Bill Doerksen knows what it’s like to need a helping hand – and the difference it can make when it’s offered.
More than 26 years ago, after losing his millworking job in Steinbach when the company that employed him went out of business, Doerksen was offered a fresh start by a Manitoba government program facilitated by the Southeast Unemployment Centre.
“It offered a bunch of us an opportunity to start our own businesses, and they helped us start out,” he says. “We started doing construction, and as we couldn’t sub off any other companies it meant finding our own customers from basically nothing.”
Fast-forward to the present and Doerksen owns and operates 3D Construction Ltd. alongside his wife and grown-up children. He’s also an active and enthusiastic participant in the local Toys Days initiative, which buys toys and collects toy donations for families in the Southeast. It’s an involvement that comes from a place of understanding.
“You never know when you’re going to need help,” he says. “When we can help, I think we should help.”
It all started when the Doerksens’ own children were young and were given a sum of money to buy gifts for other children who might be less fortunate around Christmas. As a family activity, it never stopped – it still hasn’t – but now the annual Toys Days is something the entire community rallies behind.
“A lot of us don't know what it’s like to not have Christmas,” says Doerksen. “We didn’t always have a lot, but now we can help out.”
If anything, the success of Doerksen’s business has only underlined the importance of getting involved in the community.
Much of 3D Construction’s focus these days is on Lake of the Woods and the Whiteshell, where they build cabins and boat houses and perform interior and exterior renovations. And they love a challenge.
“We build right on the lake, or on cliffs or on islands,” Doerksen explains. “Some projects take a year; some take two years, and some take six months. It depends what it is. And we build cottages from 1,000 sq ft to 5,000 sq ft depending on what the customer wants.”
The business is also truly a family affair.
“Two of our four boys are involved, and one daughter-in-law as well. They’re full-time employees, as are my wife and I,” says Doerksen. “Then we have a group of sub trades that we use for all kinds of other work, like plumbing, electrical and concrete. There’s a lot involved in building a cottage on the lake.”
Beyond the actual cottage construction, 3D also manages the conceptualization, drawing, refining, surveying and lot clearing required in the building process. A reputation for quality has developed from their work, leading to increased success. Which means Doerksen can focus even more on giving back.
“It’s important to donate,” he says. “Some people might not be as fortunate financially, so yeah, I like to help.”
Based in Kenora, 3D Construction can be contacted by calling (204) 326-8686, and further information about the company – as well as a gallery of completed projects – is available on their website.
