Tulloch Engineering: simple secret to success: work hard, play hard.

• Author: Robinson, Nadine
• Position: Five best places to work in Northern Ontario

The Tulloch Engineering office is abuzz with stories of family summer vacation adventures including: golfing, ziplining, theatre shows, waterparks, fishing, and whitewater rafting. What's novel is that these were all paid for by the company.

"Working in the North has its fair share of logistical challenges, but our staff always have the commitment to go wherever, and do whatever is required to get the job done," said Mark Tulloch, CEO. "This has shaped our culture and fueled our success over the years, but also requires staff to spend time away from family and friends. So, we not only encourage vacation for our employees, we are pleased to offer a variety of company paid mini-vacations to enjoy with their families this year."

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Mark and his brother, Dave, took over the business from their parents, Mike and Cathy Tulloch. In 2016, Tulloch Engineering celebrates 25 years in business, with 10 locations across Ontario. Jennifer Sjaarda joined Tulloch Engineering three years ago as one of approximately 160 employees. This past summer, they reached 275 employees.

"It's a big company, doing big projects, but it doesn't feel that way," said Sjaarda, human resources manager. "Employees always rave about the culture. It's family-owned and operated, in every sense ... like everyone has a place at the dinner table and their opinions are heard. Having opportunities like these mini-vacations and the annual holiday get-together at a resort to build relationships between employees and offices is pretty unique, and a great idea since we've grown so much."

Some of the paid "adventures" at Tulloch aren't family vacations, however, just noteworthy customer locations. One such job was on Baffin Island to do survey work for access roads for an iron ore mine.

"I requested the Baffin Island job," said Kevin King, field supervisor and one of the original seven employees who started Tulloch in the Thessalon office. "To me, it was more of an adventure than work. Sure it was cold (-64 C at the most extreme), but I have many great memories of the scenery and of hearing stories from the local Inuit. Working at Tulloch has given me the opportunity to see many remote and interesting parts of our country ... Every day in the field is a new adventure."

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