His journey is not simply a story of professional ahievement, but a narrative of moral courage, resilience, and the unwavering power of giving back to the community.
Today, Raman Sharma stands as a respected leader, mentor, and community builder in Canada’s construction industry, inspiring generations of tradespeople to dream boldly and work diligently
Early life in Ludhiana
Raman Sharma was born and raised in Ludhiana, Punjab, a city known for its industrious spirit and entrepreneurial drive. He grew up in a close-knit family rooted in honesty, hard work, and respect for others. From a young age, he displayed curiosity, determination, and a strong desire to make a meaningful impact on those around him.
After completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, he began his career at the Ludhiana Stock Exchange as an accountant. Although the role provided stability, Raman felt drawn toward communication, media, and community engagement. He soon joined the Indian Express Newspaper, gaining invaluable experience in marketing, communication, and the power of information, all of which fuelled his entrepreneurial mindset.
His first major milestone came in 1992 with the launch of the Ludhiana Hosiery & Textile Directory, the first centralized resource connecting manufacturers, suppliers, and traders in the region’s booming textile industry. Its success led to the creation of Punjab’s first-ever trade show, KnitSew, in 1994, offering entrepreneurs a unique platform to showcase their products and grow their businesses.
His achievements earned him the Best Entrepreneur Award from the Chief Minister of Punjab, Late Beant Singh, in 1995, along with recognition from several hosiery industry associations.
Yet, despite his success in India, Raman continued to aspire toward bigger opportunities.
A bold leap: Moving to Canada
In 1998, Raman Sharma migrated to Canada with his family, leaving behind a flourishing career and an established reputation to begin anew. The transition came with cultural, professional, and financial challenges, but Raman embraced this new chapter with courage and determination.
His first job in Canada was as a Sales Representative for Link Newspaper, a commissionbased role that demanded relentless effort, perseverance, and strong interpersonal skills. Reflecting on this period, Raman often says:
“Working on commission teaches you more than any classroom ever could. Every client, every call, every payment tests your patience and persistence.”
To support his family and broaden his experience, Raman explored multiple professions, including driving school instructor, immigration practitioner, security professional, and mortgage advisor. Each role presented difficult challenges:
Immigration work brought ethical dilemmas that clashed with his values.
Security work was demanding, lonely, and physically exhausting.
Mortgage advisory often involved unethical practices that he refused to adopt.
Over time, he earned more than 16 professional licenses, each adding to his understanding of the Canadian landscape. These were not failures but lessons that strengthened his commitment to integrity and focus.
Discovering purpose in the construction industry
After years of exploration, Raman found his true calling in the construction sector. He noticed that South Asians made up a large portion of the workforce but struggled with language barriers, licensing challenges, and lack of access to educational resources.
Raman saw an opportunity to create meaningful change, to empower tradespeople, support their professional growth, and help them gain recognition in an industry where they were deeply involved but rarely represented.
South Asian Construction Excellence (SACE) Awards
To highlight and honor the achievements of South Asian construction professionals, Raman established the South Asian Construction Excellence (SACE) Awards. Now in its third year, the awards gala has become one of the most respected and anticipated recognition events in the industry.
What makes SACE unique is its transparent and community-driven process. All winners are nominated and selected entirely through open public voting, ensuring fairness, credibility, and genuine recognition.
