What does it really take to grow a contracting company over decades, not just years?

In this episode of Beyond the Tools, Krystal Hobbs sits down with Justin Beaulieu, 2nd Generation President & CEO of Beaulieu Plumbing & Mechanical Inc., to talk about the long road of building a multi trade business rooted in relationships, resilience, and respect.

Justin shares what it was like growing up inside the family company his parents started in 1984 and how working nearly every role, from the tools to estimating to leadership, shaped his understanding of the business. He reflects on major challenges, including near bankrupt moments, cash flow pressure, and times when employees walked away, and explains how mindset and steady leadership helped the company move forward instead of shutting down.

A central theme throughout the episode is the importance of relationships. Justin explains how trust built with suppliers, banks, associations, and community partners played a critical role in helping the company survive hard seasons and grow into a multi trade operation offering plumbing, heating, refrigeration, ventilation, medical gas, propane, and service work across New Brunswick and beyond.

The conversation also dives into leadership lessons that matter to growing contractors: leaving ego at the door, asking for help sooner than you think you should, choosing the right business partner, and accepting that mistakes are part of growth. This episode is a grounded, honest look at what it really means to build a multi trade business over time.

Listen in and learn about:

• Growing a family plumbing company into a multi trade mechanical business
• What second generation leadership really looks like in the trades
• How near bankrupt moments shaped Justin’s approach to leadership
• Why relationships with suppliers, banks, and partners matter more than size
• Letting go of ego and asking for help when the pressure is real
• Building a values driven company culture rooted in respect and teamwork
• Knowing when to walk away from misaligned clients or projects
• Choosing the right business partner and why alignment matters

Mentioned in the episode:

• Beaulieu Plumbing & Mechanical Inc.
• HRAI AGM and Conference 
• Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada
• LMI leadership training

Connect with Justin:

• Justin’s LinkedIn
• Justin’s email

Transcript