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Duncan Farrow

We build shops and farm buildings to create more storage space for property owners, helping them stay organized.

Our industry-leading, 10-year workmanship warranty sets us apart. Part of our warranty program is three years of annual maintenance of your building. Each spring for three years after build completion, we return to inspect your building for potential problems.

In addition to the workmanship warranty, we also have a standard 40-year paint warranty on the metal cladding.

Your experience is our priority. We realize that without you, we wouldn’t exist. Right from the first point of contact, we strive to create an experience that is simple and enjoyable. Communicating clearly and transparently is important to you. We combine human interactions and technology to bring you an amazing experience.

In 2022, we made a commitment to develop a thorough training program that will allow us to give more opportunities to youth in our community. We realize that the future of our industry depends on those who will fill our places. In 2023, we will be developing relationships with local high schools and educators to help showcase a future in the construction industry.

Our core values are:

  • Prioritize the Team
  • Conquer without Compromise
  • Have Fun

Tell us about yourself?

I grew up on a farm in Northern BC – oil field country. I enjoyed building stuff as a kid, but everyone worked in the oil and gas industry, so that was what I headed toward. A friend offered me a job framing in Calgary at one point, and several months later, I decided to try it out. I loved it and started a business there with a business partner. We had no clue how to run a business and not much more of a clue how to do the work. We did a few decent jobs for six or nine months and then ran out of work and shut it down. After, I started working for someone building post-frame buildings, and I did that for about three years. Best job I ever had.

I decided to quit after I got married to try and do work that would allow me to be home more. I started the business in 2017 on the coast, framing houses in Squamish. Later, I moved to Vernon area for another opportunity. We did whatever work came our way for four or five years. Finally, I realized we needed to specialize to get good at something. I always wanted to build shops, so we started advertising that more. Around that time, I also paid for my first business coaching, which has been one of the best things I ever did.

If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?

Don’t get blinded by the zeros. Also, the best money spent is going to be on coaching, books, and self-development.

Farrow Built

What problem does your business solve?

Lack of safe, weather proof indoor storage for rural property owners and farmers.

What is the inspiration behind your business?

A lot of inspiration for the business comes from wanting to create a place where people love to work and where they can have a successful career. Trades have been looked down on for the last couple of generations, but we’re trying to change that. There is so much opportunity in the trades.

What is your magic sauce?

Our sales process and being able to give them proposals with 3D renderings while on site. In-house crews for 90 per cent of the build. We don’t subcontract much out, so they know they can expect the same consistent product on each build.

Farrow Built

What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?

In the next five years, we will be over $10.0MM in revenue. We will have multiple employees making $200,000 +/year. We will have a complete training program that gives them a clear career path and options.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?

The biggest challenge we overcame was employees hiring and retention. We didn’t use to have a good interview process. We’ve lost over $100,000 in a year from hiring the wrong people. Our retention used to be around 20 per cent. It is now 90 per cent.

How can people get involved?

I love talking business strategies and ideas. If anyone wants to chat, email duncanf@farrowbuilt.ca. We’re also always hiring, so feel free to reach out if you’re interested in a position.