Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Niagara Home Builders’ Association (NHBA) has inducted three local leaders to its Wall of Fame at a Sept. 14 dinner.
Mike Basciano and Nick Basciano of Mountainview Building Group and Mike Colaneri Sr. of Cotton Inc. and Pinewood Niagara Builders, were recognized at the event, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This yearly award pays tribute to distinguished NHBA members who have made lasting contributions to the association, as well as the home building industry and their community as a whole,” NHBA president David Samis said in a statement.
Both companies have been long standing Members of the NHBA.
Mountainview Homes began in 1979 as a family-run home building company, founded by Nick Basciano and his two brothers-in-law. The company was extremely successful in the early years and by the late 1980s Mountainview had become one of Niagara’s largest home builders.
“The early 1990s saw the beginning of change for Mountainview Homes. The second generation became more involved in the company that their fathers had created as a visionary development and building company,” the NHBA statement said.
Mark Basciano and Michelle Basciano, son and daughter of Nick Basciano, and Mike Memme, son of Frank Memme became actively involved in the company. “In 2001, Mark succeeded his father as President of Mountainview, as Nick sadly passed away after losing his battle with cancer.”
His son, Mark Basciano is the president and owner of Mountainview Building Group, “dedicated philanthropist and proud father of three. Mark has carried on his father’s legacy, marking Mountainview as an industry leader in Ontario’s home building industry and continues to earn numerous accolades by its customers and peers.”
“Not only has Mark brought together an award-winning team at Mountainview, he is also an active leader in the industry, dedicating his time and sharing his knowledge through senior level positions on behalf of the new home industry,” the NHBA citation says. “Through his strong presence in the building industry, his love for the community and giving back to it, and his inspiring leadership at Mountainview Building Group, Mark has been a pivotal part of shaping the Niagara Region and the industry as a whole.”
The NHBA also paid tribute to Mike Colaneri Sr., a Niagara community leader for over 40 years. Colaneri also started in business in 1979, “with just one truck and a commitment to service.”
Cotton Inc. now provides foundations, flatworks, ready mix, environmental, site servicing and trucking services. The NHBA says the company “practices a ‘Family First’ mantra, and is home to over 200 employees, many whom have been with the company for over 20 years.”
Mike Cotton supports a variety of local charities and organizations including Heartland Forest, Pathstone Mental Health, Boy and Girls Club, Autism Ontario, Hotel Dieu Shaver, Children’s Centre and Hospice Niagara.
His business portfolio expands past Cotton, to include Pinewood Niagara Builders. “This successful home building company creates vibrant award-winning communities across the Niagara region as well as boutique style condominium residences, high-rise apartments, mixed-use commercial, and retail spaces,” the statement says.
The recipients will also have their names added to the main plaque which houses past Wall of Fame winners, the NHBA says.