EllisDon: 75 Years of Trust, Leadership, and Ownership

When EllisDon opened its doors in 1951, it was a small family business driven by entrepreneurialism and anchored in trust; trust in people’s judgment, integrity, and willingness to take responsibility. That trust became the foundation of our culture and continues to guide us 75 years later; fairness, accountability, and relationships that stand the test of time.

As we grew into a global enterprise, one thing remained constant: leadership at EllisDon has never been defined by hierarchy. It shows up in the everyday choices our people make by taking initiative, solving problems early, supporting each other, and constantly raising the bar. 

These principles shaped how EllisDon approached a pivotal moment in the late 1990s, when the company was entering a new chapter. The Smith family bought EllisDon back from founder Don Smith and chose not to turn to private equity or outside investors. Instead, they put their confidence in the people driving the company forward; creating a new share structure and giving 45% of the company’s common shares to employees, at no cost.

In the years that followed, EllisDon built on that foundation, and in 2020 the journey was completed when the company decided to transition to 100% employee ownership, ensuring those who contribute to its growth also share in its long-term success.

“What makes EllisDon exceptional is the leadership that shows up across the company every day. Employee ownership ensures that the people who built this culture continue to guide its future.”
— Kieran Hawe, President & Chief Executive Officer 

“Our 75-year journey has shown us that when people feel genuinely invested, it transforms the employee experience. Employee ownership creates a sense of shared purpose, knowing we’re building something together, and strengthening our culture, generation after generation.”
— Paul Trudel, Chief People Officer & SVP, Marketing and Communications

A Program Built on Values

Our Share Ownership Program was designed to reflect EllisDon’s most enduring principles. Each year, eligible employees can purchase shares at book value, with the flexibility to choose their level of participation. 

Eligibility is based on tenure and performance, not position or title. Across EllisDon, people strengthen the company in countless ways; through technical expertise, thoughtful decision‑making, and the day‑to‑day work that keeps projects moving. The program recognizes these contributions at every level and connects people more directly to the future they help build.

While financial participation is part of the model, the deeper purpose is to reinforce the sense of connection, ownership, and shared ambition that has defined EllisDon since the beginning.

Why This Moment Matters for Canada 

Our experience with employee ownership has shown that when people have a meaningful stake in the work they do, it strengthens culture, supports long-term thinking, and deepens the way teams show up for one another. That understanding has shaped EllisDon for decades. Today, it’s informing a broader national conversation about how Canadian businesses will transition in the years ahead—and what those transitions will mean for employees, communities, and the economy.

In 2024, the federal government introduced legislation enabling Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs), creating Canada’s first formal framework for transitioning companies to employee ownership. A targeted $10 million capital gains incentive was introduced alongside it, though it is currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2026. These developments arrived as many privately owned Canadian businesses prepare for succession—a generational shift that will influence where leadership resides, where value is retained, and how companies remain rooted in their communities.

Early EOT transitions have demonstrated what shared ownership can help preserve: local stability, continuity for employees, and long-term stewardship during periods of change. As interest grows, so does the need for a predictable environment to support thoughtful planning. This is why some of Canada’s most influential business leaders, including EllisDon’s Executive Chair, Geoff Smith, signed a public letter to Minister François Philippe Champagne calling for greater predictability so businesses can consider employee ownership responsibly.

EllisDon’s own journey predates these legislative changes, but it provides meaningful perspective. Our ownership model grew from a belief in the people who build the company every day—a belief that shared ownership strengthens organizations from the inside out. As Canada faces a historic wave of business transitions, that same principle sits at the heart of the national discussion: that broad based ownership can help companies remain strong, employees remain connected, and communities remain resilient.

Employee ownership is not the answer for every business, but it represents an important option at a critical moment. At EllisDon, the most compelling evidence of its impact comes from the people who experience it every day.

“Being part of an employee‑owned company turns everyday work into shared purpose and shared ownership.”
— Dustin Luchka, Vice President, Marketing and Communications 

“From my very first meeting with EllisDon, it was clear that this was a value driven company. That first meeting demonstrated to me that this was a company that placed integrity, purpose and wellbeing at the highest echelons of their decision making. In my twelve years since that first meeting with EllisDon, those values consistently remain.”
— Christopher Lane, SVP & Area Manager, Edmonton

“EllisDon is a place where accountability isn’t imposed—it’s something we proudly own. That mindset has shaped how I lead and continually pushed me to raise the bar and grow my career.”
— Sandra Thompson, Proposal Manager

“EllisDon truly wants you to be successful—not just in your role, but in your growth as a professional and as a person.”
— Robert Fletcher, Construction Manager, ED Capital

“I've had the opportunity to grow and contribute in meaningful ways at EllisDon. I feel valued, supported and empowered to lead.”
— Marcia Blair, Coordinator, Events & Communications, Inclusive Diversity 

“EllisDon really does have the best people in the industry. With our culture of openness and knowledge sharing you won't find a better environment for personal growth anywhere else.”
— Ben Jolly, Senior Superintendent 

Building for the Future

Seventy-five years after EllisDon’s founding, one constant remains: our success has always come from the people who choose to build their careers here. Employee ownership has strengthened that foundation, turning a long-standing belief into a shared commitment that guides how we work, collaborate, and make decisions.

As the landscape around us shifts and Canadian businesses enter a new era of transition, our story offers a clear perspective: when people have a real stake in their company, it creates stability, fosters accountability, and supports long-term resilience. These are the qualities that have carried EllisDon through generations of growth, and they continue to shape the path ahead.

Looking forward, the values that built this company remain the principles that will carry us into our next chapter. With thousands of employee owners contributing their expertise, judgment, and leadership, EllisDon’s future is firmly in the hands of the people who bring this culture to life every day.

The story that began in 1951 continues with strength and clarity, rooted in shared ownership and driven by those who show up each day ready to build what comes next.