So You Want to Build Something? explores the many careers behind construction projects — from design and engineering to skilled trades and technology. Discover kid-friendly career pathways through the Legacy Builders Career Program and see how buildings come to life.

ABA Architects is a proud Swag & Prize Sponsor of Legacy Builders. As a full-service architectural firm creating thoughtful, innovative designs across residential, commercial, and institutional projects, ABA Architects brings creativity and technical excellence to every build.

Legacy Builders was created with a clear mission: to inspire students to explore the many rewarding career pathways within the construction industry. From skilled trades and project management to design, supply chain, finance, and marketing, construction is a sector full of opportunity — and none of this work is possible without the support of industry leaders who believe in giving back.

Proud to recognize Melloul-Blamey Construction as one of our Founding Partners, a collaboration rooted in shared values, deep industry experience, and a commitment to workforce development across Ontario.

Explore construction careers beyond the trades, including design, management, engineering, and more.

Jeff Shantz is a Partner and Vice President of Project Development at Melloul-Blamey Construction, bringing nearly 40 years of experience across site supervision, project management, and building design. Throughout his career, Jeff has been deeply involved in guiding complex commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential projects from concept through completion, combining proven construction practices with modern design and technology.

Legacy Builders was featured on 570 News with Mike Farwell, sharing how the program connects students with real construction career pathways through education and industry mentorship.

Sarah works with brick, block, and stone masonry, creating the strong and beautiful structures that define many of the buildings in her community.

Alan works closely with trades to bring projects to the finish line, ensuring interiors are completed to a high standard. His day-to-day involves managing the final details that bring a project together.

Legacy Builders is a school-based program that teaches students as young as 12 and 13 years old about various trades and job opportunities within the sector.

It's run by Hewson Brothers Building Supply and Melloul-Blamey Construction with the assistance of the Business & Education Partnership of Waterloo Region.

Through a detailed digital lesson plan and in-person professionals who volunteer to help, students hear first-hand stories and take part in activities to build familiarity about the positive aspects of construction work.

Jason Church brings more than two decades of deep industry experience to his role with Legacy Builders. As an Account Manager in Business Development at Hewson Brothers Building Supply, Jason supports contractors across commercial, modular, residential, industrial, and agricultural projects, helping source the right building materials, managing orders, and coordinating closely with builders to ensure projects run smoothly. Over his 25-year career in building materials and construction supply, he’s worn many hats, including warehouse operations, delivery logistics, safety management, inside and outside sales, and general management, giving him a broad, hands-on understanding of the construction supply chain. 

Susan is particularly energized by the movement’s mission to dismantle outdated stigmas surrounding the trades and to highlight the meaningful, rewarding careers the industry offers. She is driven by the opportunity to help shape a more diverse, empowered, and future-ready workforce.

Local KW Non-Profit Launches to Inspire Youth Into Construction – Legacy Builders Construction Careers Association

Beth Marchant brings a dynamic blend of creativity, marketing acumen, and personal resilience to her role as Vice President of Legacy Builders. With a career rooted in graphic design and digital marketing, Beth has long been passionate about helping small businesses craft strong, authentic brands — a journey she began over a decade ago.

As a third-generation construction professional, you could say the industry has always been in my blood — but my path to it was anything but linear. I grew up surrounded by construction through my father and grandfather, yet I originally pursued a different direction, earning a degree in Psychology and Sociology. To help pay for university, I worked for my father during the summers at Melloul-Blamey Construction. After graduating and still unsure of my long-term direction, I returned to MB full-time “just for now”… and ended up finding my passion.

Stefani is a Sales Coordinator at Modern Architectural Products (MAP) where she leads national sales distribution of innovative building products. She supports national sales operations by managing client communications, steeamlining project workflows, and ensuring seamless delivery. Stefani is committed to helping architects, designers, and contractors find the right solutions to bring their project to life.

As a local organization dedicated to career exploration for youth, the Business & Education Partnership of Waterloo Region is proud to be a partner of Legacy Builders. In our rapidly changing world, youth face a greater challenge than ever determining how to translate their goals and skills into a satisfying career path.

Jason supports contractors across commercial, modular, residential, industrial, and agricultural projects by supplying the right building materials and ensuring strong client relationships. His work includes helping customers find product solutions, managing orders, and coordinating with builders to keep projects on track.

As a Project Coordinator at Jackman Construction, Emily supports the planning and execution of construction projects by coordinating between consultants, trades, and internal teams. Her role includes managing schedules, tracking budgets, reviewing contracts and change orders, and ensuring project documentation is accurate and up to date. Emily ensures clear communication across stakeholders, helping projects run smoothly and efficiently.

What started in 2022 as a grassroots initiative by the Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA) and its Leaders in Construction (LinC) Committee has blossomed into a high-impact, independently driven program: Legacy Builders, now proudly presented by Melloul-Blamey and Hewson Bros..