On Thursday, November 7, the Surrey Board of Trade recognized eight winners at their 26th annual Surrey Business Excellence Awards, with Presenting Sponsors DP World Canada, TD Bank and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. Over 450 people were in attendance at the event with Master of Ceremonies Dan Burritt of CBC Vanocuver leading the program.
“These businesses, organizations, leaders and young entrepreneurs exemplify innovation, resilience, and community commitment, showcasing the very best of Surrey’s dynamic economy. We are honoured to celebrate their contributions and continued impact in driving our region’s prosperity. Each one is such an inspiration,” said Indra Bhan, Interim CEO and COO, Surrey Board of Trade.
The judging team’s evaluation assessed the following competencies: organizational profile, leadership, strategy development and planning, customer focus and market knowledge, employee learning and people focus, process management, supplier/partner focus, community involvement, and overall business performance.
2024 Surrey Board of Trade Surrey Business Excellence Award Winners:
Business Person of the Year: Joshua Gaglardi, Orion Construction
Sponsored by Hamilton Duncan
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.
Sponsored by Abbotsford International Airport
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.
Sponsored by FortisBC
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.
Sponsored by MNP
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
Sponsored by Manning Elliott
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
Sponsored by KSW Lawyers
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
Sponsored by the KPU Melville School of Business
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.
The event also saw the 9th Corporate Social Responsibility Recognition Award, sponsored by Surrey Digital Printing, presented to 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.
The Surrey Board of Trade thanks the corporate sponsors who made this important recognition event possible:
Presenting Sponsors: DP World Canada, TD Bank and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
VIP Reception Sponsor: Doane Grant Thornton LLP
Ice Bar Sponsor: Beedie
Entertainment Sponsor: Trans Mountain
Award Sponsors: Abbotsford International Airport, FortisBC, Hamilton Duncan, KPU Melville School of Business, KSW Lawyers, Manning Elliott, MNP and Surrey Digital Printing
Media Sponsors: CBC Vancouver and the Surrey NOW-Leader
Community Sponsors: Aplin & Martin Consultants, Forevery Occasion, Glen Chua Media, Off the Reel, the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel, Uber and Vancity
For further information, please contact Jasroop Gosal, Policy & Research Manager and Interim Spokesperson, Surrey Board of Trade, at 604-634-0345 or jasroop@businessinsurrey.com.
