Corner Brook - Frank Coleman is looking forward to his first paving season as an owner of Humber Valley Paving.
Coleman is part of the ownership group that recently bought the paving contractor and is a director of the company. He said the paving business isn't owned by the same group of shareholders as the Coleman Group of Companies, although the family is involved in the business.
"When people say Colemans bought Humber Valley Paving, it's true some of us are involved," he said. "There are four of us involved, myself, my son (Gene), Mike and Bob, but there are two other shareholders as well that are not family-related.
"It's a new business for us. It was an opportunity that presented itself. We thought we had an interest and so we pursued it."
Nigel Baker continues to manage the operation on a day-to-day basis.
Coleman said Humber Valley Paving was attractive for a number of reasons.
"We thought it was a very well-run company, well managed," he said. "They had a great respect for their staff and vice-versa. They had really invested well in their equipment. We just had a fascination with it.
"Why does one invest in a business? I suppose for commercial reasons. We thought we'd could get a return on our investment. We struck a deal with the owners. We said, 'let's give it a wail.' "
Coleman said the company has invested in some new, high-capacity equipment and he hopes the work matches the investment.
"You've still got to bid, that's the thing about this business," he said. "In the food business, you compete every week for the patronage of your customers. Here, the jobs are big and you get one chance to bid on them.
"If you get them, great. If you don't, you've got to wait until the next one comes along.
"It's a different business, but we think we've got a great and experienced group running the company."
Coleman looking forward to his first season with Humber Valley Paving
Frank Coleman is looking forward to his first paving season as an owner of Humber Valley Paving. Coleman is part of the ownership group that recently bought the paving contractor and is a director of the company.
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