As a longtime member of SHCA, Harlick says the benefits have
been many, such as meeting other contractors and business associates,
staying informed about the construction industry and changing
regulations, tenders and tender results.
Overcoming industry challenges
While the journey for Harlick has been one he treasures greatly, it
has not been without its challenges.
“The construction industry has become a very demanding business
with all the regulations, paperwork and dealing with a shortage
of experienced operators,” he says.
“Our biggest challenge has been staffing in a growing business
and getting the right employee for the equipment.”
Another challenge, he says, has been the ever-changing environmental
regulations.
An A.J. Harlick work crew in 1977
“Government bureaucracy has changed a lot over the years. The
industry has changed by implementing GPS systems and lasers,
which has made it easier for operators to produce a finer finished
product. And although we’ve had our challenges, we have met and
worked with a lot of good people over the years and have been fortunate
to have had some dedicated people working for our company,
who have contributed to our success.”
Through it all, Harlick says he wouldn’t change a thing.
“I’ve loved the challenges of building something from scratch to a
completed project and having the self-gratification on completion,
after passing inspection,” he adds.
“I began operating machines at a young age and was impressed
with the huge equipment and what they could accomplish. I still am
– not bad for a Grade 8 education!”
In retirement, Harlick is looking forward to visiting all 10 provinces
and territories – no small task – and then who knows where
to after that.
MEMBER PROFILE
“I’m proud to say that our
company has built approximately
1,100 km of roads in
southern Saskatchewan.”
– Austin Harlick, Owner, A.J.
Harlick Earthmoving Ltd.
A project site photo from 1963
saskheavy.ca | Quarter 1 2016 | Think BIG 25
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