Cooper Construction: Taking an all-encompassing approach to quality
With more than a century of reputable work on its resume, this Ontario firm is a reliable project partner from start to finish
Written by Kevin Doyle and Produced by Nick Janzen
Bill Cooper Sr acknowledges he wasn’t especially well-prepared to take over the family business at the time he did back in 1978. Nevertheless, in his 30 years as President, Cooper has overseen Cooper Construction’s transition from a general contractor to an all-encompassing business engaging in land acquisition and development, Design/Build construction and facilities management.
Cooper Construction was established in 1905 and has been in continuous operation since. Bill Cooper joined the business fresh out of university and spent several years in the field as an engineer before moving into the office, first as an estimator and later as General Manager. His quick elevation to President was a matter of necessity.
“I was a little bit young and not particularly well-groomed for the position but my dad became very ill and was hospitalized for over a year. I found out one morning that I was it [President]. Thankfully, we had a very good management team that stood behind me. You learn things”
