15 Years ago, SalDan had the pleasure of meeting and working with Robert Leachman during the build of the Avenue Road LCBO in Toronto Ontario (2015).

At the completion of the LCBO project, he agreed to work with SalDan full time and became one of our go-to men in the feild. He was able to manage our more complex projects with ease. During this time, Joey Biasucci (now President of SalDan) worked with Rob and learned a wealth of knowledge in the world of commercial construction. This is something Joey is very grateful for as his niche was in residential construction. Thanks to Rob, he gained invaluable construction experience that continues to serve Joey to this day.

Robert was a talented and knowledgeable tradesmen. His experience and attention to detail was something that was highly valued.

Throughout his time at SalDan, Rob was responsible for hundreds of thousands of square feet of construction and was one of SalDan’s most valued people, but more so a close family friend to the Biasucci’s, and someone who continues to be missed since his passing in 2015.

In memory, below are some photos of Rob on some of the sites we were honored to have him be a part of. 

Journey grew up in an all women household- excluding her father. She was always encouraged to learn how to start and complete tasks independently. To be self sufficient was very important to the family as they believe it is a necessary quality to have to grow as a person; to gain experience and confidence. She has always been a hands-on person and enjoyed spending time on something, then seeing the result.

In high school, Journey was enrolled in arts related classes such as theatre and vocals. It wasn’t until later in high school that she took shop classes and learned about ADSB’s House Building Program through SalDan’s Site Supervisor, Shea Macgillivray. Journey has known Shea previous as she is a long-time friend with her older sister. The family had asked Shea to help them with the process of building a deck, which she happily accepted. While working on the deck, Journey assisted and watched as she found the process fascinating. The two discussed Shea’s background and how she began her career in the trades- through the House Building Program, sponsored by SalDan. The following school year, Journey transferred to White Pines to enroll into the House Building Program. “The only regret I have about entering the program was not doing it earlier” she explained.

Journey has loved the experience. Working on real jobs sites has motivated Journey to try all things construction. “Even if it’s something that I know is going to be challenging, I do my best and learn from mistakes”. During her first semester this year, Journey worked as a labourer and shadowed Shea during phase 7 of SalDan’s Crestwood Subdivision. “Having someone like Shea was comforting because she was always honest with me and gave me constructive criticism”. She explained that although she has received some comments about her being a young woman in construction, her co-workers and peers have been supportive and motivating. “There is always going to be someone that has something to say. It honestly just makes me want to prove them wrong and do a better job”.

Challenges that she has encountered is building up her upper body strength and being outside all day long. Over time Journey noticed that her stamina and strength had grown and allowed her to push herself physically. Because she is a red head and fair skinned, she is much more sensitive to the sun and can experience sun sickness. “I feel as though it can be annoying to some as it’s not a common issue that people see. It can be inconvenient, but I try to be aware of when I’ve been out for too long, I wear sunglasses and my hard hat help block the sun too”.

Finishing up her last semester, Journey is excited to work with SalDan in the summer while she works on applying to Sault College for their Civil Engineering Technician program. The 2-year program covers roadway design, construction techniques, electronic surveying, municipal services, and much more. This will help Journey gain further real-world experiences and make connections within the trades.

Journey encourages everyone to try out the trades if you are a hard worker and wanting to work with your hands. She believes that anyone is capable if they are determined and willing to learn.

Holly’s background and education consists of the arts, culture, and communications. She was an active student at White Pines who volunteered her time as lead in the yearbook committee and student council. Holly completed her co-op placement with the Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre and was part of the organizing committee for the 2014 Energy Opportunities Conference. She graduated with a Specialist High Skills Major in Arts and Culture.

She continued her education by enrolling in Sault College’s Graphic Design Program where she won the First Year Merit Award and had the opportunity to work with Cavera Inc, a local marketing and branding company here in the Sault. She continued to do smaller design work on the side while working customer service for several years.

After 4 months of the first lockdown due to COVID-19, Holly started searching elsewhere for work. With connections to SalDan employee’s, a new opportunity made its way to her.

“Although I knew a handful of employees who worked for SalDan, I never considered working with the company before.” She admitted that it was intimidating at first. She started her career in the Media end of things, taking care of SalDan’s website, social media platforms, running errands, etc. 

As she progressed, she started to become more involved in the development side and working with new homeowners in their house selections and warranty. “It made me realize how many moving pieces there are that make this company work. The attention to detail and communication is very important for the builds to progress smoothly. To be a part of the SalDan’s home developments can be nerve racking at times, but over all very fulfilling.”

Holly is now the Communications Coordinator and Customer Relations Representative at SalDan Construction Group. She works closely with the site supervisors and site manager to ensure that they are provided with homeowner’s selections and requests. She continues to work with homeowners after the closing of their homes through Tarion’s New Home Warranty. 

“I have learned a lot about the process of building a home such as the permit applications, locates, materials, and phases within construction”.

Even though she may not be physically building the homes, she communicates important information that supports those out on the sites. She continues to learn new things every day and is grateful for her co-worker’s and employer’s support.

The year 2021 is SalDan’s 40th anniversary! In 1981, president and owner Sam Biasucci began his journey in building quality homes at an affordable price by incorporating SalDan Developments Limited and enrolling into the then New Home Warranty Program known as HUDAC (now Tarion). In the last 40 years SalDan has built an excess of 6000 single family homes across Northern Ontario and the G.T.A., multiple high-class subdivisions, new and renovated schools as well as several Long-Term Care and Retirement facilities! We have been awarded Northern Ontario Builder of the Year in 2003, along with many other recognitions such as Tarion’s Ernest Assaly Builder Award and Homeowners Choice Award.

Today we continue developing bigger and better projects, with sustainable expansions in the G.T.A., Sudbury, and Northern Ontario. We cannot wait to share with you what is next to come from SalDan!

Thank you to all our amazing customers, partners. And dedicated team members throughout the past 4 decades! Without you, we would have not made it this far or been able to continue doing what we love: building quality buildings on time and on budget!

To read more about SalDan, please view our Profile. To see our archive of projects throughout the years, click here. Make sure to follow us on Instagram @saldanbuilt. We’re also on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter!

Cheers to many more years!

Last night, Algoma University held a Special Virtual: John R. Rhodes Scholarship Celebration Premiere. This event celebrates the achievements and community leadership of the honorees over the past 19 years at their John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner.

SalDan is proud to have been the sponsor of this celebration, as we truly believe in supporting education and that the student’s are our future. Although we were all unable to attend in person, we were able to tune in over a Zoom Conference and show our support.

Thank you Algoma University, for hosting this event and for giving us a chance to support your students.