Lance Sparling, President

Lance completed his first year of university at UBC in 1973, before choosing to join his family business. He worked with his father for ten years before purchasing the business from his family. After another ten years of building Spar Group into a $40M manufacturing and marketing business with 500 employees, Lance sold it to pursue other interests in 1993.

Since selling Spar Group in1993, Lance has pursued many investment, real estate and entrepreneurial interests. He spent 5 Years co-founding ViRTUS and sold his interest to his partners in 1999 to pursue his passion in Real Estate Construction and Development. In 1999 he built his first Sunshine Coast project “ The Embers” a 5000 sq ft Timber Frame Lodge and Wakefield was born. Over the past 12 years Lance has found some of the best Construction talent working on the Coast and Wakefield has grown to be one of the largest companies on the coast known for building “on time -on budget” with a commitment to the environment and our community.

Lance was a YPO (Young Presidents Organization) member for sixteen years and since graduating in June of 2004 (he did turn 50), he is now a member of WPO (World Presidents Organization). He has experience with The Executive Committee (TEC), and was a C.A.F.E. (Canadian Association of Family Enterprise) member for over 10 years. He has held a variety of executive positions with these organizations and was a Director of the C.H.H.M.A (Canadian Hardware Housewares Manufacturers Association). He is a Founding Director of the Coast Community Builders Assocation (CCBA) and is currently the Vice President. Lance is a board member of the Sunshine Coast Rotary Club.

Larry Donen, Chief Brand Officer

Larry Donen is a genuine brand steward, and one of the original creators of the Wakefield Brand.  As president of Traction Creative Communications Larry developed and directed our brand story and identity of Wakefield Homes.  Under his stewardship we launch the company and our first development project Wakefield Beach in 2003.  Larry has worked with some of BC’s best developers and home builders over the past decade, including companies like: Intracorp; Concord Pacific; Cressy; Omni; Parklane Homes and most recently Vesta Properties.  Larry also has a strong back ground in mixed use and resort developments working directly with Intrawest; Ivanhoe Cambridge and Morguard Properties.

Larry is well known by the businesses he has built and the brands he has stewarded over the past 20 years in British Columbia. Brands like the Vancouver Canucks, Grizzlies, BC Lions, Vancouver Giants, White Spot Restaurants, Tourism Vancouver, YVR, Whistler Blackcomb and Intrawest Resorts have all benefited from his distinctive approach to building a true brand.

Larry is an active board member of Tourism Vancouver and on the Advisory Council for Re-think Tourism. He chairs the marketing committee for Tourism Vancouver.  He Co-Chaired, Professional Sport Franchises Marketing and Merchandising (94 – 96). Larry was on the board for the 1994 Grey Cup and 1996 PGA Air Canada Championship.

Five years ago Larry followed his passion for teaching, and became a PT educator at BCIT School of Business.  Larry teaches brand and marketing classes, shaping the minds on aspiring marketers. Larry graduated from the University of Manitoba with a degree in Business Economics.  Larry lives in West Vancouver with his wife Nancy, his children Graham, Leah and Rascal (the favorite member of the Donen clan).

 

Business Development Team

Ray Dierolf, Business Development

Ray started his career in the construction industry 22 years ago. He began his training in Vancouver. Ray has enjoyed being a resident of the Sunshine Coast for 17 years, during which time he has been involved in all aspects of construction.

Ray had a successful contracting company, working on a wide variety of commercial and residential projects. Ray is a red sealed journeyman carpenter, certified green roof installer, certified built green contractor and has received a certification in project management.

Ray has been with Wakefield for 4 years. His first role was the site supervisor for the first phase of Wakefield beach ,a 31 unit multi -family development. He then took on Construction Manager and helped the company grow to work force of over 70 personnel. He has also successfully managed the completion of over 20 projects raging from large custom homes to commercial projects.

Ray’s role is now in business development. He is working towards continuing to develop Wakefield in its efforts to ensure quality and sustainability. He has a strong belief in providing his clients with the most cost effective and timely product, while ensuring the building process to be an inclusive experience. He prides himself on building peace of mind.

Larry Hunt, Business Development

Larry has been working in the construction industry for over 25 years. He started his career in the Fraser Valley, undertaking a variety of home renovation projects. Larry relocated to the beautiful Sunshine Coast in 1990 and quickly established himself in the local home renovation market, building client base on the foundation of highly personalized customer service.

In 2000, Larry entered into a business partnership and expanded on this construction experience to incorporate custom home building, with an emphasis on highly personalized customer contact. Listening to client concerns and responding with creative and effective solutions is the approach Larry has always prided himself on and now brings to Wakefield and the business development team.

Larry looks forward to maintaining past relationships and building new “Raving Fans” client base with Wakefield.

Aysha Costello, Business Development Coordinator

Aysha’s background in design/construction and administration began in Australia 8 years ago, her homeland. Her earlier experience in construction focused largely on commercial/retail projects, increasing her construction knowledge and problem solving skills. She moved to Canada in 2007 where she gained experience in private residential and multi-family projects before delving into the real estate and marketing sector. Her diverse work experience adds a unique set of skills and balance to the Business Development team. Aysha’s favourite pastimes on the Sunshine Coast are kayaking, gardening, hiking, biking and socializing; anything outside and under the sun.

Construction Team

Mike Ryan, Operations Manager

Michael has been a resident of the Sunshine Coast since 1973.   Prior to Mike joining Wakefield, he served in the Canadian Air Force as a Lieutenant in the capacity of Planning Officer at CFB Esquimalt in Victoria.  On moving to the Coast, he was the Owner, Manager of Fjord Homes, formerly Fjord Design Construction Services for a period of 38 years.  Additionally, Michael has worked as the Relief Building Inspector for the Town of Gibsons and held the position of Housing Consultant for the Sechelt Band for 25 years. Michael is married to Stephanie and they have raised 4 children together on the Sunshine Coast.  Mike’s extensive knowledge and comprehensive experience in the construction and design industry on the Coast brings to Wakefield his strong track record of sound judgement, the ability to interact productively with a wide range of personalities and cultures and build strong business relationships based on accountability and integrity.  Mike served on the Board of Directors for the Sunshine Coast Credit Union for 15 years, 2 of which he held the role as Chairman; and chaired the Sunshine Coast Business Development Centre for 5 years.  Currently, Michael serves as Co-Chair of the CAP Committee in the Restorative Justice Program and is a volunteer coach with the SC Special Olympics.  Mike is an avid golfer and a “Rock Hound”.

Steve Stevenson, Construction Manager

Steve has been working in the construction industry for over a decade. He holds a degree in Geography from the University of Victoria, with a focus on Urban Development/Planning and Environmental Studies.Steve started his career on large scale condominium projects in the Greater Victoria area.

In addition, Steve completed a 10 month contract project for Victoria General Hospital, in which seismic upgrading to all hospital systems was undertaken.From there, Steve moved back to his home town of Gibsons and began to build custom homes from one end of the Sunshine Coast to the other. Steve joined Wakefield Homes nearly four years ago as a lead carpenter. He moved in to a position as the Assistant Site Supervisor on Phase 2 of the Wakefield Development. Currently, Steve works as the Construction Manager for Wakefield homes; directing all construction projects and personnel.

Leighton Bell, Construction Manager

Leighton Bell has been working in the Construction Industry for over 20 years. He started his commercial experience by working in Brooklyn, New York on high rises. After working on several large commercial projects in New York he worked on commercial office and warehouse complexes in Antigua and the Dominican Republic. Upon returning to the United States he started his own construction company building turn key commercial and residential buildings. Soon he and partners started a corporation continuing to do commercial projects and expanding into development of subdivisions and office complexes.

Sometime after marring a lady from British Columbia he began seeking a company to work with and area on the Sunshine Coast to move his family. Following much searching he found both a community and company he wished to become a part of. Wakefield and the Sunshine Coast has become a new home for Leighton and his family and he hopes to contribute much to the community working as a Project Manager for Wakefield.

Jay Harris, Construction Supervisor

Jay & his family moved to the Sunshine Coast three years ago. He received his education as a General Carpenter at Georgian College in Ontario where he graduated with honors. He trained in the art of custom home building in the Whistler/ Pemberton area under the guidance of Graham Murphy  (Murphy Corp.) of Liverpool, England and Andrew Howell (Aussie) of Howell Holdings Ltd. Jay believes the art of home building is efficiency, accountability, quality and a passion for what we create.

 

 

Craig Irwin, Construction Supervisor

Originally from Don Mills, Ontario, Craig began his career in construction over 25 years ago and has experience managing projects from design concept to completion.

With his strength in design conceptualization and construction techniques, he has managed wide variety of more than 35 homes, ranging from $100k to $10M. He oversees timelines and trade coordination, and provides good-natured leadership to on-site construction staff.

Craig has called the Sunshine Coast home for 20 years. He lives with his wife Gioia, and enjoys spending time with his daughter, two stepsons, and two grandchildren. His other hobbies include playing hockey and hiking around the beautiful Coast Mountains.

Brad Robinson, Construction Supervisor

Brad grew up in the Lower mainland, where he started his career at an early age, working for his dad, George, from whom he learned his trade. He attained his Journeyman Carpentry Ticket in 1978 and three years later, moved his young family up to the Sunshine Coast. He continued to gain a varied experience in the construction industry in commercial and multi-family building, but predominantly in custom home building where he has enjoyed an excellent reputation, with customers as well as sub-trades.
Brad has a keen interested in classic muscle cars, which led him to become involved in drag racing as founding member and past vice-president of the Sunshine Coast Drag Racing Assn.

Brad’s goal with respects to the company is to bring his knowledge and experience to the company to further help maintain the level of professionalism.
Brad and his wife Shelley, who recently became empty nesters, are happily residing in Davis Bay.

Dan Olsen, Construction Supervisor

Dan has been building custom homes on the Sunshine Coast for over 10 years, where he has had the opportunity to work with many exceptional carpenters.  Before joining the team at Wakefield Homes, Dan had owned his own construction company for several years.  Wakefield Homes has given him the opportunity to expand his knowledge by working on some amazing projects such as the Wakefield Beach Development.

Dan is a big supporter of the Built Smart practices and has completed several courses in this area.  He hopes by doing so that he can ensure quality, efficient and clean work within the home in which he builds.  Dan believes in creating a better future for the community with efficient and green building practices, this will ensure a cleaner future for our society.

Dan is married to his loving wife Candace and has a beautiful new baby girl named Brooke.  Dan is also a lieutenant with the Halfmoon Bay Fire Department.  As well, he enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle, exploring the beautiful Sunshine Coast in his kayak.  He is also an avid runner; you might even spot him running up and down the coast.

Ken Peterson, Construction Supervisor

Ken started an apprenticeship in carpentry after graduating high school in the Yukon. He has been in the industry for 30 years. Having managed commercial and residential projects both here in Canada and abroad (Japan and the Cayman Islands) he has gained valuable knowledge in every aspect of construction. Ken feels very strongly about the need for safe, clean and well organized construction practices on all his projects. With his attention to detail you will be in very good hands with Ken overseeing your build.

 

Administrative

Liz Down, Financial Administrator

Prior to joining Wakefield Homes in 2004, Liz was no stranger to construction. She was “hands on” in the building of her first home in 1984 including the hand splitting of shakes! Most recently Liz & her husband designed and built a carriage house in 2003 and their new home in 2007 – all were owner/builder projects. In addition, Liz brings a combination of 19 years in both Business and Personal banking and 9 years as the General Manager of a Wholesale Company. She has brought a wealth of financial and professional experience to the team.

Liz is a passionate gardener and loves to paddle when time permits. An active volunteer in the community, Liz and her husband Pete live in Halfmoon Bay.