In an industry often driven by speed and scale, Michael Ainger is betting on something different: people, pride, and a deep commitment to community. As co-owner of Ainger Group, one of the largest exterior contractors north of the GTA, Michael says it’s not just about the work—it’s about how it’s done, and who it’s done for.
“We’re local in all the areas we service,” Michael says. “We have 11 offices, and we’re very involved in our communities. That’s the foundation of our business.”
“We’re not the cheapest,” he admits, “but we’re the fairest for what you get. Quality, safety, communication—that’s what we stand for.”
No flash-in-the panA second-generation family business, Ainger Group was founded in 1990 and has grown steadily over the decades. While it’s now a major player in the exteriors space, Michael insists the company remains highly organized, attributing that to both its tight-knit team and thoughtful use of technology.
“We’ve integrated a lot of tech to stay highly communicative,” he says. “That lets us spend more time with clients and less time sorting through chaos. Our clients see the difference.”
In-house bargingIn a region dotted with water-access-only properties, Ainger Group has made another strategic move: owning its own barge.
“We’re one of the few that do,” Michael says. “A lot of competitors pass that cost on to homeowners, who then pay $400 to $500 an hour for barge services. And in renovation construction, something always goes wrong—late materials, unexpected issues. That adds up fast.”
By bringing barge logistics in-house, the company can offer guaranteed pricing and smoother scheduling. “It creates a safer, more relaxed environment for our team and keeps the quality high.”
“There’s no rushing to avoid hourly fees—it’s just a better experience for everyone.”
At the heart of the business, though, is its team.
“Everyone’s on the same level here. We don’t use subcontractors. That means we know our people, we know their families, and we can invest in them long term,” he says. “It leads to low turnover, which makes for better quality and safer sites.”
That investment extends to the company’s branding. “Our guys show up in logoed gear and logoed trucks. We put a lot of money into that. It’s important—for trust, professionalism, and pride.”
The pride, Michael says, is mutual. “When they’re proud of where they work, they do better work. It’s simple.”
The company’s model, he adds, is also based on respecting the specialized skill of each crew member—whether that’s siding, gutters, or another element of the exterior envelope. “We have different crews for different trades. They’re all really good at what they do, and they respect each other. That makes a huge difference.”
Eavestroughs are more important than you thinkAs a full-service exterior contractor, Michael sees value in the big-picture approach to home protection, too—especially when it comes to underestimated components like eavestroughs.
“People don’t realize how important eavestroughs are. They protect your foundation by directing water away,” he explains. “Without them, water soaks into the ground, gets into concrete cracks, freezes, expands, and—boom—you’ve got foundation damage.”
It’s a detail that reinforces his broader message: that no part of a home’s exterior exists in isolation.
“That’s what you get with a full-service contractor,” Michael says. “We understand how every element works together to keep a home watertight. That’s our ecosystem.”
From barges to siding, eavestroughs to relationships, it’s clear Ainger Group’s success is grounded not just in what they build—but how they build trust.
That philosophy also extends well beyond customer service. Ainger Group’s annual “Roof Rescue” program is a standout example. The initiative donates a new roof each year to a nominated “community hero”—someone who has quietly served others while struggling to maintain their own home.
“We team up and get a nominated individual—someone who’s been giving back, but maybe their home’s been neglected as a result,” Michael explains. “We help them out, no strings attached. It’s our biggest community give-back, and we’re really proud of it. We just want to stand beside our very large community and show that we care
TEXT KARI KLASSEN
