Collaborative Ventures: Living up to Its Name on Every Project

The name Collaborative Ventures paints an accurate picture of what this innovative company offers its clients: a building approach that elevates the importance of collaboration between the owner and designer. Working as a team, this vision makes each project a “collaborative venture.” Founder and President Richard Stark began the company as a summer business when he was still at University. He broke into the industry in 1989 doing landscaping and minor repair work for the residential sector. For about five years, this was Collaborative Venture’s niche; today, the company is well-known throughout southern Ontario as a high-end custom home remodeling and new construction company. The company has completed some small commercial projects though these are often completed at the request of a client in the residential market. Stark has an interesting background that enables him to have unique insight into the industry. As a lawyer and with a degree in town planning, he possesses a greater awareness of the complexity of urban planning and also knows how to maneuver around collection problems. “It gives me a clearer understanding of customers’ expectations which is an important part of the business; understanding what customers are looking for and speaking their language,” he explains. When faced with a choice between practicing law, which he did do for a while, and building, he chose the latter because it is his “passion.” Operating with 15 employees and annual revenue of approximately $5 million, Collaborative Ventures is a member of the Green Building Council and BlueSky Mod, a sister company that Stark founded, is a leader in the green movement conducting both research and cutting-edge projects for the residential market. BlueSky Mod is an innovative business that exemplifies the forward-thinking that runs deep in each and every project Collaborative Ventures completes. Behind its Doors Operating from its headquarters in Ontario, Collaborative Ventures hires all its employees through personal contacts. Retention happens somewhat naturally, Stark explaining that he allows each employee a great deal of autonomy. “We are flexible with schedules and compensate them for the responsibility they handle,” he says. Though professional development and continued training would be a benefit for many in this industry, particularly for those who have been in the market for 15 years, there is relatively little available. Stark offers his employees additional training where he can aware that this can only benefit the company as a whole. Safety training is of course required and completed by each employee. Holding carpentry in house, Collaborative Ventures’ employees often come from previous carpentry jobs and therefore do not require core training. When working with subcontractors, the company pays close attention to customer service. “They have to fit into our model of service to the customer,” says Stark. Elevating the importance of its customer service means the company manages this aspect of each relationship with one-on-one contact between site managers, Stark himself, and the clients. “It is a shared responsibility,” Stark points out. Enjoying a respected reputation in its market, Collaborative Ventures doesn’t need to advertise; “word of mouth” is all it takes. Recent Endeavors Collaborative Ventures is currently finishing a renovation project for a home in a high-income community. Working with the owners—a young couple, and the architect, this project became more complex as the days went on. The residence had not been touched in 45 years and as the work proceeded, many structural deficiencies were uncovered. What began as an already substantial addition and renovation project soon required greater collaboration among all parties involved. “It is our rule as the builder to try and educate the owners about the options so that they can make informed decisions as they are typically the least experienced in the team,” explains Stark. Historically, Collaborative Ventures completes more renovation projects rather than new construction and in today’s economic climate this remains the case. Stark reflects on the changes saying, “The character of work isn’t changing so much but there is less of it. This time last year we were booked through the New Year, and that was typical for the last seven years. This year, we are booked through September.” Beyond Green Keenly aware of the importance of protecting the environment, Stark founded BlueSky Mod in 2005 with the objective of offering sustainable buildings to the residential market. As a research-based company, BlueSky Mod is off and running, manufacturing pre-fabricated homes that use all environmentally friendly products and processes. One of its most recent projects was built in the factory and “dropped on site” creating minimal disruption to the surroundings, says Stark proudly. “It continually morphs into something else,” says Stark of his plans for the business. Currently in the works are plans for a house that will generate as much energy as it consumes, though this is temporarily on hold because of the economy. During this pause, BlueSky Mod is far from standing still; it is looking to develop alternative energies and is playing a role in this exciting and necessary movement. Aware that the economy may further dictate the movements of both Collaborative Ventures and BlueSky Mod, Stark is prepared and determined, setting the tone for both of his businesses as they move full steam ahead.