Getting to Know OnGrowing Works
OnGrowing Works has been operating in and around the Cochrane area since 1999.
During that time the company has won multiple awards and established itself as a western Canada leader in sustainable living spaces. But who is the founder behind the company and what makes OnGrowing Works so successful?
Introducing Bruce Kay
Bruce Kay is the founder and owner of OnGrowing Works. As the company’s Chief Inspiration Officer, Bruce guides the direction of the company, ensuring his team constantly exceeds industry standards and builds long term relationships with clients. But why did he decide to start a landscape company?
“I was disappointed with where I worked. I wasn’t inspired by my job and the people I worked with. I did know that I enjoyed working with my hands and being outside, but I thought there could be more. So, I decided to take a risk, start my own business and redefine the norm.”
With these thoughts in mind, OnGrowing Works was born.
The Logo
The OnGrowing Works logo was designed to incorporate the values and skills most important to Bruce. It acts as a mantra that continually guides the company. For example, the leaf represents personal growth, encouraging the OnGrowing Works team to always stretch slightly beyond what their comfort zone is to discover their true capabilities. In addition, the logo includes four raw materials: wood, earth, stone and water. These are four of the main materials that the team uses to construct their projects. Finally, the choice of using four materials in the logo also mirrors a variety of guiding principles that Bruce uses as the foundation of his company such as The Four Agreements, the Rockefeller Habits and the Eisenhower Matrix.
Going Green Before It Was Cool
One of Bruce’s passions is living sustainably. In 1987, Bruce and his family bought a small farm with the goal of growing their own food, relying on passive energy resources and harvesting water. His love for sustainability was also woven into OnGrowing Works from the start, making the company an innovator in outdoor spaces.
“The commitment that we have to sustainability was not common in this industry at the time,” says Bruce. “It goes beyond the services we offer. It’s embedded in our culture and embraced by our team. We don’t greenwash…we actually walk the talk.”
Polite, Professional and Honest
OnGrowing Works is sought after for their quality of work, but what stands out the most with clients is the team. Every member of the OnGrowing Works family is committed to nurturing long-term relationships by ensuring an outstanding and authentic client experience; they use phased planning procedures that transparently demonstrate how and when their projects will get done within a clearly articulated budget.
“Our values are our moral compass for all of our decisions,” says Bruce. “It’s important that our clients experience good people doing meaningful work. Our clients describe us as polite tradespeople, and we are proud of that.”
Looking Forward
OnGrowing Works shows no signs of slowing down. They’re committed to continually articulating their vision for a sustainable future through home construction and outdoor space creation.
“Sustainability is becoming cool. I’m inspired by upcoming generations who value water security, energy conservation and healthy homes, and creating less waste,” says Bruce. “We are passionate about what we do and are excited about the opportunity to continue applying sustainable practices to our work.”
~by Michelle Crossland
Learn more about OnGrowing Works.
Related Stories
Top 10 Practices for Designing a Sustainable Home
As interest in sustainable home construction continues to increase at a rapid pace, net zero homes are becoming more prevalent than ever. The term “net zero”, while often used incorrectly, is used to describe a home that generates as much energy in a year as it uses....
Everything You Need to Know About Paving Stones
At OnGrowing Works, we always want our clients to make informed choices about the elements they’re including in their outdoor spaces, and when it comes to paving stones, there are many different types. If you’re considering incorporating paving stones into your...
Let’s Talk About Turf
In recent years, artificial grass has taken off and seen a huge increase in popularity. Technological advances to artificial turf have made it nearly indistinguishable from its natural counterpart, making it a top choice for today’s homeowners. While it’s important to...
Landscape Logistics 101
We’re taking a look at one of the most important tasks in any landscaping project: logistics. To get the inside scoop we spoke with Wade McArthur, our landscape project manager, to learn more. With over 26 years’ landscaping experience, Wade has been with OnGrowing...
Safety Culture: Why You Should Care
At OnGrowing Works, safety includes everyone. From shop and field personnel to managers and supervisors, it’s a shared responsibility that requires more than just a morning safety meeting. Through safety training and supervision, our team creates a safety culture that...
How to Plan Your Landscaping for the Long-Term
Your yard is an expansion of your home. Just as a successful home renovation requires careful planning and expert implementation, a landscaping project is always better when it’s properly designed and built. Before embarking on a landscaping project, here are some of...
Rainwater Harvesting with OnGrowing Works & Verge Permaculture
Between great rivers from Colorado to Australia drying up, aquifers being drained, and water futures being sold on Wall Street, it’s never been so important to secure your own supply of safe, pure water! Join OnGrowing Works and Verge Permaculture as they discuss the...
What Renovations Will Increase Your Home’s Value?
Planning a home renovation is exciting! Whether your home is outdated, in need of repair or simply doesn’t reflect your needs, a renovation is a great opportunity to create a space that truly suits your personality and lifestyle. But a home improvement project can...
Five Tips and Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your Seasonal Arrangement
Want to beautify your front porch? Consider a seasonal arrangement. We’ve all heard the term ‘seasonal arrangements’, but what exactly are they? A seasonal arrangement is a combination of living and everlasting materials, such as flowers, boughs, ferns, ornaments and...
Solar Energy: Saving Money and the Planet!
The time has never been better to look at a solar energy system. The technology has improved in leaps and bounds over the last decade, the investment is more affordable than ever, and with Government incentives on the table, it’s even easier. Solar energy is an...
2 Comments
Submit a Comment
Related Stories
Top 10 Practices for Designing a Sustainable Home
As interest in sustainable home...
Everything You Need to Know About Paving Stones
At OnGrowing Works, we always want our...
Let's Go!
Ready to begin your project? Contact us now to get started.
Let's Go!
Ready to begin your project? Contact us now to get started.
OnGrowing Works Ltd.
Cochrane, AB T4C 2C2
: (403) 932 3766
: (403) 932 5338
Hours:
Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Let's Collaborate
Our Project Gallery
Copyright ©2021 OnGrowing Works Ltd.
Website designed by Thomas Magee • Strategic • Creative • Design
Copyright ©2021 OnGrowing Works Ltd.
Providing quality work is the reason to be the sought-after company in the landscaping industry. Keep it up OnGrowing Works!
Thank you so much for your kind words!