A theme at the core of the Integrity Group is the commitment to never stop at good enough. We work to transform the current state through innovation, commitment and teamwork to create a product that serves customers better. This commitment was a driving force in Integrity’s growth and expansion into fabrication services.
Evolution of The Integrity Group
Integrity began as a post-frame construction company in 2008 and evolved into the Integrity Group of Companies with the addition of Integrity Building Products and Integrity Fabrication. “The addition of Integrity Fabrication was a natural progression of our relationship with Hoyle Enterprises, a local fabrication company,” explains Jerry Myer, founder and CEO of Integrity.
Jerry and Ian Hoyle, the owner of Hoyle Enterprises, met through mutual friends. “I needed some custom welding done, and Ian was highly recommended,” explains Jerry. That initial project turned into future collaborations, and a business relationship was born. “We shared common values, including innovation and integrity, and we needed the fabrication support for our own projects. Establishing a partnership with Hoyles and adding fabrication services to Integrity just made sense.”
For Integrity, the addition of Integrity Fabrication provided them the opportunity to develop solutions for challenges unique to post-frame construction. “Post-frame construction isn’t typically an industry that you would consider to be at the front of research and development,” explains Ian. “But together, Jerry and I started problem-solving and conceiving new methods and products that could enhance post-frame construction.”
One of the first projects Ian and his team helped Integrity develop was the Storm Bracket. The Storm Bracket is a steel bracket used to strengthen the connection between the roof truss and post, strengthening the building against wind shear. Integrity Fabrication is also integral to the manufacturing of screw piles – a steel screw-in piling and ground anchoring system that is used to support large commercial and agricultural post-frame buildings.
Integrity Fabrication also provides opportunities for Integrity Building Products and their customers. “Integrity Fabrication allows us to offer more products and services to our Calgary homebuilding partners,” says Scott Myer, COO of Integrity. “Fabrication services, including steel beams, elevator shafts and custom railings, creates even more value for our customers.”
Leaders in Fabrication
Partnering with Hoyle Enterprises was a natural fit, not only because of shared values but because, like Integrity, the Hoyle family were leaders in their industry. “Integrity has been built by surrounding ourselves with talented people. Having been one of Ian’s customers for years, and knowing he was the best custom fabricator in the area, a business partnership was a natural fit!” adds Jerry.
Ian, albeit humble, knows his team is the best of the best. Coming from a lineage of welders, with his father being the original owner of the successful fabrication business, becoming a welder was a natural choice for Ian. “I grew up in the fabrication shop, or out on site with my dad,” explains Ian. “Dad set a high standard for quality of work. I learned at a young age to value your work and be a master at what you do. Everything I learned about fabrication, I learned from my Dad and I’m so proud to pass these same values and skills on to my children.”
Ian’s awards and accomplishments speak volumes for his workmanship. These awards include first place in SKILLS Canada Alberta competition, third place in SKILLS Canada National competition, various welding competition awards and professional awards such as Highest Inch Count awards and Lowest Repair awards. Ian was also the youngest CWB-approved welder, having received his certification at 13 years old, and was also the youngest journeyman pressure welder in the Alberta apprenticeship program at the time. He has successfully completed several tickets that only a handful of other Canadians possess, placing him in a unique class with a specialized skill set.
Mentorship and Safety
In addition to adding greater value for the Integrity customer, Integrity Fabrication has created value for the fabrication industry as a whole through its commitment to training and apprenticeship programs. “My dad was a great mentor, to me and my brothers, our friends and to many other welder apprentices,” explains Ian. “I appreciate that Integrity also supports mentorship initiatives and they have supported our work with up-and-coming welders.”
Integrity Fabrication works closely with the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and CAREERS, a not-for-profit foundation that brings together industry, schools, government, and communities to guide youth into successful careers. “Through these groups, we are available to students and individuals considering a career in welding as mentors, helping them learn the necessary skills and guide their career,” Ian explains.
Integrity is also a leader in safety processes and procedures. “I have always appreciated how Integrity makes the safety of their employees a priority,” explains Ian. “In an industry where dangerous working conditions can exist, it feels good to know that our company supports a safe work environment and I know my guys will be going home without injury at the end of the day.”
Partnership in Service
Never stopping at good enough may be the primary driving force behind much of Integrity’s evolution and innovation, but it is the value of teamwork and collaboration that created Integrity Fabrication. “Together we are able to provide our customers with better service and a stronger product,” explains Jerry.
“Our partnership has opened many doors,” states Ian. “We have had the opportunity to be part of Integrity’s incredible growth and the partnership has enabled us to mentor the next generation of welders, including our own sons.”
Integrity Fabrication represents more than just a business venture; it embodies a partnership built on shared values and a commitment to excellence. Together, the Integrity Group has created a legacy of customer service, quality, and safety.
