Procore recognizes Canadian contractor at Groundbreak 2023

ETRO Construction’s Jenna Burnet and Jeffrey Laing accept the Excellence in Workforce Development award. (Photo courtesy of Procore)

A Canadian company found its way to the stage at this year’s Groundbreaker Awards when the winners were announced at Procore’s annual industry event, Groundbreak, held in in Chicago this past September.

Since its founding in 2015, ETRO Construction has made it a priority to initiate positive change within the construction industry, growing from eight employees to its current workforce of over 100 with innovation and commitment to inclusivity being key traits of the company’s core values of authenticity, curiosity, progressiveness and love.

Procore’s Groundbreaker Awards celebrate the top companies, projects and individuals that drive excellence across the construction industry.

“The Groundbreaker Awards acknowledge that behind every remarkable project lies a team of exceptional individuals. These awards shine a spotlight on our trailblazing customers who are making a positive impact on the construction industry day in and day out,” said Tooey Courtemanche, president, founder, and CEO of Procore. “Congratulations to all of the deserving winners who continue to demonstrate excellence, innovation and dedication in their field.”

Nine awards were presented to a field of 27 finalists. The full list of winners included:

• Excellence in Sustainability: John Ball Zoo Pygmy Hippo Habitat, Wolverine Building Group.
• Excellence in Workforce Development: ETRO Construction.
• Excellence in Innovation: Roger’s-O’Brien Construction.
• Excellence in Safety: Keen Project Solutions, LLC.
• Excellence in Community: GMA Construction Group.
• Groundbreaker of the Year: Casey French, CEO of Clark Construction Inc.
• General Contractor Project Excellence: reHOME Project, Clark Construction Inc.
• Speciality Contractor Project Excellence: Ford BlueOval City, Fessler & Bowman.
• Owner Project Excellence: Logistics Property Company, LLC.

In addition to the awards presentations, Groundbreak 2023 offered the 4,000 attendees numerous learning sessions, an exposition featuring booth displays from Procore and its partner companies, and special keynote addresses from world-class champion athletes Laila Ali and Michael Phelps. The event wrapped up with a live performance from musical guest Foreigner.

Courtemanche highlighted that the rate of change within the construction industry is only accelerating. “All of this opens up an incredible opportunity to improve the way that we all work, not just with the technology that we use, but how we all work together,” he said as he welcomed attendees to the event.

Ali, widely recognized as one of the greatest female boxers of all time, shared her story of charting a unique path to becoming a champion and explaining the importance of embracing change, even in the face of adversity. “Transformation is something that I think is definitely required for us to grow,” she stated.

Multi-time Olympic champion Phelps, one of the greatest athletes of all time, closed out the second day of Groundbreak with a fireside chat moderated by Fred Mills, founder of The B1M. Over the course of their conversation, Phelps and Mills spoke about their mental health journeys and the importance of pursuing one’s passions.

“For me, I’ve had unbelievable success in the pool — world records, medals — who cares? Honestly, I’d trade anything in to save a life,” said Phelps. “What I’m doing outside the pool has been more impactful than anything I’ve done in my career.”

Groundbreak 2024 will be held in Denver in November.

www.procore.com