From a Parking Lot Conversation to a New Standard in the Building Industry
Appears in the October issue of The Calgary Beacon.
In land locked Calgary, on the edge of the prairies, is a company that is revolutionizing the wood working industry. Spindle, Stairs and Railings has transformed a cottage industry into big business and is competing on a global scale.
Kevin Halliday, owner, has come a long way in the past 11 years. The company, now a leader throughout North America, was born in a Home Depot Parking Lot. From that initial conversation, Halliday started an installation business using other people’s products. Since then, Spindle, Stairs and Railings has grown to be a one-stop shop for wood related finishing.
By applying big business principles to his company, Halliday has created a system that he calls standardized customization. The client receives a custom piece but the process through which that item is made is standardized for efficiency. Halliday’s goal is simple: to redevelop and redesign the building industry.
From the raw wood to the finished, installed piece, Spindle, Stairs and Railings’ 130 employees take pride in their work. Craftsmen handle each step of the manufacturing process. Working with individual home owners on custom builds or renovations as well as large builders, Halliday’s team treats everyone as if they are the top customer. Top craftsmanship and customer services set Spindle, Stairs and Railings apart from the competition.
Manufacturing all parts of the spindles, stairs, railings and baseboards allows the company to assure quality. By providing opportunities for installation, customers also have the option to eliminate the middle man and buy directly from the manufacturer, saving themselves money.
Despite starting along the prairies and foothills, Spindle, Stairs and Railings continues to grow and expand to create better systems and products. In Fall 2007 they launched a forestry division, specializing in Maple hardwood. By growing their own, Spindle, Stairs and Railings has first choice from the forest. Customers receive only the best as Spindle, Stairs and Railings controls the process from "forest to foyer".
As they’ve grown, Halliday has not been content to stay only in Calgary; Spindle, Stairs and Railings is now one of the largest manufacturer of stairs and finishings in North America. Despite expanding, the head office and workshop remain in Calgary. With one challenge met, Halliday embarks on the next step in his goal to forever change the construction industry.
Halliday explains that Spindle, Stairs and Railings is setting up for franchising. The company is developing systems to support new owners including a training facility. They will be there from school to success for all new franchisees. The quality that customers have come to expect will reach broader markets and Halliday’s dream of revolutionizing his industry will be a step closer.
Spindle, Stairs and Railings creates all wood related finishings for your home. Starting out with its name-sake, they now manufacture mouldings and cabinetry. They also have a hardwood division for home renovations.
Spindle, Stairs & Railings is the largest stair manufacturer that produces and supplies its own wood in addition to custom milling, manufacturing and installing. Spindle, Stairs & Railings owns it's own tree farm and trains installers through its inhouse school.
