GEC’s growth story: Big ambitions, local roots

The Emil Anderson Group (EAG), one of British Columbia’s legacy construction companies, has been in business for 87 years operating an integrated group of infrastructure construction, development, and maintenance companies, with over 600 employees in Chilliwack, and Kelowna, BC. As part of EAG, Gerry Enns Contracting has access to the resources to provide the services of a large contractor, while still maintaining the small or local contractor experience.

Gerry Enns Contracting (GEC) division has experienced significant growth since 2019, transforming from a small local contractor into a major player in B.C.’s construction industry.

Helping lead this journey is Ian Poettcker, vice-president of commercial contracting for EAG, who oversees GEC. Poettcker joined the company in 2019 after EAG acquired GEC in 2017.

A return to roots

Poettcker’s journey into construction was influenced by his father, who ran a framing and formwork crew. 

“I decided I really liked construction. I really liked the people. I thought I was not suited for a corporate job that I wanted to kind of stay in construction,” he said.

After attending the University of the Fraser Valley, he shifted to the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s building technology program, graduating in 2007. His early career included positions with Ventana Construction and Dominion Fairmile in Vancouver.

The acquisition of GEC by EAG provided the opportunity he was looking for. “I started as the operations manager for GEC in 2019 and then in two years I was the general manager and now I’m a VP with Emil Anderson Group.”

Combined resources

Under Poettcker’s leadership, GEC has expanded its operations significantly. Annual volumes have grown from around $15 million at the time of acquisition to projections exceeding $50 million this year, with expectations to reach $80 million in the next few years.

The integration with EAG has been a catalyst for this growth. GEC can access more resources than ever before. 

“There’s so much stuff that I don’t have to do that I get supported by Emil Anderson. If I was a business this size trying to grow, there’s a bunch of things I would be having to do off the side of my desk and I’d probably be doing them poorly. When I’m looking at hiring, working on our website or marketing we have a team in place for all of this stuff.” Poettcker said. “I can focus on other things”. 

As a result, GEC has been able to expand far beyond Chilliwack and further into B.C., opening an office in Kelowna to tap into new markets.

Community-centric projects

GEC’s growth is anchored in community-focused projects, particularly in affordable and supportive housing. Their first major project was the Paramount Building in downtown Chilliwack, a collaboration with a local nonprofit and BC Housing.

“That was our first big jump into BC Housing projects,” Poettcker said. The success of this project led to additional contracts, including four other BC Housing jobs and a Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation rental housing project.

The success of this venture led to additional significant projects, such as a 110-unit rental complex currently under construction and an elder housing project at Seabird Island. GEC built the Eddy at the Bridge project near the Vedder River in 2022 and is working on a four-storey office building in partnership with the YMCA. These projects not only demonstrate GEC’s expanding capabilities but also its commitment to serving community needs and fostering long-term relationships, especially with Indigenous communities in the Fraser Valley.

This approach has been especially fulfilling for Poettcker, a Chilliwack native. 

“I have a five-minute commute to work,” Poettcker said. “This is the town I grew up in. I love Chilliwack—the smallest big city in the world.”

A people-first approach

Central to GEC’s success is its focus on hiring for fit rather than just experience. 

“We don’t hire resumes; we hire slow,” Poettcker explained. The company emphasizes finding individuals who align with their team culture.

“Having people in the office that you like working with literally makes you better at your job,” he said. “We have a group here that people enjoy being a part of.”

This approach has fostered a collaborative environment that benefits both employees and clients. “Everyone wants to work hard. Everyone is helping each other out,” Poettcker said.

Looking ahead

As GEC continues its upward trajectory, Poettcker remains committed to his community. “I love it. I never want to leave Chilliwack, and it’s great. I couldn’t like what I do more,” he said.

With a strong foundation, strategic partnerships, and a dedicated team, GEC and the Emil Anderson Group are poised for continued success, contributing positively to the communities they serve across British Columbia.