Larry Kotseff: Vice President of Planning & Development

 “I really enjoy visiting cities in North America and in different parts of the world – I love to experience a diverse range of urbanization and to consider how some of the more exciting features and approaches might be infused into the work we are doing here at Fusion Homes”

Larry is a dynamic planning professional with over thirty years of experience working in the public and private sectors. Larry has extensive skills in land development, strategic planning, growth management and has been instrumental in building the Land Development Function at Fusion Homes.

Before joining the Fusion Homes team in 2007, Larry was the City Administrator for Guelph. Larry has also served as the Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services for the Region of Waterloo, as City Administrator for New Westminster, B.C., as City Administrator for Clarington, Ontario and as Director of Strategic Planning for the Regional Municipality of Durham.

As Vice President of Planning & Development, Larry is responsible for all aspects of Fusion Homes’ land inventory function including new acquisitions, strategic planning and the design and approval of new residential communities.

We asked Larry…

In your opinion, what are the three greatest cities in the world?

“I think if I had to choose my top three favourite cities they would be New York, Boston and Hong Kong - they all have a great vibe and memorable character”

Björn Pabst, MBA, CMA: Vice President of Finance

“To be successful at Fusion Homes you have to be driven and treat this company as if it was your own. The people who do well on our team are the ones who are always striving to learn more, always looking to improve – other important qualities are integrity, loyalty and commitment to quality”

Björn is an accomplished finance and operations executive with a combined twelve years of international management experience primarily gained in an industry-leading consumer packaged goods organization. Björn is bilingual (English and German) and during the course of his career has lived and worked in three continents.

Björn holds a Diplom-Kaufmann from the Fachhochsule für Wirtschaft, Berlin, Germany and completed his B.A. Honours Degree in European Business Administration through Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England. Björn also obtained his Masters of Business Administration and Certified Management Accountant designations through Wilfrid Laurier University.

Björn joined the Fusion Homes team as Vice President of Finance in 2009 and is responsible for leading the Finance, Estimating, Purchasing and IT functions of the organization.

We asked Björn…

If you could live out one fantasy – what would it be?

“To be a Formula One race car driver”

Rob Watson: Vice President of Construction

“I am inspired by our President, Lee Piccoli, and his commitment to our employees (regardless of their role in the company). I will always try to maintain this level of commitment in my day-to-day execution of duties and treat people as people – not as staff”

Rob Watson is a skilled construction professional with over 15 years of industry experience. Rob graduated from the Architectural Technology program at Fanshawe College and worked as a Building Inspector for the City of London prior to joining the Fusion Homes team in 2000.

Rob began his career at Fusion Homes in the role of General Manager of Construction and was instrumental in building Fusion Homes’ reputation for unparalleled quality. As a result of his talent, dedication and hard work, Rob was promoted to Vice President of Construction in 2007.

As Vice President of Construction, Rob provides leadership and coordination of construction processes for all of Fusion Homes’ Construction Divisions. Rob’s main goal is to monitor and analyze building and customer service activity and to ensure that a consistent approach to construction standards and service-related matters is maintained across the company. This is achieved through maintaining a close connection with each of the construction divisions—offering advice, coaching and skill development where necessary to ensure all goals and targets are met. Rob is also responsible for participating in the growth decisions and strategy of Fusion Homes.

We asked Rob…

What do you like to do outside of work?

“When I take time off I usually get out and enjoy nature, I love snowmobiling in the winter and ATV’ing and camping in the summer”

Melinda Smith: Director of Client Services

Tenure with Fusion Homes: Melinda has been an instrumental member of the Fusion Homes team since 2001.

“The type of people who are most successful in the Client Services department at Fusion Homes are people who have great bias for action. This means they initiate, anticipate, are proactive and of course, are also great at creating relationships with our clients. Our approach is not just servicing clients, but making them part of our Fusion Family”

Melinda joined Fusion Homes as one of only three Head Office employees in 2001. Initially, her responsibilities covered a wide range of administrative, operational and project coordination duties. She was influential in writing and developing many of the processes and policies that continue to guide the business today. Most recently, Melinda was promoted to Director of Client Services.

In this role, Melinda is responsible for all aspects of the residential construction operation that touches homeowners. Her focus is to ensure consistent, efficient and accurate systems, processes and information flow between the Sales and Client Services functions so that client expectations are not only met, but exceeded. Melinda oversees the client services team that is dedicated to ensuring delivery of efficient operating standards and customer service excellence.

We asked Melinda…

What is the best quote ever?

“Wisdom is knowing the right path to take … integrity is taking it”

Luis Gomez: Junior Accountant

Tenure with Fusion Homes: Luis joined the Finance team at Fusion Homes’ Head Office in Guelph in January 2011.

“I love working with such a talented team. I am still surprised by how committed everyone at Fusion Homes is to the company and to the work that they do. Being a fresh graduate I really love the open door culture – everyone here is so supportive and always willing to take time to help when I have questions”

Luis was born and raised in Cali, Colombia and moved to Canada in 1999. Luis completed his Business Accounting diploma at Mohawk College, obtained his Bachelor of Accounting degree at Brock University and is currently completing the final year of his CMA designation.

As Junior Accountant at Fusion Homes, Luis has a broad job scope – he assists with the full accounts payable cycle, is responsible for initiating and directing improvements to the Finance department and provides support for year-end activities, monthly reconciliations and to the Finance team in general.

We asked Luis…

What is your favourite thing to do outside of work?

“I live and breathe soccer – I love watching soccer as well as playing it! I’ve even followed my national team to two world cups”

Rene Girard: General Manager of Construction – Guelph II

Years at Fusion Homes: Rene began his successful career at Fusion Homes in 2007.

“The highest level of customer service and unrivaled quality of work  are just two things our clients can expect of the amazing product that we build and of the entire Fusion team. Commitment, drive, pride, leadership and integrity are a few of the important qualities we look for in any new addition to the team”

Rene Girard began his career at Fusion Homes in 2007 as a Site Supervisor and was promoted to General Manger of the Guelph II Construction Division in 2009. Rene proved to be a true “Fusion” person quickly by demonstrating an ability to lead, always being a team player and working relentlessly to demonstrate excellence in workmanship and professionalism.

Rene grew up in a construction family and was in the industry for 13 years prior to joining the Fusion Homes team. General Managers of Construction at Fusion Homes are responsible for the entire home building construction process and manage every aspect of our client’s homes, from overseeing trades and the internal construction teams to walking clients through their home prior to move-in to ensure we have met their expectations.  Rene manages operations at three of Fusion Homes’ communities throughout Guelph and Kitchener, including the company’s flagship community, Privada.  He is also overseeing construction of the company’s state-of-the art new Head Office building located in the Hanlon Creek Business Park, set to open in Fall 2012.

We asked Rene…

What do you like to do outside of work?

“As busy as my role is, I still find time to enjoy camping, skiing/tubing and restoring my 1970 VW Microbus! I also look forward to competing on the Fusion Homes softball team – The Fusion Homers – every year”