Signature Event 2025
The Alberta Business Family Institute and the University of Alberta are proud to honour the Sunner Family of Durabuilt Windows & Doors at our 2024 Signature Event in recognition of their remarkable journey of entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth.
The Sunners’ Alberta story began in the mid-1990s, when Joe Sunner and his son, Harry, then 19, immigrated to Canada and jointly acquired a small PVC window manufacturing shop. Under their visionary leadership this modest operation has evolved into a leading enterprise with nearly 700 employees and facilities across Western Canada, comprising three generations of the Sunner family.
Harry Sunner, President & CEO, and Joe Sunner, Chairman, have led Durabuilt’s growth by combining cutting-edge technology with their deep commitment to their employees and family values. This balanced approach has not only expanded their business but also earned them recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies.
The Sunners have redefined their business from a “window business to a people business.” This commitment to valuing people and the community has fostered a strong culture of innovation, caring, and accountability, evident in their contributions to causes like the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, CASA Mental Health.
By celebrating the Sunner Family at ABFI’s 20th Annual Signature Event we are not only honouring a leading name in the window and door manufacturing sector; we are also recognizing a legacy of multigenerational entrepreneurship.
The Sunners’ Story:
Resilience, Entrepreneurship, and Family
Signature Event 2024 centred on an Intimate discussion with the Sunner Family, including Joe Sunner (Chairman) and his wife, Sawaran Sunner; Joe’s son Harry Sunner (President & CEO), his wife Pam Sunner, their daughters, Amany and Henny Sunner, and their son Joban Sunner; as well as Amar Randhawa (COO).
The discussion focused on three themes – History & Business, Family & Tradition, and Legacy & the Future – and featured candid stories and lessons learned by one of Canada’s leading business families.
Here the Sunners tell their story in their own words.
Words of Recognition & Support
A number of dignitaries offered their support to ABFI and words of recognition for the achievements of both the Sunner Family and their company, Durabuilt. Here’s what they had to say.
Jyoti Gondek, Mayor of Calgary
Dr. Verna Yiu, Provost & Vice President (Academic), University of Alberta
Dr. Vikas Mehrotra, Dean, Alberta School of Business