BIV is recognizing Dan Dueck, president of Stattonrock Design & Build Ltd., and 39 other exceptional business leaders as part of the 2023 Forty Under 40 Awards cohort.
Longer Q&As with each recipient are included in BIV's annual Forty Under 40 Magazine (out in print Dec. 11). Award winners will be celebrated at an awards gala Feb. 7, 2024.
This profile may have been edited for length and clarity.
What career highlight are you most proud of?
My proudest career highlight is the national recognition my team received, acknowledging our collective hard work.
What was your toughest business or professional decision?
I would say this past year, as the economic uncertainty slowed building new homes and we had to let some people go. People are the reason I go to work every day and when I have to make that sort of decision, it is very hard.
How do you lead?
I believe leadership is about inspiring others to join you in a journey towards a common goal. We must give our teams a sense of purpose and commit to honest coaching and feedback. It's important to identify teams’ natural individual strengths and ensure people are in the correct positions to make the team run smoothly.
What is the biggest lesson you've learned in business?
The paramount lesson learned in business is the significance of listening. Understanding others' perspectives fosters effective communication, informed decision-making and successful collaborations, contributing to overall professional growth.
Best piece of advice ever received?
In leadership, establishing a robust support network is so important. Entrepreneurship can often be quite lonely, so it is important to have a diverse community around you that you talk to and learn from. Success is a collaborative venture, shaped by the collective efforts of a well-rounded support system. Make people a priority.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Enjoy the journey. Look back to learn, but otherwise keep your focus forward – because what you choose to do next is what matters.
What's left to accomplish?
I am taking a bit of a break from the boards and councils that I've been on to spend some extra time with my family. I have two kids, and they grow up fast! I would love to be a business mentor to young entrepreneurs one day – I have had some great mentors and they have left a lasting impact. Maybe politics one day... But for now, I look forward to continuing to build into my teams and our culture while we have the privilege of building homes for British Columbians.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge?
So many people have supported me over the years, I couldn't begin to list them for fear of missing even one. I am beyond grateful, humbled, honoured and thankful for each person who has supported me.
Read Q&As with all 40 award recipients here. Tickets to the 2023 Forty Under 40 Awards gala on Feb. 7 are now available.
