Meet Stephen Callender & Natasha Callender-Wilson
Stephen Callender
President, Bass Installation
Natasha Callender-Wilson
Vice President, Bass Installation
Tell us about your company.
Steve: Bass Installation is a glazing firm that provides and installs entrance systems, windows, curtainwalls, and window walls. My first job after moving to Canada from Barbados in 1976 was—of all places—in a glass factory in Scarborough on Barbados Boulevard!
Natasha: I was still a student when I joined the group in 2004. At the time, I worked as a payroll manager while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in administration.
What achievements are you most proud of?
Natasha: Seeing how the skyline has transformed over time when driving downtown and knowing that we have played a part in that change is one of the most satisfying experiences.
Supporting Equity in Construction
Steve: I concur. In 2019, I became involved with a nonprofit organization that works to recruit Black, racialized, and underprivileged individuals into the construction industry. The group also advocates for incorporating community benefit agreements into construction contracts.
Leading the Afro Canadian Contractors Association
That organization was renamed the Afro Canadian Contractors Association (ACCA) in 2021. I believed my experiences could benefit other Black immigrants in Canada who want to start their own businesses, so I accepted the role of president.
Growing Nationwide Impact
Today, ACCA has over 160 contractors and aims to expand its presence to every province in the country.
What else could the industry do to help promote MWDBE-certified businesses?
The Power of Sharing Our Stories
Steve: Let’s start by sharing our stories! Every one of us has experienced hardship, yet we have persevered. For instance, even though I was fortunate not to encounter severe racism during my professional life, I initially hesitated to put my photo on the business website. These stories—and our triumphs over obstacles—need to be shared with others.
A Call to Collaborate
Second, I urge businesses to engage with associations like the Afro Canadian Contractors Association (ACCA). These groups can play a key role in helping to bridge ongoing skills and manpower shortages in the industry.
Natasha: Examining and updating corporate rules to make them more inclusive of different genders and cultures could also be beneficial.
Do you have any advice for someone starting their own business in our industry and beginning the MWDBE process?
Steve: Stay loyal to your roots. It frequently draws like-minded people who will form the cornerstone of your company. Your greatest asset is people. Be careful with them.
Natasha: Hear other people’s tales of how they arrived at their current positions. Take what works for them, pay attention to what doesn’t work, and create your own formula for how you want your company to operate.
Bass Installation worked with Govan Brown on the CIBC SQUARE tower
QUICK FACTS
- Year established: 2003
- Location: Head office in Mississauga; projects primarily in Toronto
- Number of employees: 75–100
- Notable projects: The Well Canopy, First Canadian Place, CIBC SQUARE
- Years of partnership with Govan Brown: 5+ years
