What started as a single mobile crane to a fleet of nearly 30, Cutting Edge Consulting (CEC) has grown into a dynamic, multi-disciplinary industrial construction firm. A trusted partner in industrial construction and crane services across British Columbia, Alberta, and Yukon, CEC are dedicated to enhancing productivity, embracing social responsibility, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to ensure client satisfaction and peace of mind.
The company is led by husband-and-wife duo Briar and Ryan Beers, whose complementary backgrounds in civil engineering and trades have helped shape a business that thrives on precision, innovation, and values. Their story began in 2009 on a bridge project site in Fort McMurray, where Briar and Ryan met. Eight years later, they combined their talents to build CEC. Ryan, who holds Red Seals as a welder, mobile crane operator, and ironworker, initially launched the company with a single crane and a vision to work independently.
“In 2017, we were a one-crane owner/operator business. Now, we’re a general contractor with more than 70 employees, operating 28 cranes ranging from 5-ton crawlers to a 770-ton all-terrain crane,” they shared.
This evolution, and the team’s dedication to excellence across trades, earned CEC the Excellence in Trades Award at the 2024 Business Excellence Awards. “Excellence in trades is close to Ryan’s heart,” said Briar. “He’s been a tradesman since he was old enough to work, and now our son is also in the trades, working with us. This award validates the effort we put into every job and shows that safety, quality, and commitment are part of our DNA.”
CEC’s success stems from a blend of technical capability, community involvement, and a culture that celebrates skilled trades. The company frequently supports youth trade initiatives such as Heavy Metal Rocks, SD73 Trades and Technology, and various local job fairs. At the same time, they remain active on some of the most challenging projects in the region.
Among their recent high-profile efforts was the Red Bridge Recovery Project, an emergency response operation that demanded innovation, coordination, and sensitivity. “There was no playbook,” they recalled. “It was unprecedented, high-risk, and emotionally heavy for many involved. But thanks to our in-house diversity of trades, we were able to self-perform most of the work, ensuring a smooth and respectful execution.” Close collaboration with local and neighbouring Indigenous communities was vital to the project’s success, adding a layer of cultural consideration to the technical demands.
CEC also distinguishes itself by its appetite for complex problems. For instance, the Britton Creek project required launching a bridge in a remote canyon using an anchored skyline system, while the Blackwall Bridge in Golden challenged the team to create customized falsework for a lateral launch over a steep cliffside. These feats demonstrated not only engineering acumen but the ability to collaborate with designers and engineers to deliver safe and efficient solutions in difficult environments.
At the core of all this work lies a firm commitment to quality, safety, integrity, and culture: the four pillars that guide CEC’s operations. The company has developed robust internal training, safety, and quality programs, all supported by continuous employee development.
“We make sure everyone understands our expectations from day one. Our programs are thorough, and we set people up to succeed. Ongoing training ensures they keep growing in their roles,” Briar explained.
Innovation also plays an important role in how CEC operates. Administratively, they’ve adopted tools like SiteDocs to streamline site management. On the operational side, investments in modern, high-capacity cranes—such as their Liebherr LTM 1650 8.1—have opened doors to larger, more complex work, including in the wind energy sector.
“The Liebherr is the largest road-legal mobile crane in BC, and it’s allowed us to reach new customers and sectors,” said Ryan. “We’re not afraid to invest in new tools if it means better service and safer work.”
While growth has been impressive, CEC has been just as deliberate in building a company where skilled tradespeople want to work. The team’s community engagement, strong internal culture, and reputation for taking on exciting projects have made it a draw for talent across the province.
“We respect and value our employees,” said Briar. “Our social media presence and community involvement reflect who we are. People know that CEC is a healthy and rewarding place to work.”
Clients, too, benefit from this values-driven approach. Whether acting as a subcontractor or general contractor, CEC builds relationships through transparency, clear communication, and reliability.
“We believe in being honest about cost, scope, and schedule. We’d rather set realistic expectations and meet them than overpromise,” they noted. “Repeat business has been critical to our success, and it all comes back to trust.”
Looking ahead, the Beers say that while they can plan, the last eight years have taught them to expect the unexpected and embrace opportunity as it comes.
“This year alone we’re adding another six cranes, taking on more projects, and expanding throughout the province. Maybe even beyond,” said Briar. “We never say never. And we rarely say no. We’re driven, and we’re always ready to shake things up.”
For more information, please visit www.cuttingedgegroup.ca/
