In a construction landscape where diversification is often hailed as the best strategy to navigate market changes and mitigate risks, DSM Excavating has chosen a path less traveled. Steering away from its earlier ventures into civil works, DSM has honed its focus on excavation services. This strategic shift underscores a commitment to excellence in a specialized niche, setting the company apart in the competitive construction industry. Spearheading this transformation are Sareena Atwal, Director, and her brother Nav Atwal, President, who have brought fresh perspectives and a modern approach to DSM’s operations.
Based in Surrey, British Columbia, DSM Excavating delves deep into the earth, taking on projects that range from condominium sites to high-rise developments. The company’s expertise encompasses slab preparation and shoring walls. By sharpening their focus, DSM aims to offer unparalleled excavation services. “We used to handle various civil works, including sanitary storm connections and hydrotel installations,” explains Nav. “We made a deliberate shift to focus on excavation, aiming to become the go-to provider for this specialized service in our community.”
Founded in 1986 by Dave Atwal, DSM Excavating traces its roots to humble beginnings shaped by perseverance and a relentless work ethic. Dave, an immigrant from India who settled in Canada at a young age, faced early challenges in securing work in British Columbia. Starting with just a shovel and wheelbarrow, Dave gradually expanded DSM’s capabilities moving from residential projects to larger-scale commercial endeavors by the early 2000s. His entrepreneurial spirit and determination laid the foundation for DSM’s evolution into a leader in the excavation industry. Dave’s spirit and work ethic were evident from a young age—he was always finding ways to make money, from babysitting cats to snow removal. “Anything he could do, even if it was making a dollar a day, my dad was all over it,” says Sareena. “He always had the mindset that he wanted to succeed.”
Harinder Atwal, wife to Dave and mother to Sareena and Nav, is a pivotal figure in the background of DSM Excavating’s success, crucial to the family’s journey and the business’s growth. While not involved in the day-to-day operations, Harinder’s impact is profound. She serves as the glue that binds the family together, mediating differences and fostering unity amidst differing viewpoints. Harinder’s role underscores the family’s cohesion and ability to navigate challenges while sustaining a legacy of excellence in the construction industry. This base of family values is a critical infrastructure as the next generation of Atwals takes control of operations.
Initially operated from an office in the family’s home, DSM may have called to the siblings early. But the Atwal parents were more concerned with making sure education was a priority. Sareena and Nav, both products of this educational focus, took divergent paths before joining DSM. While Nav’s early passion for the construction industry was evident, Sareena initially pursued a career in corporate finance, gaining valuable insights at Intact Financial Corporation before officially joining DSM last September. In her role, Sareena oversees office operations, finances, and contributes to business development, also managing a diverse portfolio of family businesses including real estate developments and property management. Nav’s journey began around seven years ago, transitioning from construction management studies to hands-on experience at DSM. His progression from laborer to project manager was fueled by a deep understanding of equipment and operations, earning him respect and driving internal growth initiatives. “My dad wanted to give me a tough lesson, to show me this job is not as easy as it looks,” recalls Nav. “Instead of an office role or a management role, I was thrown right in at ground level. I had a shovel on my first day and I remember all of our staff asking me ‘What are you doing here? Did someone call in sick?’ and I said, ‘No, no. I’m here to work.’” Together, Sareena and Nav’s complementary skills and experiences have revitalized DSM Excavating, positioning it for continued success in the excavation industry.
The transition of leadership to the new generation at DSM Excavating has brought both challenges and innovations. Sareena and Nav Atwal have introduced fresh perspectives and modern approaches to the company, navigating the delicate balance between honoring tradition and implementing necessary changes.
“Founded in 1986 by Dave Atwal, DSM Excavating traces its roots to humble beginnings shaped by perseverance and a relentless work ethic.”
One of the primary challenges has been integrating new technologies and work practices into a business that has operated successfully for decades under their father’s guidance. Convincing their father of the benefits of new methods and technologies often required demonstrating their effectiveness firsthand. “It was hard to improve something if I couldn’t prove something,” says Nav. For instance, advanced machinery now equipped with autograde and various safety devices has streamlined operations, reducing the need for manual intervention that was standard practice in the past. Despite initial resistance, Dave Atwal has adapted well to these changes once he saw the advantages, acknowledging the need for modernization to keep pace with industry developments.
A shift in workforce dynamics has been another significant area of change. Sareena and Nav have worked to adapt the company’s culture to better fit contemporary expectations around work-life balance. Unlike the early days when employees often worked beyond their hours out of necessity and loyalty, today’s workforce values personal time and flexibility. This generational shift in attitude has required the Atwal siblings to implement policies that accommodate these preferences while maintaining productivity and job satisfaction.
Sareena shares how their father’s method of tough love has shaped their problem-solving abilities. Instead of providing immediate answers, their father would challenge them to figure things out on their own, fostering a mindset of independence and critical thinking. “He’s a firm believer that you need to be uncomfortable to be comfortable. So he puts us in situations that we are not necessarily comfortable in, but it forces us to learn. It teaches us a lot and it is tough love in a way. But honestly, I think the way he’s done it is the best way he could have done it,” explains Sareena. This approach has proven invaluable, as it has equipped them to handle unexpected issues and innovate within the business. Over time, their father has come to respect their decisions and acknowledge the positive impact of their contributions, even consulting them for advice occasionally.
DSM Excavating distinguishes itself through its unique approach to hiring and employee development. Emphasizing personality and cultural fit over specific skills, DSM fosters a sense of community among its staff. This approach transforms the workplace into a cohesive team environment where employees share common goals and interests beyond work hours. DSM encourages internal advancement, allowing employees to grow beyond their initial roles. “I would say the number one thing that sets us apart is our philosophy: we train, we don’t hire. So when we look for someone, we’re not looking for a skill, but we’re looking for a personality and a mindset and a character. If we have a cohesive relationship with our employees, we firmly believe that they become a part of our family and it’s not just a 9 to 5 anymore, it’s working towards the same goal,” says Nav. This commitment to personal and professional development underscores DSM’s investment in its workforce and sets a precedent in the excavation industry. DSM’s community-centric philosophy extends beyond business operations, supporting employees in personal milestones such as home purchases and financial planning. This holistic support system underscores DSM’s commitment to its employees’ well-being and contributes to their long-term success.
DSM’s status as a family-run business also affords them agility and autonomy in decision-making. This streamlined approach enables DSM to respond quickly to market demands and client needs, enhancing its reputation as a reliable and responsive partner.
DSM Excavating has showcased its expertise in several notable projects, exemplifying its ability to tackle complex challenges with precision and innovation. One standout project, Terra Gardens at Guildford Mall involved a two-level underground excavation encompassing approximately 32,000 cubic meters of dirt. DSM faced significant hurdles, including the relocation of an existing storm line and underpinning an adjacent building to ensure stability amidst adverse winter conditions. Despite these challenges, DSM’s technical prowess and commitment to quality were evident, enhancing its reputation as a reliable leader in the excavation industry.
Another pivotal achievement for DSM was the Pura project for Adera Developments, where their swift action and efficiency rescued a stalled project. Initially engaged with Adera on another project, DSM stepped in when another contractor faltered, competently clearing a month-long stockpile and accelerating project timelines. Their proactive approach and integrity in maintaining fair pricing restored project momentum and strengthened their relationship with Adera, positioning them as a trusted partner for future endeavors.
In addition to these successes, DSM recently completed the Fraser Manse project in Fleetwood, marking their first collaboration with the client in Surrey’s competitive market. Despite the project’s smaller budget, involving 13,000 cubic meters of excavation and shoring for a low-rise park development, DSM navigated challenges such as adverse weather and proximity to a radio tower with meticulous planning and execution. Their dedication to client satisfaction and operational excellence ensured the project was completed on time and within budget, further solidifying DSM’s reputation for reliability and capability.
These projects underscore DSM Excavating’s proficiency, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to exceeding client expectations. By leveraging its expertise and fostering strong client relationships, DSM continues to set new standards in the construction industry, poised for future growth and success. The recent award of the Townline project marks a significant milestone. Scheduled to commence before September, this project underscores DSM’s capacity for handling large-scale ventures and further establishes its position as a leader in the construction excavating sector.
DSM Excavating is poised to build upon its current successes with ambitious plans. Sareena and Nav, leveraging the foundation laid by previous generations, aim to bolster their robust real estate portfolio, expand into new markets, and forge strategic partnerships. Inspired by firms like Adera Developments, DSM plans to integrate vertically by undertaking their own property developments, and managing excavation, construction, and sales processes internally. Sareena’s pursuit of a real estate license is a strategic move towards enhancing DSM’s capabilities to develop, market, and sell properties independently.
As DSM gains a focused foothold on excavating, Sareena and Nav emphasize an integrated approach to growth where DSM oversees every stage of property development, ensuring rigorous quality control and seamless execution.
