grew, purchasers increasingly retained us to quietly locate properties that were never publicly offered for sale or to assemble multiple parcels required for future development. These assignments often extended over many months, and sometimes years, depending upon the complexity of the project. They depended entirely upon trust. Purchasers relied upon our discretion, while property owners expected honesty, fairness, and complete professionalism. Throughout my professional career, that confidence was never taken for granted. It had to be earned every day.

Throughout those years I learned that people were not simply looking for someone to complete a transaction. They were looking for knowledge, stability, sound judgment, and someone they could trust to place their interests above everything else. In uncertain times, practical advice became more valuable than salesmanship, and integrity proved to be a professional's greatest asset.

Perhaps the greatest lesson of those years had very little to do with real estate itself. It was understanding people. That understanding has remained with me throughout my life and continues to influence every decision I make today.

Judgment Forged in Difficult Times

My professional career unfolded during one of the most economically challenging periods in modern Canadian history. Mortgage interest rates climbed to nearly twenty-two percent, inflation placed extraordinary pressure upon families and businesses alike, and financial uncertainty became part of everyday life. It was an era unlike anything experienced in recent decades.

Those years were difficult for many Canadians. Businesses failed, farms struggled, bankruptcies increased, and foreclosures became a common reality.

Behind every difficult file was a family, a business owner, or an investor trying to protect a lifetime of hard work. Those experiences reinforced that every professional decision carried genuine human consequences.

For many Canadians, purchasing a home, expanding a business, or investing in land required far more than optimism. Every decision demanded careful financial analysis, disciplined negotiation, and sound judgment. Mistakes carried significant consequences because the financial stakes were exceptionally high. Those years taught me that preparation, responsibility, and integrity were never optional—they were essential.

The work frequently extended beyond conventional real estate transactions. I represented financial institutions, prepared valuation and market reports for organizations such as Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Worked with the Mortgage Insurance Company of Canada, Farm Credit Corporation and assisted with properties connected to foreclosures, corporate restructuring, and changing economic circumstances. My responsibility was to provide practical recommendations that allowed difficult situations to move toward practical solutions with fairness and professionalism.

Experience also teaches lessons that cannot be found in textbooks. Over time, you begin to recognize thoughtful planning, sound business judgment, and genuine opportunity. Equally important, you learn to distinguish realistic vision from unrealistic promises, and substance from confidence alone. Every profession has individuals whose knowledge deserves confidence, and others who rely upon confidence without substance. Learning the difference became one of the most valuable lessons of my professional life.

Looking back, I often reflect that a quarter century in professional practice provided an education no classroom alone could ever offer. It taught me economics through experience, negotiation through responsibility, planning through practical application, and leadership through accountability. Above all, it taught me that people looked beyond advertising and promises. They looked for knowledge, stability, sound judgment, honour, integrity, and trust. Those principles became the foundation of my professional life.

Lessons That Remain

Looking back over a quarter century in professional practice, I have come to realize that the greatest lessons had very little to do with buying and selling real estate. They were lessons about people, responsibility, judgment, and earning the confidence of others.

The measure of a professional was never simply the number of transactions completed. It was the confidence earned over time. Much of our business came through repeat clients, referrals, and exclusive representations built upon long-standing relationships. Whether representing a first-time homebuyer, a farmer, a corporation, a financial institution, or a major developer, every client deserved the same level of preparation, honesty, and commitment.

Professional accountability was equally important. Throughout my career, Riverdale Realty Ltd. successfully completed the annual audits required by the Manitoba Securities Commission. During my twenty-five years in professional practice there was never a recognized complaint against my professional conduct, disciplinary action, or litigation. Those records were not achievements in themselves; they were simply the result of maintaining the standards expected by the people who entrusted us with their affairs.

I also learned that success belongs to those willing to adapt. I still remember when my father reluctantly approved the purchase of what was then considered an extraordinary investment—a fax machine costing nearly five thousand dollars. Within days, that decision had justified itself through completed transactions. Later, we became among the first brokerages in Winnipeg to embrace the Internet. Although the dial-up connection was painfully slow by today's standards, it demonstrated an important lesson: the future belongs to those prepared to learn, adapt, and move forward.

Looking back today, I do not consider my greatest accomplishment to be the number of transactions completed, the developments represented, or the professional designations earned. I consider it the confidence that people placed in me over a quarter century of professional practice.

Trust is never demanded. It is never purchased. It is earned.

Once earned, it carries with it a responsibility that never truly leaves you.

Those lessons shaped not only the professional I became, but the person I became. They continue to influence how I approach problems, how I evaluate decisions, and how I believe public service should be conducted.

A quarter century in professional practice taught me far more than how to buy and sell real estate. Every decision carries consequences, every negotiation affects lives, and every position of trust carries an obligation to place the interests of others before your own. Knowledge must be continually pursued, judgment must continually mature, and integrity can never be compromised.

Over those years I was privileged to work alongside people from every walk of life—families and farmers, tradespeople and professionals, developers and planners, financial institutions and governments. Each contributed, in one way or another, to my understanding of people, business, economics, planning, and community.

As that chapter of my professional life gradually drew to a close, I believed I had experienced most of what my career would offer. Life, however, has a remarkable way of opening doors we never expect to walk through. I was mistaken.

An unexpected opportunity would soon introduce me to an internationally recognized master craftsman whose remarkable journey through war, oppression, faith, and art would profoundly influence my own life in ways I could never have imagined.

That story belongs to the next chapter.

CHAPTER FOUR

Lessons from a Master Artist

Inspiration, Resilience, and
the Pursuit of Excellence

Throughout our journey through life, certain individuals leave an impression that extends far beyond their immediate presence. They teach not only through words, but through their example, perseverance, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Roman Kowal was one of those rare individuals.

Roman first entered my life through Riverdale Realty while searching for a property where he could establish his stained-glass studio. We were fortunate to find him a story-and-a-half home on Keenleyside Street, a half block off Henderson Highway, where his workshop became the birthplace of extraordinary works of cathedral stained glass.

What began as a real estate transaction soon developed into a valued friendship. Roman, though quiet and humble, possessed an extraordinary life story.

As a young teenager, Roman's family was devastated during the Nazi invasion of Poland. His family, prominent in public life, were executed, their farm confiscated, and his world forever changed. Carrying little more than a single suitcase, he survived war-torn Europe before eventually building a new life in North America.

Rather than allowing tragedy to define him, Roman dedicated his life to creating beauty. His remarkable talent would eventually earn international recognition, with magnificent stained-glass windows enriching churches and places of worship throughout Western Canada.

One day Roman asked whether I would consider helping him in his studio. Curious to witness a true master at work, I accepted. What began as a simple visit evolved into three and a half unforgettable years working beside a master.

Every piece of cathedral glass assembled for the new Ukrainian Catholic Church in Dauphin passed through our hands. I later had the privilege of installing the completed windows high within the sanctuary dome, including sixteen angels nearly forty feet above the sanctuary floor.

When the installation was complete, Roman asked what it felt like standing alone above the church.

I simply replied,

"It was like being drunk on love."

Despite being in his seventies and facing his own mobility challenges, Roman climbed the scaffolding himself. After taking in the view, he quietly smiled and said,

"You're right."

It was a moment neither of us would ever forget.

Every day we shared in the toil of transforming individual pieces of antique cathedral glass into works that would inspire generations. Along the way I learned far more than the craft itself. I learned patience, discipline, perseverance, humility, and the quiet satisfaction that comes only from doing something exceptionally well.

Roman also introduced me to the remarkable heritage of cathedral stained glass. He spoke with great respect for the centuries-old European traditions of the craft, explaining that many of the original methods had been passed from one generation of artisans to the next.

He often shared the old stories surrounding antique cathedral glass, including traditional recipes and techniques—among them the long-held belief that materials such as chicken blood were once used in producing certain colours and characteristics within the glass.

Whether history, craft, or legend, those stories deepened my appreciation for the remarkable heritage behind every piece we handled.

Every window we created followed those same time-honoured principles. Each individual piece of glass was carefully cut, fitted by hand into traditional lead came, and assembled and soldered using the methods cathedral craftsmen had relied upon for centuries. Working beside Roman was not simply learning a trade; it was becoming part of an artistic tradition that had endured for generations.

One afternoon Roman handed me my cheque and quietly remarked that I was no longer simply his assistant.

"You may now identify yourself as a Master Cutter and Executioner of the Antique Cathedral Stained Glass."

There was no ceremony, no certificate, and no audience—only the words of a master whose respect had to be earned.

Those words meant so much because they came from a man who insisted that every piece of glass be cut, leaded, soldered, and finished according to the traditional methods of the old cathedral craftsmen.

Working beside Roman also afforded me the privilege of meeting remarkable individuals from the worlds of art, education, and faith. It was not unusual for the Senior Professor of Fine Arts at the University of Manitoba to visit the studio to review works in progress and discuss future commissions.

Through Roman I also had the privilege of meeting internationally renowned sculptor Leo Mol, a personal friend and fellow artist. The two would often assist one another on specialized commissions by drawing upon their respective inventories of antique cathedral glass imported from Germany and France—collections assembled over decades and treasured because much of the glass was no longer available.

As Roman's assistant, I often found myself saying very little and learning a great deal. Listening to accomplished artists, educators, and church leaders taught me confidence without arrogance and the value of thoughtful conversation.

Roman's work extended far beyond his Winnipeg studio. His artistry enriched places of worship throughout Western Canada and contributed to significant public landmarks, including the Holodomor Monument in front of Winnipeg City Hall and the famous Ox and Cart monument in Assiniboine Park.

We were even offered the opportunity to restore the gold leaf on Manitoba's iconic Golden Boy, but prior commitments prevented us from accepting what would have been another extraordinary privilege.

Years later I discovered another connection much closer to home.

I came to learn his dear friend Leo had worked from a modest one-room building here in Springfield while creating the magnificent stained-glass windows for the historic Catholic Church at Cook's Creek. It was a reminder that extraordinary accomplishments often begin in the most unexpected places.

Yet despite the significance of these projects, the greatest gift Roman ever shared with me was not found in stained glass.

One afternoon, while we were deeply focused on our work, I mentioned the overwhelming sense of satisfaction I felt when every piece fit perfectly and everything simply came together.

Roman smiled knowingly.

"Yes," he said. "We in the Fine Arts understand that feeling."

He explained that artists recognize those rare moments when craftsmanship, imagination, patience, and purpose unite to create something truly exceptional.

That lesson has remained with me throughout my life.

Looking back, I realize the greatest education I received was never simply learning the craft of cathedral stained glass. It was the privilege of working beside a master. Roman taught me that true excellence is never pursued for recognition.

Yet when a work is completed with integrity, patience, and genuine purpose, the response from the people it was created to serve becomes an outpouring of heartfelt appreciation. That appreciation cannot be demanded or manufactured—it is earned.

Never in my lifetime did I imagine that a career in real estate would lead me into such an extraordinary world or allow me, in some small way, to contribute to works that will continue inspiring generations in places of worship.

Those years remain one of my greatest privileges, undoubtedly helping to shape my character.

CHAPTER FIVE

Into Heavy Industry

Helping Build Canada and Manitoba

As the years passed, the real estate industry continued to change. My father was entering his retirement years, commission structures had deteriorated considerably, and together we concluded it was simply time for a new chapter. We sold our office building and wound out the affairs of Riverdale Realty, allowing each of us to pursue new opportunities.

Before obtaining my Class 1 licence and entering heavy industry, another opportunity presented itself that built naturally upon my background in IC&I real estate.

I remember thinking, "Why not?"

I accepted a senior operations position with a corporation responsible for a substantial portfolio of residential properties throughout Winnipeg, including numerous high-rise apartment complexes and high-density developments.

Rather than helping people acquire property, I became involved in the operational side of large residential communities. The position required a practical understanding of building systems, engineering support, rehabilitation projects, operational coordination, and the many elements required to keep major residential developments operating safely and efficiently every day.

For approximately three years, I worked as the company's senior roaming operations specialist, supporting multiple property managers and operational teams throughout Winnipeg.

The position provided a practical, boots-on-the-ground understanding of property management, building systems, and the daily responsibilities involved in maintaining large residential communities from a perspective very different from real estate sales.

For approximately three years, I worked as the company's senior roaming operations specialist, supporting multiple property managers and operational teams throughout Winnipeg.

The position provided a practical, boots-on-the-ground understanding of property management, building systems, and the daily responsibilities involved in maintaining large residential communities from a perspective very different from real estate sales.

I was later appointed as a key participant in a downtown high-rise rehabilitative housing renovation project initiated through a $10 million provincial incentive program. Working alongside Andy and supporting a team of approximately forty staff, we diligently carried out the transformation while reporting directly to the regional manager.

It was a rewarding experience that brought together my previous knowledge of real estate with the practical realities of maintaining and improving major high-rise and high-density properties. I found satisfaction in serving people and working alongside individuals from many different walks of life.

I was always amused when the manager would say, "That's all," as I handed him a receipt for materials or tools from another shopping trip. He would stretch the receipt from hand to hand as wide as he could, accompanied by an equally broad smile every time.

Working alongside Andy and supporting a team of approximately forty staff during this transformation was a valuable experience. It reinforced the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and practical problem-solving.

During this period, one memory from my high school years continued to ring in my ears. A teacher at Springfield Collegiate had once remarked:

"If you want to see different regions of this country, get your Class 1 licence."

So I did.

From the Ground Up

After obtaining my Class 1 license, I continued building upon that foundation by adding additional industry certifications and safety training, including First Responder Safety, sour gas, H2S, dangerous goods, and other specialized tickets that would prepare me for the next stage of my career.

A major local construction company soon recognized my determination and potential.

The owner hired me, put me in a seat, and simply said, "This is what we are going to do." What followed was an immense learning curve, and I learned quickly.

I entered a world of road construction, regulations, weights, axle distributions, and the precise coordination required to move massive equipment and materials safely and efficiently. I worked alongside experienced heavy equipment operators, learning how every piece of equipment and every operator worked together as one coordinated machine.

From the ground up, I learned the importance of preparation, teamwork, and attention to detail. Heavy construction was not simply about operating equipment; it was about understanding the entire process — the people, the machinery, the materials, and the standards required to complete major projects successfully.

After cutting my teeth in this demanding industry, I became a skilled operator and driver in a relatively short period of time. When I felt ready for my next challenge, I sat down with the owner and explained that it was time to head west and pursue new opportunities.

His response has always stayed with me:

"Just remember, the door is always open for you here."

That statement meant a great deal. It represented the respect earned through hard work, commitment, and showing up every day prepared to contribute.

Canada’s Industrial Frontier

With that encouragement, I began planning my next chapter.

I set my sights westward toward the Pacific and, ultimately, Fort McMurray, Alberta, to see if there would be an opportunity in the oil sands.

I was hired by Jim Carberry, CEO of a group of companies associated with Fort McKay, one of the most successful Indigenous communities in Canada.

At that time, northern Alberta represented the edge of a massive new industrial expansion. Vast areas of the oil sands were opening, and major development was underway.

Jim Carberry put me to work immediately. The company provided camp accommodations that were exceptional — comfortable, well organized, and designed to support the demanding work schedule ahead. Meals were provided, rooms were maintained, and the environment allowed workers to focus entirely on the projects at hand.

And focus we did.

I began working long days, often 15 and 18 hours, with overtime, operating a variety of heavy equipment, highway tractors, and water trucks. The work involved building a new industrial development that became a base of operations for some of the largest equipment companies in the world.

It was an incredible environment to be part of.

The scale of the operation was unlike anything I had previously encountered. The equipment was massive, the projects were enormous, and the coordination required thousands of people working together toward a common goal.

Yet something interesting happened after spending time there.

What first seemed extraordinary gradually became normal.

Before long, it simply became another day's work—one enormous sandbox where thousands of people came together, each doing their part to help build one of the largest concentrations of industrial development in North America.

Precision Under Pressure

After returning home to Springfield, the desire for new experiences and continued learning remained strong. The opportunity to continue developing my skills and contributing through my work continued to motivate me.

I decided to return west to see if opportunities were available in Fort McMurray.

There were.

This time, I was welcomed into a major concrete operation and was treated like family from the beginning. From the batch patch staff to fellow drivers, I was given the opportunity to learn, contribute, and become part of a highly skilled team.

Working with specialized concrete mixer trucks in the industrial region of Fort McMurray brought another level of responsibility. These specialized heavy vehicles operated in one of the most demanding industrial environments in Canada.

The expectations were high, and I responded.

Through dedication, safety, and commitment to doing the job properly, I became one of their most trusted drivers, providing concrete service throughout the industrial area of Fort McMurray. Projects included some of the largest industrial developments in the region.

Including work connected with companies such as Suncor and Syncrude.

The reputation of a concrete driver is built through reliability, timing, safety, and professionalism. Concrete construction requires every person involved — from the batch plant, drivers, pump crews, contractors, and tradespeople — to work together as one coordinated operation.

When contractors requested my service, I took pride in knowing that my work and reliability were respected.

For me, it was never simply about operating a truck.

It was about being part of something larger.

Every load of concrete represented another step in building the infrastructure that supported communities, industry, and economic growth.

Every project required teamwork, communication, and people taking pride in doing their part.

Unfortunately, the economic downturn of 2009 brought significant change. Many multi-billion-dollar projects underway through companies such as Suncor and Syncrude were delayed or stopped, and like many others in the industry, I was laid off.

A few years later, I returned for another tour with the same company. However, circumstances had changed. There was new management, new people, and the atmosphere was no longer the same. After several months, I made the decision to return home back to Springfield, Manitoba.

Home has always remained home.

Yet the desire for new experiences, continued learning, and service through meaningful work never disappeared.

Another opportunity soon presented itself.

This time, the journey would bring me back to Manitoba and to some of the largest infrastructure projects in our province's history.

Bringing Experience Home

The next chapter of my journey brought me back to Manitoba and into some of the largest infrastructure projects in our province's history.

Through my connection with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, I found myself working on northern Manitoba projects involving major hydroelectric development.

I entered a world of large-scale construction, remote camps, and people from every corner of Canada and beyond.

Working alongside people from many northern Indigenous communities, as well as tradespeople from many different backgrounds, was an experience I valued greatly. Every individual brought their own story, skills, and perspective to the project.

During this period, I was also entrusted with the responsibility of serving as a designated steward.

The role carried significant responsibility. It required listening carefully, understanding concerns, communicating clearly, and helping ensure that workplace matters were handled fairly and respectfully.

Being a steward taught me another important lesson about leadership.

It was not simply about representing one side. It required understanding the responsibilities and concerns of both employees and management, respecting the agreements in place, and working toward fair and practical solutions.

In many ways, it reflected lessons I had learned throughout my real estate career. Real estate often requires balancing the interests of buyers, sellers, owners, tenants, and other parties involved in a transaction. Success comes from listening, understanding the facts, and working toward solutions that are fair and reasonable for everyone involved.

That experience reinforced something I had learned throughout my career:

The best outcomes rarely come from one side simply defeating another.

They come from communication, respect, understanding different perspectives, and finding solutions that serve the greater purpose.

As with any workplace, there were different personalities and different approaches, but every morning the purpose remained the same:

Show up.

Work safely.

Build something that would benefit others.

There was a genuine sense of pride knowing that we were helping build infrastructure for Manitoba and contributing to projects that would serve generations to come.

Having now been recognized for my abilities and experience within the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, I was placed not only on the construction board but also on the pipeline board.

Trusted to Represent

Having now been recognized for my abilities and experience within the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, I was placed not only on the construction board but also on the pipeline board.

This opened opportunities beyond the hydroelectric projects and allowed me to contribute to additional major infrastructure projects throughout Manitoba.

I found myself working alongside people from many different backgrounds, communities, and regions. Construction has a unique way of bringing people together. In a remote camp or on a major project site, everyone arrives with different life experiences, but the goal remains the same — work safely, work together, and complete the project.

This opened opportunities beyond the hydroelectric projects and allowed me to contribute to additional major infrastructure projects throughout Manitoba.

I found myself working alongside people from many different backgrounds, communities, and regions. Construction has a unique way of bringing people together. In a remote camp or on a major project site, everyone arrives with different life experiences, but the goal remains the same — work safely, work together, and complete the project.

I was dispatched to opportunities involving major pipeline projects throughout Manitoba, with thousands of men and women contributing their skills to projects that supported the province's infrastructure needs.

I also had the opportunity to work on projects such as bridge construction.

Other civil projects followed, including infrastructure that connected communities and supported the movement of people, goods, and services across our province.

The work was demanding.

The hours were long.

Six days a week was common, with Sunday often being the only day of rest.

Yet there remained a sense of pride that kept everyone focused and committed. Early mornings, long days, and challenging conditions became part of the routine because everyone understood the importance of the work being completed.

With each new opportunity, the progression was remarkable.

What began with obtaining a Class 1 licence developed into an extensive understanding of heavy construction and concrete operations.

My experience included intensive road construction, aggregate operations, industrial development, hydroelectric projects, pipelines, and the broader infrastructure that supports communities and industry.

Through those experiences, I developed the ability to recognize quality workmanship and understand the details that are often unseen by those who use the finished product.

I can look at a road and understand the importance of its foundation, the preparation beneath the surface, the materials used, and the experience required to build it properly.

I can recognize when someone understands their equipment and when they do not.

I can appreciate the difference between simply completing a project and completing it to the highest standard.

That knowledge was not gained overnight.

It was earned through years of dedication, hard work, learning from experienced people, and respecting every person who contributed to the work around me.

The Invisible Work Behind Every Project

Every chapter of my working life added another layer of understanding.

Real estate taught me the importance of listening, negotiation, responsibility, and understanding that every person involved in a transaction has their own interests, concerns, and expectations.

Residential operations taught me how communities’ function from the inside.

I came to understand the importance of maintenance, safety, planning, and the many people working behind the scenes every day to keep homes and buildings, manufacturing plants, and critical infrastructure operating properly.

Heavy industry taught me the scale of what can be accomplished when people work together toward a common purpose.

Every finished project has a story behind it.

A road is not simply pavement.

A bridge is not simply concrete and steel.

A hydroelectric project is not simply a structure.

Behind every piece of infrastructure are thousands of decisions, thousands of hours of labour, and thousands of people contributing their skills, knowledge, and dedication to make something possible.

I had the privilege of working alongside many talented individuals — operators, tradespeople, engineers, supervisors, managers, consultants, administrators, and labourers. Each person brought their own experience and expertise, and every role contributed to the success of the final project.

I also developed a deep appreciation for the many professionals working behind the scenes. Administrators, consultants, planners, coordinators, logistics personnel, camp staff, and countless others quietly make these projects possible. Their work is rarely seen by the public, yet without their planning, communication, and coordination, even the most skilled crews could not perform their work safely or efficiently.

Major infrastructure projects do not succeed because of one individual or one profession. They succeed because thousands of people, each with different responsibilities and expertise, work together toward a common goal. Seeing that level of coordination firsthand gave me an even greater respect for everyone who contributes, whether their work is highly visible or largely unseen.

I learned that respect is earned through actions.

It comes from showing up, doing your job properly, taking responsibility, and understanding that every person on the team matters.

There are no insignificant roles on a major project.

The person preparing the site, operating equipment, transporting materials, completing a specialized trade, or managing the project all contributes to the same outcome.

That lesson has remained with me.

Through these experiences, I gained a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the infrastructure people depend upon every day. I learned to look beyond the finished product and understand the planning, coordination, materials, labour, and commitment required to make it happen.

The knowledge I gained was not given.

It was earned.

It came from early mornings, long days, challenging conditions, and a willingness to continue learning from the people around me.

From residential communities in Winnipeg, to industrial developments in Alberta, to infrastructure projects throughout British Columbia and Manitoba, each experience broadened my understanding of business, people, construction, and responsibility.

Perhaps the greatest lesson was not about equipment, buildings, roads, or projects.

It was about people.

Everywhere I worked, I found that people wanted the same basic things: to be respected, to contribute, to provide for their families, and to know that their work mattered.

That understanding has stayed with me throughout my life.

Whether working with a client in real estate, a maintenance team in residential operations, a construction crew in the field, or fellow workers on major infrastructure projects, the foundation remained the same:

Those principles have guided me through every chapter of my journey.

No single experience prepared me for the responsibilities I would one day undertake.

Each chapter of my journey contributed something different. Real estate taught me responsibility and the importance of earning people's trust. Residential operations revealed how communities function behind the scenes.

Heavy industry reinforced the value of preparation, teamwork, and the thousands of people whose combined efforts make even the most complex projects possible.

Every opportunity brought new challenges, new lessons, and new people who broadened my understanding of work, responsibility, and service.

Looking back today, I realize those experiences were never just about the work itself.

They taught me responsibility. They taught me humility. They taught me the value of listening, earning trust, and working with others toward a common purpose.

I remain grateful to the many people who shared their knowledge, encouragement, and friendship along the way.

Those experiences continue to influence the way I approach responsibility, decision-making, and service today.

The work itself belongs to the past.

The lessons remain.

As I reflect upon my journey, I hope these pages have provided a better understanding of the experiences, principles, and convictions that have shaped the person I am today.

Throughout the years, I have shared one belief with many people, in many places.

A person may possess all the gold, gems, and jewels in the world; all the money one could ever dream of; magnificent homes, yachts, planes, trains, and automobiles, along with every material comfort imaginable. One can be blessed with a large, loving family.

Although our possessions may one day become someone else's inheritance, the only thing we can truly take beyond the grave is our honour.

Should I earn your confidence, I would consider it an honour to work alongside the residents of Springfield as we write the next chapter in our municipality's history.

Edwin Giesbrecht