BEC: What are the main advantages of being organized as a CTA compared to a more traditional corporate structure?
CHP: The biggest advantage is the fast and honest feedback. Everyone feels a sense of ownership, which means people aren’t afraid to speak up. That can be challenging, thrust me, but it’s also incredibly valuable.
The cooperative model aligns the interests of leadership and staff, creating an environment of engagement and shared responsibility. People stay because they know they have a real stake in the company’s direction. It also fosters transparency, both internally and with clients, for stronger teams.
It’s not an easier structure, but we believe it’s an efficient one. Collaborations like this leads to smarter long-run decisions, better product and long lasting relationships across the board.
BEC: Where do you see the greatest opportunities for market diversification, and how are you preparing for those shifts?
HCP: We see major opportunities in sustainable design, residential and industrial. Partnering with Seneca Expert Conseil and Ultragen has been a major step in that direction. Seneca brings large-scale industrial expertise and deep process knowledge, while Ultragen adds cutting-edge tools such as digital modeling, 3D scanning, and precision engineering. Both teams also align with our culture.
These collaborations allow us to reconnect with our industrial roots—GeniMac actually began with industrial projects back in 2006—while expanding into areas like energy efficiency, automation, and sustainable infrastructure. Our teams have been working closely for over a year now, building trust, coordination, and a shared vision that will drive future growth. Ultragen people have been great to collaborate with, there’s really a sense of “where in this together now”. I find that curiosity has helped me a lot also! When you bring two companies together, at first, people have a certain adaptation time where it stills really feels like two completely distinct companies, but through curiosity, we get to fully unveil how both companies work. Curiosity becomes very powerful knowledge and understanding because the exposure is huge, for everyone!
BEC: How do you balance staying true to GeniMac’s DNA and values with the pressures of competition and changing market trends?
HCP: We remain anchored in our core values: quality, collaboration, and efficiency. These principles guide every decision we make. When market pressures arise, we don’t compromise on what defines us. Instead, we adapt thoughtfully — embracing new technologies, and sustainability standards, but only when they align with our mission and add real value.
Being a cooperative also helps preserve that balance. Because our decisions come from within — from the people who actually live the company’s values — we can evolve naturally, without losing who we are. It’s what keeps GeniMac grounded, authentic, and resilient.
BEC: Can you share more about your collaborations with Seneca and Ultragen, and what excites you most about these opportunities?
HCP: Our partnerships with Seneca and Ultragen represent a great evolution for GeniMac. Seneca Expert Conseil, and Seneca Construction (the general contractor branch) brings expertise in industrial processes and construction management while Ultragen contributes advanced technological capabilities, including digital modeling and robust project management.
Together, we offer fully integrated services — from complete mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering concept design to construction.
What excites me most is the synergy this creates. We can innovate faster, tackle larger and more complex projects, offer richer career opportunities for our team, and deliver even more value to our clients. This isn’t just about growth — it’s about evolution and building something stronger, together.
BEC: Is there anything else you would like to share with our audience?
HCP: I’d like to emphasize three things that truly define us. Sustainability is not an afterthought: it’s embedded in how we design, build, and operate. Second, our people are the foundation of everything we do. And finally, our future is guided by balance — growing responsibly, staying flexible, and continuing to learn from our partners and clients.
After almost twenty years, we still see ourselves as builders—not just of buildings, but of relationships, trust, and long-term value through great projects.
For more information, please visit www.genimac.ca
