Board Of Managers
JACQUES LABBÉ ( Chair , 2021-2023 )
After getting a bachelor ’ s degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA , he started in 2008 as a project manager , moving to a detailing team manager , a connection engineer , shop technical manager , and general manager . Jacques was introduced to Steel Plus Network in 2010 and has been serving on the Board of Managers since 2016 and now sits on both the Strategic and HR & Finance Committees .
TOM SKINNER ( Chair , 2019-2021 )
Tom has been with RKO Steel in various roles since he began in 1992 , shortly after attaining his Chartered Accountant designation . Some of his roles included Controller , Safety Manager , and Quality Control . Tom recognizes the importance of cost management in a price sensitive market is one of the key success factors for RKO . In 2013 , he took on the role of Vice President Finance for the company .
BRIAN CARMER ( Chair , 2017-2019 )
Brian Carmer joined Stone Bridge Iron & Steel in 1979 working in the family business from the ground up . The business originated on the family farm in Gansevoort , NY . Being a member of the Steel Plus Network since the early years , Brian has served on the Board of Managers for the past eight and recently served as Vice-Chairman for the past two years . Brian lives in Saratoga Springs with his wife Lori and has 2 children that currently work in the family business .
ED COTE ( Vice-Chair , 2021-2023 )
Ed is the President and co-founder of Whitemud Ironworks . Ed and his wife Trish have 3 children and 3 very young grandsons . They enjoy yard working together on the acreage when they are not backcountry hiking in the mountains . Ed is also an avid mountain snowmobiler .
KENNETH BALLWEG ( Wisconsin )
Ken started part time with Endres Manufacturing Company in 1965 while in college . He worked his way up through the ranks from painting beams to serving as CEO . They are now in the 4th generation of the family business which was founded in 1926 . His son , Sam , is the president of the company . Endres Manufacturing now has approximately 90 employees and produces approximately 10-12,000 tons per year .
GUILLAUME LABRIE ( Groupe LD - Supplier )
As a man of integrity , respect and interpersonal skills are key to my personality , which will allow me to have respectful discussions and be a good listener at our meetings . It is important to be able to consider and discuss organizational strategies while keeping an eye on the big picture . The experience I have gained over the last 13 years will enable me not only to contribute my innovative and creative ideas but also to help the network grow .
MICHAEL HOLLERAN ( Canam-Ontario )
Michael earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of New Brunswick in 1996 . He continued his academic studies at École Polytechnique at the University of Montréal and obtained his Master of Science in Structural Engineering in 1998 . Upon completion of his master ’ s degree , he joined Canam Group Inc . in Washington where he began his professional career as a Structural Engineer . Michael holds professional designations recognized in several provinces and is also an active member on several industry boards , including CSA S16 Technical Committee , Chair of the Ontario CISC , Chair of the Education and Research Committee ( CISC ), and a member of the CISC National Board of Directors .
TONY BÉGIN ( Canam-Québec )
Tony graduated in ‘ 95 from the U of Sherbrooke in Civil Engineering with a master ’ s degree in Structural Dynamics . He has worked at Canam for 25 years , starting as a connection design engineer and was involved with Steel Plus Network at its inception . He has developed a “ Design Assistance Service ” by visiting over 100 engineering firms across Canada and in the US . He implemented the “ National Account Buy Direct Program ” at Canam by approaching major retailers and developers such as Walmart , Home Depot , Canadian Tire , Sobeys , Smart Centers , and Trinity Development Group .
JEFF BAS ( Ontario )
Jeff is part of the third generation of the family business at Victoria Steel . Starting in the shop part-time in 2003 , he went on to graduate from the University of Windsor with a BSc in Civil Engineering in 2010 . After graduating , Jeff worked in wind turbine tower manufacturing in a weld engineering role as well as in structural consulting prior to rejoining the team at Victoria in 2017 . Jeff is currently managing connection design and production for the company .
SHAUN CHRISTENSEN ( Utah )
Shaun started his 24-year steel industry career as a Junior Design Engineer with GEM Buildings . A big part of this focus was networking with Fabricators and Erectors to put together projects that would need partners to succeed . In 2005 , Shaun moved back to the GEM Buildings office in Utah and moved into management over the Design and Quality sides of the company . Since 2009 , he has been in the role of Director of Operations , adding the Project Management and Fabrication portions of the company to his responsibility .