Gillis Quarries Limited (GQL) in Garson, Manitoba
Building a Rockstar Resume
Joy Bajwa is a 3rd year Environmental Design student in the Architecture option. This summer he has joined the team at Gillis Quarries Limited (GQL) as their first FAUM co-op hiring.
Gillis Quarries Limited (GQL) is a fourth-generation company built on industry-leading customer service, product quality and need satisfaction. Over the last 114 years, GQL has grown into one of Canada’s largest dimensional stone quarries, specializing in the fabrication of Tyndall Stone®, a wonderfully distinct, mottled, fossilized natural stone. This rare dolomitic limestone deposit discovered in Garson, MB in 1894 has given birth to some of the most beautiful buildings in modern history. As of October 2022, Gillis Quarries became the first stone in Canadian history to be internationally recognized with the designation Global Heritage Stone Resource. In 2024, Bill 201 was passed in the Manitoba Legislature naming Tyndall Stone® the official stone for the Province of Manitoba. Gillis Quarries Limited is a people-oriented company with a multi- generational, experienced team committed to providing the very best in natural stone solutions.
Jackielyn Ilagan (2009 B.Env.D.), Manager of Business Development and Jeffrey Dolovich, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Gillis Quarries heard of the FAUM Co-op program through close clients in the industry who are designers and architects and who have hired successfully. As a graduate from the Environmental Design Program, Jackie, as well as some of her colleagues at Gillis who have had similar experiences, felt that students who go through the program had inherited a distinct work ethic. Jackie feels that “students and alumni from the program hold a rigor and specific skill set that is transferrable and beneficial to many roles at Gillis Quarries Ltd. It is that skill set that accelerates the training required for the position.”
We asked Joy to talk about his experience at Gillis Quarries and here is what he had to say:
Joy Bajwa at Gillis Quarries.
What is your position with Gillis Quarries?
My position at Gillis Quarries is titled administrative and communications coordinator but the majority of my time is dedicated to designing. I’ve been working on website design, promotion design, visualization, graphic design, business development and leads. My responsibilities are to take care of the company’s digital presence and reach out to firms, contractors, and developers in relation to masonry design.
How does your experience in the Faculty of Architecture translate to your position with Gillis Quarries?
Everything I have learned in the faculty has been translated in some way. My experiences that have translated organically are communication, presentation, decision-making, interpersonal skills, adaptability and empathy. Some of the more technical things that have translated quite nicely are graphic design, architectural technology, reading drawings, and understanding building specifications.
What skills are you most interested in learning or developing at Gillis Quarries?
One of the most crucial skills I have been developing over the past month at Gillis is learning Business and the Architectural industry as I hope to one day open my own practice. Before I am done with my co-op term I want to leave with a deeper understanding of masonry and a cohesive understanding of how a project goes from a design phase to being built.
What has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned about Gillis Quarries, the industry, or yourself since you started this position?
The most surprising element is how far from my experience from the ED Program has elevated my work. From designing to understanding the structural element of masonry application. Another thing that surprised me was how deeply Gillis is involved in the Design industry, but we don’t see enough of them. I am also privileged to work next to previous ED graduates, Civil Engineers, Drafters and administrators as my work is multifaceted.
Jackielyn had this advise for anyone considering hiring a co-op student,
“Be open to the opportunity. I was skeptical at first however since hiring I’ve been pleased with the output, and I am thankful for the knowledge I’ve gained in return. We initially weren’t looking for a termed position, a summer term at that – however, it has been a great help and gain for Gillis Quarries on multiple levels. The employer benefits from a high caliber, albeit short term employee while the student gets the invaluable industry experience they thirst for to round out their education. Joy has been exposed to many facets of the industry and possibly in ways he was not expecting. It is a win-win for everyone.”
Jeffrey Dolovich, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Gillis Quarries provides a tour of the of the quarry in Garson, MB
Co-op staff visited the production and administrative facilities where Joy is employed this summer.