BIV is proud to recognize Joshua Gaglardi, founder and president of Orion Construction, and 39 exceptional business leaders with 2022 Forty under 40 Awards.
Each recipient is featured in BIV's annual Forty under 40 Magazine, and will be celebrated at an awards gala Feb. 22. Profiles of each award recipient – originally published in the magazine – will be available at biv.com in the days ahead.
Who or what is responsible for your work ethic?
I come from a family that has an incredibly strong work ethic. At a very young age I learned the value of focus and determination as tools to achieving your goals.
What drives you?
I’ve always dreamt of what it is that I wanted to do with my life, and there is much more to achieve in that dream. Luckily for me my dreams align with my passions.
A favourite book you would recommend?
Red Notice by Bill Browder and Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton are two of my all-time favourites.
Now that you are (or are close to) entering your 40s, what goals have you set for yourself?
There is a still considerable runway for Orion – a business still in its growth stage. We have expanded outside of the Lower Mainland throughout B.C. This will be a focus over the next several years. I have a wonderful family and daughter that are also a top priority.
What was your childhood career dream?
An architect.
What was your toughest business or professional decision?
Taking the leap to start a new company with little savings and a couple of credit cards in an industry that is traditionally capital intensive and operates on tight margins.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
The journey matters more than the destination.
What is your best habit?
I like to take 24 hours before any major decisions. Time to think, to get over the emotional response.
Tell us one improbable fact about yourself.
I failed calculus at university!
Best piece of advice ever received?
Persistence is the key to success.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
At the end of the day, business is people. If you have the right team, and align yourself with the right external team, then you are set up for success.
What career highlight are you most proud of?
This year we were recognized as the No. 1 fastest-growing company in Canada. This is a tremendous achievement and I am incredibly proud of my team, partners and clients who helped to make that happen.
What’s left to accomplish?
I want to continue to be a leader in the construction and real estate industry locally, and throughout this amazing province that we are all so blessed to live in. I will leverage our skills and abilities to be able to give back to the communities in which we work.
Read the profiles of all 40 award recipients in BIV's annual Forty under 40 Magazine. Register to recognize this year's winner at the Forty under 40 Awards gala on Feb. 22.
