Fab Loranger has always been proactive. When he ran out of money pursuing an architecture degree, he started framing and then moved to concrete cribbing, high-rise precasting and estimating. He even travelled to Germany to build houses. When he returned to Canada, he joined a large company and eventually became part-owner. However, his journey was far from over.
He decided it was time for something new, so he ventured out on his own and started Taurus Projects Group Inc., a common services business. The company performs facilities installations, moves and maintenance; material handling; parking lot construction and maintenance, including snow removal, sanding and dust control; and has a supply of electricians, gas and pipe fitters, carpenters and other tradesmen.
“I was looking for something else to throw myself into, and I had worked in common services for so long that it was the only logical thing to do,” recalled Loranger, who is the company’s Owner. “It wasn’t an easy decision. It’s difficult to get into the business and be successful, but we’ve been able to make it work.”
Today, Taurus Projects enjoys the fruits of Loranger’s experience and operates in a growing number of provinces. Loranger, however, credits the early success of the business to the help of many people along the way.
“Our first big break came from Tom Eggleston, who got us on the bidders’ list for the Shell Projects Expansion 1 job in 2006,” said Loranger. “Originally, Shell thought we were a ‘prototype’ company since we were so new, and tried to drop us. Tom knew me from earlier projects and fought for us to remain on the list. We did, and we ended up winning a bid. It was our first industrial project, and the growth we experienced from that was phenomenal – we could barely keep up with payroll because we were growing so fast. We were fortunate to have people lend us the money – sometimes as much as $1 million – until we got paid. Without the help of these people, we wouldn’t be where we are now.”
Equipment Manager Ryan Midgley credits the organization’s safety-conscious attitude for its ongoing success.
“Our safety-first mind-set shows in our daily activities and enhances the company’s image by setting a higher standard for others to follow,” Midgley explained.
Loranger also says a dedicated staff of employees has been central to the success of the business. Longtime employees like Midgley and President Dave Zubko have helped to create and sustain a culture of honesty and accountability among Taurus Projects’ 225 employees. Even though Loranger’s reputation and vision have helped the company flourish, he continuously deflects credit.
“I may be the owner, but I’m just another guy,” he said. “I don’t like being called ‘boss;’ it makes me feel uncomfortable. The only difference between my employees and me is that I take more risks – that doesn’t make me any better. I treat everyone who works here with respect; I appreciate everyone.”
