In this exclusive CanadianSME Small Business Magazine interview, Helen Mentis, Vice President and Co-Founder of HKC Construction, shares how determination, innovation, and people-first leadership have shaped one of Canada’s fastest-growing construction firms. With over a decade of experience leading large-scale commercial projects, Helen has built HKC Construction into a nationally recognized company celebrated for safety, culture, and operational excellence. Through her vision and values, she continues to champion women in construction and set new standards for growth, collaboration, and sustainability in the Canadian building industry.
Helen Mentis is a visionary Canadian entrepreneur with over a decade of executive leadership in interior renovations and large‑scale commercial construction. Renowned for her strategic planning, business development expertise, and fiscal discipline, she has propelled HKC Construction’s evolution into a national competitor by managing complex CCDC contracts and nurturing strong client and supplier partnerships.
HKC Construction has thrived through turbulent times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and recent market pressures. What strategies have you implemented to navigate these economic challenges, and what lessons proved most valuable for sustaining growth during uncertainty?
The two biggest factors that allowed HKC Construction to thrive through turbulent times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and recent market pressures, come down to our team and our relationships.
First and foremost, our people have carried us forward. We focus on bringing in individuals with high moral character and a genuine passion for construction. Once they are part of the team, we work tirelessly to support and train them, giving them opportunities to grow and elevate their careers. This approach has created an environment filled with strong leaders who consistently bring dedication and effort to every project. Their commitment has been the foundation of our ability to move through challenging periods with confidence.
The second factor is the strength of our relationships within the industry. Everything begins with our clients. By consistently going above and beyond, we have earned their trust and demonstrated that they can rely on us as a steady partner. Beyond clients, we have built tremendous partnerships with consultants and subcontractors, which has allowed us to assemble capable, collaborative teams on every project.
Together, these two pillars, our people and our relationships, have been the key to sustaining growth even in uncertain times.
HKC Construction has achieved remarkable industry recognition. What specific initiatives or innovations have helped HKC stand out, and how have these contributed to your rapid expansion and reputation for excellence?
HKC Construction’s growth has been built on a foundation of strong core values, with safety as the highest priority. From the beginning, we have treated safety not just as a policy but as a culture that every team member participates in and feels accountable for. Achieving COR™ Certification was a major milestone that confirmed our program is sustainable and impactful. For our clients, safer building practices translate directly into trust, confidence, and long-term partnerships, which have been critical to our continued expansion.
Alongside safety, innovation has been central to our success. We have invested heavily in technology to create efficiencies across the business. The implementation of our ERP system, Acumatica, has streamlined operations, improved project tracking, and strengthened communication between departments. Beyond this, we established an in-house AI team dedicated to developing tools that drive efficiency and accuracy. This includes custom-built estimating tools, which allow us to deliver faster and more precise budgets to clients. These advancements help us respond quickly to market demands while maintaining accountability and transparency.
By combining safety, innovation, and client trust, HKC has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies in 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
From COR™ Certification to national awards, a League of Champions for Safety member and “Best Place to Work” awardee, how do you foster a culture of safety, well-being, and collaboration within HKC Construction? What impact has this had on employee retention, client trust, and overall company performance?
At HKC Construction, putting our employees first has always been a core value. COR™ Certification was an important milestone, but for us it represented more than meeting standards. It confirmed that safety is fully integrated into our culture and that every employee plays an active role in protecting themselves and their colleagues. Safety is not just a program, it is a mindset that ensures our teams feel secure, respected, and supported in their work.
Equally important is creating an environment where employees are happy and engaged. We want our people to enjoy what they do, to feel their contributions are meaningful, and to know they matter. It does not matter what industry you work in, people are the foundation of success. When employees feel safe, they work harder and take ownership in making worksites even safer. When they are happy, they bring more care, pride, and energy to each project.
We also invest in programs that recognize and reward our people. Employee of the Month awards, leadership development opportunities, lunch and learn sessions, and company outings all contribute to growth, collaboration, and enjoyment at work. These initiatives have strengthened retention, improved performance, and built trust with our clients.
Entering and succeeding in a traditionally male-dominated industry is a rare achievement. What unique challenges have you encountered as a woman entrepreneur in construction, and how have you balanced leadership, personal growth, and family aspirations throughout your journey?
Entering construction as a woman has been both rewarding and challenging. This industry has traditionally been male-dominated, and early on I often felt I had to prove myself more than others at the table. Gaining trust and credibility required persistence and results. Over time, I realized that staying true to my values and consistently delivering for clients and my team spoke louder than any stereotype.
Today, I am proud to be a 50 percent owner of HKC Construction, a company that has not only grown rapidly across Canada but has also been recognized by The Globe and Mail as one of the Top Growing Women-Led Companies. Alongside this recognition, one of my greatest priorities has been to create opportunities for other women in the industry. I actively hire women and believe we have a unique advantage in construction. We bring a different perspective, strong organizational skills, and a collaborative approach that elevates project delivery. Supporting women and helping them thrive is a responsibility I fully embrace.
Balancing leadership, personal growth, and family has been demanding, especially while raising four children as I built this business. Yet those challenges have shaped my resilience and made each achievement even more meaningful.
As an advocate for continuous learning and resilience, what advice or closing thoughts would you share with fellow small and medium business leaders hoping to scale their organizations and build lasting industry impact?
My advice to fellow small and medium business leaders is to always invest in your people. Growth does not come from systems or structures alone, it comes from the individuals who carry your vision forward. Hire people of strong character who share your values, and then commit to supporting them with training, mentorship, and opportunities for growth. When employees feel safe, valued, and empowered, they bring their best to every project, and that collective effort is what scales a business.
Resilience is another key lesson. Every business will face turbulence, whether from market pressures, global events, or industry shifts. What matters is how you respond. Stay adaptable, stay focused on your core values, and lean on the relationships you build with your team, your clients, and your industry partners. Those relationships will carry you through uncertain times and open doors for future opportunities.
Finally, embrace continuous learning. Be curious, stay open to new technology, and look for better ways to serve your clients. Innovation and growth come from a willingness to evolve. Building a lasting impact means creating a company that not only grows but also contributes positively to its people, its industry, and its community.
