It all started in 2009 when two brothers secured their first contract with a private developer to construct an RV storage lot. With little experience and even fewer resources, Clint and Stephen Herman leaned on their competitive drive and entrepreneurial spirit to make a name for themselves in the industry. Their company, Ironclad Earthworks, quickly earned a reputation for reliability, quality workmanship and adaptability in Alberta’s construction sector and within two years they had completed their first project as prime contractor. The brothers expanded the team, adding key leaders and talented staff that would help Ironclad excel. Today, the company has field and office staff numbering up to 200 during peak season and about 100 pieces of state-of-the-art equipment, allowing them to mobilize and scale as needed.
“We’ve grown significantly over the years and we have evolved by expanding the scope of the services we offer from basic earthworks to a diverse portfolio of heavy civil and construction solutions,” says Stephen Herman, CFO and owner of Ironclad Earthworks.
That growth led to Ironclad tackling more complex and challenging undertakings, and regardless of whether it’s a $200,000 or $30 million project, the team brings the same superior product, attention to detail and customer service. Over the past 15 years, Ironclad has become a trusted partner in both the private and public sectors, offering expertise in heavy civil infrastructure projects, grading and earthworks for developers and municipalities, renewable energy projects, complex demolition, and deep foundations and site prep for multi-family and commercial developments. The team is also experienced in environmental remediation of contaminated sites, handling everything from hydrocarbon excavation to heavy metal removal, and Ironclad is a go-to company for instream works for cofferdam isolations, river diversions and bank stabilization that protect infrastructure and the environment.
After the 2013 flooding in Alberta, Ironclad emerged as a preferred company to help rebuild across the region, and the company continues to expand its capacity and diversify its services. This spring, Ironclad completed the Cougar Creek Flood Retention Structure in Canmore, and this large-scale civil project involved earthworks, environmental management and civil infrastructure to construct a huge dry dam featuring 185,000 cubic metres of rock. This massive project showed that Ironclad could deliver on high-stakes, multidisciplinary public projects. Whether demolishing a bridge along Highway 1, performing detailed excavating and backfill to develop the Airport Trail interchange, completing all civil excavation scopes on the 42-megawatt DC Conrad Solar facility or handling high-rise foundation excavation for the University of Calgary residence towers, Ironclad does just that: delivers.
“What sets Ironclad apart is our broad scope of services. We are not limited to one niche which allows us to take on varied project types across multiple industries,” says Clint Herman, president and owner of Ironclad Earthworks. “This versatility enables us to support a wide range of client needs, from site prep to infrastructure buildout.”
Ironclad has become indispensable to its long-time municipal, provincial and private clients, from government agencies to engineering companies, commercial and land developers to renewable energy firms. With its broad scope, Ironclad can take on multiple facets of the job, giving clients one point of contact. And no matter the sector or client, Ironclad has proven that the team has the experience and drive to take on the most technically demanding, logistically complex projects and deliver top-tier service on every job.
These projects can be successfully delivered due to careful assessment, planning and execution by Ironclad’s experienced hands-on leadership team and the dedicated professionals who work alongside them. The performance-driven team isn’t satisfied with anything short of excellence, and they collaborate and support each other to ensure they reach those high standards. Ironclad invests in the professional development of its people and in the latest technology that supports this growth. The leadership team empowers staff to flourish within the organization and is committed to putting the comprehensive safety protocols into practice so everyone gets home safely. The result is a positive corporate culture where people enjoy going to work, know they are valued and feel part of the success of the company.
“Ironclad is built on relationships and reputation, both internally and externally,” says Stephen. “There’s a real emphasis on building long-term relationships with clients, employees and communities.”
The team is honoured to have served loyal customers across Western Canada for the past 15 years and is humbled to give back to the communities in which they work and live. On top of having many on the leadership team hold positions in industry organizations, the entire staff is encouraged to join boards and support a variety of local events and charities including DRVN 4A Cure. Whether at the controls of a dozer, in the boardroom or rolling up their sleeves to take part in community initiatives, Ironclad Earthworks aims to be a leading force for progress and growth within the industry and beyond it.
“We take pride in delivering work that’s durable, thoughtful and aligned with the bigger picture,” says Clint. “Our team is excited for what lies ahead and remains committed to raising the bar for construction excellence in Alberta and beyond.”
Suite 230, 6223 2nd Street SE,
Calgary, Alberta T2H 1J5
403-457-1005
