Building Successful Partnerships

Success is best when it’s shared. A strong commitment to teamwork is a promise that Integrity Building Products makes to their valued clients. Integrity doesn’t enter into any relationship halfway, they are entirely in and fully dedicated to their partner’s success.

“We are committed to our customers for the long term,” states Scott Myer, COO of Integrity Group and business unit leader of Integrity Building Products. “Our longstanding relationship with local home builders Calbridge Homes and Cedarglen Homes really exemplifies this loyalty.”

“I don’t even know how long our relationship with Integrity has been,” laughs Curtis Wankel, Calbridge Homes Construction and Customer Care Manager. “I think it’s been about 12 years. I have personally worked with Scott and his team for 8 years, and I don’t see it ending.”

“Integrity is a long-term partner of ours,” explains Pretum Narang, Purchase & Estimating Manager at Cedarglen Homes. “We started back in 2015 with lumber, then expanded to floor systems and roof trusses. As we have grown and evolved, so has Integrity. Our relationship is stronger and our processes become more aligned each year. We are with Integrity Building Products for the long run.”

INNOVATION

One of Integrity’s core values is innovation – a commitment to explore and implement new strategies and unique solutions. They apply this value to all they do, including their approach to processes and products for their building products division.

Cedarglen knew some of the solutions to their challenges, including accurate estimating, inventory and reducing material waste, could be solved through the use of technology. “We challenged Integrity to develop a system where we could collaborate with design files more seamlessly,” explained Pretum. “And Integrity found a way.”

“Cedarglen offered us a great challenge – to improve service through the use of technology,” explains Scott Myer. “Through the expansion of our implementation and use of MiTek structural engineering software we were able to meet and even exceed Cedarglen’s expectations.”

The benefits to Cedarglen have been numerous. “It takes us less time to get a home into construction, and there are fewer errors. Our estimating and material takeoff is much more accurate. Ultimately we are able to get a home framed faster and more accurately, which saves money,” explains Pretum.

Integrity’s innovation is not limited to the design and estimating function – they are also forging new paths in framing methods. “Integrity introduced prefabricated wall panels to us about two years ago, and we have now implemented this product in the majority of our builds,” states Curtis.

Prefabricated wall panels are sections of either exterior or interior walls that are built at the Integrity Building Component manufacturing facility. Once the wall panels are completed to exact specifications, they are bundled and shipped to the job site and installed by framers.

 “The great thing about Integrity is they are always one step ahead of other suppliers. They are willing to evolve, adapt and innovate first. And they do it right from the field. They are having conversations with us, working with us to find a solution for whatever problems we are facing. And that’s important to Calbridge,” explains Curtis.

“We were on site with Calbridge, working with them to integrate prefabricated wall panels into their process,” explains Scott. “It’s important to include the site supers and framing crews in the process, to communicate the benefits and help them adopt this new construction method.”

“Switching to prefabricated wall panels has definitely saved us time and money,” adds Curtis. “They make the construction project more efficient, there is less waste and we have also noticed there is less theft.”

TEAMWORK

Another factor that sets Integrity apart from other building material suppliers is they continue to focus on the basics, providing strong customer service and building trust.

“We can buy sticks of lumber anywhere, but what Integrity Building Products provide is a full-service experience. From technology integration to customer support, collaboration and problem-solving, Integrity is willing to work with us full scope and make the entire process from design to delivery seamless,” explains Pretum.

“Integrity stands out because of their commitment to drive the change that Calgary home builders require.”

“With Integrity, there is never an excuse. We build a lot of houses and we know there is always going to be a challenge. If there is an issue, we trust Integrity will find a solution,” says Curtis. “The willingness to collaborate is what makes the partnership so great. Sometimes we need to break the mold, and Integrity always does their best to accommodate.” 

COMMITMENT

Integrity is committed to giving maximum effort in everything they do, and always with a positive attitude.

“Integrity stands out because of their commitment to drive the change that Calgary home builders require,” Pretum explains. “We save time and money, and Cedarglen Homes can offer our customers a better new home experience because of our partnership with Integrity.”

Covid was a challenging time for all of the home builders in Calgary. The demand for new homes had never been higher, and the supply chain was struggling. Lumber commodities were extremely volatile, and it was challenging for home builders to manage demand, schedules and expenditures. 

“Everyone was maxed out, we were stressed and totally uncertain about what the next week, or even day, would look like,” recalls Curtis. “Integrity Building Products really pulled through, including working non-stop to ensure we got the products we needed to keep our framing crews moving. One of the reasons we succeeded was due to Integrity’s efforts.”

LOOKING FORWARD

What surprises Integrity’s customers the most is Integrity’s growth. In the last five years, Integrity has grown from a lumber yard to an innovative, forward-thinking building product manufacturer and supplier for Calgary and area single and multi-family home builders. 

“I look forward to seeing where Integrity goes next,” says Curtis. “I know Integrity will continue to innovate and help lead the building materials industry, all while continuing to help home builders stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive.”

“Like Integrity, Cedarglen is always looking forward,” Pretum explains. “We are always looking for the next technology, product or process that will make us more efficient, and help us to build better homes. And we know Integrity will be there with us, partners in innovation, evolution and growth.”