Eight winners were saluted during the 26th annual Surrey Business Excellence Awards on Thursday (Nov. 7) including the founder and CEO of Langley-based Orion Construction.
Joshua Gaglardi was named Business Person of the Year as boss of Orion, which has constructed several buildings in Surrey including Nanak Foods' new food processing facility, in Campbell Heights.
"He has been a transformative leader in B.C.’s construction landscape since 2018," says a bio sent by Surrey Board of Trade, awards gala host. "Under his guidance, Orion has secured over $2 billion in projects and developed more than eight million square feet of industrial and commercial space, establishing itself as a market leader."
Close to 450 people attended SBOT's annual awards gala, emceed by broadcaster Dan Burritt at Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel.
Business Excellence awards went to Onex Enterprises (1-10 Employees category), ThoughtsWin Systems (11-40 Employees) and Crown Building Supplies (41+ Employees), along with The Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver (Not-for-Profit of the Year), Mishe Optometry (New Business of the Year), CG Singh of Glen Group of Companies (Young Entrepreneur of the Year) and PW Trenchless Construction (Corporate Social Responsibility Recognition Award).
Winner bios are posted below.
Earlier Thursday, a merger update was given by a task force of Surrey Board of Trade and South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce, announcing "two significant milestones: the signing of the legal agreement between our two organizations and the formal petitions to merge."
Petitions have been submitted for approval from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the task force reported in an emailed statement from Rory Morgan, board chair of Surrey Board of Trade, and Bill Brooks, president of South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce.
"While there are no guarantees, the task force estimates that approval will take four to six months. When the merger is approved, the new entity (Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade) will emerge as the largest chamber of commerce/board of trade in B.C."
Meanwhile, "staff from both organizations have initiated collaborative efforts, working on a select few co-hosted events and networking opportunities," the email says. "They are also creating platforms for members to share their feedback and ideas on how this merger can best serve its local businesses, municipalities, and communities."
Posted below are SBOT-approved biographies of the 2024 Surrey Business Excellence Award Winners.
Business Person of the Year: Joshua Gaglardi, Orion Construction
Joshua Gaglardi is the Founder and President of Orion Construction. He has been a transformative leader in BC’s construction landscape since 2018. Under his guidance, Orion has secured over $2 billion in projects and developed more than eight million square feet of industrial and commercial space, establishing itself as a market leader. Joshua’s innovative approach, particularly his unique design-build process, has been pivotal to Orion’s rapid success. Recognized as the top-growing company in Canada by the Globe and Mail in 2022, Orion achieved an impressive three-year revenue growth of 12,371%. Known for his resilience and adaptability during the pandemic, Joshua exemplifies business acumen and a commitment to community development. In 2023, Joshua was awarded a Business in Vancouver Top 40 Under 40 Award.
Business Excellence Winner with 1-10 Employees: Onex Enterprises Inc.
Onex is a Canadian brand with over 15 years of expertise in crafting high-quality, durable, stylish kitchen and bathroom products. Known for their exceptional performance and longevity, Onex products - from premium stainless-steel sinks to innovative range hoods - are trusted by homeowners and builders across Canada. Their products are widely available through major retailers, including Walmart, Best Buy, Rona, and Amazon. With a commitment to quality and design, Onex has made its mark in new buildings and residential developments nationwide. The brand is now expanding into the US market and strengthening its global online presence.
Business Excellence Winner with 11-40 Employees: ThoughtsWin Systems Inc.
ThoughtsWin Systems is a pioneering data and AI company committed to transforming businesses through cutting-edge technology. Headquartered in Surrey’s Health and Technology District with operations in Calgary, Houston, and Jaipur, the company offers four core services: integrate (data management), activate (AI-driven analytics), elevate (modernization and cloud migration), and operate (managed IT services). With strategic partnerships with Microsoft, AWS, Databricks, and Fivetran, ThoughtsWin delivers innovative and client-centric solutions. The company’s dedication to thought leadership, continuous learning, and excellence has earned it a strong industry reputation and a growing team, positioning it as a trusted partner for navigating digital transformation.
Business Excellence Winner with 41+ Employees: Crown Building Supplies Ltd.
Founded in 2014, Crown Building Supplies is a leading construction supply wholesaler in the Lower Mainland, renowned for exceptional customer service and high-quality building solutions. With a team of over 85 dedicated members and a fleet of 15+ trucks and cranes, Crown specializes in exterior and interior cladding, doors, and specialty products tailored to meet industry demands. Their newly launched 40,000 sq. ft. showroom showcases an expanded product line to support architects and designers with top selections under one roof. Crown’s commitment to sustainability and adaptability has earned them a loyal client base built on trust and reliability. Recently, they opened a third location in Burnaby and are planning expansions across British Columbia and Alberta.
Not-for-Profit of the Year: The Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver is a charitable organization that supports vulnerable women, girls, and children at risk, especially those affected by the justice system. Their extensive services include over 30 programs to break poverty, addiction, and homelessness cycles. They operate emergency shelters, substance use treatment, affordable housing, and a poverty law clinic, among other services. Elizabeth Fry Society operates Rosewood, a unique facility offering housing, emergency shelter, and a health clinic. Additionally, they lead the Reaching Home program, an extensive collaboration to place Surrey families into permanent housing. Serving over 12,000 clients annually, Elizabeth Fry Society achieved 93% revenue growth in the last five years, demonstrating a strong commitment to community impact.
New Business of the Year: Mishe Optometry
Mishe Optometry is a leading comprehensive and specialized eye care provider that offers personalized services for individuals and families. The practice emphasizes the prevention and treatment of ocular conditions, utilizing cutting-edge technology for optimal vision health. Comprehensive eye exams focus on early detection of diseases, while specialized services include diabetic eye exams, myopia control, and dry eye diagnosis and treatment. Mishe Optometry’s advanced diagnostics include ultra-widefield retinal imaging, precise corneal and refractive analysis, and glaucoma screening. Beyond clinical excellence, Mishe Optometry is deeply involved in Surrey’s community, supporting local charities and raising awareness through health fairs.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year: CG Singh, Glen Group of Companies
CG Singh is the Founder and CEO of the Glen Group of Companies, known for his visionary leadership and innovative approach to business. Over the past decade, he has built the Glen Group from the ground up, offering services in traffic management, security, recruitment, towing, real estate, and construction. Through his strategic acumen and commitment to community, CG also produces Glen Talks, a video podcast that connects and amplifies people’s stories shaping communities. His unwavering dedication to support, employment generation, and positive change has made him a trusted partner to businesses, workers, and organizations.
Corporate Social Responsibility Recognition Award: PW Trenchless Construction Inc.
This award was created to recognize a business working to improve the lives of their employees and to enhance the civic environment in which they operate, through environmental, social and governance principles.
Corporate sponsors of the awards event include DP World Canada, TD Bank, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Doane Grant Thornton LLP, Beedie, Trans Mountain, Abbotsford International Airport, FortisBC, Hamilton Duncan, KPU Melville School of Business, KSW Lawyers, Manning Elliott, MNP, Surrey Digital Printing, CBC Vancouver, Surrey Now-Leader, Aplin & Martin Consultants, Forevery Occasion, Glen Chua Media, Off the Reel, Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel, Uber and Vancity.
