By RENÉ J. ROY
Editor-in-Chief
STEPHENVILLE – While the Dymond Group of Companies might be doing a huge amount of work, it’s not all readily apparent. Performing due diligence, such as meeting the design requirements of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in the airport terminals, is some of the work that must be completed first. These are the types of things that CEO Carl Dymond admits isn’t always something that can be shown to the public.
“Behind the scenes, we’re doing an incredible amount of work,” says Dymond.
There are logistical considerations that must be taken into account as well. The Stephenville Dymond International Airport is able to accommodate any aircraft in the skies, and that is something that must be accounted for during the installation of temporary housing.
“If we take an A380, (when) that thing turns around the jet wash from those four big engines would blow half those tents off the airport. So we have to take all of those things into play.”
Having the proper equipment, machinery, and vehicles in place is another aspect of hidden work that needs to be done before visible construction can begin. Dymond has already ordered the required vehicles, including the fire trucks that he agreed to purchase for the Town of Stephenville.
“The fire trucks are actually being built at the end of this month. They’re on order.”
Vehicles are one thing that most people can relate to when it comes to a bit of a wait for delivery, because of specific customization requests. Ordering customized buildings is something else entirely.
“The Air Traffic Control tower is already on its way,” says Dymond. “So all of the things that we do behind the scenes, that people can’t tangibly see, there is a lot of work. My days are 18 hours.”
Having recently completed a number of online courses, Dymond has done his best to bring himself up to speed with the aerospace industry.
“I have my aerospace engineers that I give carte blanche to do what they need, and when I’m on these meetings with them, when they say the word ’empinage’, I don’t know how to spell that. So when I was typing in empinage, I came up with empanadas, and I thought, “I don’t think they’re talking about meat filled pastries.'”
While he works such long days, it can seem that Dymond himself is suspiciously available to local media, business groups and small organizations. For the head of such a large company to be so accessible is almost unheard of. Indeed, this is the third interview with Mr Dymond in approximately a month. He also spoke recently at a local Chamber of Commerce meeting, and was in town for a few days this week to speak at other local events.
“For me to make time to speak to the Chamber of Commerce, well that’s all of the local business owners that are going to be supporting us long term. So if I stick up my nose at them and say ‘Well I’m too good’, or ‘I’m too important to talk to you’, then how do I expect them to buy in?”
Dymond wants to be part of the community and that means visibility and transparency, including with the local media.
“Your newspaper, that’s just as important as the Globe and Mail in Stephenville to some people,” said Dymond. “I need the community buy-in. I need people to see me for who I really am.”
Rumours and suspicions are something that Dymond deals with on pretty much a daily basis. From being a spy for the Chinese Government, to being part of a secret paramilitary kill-chain, the relentless conspiracy theories is part of what is prompting Dymond to remain so candid and accessible.
“I think part of the public relations push for us is to show that we’re human. I mean, I have a very good team behind me, that does the majority of our work. And for me? I’m the face of the company. I have to be able to speak to you one on one like this. If the national news wants to come speak to me , I’d do that too, but how does that benefit the people of the Bay St. George region?”
The Dymond Group is a very large company, and while the CEO admits he still sees it as a small organization, due to how recently the company grew, he states that he wants people to not see the company as a, “big evil corporation, or a bunch of monsters that puts profits over ethics.”
The visible results that Dymond is focused on at present should be in place this week. The company anticipates that the shelters will likely be erected by Wednesday.
A number of corporate partners are in the area throughout the week also, and Dymond will be hosting a delegation to show what the region has to offer.
“I just love being in the area. I love going to the Pizza Delight. I love going to the store and Mary Brown’s and all that, and shaking hands with people that are genuinely happy.”