The ELLEMBE Team
Over the past decade, our leadership team has expertly managed contracts generating over $2.0 billion in revenue. Many of these projects were situated within the most isolated geographies and some of the most challenging seasonal conditions that can be experienced in this country. Our track record of successfully completing complex projects, particularly in the extreme remote north, is unmatched among Indigenous-owned civil construction firms in Canada.
With this wealth of experience, the ELLEMBE team is well-prepared to assist both emerging entrepreneurs, and well-established organizations, as they tackle the intricacies of business startup or expansion, or the optimization of systems and processes, seizing upon opportunities for growth and sustained success.
Whether the focus is on a specific location, a single project, or a short or long-term engagement, we are committed to lending our one hundred-plus person-years of expertise in support of these ventures. We are the ELLEMBE Team.
Miles Safranovich, P.Eng.
Miles Safranovich, P.Eng., is a distinguished leader with over three decades of experience in the construction industry, specializing in heavy civil, mining, and industrial construction management. His tenure is marked by a consistent track record of propelling profitable growth for both private and public companies, underpinned by his unwavering commitment to fostering a success-driven and safety-focused collaborative culture.
In his role as President & Chief Operating Officer at a major Indigenous-owned, Northern Canadian contractor, Miles led the organization through significant growth phases, highlighted by its strategic acquisition by a larger publicly-listed entity in 2018. This period saw the company achieve a 200% increase in top-line growth from 2018 to 2023, doubling its workforce while maintaining strong project margins.
Before this, while serving at his previous employer, Miles played a crucial role in driving the company’s exponential growth and operational excellence, overseeing $1.0B in annual revenue and culminating in a successful public offering on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges.
A pivotal aspect of Miles leadership was the negotiation of major contracts and Indigenous Joint Venture Agreements, which notably improved Indigenous employment rates on Company projects. These efforts not only secured multimillion-dollar returns for Indigenous and Inuit partners but also significantly contributed to the capacity building of these communities, enabling various ventures to operate as stand-alone entities post-project.
Len McHale
Len McHale brings over forty years of expertise in heavy civil earthworks to his role as an executive leader of a successful Indigenous-majority-owned company. His journey from an equipment operator to Senior Vice President spans critical projects in mine site development, industrial and commercial construction, all-weather and ice road construction and oil and gas exploration. His diverse experience has endowed him with a deep understanding of the requirements necessary to execute projects in the most remote and challenging terrains, more particularly under the harsh and unforgiving conditions of extreme northern climates.
A key aspect of Len's career is his commitment to Indigenous engagement and partnership, through which he has driven both business growth and positive outcomes for Indigenous communities. His capability in developing and executing site infrastructure projects is augmented by his expertise in hard rock bench mining, borrow source/pit development, and drilling and blasting planning. These skills, combined with his knack for strategic problem-solving and business development through partner agreements, joint ventures, and revenue-sharing models, have been crucial in enhancing company sustainability.
Significantly, Len's dedication to Indigenous community engagement stands out. His respectful negotiations and adherence to socio-economic agreements across various territories underscore his commitment to inclusive growth and community development. By ensuring projects not only meet their business goals but also contribute positively to Indigenous communities, Len has established a legacy of creating value that goes beyond mere business success, fostering social and economic benefits for the communities involved.
Brent Saive
Brent Saive has built a distinguished career spanning over four decades in the construction industry, specializing in mining, heavy civil earthworks, and underground pipeline construction. Working in Canada's challenging and remote regions, Brent has proven his exceptional skills in strategic operations and meticulous project management. He consistently ensures the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance in every project he handles.
As a key leader, Brent's expertise extends beyond traditional operational management. He excels in the financial management of construction projects, skillfully overseeing all phases from initial cost estimates and budgeting to financial forecasting, managing project changes, resolving construction claims, and achieving financial closure. His deep commitment to project controls further highlights his dedicated interest in this area.
One of the standout aspects of Brent's career is his active involvement with Indigenous communities. He has spearheaded capacity building and training programs and supported Indigenous Joint Venture enterprises, demonstrating his dedication to forging respectful and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Brent's work also showcases his adaptability in managing labor, supply chain, and fleet management challenges across the country. His approach to relationship management with clients, vendors, and partners is comprehensive and marked by his flexible negotiation skills. Furthermore, his proficiency in human resource management, including union negotiations and effective site personnel management, emphasizes his capability to create a supportive and productive work environment.
Our emblem is a harmonious blend of
vibrant colours arranged in a stylized
triple loop, symbolizing the integration
of diversity, collective effort,
environmental consciousness,
and forward momentum.
The design's vibrant colour palette
and interlinked loops reflect the interconnectedness of nature,
humanity, and the collaborative spirit
essential for a sustainable future.
Diversity
Each colourful leaf of the symbol stands for the rich variety within ecosystems, societies, and ideas. It symbolizes the belief that the blending of diverse perspectives and talents is essential for innovation and growth.
Synergy
The interlocking loops reflect the interdependence of the three pillars, highlighting the strength that stems from unity. It represents the idea that collaborative efforts produce outcomes greater than the sum of individual actions.
Sustainability
The leaf-like motifs echo the elements of nature, emphasizing the importance of ecological balance and the sustainable use of resources. The continuous, unbroken lines symbolize the eternal cycle of life and the responsibility to maintain the integrity of our natural world for future generations.