This year marks a major milestone for Barrie Trim & Mouldings Inc. as it celebrates 40 years of proudly serving Barrie and area’s building community. What began as a modest 1,000 sq. ft. retail shop has grown into a state-of-the-art facility and a trusted provider for custom home builders, renovators, and skilled tradespeople seeking quality materials and expert advice. We sat down with company president Lee Whitaker to reflect on their remarkable journey, their impact across the region, and what’s next for this Barrie-based success story.
What does reaching this milestone mean to you and your team?
“For me personally, it’s about remembering our roots. My father started the business, and I’ve been part of it since my 20s. Having him at our 40th anniversary open house was a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come - honouring the past, embracing the present, and ultimately where we are as a company moving forward.
The team is also very proud of this milestone. Reaching 40 years in a competitive and challenging economy for construction, stair, and trim companies means we’ve overcome a great deal along the way. Our team's resilience is something we truly value! It’s been a long journey, and I’m extremely grateful to be celebrating our 40th anniversary. I’m looking forward to 45, 50, and beyond.”
What inspired you to lead the family business, and how do you maintain motivation and passion after 40 years?
“For me, stepping into a leadership position meant transforming the vision, taking something that someone had already put a stamp on, and making it unique. I’ve always had grit and determination, and my motivation came from entrepreneurship. I studied business and have a passion for sales.
Though I haven’t been running the business for all 40 years, our journey makes it feel that way. My passion for construction has really kept me motivated, and I also love working with people! Any business can be a grind, but when you find the right people on your team, you begin to inspire each other to continue what you’re doing. Passion for your business is key, and for me, that’s construction.”
What led you to choose Barrie, and how has the local community and workforce contributed to your growth? How do you see Barrie’s manufacturing sector evolving?
“Our business was rooted in Barrie, so relocating was never an option. Barrie’s strategic central location has allowed us to easily expand our services beyond the city, reaching Toronto, Haliburton, Owen Sound, and more. We started as a retail store and have grown significantly in the market. Our local supporters 40 years ago were from Barrie, and today, our business still has a lot of that foot traffic! I believe word of mouth has played a key role in our local growth. As much as we have competition out there, people want to go to a business with 40 years of experience and a reputation for excellent service. The Barrie community has played a crucial role in helping Barrie Trim & Mouldings become the renowned business it is today.
Being a manufacturing company in Barrie also has its advantages, as we have surrounding neighborhoods around us that help attract more services. As Barrie’s population grows, so does the demand for services, and we believe the manufacturing sector will grow alongside it. With a growing workforce and access to skilled talent, we are well-positioned to meet the increasing needs of the region.”
What do you think has been the key to your longevity and continued success in a competitive industry?
“Our longevity comes down to hard work. Forty years ago, we were one of the few companies in Barrie offering trim and stairs, which became part of the business in 1985. I consider our business a one-stop shop for trim, doors, stairs, and railing.
For continued success in our industry, it is the people who ‘make’ the business that truly makes a difference. Our staff and those who run our day-to-day operations have played an important role in bringing us to where we are today. When the tornado hit Barrie in May 1985, people needed help repairing their homes, and we were one of the few businesses in Barrie able to help. Being able to offer our services during such a difficult time, along with the lasting support we have received from our local community, has helped us build long-term stability and resilience in our industry.”
Finally, what’s next for your company? What’s the vision for the next 40 years?
“Stability and adapting are key words right now. The vision for the future of Barrie Trim & Mouldings is to continue adapting to industry changes and continuing to be a trusted business for our customers. After 40 years, or even after the 20 plus years that I’ve been in the business, you think you have it all figured out. The truth is that every day, every week, and every year is a new learning curve for the development of the business.
In terms of what’s next, I have a big vision to make the business more automated and operationally efficient, running leaner with improved systems. We have several plans in place that we’re currently working on, and if we can streamline some of these processes, I believe it will only make us stronger and more sustainable in the future.”
