Family owned and run, JR Certus celebrated its first decade of business in 2024 and continues to tackle unique and challenging projects all over Ontario
Three sons followed the family’s patriarch in pursuing their undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at U of T. Then, later, joining him in founding a Toronto-area boutique general contracting.
Together, the four Civil Engineering alumni, with graduating years spanning from 1976 to 2008, have over a century of combined industry experience, benefiting the clients of their company, JR Certus Construction Ltd.
Focusing on the industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) sectors of construction, the company tackles projects throughout southern Ontario. Ranging from Niagara Falls to Toronto to Orangeville or Pickering, with endeavours embracing community centres, schools and more, the team undertakes new construction and massive renovations alike.
The senior member of the team, Frank Aquino (CivE 7T6), acts as the company’s General Manager alongside sons Joseph Aquino (CivE 0T1), whose role is President, with David Aquino (CivE 0T6) and Matthew Aquino (CivE 0T8) taking titles as Principals. The current decade-old venture was launched after the sale of Aquicon Construction, originally co-established by Frank and his brother in 1986. While at Aquicon, the key personnel completed over 200 major projects totalling over $3.3 billion in construction value before moving to the newly established JR Certus in 2014.
Since its origin in June 2014, JR Certus Construction (JRC) has been awarded 26 projects which have been added to the CCDC Document No. 11 and total nearly $680,000,000 of construction value secured/completed in just over eight years as a new corporate entity.
With a close group of some 20 employees, the company can regularly take care of anywhere from four to six simultaneous projects. “We stick to our realm of projects just because we’re a very tight-knit type of company,” Matthew says.
What they’re looking to see in new employees Matthew relays, “We like open-minded individuals and those who like working in a field, and in an atmosphere, where they can grow and learn. We also typically look for outgoing people who can thrive in construction, where you are going to be talking to a lot of different personalities.”
Further elaborating he says, “The personnel of JR Certus continually strive to exceed the expectations of our clients. In just a few short years, our firm rose to second place on Aon’s List of Top 5 Under 50 Contractors Across Canada (where the firm has held this position for three years running and remained in the Top 5 for four years consecutively). Additionally, we have once again secured the third spot for Top 5 Contractors Under 50 Employees for the year 2023.”
Using technology
Though Frank might have started with old-school methods, JR Certus has embraced technology in the office, and beyond, to encourage transparency and efficiency. Using a system to manage their portfolio of projects simultaneously is key to day-to-day smooth operations. “The old way used to be pick up the phone, talk about it, and do the work. Now, it doesn’t work like that. In today’s age, everything needs to be documented. We can share live documents with everyone – architects, sub-trades, consultants. Anyone in our office and on site can see the latest details,” relays Matthew.
Matthew explains, “We use an online platform where all documented information for a given project is kept. It can be accessed via an app on your phone as well, so you can see shop drawing submittals, project reports, specifications, deficiency lists, safety documentation. Everything, no matter where you are.” Going on, he says, “As drawings get updated, because of proposed changes or subtractions, we can add live photos. It’s nice to have one platform that automatically updates everything; you always know you’re working with the most complete drawing.”
Family working together
One might wonder if working with so many family members could cause friction at times. Matthew responds, “We got to see all the pros and the cons throughout the years. Communication is always key. Even though we’re schooled and mothered the same, everyone could have a difference of opinion. We’re different people, but we respect other people’s opinions; we realize there’s always multiple ways to get to the finish line. Whether it’s your brothers, your father, your workers or your sub trade, it’s always good to have an open mind. You see what people have to say and then collaborate and work together.”
Providing further illumination on pros and cons, Matthew expands, “The big pro is we’ve been doing it all together for a long time, and we have similar training; the con is probably you’re never going to a birthday party and going to be free of work.”
Splitting up the work
Matthew provides a breakdown of responsibilities with, “My father and Joseph work on the estimating and awarding side; David and I work on the project deliverables.”
I enjoyed going through the Civil Engineering program
Frank says, “I enjoyed going through the Civil Engineering program; I think it is the best schooling for someone interested in going into construction, like I was.”
Fondly recalling a professor’s teachings still resonating with him in his professional years, Frank reflects, “I will always remember my first course in soils – I think it was Professor Lubinski. He taught us so many practical things that were just incredible. Now, when I’m on site, I still vividly remember him saying those things from class, which is fantastic. Definitely, it was the right decision to go through civil engineering.”
Another professor, however, was memorable for the mark given, “I had a professor who gave me 97% on the final exam. I was upset because I thought it was perfect, so I went to complain. He says, ‘You’re complaining? Because the whole class failed, and you’re complaining?’ “
Joseph’s memorable class includes, “My first-year course on fluid mechanics was one memorable class. They’re all memorable, but another is my building science professor. And, like my dad, I wasn’t going into any specific design course but wanted to communicate and understand the concepts and principles in our industry – I had to have the intention and focus of being a contractor.” As for a local place to socialize, Joseph frequented the Einstein Pub on College Street [since closed] with friends from Chemical Engineering.
Frank on Camp
Frank reflects on attending Survey Camp (now known simply as Camp/CME358) in the 1970s and his difficulty with the food served, “I’m Italian born. At Camp they served English bread, hot dogs, hamburgers and this kind of food. I’ve never had a hamburger and this type of stuff. I had no idea how I’d survive. After a week, I literally was only drinking water.”
“Then one of my buddies saw I was gonna die,” relaying how a friend took action on his behalf. “We weren’t allowed to leave the camp, but he knew I wouldn’t last the week. Without permission we got in the car, took off and came back home. I had an incredible meal at home, because I hadn’t eaten for three days or more.” Recounting his return to Camp with a smile, “Then my mom gave me a huge luggage – bread, salami, everything. When I went back, people thought I was going for four years. All my friends had a feast. I was good from there.”
By Phill Snel
Fun fact: Certus is derived from the latin word meaning “certain” to give the company name a firm and solid-sounding name.