Karen Ryan and Lara Murphy
Ryan Murphy Construction
Ryan Murphy Construction is Calgary’s only commercial construction firm owned by two women. Karen Ryan and Lara Murphy met working at the same commercial construction site in Banff where they shared their experiences, thoughts & ideas around the inconsistencies in the industry. Their dialogue developed into a strategic plan and vision to create a more approachable, transparent and educational construction firm within the industry. In 2008, Ryan Murphy Construction was founded with Karen as the Director of Operations and Lara as the Director of Business Development and Strategy.
Karen Ryan, originally from Montreal, began working in sales for a large retailer and was looking for a new challenge. When the company restructured, Karen had an opportunity for change and requested a transfer to the planning and construction department. In this role she worked as a project manager, building and launching new retail stores throughout Quebec, Ottawa and Atlantic Canada. Looking for yet another challenge, Karen then went to work with a different commercial construction firm , which brought her across Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and BC, building retail stores—one of those sites was where Karen met Lara.
Lara Murphy grew up in New Brunswick and her father operated several businesses throughout her youth. This entrepreneurial spirit had passed on to Lara: she had started her first business, while in high school. This path continued as Lara ran several franchises and eventually formed a renovation company specializing in historical restoration. In 2005, after moving to Alberta, that entrepreneurial spirit again led her from working for a development company for two years to launching her own construction firm. It was during this time, in 2008, Lara landed in Banff working on the same site as Karen. Not long after Lara and Karen founded Ryan Murphy Construction Inc.
Karen and Lara’s instinctual mindset is to approach things through an optimistic lens, and they thrive on boosting confidence in everyone around them. These spirited businesswomen prioritize the interest of each individual who seeks their advice and guidance. Karen and Lara have created a positive open space and dialogue for clients. Eliminating the assumption that everyone knows how to build, they opt to educate clients throughout the construction process. Ultimately building trust – an innovative model in itself. RMC also values the strong relationships built with their trade partners and consultants; the firm ensures each collaborator in all projects feel appreciated and valued when completing tasks and with explaining the process one-on-one keeps everyone on the same page. The firm prides themselves on their communication throughout the process, so client expectations are met. They want to increase momentum, not just sustain it. They not only created a niche; they are the niche.
Each year the business has been in operations, its growth has increased, and Ryan Murphy Construction Inc. is on target to do the same this year. We are proud to have worked with brands like the Calgary Telus Convention Center, UNDRCARD Boxing Studio, Telus Spark, Junction 9, Village Ice Cream, Gravity Café, The Vin Room and CRMR (Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts). Karen and Lara have also been recognized as leaders and featured by Business in Calgary Magazine, Growth 500, Canadian Business, The Globe and Mail, Alberta Venture and MacLean’s Magazine. Ryan Murphy Construction is also proud to partner with several community initiatives including SAIT, Fast & Female, The Boys & Girls Club, The Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Scotia Bank Charity Marathon, YWCA and Beakerhead to name a few.
