Ron McNeil, CEO & Co-Founder and Ivan Harmatny, Director of Corporate Development & Co-Founder, share a unique partnership. In 1981, McNeil was a young reinforcing ironworker installing rebar on some of the Lower Mainland’s largest projects, when he met Ivan Harmatny, also a reinforcing ironworker. The two developed a fast friendship, and in 1987 struck off on their own as installation contractors servicing jobsites in their pick-up truck, quickly earning an industry reputation for reliability and professionalism.
In 1998, McNeil and Harmatny added fabricating capability when they purchased the assets from two fabricating companies, the original Lower Mainland Steel and Raymond Steel. The integration of installation and fabrication allowed the new company, now with a workforce of 80 men, to better service its customers and increase production efficiencies.
Fast forward to today, and LMS Reinforcing Steel Group and its workforce of up to 600 people continues to reflect the values, vision and hard work of these two men whose commitment to customer service, reliability and rigorous training regularly attracts the best people in the business. Together, Ron and Ivan are respected in the industry for continuously raising the standards of professionalism and safety in a tough construction sector.
Ron and Ivan have both been named Business in Vancouver 40 under 40 winners, and under their joint leadership, LMS has been recognized as the fastest growing Company in BC for 2006 and 2007. In 2008, Ron and Ivan were proud to accept the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Real Estate/Construction category. Ron and Ivan remain fully engaged in the Company’s daily operations and are supported by a hand-picked Executive Team and skilled administration staff.
President & COO, Norm Streu
The President & COO of LMS Reinforcing Steel Group, Norm is well-known in the construction industry and has served as Chair of the Board of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association, director of the British Columbia Construction Association and Chair of the Construction Law Subsection of the BC Branch of the Canadian Bar Association.
Norm is the co-author of “Annotated Builders Lien Act of British Columbia” and co-author of the “British Columbia Builders Lien Practice Manual.” He co-writes a regular column entitled “Legal Reinforcement,” in the Journal of Commerce and co-writes a regular column in Business in Vancouver called “Legal Specs”. Norm is a highly sought-after speaker and has been the presenter at countless industry and legal seminars. Prior to joining LMS, Norm enjoyed a successful career leading the Construction & Engineering law group at the Vancouver law firm Alexander Holburn. In 2008, Norm was awarded the LMA Helm Young Lawyer Award.
Bringing a wealth of senior management expertise and general business acumen to his role as President & COO, Norm is also active in the role of opening new markets for the LMS Group and developing new business.
Greg Hubbard, Vice President, Operations
Greg began his career with LMS as an ironworker in 1991. He quickly learned the trade as an apprentice, and embodied the company philosophy, as he moved progressively from Foreman to Field Superintendent, and from General Manager to his current position of Vice President, Operations. Greg is responsible for overseeing the expansion of the company into Alberta and Saskatchewan, and for advising on operational issues in BC. Greg is active in the industry and currently sits on the CITO board, which oversees ICI Construction Trade apprenticeships in BC.
Michele Berg CMA, PMP, Vice President, Finance
Michele is a seasoned finance leader who brings extensive experience within the manufacturing industry. She is responsible for all functional activities and policies related to treasury and finance, accounting, forecasting and financial analysis within LMS. Michele is focused on meeting customers' needs while optimizing operations and controlling costs using lean methodology. She is Six Sigma Green Belt.
