This is the third instalment of our “Get To know The Team” series. In part one, we interviewed CJ Lefebvre, Managing Partner, which you can read here. In part two, we interviewed Richard Jackson, BC Operations Manager, which you can read here.
Q: Could you give a brief introduction to yourself and your role at First Call Energy?
My name is Nigel Spilman and I am the President of First Call Energy. We have offices in Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver and we provide Hydrovac services.
Q: How long have you been in the industry?
I started in this industry in 2009 after 9 years in the heavy equipment industry, and 16 years in the HVAC industry.
Q: What first attracted you to the industry?
What drew me into the Hydrovac world were the endless opportunities that presented themselves. Hydrovac is a safety requirement for every industry. Whether it’s Civil construction, Environmental, Oil and Gas Facilities and Pipelines, Utilities, or anywhere else the ground is disturbed, Hydrovac is essential to protecting people, infrastructure, and the environment.
Q: What do you love about working with construction companies in Western Canada?
Over the past 16 years I have had the privilege of working closely with many companies in many different industry sectors. These people are responsible for building the infrastructures that surround us. Many have run into tough times with the last two downturns in the economy however they are resilient and continue to provide us with top notch results on every project they take on.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in the industry, what would it be?
Be customer orientated, be safety orientated, be ethical, and don’t take shortcuts.
Q: How is First Call Energy capitalizing on its success in Edmonton and Vancouver construction?
We have a simple system. We strive to be the safest company in the industry. Our commitment is to treat our customers properly and will always go the extra mile to make our customers happy. We strive to provide a quality service at a competitive rate.
Q: What are you hoping to achieve in the next 5 years with FCE? At FCE we have some lofty ambitions for growth.
Having said that, we will grow our customer base one customer at a time, and one truck at a time. We will grow where our customers need us.
Q: What do you think is the biggest factor in keeping the men and women who work with FCE safe while on the job?
Reducing turnover of your employees is key in providing a quality service. Employees must be properly trained for the task at hand. We feel our Employees are treated like part of our team and receive competitive wages and benefits so they can provide for their families. Our employees are our most important resource and asset. We must keep them busy and happy.
Q: What's your favourite thing about working with the men and women of FCE?
As a recent addition to this company I can say that I have felt welcomed and treated as part of the team. Good people make work fun. In my short time at FCE I can say these are people I can grow with.
Q: What has been the most challenging part about running a company like FCE
Challenges are a part of running any business. However, we are a safety company primarily. We are called to make a situation safe or reduce the potential for an incident. As such, we must show up to work with the best operators, best trucks, best safety record and culture, and best customer service effort compared to our competition. This is a pretty old school approach but one that is time tested and true.