Long Weekends Remind Us We Are All a Family

A Canada Day message from Thomas Contracting

For most Canadians, the July 1st long weekend means campfires, fireworks, and time with loved ones. At Thomas Contracting, it’s also a reminder that our workplace is, quite literally, a family - one built on loyalty, respect and rewarding careers right here in Haliburton Highlands.

“We never wanted to be the biggest crew - only the best-looked after,” says owner Keith Thomas. “Good wages, benefits and a clear path to grow keep talented people here, and that stability lets us deliver rock-solid work for our clients.”

The numbers back him up. Thomas Contracting employs 43 full-time tradespeople and project staff, 28 of whom work year-round. Remarkably, 13 team members (46% of the year-round crew, and one-third of our entire workforce) have been with the company for more than a decade each. That kind of longevity is virtually unheard-of in construction and it speaks volumes about how employees are treated.

Just ask Gerry Bull, one of the company’s longest-serving team members, now celebrating 28 years on the job. “There are always opportunities for training on different pieces of equipment and growth. Hard work is always appreciated. It’s an extended family we help each other out! That’s what family does. Thomas appreciates their staff in many ways,” Bull shares. “Time with your family is valued and never a question - you take the time you need. It’s hard to find employment that offers benefits. It certainly helped us, especially when we were younger and starting a family!“

Gerry is joined by colleagues such as Jack Snell (34 yrs), Scott Carpenter (25 yrs), Rylie Sloan (21 yrs), Britt (full-time 13 of 20 yrs), Dave Byrnes (18 yrs) and Brandon Thomas (19 yrs)—proof that commitment runs deep across generations.

And the next wave is well underway: Tyler Stamp marks his first decade this summer, while rising stars Peter Anthony and Joe Cox are right behind at 11 years each.

So when you see a Thomas Contracting truck rolling to a job this summer, remember that behind the logo is a tight-knit team with decades of shared experience: neighbors building for neighbors. Because on long weekends, and every week in between, we’re all a family.