Allen Berg - A Tribute
Allen became a developer and was one of the first to create lofts out of old warehouses in downtown Toronto. He was also known for building bridges within his community, between people and organizations. In 1974, at age 26, he founded CMiC, a software company that aims to address the inefficiencies and lack of automation in construction. Today, CMiC has 475 employees and serves hundreds of customers across North America and internationally.
Overcoming Adversity
Born in a refugee camp to Holocaust survivors, Allen came to Canada as a young child and grew up in London, Ontario in a modest home. He had a difficult childhood as the horrors his parents experienced were never far in the past. The hardships the family experienced were magnified when his father died suddenly at the age of 40 and Allen was 13. At this age, as the oldest child, Allen began providing for his family. He managed to finish high school with a university scholarship, despite working in factories and at the local fruit market. He continued supporting his family while excelling in Applied Mathematics & Computer Science. He continued his education by pursuing a Masters in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Toronto and worked towards a Ph.D. in Mathematics.
Allen worked very hard and never gave up. He suffered a stroke at the age of 33 which impaired his right side. While most victims of such a stroke never walk normally again nor ever get back on a bicycle, Allen, although still walking with a significant limp, taught himself to ride; first a tricycle, then a two wheeler, falling many times until he finally succeeded.
Opening His Door and Heart
Allen served on many boards for technology, government and community organizations. Never forgetting his roots, he built a community center in his hometown to honor his mother. He also created a program for students at a community center at the University of Toronto. He cared about the world around him, was always down to earth and connected easily with people from all walks of life. Allen protected the vulnerable and gave charity to those in need. He strengthened and supported others by sharing his knowledge and experience with big-hearted joy. Although he was very busy with a multitude of ventures, he would always make time to mentor all those who sought his advice.
Although Allen was intensely driven, he had a softer side that his family knew well. Allen was devoted to his mother Yetta Berg, looking after her every need, and to his wife Judith and their 3 children.
Carrying on the Legacy of Philanthropy and Mentorship
At the ACE 25th anniversary banquet, Dr. Amy Berg gave a moving speech, sharing that her family created the CMiC-Allen Berg Scholarships to continue her father’s legacy. As a true champion of giving back, it was Allen Berg’s “tradition to do good deeds in memory of loved ones, with the belief that this elevated the soul.” With the goal of doing something special to commemorate his life, they realized this his memory would live on through these scholarships. In fact, “ACE was the perfect fit,” as Allen Berg was a true proponent of “practical education so that one could develop a solid career to better themselves, their families and their communities.”
Preserving a Rich Legacy
Unfortunately, Allen’s life was cut short by metastatic kidney cancer. Allen is deeply missed by his wife of 40 years, his children, his work colleagues at CMiC who continue to grow the company he founded, and all those who had the opportunity to know him.
In 2018, to preserve and extend Allen’s legacy as a builder, creator and mentor, CMiC pledged $10 million to launch the CMiC-Allen Berg Initiative. The initial $3 million to the ACE Mentor Program of America establishes The CMiC-Allen Berg Memorial Scholarship Awards to help disadvantaged high school students fund their post-secondary education in architecture, construction or engineering.
Additionally, CMiC employees developed and launched Ready, Set, Build!, an employee-driven initiative that mirrors Allen’s commitment to community and joy of helping others succeed.
In partnership with our community partners, we are helping to lift those with barriers to education and employment and support them in initiating and growing their careers in the construction industry. CMiC employees donate, raise funds, volunteer with our partners, and participate in a growing list of annual events. With over $150,000 donated to our partners, the impact that CMiC employees are making in our community is unmistakable.
“Allen’s early childhood experience shaped his worldview and became a guiding light throughout his life,” said Judith Berg, Chairwoman, CMiC Board of Directors. “Our goal with the CMiC-Allen Berg Initiative, in the form of scholarships and funds for mentoring programs, is to inspire and enable underprivileged students by providing coaching, exposure and financial support to help them pursue enriching careers in construction and related fields,” continues Mrs. Berg. “Allen’s greatest joy was helping the disadvantaged by providing opportunities. He cared about the world around him and thought that the best way to drive positive change in the world was to help others become self-sufficient and create better lives for themselves, their families and their communities. We believe there is no better way to extend and amplify Allen’s legacy as a builder, creator and education advocate.”
To read Allen Berg’s story, as published by Hillel Ontario for Holocaust education week, please click here.