Steve Barkhouse to receive Algonquin College Fellowship Award
Posted on Monday, May 27th, 2024
Community is an important word to Steve Barkhouse. Growing up in a farming community in Stittsville, he was raised by his parents who he
described as “exceptional” and who taught him that community did for them, and they did for you. His grandfather and father were both drywallers and builders, so he knew early on that a career in the trades was something he wanted to pursue. “I always knew sitting behind a desk wasn’t for me,” he said. “I knew I wanted to be in the construction industry.”
Those small-town values stayed with him and led him to study at Algonquin College, first in the Architecture program before switching to Business Management. He graduated in 1988, then attended and graduated from Lakehead University with a degree in human resources and industrial relations. All the while he describes his sense of community as being ingrained in him as a part of his fabric and make up. He believes Algonquin College shares those same values.
In 1989, days before beginning his first job, he arrived at the new office prepared to sign paperwork only to learn his position was no longer available due to the recession.
With few prospects he decided to open his own business. As a skilled carpenter, he began with small jobs and that led to more opportunities, hiring people and growing his company.
“There was no room for error,” Barkhouse said. “I was able to hire wonderful people and I recognized the value of people, which is really important, so I surrounded myself with incredible people.” Almost 35 years later, Barkhouse and his best friend co-own and run Amsted Design-Build, a firm that employs 60 and designs, builds and renovates custom homes in the Ottawa Valley region.
During the past three decades he’s never left Algonquin College far behind. “I don’t know if I ever left,” he joked. I’d run into alumni and there’s that bond. We held a staff meeting recently and realized 85 per cent of team is alumni.” His business hires co-op students and graduates, he served as a member of the Board of Governors, and he was co-chair of the steering committee that raised funds to build the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE).
“It’s a symbol of the industry and it’s a teaching environment,” he said regarding the ACCE Building. Barkhouse describes it as “ahead of its time.”
Barkhouse believes the intention of a community college is to serve its community and he felt that staying involved was a way to give back, make an impact and eventually provide career opportunities for those who came after him.
When offering advice to graduates he encourages learners to find their passion. He says when you find your passion, working hard isn’t hard work. He also encourages people to treat others with respect, to be brave, bold and confident.
He continues to give back to the community in large and small ways. To mark his business’ 35th year, his company has pledged 35 acts of community service. This includes supporting the Boys and Girls Club’s Camp Smitty with renovations, cleaning up local parks and planting flowers.
He emphasizes that a community cannot thrive without showing up and participating; active contribution and involvement are essential for its prosperity. This community is truly fortunate to count Steve Barkhouse among its members, consistently showing up and engaging in local affairs.
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