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Yesterday’s vision is creating tomorrow’s success

Terry McQuillan Founding Partner    Cameron Gatey Current CEO   Gordon Petersen Past CEO    Dundurn Place, Head Office (1975-1996)

Urban Systems’ success today is reflective of the foundation laid when founder Terry McQuillan created the company in 1975.  After working in a firm that was resistant to change and dedicated to generating wealth for a handful of shareholders, Terry made the courageous decision to quit a secure job and create something different.  As a young person himself (36 years old), he recognized the value of creating real opportunities for young professionals and technologists. Terry’s leadership talents and spirit of generosity led him to share not only the opportunity of hard work and responsibility, but also the potential of ownership and rewards.

 

With this in mind, he forged the shape of Urban Systems to:

• operate as a professional practice rather than a conventional consulting business by practicing shared ownership and leadership. As well, this meant the elimination of profit centers.
• serve as a vehicle for people with common values, complementary skills and shared vision to work together in a supportive, stimulating, inspiring and rewarding environment
• remain at a size to ensure that everyone can stay connected
• be dedicated to providing excellent service to clients
• encourage people to have fun at work
• outlast the founding partners

In October 1975 in Kamloops, BC (where our head office remains today), Urban Systems was born. By the end of the first year, there were eight equal partners, five of which are still with Urban Systems today and still working with some of our original clients. Terry remained at the helm through the firm’s early development, holding steadfast during the recession of the early 1980’s followed by rebounding rapid growth in the late 80’s and early 90’s.  After 17 years of inspired leadership, he stepped aside in late 1992 and passed the mantle of leadership to a younger generation of partners. For another 10 years, Terry stayed involved in the affairs of Urban Systems with one of his primary missions being that of coach and mentor to the next CEO, Gordon Petersen.

 

Gordon, also a founding partner, naturally took up where Terry left off in leading Urban Systems.  His down-to-earth approach and optimistic outlook reinforced the positive culture that Terry had cultivated within Urban Systems.  A tireless believer in people, Gordon (better known as Gordie) quickly earned a reputation for seeing the potential in others, even when they didn’t see it themselves.  During his 13 years as CEO, Gordie led Urban Systems through some challenging times - everything from a lack of work to extreme busyness.  But no matter what the challenge, Gordie’s approach was always the same – engage people, define the ideal, develop a plan, and never give up.  In 1998, Gordie developed Plan 2003 which painted a five-year vision for Urban Systems.  In 2003, as the goals identified in Plan 2003 came to fruition, Gordie assembled a group of young partners to develop the next long term vision for the company – resulting in Vision 2010.  In December 2005, Gordie passed the CEO torch to Cameron Gatey who will lead the company in achieving Vision 2010.

 

Although we are different than we were in 1975, there are still a lot of similarities to the early days. We still have a broad base of ownership, and this will continue. We are still building for the future, and always will be. We’re still providing excellent career opportunities for many new graduates and young people who will be our leaders of tomorrow. And most importantly, we are still having fun!!

 

 

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