Get to know us: A conversation with Andrew Quinn

The Gilbert + Burke team is a tight-knit crew. We are profiling some of our team members so you can get to know them as well as we do. 

Introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you do?
My name in Andrew Quinn I’m a site supervisor for Gilbert + Burke. My job consists of on-site managing and supervising every step of a building project for our clients. These projects vary from renovations, additions to existing homes and cottages, to full-scale start-to-finish homes or cottages.

How long have you been with Gilbert + Burke?
I have worked at Gilbert + Burke for seven years now; eight in the fall.

What do you love most about your job?
There is a couple things I really enjoy about working for Gilbert + Burke. First and foremost, I really enjoy building some of the finest homes and cottages. Not only do I take pride in being able to say that statement, but I also enjoy overcoming challenges that occur when delivering these beautiful projects to customers. I’m also thankful for the respect and value that Gilbert + Burke’s management has for their employees.

What’s been the most rewarding project you’ve worked on recently?
Its hard to pick out one project that has been the most rewarding, as every project has individual aspects that I have found rewarding. There is one, however, that stands out.

A couple years ago, I began a large-scale renovation which seemed, at the start, to be a nearly impossible task due to an extremely tight time line. The project was a full-scale renovation of a cottage which included adding a third storey. At the time of the turnover meeting when I was given the project, I was told that I had three months to complete it as the clients were planning on using the cottage for the summer.

I’ll admit I was doubtful that I could meet this goal, but we made a plan and a time line to make every effort to do so. After an extremely busy three months with many stressful days fulled with hurdles to overcome, we met our goal and the finished project was amazing. Best of all, the clients were beyond thrilled and still are very happy with their cottage—and us.

Cottages are undeniably great. What’s your favorite part about spending time at them?
My favorite thing about being at a cottage is relaxing, and spending time with friends and family. In a world driven by technology and wireless communication, I value the real time spent connecting with others without the use of internet or phones.

If you could build your dream cottage, where would it be and why?
I would build my dream cottage on a small to medium size lake that is not overpopulated. It would also have to be fairly close to my home, as I would not want to fight traffic every time I go to the cottage. A diving rock would also be a must on the property.

Swimming or boating — what do you prefer?
I would have to say boating. Living in Orillia, I have access to so many lakes nearby to go boating on, and do frequently take advantage of it.

What are you looking forward to most this summer?
On the personal side of things, I’m very much looking forward to getting back into soccer and CrossFit with outside workouts. I’ve also been looking into joining a beach volleyball league.

Regards to work, the summer is going to be a very exciting time as there is a very exciting project that will be starting. If all goes to plan, this project will likely be the most challenging and impressive project I have ever been a part of. I’m looking forward to it!