This is the contractor you’ve been looking for

It began with two guys, a backhoe and a dump truck.

In 2006, 19-year-old Domenic Franco Madonna founded D-Squared Construction with partner Charles DePonte. At the time, the business was up against a crowded field of small construction outfits, all vying for a share of the same pie.

“D-Squared Construction stood out from this crowd with its organization and professional attitude,” said President Jessica O’Reilly. “We focused on efficiency. When we broke ground on a job, we worked diligently to finish it as quickly and efficiently as possible with the least disturbance for the client and owner.”

Twelve years later, D-Squared Construction’s under 40 management team has proven that startup success stories by enterprising millennials are not limited to Ottawa’s high tech scene.

D-Squared Construction has become a multimillion-dollar business with a reputation as Ottawa’s most reliable construction company. Its client list includes the City of Ottawa, OC Transpo, the National Capital Commission, Ottawa Community Housing and the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.

Thanks to its emphasis on professionalism, work ethic and service, D-Squared Construction now competes with much larger construction companies and conglomerates. The team keeps a tight rein on costs, which gives it an advantage over competitors with higher overhead.

Last year, D-Squared Construction secured multi $5 million contracts for new bus shelters on Ottawa’s new rapid transit system, and to improve transit at three intersections along St. Laurent Boulevard, which are among the busiest in the city.

“Opportunity drives our growth and we are never afraid to shy away from any opportunity we are presented with,” O’Reilly said. “We relish taking on new challenges and work tirelessly to ensure we complete them successfully.”

The team has also developed reciprocal relationships with other construction and landscaping companies, to tackle larger and more complex jobs. D-Squared is always eyeing acquisitions to expand its inhouse capabilities.

“As we continue to grow, finding additional skilled workers in our industry becomes increasingly difficult,” O’Reilly said. “We are always looking for new talent with which to build our team.”