Written by Evelyn Mytka, Contributing Writer
Brad Dmetruik’s business isn’t just about repairing concrete trucks, it’s also about rebuilding lives. As the owner of DRUMIT Chipping, Repair & Fabrication, Brad has built Western Canada’s only one-stop shop for the ready-mix concrete sector, offering mobile chipping, repairs, fabrication, and hard-to-find parts. But behind the sparks and steel is a story of resilience, purpose, and second chances.
We sat down with Brad to learn more about how his business got started, how he’s giving others a fresh start, and how support from Business Link helped him take things to the next level.
“We chip the concrete out of the ready-mix units, then we repair any damage that we’ve noticed, and fabricate parts for them.”
Evelyn: Tell us about your business. What does DRUMIT Chipping, Repair & Fabrication do?
Brad: DRUMIT is a one-stop shop for the concrete industry in Western Canada. We come to job sites and chip the concrete out of the ready-mix drums of concrete trucks, then do a full inspection of the unit. If there’s damage, I give the client a report with photos and the option to have us do the repairs. We also supply and fabricate parts, anything from bumpers to motors to pumps.
Some branded parts were taking up to 14 months to ship, so I started fabricating them myself. If they want things customized, we tweak them to fit their exact needs.
“I realized I wanted to inspire and motivate others.”
Evelyn: What inspired you to start the business?
Brad: A few years back, someone in the concrete industry told me they had a huge shortage of ready-mix drums and were waiting over a year for new ones. That’s when I started looking into manufacturing. But the deeper I got into it, the more I saw a bigger need for chipping, repairs, and fabrication.
Around that time, I also experienced homelessness. It was a turning point for me. Through that journey and the people who helped me get back on my feet, I realized I wanted to inspire and motivate others. I know welding and fabrication, and I want to give back. That’s how DRUMIT started.
“If I can be that stepping stone for them to help them get to the next point in their life … that’s the goal.”
Evelyn: You hire people from local treatment centres. Can you tell us more about that?
Brad: One of the biggest challenges in this industry is labour, especially for something like chipping concrete out of drums, so I partnered with local treatment centres. After someone completes a one-year program and has a year of sobriety behind them, I offer them a chance to take the next step and join the team at DRUMIT.
I tell them they don’t have to work for me forever. If I can be a stepping stone in their life, that’s enough. But if they want to stay and grow with me, that’s great too!
“You give them a pair of coveralls and work boots and just that hope in their eyes. Six months later seeing the confidence, it’s amazing.”
Evelyn: What do you love most about your work?
Brad: I love being of service to the concrete industry. When I show up to a site, people are genuinely happy to see me. We’re there to solve problems, and that makes a difference.
But more than anything, I love watching my team grow. When someone comes in with no confidence, and then six months later they’re thriving, it’s amazing.
“That’s why DRUMIT got started. It was really to help people and inspire and motivate people.”
Evelyn: Purpose seems to be a big part of your journey. What keeps you going?
Brad: For me, purpose is everything. It’s why DRUMIT exists. I’ve had businesses and work before that were purely profit-driven, and it never felt right. Now, I get out of bed every day because I know I’m helping people.
Entrepreneurship is wild. You might have ten bucks on Monday, $100,000 on Wednesday, and five bucks again on Friday. But the purpose keeps me grounded.
“Entrepreneurs are so hard on themselves, and they forget to take care of themselves mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.”
Evelyn: What’s been your biggest challenge as a business owner?
Brad: Honestly, the hardest part is the battle with yourself. The pressure, the self-doubt. You’re constantly wondering if you’re doing enough. I’ve had to learn to be patient and kind with myself.
Evelyn: How did you first hear about Business Link?
Brad: Years ago, I had all kinds of crazy business ideas. My dad, he used to teach sales and marketing, kept telling me to go to Business Link. But I was too scared. I didn’t think I was good enough to walk through those doors.
Fast forward to DRUMIT. I’d hit a wall. I didn’t know who to talk to. And I just kept hearing my dad’s voice in my head: “Go to Business Link.” So I did, and I’m so glad I finally listened!
“They gave me confidence… I felt lost, scattered, alone. By the time I walked out of there, it felt like a thousand bricks were taken off my shoulders.”
Evelyn: What kind of support did you get from Business Link?
Brad: I got involved in the Peerpreneur program when I was trying to figure out how to scale up. It was a game changer. We met every week and supported each other, new entrepreneurs and experienced ones alike. I even helped others, and we still meet on our own time.
I also worked one-on-one with a Business Strategist on SEO and digital marketing. She was amazing. I walked in feeling overwhelmed and walked out with a clear direction.
Evelyn: What’s next for DRUMIT?
Brad: Everything’s happening faster than I expected. I thought I’d expand across Western Canada over the next couple of years, but we’re already there. Now it’s about growing across the rest of Canada.
“The highs and lows will come, but don’t forget to take care of your mental and emotional health.”
Evelyn: What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting a business?
Brad: Be kind to yourself. The highs and lows will come, but don’t forget to take care of your mental and emotional health. That’s part of the journey too.
Brad’s story is a reminder that purpose-driven entrepreneurship can change more than just a business, it can change lives. Whether you’re building something new or navigating your next chapter, connecting with other entrepreneurs who understand the journey can make all the difference. Apply to join our Peerpreneur program and get matched with a small group of business owners for honest conversations, shared learning, and mutual support.
Website: DRUMIT Chipping, Repair & Fabrication Website
LinkedIn: Brad Dmetruik, DRUMIT Chipping, Repair & Fabrication
