b'Q & A INDUSTRY INTERVIEWWITHJOHN BOCKSTAEL,2019 CHAIR OF THE CANADIAN CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATIONAs the third-generation leader of Bockstael Construction Limited, President and CEO John Bockstael, P.Eng, ICD.D, G.S.C., is doing more than propelling the family-run company into one of Manitobas largest contractors. Hes also devoting considerable time and effort to improving the overall construction industry, having served14 years on the Winnipeg Construction Association Board of Directors (Past Chair 2006-2007), as Chair of Canadian Construction Innovations (2014-present) and now as the new Chair of the Canadian Construction Association.We catch up with the CCAs new Chair to find out about the industry issues that are most important to him and what he hopes to accomplish in hisnew role.Build Manitoba:What was your first job? BM:What is your business philosophy?JOHN BOCKSTAEL:As a construction labourer on aJB:You are only as good as your last project so you must concrete repair job. strive for continuous improvement and can never become complacent. I see my role as a steward of the company. A BM:Had you always planned to go into construction?good steward preserves, protects and enhances that which JB:No, I thought a career in engineering design was in myhas been entrusted to you. That speaks to the business future. My brothers had bought the business from my dadgrowth and continuance, and it translates into the customer in 1979, so I thought it was theirs to run with. But then theyrelations as well when you are entrusted by an owner to approached me because they had landed a lot of work and wedeliver a quality project. agreed it was worth a tryout. BM:What is the best part about your job?BM:What were you doing before you joined the familyJB:There are two: business in 1985? 1.JB:I obtained my engineering degree in 1980 and workedMentoring the next generation of construction for Dominion Bridge Company of Canada for five years inprofessionals and helping them developvarious roles. DB was a leader in the steel fabrication andrewarding careers. 2. The variety in what we are contracted to do, from job to construction industry. I learned a lot about steel fabrication and about the construction business while I was there. job, from year to year.BM:What do you do when youre not working?BM:Whats the best part about working with family?JB:Try to spend some time with any of our five grandkids,JB:Gratification in seeing my sons stepping into leadership get some exercise, do some golfing and get out to theroles and excelling in their work. cottage as much as I can in the summer for some boatingand fishing.Issue 1SpringEdition 2019 BUILD MANITOBA 35'