Startup Mentality: Building a Business Without Breaking the Relationship

When you're building something from the ground up, the stakes are high—and so are the emotions. At 42TECH, our foundation is more than just innovative systems or efficient builds. It's trust. It's respect. It's knowing when to step back and when to step in.

As Wade puts it:

“A healthy business relationship starts with the understanding that whatever is said in and about business will not affect the personal relationship. I have such deep admiration for what Paul provides in our business that everything he says has value—whether I agree or not. I’m not sure how other partnerships work, but I would not do this with anybody but Paul. We balance each other; no one is greater than the whole. If we have an argument, it’s always repaired with a hug and a deeper respect for my buddy.”

Paul adds:

“The health of the relationship is more important than the business. We all have strengths and weaknesses. In business, you need someone who can add strength to your weakness. That, however, will add stress—they’ll do things differently than you would. But don’t take it personally. You need both yin and yang for the sum of the parts to be greater than the whole.”

He continues:

“There will be many, many tough days. That’s a given. If you’ve never done this before, understand that you don’t know what you don’t know. There will be disappointment, frustration, and very hard days. Will you rise to the occasion—or complain, point fingers, and quit? The alternative is to rise above it, not take it personally, and move forward one step at a time. So many clichés come to mind—making lemonade out of lemons—these are more than sayings. You need to live them. Excuses, rationalizations, and justifications are the easy way out, and nothing about a successful business or long-term relationship is easy.”

At 42TECH, we believe success isn’t built on smooth days—it’s built on grit, humility, and the kind of partnership that keeps going even when it gets hard.

About 42TECHFounded in Calgary four years ago, 42TECH is now leading major modular projects and putting real homes on the market. From structural design to interior finishes, every home we build is the result of deep collaboration. Wade and Paul make every decision together—whether it’s financing, choosing contractors, or even picking the paint colors. It’s not just about building homes—it’s about building something that lasts, together.