Meet Chris Hill, Founder & President, BCollective Homes Inc. Chris is a trailblazing innovator in the construction industry with over 20 years of experience and a passion for sustainable development. As the president of BCollective Homes, a formally BCorp-certified company now a certified BC Green Business specializing in offsite construction for the missing middle in Greater Vancouver, Chris is redefining how carbon-zero, high-quality homes are built cost-effectively and with minimal impact on the environment. A driving force behind BOSS (Building Offsite Sustainable Systems) and a former board member of Passive House Canada, now a board member of Small Housing BC Chris champions energy-efficient offsite construction methods and electrification to inspire change across the homebuilding industry. A former triathlete, he brings the same focus and determination to creating a greener future.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
During high school summers, I worked as the gas guy at the Penticton Marine, pumping gas and renting boats. Being near the water was something I always loved, and I quickly realized that work is much more enjoyable when you do something you love. With my dad’s guidance, I started my own business teaching water skiing. I leased a boat, advertised lessons, and ran the business for a few years. That was my first taste of being a business owner, and it taught me so much.
If you think back on leaders who inspired you in your career or leadership style, who were they and why were they inspiring?
My dad, Rob Hill, was an entrepreneur who had a very successful career, and he greatly influenced my path. After university, where I studied economics, I got into lumber brokerage. Paul Bouchard, who ran BP Wood, became my mentor for many years. We were a nimble organization, always thinking about how to provide value to the supply chain including large saw mills to retailers. That’s how I developed an interest in wood and its science as a building material. During this time, I learned a lot about sales—dialing for dollars—as well as operations and finance. However, I eventually realized that the work I was doing was misaligned with my values. I found myself inspecting trees that were being cut down, processed, and shipped to China to be turned into picture frames for Walmart in the US. This values-disconnect caused a lot of internal stress. I got sick, left the business, and went through a divorce. Thankfully, with the help of friends and Katilin —who became my wife—I found my way back. Kaitlin brought a lot of light into my life. I focused on my health, becoming really fit through Ironman, meditation, and better nutrition. I also earned my CPA, CMA designation and started a construction business, aligning my work with my values and building a life I am proud of.
What motivates you every day?
I have three kids, and I strive to do my best for them every day. The climate crisis demands a long-term vision in all we do. I believe in the greater good - lifting everyone to the same standard of living and opportunity. I want to make a positive impact in everything I do.
What do you want to change in the world and why?
I’ve always been deeply focused on climate change and environmental impact, and more recently, on creating affordable housing, particularly for Indigenous communities. Our goal is to ensure people can live in the best possible environment—one that provides heat, electricity, clean air, water, and healthy communities—so they can thrive without fear of getting sick. We aim to be both profitable and purposeful. If you haven’t already, check out The Gap and the Gain by Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan. It’s a great reminder to celebrate the purposeful gains and successes that one has achieved along the way.
What is the purpose and vision of BCollective Homes Inc? And how has been clear about your purpose and vision benefited you and your company?
Our vision is to help deliver affordable, sustainable, and cost-effective housing for communities, with a focus on off-site construction.
This approach reduces waste, allows for the use of diverse materials, and improves quality control—a method already widely adopted in Europe. Being clear about our vision helps us attract like-minded talent and forge partnerships rooted in shared values. When collaborating with other B Corps or green certified firms, there’s no need to justify what we’re doing or why—we’re already aligned.
What one piece of advice would you give other CEOs and leaders regarding leading with purpose?
Having a peer group to share stories, learnings, wins, and losses is invaluable. The journey is long and challenging, but these groups provide support and make a big difference.
What one question would you like to ask other purpose-led CEOs?
How do you balance profit and purpose when making decisions?
One question from the CEO we interviewed before you, Richard Lu, President and CEO, SolarBank Corporation.
How do they create a productive team that delivers on the purpose of the organization?
Establish the right culture and understand the impact of a bad apple. I am transparent to a fault - we engage at all levels and encourage others to make decisions aligned with purpose and values. It’s about being present, available, and demonstrating those values in action.
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