Duron Ontario Ltd. began in 1959 as a small, skilled crew in Ontario with a focus on quality work in concrete, waterproofing, roofing, and restoration. Over the decades, they built a reputation for precision and reliability, completing projects for landmarks like the Scotiabank Arena, Royal Ontario Museum, and major clients including General Motors and Canadian Tire.
From the start, the company embraced the belief that skilled trades deserve respect, fair pay, and safe working conditions. Their workforce is unionized and certified as a Living Wage Employer—something rare in the construction industry. This commitment has helped them attract and keep skilled tradespeople at a time when Canada faces a looming labour shortage.
Duron is also a leader in innovation. They introduced DuroMastic, a Canadian-made, polymer-modified mastic asphalt inspired by proven European methods. More resilient and flexible than conventional asphalt, it’s designed for harsh climates and long-lasting pothole repairs.
Through economic shifts, evolving industry standards, and changing urban landscapes, Duron has stayed rooted in their values—craftsmanship, innovation, and accountability. They believe that cutting corners costs more in the long run, and that infrastructure is about building communities, not just structures.
Today, with over six decades of history, Duron Ontario continues to blend tradition with forward thinking—championing the trades, developing better materials, and proving that in construction, doing it right the first time still matters.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A day at Duron starts early. Mornings begin with a safety briefing on-site or a project planning session in the office. The leadership team checks in with crews, reviews project milestones, and addresses any logistical challenges. Productivity comes from preparation—materials are confirmed, timelines are double-checked, and everyone knows their role before the first tool is lifted. Midday, site visits allow management to connect directly with tradespeople, ensuring quality and morale stay high.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Duron tests in the field before making anything standard. When DuroMastic was first introduced, they trialed it on municipal patches and manhole leveling. They tracked performance over seasons, gathering input from crews and city engineers before offering it widely. Innovation here comes from collaboration, not just R&D labs.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The shift toward longer-lasting infrastructure solutions. Duron sees growing recognition that cheaper, faster builds cost more over time. Products like DuroMastic fit into this trend—reducing rework and environmental impact.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Daily debriefs. At the end of each day, crews quickly review what went right and what could be improved. Small adjustments compound over time.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Invest early in relationships with tradespeople. Tools and materials change, but a skilled, loyal crew is the real foundation of success.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
That fair wages are a competitive advantage. Many in the industry see higher labour costs as a burden, but Duron views them as insurance against turnover and poor workmanship.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Walk the site. Even senior managers get out to see the work firsthand. It keeps leadership connected to the realities of the job.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Step onto a project site and watch a skilled trade in action. It’s grounding to see the craft and focus it takes to lay a perfect waterproofing membrane or repair a pothole that will last years.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Being early adopters of proven international methods. Mastic asphalt for roads was already a success in Europe before Duron brought it to Canada. Duron adapted it for Canadian conditions and became the first Canadian producer.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in their history, Duron tried a cheaper waterproofing material on a large project. It failed within two years, costing the company rework and credibility. Since then, they refuse to compromise on materials.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Municipalities should pilot innovative repair materials on low-traffic streets before scaling city-wide. It builds confidence without risking major disruption.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
A project management platform that integrates job costing, scheduling, and crew communication. It allows real-time updates from the field.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Infrastructure Nation—a niche podcast about public works history and innovation. It sparks ideas for blending tradition and modern solutions.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Bridge (documentary series). It highlights the engineering, teamwork, and resilience needed to maintain critical infrastructure.
Key learnings
- Long-term results come from prioritizing skilled labour, fair pay, and quality materials over short-term cost savings.
- Real innovation often comes from adapting proven solutions from other regions or industries.
- Daily debriefs and site visits keep leadership connected to on-the-ground realities.
- Failures can solidify a company’s core values when they reinforce why quality matters.
- Public and private sectors benefit when they view infrastructure as community-building, not just construction.