Posted on Friday, June 2nd, 2023
James (Jim) Taggart is a builder. In his 81 years, he’s been part of a successful
business, a large family, and many lasting relationships and connections throughout the Ottawa region. The father of three and grandfather of six is retired but still holds the title of Chairman of the Taggart Group of companies. He also chairs occasional meetings and goes into the office to keep himself appraised of the many endeavors his family, including Taggart Construction Limited, Doran Contractors Limited, Taggart Realty Management, Tartan Homes, Tamarack Homes and the Taggart Parkes Foundation.
Taggart Group has always been a true family business. Taggart’s father, Harold, started the company in 1948 and in 1975 passed the torch to Taggart, the oldest of seven children, together with his brother-in-law Dave Parkes and his brother Ian Taggart. Taggart graduated from Carleton University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering. Today, Taggart’s children and his siblings’ children are running the company, with Taggart continuing in the role of chair.
Besides overseeing the management and expansion of the Taggart Group’s suite of companies, Taggart has also been involved in numerous industry associations including the National Capital Heavy Construction Association and The Ontario Sewer and Watermain Contractors Association. He was also Chairman of the board at the Royal Ottawa Hospital and a board member of Carleton University.
The modest mogul is reluctant to give advice to graduates, but his quiet manner and confidence is impressive — when he speaks, he has wise words to share.
“Try to understand what will motivate you in life and follow your passion,” Taggart said when asked about advice for graduating students. “It’s important to get a good education to become a good leader.” He encouraged those entering the workforce to look for examples they recognize in a field they wish to enter and following their example.
When asked what makes a good leader, he cited three things including having vision, having moral values and respecting the opinions of people you are working with. “I think I’m inclusive of the people on our team,” he said. “I will take input from anyone and lead by example.”
Taggart said work is a pleasure if you can find the field that motivates you. He also appeared to be humble when asked about his accomplishments and leadership. “No one learns from talking,” he said. “People should look at what you’ve done and not the words that come out of your mouth.”
When asked about his accomplishments, he said he is most proud of “raising a family that has been successful in business and life.”
Something to be proud of, indeed.