PCL Energy

Our employee spotlight this time is Chris McDowell, who has been with PCL since 2012!

PCL ENERGY: Thank you for joining us, Chris! Let’s begin with how you got started here.
Chris McDowell: I started as a journeyperson for PCL Industrial back in 2003 and worked my way up through the ranks. I’ve always been drawn to learning new things and taking on new challenges, and that mindset has carried me through to today.

PE: What does a typical day look like for you?
CM: Early mornings! I'm up at 3:30 a.m., on-site by 5:00 a.m. Most of the day is filled with meetings, field walks and plenty of decision-making, which I enjoy because it feeds my drive to learn and tackle challenges. I usually wrap up between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.

PE: What’s your favorite part of your job and why?
CM: Meeting people in different roles, from production leaders and engineers to managers and apprentices. Talking with new apprentices is always memorable because it takes me back to my own early days and reminds me of how far I’ve come.

PE: Have you always been in construction?
CM: Yes. My family owned a plumbing and heating company, so I started working summers in high school. I've had the absolute privilege of working with my dad, first working for him, then later in life having him work for me. Full circle moment.

PE: Do you have a mentor? And are you mentoring anyone yourself?
CM: Colin Harbarenko is my mentor. I’m not mentoring anyone right now, but I’d be open to it.

PE: What advice would you give to someone new starting at PCL?
CM: Ask questions. Knowledge is power and no one is born with it, it has to be sought out.

PE: Do you have any favorite projects?
CM: If I had to pick one, it would be the CNRL Horizon Unit 31/33 construction. That project really stands out.

PE: What about PCL’s culture makes you proud?
CM: We have the investment and care of a family-owned business, but with the resources and support of a large corporation. That balance is rare and powerful.

PE: What is a professional achievement you're especially proud of?
CM: Earning my general gas ticket was a tough exam. And on a broader level, I’m really proud of the work our turnaround and maintenance group does under pressure.

PE: How do you unwind after a long day?
CM: Dinner with my family and spending time with my amazing wife and our dogs.

PE: Describe your ideal weekend.
CM: Camping with the family in the mountains. Nothing better.

PE: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
CM: A pilot.

PE: Any current obsessions?
CM: Our 8-week-old miniature dachshund, Riley.

PE: Fun fact that might surprise people?
CM: I used to spin trance records at small events and after-parties when I was younger. I still have the turntables and vinyl!

PE: Who would you nominate for the next employee spotlight?
CM: I’d like to nominate Karen Loughlin.

Thanks again Chris for sharing your story with us. Your journey through the trades and your continued leadership at PCL Energy are inspiring!

This , we celebrate the skilled tradespeople, from those who paved the way to those building today.

Thank you for your dedication. We hope you get the chance to relax and spend time with those who matter most. Happy Labour Day!

What is this tool?
Who on the crew uses it and what is it used for?

Drop your guesses in the comments!

We’re excited to spotlight Wayne Brogan from our Labour Relations team in today’s employee spotlight!

PCL Energy: Thank you for joining us, Wayne. How long have you been with PCL, and how did you get started?
Wayne Brogan: Over 13 years! I first interviewed as a Carpenter Foreman with PCL Builders in 2011. A year later, a recruiter I’d worked with moved to what’s now PCL Energy as a Manager. They were looking for recruiters to hire from Ireland and took on me and one other Irish chap.

PE: What does a typical day look like for you in your current role?
WB: No two days are the same. I'm involved in recruiting, site visits, estimating support, career fairs, CLAC matters, and assisting operations. With 40+ superintendents and nearly 900 tradespeople across 12 projects, there's always something on the go, especially with our busy LR team.

PE: What’s your favorite part of the job?
WB: Helping people, particularly watching people grow in their roles and careers, whether it's staff or our trades.

PE: Do you have any family members who have worked in the trades?
WB: Yes, many uncles of mine were tradesmen, and I apprenticed with them in Ireland. My father was a truck driver who later worked in construction.

PE: Do you have a mentor?
WB: I’ve been lucky to have many mentors, especially here at Energy. I also still reach out to people in Ireland, my old boss and my brother-in-law, who also came from the trades.

PE: Any favorite projects you worked on?
WB: Waupisoo Pump Station was my first solo recruiting project, and Fort Hills was another high point, hiring 200 craft weekly, growing to 4,200 workers, and securing 80% support on a collective agreement.

PE: What is a professional achievement you are proud of?
WB: Hanging up my tool belt and moving into a role I never imagined. Starting in recruiting, then growing into Workforce Supervisor and now Manager. Building trust at PCL and in the industry means a lot to me.

PE: What is your favorite way to reset?
WB: After work, it’s usually with some comedy on YouTube, Billy Connolly or 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, gets me laughing in traffic. On days off, I love camping, or glamping, with my wife and kids.

PE: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
WB: A truck driver, my father would take my brother and me on Saturdays and I loved it. As a teen I knew it was going to be the trades, so I went to carpentry.

PE: What advice would you give?
WB: Show up every day, 99% of success is showing up.

PE: Current obsession? (Song, Food, TV series?)
WB: I read lots, nonfiction, biographies, history, but lately I’m on a podcast roll. Diary of a CEO and High Performance always have interesting guests.

PE: Fun fact about you that may surprise people?
WB: I worked in Doha, Qatar, in 2008. The hottest day was 54 degrees Celsius, I will take -40 any day. I also read lots about Antarctic explorers from the turn of the 19th century.

PE: Thanks Wayne, it was great getting to know you!

We're hiring trades and skilled craft positions for our projects in Squamish and Coquitlam, BC.

Take a water taxi to work and help build critical infrastructure in stunning locations.

Apply here: go.pcl.com/re8q