Brian Richards: President

Brian Richards is the Founder and President of The Welmar Group and has more than 35 years experience as a business owner. He is a licensed sheet metal journeyman and has over 45 years of sheet metal and steel fabrication experience. Brian serves his customers as an innovator and applications expert with a hands-on approach. His active roles include estimating, project management and site supervision. He excels at searching for flexible solutions and solving difficulties requiring joint development efforts between manufacturing and installations. A committed president, he makes decisions for corporations in two countries affecting teams that employ more than 50 dedicated people.

Shannon Lang, CPA, CMA: Controller

Shannon Lang joined The Welmar Group in 2019 as the Controller, managing the financial and administrative functions of The Welmar Group of Companies. With more then 15 years of experience, Shannon brings a wealth of expertise and experience earned from working for several companies of various sizes in several industries, both public and private. Shannon has been and continues to be instrumental in modernizing several processes within our group of companies. Shannon graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Ryerson University majoring in Accounting with a minor in Finance. Shannon is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), earning her Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation from The Society of Management Accountants of Canada.

Kerry Hillis: Purchaser / Estimator

Kerry Hillis brings more than 20 years of experience in purchasing and fiscal responsibility which is instrumental in providing the most competitive pricing to our customers. Above and beyond purchasing, Kerry provides The Welmar Group with competitive estimation and effective project coordination on commercial and industrial sheet metal jobs. Kerry is an asset to the office management team through close monitoring of current pricing, quickly solving problems as they arise, providing sound leadership and by always maintaining a positive attitude.

Jeff Richards: Director of Quality Assurance / Project Management

Jeff Richards is a graduate of Conestoga College receiving an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration Management and contributes more than 15 years of multi-departmental cross-trained experience at The Welmar Group. Jeff has experience with quality management systems, product fabrication and installation, CNC cutting, project management, customer account management, health and safety, recruiting and training. Jeff takes a leadership role in many projects within The Welmar Group, including the design and relocation of our fabrication shop and implementation of our ISO certification. Effective time and resource management make Jeff the ideal partner for your next project.

Jesse Hartwell: Project Manager — CWB

Jesse Hartwell has over 20 years of experience in the welding trade, and provides hands-on leadership and training for the staff at our welding shop. Jesse is accomplished at organizing workload, materials, man power and coordinating with customers to meet project requirements and deadlines. Jesse is a dedicated employee who often suggests and implements design improvements for products and processes in all stages of production. He understands the practical applications of your fabrication project and can help guide your project through to successful completion and timely delivery.

James Hexter: Sheet Metal Shop Supervisor

James Hexter is an accomplished sheet metal journeyman, highly skilled in both the design and production of welded metal products. He has actively worked in the sheet metal trade for over 25 years during which time he has supported both management and fabricators with his knowledge and patient mentorship. James has a full understanding of what your project requires and works tirelessly to accomplish all tasks and details related to a successful project. Whether you have set requirements or need a quote to help move your project along, James has the necessary knowledge and experience to meet your needs.

Jesse Lambert: Project Manager — Site Installations

Jesse Lambert has been involved in commercial and industrial installations for over 20 years. Jesse and his crew have experience with installations ranging in scope from hand tools to 300-ton cranes. Through this, Jesse has the ability to safely and efficiently manage your site. Jesse is the ideal installer for your project — with dedication and professionalism that are second to none, you can be sure that the agreed upon standards and deadlines will be upheld.