Hello everyone, my name is Wisam (Sam) Afara, and I’m a crane operator here at UCEL. I couldn’t be prouder of the work that we do and all I’ve personally accomplished over my career here so far.
When I came to UCEL, I had an automotive background. I’ve been with the company now for almost 11 years, and one of the things I’ve realized is that no matter what skills you have, this company can help you perfect them. People here have experience in all different parts of the construction industry, whether electrician, refurbisher, mechanic, installer or rigger – and UCEL takes all these different backgrounds and skills and puts them all to the test.
When I started with the company, there was just one crew. When I look back at how much we have grown since then, it’s with a sense of pride in our work and craftsmanship. When I drive through Toronto and come across the Gardener Expressway, I can see my work has made that skyline change – almost every tall building around the Dome, we were involved.
I started at Ice Condos, Neptune, and right beside it, 300 Front, and have been down the road to west side building condos at Bathurst and Front and everywhere else since. We have a saying here – “up or down, we’re the best in town”.
Our setback system gave us the ability to get up close and personal with the Four Seasons at Bay and Yorkville; our piping system was instrumental in getting Harbor Plaza right above the Gardener Expressway; and the tallest occupied building as of right now, One Bloor, couldn’t have happened without us. And I can’t forget all those other smaller or complex projects: when others said they couldn’t do it, we said “just watch us”. UCEL always finds a way.
When I look back, I can see my time at UCEL has taught me one thing – no job is too big or too small, and no task is impossible. When we put our minds to it, we get it done. If you have a project, we will get the job done right. And if you’re looking for a career opportunity, UCEL is the way to go.