Imagine your world next year…
Ewen Dobbie, President

I am sure there will be many New Year's parties this year as we collectivity anticipate with some excitement the close of 2009. I'm not overly confident however, that we should be too anxious to celebrate just yet…

Without question, 2009 has been one of the most challenging in Dowco's 39 year history.  While we were surprised at the depth and length of this downturn, we were well prepared for it.

Always seeking to draw inspiration, hope and positivity from what many see as a seriously negative business situation, I am reminded of the six previous recessions Dowco has experienced since 1970.

Surviving each recession has not only becomes a badge of honor for those companies that survive, it has also served to develop company confidence, credibility and has strengthened/solidified the company within their marketplace.  Surviving recession after recession demonstrates that company leaders can and will make the necessary strategic decisions and changes in order to steer the company away from danger.

Interestingly, many of the important and strategic changes that have been made at Dowco over the years have coincided with a recession, either just before, or just after.  Dowco's entry into the world of CAD in 1981 came at a time when interest rates were in the high teens, and the steel construction industry in BC was at an all time low.  Ten years later, following another recession, a bold decision was made to commit 100% to automated detailing (all CAD – no drawing boards). Then we made the jump from 2D CAD to 3D modeling, and opened our third office in 2000, at a time when the economy was starting another decline.   There is no question that our founder and CEO, Hugh Dobbie held a strong vision for his company.

Vision and clarity of purpose are important in any endeavor, but none is more important than imagination.  Most of us impose limitations on ourselves; only a few use their imagination to create limitless possibilities.  Napolean Hill says – what the mind of man can achieve and believe, it can achieve.

Famous Architect Frank Lloyd Wright claimed the human race built most nobly when limitations were greatest and therefore when most was required of imagination in order to build at all.   Companies that take initiative, bold and creative steps are companies that can see, project and predict themselves into the future.  Whether it’s an investment in new software technology, equipment, or whether it’s incorporating another level of service or product, we need imagination to think ourselves out of this recession.

Limitations often have been the best friends of architecture.  As we build and plan for 2010 and beyond, limitations may turn out to be our best friend since they require imagination to rise above them.  "A soul without imagination is what an observatory would be without a telescope."

As the festive season approaches and 2009 draws to a close, we are gifted with the opportunity to spend time with our families and friends, to reflect on the year past and look forward to a New Year full of promise, imagination and opportunity.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season and an exciting and fulfilling New Year.