With this blog series, it is our goal to give you a better understanding of who you are working with when you call First Call Energy.
In our first interview series, we’re talking to one of the key members behind First Call Energy, CJ Lefebvre, Managing Partner.
Q: Could you give a brief introduction to yourself and your role at First Call Energy?
A: Managing Partner. My key roles include business development, overseeing operations, growth strategy, team-building, and bringing to the table new and innovative ideas to give FCE the edge in our industry.
Q: How long have you been in the industry?
A: I’ve been in the industry for 13 years operating, supervising and managing up to 120+ people and 60 units.
Q: What first attracted you to the industry?
A: I was working on the rigs between the ages of 17-22 and operating a vac/hydrovac during break up periods. When I finally chose to leave the rigs behind, I went with what I know, which was the vac and the hydrovac industry.
Q: What do you love about working with other Albertan construction companies?
A: There is always something new and exciting happening in Alberta, whether it be oil and gas or infrastructure, and each company does things slightly different. Everytime we go to a new site, we get to see new and innovative ways of getting the job done and gaining that extra knowledge of the services we can supply, or new ways we can help. There are always things to be learned or ways we can go the extra mile.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in the industry, what would it be?
A: Keep your head up, be safe, always give your best and say yes to the overtime!
Q: How is First Call Energy capitalizing on its success in Edmonton and Calgary construction?
A: We have been able to build new units to help support our growing company, allowing us to better serve our customers with the equipment and manpower needed to get the job done.
Q: What are you hoping to achieve in the next 5 years with FCE?
A: We will have new divisions in BC and Saskatchewan, along with steady growth in Edmonton and Calgary, hoping to see 20-30 units throughout Western Canada.
Q: What do you think is the biggest factor in keeping the men and women who work with FCE safe while on the job?
A: We are a team and we work together to get the job done as a team. Each and every employee knows that working unsafe is not acceptable and that each step they take can have a long term outcomes towards themselves and their team. Putting each other at risk is not an option here and we strive to get better and more mindful of our surroundings, constantly pushing for excellence
Q: What’s your favourite thing about working with the men and women of FCE?
A: The knowledge and expertise each employee has is mind blowing. They have worked with different companies and multiple environments and bring lots to the table. I learn something new each and every day from my team.
Q: What has been the most challenging part about running a company like FCE (or one of the most challenging projects so far?)
A: Getting everyone on the same page and working together for a common goal. We all have different ideas on where we want to go but in order for anything to work and run smoothly we all have to be on the same page, whether it be safety, finances or overall production onsite. We all have to want to be better and give that extra effort to set ourselves apart.
Q: Any final words or anything else to add
A: First Call Energy will continue doing the best we can in the industry and will continue to grow, despite this economic environment. Our only competition is ourselves. If we stop wanting to be better we will fade into the darkness and this is not an option. We want to be the company of choice in the industry. We want to help people and companies on their projects and we won’t stop until we reach our goals of being the best in the industry and the First Call for all projects.