For four decades, Pro-Can Construction has helped to shape the built environment in British Columbia, establishing itself as a trusted, boutique contractor with a focus on institutional, commercial, and industrial projects. Founded in 1985 by Ben Perez and Tony Alonso, the Burnaby-based company started as a residential contractor before shifting to larger public and private sector projects. Today, under the leadership of Leo Perez and Sara Pou, Pro-Can remains agile, strategic, and deeply committed to delivering high-quality construction that stands the test of time. GROWTH AND ADAPTABILITY Pro-Can’s evolution has been market-driven and deliberate. In the late 1980s, the company transitioned into commercial construction, followed by a strong presence in institutional projects—particularly in school construction— throughout the 1990s. “In the early days, we made our mark doing school upgrades and additions,” says Leo Perez. “By the 2000s, we were building entire schools from the ground up. That became a big part of our identity.” As the market fluctuated, so did Pro-Can’s focus. Until 2018, about 80 per cent of its projects were public sector, but when competition from Alberta firms surged due to an oil downturn, Pro-Can strategically shifted toward private-sector clients, including rental buildings and industrial centers. 69 APR 2025 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
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