Who We Are - The Team

Avi Gottlieb

In 1991, Avi founded Avcon Construction, not only because he wanted to be the boss. Avi’s passion for efficiency, quality and transparency in the construction world drove him to realize that there is a better way to get from A to B. And, he wanted to be the boss. Initially, implementing his systems meant doing it all - from sales to estimating and project management. As the company matured, “Coach” has taken more of a “behind the scenes” approach, allowing highly qualified individuals deal with daily issues while always willing to assist in more sensitive or technical issues.

Avi’s “rock” is his beautiful wife of over 30 years. His three grown children are all successful and smart enough to be pursuing careers outside of construction. They enjoy outperforming their dad on the ski slopes and in the gym. In his spare time, Avi enjoys a variety of sports, as well as travel and classical music.

Nick Rizzotto

Nick has been flying under the radar since joining Avcon in 2001. Left to his own devices, “Stealth” will resolve an issue before you even know there was one. His success is gauged by the quality of his finished product and consistently meeting deadlines. Nick obtained a diploma in Architectural Technology from George Brown College. He is blessed with a lovely wife and two wonderful daughters. In his spare time, Nick spends it with his family and enjoys playing volleyball and ball hockey.

Reza Dehghan

Reza joined the Avcon Team as a Project Manager in 2019. He arrived with an impressive international construction background and wasted no time successfully implementing his skills on some of our more challenging projects.

Reza has earned his nickname ‘Silk’ because of his ability to smooth over rough situations with a positive, friendly approach.

In his spare time, Reza likes to spend time in the gym and from time-to-time enjoy a nice cup of coffee with friends.

Ellyn Kaufman

Our “good cop”, (ok, sometimes she’s the bad cop) keeps our various properties and businesses happy and under control. Ellyn joined Avcon in 2009 and quickly proved herself capable of greater challenges. As the company and its portfolio grows, Ellyn takes on a more significant role. Ellyn holds a Bachelor degree in Arts and Education from York University. In her spare time, she enjoys taking classes at the gym, travelling and entertaining friends and family.

Maria Popescu

Maria is a valued member of our team and brings her expertise in accounting to ensure the smooth financial operation of our company. She plays a crucial role in managing our finances and providing insightful analysis to support business decisions. With her strong work ethic and attention to detail, Maria consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that our financial records are accurate and up-to-date. Her positive attitude and eagerness to lend a hand make her a joy to work with and a valuable asset to our team. We are proud to have Maria on board and are grateful for her contributions to our success.

Lisa Russell

When you think of tenacious, as Project Coordinator at Avcon, Lisa never gives up – ever. She’ll do whatever is necessary with her persistent determination and enthusiasm to accomplish a goal and she’ll do it with a sense of humour too.

Lisa has a past education with The Royal Conservatory of Music, a background in working with consulting engineers and speaks conversational Spanish. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, photography, and of course, singing karaoke.

Austin Gottlieb

Meet Austin, our highly skilled and dedicated Property Manager at Avcon. Austin has a proven track record of success in managing properties and ensuring the satisfaction of our tenants. He is a true asset to our team, known for his exceptional communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to find creative solutions to any challenges that may arise. Austin takes pride in maintaining a safe, clean and well-maintained environment for all of our tenants. We are thrilled to have Austin as part of our team and know that he will continue to make a positive impact on our properties and the lives of those he serves.

Lorenzo Conte

Lorenzo is a dedicated and experienced building Maintenance Manager who plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of our facilities. Lorenzo has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in all aspects of building maintenance and repair. He is responsible for ensuring that all facilities are well-maintained, safe, and secure for tenants, employees, and visitors. Lorenzo's attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship makes him an invaluable member of our team and we are proud to have him on board as our building maintenance manager.

Mike Merlin

Mike is a seasoned Site Superintendent with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project, and is known for his ability to efficiently manage all aspects of a construction site. Mike has a strong track record of successfully delivering projects on schedule and within budget, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality. He is a skilled communicator and leader, and is able to build positive relationships with all stakeholders, including owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors. Mike's passion for the construction industry and his commitment to delivering outstanding results make him a valuable asset to our team and a trusted partner for our clients.

Arkadi Voldman

Arkadi is a highly experienced and skilled Site Superintendent, who has been instrumental in overseeing the successful completion of numerous construction projects. With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to quality, Arkadi ensures that each project runs smoothly and is delivered on-time, within budget and to the highest standard. He possesses excellent leadership skills and a deep understanding of construction processes and regulations, which allow him to effectively manage a team of skilled professionals and sub-contractors. Arkadi's strong communication skills, combined with his passion for excellence, have earned him the respect of clients, colleagues and partners alike, making him a valuable asset to any construction project.

Greg Fizzard

Greg is a seasoned Site Superintendent with a proven track record of delivering construction projects on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. He has a comprehensive understanding of construction processes and regulations and an unwavering commitment to safety and quality. Greg is known for his strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and manage a team of skilled professionals, ensuring that each project is executed with efficiency and precision. He is an effective communicator and a problem-solver, able to address any issues that arise on the job site and ensure that the project stays on track. Greg's attention to detail and commitment to excellence have earned him the trust and respect of clients, partners, and colleagues alike, making him a valuable asset to any construction project.

Socrates Koumis

Socrates is a highly skilled and experienced Assistant Site Superintendent who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our company. With over a decade of experience in the construction industry, he has a proven track record of delivering high-quality service on every project. Socrates is known for his strong leadership skills, attention to detail, and ability to motivate teams to work efficiently and effectively. He has a deep understanding of all aspects of construction, from project planning and execution to safety and quality control.

Dhari Dadhisheth

Dhari is a hard-working and reliable site labourer who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that our construction projects run smoothly. With a strong work ethic and a commitment to safety, Dhari is an asset to any construction team. He is responsible for a range of tasks, including setting up and maintaining worksites, preparing materials, and assisting skilled tradespeople. Dhari's ability to work well under pressure and his attention to detail make him an integral part of our team. He is always willing to lend a hand and his positive attitude and friendly demeanor make him a pleasure to work with. We are proud to have Dhari as a member of our team and we are confident that he will continue to make a valuable contribution to our company.

Ross Sparrow

At Avcon, we value hardworking individuals like Ross who are dedicated to delivering outstanding results on site. Ross, our skilled site labourer, is a crucial member of our team who consistently brings his expertise and strong work ethic to every project he is a part of. We are proud to have Ross on board and appreciate his commitment to ensuring each job is completed to the highest standards. We are confident he will continue to make a positive impact on our company and our clients.