WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION — Western Canadian Construction Industry MARIA VOLANSKY – INTEGRITY BUILDING PRODUCTS Attention to detail in changing environment essential for purchasing manager Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature Maria Volansky has embraced a career in the challenging and ever-changing home building and construction industry as purchas- ing manager with Integrity Building Products Inc. in Okotoks, Alberta. Volansky began working for Integrity Build- ing Products as a shop labourer. In time she moved into the office, working at a bit of everything. “At one point everyone did a little buying but as the company grew there was a need to bring it all together under one area of responsibility so it became my job,” she says. There are many challenges to being a pur- chaser when conditions are constantly chang- ing. “The industry is so fluid there is always something new to learn,” she said. “I could never know everything but I know how and who to ask to find out what I need.” Although her father works in the logging in- dustry in B.C. and Volansky has been raised in a logging background, there has been and always will be a lot to learn—a daily part of her job. Volansky must know about species and sizes. She must also have extensive knowledge about the mills and pricing. “I spend a lot of time comparing prices, research- ing mills and comparing reports about them. I compare where prices are with where I think they should be.” She also needs to keep a close watch on the overall lumber industry and the other aspects of home building and renovation that come along with it. “Our store has to have a large inventory of materials to supply our cus- INTEGRITY BUILDING PRODUCTS Building Materials at Contractor Pricing BEST PRICING ON PACKAGES 403-938-9376 www.IntegrityBuildingProducts.com 44 – Spring 2014 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report Maria Volansky tomers with in order for them to compete their projects from start to finish. We carry a variety of materials, from lumber to sheets goods, to nails and screws, even doors, windows and all the tools needed to complete a project.” Integrity Building Products carries more than 1,200 in- ventory items. She says this attention to detail is something she hopes anyone in her position would have but admits it may be partly her and due to her desire to always be sure she is getting the best for her clients and her company. Clients include home builders and contractors in Al- berta, mainly the Calgary area. Volanksy is one of five women in Integrity Building Product's staff of 30. She says the company has always provided a supportive team environment. “I enjoy my job and love the company I work for,” she said. “There may be days the job is more challenging but there is never a day I don’t love coming to work here.” She says this is a field she would encourage any woman to consider because it is challenging, interesting and because it will always provide job opportunities. “Es- pecially in home building, there will always be work in this field so it’s a great opportunity for anyone looking for a career. At the end of a day here, challenging or not, there is a rewarding feeling of accomplishment.” For more information on Integrity Building Products Inc., visit http://integritybuildingproducts.com.