BMI LIMITED - Key Persons
Chris joined BMI Ltd. in 2007 and takes great pride in doing the job right. His dedication does not go unnoticed as he is the first to arrive in the morning and the last one to leave. He is involved in fabrication projects from start to finish. From quoting on bids and when they are awarded, he is on the floor ensuring our client needs are met and exceeded.
Chris graduated from NSCC with a Welding Diploma and has additional training in Applied Leadership and Management and Essential Productivity Skills for Manufactures. Originally from Liverpool, he is a community member of the East Port Medway Town Hall as well as a devoted father to his son Spencer and husband to Katie. When he is at home, you'll often find him building and working on various projects around the house and outdoors.
Outspoken and certainly not shy, the warm and friendly Crystal greets you when you enter our doors. Crystal is the first to arrive every morning.
With a background in hospitality, Crystal is our front line contact to customers and staff. After nine years with BMI, customers always look forward to seeing her, and her colleagues especially enjoy the comic relief she provides. Don't be fooled, those same qualities may not be what she's known for when she switches gears. You will see her playing competitive women's slow pitch on the weekends, and during the week, with the Shore Side Carpentry Freaks, and the Divas.
John's dedication, easy going nature and sense of humour are qualities that help build strong client and supplier relationships. On any work day, you may see John managing the yard, coordinating the trucks, making sure our products are shipped and our clients are happy. He's in charge of purchasing materials and parts and handles the logistics of our operation, all with great ease.
A native of Halifax, John has known the Balcome family while spending many weekends in Blockhouse. He worked at the IWK Hospital and later became self-employed in the areas of electrical, plumbing and construction. John started with BMI Ltd. in 2002 performing contract work before joining the team permanently in 2004.
John likes spending his time boating on his lake front property. It is here where he enjoys hosting friends with his wife, Bonnie of 20 years and is known for his unique open fire culinary skills.
The only daughter of Harry and Nancy Balcome, the original founders of BMI Ltd., Leanne spent hours with her mom in the office cleaning and helping with paperwork as a young girl.
Strong willed (which she says is a Balcome trait), she watched first-hand what it takes to work hard in a business and continues to do so in her current role as Administrator since 2003, which includes handling accounts payable. After studying business at NSCC, Leanne is happy to work with her older brother, Martin, at the helm. When necessary, she can be a great sounding board for the business. She also helps organize many of BMI Ltd.'s charitable contributions to local causes.
Spare time in Leanne's life is rare because she's a busy mom to Amelia, Isaac, and Violet - who you might encounter in the future as the next generation working at BMI Ltd.
Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis said, "The secret of business is to know something that no one else knows." Martin's ingenuity and passion to go against the norm has grown and set him on the path to entrepreneurial success. He is the President and CEO of BMI, a family business he has been involved since his youth, taking over the leadership torch in 2005 from his parents and founders. Martin is a refreshing and unique leader improving BMI to greater sustainable growth, customer satisfaction, and making it one of the best places to work in Nova Scotia.
His time is not all spent growing a family business. He enjoys travelling and running his hobby farm in Blockhouse NS with his wife Miriam of 12 years. Martin spends countless volunteer hours and support as a member and leader of EO and on the board of the Mahone Island Conservation Association as well as other community organizations and events.
Job Titles:
- Founders of Bridgewater Metal Industries Limited
Harry and Nancy are the original founders of Bridgewater Metal Industries Limited. Their creation of BMI has meant years of steady employment for many people and has made a positive impact on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. They laid the groundwork for what has become a provincial success story of a sustainable and thriving business.
Nancy and Harry's adventure into business began very simply. After they left Halifax in the seventies with their first two children in tow, they settled in Blockhouse and built the first 30 x 30 shop. Harry's skills as a builder and his determined nature combined with Nancy's calm and easygoing personality made the two a perfect business duo. With the office in the kitchen of their trailer, Nancy recalls with fondness the 'short commute' to work and the flexibility it gave them to be hands on parents as well as entrepreneurs. Family dinners were a must, but it was back to the office in the evening to keep up with the paperwork.
In 2005, Harry and Nancy were comfortable letting go of the reigns to the second generation, but they continue to provide advice and guidance when needed. They can now enjoy traveling, reading, and fishing but most importantly, spending time with their grandchildren where they reside in Blockhouse.