Thomas Contracting

Building a Legacy

Francis Thomas Contracting

In the picturesque Haliburton Highlands, where natural beauty meets community spirit, Francis Thomas Contracting stands as a cornerstone of local industry. Founded 90 years ago, this family-run business has grown from humble beginnings into a vital provider of excavation, earthworks, and aggregate supplies.

Britt Thomas, the office manager, and Glen Sharp, an estimator, sat down to share the story of their enduring success and commitment to the community.

Overview of Services

“Francis Thomas Contracting is an excavation and earth working contractor specializing in site development,” Britt Thomas explained. “We prepare land for home construction, operate several gravel pits and quarries, and supply materials throughout the county.”

The company’s services are extensive. “We sell gravel and sand products, perform road and driveway repairs, and install driveways for new properties,” Britt continued. “We also handle site work, including tree removal, excavating, and lot leveling.”

Glen Sharp added, “We do all kinds of excavation, drainage work, and septic pumping. In winter, we offer snow plowing services to help residents access their cottages. We’re also proud to be a major supplier for builders and municipalities within the county.”

Moving earth

Commitment to the Community

Francis Thomas Contracting’s deep roots in the Haliburton Highlands drive their dedication to the community. “The company was founded here and has grown with the community,” Glen said. “Our services have evolved to meet the needs of our clients over the years.”

Britt emphasized the company’s impact on local employment. “We’ve taken big strides in providing full-time employment for county residents, even during the winter months. Our workforce has grown from just a few employees to 45, reflecting our commitment to the area’s economic stability.”

Expansion and growth

The business has expanded its service area significantly. “We used to stay close to Carnarvon, but now we serve areas as far as Haliburton Lake, Harcourt, Dorset, and even beyond,” Britt noted. “Our fleet and equipment have grown alongside our workforce, allowing us to meet the increasing demands of our expanding service area.”

Glen highlighted the company’s adaptability and efficiency. “We’ve streamlined our processes, making us competitive and efficient. This has enabled us to take on additional work and meet the evolving needs of our clients without having to turn anyone away.”

Britt in the office

Sustainability and Innovation

Francis Thomas Contracting is committed to sustainable practices. “With our aggregate properties, we have ongoing remediation programs to restore the land after extraction,” Glen explained. “We put back topsoil and create natural habitats, ensuring our sites remain appealing and environmentally friendly.”

Britt echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of respecting the land. “We take pride in our remediation efforts. It’s about leaving the land as we found it, if not better. This reflects our values and commitment to the environment.”

Partnerships and Future Goals

The company values its partnerships within the community. “We sponsor youth sports teams, donate to non-profit events, and actively participate in community activities,” Britt said. “Being a part of the community means everything to us.”

Looking ahead, Glen sees continued growth and adaptation. “Our future goal is to grow with the community and tackle future challenges head-on. We’re 90 years old this year and are looking forward to our centennial anniversary.”

Britt, representing the future of the company, expressed excitement about the road ahead. “It’s a great feeling to be part of this company. We have a fantastic team, and we’re ready to embrace the opportunities that come with growth and expansion.”