Q&A: Nuframe leadership outlines the team’s big vision (and big moves)

Last week, Nuframe announced the acquisition of JSN Construction.

The announcement follows close on the heels of the company’s acquisition of AJ Construction, and marks the close of a five-year intensive growth strategy.

To say it succinctly: the team has a big vision, and they’re making big moves.

Following the announcement, we caught up with Nuframe Founder and CEO Lorne Derksen, President Russ Esau, and new Vice President Josh Nicholson to discuss what this move means for the company — and what’s coming next.

Q: When we last connected, you hinted that Nuframe was gearing up to announce additional acquisitions — and now we have the scoop on those details. Can you share more about your acquisition of JSN Construction?

Lorne Derksen: This acquisition is very exciting for us. Introducing the JSN Construction skillset to Nuframe strengthens our framing capacity, particularly for townhouses, and brings in an extremely strong operating partner.

Further, this announcement marks the completion of a plan that we initiated five years ago with clear goals around growth, capacity, and increasing geographical footprint. The entire strategy was built on a deliberate and strategic effort to bolster and expand divisions within our company, whether that was via townhomes, concrete, or panel construction. So, this week represents the culmination and successful completion of that plan. It’s an exciting moment.

SN: Can you detail the strategy that saw this five-year plan through to completion?

Derksen: The strategy was executed over three main stages. The first stage was acquiring DCM in the fall of 2023, allowing us to embrace their integrated panel division. While we still collaborate in the panel space, this was a necessary step to achieve panel self-sufficiency. 

The second acquisition, AJ Construction, which we discussed previously, was primarily focused on increasing our concrete forming capabilities and bringing in talent to increase capacity on the framing side. 

The acquisition of JSN Construction, which we’re focusing on today, is really special. This move allows us to zero in on framing — and specifically the strengthening of our townhouse division framing execution — while bringing a highly-regarded operating partner into the fold. 

SN: What is the strategic role of JSN Construction’s owner, Josh Nicholson, stepping into the role of Vice President at Nuframe?

Russ Esau: We’re excited to welcome Josh Nicholson as Vice President. His inclusion is regarded as a powerful two-pronged solution: First, he is going to drive more impactful operational excellence, helping us achieve greater efficiencies in the field, improve quality, and combine best practices to gain even deeper productivity. Josh is renowned in the industry for developing some of the best framing talent; he has proven himself to be an expert on team development, specifically when it comes to attracting, securing, training, and motivating framers. We can’t wait to see this impact flourish through our internal teams.

Second, JSN is well-respected for its systematic approach, which includes advanced processes, internal reporting, planning, and exceptional team leadership. We are confident he will add significant value to our company by helping us maximize the potential of every person on site, and improve overall worksite flow to achieve our scheduling goals.

SN: Josh, can you describe the philosophy you hold for team development? How did you come to this approach, and what does it look like in daily practice?

Josh Nicholson: I have extensive experience with the actual tools, in all aspects of framing, and — having been an owner operator for the last 25 years — I also hold a unique point of view. I have learned to appreciate and value the blue-collar worker and their commitment to the work.

My philosophy on team development is simple: Bring together a group of people committed to a consistent approach on all tasks, even the small ones. This, in turn, creates predictability in aspects like safe practices, quality control, and schedule. This involves clear expectations, top-notch execution, and specific follow-up and accountability. We maintain clear guidelines, set by our on-site leaders each day, to ensure each and every worker is operating at optimal efficiency. 

SN: JSN Construction is well respected in-part for its internal systems and processes. Are there any key methods you anticipate will have the most immediate impact(s) across Nuframe’s combined platform?

Nicholson: At JSN, we have spent years identifying all the tasks involved with framing. We have invested time — through trial and error, and countless after-hours meetings — to craft processes that even inexperienced carpenters can follow. This results in every employee approaching their tasks in the same way, making it seamless to work both together and alone.

When you visit a site where JSN crews are operating, you can expect to see the team working hard, focused on the task at hand, typically with smiles on their faces. We love what we do, and we are proud of our accomplishments each and every day. 

With JSN and Nuframe combined, my vision is to create the best on-site work culture anyone has ever seen or experienced. When you hire us, you will experience a professional, respectful, and efficient team that gets the job done — on time — and have fun while doing it

SN: As this five-year vision has come to full fruition, you’ve discussed ‘Phase 2’ of Nuframe’s growth strategy. Tell us more about what’s next.

Derksen: Over the last five years, ‘Phase 1’ successfully established Nuframe as an unmatched, integrated platform across concrete forming, framing, offsite panel construction, and engineered wood. We’re incredibly proud of this, and we’re relishing in the moment. But that said, we’re not looking to slow down or stop expanding.

‘Phase 2’ is our forward-looking plan, focused on maintaining this unique, well-established platform while embracing future innovation and expansion. This includes integrating fresh technologies — specifically embracing AI — and expanding our platform’s footprint through multi-provincial growth.

Q: How does this final acquisition position Nuframe uniquely in today’s market, and what is the ultimate strategic focus moving forward? 

Derksen and Esau: This week’s announcement successfully closes the loop on all the strategic goals outlined in ‘Phase 1.’ Ultimately, it realizes a vision we shared those years ago, foreseeing precisely what the industry would come to demand over the last half-decade. Now, as we step into ‘Phase 2’ of our growth plan, we’re confident that the tools and technology we’re focusing on today will only continue to augment in importance and reach. We’re excited to continue embracing our market leadership — and championing evolution — as we expand our platform across Canada.