by SHCA SHCA

The SHCA Hot Seat

Featuring Marty Willfong, SHCA board member and COO/co-owner of the Magnorum Group

1. Where are you from?

Moose Jaw, Sask.

2. How did you get your start in the heavy construction industry and who do you credit for getting you where you are today?

After university, I was hired as the utilities engineer and promoted a year later to city engineer for the City of Prince Albert. I credit Arnie McKay, city manager, for taking a chance on a young engineer. The first job provided me with great experience and a strong foundation for my career.

3. What is your career history?

After being with the City of Prince Albert for four years, I moved to B.C., where I was the city engineer for the City of Penticton and later the director of engineering, development and building inspection for the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen. I then moved back to Regina, where I accepted the position of director of water and sewer for the City of Regina. After spending most of my career in the public sector, I transitioned into the private sector 11 years ago with the Morsky Group of Companies. I am currently the chief operating officer and co-owner of the Magnorum Group (formerly Morsky Group).

4. What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?

My grandfather told me that it doesn’t matter what you do in life, just be the best at it. I don’t claim to be the best at what I do, but I strive to be, and I know that was his point.

5. What’s your favourite thing about Saskatchewan and working in the industry?

Definitely the people and the relationships that are created. I have found that Saskatchewan people tend to have strong work ethics and are business focused. Even with this focus, they don’t let that get in the way of establishing strong relationships with each other.

6. What is the trait you deplore in others?

Lying and arrogance. I tend to gravitate away from people who have either of these two traits.

7. Where would you most like to live?

Winters in Maui, summers in the Okanagan. That’s my retirement plan, anyway.

8. What do you most value in your friends?

Honesty and a great sense of humour. I also know that my closest friends will always be there when I need them.

9. Who are your favourite writers?

George R. R. Martin, Dan Brown, J. K. Rowling

10. Who are your heroes in real life?

My grandfather – from a very young age, he always believed in me and taught me about having a strong work ethic and high morals.

Jason Nemanishen from Nemanishen Contracting Ltd. (and an SHCA board member!) answers a few questions to help SHCA members get to know him a little better.
by SHCA SHCA

The SHCA Hot Seat

Jason Nemanishen from Nemanishen Contracting Ltd. (and an SHCA board member!) answers a few questions to help SHCA members get to know him a little better.
Jason Nemanishen from Nemanishen Contracting Ltd. (and an SHCA board member!) answers a few questions to help SHCA members get to know him a little better.

1. Where are you from?

I am from Langham, Sask., born and partially raised here. I now have a wonderful family (wife and two kids) firmly rooted in this community that we are happy to call home.

2. How did you get your start in the heavy construction industry and/or what do you credit to getting you where you are today?

Road construction has always been a way of life for my family. I am a third-generation road builder and got my start picking stones and staking up grid roads at the age of 10. The encouragement, leadership and support of grandparents, parents and others in our family business has fostered in me a love for dirt, business and people.

3. What is your career history?

From the age of 10 years old, I have been an earthmover with Nemanishen Contracting Ltd. As the years have gone by, my roles have changed, but my love for our company and what we do has not.

4. What’s the best piece of business or career advice you have or have been given?
Your integrity is one of the most valuable things you can give to your business. A reputation of honesty is tough to gain and easy to destroy. As C.S. Lewis aptly put it, “Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching.”

5. What’s your favourite thing about Saskatchewan and working in the industry?
Although I have enjoyed a great deal of things in this industry over the years, getting to know and work with other companies and the satisfaction of completing a challenging project would certainly have to be at the top of the list.

6. What is your greatest extravagance?

I take particular enjoyment in a fine glass of scotch – the subtle orange zest finish of one to the sea salt and peatiness of another. I can’t think of many better ways to enjoy an evening than sitting back in the recliner to watch a game of pigskin with a glass of Glenmorangie Signet in hand.

7. What is the quality you most like in a person?

I appreciate a person who builds their life around humility and integrity. I believe these two traits emulate a selfless individual that is willing to place others before himself.

8. Who is your favourite writer?

W.E.B. Griffith would have to be one of my favourites. His attention to detail when he recounts historical events and times in his novels brings the pages to life.

9. Where would you most like to live?

Amongst the many great places around the world, I think one of the most amazing locations to live would be Tuscany, Italy. Tuscany encompasses such a laid-back atmosphere along with food, art, history and ambiance. “Mangia bene, ridi spesso, ama molto” – Eat well, laugh often, love much!

10. What is it that you most dislike?

I find it ironic that as much as I enjoy food, I despise mushrooms. This is indeed a shame as the individuals who like them seem to love them. Alas, maybe one day my palate will change for the better.

Shantel Lipp answers a few questions to help SHCA members get to know her a little better.
by SHCA SHCA

The SHCA Hot Seat

Shantel Lipp answers a few questions to help SHCA members get to know her a little better.
Shantel Lipp answers a few questions to help SHCA members get to know her a little better.

1. Where are you from?

Born, raised and never left Regina!

2. How many years have you been in the industry?

I’ve been president of SHCA for more than a decade and have loved every minute of it.

3. What’s the best piece of business or career advice you’ve ever received?

You can do anything you set your mind on if you’re willing to work hard to get there.

4. What’s your favourite thing about Saskatchewan?

Definitely the people – we are kind, compassionate and always willing to help our fellow man. In today’s age, that’s a dying quality, but it thrives here.

5. What trait do you dislike the most in others?

Jealousy – it keeps people from living their best life.

6. What is your most marked characteristic?

Determination; I’m not a quitter. If I think something is wrong, I will work as hard as I can to make it right.

*Parts of this Q&A originally appeared in Industry West magazine.