The Clement family has been involved in the lumber and building supply industry for five generations dating back to the late 1800s. Mission Building Supplies, in Edmonton, seems to have what does it takes to stay successful, particularly in retaining long-term employees.
The store won the 2024 Outstanding Retailer Award (ORA) in the category of Best Contractor Specialist at last year’s Hardlines conference. Company president Don Clement (shown above, holding the award with his wife, Nicole, and sponsors Jacques Desrosiers of Johns Manville, far left, and Yanick Miron of Taiga, far right) is familiar with the deep-rooted passion his parents Tom and Karen Clement, who are the owners, as well as his grandfather and generations before them had for this industry. “This passion is not limited to the family but extends to our dedicated staff, many of whom have made Mission their home for numerous years,” he said in the ORA entry form.
The team consists of individuals with extensive tenures, including shipper-receivers and engineering technologists who have worked at Mission for over 20 years, multiple truck drivers with over 15 years of service, a sales team with members exceeding 10 years, and retired sales staff who dedicated over three decades to Mission. “This experienced and committed team has solidified Mission’s reputation in the industry as knowledgeable and customer service-oriented,” said the application.
In addition to training, particularly for back-end staff, new hires receive a minimum of one week of training alongside a certified trainer, then first aid, forklift certification, and any other job-related training a staff member would like to take. Front-end staff receive multiple months of mentoring from general manager Lonnie Janes.
Sales staff receive a healthy base salary based on a combination of experience, knowledge, and performance. There is also a generous profit-sharing program, as well as several incentive programs for both front- and back-end staff.
Back-end workers are eligible to receive “Johnny Days.” Johnny Days was re-named from “Steady Eddie” Days after a long-term truck driver who showed exemplary attendance over a 15-year period. When a staff member shows up on time to every scheduled shift for three months running, they receive eight hours of vacation time added to their standard vacation eligibility.
All staff receive fully paid health and dental plans after three months of employment, and short- and long-term disability. All employees receive flextime benefits. These flex hours are provided as an additional benefit to provide an enhanced work-life balance. To increase their recruiting efforts, Mission offers a Candidate Referral Bonus program, which pays up to $200 for the referral of a qualified candidate.
Mission also has a Service Recognition Award program designed to recognize and appreciate significant long-term contributions. Employees are awarded a cheque at designated levels of long service, from five to 20 years of service. All awards are presented publicly at the company Christmas party or other appropriate company gathering.
