Page 18 - D17883 - LBMAO - Reporter Jan-Feb 2022 - web optimized

"October 8, 2020, the ground was broken on the new construction
project. Little did they know what impact the COVID-19 pandemic

would have on their dreams of getting the business open by the
spring of 2021."

the people, the challenges and
the opportunities that this vibrant
business provided.
Leah took the reins as Store
Manager in 2019 with her and
her father’s vision of expanding
the building supply business to
attract more contractors, as well as
increasing store traffic for DIYers.
The decision was made to open
a new facility, and property was
obtained to host the new build.
They also brought in Steve Snoes, a
well-experienced project manager,
who worked with Leah to get the
job done! October 8, 2020, the
ground was broken on the new
construction project. Little did
they know what impact the COVID
19 pandemic would have on their
dreams of getting the business
open by the spring of 2021.
They experienced many of
the same frustrations as other
businesses while trying to open a
new business during these difficult
times. Supply chain problems and
out-of-stocks were the primary
irritants; but also dealing with
the local conservation authority
bureaucracy, trades being difficult
to manage, merchandising cost
overruns, and engineers changing
the specs on the new build
made getting the project done
challenging. Leah points out that
the support from Orgill, Castle
and their vendors was also much
appreciated. Blending the old
inventory into the new layout
also created some frustrations.
Customers were anxious to have
the business open as they could see
Leah exemplifies the skills needed to manage this vibrant business! that the new Castle Building Centre

18 LBMAO Reporter - January-February 2022 www.lbmao.on.ca