Jim has spent more than 40 years in the Construction industry and was part owner of Traugott Construction, a general contracting firm whose area of expertise was in the big box stores and shopping malls. Jim retired from contracting in 2005.
During his time in the industry, Jim chaired the GVCA’s general contractors section and was involved in its labour relations work for many years. He complemented that with stints as director and president of the Ontario General Contractors Association and later the Council of Ontario Construction Associations before joining the board of Infrastructure Ontario after he formally retired from contracting in 2005.
Jim is an active volunteer in his community supporting many community events including The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, Good Friday Fish Fry and the ElmiraKiwanis Haus (Oktoberfest) He was Chair of the Kiwanis club in 2008 and remains an active participant in this club.
Jim has been an adjudicator for the GVCA Building Excellence Awards for the past 6 years.
GVCA annually inducts an individual who has given their time and expertise to help make our communities great places to live, to the construction industry through ethical business practices, and to the GVCA, by giving back to the construction industry.
"Jim was a natural pick" said Martha George, President of the GVCA. "He is an expert in the industry, knowledgeable, interested, and committed to making lives better."
Since introducing the Hall of Fame in 2006, GVCA has honored may great leaders in the industry, and Jim is the perfect recipient.
For his outstanding work in the industry and his unwavering commitment to integrity and ethics, Jim Schwindt is the GVCA’s 2017 Hall of Fame award recipient.