1946 – 2026 Watching Steinbach Grow: A third generation CEO for Barkman Concrete

OCTOBER 10, 2024—After 28 years of leadership, Barkman Concrete Chief Executive Officer Alan Barkman passed the torch to his son Scott, marking another major milestone for the third generation of the family business, which began as a small hardware store on Main Street.

Barkman Concrete was founded in 1948, in Steinbach, by Peter L. Barkman and his brothers, Edwin and Arnold. Seeing an opportunity in the market, the Barkman brothers began experimenting with the manufacture of precast concrete septic tanks in a small shop at the rear of their father’s hardware store.

This not only helped them to solve key issues that traditional septic tanks had, but also allowed them to keep Barkman Plumbing and Heating employees through the slow winter months. In the process, they developed the perfect septic tank, made entirely from concrete, kick-starting their journey into precast concrete production and laying the foundation for what Barkman Concrete is today.

It did not take long to build on this foundation and move into full-scale precast concrete manufacturing, and by 1960, the company had built a brand-new manufacturing plant on Brandt Street, where Barkman Concrete’s headquarters remain to this day. Peter Barkman and his brothers led the company through the latter half of the 20th century, always looking for new and innovative products.

Inspired by the Europeans’ use of precast concrete for paving solutions, Barkman Concrete bought its first concrete paving stone machine in 1975, becoming among the first in North America to begin producing paving stones. With this, Barkman Concrete grew and developed a large line of precast concrete products.

Having grown up around the family business, Alan Barkman had worked in various roles, before 1978, when he, and his wife Joy, bought into ownership of the company. Over the next 18 years, Alan took on new roles within the company, including plant foreman, and Winnipeg district manager.

Then in 1996, Alan became president, when his father, Peter Barkman, retired. During the 28 years as Barkman Concrete’s leader, Alan brought the company from a small concrete factory on the edge of town to a national leader in precast concrete production, with production facilities across Western Canada.

Alan then passed the torch of leadership and has transitioned from CEO to the role of chairman of the board, as his son Scott Barkman took over the active leadership of the company as CEO.

“I am grateful for the work that my father has done. He has truly transformed this company during his time in leadership. It has been a great pleasure to learn from him and watch him lead with humility and patience, as he built strong infrastructure and even stronger teams around him. It is a great honour for me to step into this role and continue the legacy of our family company within the communities we serve.”

When the transition was announced Oct. 6, Alan said Scott was ready to take over as CEO and that the company had been preparing for this day for many years. Scott’s time in the company in the various roles he has held has positioned him well to take on this new responsibility, he added.

Scott has been actively involved in Barkman Concrete for over 15 years. During this time, Scott learned about the company from the ground up, beginning his career working in the yard and manufacturing plant. Scott was instrumental in starting the marketing and corporate communications departments, and as a key member of the executive team, helped drive the company’s expansion in Western Canada.

In 2023, Scott joined Alan as Co-CEO, creating a year-long runway into the transition that came on Oct.6, 2024.

Barkman company president Brian Pries says he has worked with Alan closely for many years and it has been a pleasure to be part of helping him build the company.

“I have had the privilege of watching Scott for nearly all of his career at Barkman. As he has taken on more responsibility in the company, he has proved to be a strong leader. I am excited to work alongside him and see how Barkman will continue to grow under his leadership.”

Barkman Concrete has been preparing for this significant milestone for years. With 76 years of business success behind the company, Barkman Concrete moves confidently into the third generation.