Our Story
Three Generations - Quality Service Since 1957
Every great company begins with a craftsman, and ours began in 1957 with Maurice Purkiss.
At a time when plaster and lathe were the standard in homes throughout Orillia, Maurice saw the future in drywall. He didn’t just adopt the new technology — he championed it. As one of the first in the area to pioneer drywall installation and finishing, he built more than walls; he built trust. His commitment to quality and innovation quickly earned him a loyal following within the community he proudly called home.
Maurice believed that skilled craftsmanship was something you could be proud of. He raised his four sons in the trade, teaching them that integrity mattered as much as skill. Three of them went on to become professional tradesmen, carrying forward not only his techniques, but his work ethic, pride, and a commitment to do a job right the first time.
When Maurice passed in the 1990s, his son John stepped forward to continue what his father had started. Over the next 25 years, John grew the company from a small family operation into a respected and trusted name in the community. Under his leadership, Orillia Drywall became known for its reliability, attention to detail, safety standards, and unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship.
Today, the next generation has stepped in.
Sarah Purkiss, John’s eldest daughter, now leads the day-to-day operations of Orillia Drywall. With deep respect for the legacy she inherited, she is building upon it. Sarah is fulfilling her dream and expanding the company’s reach across Central Ontario while preserving the values that have defined it for nearly seven decades: hard work, dedication, honesty, and pride in every finish.
For us, drywall is more than a trade. It is a family legacy. It involves early mornings, steady hands, teamwork, and the quiet satisfaction of standing back to admire a job well done. It is relationships built project by project, year after year with both home owners, builders, and subcontractors.
At Orillia Drywall, we don’t just build spaces — we help build the places where families gather, businesses grow, and communities thrive.
We are honored to continue that story.
Sarah Purkiss
Owner, Operator
Steve, Heidi, Sarah
Project Management Team
Sarah and John
Legacy Team
We’d love to hear from you.
Your project deserves expert craftsmanship. Let’s bring it to life with integrity, care, and exceptional detail. We look forward to working with you to achieve your vision!