For Damian Ross, building has always been about more than bricks and mortar. As Managing Director of CE Construction Solutions, he has spent decades helping Canberra’s builders get the best out of one of the industry’s most fundamental materials: concrete.
“Concrete is a cake with all sorts of different ingredients, and part of that is the chemical admixtures we supply,” Damian explains. “That’s really what CE’s core niche has been from day one. The rest of our business grew from there.”
Damian started his career as a young man with a keen interest in both construction and business. CE Construction Solutions was established as a family business in 1973, and Damian joined the company in its early years. Over time he took the reins, expanding its reach and product range. Today CE is recognised as one of Canberra’s most important specialist suppliers. “We’ve been around for 52 years now,” he said. “We’ve never deviated from construction solutions.”
One of the company’s strengths has been its ability to help builders solve complex problems. “We’ve never gone down the path of mass retail or the Big Box-type model,” he says. “We’ve always been technical specialists.” From waterproofing and grouts to sealants and concrete repair systems, CE has carved out a reputation for expertise and reliability. “When there’s a problem on site, the industry knows we’re here to help solve it.”
Damian has seen plenty of change in the industry. “The expectations on builders now are a lot greater,” he says. “In the old days, you could take longer, and people would accept it. Now there’s no tolerance for mistakes, there’s a lot more regulation, and a lot more accountability.” Technology has reshaped his business as well. “When we started, it was all paper,” he recalls. “Now everything’s on your phone in the palm of your hand. The need to access critical information in an instant is paramount to unlocking productivity. We’re proud to be at the forefront of this, changing the way builders work with concrete and supporting them with smarter construction solutions.”
Despite the pressures, Damian is optimistic about the future. “There’s always going to be construction,” he says. “The products change, the methods change, but people will always need buildings, infrastructure and homes. The challenge is improving productivity, making it sustainable and making sure the next generation wants to be part of it.”
For Damian, it’s all about the people. “I’ve had great staff over the years,” he says. “We’ve had people here for 20 or 30 odd years. That loyalty means everything. It’s not just a job – it’s a career and a family.”
Looking back on his career, he takes pride in the contribution CE has made to the industry. “If you drive around Canberra, you’ll see projects we’ve been part of everywhere. You might not see our name on the sign, but we’ve been there in the background, making sure things work. That’s what I’m proud of.”
The company now operates across Australia and New Zealand but its roots are still firmly in Canberra. The Master Builders Association has always been, and remains, central to the company’s activities. “We started as CE Industries in 1973 and have been proud members of the MBA from day one. The MBA is a great sounding board for us, and they give a voice to businesses like ours,” Damian says. “They’re always there with advice, with training, with contracts. It’s just been this cool sounding board and safety net for us.”
