Internal Highlight - The Engine Room: A Look at the ARS Purchasing Team

Paulina Ramirez
Oct 3, 2025
3 min read

At ARS Responds Canada, we're known for our speed and efficiency in the face of emergencies. While our frontline teams are the ones on site, there's a small but mighty group working tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all possible: our Purchasing team. This backbone team is made up of Steven Davis, Dimitri Petropoulos and Aby Rajan; they are the engine room of our operations, ensuring every project has the resources it needs to succeed.

"Our purchasing team is the quiet engine behind our success—working tirelessly, thinking ahead, and always going the extra mile to ensure we have what we need, when we need it. Their dedication doesn’t just support our work; it makes it possible." – Wali Rahnumah/Project Manager

Part 1: More Than Just a Role

For this team, no two days are ever the same. As they told us, their responsibilities are broad—covering procurement, deliveries, fleet upkeep, and warehouse management—but what keeps it engaging is the constant shift based on the urgent needs of the company. Steven, as the Sourcing and Procurement Lead, is focused on identifying and acquiring everything from materials to services while also handling the day-to-day operational tasks. Aby, our driver and warehouse associate, is a "front-line enabler" who ensures logistics and deliveries are on point, while Dimitri is always ready to jump in and support. For them, every day is a new challenge, and they must be ready to adapt.

Part 2: The Unsung Heroes of a Project

While much of their work happens in the background, its impact is felt on every single job site. From securing the right materials and tools to coordinating urgent deliveries, they make sure our field teams can respond quickly and effectively. They put it best when they said, "when something runs smoothly—materials showing up on time, vehicles ready without issues—that’s when you realize how much of it connects back to our team." The work they do directly sets up the rest of the company for success, allowing everyone to focus on what matters most: helping our clients.

"Our Purchasing team is always ready with a helping hand and quick support whenever needed. Sharing an office with them is never a dull moment — their energy and teamwork keep things running smoothly and make the workplace a happy space everyday." - Jessica Dinicolantonio/Executive Assistant

Part 3: Navigating a Complex Supply Chain

The restoration industry’s supply chain is full of challenges, including fluctuating costs, shifting lead times, and sudden spikes in demand. To stay prepared, the team relies on a mix of trusted vendors and is always building new relationships. This is where their expertise in negotiation comes in; they are experts at keeping costs down without ever compromising on the great quality needed to deliver excellent results for clients. For them, it’s about strategic thinking and preparing for "what if" scenarios so that when an emergency arises, our response teams never lose momentum. They told us that in their roles, it’s all about multitasking and keeping an open mind to deadlines.

"The Procurement and Logistics Team is a critical component to the operation of our business; this Team consistently shows dedication and effort towards service excellence which can be felt by both field teams and Clients. I am proud of this group and their daily drive to improve!" – Mike Henton/Vice President, Strategy & Compliance

Part 4: The Power of Strong Relationships

A key to their success is the strong bond they build with suppliers and vendors. They explained that every interaction is an opportunity to build trust and that they make a point of celebrating their partner’s efforts. Over time, these partnerships become extensions of our own team, allowing us to meet tight deadlines with confidence. As Aby said, it's about being a partner, not just a customer.

Part 5: Success Is a Team Effort

When we asked them about the key to being successful in their role, the answer was unanimous: teamwork. "It's never about one person," they said, "it’s about the three of us working together." With a small team, communication and trust are everything. They rely on each other's strengths and are always ready to jump in and cover for one another. This collaborative spirit, along with their flexibility and adaptability, is what enables them to handle whatever comes their way.

Part 6: Motivated by a Higher Purpose

Ultimately, what motivates the Purchasing team is knowing their work directly supports ARS Responds Canada’s mission of helping people. They find it rewarding to know that their behind-the-scenes work contributes to restoring someone’s home or business faster. As they said, it's about much more than just buying products—it's about building people's hopes and bringing a smile to their faces.