Integrity Buildings Private Riding Arena

Driven By Satisfied Customers

As much as Integrity likes to look forward, it’s also important to look back and celebrate a few of the many customers that have been on this journey with us since the beginning. All of our customers have a unique story to share – a reason they wanted a post-frame structure, one that would support their business, lifestyle and vision – and how choosing Integrity helped bring that to reality. We explore three of our customer’s journeys and their reasons for continuing to choose to build with Integrity… fifteen years ago, and still today.

DEPENDABLE AND CONSISTENT – JACQUIE & SEAN MCARTHUR

Jacquie McArthur grew up dreaming about living in the country and riding her own horses. Born and raised in the city, this dream didn’t seem likely to become true, until she and her husband Sean made the decision to move to an acreage outside of Sean’s hometown of Okotoks, Alberta. The acreage gave McArthurs the space they needed for their horses, but one important element was missing. Riding outdoors, especially during the winter months, can be very challenging in Western Canada, so they began to explore the idea of building a barn and riding arena. Jacquie and Sean wanted more than a simple barn, they wanted a stately riding arena where they could ride year-round, regardless of weather conditions, plus provide space for equipment, animal care and riding essentials. “Of the builders we spoke to in 2008, Integrity Post Structures stood out because they were very keenly aware and knowledgeable about the building process, as well as local regulations and requirements. We didn’t have to go back and forth with information, and we felt supported as the build was time sensitive. Integrity already understood what was needed and they guided us through the whole process,” explains Jacquie.

Integrity quickly earned Jacquie and Sean’s trust and they became valued partners in their acreage development. “We not only trusted Integrity as a partner in constructing our riding arena, but we also valued the additional resources the company provided.” This included engineered drawings, assistance in applying for permits, as well as opportunities to customize their riding arena. “We wanted to be sensitive to the aesthetic of the building,” explains Jacquie. “As we live on an acreage, and our buildings are visible to our neighbours, we wanted a riding arena that was functional while also pleasing to look at.”

The end result was a riding arena that Jacquie and Sean were proud of. They were so happy with their experience that when they wanted to build another riding arena on their new property, they came to Integrity. “Integrity built our first riding arena, and now, 15 years later, they are building us another arena and barn complex. We wouldn’t trust anyone else.”

INNOVATION AND GROWTH – LAUREEN & IAN LITTLE

What started out as a hobby for the Littles has grown and evolved into a full-time business. Laureen and Ian first bought their land near Sundre, Alberta, in 1993 as an escape from city life. They built a small cabin on the property, bought some horses and created their country oasis.

Laureen’s passion for horses and life-long goal of breeding and training horses drove the expansion of their herd, and they soon outgrew their barn and needed additional storage space. Ian reached out to Integrity Post Structures to inquire about building a hay shed.
“From our first contact to the completion of our first building, Integrity was awesome,” says Ian. “I was impressed because our sales representative was so responsive. There was never any problem with communication, and he always made me feel like my questions and my requests were important.”

Ian and Laureen’s first experience with Integrity over a decade ago was positive, and they did not hesitate to reach out again. “We kept growing our equine business and soon we needed additional space, so we called Integrity again,” explains Ian. “Our same sales representative helped us find a simple solution – adding lean-tos on either side of the hay shed, which added sufficient storage without significant cost.”

And they kept growing. “The next buildings with Integrity were to house our hot walker and another to provide a covered riding area. Followed by a few smaller animal shelters and a large storage shed for vehicles and our RV.”

As the equine ventures of the Littles grew, the family also began to expand into cattle. “Our son James manages the cattle business, and we continue to contract Integrity Buildings for all our animal shelters.”

“They are experts in their field and we are proud to consider them partners that will always be our go-to source for post-frame buildings.”

Ian explains that the value Integrity Buildings brings is more than just strong communication skills, it’s also a willingness to evolve their construction methods and innovate. “We have about a dozen animal shelters from Integrity, and with each new building, the Integrity team would genuinely inquire how our previous shelters were holding up, and if we were having any challenges. We were finding it difficult to move some of the older shelters around the property, so Integrity modified the design, adding more skids and installing pins in the floor so we could attach a chain. Those small adjustments made a huge difference and they show Integrity’s commitment to their customers.”

Integrity’s understanding of the equine and cattle industry, and how the buildings would be used was also appreciated. “Integrity was able to identify how to maximize the usability of a building. They suggested window and door placement that enhanced the functionality of our storage buildings and they knew what would work best,” explains Ian. “The lean-to’s they recommended earlier for our original Integrity hayshed continued to prove their value when we converted one side into a retail space for our beef products.” “Integrity has evolved and grown along with us,” explains Ian. “They are experts in their field and we are proud to consider them partners that will always be our go-to source for post-frame buildings.”

A COMPANY YOU CAN COUNT ON – CAROLYN & TIM RUBY

The Ruby family has been involved in various agriculture ventures for over three decades. They have farmed in Ontario, raised chickens in Manitoba and continue to grow their agriculture roots, now in Wardner, BC. “We moved to BC and began exploring opportunities within the equine industry, including boarding and training horses,” explains Tim Ruby. “We knew we were staying here, so we wanted to build our ‘forever-arena’ – a proper riding arena with an attached barn to provide all the features we needed and wanted.” The Rubys chose Integrity and since building their arena in 2019, Integrity has been their builder of choice ever since.

Tim saw buildings by Integrity on different properties around his area, and a neighbour also recommended Integrity. “It was an easy decision to hire Integrity,” explains Tim. “Everyone spoke highly of the company and our sales rep was very professional and got back to us quickly.”
Over the next two years, Integrity built Ruby’s second and third buildings, adding a machine shed and shop to the property. “We continue to choose Integrity for our buildings because we know we will get the building we asked for and that it will be completed quickly and professionally,” explains Tim.

Each building drew curiosity from visitors and neighbours. “During construction, and once the buildings were complete, people would stop by to inquire,” explains Tim. “Post-frame construction is a bit unique to people, they were expecting the round poles of more historical pole barn construction. Our visitors could see these large, beautiful structures and wanted to learn more about how Integrity was evolving post-frame construction.”

Tim is happy to point out some of the Integrity differences, including the use of Perma-Column® concrete columns as the foundation to avoid putting wood in the ground. He shares his experience with anyone who asks and explains how Integrity’s customer service and process make Integrity stand out. “The whole experience with our sales rep, the building crew and the overall process were great. Integrity offers full service – from assistance in designing a functional, affordable and engineered building, to help with the permit application, to delivery of materials and efficient construction timelines, it is all seamless and works together like a fine-oiled machine.”

Tim adds, “What’s been really cool is not only has Integrity been a valuable partner in our growth, but we have watched Integrity grow and expand their own business.” In 2021 Integrity began offering post-frame residential models. “Our daughter is currently having their new home built by Integrity.”

A LEGACY OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

With years of hard work and commitment, Integrity Buildings has grown into a leading provider of post-frame structures in Western Canada, thanks to the unwavering loyalty and support of our customers. Integrity isn’t just building better buildings, we are leaving a legacy of satisfied customers. From the dependable and consistent service offered to Jacquie and Sean McArthur, to the innovative and evolving services provided to Laureen and Ian Little, and the reliability of our services for the Ruby family, Integrity’s dedication to customer satisfaction has been our driving force. Our returning customers, plus the great honour of a referral, serve as a testament to Integrity’s success in this area.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS AWARD FOR 2010 FROM ALBERTA CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE

Jerry Myer of Integrity Post Structures received the Movers & Shakers Award for 2010 from Alberta Construction Magazine.

AG INNOVATION 2014 WINNER

Agri-Trade’s Equipment Expo Ag Innovation Winner – Integrity Post Structures with their winning submission Perma-Column.

2017 ALBERTA BUSINESS AWARDS OF DISTINCTION

Alberta Chamber of Commerce, Young Entrepreneur Award of Distinction Winner – Integrity Post Structures.

INTEGRITY'S CEO ACCEPTED INTO ELITE NATIONAL PROGRAM

Jerry Myer, Owner/CEO has been selected to participate in the 2017 QuantumShift program. QuantumShift is an exclusive invitation-only leadership development program for 40 of Canada’s most promising entrepreneurs. Founded by KPMG Enterprise and the Ivey Business School at The University of Western Ontario, QuantumShift uses Ivey’s highly regarded case study method and award-winning faculty to help take the skills and talents of these entrepreneurs to the next level.

Integrity Buildings wins in two categories for the 2018 NFBA Building of the Year Awards.

The NFBA (National Frame Building Association) has awarded Integrity Buildings with two 2018 North American Building of the year awards. The winner categories are “Hobby Shop” and “Institutional Building”.

Jerry Myer, Founder & CEO of Integrity says “Since day one at Integrity, we have made it our goal to not only be the best post frame builder in Canada, but develop new and innovative ways to make the industry better. These awards are an honour and we are proud to win, but they are also a testament to the hard work and dedication of an entire team to achieve our goals.”

Myer also added “Every building Integrity builds is custom. That means our customers get our industry leading expertise and are able to add their own ideas to truly make their building something that can be proud of for generations”.