Fettback & Heesterman Energy Ltd. has quickly established itself as a prominent player in design-assist electrical contracting across British Columbia. Launched in 2023 by founders Andrew Fettback and Chris Heesterman, the company has already become known for its innovative approach, dedication to quality, and commitment to its team and clients.
Fettback & Heesterman was a natural progression for Andrew Fettback and Chris Heesterman, who both held high-level positions at Western Pacific before setting out to form their own company. “We were both managing operations before starting Fettback & Heesterman,” says Andrew. “It felt natural to build something together where we could focus on the projects and clients that we’re genuinely passionate about.”
Their goal was to create a firm with a reputation for top-notch service, innovation, and a team-focused culture. “Caring for people was always essential for us,” says Chris. “By establishing our own company, we could make a greater impact on our employees’ well-being and career paths. We wanted to build an environment where everyone feels valued and has opportunities to grow.”
Since its inception, Fettback & Heesterman has focused on design-assist electrical contracting, bringing a tailored approach to each project. “We prioritize efficiency and high-quality, customized solutions,” says Andrew. “Our services range from energy management to smart infrastructure projects, and we only take on projects that align with our mission of always delivering the best.”
The company serves sectors including commercial, industrial, and institutional, tailoring services to fit the unique needs of each industry. “It’s not just about executing a job; it’s about adapting to each client’s specific requirements, whether it’s energy-efficient designs for commercial buildings or advanced water and wastewater treatment systems,” says Chris.
Landmark Project: BC Place
One of the company’s notable projects is its recent contract awarded at BC Place, a high-profile endeavor tied to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The project involves enhancing the stadium’s electrical infrastructure—a complex task that highlights Fettback & Heesterman’s expertise. “This is a perfect example of what we excel at: tight timelines, intricate planning, and delivering with precision,” says Andrew. “It’s a chance to contribute to something meaningful, and we’re thrilled to bring our design-assist capabilities to such a prominent project.”
Fettback & Heesterman’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. The company recently won the VRCA Gold Award for its work on the SAAM Towage project, where they served as both the Prime and Electrical contractor in an operating facility. “Winning the VRCA Gold Award was huge for us,” says Chris. “This was our first major award, and it’s a testament to our team’s hard work, innovation, and dedication. We’ve set high standards for ourselves, and this recognition motivates us to keep pushing those boundaries.”
In under 18 months, Fettback & Heesterman expanded to over 150 employees, a testament to their rapid growth but also a challenging feat. “Scaling this quickly was a learning experience, especially with maintaining our culture and handling the operational complexities,” says Chris. “One of the things that helped was investing in the right systems early on, for example NetSuite, which streamlined our financials and ensured clarity in project costs, including indirect and direct labour, purchase orders, equipment, tooling, etc.”
Chris emphasized that the company has stayed true to its values in this time of fast growth. “We didn’t want to lose sight of what matters—our team’s well-being and delivering on our promises. Scaling rapidly comes with challenges, but we were determined to uphold our core principles every step of the way.”
Culture of Innovation
Fettback & Heesterman places a strong emphasis on innovation, continuously incorporating new technologies to improve service delivery. “We’ve invested in a massive database for precise cost estimates, integrated pre-fabrication systems into our designs, and developed project management tools to streamline communication,” says Andrew. “It’s all about staying ahead and delivering on our clients’ expectations.”
This focus on innovation aligns with the company’s straightforward motto of “Powering Results” or, as Andrew puts it, “Get shi#% done.” “That’s what our clients expect and what we strive to deliver. If we say we’re going to do something, we follow through without compromise.”
Key Milestones and Future Ambitions
In just over a year, Fettback & Heesterman has achieved several notable milestones, including:
• Expanding to over 150 employees within 18 months.
• Winning the VRCA Gold Award for the SAAM Towage project.
• Securing high-profile contracts like BC Place, CRD Goldstream WTP Upgrades and Oakridge Mall Systems.
• Holding a foreman’s summit to improve field operations and gather feedback.
• Strengthening their Leadership team by bringing in key personnel like Nicolas Krusel as Operations Manager, Manny Saran as Construction Manager, Jesse Pedersen as Design Manager and Derek Beer as Project Manager. .
The company’s future goals focus on maintaining its high standards and fostering sustainable growth, and to be a leader in design-assist electrical contracting, not just in British Columbia, but on a larger scale. “We don’t want to be the biggest—just the best,” says Chris. “In the short term, we’re focused on delivering our current projects while maintaining the standards that got us here. Long term, we’re aiming for gradual expansion, particularly into new markets across Canada and possibly even internationally.”
With a strong foundation and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of electrical contracting, Fettback & Heesterman is well on its way to solidifying its status as a leader in the industry. Through every challenge and milestone, the company remains focused on its goal: delivering unmatched service, empowering its people, and building a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. As Andrew says “Nobody remembers how much money you made; they remember the impact you had. That’s our philosophy, and it drives everything we do.”
For more information, please visit www.poweringresults.ca
