-by April MacDonald
Perry Chandler, executive vice president, InRich CBDC, nominated DJ MacLean & Sons as one of four recipients of the Economic Impact Award by the Cape Breton Partnership’s Investor Summit in Baddeck last weekend.
Chandler explained that for 38 plus years, DJ MacLean, now alongside his son David MacLean, has grown a diversified group that today supports 150 plus jobs across many owned/partnered companies anchored in Inverness County.
“Flagship builder D.J. MacLean & Sons Carpentry Ltd. operates at premium quality standards and delivers sought-after residential and commercial projects across the county.
The group’s impact compounds through local procurement and vertical integration: Lake Shore Living adds modular-home manufacturing capacity within Cape Breton; BML Metals/BML Roofing manufactures and installs standing-seam systems serving customers across Atlantic Canada; Margaree Castle Building Supplies expands access to materials for contractors and homeowners along the Cabot Trail; and new/related ventures in diesel service and automotive keep equipment, fleets, and households working locally – spending that otherwise would leak off-island,” Chandler noted the many interconnected business that David MacLean/ DJ MacLean and Sons are owners or part owners of.
Chandler mentioned the company’s innovative nature:
“Industrialized housing: Lake Shore Living (est. 2023) builds customizable, energy-efficient modular homes in rural Cape Breton-shortening timelines and reducing waste on the island.
Product & process: BML Metals/BML Roofing combines local fabrication with installation expertise (standing-seam systems, siding, accessories) to improve durability and lifecycle value in harsh coastal conditions.
Quality leadership: D.J. MacLean & Sons Carpentry: showcases commercial and residential builds that have made the firm a builder of choice in Inverness County.
DJ MacLean & Sons Carpentry Ltd. at the Cape Breton Partnership’s Investor Summit in Baddeck,” explained Chandler.
“It was wonderful to be there to share in the excitement. Congratulations to the other four winners from across the Island,” he closed.
Taking the stage to the tune of “Build me up Buttercup” was David MacLean. “Thank you to the Partnership and to Perry Chandler for the nomination…Now, I’m going to tell everybody that business is hard, if you didn’t know,” he began which drew a roomful of laughter from the packed house of business owners and organizations that support or sponsor business development.
“We’re coming on to our 40 years of my main business, DJ MacLean and Sons. For the first 35 years I worked like the devil to try to get it to where it is today and coming on to the last five years, I’m trying to figure out a way not to be needed anymore,” he laughed along with the audience.
MacLean then told a quick side story, speaking to how he believes that Cape Breton is moving in the right direction.
“I graduated in 1986 from Inverness and when I drove through the streets and it didn’t look too positive. You know, it looked pretty grim, but I wanted to stay in Cape Breton and fortunately I did. Things changed and it didn’t look good. Now I have over 40 carpenters and that speaks to what’s happening in Cape Breton – it is an exciting time. I am accepting this award on behalf of my dad. He wasn’t able to attend tonight but, mind you, he keeps track of me every day. Dad is 90 years old and it’s him and I who started the business in 1987 and he knows what’s going on. He still delivers the mail to all the different little businesses I have in the area… so he knows what’s going on. Thank you to dad for the start that’s for sure. I also have to thank my wife. Everybody wonders how you do what you do. You know it’s a lot of sleepless nights in tough times and I’ll be complaining and barking and she doesn’t say anything back so that’s really the best support. She just lets me go. (laughter from the audience) We certainly have a partnership and wouldn’t have been able to do it if we weren’t together, so thank you, Barb,” said David MacLean.
The Oran and Inverness County send our most sincere congratulations for the fine work you all do, the many employees that you help to put food on their families’ tables and for being an honest and dedicated business for close to 40 years. That’s no small feat!