 Isn’t it amazing how many ways we show who we are and what we stand for as a business? Take Chameleon Wrapping & Lamination for example. Their logo literally stands for environmental adaptation. Skilled craftsmen are required to operate some of their machines. And although their business model was built locally in the Metro Edmonton area from the ground up, they have enveloped technology that’s existed for decades around the globe. Amber Gunderson, President and CEO, and her husband Vince, took the time to carefully construct a business based on industry needs, so Alberta now has a locally-made and eco-conscious product alternative for transforming architectural design and building practices that require durability, low maintenance and easy cleaning. Their recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) wall and ceiling panels have films on them with UV protection; heat protection; and resistance to graffiti, salt spray, acid rain and scratches. These panels are impervious to water absorption and bacterial growth making them an economic solution for both health care, hotels and food processing facilities and food retailers. Want easier installations? Well, they’ve thought of that as well. Listening to others in the industry, Chameleon Wrapping & Lamination developed their patent-pending design that allows for both V-groove and U-channel installation. “We are a unique business in that our ChamClad products can be used globally in pretty much any environment, but being a local manufacturer gives us the largest edge to make quick decisions and adapt as needed to advance our product lines and services. We can keep our costs lower, manage our own quality and still offer short lead times,” says Amber. Getting things right has certainly taken time. There have been some bumps along the way, just like every business encounters, but Amber and Vince have persevered because of their approach to whatever economic or other challenges they have faced together with their team. “We try to be positive at all times in our business, even with the hurdles. We learned that we can get through whatever comes our way by addressing challenges as a team and with a focus on finding solutions. For example, when one industry in Alberta is having a downturn then we get a little creative at times or simply reach out to a new industry. Just as listening to your clients is truly an invaluable skill for a business, so is social networking and staying connected.” This team approach is what keeps the wheels turning on their machines and for their business. Chameleon Wrapping & Lamination may be an Alberta-based business, but Amber and Vince run it like a family business driven to keep their highly-skilled staff employed and engaged as they continue to reach out to new industries and global markets. In a world of choice, our local innovators have also made their innovative and LEED-compliant siding, soffit and interior wall products available through their Canadian national distributor, Gentek. Chameleon Wrapping & Lamination and their iconic ChamClad siding products is a business that would make any builder proud to partner with. We certainly are privileged to feature this wonderful Alberta business and its custom-made products that you too can have and enjoy in your life, in your home or in your business. Author: C. Tracy Williams  Residential TopCoatings If you’ve ever wondered how to bring the elegance and craftsmanship of the Renaissance period into the modern world, then just ask Vince Gunderson, President and CEO of Chameleon TopCoatings Ltd. in Edmonton. He is a gifted and experienced tradesman who knows how to open doors and embrace windows of opportunity. Here in Alberta, architectural and aesthetic demands present commercial and residential customers and developers with a myriad of colour, longevity and durability challenges. Enter Chameleon TopCoatings who has offered them custom-coloured door, window and garage door solutions since 2008. “We work hard to fulfill the architectural visions of our partners who often battle complex jobs and tight timelines. Their feedback is awesome and it inspires us to explore new horizons, looking for entirely new solutions,” says Vince. But how did this exploratory artists’ palette get its start? Well, when Vince, an autobody mechanic and painter by trade, and his wife Amber, were doing some home renovations they decided to use his expertise with detailed autobody painting on their new doors and windows. The contractor was intrigued himself, and after further discussions with other contractors and developers to find out more of what was needed in the industry, their part-time work slowly framed itself into a full-time business - Chameleon TopCoatings. An idea on its own is a great first step, but how did they actually build the business itself? With a protean approach of course. They actively listened to others, did their homework in identifying the industry needs, developed a realistic plan, set goals and openly addressed challenges as they arose with their team. Like their iconic brand, they are highly versatile, provide a range of services and focus forward. Quality, adaptation, integrity, diversity, solution-seeking and long-term relationships are the hallmarks for the success of their business and their team. Whatever the challenges that they’ve been presented with, like addressing how to stay relevant when the local economy takes a hit, their team pursues opportunities and solutions together. “We don’t wait for the economy to affect us. Our team here, our family, depends on us to keep the wheels turning, so we continually seek out ways to scale up and expand our market. Our seasoned services are now offered to residential and commercial customers, developers, architects, government agencies, oilfield / gas plants and others.” This expanded client list took time to build and hinged on active listening to others’ needs to be able to provide their clients with exactly what they needed. The team also adapted to changing needs by staying informed on trends, products and leading-edge technology to produce superior durability for their own products and services. Vince nails it on the head when he refers to his team, “We’re go-getters, that’s for sure!” What picture are they painting for their future? Well, Vince is clear. “We want to expand our client base further and to see more colour out there, especially with commercial projects where durability counts that’s backed by a warranty.” Wouldn’t you like to partner with Chameleon TopCoatings to bring a splash of colour into your life that you come home to every day or into your business to show your brand to the world? Author: C. Tracy Williams |