As J.L. Richards & Associates Limited (JLR) celebrates its 10th anniversary in Guelph, Managers, Theresa Ayre and Jane Wilson, credit the firm’s growth and success to its forward-looking diversity, sustainability initiatives, dedicated staff, and loyal clients.
In this local firm, the future is its people.
Wilson is an engineer; Ayre is an architect. Jane Wilson says, “We are two women managing the office in a traditionally male-dominated field. JLR doesn’t just talk about DEI initiatives, they put them into practice.”
Sustainability also plays a significant role in JLR’s corporate direction. As Theresa Ayre explains, “Within the Guelph office, employees are sustainability focused and sustainability like-minded. It is integral to what we do. It is a responsibility of the professional world to keep these philosophies in mind as we build.”
With national leaders in net-zero carbon and net-zero energy in-house, JLR is equipping their clients to meet carbon and energy reduction goals. JLR Guelph has helped local municipalities reduce their carbon footprint through evaluating and implementing renewable energy technologies and developing roadmaps to get to 100% renewable energy by 2050.
JLR is crediting their 10 years of success in Guelph with being able to keep talented employees for the long term. Ayre says, “We are employee owned, which is a unique model within our field. Anybody in the company is open to shares, which gives employees a sense of community and a sense of purpose.”
With their clients, whom they view as project partners, they design and create the innovative projects of tomorrow. Ayre says, “At all times, the core of what we do is help our clients find innovative solutions to their unique needs. We are creative problem-solvers that improve the physical world we all share.”
Founded in Ottawa in 1955, JLR has seven offices and over 440 employees. Guelph, the newest office, was established in 2013 with four employees. Today, the Guelph office has a 40-member team and is marking a significant level of achievement and growth. Wilson says, “We started with four people and an idea. Through hard work with talented team members and support from the community, we are here thriving today.”
JLR’s strength is its people
At JLR, employee ownership gives everyone a stake in a project, from the person doing the project opening to the person who is interacting with clients face-to-face. They all have a vested interest in the success of the project.
Ayre explains, “We think employee ownership makes a real difference in commitment. We view people’s time and work-life balance as valuable. We practice what we preach and that philosophy trickles down to ensure the happiness of our employees and the quality of work that we do.” JLR is also a creative, tight-knit firm focused on mentorship.
Recognition from the community
JLR staff are given many opportunities to take advantage of the many networking opportunities offered by the Guelph Chamber of Commerce.
Additionally, JLR was recently recognized by the Guelph Chamber of Commerce with the Customer Service Award. The award recognizes JLR as a business that has demonstrated a commitment to providing high-quality customer service and experience. The award highlights JLR’s exceptional contributions to the Guelph community.
Recognition of their employees
JLR’s success in Guelph is being credited to the contributions of their dedicated team of talented employees. Employees share ideas and coordinate efficiently to address challenges that may arise.
This company culture helps improve the Guelph community and being a part of that is very fulfilling for staff. Staff have watched the office grow, people advance, and enjoy all the JLR successes. The team is energized every day through their transformative work in the Guelph community.
If you want to grow a sustainable business – grow it in Guelph
Guelph is an exciting place to live and work. It is a city invested in sustainability, with fantastic parks, schools, and cultural attractions. Located centrally, Guelph JLR is able to provide service to rural and rural adjacent communities, as well as the larger southwestern Ontario city centres.
There is such potential to make a positive impact on the infrastructure where we live.
Contact J.L. Richards & Associates Ltd at (519) 763-0713 or visit them online for appointments.