For more than three decades, Jack Parker has built his career on integrity, fairness and respect, earning the trust of clients, consultants, suppliers, competitors and fellow contractors alike.

Jack came to Curney Mechanical in 1990, two years after the company's founding, bringing twelve years of experience as a licensed plumber and gas fitter. He started as an estimator, went on to serve as general manager, and later became partner and CEO. In 2014, following the retirement of co-founder Dan McKinnon, Jack became President and owner.

Under his leadership, Curney has grown from a small mechanical contractor into a respected organization serving the commercial, institutional, industrial and healthcare sectors throughout Southwestern Ontario, with work at University Hospital, Victoria Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital, Western University and Fanshawe College.

Jack's contributions extend well beyond his own company. He joined the LDCA Board of Directors in 2014, chairs the Board's Workforce Development Committee and serves on the LDCA Gala Committee. He also sits on the Board of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Ontario. As a member of the UA Local 527 Joint Training Committee, he has helped shape training standards and support the development of future pipe trades professionals. He is a Gold Seal Certified construction professional.

Colleagues point to mentorship as one of his greatest strengths. Jack has invested countless hours developing employees, supporting apprentices and helping young professionals grow within the industry. Many who have worked under his leadership have gone on to become leaders themselves, a testament to the culture he has built and the example he continues to set.

Jack's career reflects the qualities this award recognizes: a lasting difference within his company, a stronger industry through volunteer leadership, enduring relationships with project partners, and a new generation of construction professionals ready to carry the work forward.

In 1951, EllisDon began with an ambitious idea: that a small, determined team could build meaningful projects by taking responsibility for every detail and standing behind their work.

Founded in London by brothers Don Smith and David Ellis Smith, EllisDon started with just four people working from a single room in Don's home, with his wife, Joan, keeping the books. Later that year, the company moved into an old cigar factory, and an early contract for Northdale Public School in North London helped establish its reputation for care, accountability and pride in its work.

In London, the family's commitment has a lasting home at Joan's Place, Youth Opportunities Unlimited's supportive housing community for young people and young families facing homelessness or housing instability. The family's $1 million gift, announced in 2017, honours Joan Smith, Ontario's first female Solicitor General and a dedicated advocate for vulnerable people. Joan's Place opened in February 2025, combining affordable housing with support for education, employment and parenting. Don and Joan's daughter, Lynne Cram, continues that tradition as a longtime supporter of mental health care and research through St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation, which her father once chaired. Her donations are matched by the Smith Family Foundation, established through her father's estate.

Education has long been central to the family's contribution. In 2015, Fanshawe College named its School of Building Technology in honour of Donald J. Smith, following a $1 million pledge from the Smith family. EllisDon continues that relationship through two annual awards for Fanshawe Construction Engineering Technology Management students.

Geoff Smith led EllisDon as President and CEO from 1996 to 2023 and now serves as Executive Chair. In June 2025, he began a three-year term as Chancellor of George Brown Polytechnic. Over more than two decades, Geoff, his family and EllisDon have contributed more than half a million dollars to the institution, plus in-kind support. He also chairs EllisDon's Digital Advisory Committee and the Climate Smart Buildings Alliance, helping advance construction technology and a lower-carbon built environment.

One of the family's most consequential decisions was to share ownership with the people building the company. In the late 1990s, the Smith family gave employees 45 per cent of EllisDon's common shares at no cost. In 2020, the company committed to full employee ownership, extending the founding belief that people should share in the success they help create.

In summer 2026, EllisDon teams and partners raised more than $1.4 million for charities across Canada, including more than $100,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwestern Ontario through the London tournament.

As EllisDon celebrates its 75th anniversary, the Smith family's contribution is measured in more than projects completed. It lives in students supported, families given stability, employees entrusted with ownership, and communities strengthened through generosity and service.

The story of EllisDon remains a story about people, and the lasting difference they can make when they are trusted, supported and given the opportunity to build.