Meet Petra: The Woman Behind GEL Construction's Success
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
When people think about what it takes to run a successful renovation and foundation repair company in Ottawa, they usually picture the crews on site — the concrete work, the waterproofing, the framing. What they don't always see is the work that happens behind the scenes, the work that keeps a growing business organized, accountable, and moving forward every single day. At GEL Construction, a lot of that work belongs to Petra.
Petra is the wife of GEL Construction owner Jack Saghbini, and while she's not always the face of the company, she's one reason it runs as smoothly as it does. Between managing a full-time job of her own and raising three kids, Petra still finds the time to help run the administrative side of GEL — the scheduling, the paperwork, the details that keep 300+ completed projects on track over 15+ years in business.
Balancing a Full Plate
Being a mom of three is a full-time job on its own. Add a career and a growing construction company into the mix, and it's easy to see why Petra's role at GEL doesn't get talked about enough. She handles admin work that keeps the business organized behind the scenes, all while managing the demands of her own career and family life. It's the kind of balancing act that doesn't show up in before-and-after photos, but it's just as essential to GEL's success as any foundation repair or renovation project.
Not Afraid to Get Her Hands Dirty
What sets Petra apart isn't just that she helps with the books and the back office — it's that she's genuinely hands-on when it counts. Whether it's stepping in on a project or getting involved in the day-to-day operations, Petra isn't the type to stay behind a desk when there's work to be done. That willingness to jump in, roll up her sleeves, and get things done is part of what makes GEL Construction feel like a real family business, not just a name on a truck.
Strong Women Make Strong Businesses
There's a simple truth behind companies that last 15+ years and complete hundreds of projects without losing their reputation for quality: it takes more than one person. Jack Saghbini built GEL Construction on a foundation of hard work, WSIB certification, and a commitment to doing renovations the right way — but businesses like this don't grow in isolation. They grow because of the people supporting them, often quietly, in the background.
Petra represents that support. She's proof that strong women make strong and successful businesses possible — not by stepping into the spotlight, but by making sure everything behind it holds together. For a company built on trust, from Rick Hansen Foundation-certified accessibility renovations to WSIB-certified project management, having that kind of steady hand behind the scenes matters.
A Family-Run Business, In Every Sense
GEL Construction has always operated like a family business, and Petra's role is a big part of why. Homeowners across Ottawa who book a free inspection with GEL aren't just hiring a contractor — they're working with a company where the people involved genuinely care about getting the details right, both on the job site and in the office.
From foundation repair and waterproofing to residential renovations, accessibility upgrades, and commercial projects, GEL Construction's reputation has been built project by project, year by year. Petra's contribution — balancing a career, a family, and a business — is part of the foundation that success is built on.
Ready to Work With a Team That Cares?
If you're considering a renovation, foundation repair, or accessibility upgrade for your Ottawa-area home or business, GEL Construction brings the same care and attention to your project that keeps this business running strong. Book your free inspection today and see why homeowners trust GEL Construction with projects big and small.
