Coleman Industries' owners and principal operators are Brian Coleman and Ralph Hunter. Coleman Industries was formed in 1982 when Brian and Ralph came to live in Nanaimo. They had been business partners and friends since 1973. Both came from a sailing background and had worked on boats for 10 years previously. After working three years at the Nanaimo Shipyard, they chose to move into commercial and residential construction. After completion of their first project in 1985, Coleman Industries became a success and continues to thrive in the Greater Nanaimo area.

Coleman Industries has worked in conjunction with the City of Nanaimo's inspectors and administrative staff for over 15 years. Coleman Industries has also dealt with most of the engineering and architectural firms in Nanaimo, and has an excellent reputation for being able to complete construction contracts on time and within established budgets.

Coleman Industries' past commercial construction and renovation projects include:

• Tillicum House Friendship Centre: Demolition and complete renovation of interior. Two floors, featuring a mezzanine, offices, and rooms for day programs were added.
• Edgewood Treatment Centre: Finishing and joinery were taken over by Coleman Industries after the project had come to a standstill. Coleman Industries' timely completion of the project resulted in a group of very happy owners.
• South Parkway Plaza: Completion of installation of 20,000 square feet of steel truss and metal roofing, including a tower, interior framing and finishing of stores. Coleman Industries continues to work with the folks at South Parkway Plaza on an as-needed basis.
• Trillium Lodge: Construction of a new laundry facility.
• Pat Lebedovich: Renovation of lawyer's office.
• TLC Dog Kennel: Construction of new building, including heated flooring.
• Harbour City Bingo Society: 15,000 square foot renovation, including new restaurant and office.
• Skateboard Half-Pipe for the City of Nanaimo: part of services were donated to the city.
• Nanaimo Association for Community Living: ongoing maintenance of group homes and the revitalization of its administration offices at 26 Commercial Street.
• Kaiser Residence for the Workers' Compensation Board: Full wheelchair accessibility, including a two-storey walk-in elevator for chair user and attendant. Bathrooms, kitchen, doors, windows, and closets have also been modified to add to wheelchair user's access.

Coleman Industries has overseen the residential construction or renovation of homes for the Holdoms, the Guerins, the Shaws, the Gills, the Stevens, the Downs, and the Bergers (pool). Besides additions of complete rooms to existing residences, renovations have included numerous bathroom and kitchen projects, the construction of sun decks, porches, and stairs, and building envelope restoration.

Coleman Industries has developed associations with a number of top-notch sub-contractors and tradesmen in Nanaimo. Brian Coleman and Ralph Hunter are responsible for quality control and work hard to ensure that their customers are pleased throughout the implementation and completion of a construction project.

Coleman Industries' sub-contractors and tradesmen include:

• Terry Marshall Plumbing & Heating (250.755.4028)
  Mr. Marshall is a highly qualified tradesman and is an invaluable asset onsite. Terry has lived in the community of Nanaimo for more than 20 years and is a successful businessman. His approach to work is always first-class.
• Dave Roberts Electrical (250.758.0514)
  Since Mr. Roberts' father Tom retired in the 1980s, Dave has assumed the opration of this excellent electrical business. Having learned the trade from his father, he is highly dependable, and can be relied upon to come to the construction site to save the day on short notice.