BILD Edmonton Metro’s last luncheon of the year was a day full of festive food and drinks, holiday celebrations, and inspiring people. The Celebration of Industry Champions welcomed award winners across four categories: Rookie of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Most Engaged Committee, and recipient of the Julius Ekert Memorial Award.

The most Engaged Committee Award, which was given to the Builder Technical Committee, gave us the opportunity to showcase their work over the past year, bringing to light their advocacy efforts in the city and surrounding municipalities. This group was critical in assisting with topics around the city for Builders’ Breakfast events, and educating trades workers on permit codes, what the city is doing, and how to implement changes and updates.

“Our industry plays a vital role in shaping our region to ensure people and businesses live, invest, and thrive here,” said BILD Edmonton Metro’s Board Chair, Katrina Rowe. “Throughout the year, our members participate in committees, volunteer their time at events, and regularly speak before councils and administrations on a range of issues. Our association is privileged to be able to harness their expertise and insights. The Celebration of Industry Champions event is one way in which we can honour their efforts.”

This month was the perfect time to celebrate the winners before 2025 begins, and what better way to do that than at a BILD luncheon, held by the Royal Glenora Club, with a turnout of over 200 people? And it’s not just about the individual winners, but also how their achievements fit into the industry’s goals as well. “These awards are incredibly meaningful,” Rowe says. “People need to know that what they do has an impact.”

Sydney Bond, Julius Ekert Memorial Award

Sydney Bond’s commitment to the industry and goals of empowering others have left a lasting impact, but that’s not the only reason she was awarded the Julius Ekert Memorial Award.Sydney’s passion for educating and encouraging the next generation isn’t new for her; she’s been involved in the industry for years. Her journey began over a decade ago with the Renovator Committee, supporting small builders and renovators, and has since blossomed into a robust career.

Whether through her work with Effect Homes, the Women in Residential Construction (WIRC) Committee, her role as President of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, Edmonton Region, her position as an instructor at the University of Alberta, or her current leadership at Rescom, Sydney’s influence is widely inspirational.

Micah Dueck, Volunteer of the Year

Many know Michael Dueck as an inspirational worker and Director of Sales and Marketing, but he’s been a powerhouse in the residential construction industry since 2011. Coaching and mentoring over 100 sales professionals across Alberta and the United States, Dueck has uplifted many individuals over the past decade.

Throughout the organization stages of selling net zero homes, Dueck helped bridge the technical aspects of sustainable building with the sales process and created the Sales Managers Forum – a space where sales leaders could come together, share knowledge, collaborate, and lift each other up.

“Micah is the type of person who, when you’re with him, you may not always remember the details of the conversation you just had, but you will never forget how he made you feel,” one of his peers says.

Mackenzie Molnar, Rookie of the Year

Mackenzie Molnar is not only a vital member of BILD’s Safety Group, bringing her expertise and energy to every event, but also a representative at Legacy Heating & Cooling.

Molnar is always the first to raise her hand to help, and has proven this by showing incredible initiative by assisting the Renovation Committee with early morning safety meetings at their charity renovation project job site.

She’s also helped the BILD Edmonton Metro office organize personal protective equipment (PPE) for next year, demonstrating forward-thinking and a commitment to enhancing the safety group.

Moving forward, Mackenzie is excited to continue advocating for women in the industry and experiencing new challenges. “I am still a rookie,” she joked. “But I want to continue to learn in this industry, and also be part of more working groups.”

Nicole Linman, Volunteer of the Year

With over 10 years of experience in the construction industry, Nicole Linman’s dedication to safety is deeply personal. After experiencing firsthand the devastating effects of poor safety practices, she became committed to ensuring that workers in the industry would return home to their families every night safely.

As a Health and Safety Advisor at Cantiro, Nicole’s influence extends far beyond her company. Her willingness to share her knowledge with the wider community has made a greater impact on the safety practices of not just her colleagues, but the industry as a whole.

Nicole’s contributions also extend to role as Chair of the Safety Working Group, as well as her role with the Alberta Construction Safety Association, where she is spearheading the development of a comprehensive manual on safe work practices.

When it comes to health and safety, “(I) wanted to change the way we perceive safety in residential construction,” Linman says. “That’s why I do what I do.”

One of BILD Edmonton Metro’s values is community.

“We are a community of members, learning from each other, celebrating together, sharing support, growing our businesses, and having fun,” said Kalen Anderson, CEO of BILD Edmonton Metro. Over the next year, BILD Edmonton Metro will be exploring new ways to promote, celebrate and honour the efforts of our industry and members.

Written by: Payton Phillips