Board of Directors Nominees

Darren Bassett is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in manufacturing operations. For the past six years, Darren has been the General Manager of SRI Homes, bringing his expertise and leadership to the modular construction industry. His career spans 35 years, during which he has managed and worked in various sectors, including Composite, Forestry, and Modular Construction industries.

A certified Lean Manufacturing Black Belt, Darren is committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement. His dedication to the field is further evidenced by his roles as Chair of the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) Modular Construction Council and as a member of the Board of Directors at the Manufactured Homes Association of British Columbia (BC).

Darren is extremely passionate about using modular construction to address the affordable housing crisis in BC, believing that innovative building techniques can provide sustainable and cost-effective housing solutions.

Beyond his professional life, Darren is an avid golfer and baseball player. He has also contributed to his community by coaching hockey and baseball for several years, demonstrating his commitment to fostering teamwork and sportsmanship among young athletes.

Darren Bassett’s blend of professional expertise, leadership roles, and community involvement makes him a prominent figure in the modular construction industry and a dedicated advocate for affordable housing solutions in British Columbia.

Kirsten has been active in the construction business since 2010, starting her career as a design consultant in flooring and working her way into the construction and development industry under the mentorship of Kevin Edgecombe, with whom she collaborated closely with for eight years before moving to Wilden. At Wilden, she has spent the last two and a half years contributing to the company’s reorganization through her human resources, interior design, and operations abilities; a multifaceted role that challenges her daily.

As an incumbent Director of the CHBA-CO board, Kirsten is eager to continue advocating for Kelowna's construction industry; getting involved in the Women in Construction committee promoting women's involvement in trades and other facets of the construction industry. She firmly believes in women's innate organizational and leadership abilities and is committed to achieving gender parity in the industry. Kirsten is enthusiastic about embarking on another term with the CHBA-CO board, leveraging her experience to further enhance its impact and operations.

Kendra Dunn comes from a rich background spanning various industries, bringing a wealth of experience to the Norelco Cabinets team as their Sales Manager. She started her career in retail as a buyer for one of Canada’s largest retailers, quickly climbing the corporate ladder while simultaneously exploring her passion for design and construction through home renovation, flipping, building, and selling homes. This journey has established her as a prominent voice within the residential community in Kelowna for the past ten years.

Kendra firmly believes that CHBA's members are the best in the industry and feels privileged to work alongside and support this incredible group of individuals.

Brendon is the Principal Energy Advisor at Egnite Sustainability Inc. He was born and raised in Kelowna and has been a life-long witness to the rapid growth of the Okanagan Valley. While in high school he got his start as an electrician. By 21, he was a Journeyman and worked in all facets of the industry from residential, to commercial, and industrial in the role of Project Coordinator and Estimator. He is also a Sustainable Building Technologist and Registered Energy Advisor. His construction background and education provides a whole systems thinking approach to delivering and supporting the construction industry in navigating the new BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Codes. He has been an advocate for providing education to industry and is actively involved in the Technical Research Committee.

Cole is an assurance manager with BDO Canada LLP located in the Kelowna office. He is originally from Penticton and has lived across Canada playing Junior A Tier II and Major Junior hockey in various provinces. After his playing career he obtained his Bachelor’s of Business Administration with Honours in Accounting and his Chartered Professional Accounting designation in Northern Ontario. While working in public accounting in Sudbury Ontario he worked on a number of audit engagement files within the residential and commercial construction industry where his interest in the industry grew. In joining the board, he hopes to develop further knowledge and insight relating to the residential construction industry and providing value with his current skill sets.

As an architect and developer who has worked in multiple countries, Gordan Karau can bring a unique perspective to CHBA CO. He is a third-generation builder. His grandfather was a home builder in northern BC; and his father was in industrial construction in the resource sector in northern BC. Gordon’s focus is on continually improving upon the quality the build environment and on leaving a legacy of quality, thoughtful planning, superb execution.

Interest in CHBA board seat is driven by a desire to work with the organization to develop and implement policy recommendations that address housing affordability challenges. Topics for investigation and advocacy could include: a review of Provincial land use policy with a view to expanding the stock of available land upon which to develop in BC; an expansion of financial tools/incentives available to builders to stimulate construction; a review of provincial energy efficiency standards to ensure that they do not unnecessarily burden home builders and their customers, home purchasers, with unnecessary costs.

Brian has been the owner of Fireplace Den & Deck since 2019. In that time he has expanded the Kelowna store by more than 40% and has opened a location in Vernon to serve the North Okanagan.

Prior to moving to Kelowna, Brian helped the Vancouver Island Home Builders Association on an ad hoc basis over a 25-year period. His growing involvement with the North Okanagan building community, coupled with his business’ deep roots in the Central Okanagan allow him to represent and advocate for a wide range of members at the Board level.

Brian will bring over 25 years experience in government advocacy skills and knowledge to the Board – negotiating and meeting with local, provincial and federal representatives. As the CHBA-CO moves forward, skilled representation and communication with government is needed, and Brian has the background to achieve the goals of our members.

Brian has volunteered all his life – from coaching his childrens’ sports teams; volunteering with Swim BC; sitting on Boards for community, professional and fraternal organizations; and being an honourary lifetime member of Rotary.

The CHBA-CO Board is looking specifically for members from the North Okanagan and with government advocacy experience. Brian meets both requirements and with your support, looks forward to using his experience and skills to assist CHBA-CO in the coming years.

Jacob is a second-generation home builder having grown up in the home building industry. His early summers during high school and university were spent working and learning various aspects of new home construction. He has over 25 years experience working for new home construction spanning sales, marketing, business planning, operations and service and warranty in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. 

In fall of 2012, Jacob’s passion for new home housing excellence and a commitment to customer care that blossomed into Everton Ridge Homes. Having worked through construction management and a flair for personal interaction with his customers, Jacob has brought his vision to the Okanagan Valley. 

When not working, Jacob enjoys skiing, golfing, coaching lacrosse and spending time with his family. Jacob loves all the activities that the Vernon Community has to offer.

Delaney is an associate lawyer with Pushor Mitchell LLP and works closely with former Board member Mark Danielson.

In joining the Board, she hopes to deepen my knowledge and increase my visibility within the residential construction community. Delaney is eager to work and network with industry leaders and contribute her legal expertise to support the Board's decision-making processes. 

Delaney maintains a broad litigation practice with a focus on contractual and other business disputes. Delaney was born and raised in Saskatchewan. She received a Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) from the University of Saskatchewan and a Juris Doctor from the University of Victoria. During law school, Delaney volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada for the MS Society of Canada. 

Sandy Morris is the owner and licensed builder for Sandmor Construction. She has been involved in the building industry for over fifteen years. Getting her start with an electric contractor as a Project Manager/Estimator for residential construction. Learning her way through the estimating part of home electrical was new and challenging but very exciting. This was her break into the construction industry, from there she was hired on by a local developer as a Site Manager, learning from the ground up how town houses made their way from a hole in the ground to turning the keys over to the new homeowner. With all this experience she was able to secure a job as the Construction Manager for a new housing development going in at Tower Ranch in Kelowna in 2014. In this role she was in charge of the entire site as far as home construction was involved, building 28 homes in two years. She looked after moving the new homeowners into all these homes.

After some restructuring with this company in 2017, Sandy decided it was time to look at starting her own business. She was able to work with a couple of local builders as a Project Manager as she was building her own construction company.

CHBACO Board of Directors from 2020 – 2022 and 2023 - present, in her time on the board she started the Women In Construction Committee. With the committee’s goal to work with young girls and women and show them the way into the construction industry with education, bursaries etc. Sandy was chairperson on this committee for 2 years and is still a member of this committee.

Clayton has been a resident of Kelowna since 2016, where he has been actively engaged in the mechanical side of the construction industry for the past 17 years. His experience encompasses eight years of project management and6 years in partnership with Quality Air Care. Clayton has dedicated his time not only to his company but also to the CHBA-CO (Canadian Home Builders' Association - Central Okanagan) through involvement in various committees, including Technical Research, U40, Awards and Hiring Task force committees. 

He has contributed to numerous high-efficiency home projects throughout the Okanagan region and has played a role in educating others during the implementation of step code regulations. Through his involvement with the board, Clayton aims to offer a professional perspective as a mechanical trade expert and serve as a knowledgeable advocate for subtrades involved in construction.

Outside of work, Clayton enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly kayaking or biking with his family.

My background in the construction industry is long-standing. This industry has been part of my life since before I can remember. I was born into a family of builders. My Grandfather was a builder, along with my father, and my uncle. My parents moved to the Vernon area and started Gavin Parsons Homes Ltd. in 1975, focusing on residential construction. Gavin was a Red Seal Carpenter. I followed in his footsteps and obtained my Red Seal ticket in 2004. I bring with me over 20 years of experience in this industry.

There are no shortage of challenges running a company in the construction industry. In the past, and in the present, the conversations around our dinner table have always featured the latest in what was going on in the industry and how it was affecting the family business. I know that the CHBA has brought positive change and I want to be part of continuing that. It fills me with pride to continue my father’s legacy. He was the President of the North Okanagan chapter of the CHBA until it amalgamated several years ago into the CHBACO. I would also like to leave my mark with the association and on the home building industry.

I have always been proud to be a member of the CHBA. When I took over the company in 2016, the first thing I did was become a member. I took all the required courses and rebranded the company as Parsons Family Homes. We focus on energy efficient building practices and building comfortable and energy efficient homes and developments.

I look forward to continuing my good relationship with the contractors and building officials in Vernon and the surrounding area. It is my hope that I can bring in new members from the North Okanagan by showing them the benefits of this membership. I hope to encourage new membership.

Geoff Pears, the General Manager of CorWest Builders in Kelowna, plays a crucial role in overseeing business development, safety, and day-to-day operations. His responsibilities include collaborating with the development team and consultants, supporting project management, and implementing business development strategies. Being born and raised in Kelowna, Geoff has witnessed significant change and growth in the Central Okanagan over the past four decades. With 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Geoff’s journey began as an apprentice in 2002. Since then, he has worked as a site supervisor, project manager and for the last six years as a general manager. His deep involvement in the industry has underscored the inevitability of community growth. To ensure sustainable progress, Geoff emphasizes education, safety and environmental consciousness in the Okanagan region