Player Carpentry & Masonry serving Stratford and area for over 35 years

Player Carpentry & Masonry owners Jim Player and Daryl O’Connell in the front office of their building on Wright Boulevard, where the planning of many projects start to take shape.

When construction of any kind takes place in Stratford and Perth County, and even beyond, one name comes to mind of a company that has built its reputation on perfection, hard work and dedication to the job.

Player Carpentry & Masonry has been a local business for over 35 years, though the Player family has been involved in construction since 1899, and it continues to be one of the dedicated and most celebrated when it comes to construction of any kind in the area.

Co-owner Jim Player, says the company has done many jobs in Stratford, St.Marys and area, and says jobs in New Hamburg, Shakespeare, Tavistock, Sebringville and Milverton have only been a few of the towns his jobs have taken his company to.

In a recent interview, he can’t remember a job that the Player’s haven’t thoroughly enjoyed but admits some construction in some areas can test your patience.

His long-time front office partner, Daryl O’Connell, has let Jim, 60, be responsible for less work on his shoulders as he tries to slow down.

Many in the past know of a James Player, since every generation since the late 1800s has had a James or Jim Player involved in the company. In 1899, when James Player worked as a tradesman (brick layer) in the construction of Stratford City Hall. James’ son Wilfred Player followed in his father‘s footsteps as a mason for over 40 years.

Today, Jim continues the family tradition started by his grandfather and serving the residents and businesses of Stratford and Perth County with many of their other construction needs as well. The Player crew not only build and renovate, but paint and do complete masonry work as well.

Jim calls it a one-stop-shop.

Etta Player, Jim’s 85-year-old mother, who still lives on her own in her house west of Stratford, shared some early Player Construction history. In 1990, the house basement was where Jim began Player Carpentry & Masonry. In 1997, Jim had to move his business to the garage for more room as business flourished. Then a few years later, as business doubled, was able to build a new and expanded shop and office behind the house (which they still use as a storage shed).

From there, Jim and O’Connell, in December of 2021, decided they needed more room again and moved to 659 Wright Blvd., near Line 29 on the south-west edge of Stratford. Now, the shop is home to 18 full-time carpenters, four full-time painters and one full-time brick layer, Dave Fulton.