editor’s
letter
Platinum is described as a “noble” metal, though not for its relation to royalty. Considered extremely rare, platinum
has long been associated with prestige and wealth but is also exceptionally dependable and useful due to its high
resistance to corrosion, its stability and its overall strength.
Those same qualities come to mind when we think about the companies profiled in our December issue. This month,
we’re looking at some of the businesses that have made Canada’s Best Managed Companies Platinum Club list. After
six consecutive years as a Best Managed company, organizations that earn their status in the seventh year become
members of this celebrated group.
Sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC, the National Post, Queen’s School of Business and MacKay CEO Forums, the program
recognizes companies that have outperformed their competitors, created thousands of jobs and recorded sustainable
growth, among other achievements. “They really are a remarkable group of companies,” says Deloitte Senior Practice
Partner Peter Brown in an article featured in this issue. He told us what makes a Platinum Club company stand out
among the rest, and how rigorous the process is in reaching that level.
Allied Global is one of those companies, standing by its strong focus on internal values and a family-style culture.
Another is Challenger Motor Freight, which has made the Best Managed list an impressive 13 times in a row. DRIV-
ING FORCE showed their perseverance after three attempts to make the list. This year, they celebrated their eighth
year in the program and consider themselves “a much better company” thanks to the focus and discipline required to
maintain their status.
We’ve even revisited a few stories from earlier issues that explored the secrets behind the success of other Platinum
Club companies across Canada, and included them in this special issue.
This month, we also introduce our readers to Jayman BUILT, a family-owned business that has grown to become the
leading home builder in Alberta. David Aplin Group is another private family-run company that started small but
eventually spread across Canada.
Next, we move into the province of Saskatchewan for a series of stories on construction and energy, and then travel
east to Quebec for a look at a bypass bridge project that is making life easier for commuters in Greater Montreal.
As we wrap up another year of headline-making business stories, frommega mergers to climate change to the lowest
gas prices in years, we look forward to what’s in store for 2015. From everyone at Business Elite Canada, we wish you
a safe and happy holiday season, and a wonderful new year!
DEC 2014
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