David Carr

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David Carr

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Professional Experience

Summary

As an accomplished executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in the building materials industry, I specialize in driving growth, navigating complex transitions, and leading organizations through transformative change. Most recently, I served as President of Plasti-Fab Ltd., North America’s only vertically integrated EPS company, where I led strategic operations, spearheaded innovative solutions, and guided the company through its successful acquisition by Carlisle Companies.


Throughout my career, I have developed a proven track record of enhancing profitability, market presence, and operational efficiency. I bring deep expertise in private equity environments, having worked closely with The Riverside Company to implement value-creation strategies, including leading Plasti-Fab through its transition from public to private ownership and its subsequent sale. My experience extends to mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and sustainable business practices, with a focus on aligning operational excellence with long-term strategic goals.


In addition to my executive leadership roles, I served on the board of the EPS Industry Alliance, where I advocated for sustainable development and industry growth. I am also completing my Doctor of Business Administration at the Haskayne School of Business, with a research focus on private equity buy-and-build strategies in the U.S. market. I am an avid triathlete, having completed two full Ironman competitions and several 70.3 races. My background as a ski instructor and my passion for running reflect my dedication to personal challenges and continuous improvement.


As I transition to new roles, I look forward to leveraging my experience in corporate growth, governance, and strategic transformation to create lasting value.

KV Capital Inc.

Strategic Advisor (March 2025 to Present)


As an advisor to KV Capital, I provide consulting services focused on investment strategy, business growth, and operational improvements. I collaborate with KV Capital's PE leadership team and select portfolio companies, offering insights that drive value creation and long-term success.


Plasti-Fab Ltd.

President February 2019 to February 2025 · 6 yrs 1 mos


As President of Plasti-Fab Ltd., North America's only vertically integrated Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) company, I led the organization through significant growth and strategic transitions. My tenure encompassed overseeing operations, driving innovation, and guiding the company through two successful acquisitions.


Key Achievements:


  • Financial Performance: Upon joining in 2019, I focused on enhancing profitability and operational efficiency. 
  • Oversaw strategic planning and operational management, enhancing customer satisfaction and profitability.
  • Innovation and Market Expansion: Spearheaded the development of new EPS product solutions, enhancing our market presence in the construction and civil infrastructure sectors.
  • Leadership and Industry Engagement: Led a team of dedicated professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and sustainability. Served as an active board member of the EPS Industry Alliance, advocating for industry growth and sustainable practices.​


Acquisition Highlights:


Private equity (PE) owned. The Riverside Company acquired Plasti-Fab in a public-to-private transaction on December 17, 2021.


On October 17, 2024 - Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL) announced it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Plasti-Fab which closed on December 18, 2024.

EPS Industry Alliance

Board Member February 2019 to December 2024 · 5 yrs 11 mos


The EPS Industry Alliance (EPS-IA) is the North American trade association for the expanded polystyrene (EPS) industry. Our members – more than 50 small businesses located in 44 states – manufacture EPS foam insulation used in building and construction and EPS protective packaging for consumer goods. EPS is a versatile, lightweight material that supports a diverse range of industries and significant sectors of our national economy.

RONA

Vice President Retail - Western Canada

Dec 2011 to Sep 2016 · 4 yrs 10 mos

Boucherville, Quebec, 

Canada


As Vice President Retail - Western Canada at RONA, I was responsible for the strategic leadership and operational oversight of more than 140 dealer and corporate stores, branded as RONA, ACE Hardware, Contractor First, and Palliser Truss, in the Western region. Managing a team of over 4,500 employees and overseeing sales exceeding $1 billion, I had complete P&L responsibility. My key responsibilities included creating and executing market development strategies, optimizing merchandising, and adapting marketing activities to regional needs. I collaborated with Regional Operations Managers and Montreal-based executives to ensure cohesive and effective operations.


Key Achievements:


  • Spearheaded the opening of seven new stores, resulting in a $250 million increase in sales and a $50 million boost in EBITDA.
  • Led the integration of Totem within RONA, strategically closing duplicate stores while effectively managing customer and employee needs during the consolidation process.
  • Launched and developed the Contractor First brand, creating a successful B2B channel, consolidating sites, and ensuring business retention.


Acquisition Highlight:

In May 2016, Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) acquired RONA inc. in a transaction valued at C$3.2 billion (US$2.4 billion).

Dick's Lumber

Vice President and General Manager 

March 2011 - November 2013 · 2 years 9 months

Vancouver, British Columbia, 

Canada


As Vice President and General Manager at Dick's Lumber, I oversaw the integration efforts following its acquisition by RONA. Managing a workforce of 300 employees and annual sales of $200 million, I played a pivotal role in consolidating the market under the Dick's Lumber brand to streamline operations and improve service continuity for loyal customers from Dick’s 40-year history.

Key Achievements:


  • Successfully completed integration of Curtis Lumber into Dick's Lumber, resulting in a consolidated network that enhanced operational efficiency and market presence.
  • Achieved $3 million in cost synergies through strategic consolidation and integration efforts.
  • Collaborated closely with the management team to set and execute the company’s strategic direction, driving significant revenue growth and increasing EBITDA.

Totem Building Supplies Ltd.

Vice President and General Manager

November 2007 - January 2013 · 5 years 3 months

Calgary, Alberta,

Canada


As Vice President and General Manager at Totem Building Supplies Ltd., I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the subsidiary’s operations post-acquisition by RONA. This included managing store operations, distribution, marketing, merchandising, IT, finance, HR, and credit across 18 retail locations, two contract sales divisions, a distribution centre, and a support office. Totem employed 1,200 staff and generated annual sales of $360 million.

Key Achievements:


  • Developed a new store concept focused on a specific customer segment, leading to the successful opening of three new stores and an addition of approximately $50 million in sales.
  • Led the acquisition of Palliser Lumber to vertically integrate purchasing and distribution, resulting in the internalization of $70 million in purchases.
  • Successfully integrated Totem into the RONA network by converting stores, achieving $10 million in annual cost synergies.
  • Renegotiated with non-common vendors and aligned vendor agreements post-acquisition, boosting gross margin by $3 million.
  • Launched an environmental platform to plant 1 million trees.


Director of Retail Operations

January 2005 - November 2007 · 5 years 3 months


As Director of Operations for Northern Alberta and later as Director of Retail Operations, I managed the operations of dozens of store locations, central delivery yards, and a distribution centre. My responsibilities included creating and maintaining budgets, establishing operational standards, and implementing new procedures to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

Key Responsibilities:


  • Managed operations for multiple store locations, central delivery yards, and a distribution centre.
  • Developed and maintained budgets, ensuring alignment with financial goals and operational needs.
  • Established and enforced operational standards to maintain consistency and quality across all locations.
  • Implemented new procedures to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.


Acquisition Highlight:

Rona Inc. (TSE: RON) acquired Totem Building Supplies Ltd. in a transaction valued at C$100 million on April 14, 2005.



Tree Planting Initiative

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