Jay Westman

Philanthropist and leader recognized for outstanding contributions to NAIT and community

If there’s a problem, Jay Westman can be counted on to seek a solution. 

“When I see something that needs to be done, I have a habit of rolling up my sleeves and getting involved,” says the chairman and co-founder of Jayman BUILT.

It’s an approach he’s applied equally to his business and to philanthropy, leading him to co-found the Westman Charitable Foundation to help tackle issues in the community, education, health care, research, and more. 

“I’m a big believer of walking the talk and leading by example. And if you do that, you have the right to ask others to follow,” he says.

That’s exactly what Westman has done for students in the skilled trades.

“All they need to do is get a start” 

At his 65th birthday party in 2022, Westman launched the BILD Alberta Scholarship for Construction Careers. He donated $2 million – one million each to NAIT and SAIT – and asked his friends and business colleagues to contribute.  

“I gave them a compelling story as to why we had to do this as an industry,” he says. The homebuilding industry had hit a wall due to the labour shortage. And, with fewer houses being built, it also contributed to surging housing prices, Westman explained. 

By the end of the night, donors had pledged more than $7 million. 

Now, just 3 years later, more than 261 students across 21 programs have received the BILD Alberta Scholarships at NAIT. And thanks to Westman’s example, several leaders have committed to doing their part by helping bring more youth and underrepresented people into the field by establishing student awards and initiatives like the Next in Trades and Jill of All Trades. 

By removing barriers, Westman hopes to encourage more students to pursue trades as a respected career path. “All they need to do is get a start,” he says. 

A leader in building and giving 

After graduating from high school, Westman started working at his father Al’s home-construction company (which later closed during the 1970s recession). At first, he learned on the job, but then took construction-estimation courses and eventually earned a bachelor’s degree.  

“I gained confidence in myself as I started to get further educated,” he explains. “And it’s amazing what happens through that sense of accomplishment,” says Westman.

After cofounding Jayman BUILT with his father 45 years ago, Westman went on to establish himself as an industry leader. He spearheaded the Built Green Canada certification program 20 years ago and has continued to embrace energy-efficient technologies. 

Today, the company constructs a thousand homes each year across Alberta as one of the largest residential construction companies in Western Canada. The company won several national awards and was named Builder of the Year in Edmonton and Calgary numerous times. In 2024, the company earned the Design Excellence Award from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association for the third consecutive year.

Westman himself was inducted into the Alberta Business Hall of Fame in 2019. Then, in 2021, he was awarded the Fraser Institute Founders’ Award for his entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavours.

Thinking back to where Westman learned the act of giving back, he credits his father. Over the years, he’s seen how it helps others, which has affirmed it’s the right thing to do. 

“The more we gave, the better it felt,” he says. “It’s like Christmas, when you shop thoughtfully for somebody, and you can’t wait for them to open up the present.” 

Story photos supplied by Jay Westman.

NAIT Distinguished Friend Award

The Distinguished Friend Award recognizes an individual or family who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the welfare and the advancement of NAIT through their contributions and advocacy.

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