The strongest foundations

Chad Jensen, the president of New Dawn Developments, feels fortunate to work alongside his father, Rick Jensen

Chad Jensen (pictured) and Rick Jensen recognize each other's different strengths, making for an overall stronger company. — Glynis Fediuk photo

Look up, way up—to your ceiling. Was the roof over your head constructed by New Dawn Developments?

Chad Jensen, the president of New Dawn, always envisioned himself working in the company founded by his father, Rick Jensen. In 1996, Chad returned from the University of Lethbridge with a degree in commerce and took on the role of president.

New Dawn has grown dramatically during the past 15 years, starting with less than 10 employees and peaking at more than 60. The company has become more technology-based and over the years and moved to a new office facility, located on Industrial Road No. 2 four years ago. One of the things Chad said he loves about the construction industry is that it's always changing—new clients, new projects, new deals. However, the basic principles of New Dawn have remained the same—quality and fair price. 

Rick Jensen spends much of his time at Panorama Mountain Village, where he is owner, CEO and president. Still a chairman for New Dawn, he makes it to the company offices in Cranbrook a couple of times a week, and it is clear that Chad holds the patriarchal point of view in the highest regard.

“We spend lots of time together both at work and away from work,” said Chad. “The biggest thing I believe is we both respect one another, and we both have different expertise, so we both have different strengths. That allows us to do what we’re good at and support each other on decisions. I feel very fortunate to be able to work with my dad and that we work so well together.”

Chad has three children, and said he hopes that one day, they too will be involved in the family business, though it’s too early to say. Early signs, though, are positive:

“My son knows every piece of equipment that’s made, I believe,” he said. “He spots our trucks everywhere. He has coveralls and hard hats and shirts.”