Karen and John Bodnar Sr. launched Karjohn Drywall in 1980. They combined their names Karen and John to form “Karjohn” and worked hard together to make it a success. Forty years later, the company they started is operated by their son John Jr., and provides Edmonton and the surrounding areas with the outstanding insulation, drywall, tape and texture services.
“My father moved from British Columbia to Alberta. He had a drywall company there and thought Alberta needed a great one too,” explains John Jr. of the company’s origins. “I joined the family business in 1990 after spending some time in Australia. We had two drywall divisions: residential and commercial. I took over the residential side of the operations while my father continued with commercial growth. My father, who was my best friend and mentor, passed away in 2002 and I took over the operations of the company.”
Since inception, Karjohn Drywall has prided itself on top quality workmanship done in a timely and cost-effective manner. Recent innovations include Karjohn’s forward-thinking drywall management system (Job Manager) which launched in 2015. Karjohn uses this technology to increase production, accountability, and cost control. The Job Manager program provides real-time project tracking, allowing site supervisors to ensure each project is on time, on budget, and completed with the industry leading quality for which Karjohn is known.
With a complete range of services offered, Karjohn Drywall is a one-stop-shop. The company provides spray foam, fiberglass, mineral wool, blown-in and soundproofing insulation, complete with drywall and taping for projects of any size. Karjohn also provides ceiling texture including snow, splatter, knockdown, and custom works such as sea shell, icicle, and the Giovanni. In addition to the services listed, Karjohn also provides steel-stud framing, T-bar and acoustic ceilings, while offering industry-leading warranty and world class service.
Just how good is Karjohn? Their work speaks so well for itself that in this age of digital renaissance, Karjohn just now, in 2020, put up a website. Word of mouth and testimonials has kept this company extremely successful for 40 years.
“We stand out because of our passion, drive, determination, expertise, and relationships,” confirms John Jr. “I feel blessed to have such an incredible team and the amazing clients that we do.”
Another reason for Karjohn’s success is the ability to adapt and overcome. After John Sr. passed, John Jr. had to learn how to execute the commercial side of the business and forge a strong residential presence. John Jr. also realized the importance of diversifying the company, something he believed was necessary.
Despite Karjohn’s continued success through the many cycles of Alberta’s economy, today poses a very different type of challenge – COVID-19.
“There is an economic impact from COVID-19.” John Jr. admits, “We had to adjust how we conduct our business to make sure everyone goes home safe and healthy.
Regardless of Alberta’s economic conditions, John Jr. and his team are firm in their commitment to continually give back to the community.
“We are very passionate about giving back,” he says. “We contribute both time and funds.” One important charity for John
Jr. is CASA. “The foundation supports children, adolescents and family’s mental health. It makes me proud to be a part of this charity as mental health is prevalent in our daily lives.”
John Jr. is especially proud to have raised more than $34,000 for CASA in 2019 while riding his road bike 985 kilometres from Jasper, Alberta to Masset, Queen Charlottes. That journey took seven days. One of the other ways he raises money while helping to benefit the community is to DJ on the weekends. He spins for charity through weddings and corporate events. All money raised through these events goes directly to his CASA fundraising efforts. CASA 2021 fundraising efforts have reached over $15,000 so far.
Other charitable interests Karjohn Drywall supports include, among others, Changing Futures Foundation, Heart & Stroke™ Foundation, Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, Chron’s and Colitis Canada, Muscular Dystrophy Canada, Alberta Cancer Foundation and Paws and Claws.
“I’m a pretty energetic guy,” laughs John Jr. about his ability to run Karjohn full time, DJ on the side, and still fit in time for family, friends and sports like cycling, golf and hiking.
As Karjohn continues to provide some of the best drywalling services in the Edmonton area, and continues to raise thousands of dollars for deserving charities, John Jr. remains humble and grateful to his builders, trades, and staff. He also thanks his TEC Canada Executive 241 group for mentoring him over the past eight and a half years.
After 40 years, what comes next?
“We are branching into different markets, growing our brand and helping out more charities.” We are excited to be in a place of strength to continue providing outstanding drywall services for Edmonton’s homes and businesses for another 40 years.”
12530 125 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5L 0T3
(780) 451-0848 | www.karjohndrywall.com