Spotlight on Business: JRoss Construction and Landscaping Ltd.
CEO and owner of JRoss Construction and Landscaping Ltd. James Ross and his wife, Jenna, both love the close-knit community feel of Headingley and knew that they wanted their business to be based here. James and Jenna grew up in St. James but James always had a strong connection to Headingley as he spent most of his childhood at his grandparents’ home, the Ammeter family farm.
“An entrepreneur from the get-go selling pumpkins from the farm, James’ love for gardening and all things John Deere was set in him from an early age by his grandparents, who emigrated from Europe and made their homestead in Headingley in the 1940s”, says wife Jenna, who is currently on maternity leave from her position as Brand and Quality Manager of the business. “He always knew that he would never want to live anywhere else...We are proud to continue our growth as our children mark the fourth generation of our family’s history in Headingley.”
James began the business like any good entrepreneur--by cutting lawns in high school. As his maintenance company (at the time JRoss Property Maintenance) grew, he began servicing commercial clientele. With the purchase of a skid steer for snow removal, James was able to expand to offer even more residential services.
The company was incorporated in 2011 and renamed JRoss Property Maintenance & Landscaping Ltd. Focusing on large scale residential landscape installations for several seasons, James and his staff completed everything from ponds and golf greens to patios and terraces. In 2017, a concrete division was added and the focus shifted to commercial clients. In 2019, an asphalt division was formed to service everything from pathways and driveways to road repair and parking lot installation.
“Most recently, with the additions of these fields, we have renamed to JRoss Construction & Landscaping Ltd.”, says James. “Over the years we have grown to a peak seasonal staff count of 45 men and women. Starting with a small SUV and a utility trailer we now have a fleet of 11 heavy trucks, 13 pick-up trucks, 4 loaders, 6 skid steers, 4 excavators and an assortment of small equipment”.
The company’s work speaks for itself in many high-profile public spaces throughout Manitoba and North Western Ontario, including The Forks, Riding Mountain National Park, Optimist Park soccer field and many others. Over the past year, the company was honoured to rebuild Aunt Sally’s farm at the Assiniboine Zoo.
JRoss Construction and Landscaping Ltd.’s proud farming background is felt in the community. “Our get-it-done attitude stands as a legacy for the next generations,” says James. “On a personal level nothing beats the early morning sunrises on the Headingley prairies and I do enjoy my morning commute up Hall Road!”
The business is currently expanding its premises on Ellen Louise Drive and adding another multi-tenant building. They will be seeking more local tradespeople and businesses to rent space, so if you want to be a part of something wonderful in Headingley give them a call. Units are available in early fall and James and Jenna are always seeking more talented tradespeople to join the JRoss Family. Visit their website at JRPM.ca, their Instagram page @jrossconstructionwpg or call 204-831-6445 for more information.
