Villagers
I'm Gerry Bourne
Partner
CodeNext
Toronto, ON
What is your current job role and building code experience?
A partner at CodeNext, Gerry has 12 years experience in the Fire Protection Industry with broad experience in specialty detection, special hazard systems, sprinkler, fire alarm, and security. He has managed offices, large installation projects, and teams of technical sales associates.
WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT OUTSIDE THE OFFICE?
I married my high school sweetheart and we are raising some amazing kids. We love the outdoors and enjoy boating and our cottage together.
What impact do you hope to have at Kilo Lima?
As an owner, I think I can offer a unique perspective. My insight is not just as a consultant, but also as a business owner trying to help grow and expand the field of Fire and Building Code Consulting. Things I think about: How do we attract and develop new talent? Why would students be interested in a career in Building Code? How do we motivate and retain top talent with new and exciting projects and initiatives? Outside technical training and experience, what other skill sets are needed for someone to have a rewarding and exciting career in this field?
WHAT’S BEEN A PIVOTAL PROJECT FOR YOU?
During the recent Covid crisis, CodeNext was part of the team building the first emergency pandemic response unit in Ontario. In just 13 days it went from concept to opening with 89 beds. It was exhilarating, exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. It was a pivotal project not just from a community perspective, but also because as a business we had been set up to work remotely and had been strategic and very deliberate in choosing what team members joined CodeNext. Our work culture, our technology, our agility, our communication, and our unique skill sets allows us to respond to our clients needs exceptionally well. It was very rewarding to see all of these skill sets highlighted in such a compressed time frame.
“In just 13 days it went from concept to opening with 89 beds. It was exhilarating, exciting and overwhelming all at the same time.”
WHAT PROJECT OR INITIATIVE HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT LATELY THAT REALLY INSPIRES YOU?
This might feel a bit out there, but with this extra time at home I have enjoyed the new Michael Jordan documentary on Netflix. His story is inspiring, and I think it is amazing to see the hard work, the dedication and the vision that had to happen behind the scenes for him to succeed in his career. It’s been a great reminder of how the great leaders, truly become great.
HOW CAN THE INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTE TO GLOBAL SOLUTIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY?
We can all agree the world is shifting and changing around us rapidly. The Fire Code and Building Code industry can play a pivotal role in how our cities and communities grow and evolve. We are particularly interested in flexible work spaces that allow in a reduction in commuting and reduction of staff in traditional office spaces.