Meet Tony Parker, owner of Desco Contracting Ltd.

New BCICA member is looking to grow and expand quality work across Vancouver Island and beyond

Tony Parker started in the insulation industry 30 years ago. His father owns BC Thermal, and although Tony dabbled in other companies and industries, he ultimately came back to mechanical insulation.

“I came back to my roots,” he says. “After growing up and working with BC Thermal and learning from their excellent tradesmen, I developed a good understanding of quality workmanship.” 

He graduated from trade school 25 years ago and worked hard at BC Thermal, learning the trade and what aspects made his father’s company thrive. “My dad always surrounded himself with a good team,” Parker says. “He was able to ensure high-quality service and work, and that is why he had a good reputation. I am proud to have been a part of that and look forward to mimicking his values and success.”

With BC Thermal beginning to wind down, Parker took his own path, starting Desco Contracting Ltd. in 2024. The company is based in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island and currently serves a primarily commercial market. His father still mentors him in this endeavour, which employs a small team but is looking to grow.

“We are looking forward to getting into larger jobs, such as hospitals and government contracts or possibly work in Northern BC,” Parker says. “It can be challenging to find skilled labour in our region, but we are looking.”

Parker enjoys the industry because it is an energy saving service that betters communities. He also enjoys working with highly skilled insulators—a nod to his father’s influence. He also enjoys the opportunity to bring attention to the mechanical insulation trade.

“Our trade is one a lot of people don’t know about,” he says. “We want to make sure people understand what we do and why it’s important.”

Desco Contracting Ltd. joined the BCICA this year to elevate the company’s reach and because BCICA member companies are in high demand, often specified in contracts across the province. “Being a BCICA member lets mechanical contractors know you are recognized as a quality company and that you stand behind your work,” Parker says.

He would like to see the BCICA continue to advocate on members’ behalf, encouraging mechanical contractors and engineers to mandate BCICA members in their contracts.

“That would weed out the lesser quality companies and help member companies grow,” he says.

Parker’s words to live and work by are, “Just do it right,” a mantra that is sure to drive the new company’s growing success.

“Our goal is to assemble a team that can provide the highest standard of work in a timely fashion and grow Desco into a valued company,” he says. “After so many years in the industry, I have learned that your finished product speaks for you.”