Celebrating Black History Month 2025

Get to know Tyjah Borden, Owner, TyMark Roofing

Tyjah is co-owner of Tymark Roofing. Tyjah is also a Building Futures for Youth (BFY) alumni who participated in the program in 2014-2015.

Tell us a little bit about how and when you were introduced to the construction industry. When did you know you wanted to build a career in construction?

I was introduced to the construction industry after taking a course with Nova Scotia Works and I landed with a roofing company. I knew I wanted to build a career in this industry as I realized I had a passion for roofing. During my personal time, I would research certain techniques and procedures, so after six months, I realized I was surpassing my colleagues that have been roofing for years. 

What do you like about working in the construction industry?

I like seeing the project from beginning to end and bringing them from its worst to its best, I like seeing that my hard work pays off. 

Do you have mentors in the industry? How have they helped you grow? 

Yes, Shawn Doucette has been my biggest mentor on the business side of things, helping me understand how the way things work in the construction industry. Jason Vaillancourt has also been there to answer any questions I have had and has helped me with receiving business as well. 

What is the best piece of advice you received?

To stay focused and always think of ways to try to better/ build my business, and also “Don’t rush, but work harder”. 

What piece of advice would you give black youths considering a career in construction?

Don’t go into it expecting it to be easy, but with our economy there are a lot of opportunities to become successful in the construction business. And, that we need more black-owned businesses so I would encourage them to give it a try. 

What is your proudest moment so far in your career? 

My proudest moment so far is the start of it all, starting my own business TyMark Roofing and watching it succeed and grow. Taking that step and putting myself out there and making Tymark Roofing into what it is today.

What do you hope to achieve in the next 5 years?

My goal is to make TyMark Roofing an established name in the roofing/ construction industry, to grow my business and to be able to extend our services to all of Nova Scotia — and possibly other provinces. 

What excites you most about the future of construction?

What excites me most about the future of construction is that it is not going anywhere. Our community and province are continuing to grow, so roofers will always be needed. The construction industry gives you lots of different options to build your company aside from roofing, building houses, insulation etc. 

What does being Black and working in the industry mean to you?

Being a Black man owning and running a successful business makes me feel proud. Overcoming all of the people who said or thought I couldn’t do it simply based on the colour of my skin. To me, it also means that I have an obligation to the younger Black community to help them get a job or be a mentor to them in trying to start their own business. 

I also want to let them know that they should continue their education and that doesn’t have to necessarily be university. For some it is; I chose another route, and you can still be very successful. You can also make mistakes as a youth, as I did, and still work hard, not give up and succeed. I will continue to mentor as I was mentored, helping young Black youth that show initiative and a strong work ethic.