CPD Construction Products: July POTM – 40th Anniversary

Being in business for several decades is an accomplishment, and those that are open for four decades have demonstrated a sustained record of success that calls for a celebration. As President of a 100% privately held company CPD Construction Products, Bruce Crilly and partners are proud to reflect on 40 years and a success story that started in 1978 with a dream to be the best in the business. As the company rounds the corner into another decade, it’s the perfect pivot point for reflecting on the company’s past and refocusing on the brands’ core messaging, while launching anew into the future.

40 years ago, with a wealth of experience in construction, Bruce Crilly and partners recognized an opportunity to create a business providing construction products to people they had established relationships with. “We started as a distributor for cement grouts and waterproofing for foundations in the construction business and then one thing led to another and we evolved into manufacturing.”

As the business grew, Bruce Crilly and VP Mark Coulson next focused on paring down and concentrating on their core competencies; manufacturing cement grouts, epoxies, patching compounds, concrete repair materials and sealers. “We pride ourselves first and foremost on the quality of the products we produce.” says Bruce and Mark added “…and service, service, service.”

CPD has built on the sterling reputation they have established in the industry for the quality of their products. All the products and formulations produced by CPD are rigorously tested in an onsite laboratory, providing them with the utmost confidence in their products, such as their accredited epoxy grout and cement sealers. They stand 110% behind what they sell and are confident that their clients are receiving best-in-class products. This has resulted in a loyal customer base and business relationships that they have endured through 4 decades in business.

“Our reputation is everything” says Bruce.  “When a product goes out the door there’s no doubt in our minds that it’s the very best.”

Throughout their 40-year history, CPD has worked on a number of high profile projects including the Hockey Hall of Fame, major highway and bridge restorations and most recently the installation of several wind turbine projects across Ontario and Quebec in addition to several international installations. “Where we look to the future is to improve our export market” says Bruce, “Some of our business dealings have been in Prague and China and we hope to expand even further internationally.”

Teamwork is obviously important to the pair and Bruce says “It takes a team to build what we have and we’re extremely proud to have kept the company together.  When you work with people as long as we have it feels less like a business and more like family. I don’t know where 40 years have gone quite frankly, but I’m proud that Mark and I have kept the company together, it’s been a joint effort between us and we’re very proud of our success.”

The lessons are abundant: team is crucial, don’t even consider the short-cut – honesty is key, stay true to what you are excited about and good at doing. It is clear that CPD is where they are because of everything that happened along the road. Here’s to a smooth ride and the next 40 years!