"MacLean Construction
has
built it's reputation
on being competitive, and
we will continue to work hard
to earn your business"
Mike Lawlor
VP MacLean Construction
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MacLean Construction
Staff Stories
 Barry Whiteway
CET, CEC, Estimator / Project Manager
New opportunity for personal
growth and an older established company don’t always go hand in
hand, but when Barry found himself looking for employment in his
field, he knew MacLean Construction was the right fit. Barry may
be new to MacLean’s, but he is certainly not new to the
industry. When Schurman’s shut down their construction division,
Barry found himself looking for work as an estimator and
MacLean's was his first choice. From his years in the field, he
knew on any job up to $5,000,000, MacLean’s had been the firm to
beat and that no one could touch them on wood frame
construction. He had also heard of their plans for expansion and
higher bonding. He relished an opportunity to join the ‘other’
team. Although Barry has been with the MacLean’s team for just a
few months, he is quick to point out that this is the nicest
office he’s ever worked in and he’s not just talking about the
fancy new decor. He is quick to point out that the office women
(Sharon and Terri) keep them all in line and that it is the most
relaxed company he has ever worked for. That family atmosphere
is definitely pervasive.
 Sharon Kelly
Office Manager
Sharon has worked for MacLean
Construction for 28 years. She started with the company on April
9th, 1979, which she recalled with assured accuracy, an
indicator of her very apparent attention to detail. She has been
affectionately called “the lady who runs the place”. Keith
MacLean could barely articulate the importance of her position
within the business. “I don’t know how to give Sharon the
comment ... well, the comment she so deserves ... can you just
draw a big star around her” he said, his voice tailing of with a
telling quaver.
Sharon began as a bookkeeper with MacLean’s straight out of
Holland College. She fondly remembers the manual typewriter she
started with. Keith actually replaced it with a new one a year
later, but like family, the retired typewriter still has a place
of respect on its own desk in the new office.
As one of the company’s longest standing employees, Sharon
attributes her happiness and longevity in the company to its
family values, the mindset and warm atmosphere. She explained
that the brothers had a high level of confidence and trust in
their employees. Keith and Merrill worked hard to ensure that
their employees knew how valued they were, giving them respect,
loyalty, and a constant flow of work in an industry that was far
from dependable for employment.
She explained that the brother’s had a very symbiotic
relationship, each complementing the other. Merrill was outgoing
and spent his time in the field, while the more conservative
Keith stayed in the office, dealing with estimators. When asked
about Merrill, Sharon replied with affectionate laughter,
“Merrill was Merrill, he was very kind and giving”.
VP and General Manager Mike Lawlor says Sharon has an awareness
and remarkable attention to detail that, he says, “keeps us on
our toes”. Though Keith had trouble finding the right words to
fully explain the importance of Sharon’s position in the
company, he did say that without Sharon’s hard work and
excellent organization in the office, MacLean Construction would
not be the company it is today.
To others, Sharon’s secret is obvious, “She’s a woman and she
keeps us organized,” says female labourer, Brenda Perry,
delivered with a mischievous grin.
 
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