HAVAN Spotlight: Steve Kemp

🎙️ Check out Steve’s episode on HAVAN’s podcast ‘Measure Twice, Cut Once’

Tell us about yourself & your company?
Steve: As President I oversee all company operations for the building of residential homes – primarily production and pre-production planning and specifications.

How did you get into the residential construction industry?
Steve: Started building in the 70’s as summer employment- and left the corporate world 20 years ago to return to residential construction.

What keeps you in the industry?
Steve: I’m a bit of a building science enthusiast/’nerd’ and there’s so much that’s always changing in the way we can build homes with higher energy efficiency.

While navigating covid-19, what new opportunities have you discovered?
Steve: With labour issues and projects taking longer, we saw an opportunity to bring panellized building to our own homes. Realizing more builders could benefit, we’re building a new company to bring panellization to residential home builders in BC.

It’s 11AM Saturday morning, what are you up to?
Steve: Watching hockey (recorded from the night before), or tennis or out bike riding

What are your hobbies?
Steve: I’ve always been active in sports – tennis and skiing are right up there with favourite things to do. And we have a boat, enjoy spending time fixing that up – always something to do.

Proudest moment?
Steve: There’s so many – but this one, winning my first Eastern Canadian soccer championship

What have you done in your community in the last year?
Steve: Speaking with community representatives to promote the implementation of BC Step Code

Favourite HAVAN moment and why?
Steve: Winning our first Ovation Award

Best work perk at your job?
Steve: Working in the industry I really enjoy

Last HAVAN member you spoke to?
Steve: Michael Freedman

What inspires you?
Steve: The possibility that I can make things better

What are you excited for / looking forward to right now?
Steve: Skiing and playing tennis again (recovering from knee replacement surgery)

Share an interesting fact about your life?
Steve: I used to be the Coach of the Jasper Ski team

Last piece of advice you have received?
Steve: Don’t leave the grass fed butter on the counter

Starbucks order?
Steve: Dark roast black

Song on repeat right now?
Steve: too many to choose from

Where were you born?
Steve: Kingston Ontario

Pets?
Steve: 7 year old dog – Viszla/Lab cross – Storm

Favourite holiday / destination?
Steve: Gulf Islands on a boat

Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Steve: Depends

First concert?
Steve: Edgar Winters

Last movie watched?
Steve: Mank

Fun fact about you?
Steve: 1975 I decked out a Econoline van complete with shag carpet and oversized speakers

What do you collect?
Steve: Building materials

Netflix guilty pleasure?
Steve: Ozark

Anything else you’d like to add?
Steve: I’m a grandfather of two little guys 2 and 4 and really enjoy spending time with them when I can

Members and homeowners look to HAVAN for connections in the residential construction industry.
HAVAN’s Spotlight features HAVAN staff and members to showcase who we are and to help connect with one another. Proudly sponsored by the HAVAN Women’s Council, if you would like to be featured, email dawn@havan.ca today.