J-AAR Story
From the beginning
Our Story
From our humble beginnings in the 1970s to our current status as Construction Contractor in Southwestern Ontario, we've been committed to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction every step of the way. See how we've grown, expanded, and evolved over the years, and learn more about the people and projects that have shaped our legacy.
1970's
The Inception of John Aarts Excavating and Grading
In 1978, John Aarts, feeling constrained by the limitations of his current job, and encouraged by his wife Loralee, decided to take a leap of faith. John Aarts, a young and ambitious entrepreneur, embarked on a journey that would shape the landscape of the construction industry. With a vision to build a legacy, he took his first step by purchasing a small bulldozer. This marked the inception of John Aarts Excavating and Grading,
1980's
In 1982, John and his wife Loralee took a significant step forward by incorporating J-AAR Excavating Limited.They established their first office in the basement of Loralee's grandparent's farmhouse, a humble beginning that would soon evolve into a thriving enterprise.
Throughout the decade, J-AAR Excavating Limited experienced steady growth, taking on a diverse range of projects in excavating, grading, and related services. This period of expansion laid the foundation for the company's future success.
1990's
In 1990, J-AAR Excavating Limited experienced significant growth and diversification. The company expanded its services to include AAROC Aggregates Inc. and AAROC Equipment, broadening its offerings to include aggregate, topsoil, custom crushing, recycling, heavy equipment sales, service, and rentals. This strategic expansion allowed J-AAR Excavating Limited to cater to a wider range of client needs and solidify its position as a comprehensive provider in the construction industry.
As the decade progressed, J-AAR Excavating Limited continued to expand its operations, serving clients in Southwestern Ontario with a focus on road building, site servicing, and earth moving projects. This commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction propelled the company's growth and established its reputation as a trusted partner in the construction community.
On May 1, 1998, a significant deal reshaped the direction of AAROC Aggregates. It involved three trucks and pups, their drivers, Joe Mills and Terry Simmers, along with a screening plant equipped with stackers. This equipment came to E & E McLaughlins from J-AAR in 1997 and in 1999 was sold separately, facilitated by Dave Johnson on behalf of Ed and Ewart.
Ed and Ewart, the leaders of McLaughlins, decided to shift their focus from aggregates to warehousing. This led to a choice, work in their warehouse or explore new opportunities with their friend John Aarts.
The deal not only included machinery but also access to valuable resources. This included the Hodgins pit on Gore Rd and the West farm at the corner of Putnam Rd and Rd 60. The West farm, licensed by Spivak, was operated by McLaughlin's until it was taken over by AAROC on May 1.
The West farm was special because it contained concrete sand that didn't need washing, making it highly desirable to customers like Tilbury Concrete, Boehmers, and CJ Pink, with whom relationships lasting over 26 years were formed.
AAROC's strategic move was evident in acquiring the West farm, which shared similar resources with the Pirie farm. This not only improved operational efficiency but also strengthened AAROC's market position. Thus, May 1, 1998, marked a turning point for McLaughlins, paving the way for a new chapter under AAROC Aggregates management.
2000's
In 2002, the construction industry lost a visionary leader with the passing of John Aarts. Despite this profound loss, the senior management team at J-AAR Excavating Limited remained steadfast in their commitment to the company's mission and values. Under their guidance, the company continued to thrive, maintaining its reputation for excellence and reliability.
In the years that followed, J-AAR Excavating Limited underwent a significant transition. Ownership of the company was transferred to John's three sons, Kevin, Ryan, and Jonathan. This new generation of
leadership
brought fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table, ensuring that J-AAR Excavating Limited remained at the forefront of the construction industry.
2010's
J-AAR Excavating Limited continued to solidify its position as a leading contractor in Southwestern Ontario, serving a broad range of clients with a focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. In 2019, J-AAR Excavating Limited made a significant move to expand its capabilities and offerings by acquiring Concrete Forming 1980 and NJ Spivak Ltd.
To provide a little background, Nick Spivak, a Ukrainian immigrant, built a successful career in the concrete business in London, starting from humble beginnings in 1951. His journey began with manual labor, relying on his skills and determination to succeed in a new country. Spivak's initial encounter with pouring concrete for a stranger's house marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial venture. Over time, he became a prominent figure in London's concrete industry, particularly through his association with the Sifton family's construction projects. The transition from manual labor to owning a ready-mix concrete business was a significant milestone, with Spivak pouring thousands of cubic yards of concrete annually. His success was attributed not only to his hard work but also to the support and trust of clients like the Siftons, who valued their suppliers' contributions. Through dedication and perseverance, Spivak transformed his immigrant story into a testament of achievement in the construction industry.
Furthermore, the acquisition of N.J. Spivak ready-mix concrete business by J-AAR was not merely a transaction but a harmonious alignment of values and ethics. J-AAR, a family-oriented company itself, recognized in Spivak's enterprise a reflection of its own commitment to excellence, integrity, and community. The shared values between the two entities served as a solid foundation for their integration, ensuring a smooth transition and fostering a continued legacy of quality and service.
In joining forces with J-AAR, N.J. Spivak found a partner that not only respected its heritage but also provided the resources and support necessary for further growth and expansion. The acquisition represented not only a strategic move for J-AAR but also a continuation of Spivak's entrepreneurial journey.
Through this union, the legacy of Nick Spivak lives on, serving as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of entrepreneurs. The partnership between N.J. Spivak and J-AAR exemplifies the enduring power of shared values and collaborative spirit in shaping the landscape of the construction industry.
2020's
In 2020, J-AAR Excavating Limited further expanded its capabilities and offerings by acquiring Walmsley Bros. Paving, a well-respected London family business founded in 1956. This strategic acquisition brought with it a wealth of experience and expertise in the paving industry, enhancing J-AAR's ability to provide comprehensive solutions to its clients.
Throughout these acquisitions and beyond, J-AAR Excavating Limited has continued to thrive under the leadership of John Aarts' sons, Kevin, Ryan, and Jonathan. Their commitment to excellence and continued growth in the construction industry has ensured that J-AAR Excavating Limited remains a trusted partner for clients in Southwestern Ontario and beyond.
In 2022, J-AAR Excavating Limited continued its growth trajectory by acquiring a Cambridge office. This expansion not only strengthened J-AAR's existing relationships in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge region but also provided additional resources to J-AAR's team.
OUR FUTURE
Ryan Aarts, CEO, Kevin Aarts, CAO and Jonathan Aarts, Executive Director and President of Orange Rock Developments, have decided to merge all companies into one under the original name J-AAR established by John and Loralee in 1982. This move aims to enhance brand recognition, streamline operations on job sites, and offer comprehensive construction services. By maintaining separate divisions, we can optimize package pricing and internal strategies, positioning ourselves as a leading competitor in Ontario. This unified approach fosters stronger teamwork, boosts brand visibility, and enhances scheduling and coordination efficiencies.