> Also: High-tech payment method a bit square An exclusive feature publication of The Daily News
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
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Meet the winners of the inaugural Kamloops Under forty awards INSIDE CHAMBER NEWS: Best in business ready for community recognition
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Congratulations to Paula Presta! KPMG congratulates Paula Presta, Audit Partner, on being named by Kamloops Business magazine as one of Kamloops’ Top 10 Under 40. Paula has demonstrated exceptional business leadership and a passion for giving back to the community – qualities important to us, our communities, and the clients we serve. KPMG provides Audit, Tax, and Advisory services and industry insight to help organizations manage risk and performance in the dynamic and challenging environments in which they do business. For more information on how KPMG’s professionals can assist your business, contact us at 250-372-5581.
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Hiring Grants for Kamloops Area Businesses and Youth University and College Graduates For a limited time, Human Resources & Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) is offering wage subsidy hiring grants of up to $16,000 to eligible Kamloops area businesses that hire eligible youth university or college graduates into career-building jobs. Kamloops area for-profit businesses of all sizes and structures operating in HRSDC-designated high demand sectors may apply, including those operating in the following industries: • Accounting and Bookkeeping Services • Administrative Support Services • Advertising and Marketing Services • Architecture and Design Services • Automotive Repair Services • Building Maintenance Services • Computer Components Manufacturing • Computer Programming • Computer Repair Services • Consulting Services (all industries) • Daycare Services
• Electrical Products Manufacturing • Engineering & Surveying Services • Environmental Services • Fabricated Metal Manufacturing • Health Care Services (all types) • Internet Technology • Landscaping Services • Legal Services • Machinery Repair Services • Management Services • Mining & Related Support Services • Oil and Gas • Professional Photography
• Retail Trade (all products) • Scientific and Technical Services • Security and Investigation Services • Seniors Homes and Care Facilities • Social Services • Transportation (people or products) • Travel Coordination Services • Utilities • Veterinary Services • Warehousing and Storage Services • Waste Management Services • Wholesale Trade (all products)
Eligible youth are those who: • Are 30 years of age or younger and who hold a degree, diploma, or (full-year) certificate from a recognized public or private post-secondary institution • Are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or have been granted refugee status in Canada • Are currently unemployed or under-employed, not in school, and not enrolled to return to school Key highlights of this initiative include: • 50% wage subsidy reimbursement on the core gross wages paid to youth employee(s) • Simple application processes for employers and youth - minimal paperwork • Freedom of choice for participating employers and youth as far as entering into subsidized employment relationships - no ‘forced placements’ • Fast turnaround times for commencement of employment and reimbursement of wage subsidy funds to employers • No limit on the number of eligible youth an employer hires for wage subsidized positions For program information and details, please visit the Career Focus page on our website at www.tqmconsulting.ca, or contact us at (250) 828-0420. This initiative is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Youth Career Focus Program
Human Resource Management Services Career Planning and Job Search Services
#202 – 1211 Summit Drive, Kamloops, BC V2C 5R9 | Tel. (250) 828-0420 | info@tqmconsulting.ca 4 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
INSIDE Sean Masse, Erica Vandelft, Angela Veltri, Brendan Shaw, Tammy Osborne, Christopher Seguin, Paula Presta and Jaethan Reichel are eight of the inaugural 10 winners of the Kamloops Under 40 Awards. Missing from the photo are Amy Berard and Daryl Cloran. Hugo Yuen/KAMLOOPS BUSINESS
Kamloops Business is published six times a year by The Kamloops Daily News advertising department, 393 Seymour St., Kamloops, B.C. V2C 6P6. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Unsolicited material will not be returned. Publisher assumes no responsibility. For editorial information, contact Kamloops Business editor Danna Bach.
COVER STORY
YOUNG & LIMITLESS They are young, driven and community minded — and well-deserving of the inaugural Kamloops under 40 awards The honour, which was two years in the making, recognizes young entrepreneurs and business leaders. /Pages 10-25
Editor DANNA BACH
Publisher TIM SHOULTS
Supervising Editor ROBERT KOOPMANS
Advertising Director kevin dergez
Manager, Specialty Publications Aj Nijjer
FEATURES
New Company Takes Flight Passion for teaching sets flight school apart /29
It’s Hip To Be Square Could SquareUp help you expand your business? /34
Getting A Head Start Help is nearby when starting a new business /38
COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS Editor’s Message, 8
KCBIA Report, 30
Solid Advice, 26
Tech Talk, 34
Chamber News, 28
Building Permit Stats, 36
NSBIA Report, 30
Q&A, 38
The Daily News is a member of the B.C. Press Council. It is published daily except Sundays and most holidays at 393 Seymour St., Kamloops, B.C. V2C 6P6.
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Contributing writers Adam Williams, Larkin Schmiedl
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 5
Meet Your Team
Richard Jensen QC
Barry Carter
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Rob Adkin
Dave McDougall
Jim McCreight
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Darren Paulsen
Michael Sutherland
Murray Weeres
Terry Bepple
Joaquin Mariona
Luke Bergerman
Monica Fras
Alicia Glaicar Articling Student
Our areas of practice include:
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Is Two Beer Too Many? Do you feel comfortable driving your vehicle after having only one or two beers? If so, then answer this question: What blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is required for the police to impound your vehicle and charge you with impaired driving?
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for review. If you do not file for an appeal you are deemed to have accepted the IRP. There are twelve grounds for a review and the facts of your case may provide you with an opportunity to re-examine your IRP and have the consequences of the IRP revoked or varied. For example, the police officer must advise you of your right to a second test and the second test must be performed on a different ASD. Reviews are conducted by the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles, and not in front of a judge as is the case with criminal impaired driving charges. Decisions by the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles are final, but may be subject to a review by the Supreme Court, called judicial review. Reviews and judicial reviews may be written or oral and you have the right to have a lawyer assist you, as is the case for any other charge under Canadian law. If I want to review my IRP what steps should I take? A lawyer at MJB can’t tell you how many beers is too many for you personally, but we can review the report issued by the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles to give you an idea of whether or not you have a reasonable chance of success on a review. If you are considering requesting a review it is important to act quickly because of the seven day limitation period. Don’t wait to call a lawyer until day six! If you are past the seven day limitation period you will not be able to request a review. Timely action and knowledge are your best defence and a legal professional may be the first step to understanding your rights and preserving the future for you and your family. An IRP can dramatically impact your life, but the good news is if you take steps to inform yourself you can avoid further disruption and consequences. If you have any questions regarding an IRP, or any other legal issue, please contact MJB Lawyers for more information.
MJB Lawyers mjblaw.com 250.374.3161
> Editor’s Message
Finding courage and taking risks
O
verwhelmed and intimidated? Maybe just a little. Being given the privilege of meeting and interviewing this year’s Kamloops Business Under 40 Award winners was an honour. These are the people who we all wish we were a little more like. They are my generational peers — except for those significantly younger than I — and I was blown away by their achievements. So much drive. So much commitment. And brave? Absolutely. Bravery isn’t an adjective normally tossed out to business and community leaders, but it fits this crowd of Type A personalities. These are people who weren’t content doing something ordinary. They weren’t comfortable sitting in the middle of the pack and blending in. They are, and for most have always been, brave enough to jump in, raise their hands and move ahead trusting themselves and their instincts enough to know that whatever it was they were signing on for, they’d succeed. Having the opportunity to sit down and get to know these individuals and what drives them provided a glimpse into the type of personality it takes to achieve greatness. The genesis of the Under 40 Awards came in part from Business in Vancouver’s renowned 40 Under 40 Awards, and make no mistake, the winners of these local awards could easily have been selected as winners in any larger city. And any larger city would be extremely lucky to have them. It’s easy when we live in a community of 85,000 or so to sit back and consider ourselves small-town dwellers, and focus on all that we don’t have in comparison to the larger urban centres. But there’s no better marketing campaign for a city than its people, and the 10 people featured in these pages say a lot about Kamloops and what it has to offer. These 10 people could work anywhere, and have chosen to live and work here. And they are as committed to their careers as they are to this city, to its growth and to its bright future. While interviewing these professionals, they often stopped and offered thanks for the award. No thanks are needed. I was humbled by my interaction with them, awed by all they’ve managed to accomplish in such a short time, and excited to discover what I’ll be writing about them in the future. Thank you, Kamloops Business Magazine’s Under 40 Award winners. Thank you for working as hard as you do, and thank you for choosing Kamloops, because with you here, it’s safe to say the city is in good hands. ——— A special word of thanks to photographer Hugo Yuen, who, while only 22, worked tirelessly to capture the stunning images on display in this magazine. KB 8 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
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The future is bright “We want to take this opportunity to celebrate the success of young entrepreneurs and leaders, because their success is going to be Kamloops’s success in years to come.” — Tim Shoults, publisher, Kamloops Daily News
T
hey are the current and future leaders of this community. They are the role models and they are the game changers. They are Kamloops Business Magazine’s Under 40 Award winners. The team that makes up Kamloops Business Magazine has spent more than two years planning the creation of this award, which serves to recognize young entrepreneurs and business leaders. And finally, the results are in. After a successful nomination period, more than 25 names were brought forward, all deserving of recognition. In May, a judges panel was convened composed of Excel Personnel CEO Karen Watt, City View TD-Canada Trust branch manager and Kamloops Chamber of Commerce representative Lindy Baird, Kamloops Daily News publisher Tim Shoults and Kamloops Business Magazine editor Danna Bach. The Under 40 Awards are a collaboration between the Kamloops Business Magazine and the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce. Chamber executive director Deb McClelland says the concept of the Under 40 Award fit so perfectly with the Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Young Entrepreneur Award, that it only made sense to pair the two. As a result of that collaboration, each of the Business Magazine’s Under 40 winners now has had his or her name put forward as a nominee in the Young Entrepreneur category
Stories By DANNA BACH Photos By Hugo Yuen for the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, presented by TD Canada Trust this coming October. “We have so many great up and coming business people in our community. I think it’s beneficial for the community to hear about these wonderful entrepreneurs, and it’s beneficial for the entrepreneurs to get some exposure,” says McClelland. Because the Business Excellence Awards has such a proud history, McClelland knows how important getting this recognition can be, especially for these up-and-comers. “All of our winners tell us how much these awards mean to them, but they also tell us how important the added recognition they get in the community, and the added business.” Winners were determined based on several criteria, including entrepreneurial success, leadership capabilities and community involvement. Most heartening about the process was the fact that it was a close competition — so many worthy candidates, and this is only the first year. “It was a fairly harmonious process because many of the (nominees) stood out right off the bat,” says Shoults, who acknowledged that it would have been easy to include many more winners to the list. What’s more, Shoults says it was interesting to see the variety of nominees. “There’s good balance in this group. There were some people who really stood out for entrepreneurship, and some who stood out for community involvement or for success in their
10 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
Kamloops Under 40 award recipients Angela Veltri, owner, Kix 4 Chix (entrepreneur) Amy Berard, youth engagement/campus liaison co-ordinator, United Way (business/community leader) Brendan Shaw, Brendan Shaw Real Estate Ltd. (entrepreneur) Sean Masse, mine manager, New Gold (business/community leader) Erica VanDelft, owner, Get Polished (entrepreneur) Paula Presta, partner, KPMG LLP (entrepreneur) Daryl Cloran, artistic director, Western Canada Theatre (business/ community leader) Tammy Osborne, owner, TLC for Pets (entrepreneur) Jaethan Reichel, business development officer, iTel Networks (entrepreneur) Christopher Seguin, VP advancement, TRU (business/ community leader)
specific field. I think the diversity comes through.” Recognizing the achievements of these individuals is vital, says Shoults, who admits to being blown away by the calibre of nominees. “We’ve got a tremendous number of young, talented individuals in this community and I think a lot of the great work they’re doing is flying under the radar,” he says. “These people aren’t making headlines every day, but they’re going to be shaping our economy in this community in the future.” Winners will be officially recognized at an event at the Hotel 540 in early September. KB
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aula Presta’s drive, passion and commitment to excellence have propelled her to the top of her field, making her an easy winner for the inaugural Kamloops Business Under 40 Awards. Presta, 38, has long set goals for herself and nothing is out of reach when she commits herself. “I’m fairly driven,” says Presta. “I’ve never been OK with being average or back of the pack.” Presta completed high school in 1993 at what was then Kamloops Senior Secondary, and completed a bachelor of commerce with distinction from the University of Victoria in 1998, where she won the President’s Medal for top GPA in the school of business. She completed her CA designation in 2000 and was Top 10 in B.C. on the uniform final exam. Presta returned to Kamloops annually while completing her degree, working the summer co-op placement at the KPMG office. It was her experience during the summers that cemented her career path. “I thought I was going to be a lawyer, but with every good story there’s a mentor involved,” she says, mentioning former KPMG partner Bob Holden. “It worked out well.” After completing her education, Presta began working at the Vancouver KPMG office, where she says she was given fantastic opportunities and mentorship. While there, she was supported to take an international transfer to the KPMG London office, where she became a department leader and senior manager. Following the birth of her son in 2007, Presta returned to the Kamloops KPMG office. Even with motherhood, Presta kept pushing forward toward her goal of becoming partner by the time she turned 35, and in 2010, she reached her goal. As if that’s not enough, Presta is a member of Daybreak Rotary and lends her skills as finance chairwoman for RibFest. She is currently the president of Venture Kamloops, after having started as treasurer in 2010. She is often asked how she manages to excel professionally while juggling the demands of motherhood, and she admits it isn’t easy. “We work our people really, really hard, and I work really hard, but you get rewarded with a lot of flexibility.” With that flexibility, she ensures the time she does spend with her family is high quality. She schedules time for herself away from work, and she is able to work from home when needed. Since KPMG is such a large firm — both nationally and internationally — Presta knows she acts as an example for other women in the industry. “There are not very many female partners in this business. We start with a 50-50 split, and then when women get married and have children a lot of them leave. “I see this as an opportunity to become a role model, and to show other females you can do this job and you can do it as well or better than men.” Since goal setting has always been key to Presta’s success, it’s no surprise that she’s set one for the next 20 years, and it will be
Going for goals
Hard work has helped Paula Presta become a star at KPMG, but with more dreams in reach, her drive isn’t about to wane anytime soon no surprise when she reaches it. “My dream is to work really hard for the next 20 years of my life, then I’d like to buy a villa in Italy and run a bed and breakfast. I just want to grow tomatoes and cook pasta sauce. “I’ve gotten to where I want to be, and now I just have to work hard.” KB AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 11
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riven and determined — two adjectives that handily sum up 25-year-old Brendan Shaw. Shaw grew up in Langley and acquired his first investment property straight out of high school — which gives a subtle glimpse into this young man’s priorities. “Growing up I remember my mom reading an article about a university student who bought a house and rented out rooms to students,” Shaw says. He remembers thinking that sounded like a fine idea. Throughout high school, Shaw says he worked full time and saved all his money to acquire property. His mother, a registered nurse, and father an RCMP Staff Sergeant, were supportive, but they didn’t push. After high school, Shaw chose Thompson Rivers University and moved to Kamloops with the intention of completing his bachelor of business degree. During his second year, he took his real estate licensing course, and then enrolled in the broker’s licensing course offered through UBC. Shaw began working for Royal Lepage Kamloops in 2006, and got his licence in 2007 when he turned 19. Being a teenaged realtor, he says, was a bit of an eye opener. “One of the first open houses I did I had a couple tell me they’d never buy a house from me because I was younger than their grandson,” he says with a laugh. His youth doesn’t elicit that response these days, as his success speaks for itself. Back then, his long term goal was to ensure he’d one day be in a position to open his own office, and in December 2012, the then 24-year-old did just that, opening Brendan Shaw Real Estate Ltd. on the ground floor of the office tower at 109 Victoria St. His strategy, he says, has been to reinvest. “Every little bit of income I’ve made in the last six or seven years has gone back into the business,” he says. The other key factors working in his favour are his connections with and proximity to TRU. “TRU has been a big part of the investments I’ve made over the last few years. I probably wouldn’t be where I am today without it.” He acknowledges the effect the university has had on his career by giving back and lending his expertise where he can, and today Shaw is a member of the business advisory board for Enactus Thompson Rivers. While working as an agent at Royal Lepage, Shaw’s goal was to grow his holdings to the point where, financially, it only made sense to branch out. Today, Brendan Shaw Real Estate Ltd. is a full-service brokerage company, providing trading services and property management. He also operates a holding company responsible for almost 200 residential apartment units, 40,000 square feet of office space and 20,000 square feet of industrial space.
12 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
keeping it real (estate)
Brendan Shaw owns a brokerage firm, operates a holding company and serves as an adviser for TRU — not bad for a 25-year-old Shaw employs two people to help manage the brokerage, and has two other agents as part of his team. Now that he’s achieved his goal of establishing his own firm, he is looking to the future, and looking forward to growth. “I just want to continue what I’m doing and move forward.” KB
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 13
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here are chalkboards around the gym at Kix 4 Chix, all with inspirational quotes providing extra motivation to those ready to blow off steam and fit in a killer workout. How to summarize Kix owner Angela Veltri’s journey toward business ownership in a quote? “Nothing worthwhile ever came easy.” Veltri, 32, reopened the Kamloops franchise of Kix — a non-competitive ladies kickboxing gym — in September 2011, and did so because when the previous owner announced plans to close, she found that unacceptable. She loved the gym and wasn’t prepared to give it up. Two years later, Kix is a thriving business, with more than 200 active members registered throughout the summer, and about twice that through the fall and winter. There are five regular instructors, including Veltri, and during the regular season offers three to four classes, daily. “I do a lot of work with non profits,” Veltri says, mentioning Elizabeth Fry and the Phoenix Centre. Her association with non-profits is a result of her former career as a social worker. Veltri grew up in Trail, completed a degree in business management from the University of Lethbridge at its Calgary campus, and then went to work for a large oil and gas company. “I was extremely unmotivated and uninspired about where my life was going,” she says of her former career. So she and her partner moved to Kamloops where Veltri got a job working for the Open Door Group helping market people with disabilities to employers. “I ended up working as a counsellor because I found out I was really good at it,” she says. While in that job, Veltri found Kix 4 Chix and fell in love with the concept. “I had gone to the gym for years and years. I was so bored with it. Then I found this and I kept coming back. I came back because I saw results. Nothing could sway me.” Her two previous careers set her up ideally in her role as a gym owner. “What I really took from my career as a social worker was my ability to relate to people. Everybody has potential.” While the business got off to a good start, personally Veltri experienced a huge setback. In January 2012, after suffering a seizure, Veltri was rushed to hospital where doctors found and removed a brain tumour. She was diagnosed with Grade III Anaplastic Astrocytoma, and given five years to live. After the surgery and diagnosis, Veltri took disability from her job at Open Door Group and was forced to leave her new business in the hands of Kix instructors while she underwent three months of radiation treatment in Kelowna. Despite the diagnosis, Veltri keeps a positive outlook. She’s trying alternative medicine, and she’s adjusted her work life to reduce stress and maintain balance. She’s planning for a long, productive life and a bright
14 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
Just for Kix
Owning a non-competitive kickboxing gym was never something Angela Veltri sought out, but her journey to a career in fitness proves ‘nothing worthwhile ever came easy’ future for her business. Veltri is now a franchise partner with Kix creator Nicole Neuert, and over the next five years they plan to open 25 gyms throughout B.C. and Alberta, complementing the three already in existence. And as for Veltri’s own personal goal? “I’ll be kickboxing when I’m 80.” KB
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 15
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omeone once told Sean Masse he’d never make mine manager before he turned 40. That person was wrong. Masse, 38, is the mine manager of New Gold’s New Afton underground gold and copper operation. His career rise, he says, is a result of his ability and willingness to follow opportunity. Masse grew up in Vancouver and finished high school in 100 Mile House. He completed a degree in mining engineering with a minor in commerce from UBC in 2002. He worked his way through university, first at Homestake Mining Company’s Eskay Creek Mine near Alaska. He moved onto Elkview — Teck’s surface coal mine in Sparwood — and then eventually moved to California, where he worked for a ventilation consultant. After graduating, Masse moved to Inco’s nickel operation in Thompson, Man., and stayed there for 18 months. He stopped in at Procon Mining and Tunneling in Burnaby before being transferred by Procon as project engineer for Snap Lake Diamond Mine, 300 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife, N.W.T. At this point, Masse, who met his wife in university, was expecting his first daughter and tiring of camp life. He took a job with Cementation Canada and moved to Kamloops to work on readying the New Afton mine for production. “I worked for them as a project engineer,” he says, and after the job closed in 2008, he and his family were moved to North Bay, Ont., where he lived and worked for a year in Cementation’s head office. In May 2010, New Gold hired Masse back as a mine superintendent, and in September 2012 he was promoted to mine manager. Masse chose his career, he says, because it fit his personality. “Mining engineering is a jack of all trades engineering — it’s driven more toward management and decision making versus a really purely technical role.” This suits him, he says. “I’m not a super detailed person, I’m more conceptual,” and it’s that ability to see the larger picture that has served him well, both to establish his career, and to see the opportunities that exist. Masse credits much of his rise in the industry to good timing. The mining industry was hit hard in the ’90s, creating “a gap in mining engineers,” he says. “There’s a huge demand.” Within his industry, Masse says there are engineers with 30 years of experience, and people who are fresh out of school, putting him in an ideal position. But luck doesn’t account for all he’s accomplished. Masse is the youngest mine manager at New Gold and one of the youngest in the industry. His mine employs 490 people and is expected to produce 85,000 ounces of gold and 75 million pounds of copper annually. Under his guidance, New Afton commenced production ahead of schedule in late June 2012, and opened on time and on budget — surpassing the goals set out by New Gold. “Getting us into production and building a good mining 16 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
Golden Opportunity
Sean Masse attributes his rise in the mining industry to good timing, but as one of the youngest mine managers in the country, luck is only part of the equation
team is a career highlight,” he says, adding many of those employed at New Afton were untrained when they arrived. “We’ve done a lot of leadership training, and try to have an empathetic approach to people — I like to put myself in their shoes and find out what their motivations might be.” KB
y
KGHM International Ajax Project
Encouraging young business leaders today… … for a prosperous Kamloops tomorrow. Proud Supporter of the Kamloops Business Under 40 Awards. 330 Seymour St, Kamloops, BC V2C 2G2 T: 250-374-5446; F: 250-374-5443 info@ajaxmine.ca | www.ajaxmine.ca
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 17
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urning something you love into a viable business is every entrepreneur’s goal, and Tammy Osborne, owner of TLC for Pets has done just that. Calling TLC for Pets a kennel is misleading. What Osborne offers, she says, is a resort for pets — a place they can stay when their owners are away that has room for socializing, swimming and exercise. Osborne, 38, and her partner Denis Lessard moved to their Knutsford acreage six years ago. The property came equipped with a large shed that the pair quickly converted into kennels. Before launching the business, Osborne would go to people’s homes and pet sit, but being alone stressed the animals, so she started bringing them into her own home. With a daughter on the way, however, her family was quickly running out of space. “I wanted to build a place we’d be happy to send our dogs to,” she says, explaining the rationale behind TLC Pet Resort. First, the shed was drywalled and painted, and then the fencing went up around the perimeter, buried a foot underground to discourage anxious dogs from escaping. Osborne began advertising her services immediately, and the first calls came in before the drywall was complete. Six years later, TLC Pet Resort is bursting at the seams, and there are plans for expansion. Over the May long weekend, Osborne and her staff of seven cared for 66 dogs, six cats and a couple of birds. “We need 23 more rooms, and if you haven’t called and booked by mid-September you’re not getting in for Christmas,” she says. The goal with the expansion is to hire additional staff and make Lessard, who works at Tolko in Merritt, a full-time employee. The reason for Osborne’s success, she believes, is directly related to her genuine love of animals. Before a pet owners can book in, they’re expected to leave their dog for a free overnight trial. This acclimatizes the animals, and prepares them for a one- or two-week stay. “We’ve grown every year,” Osborne says, and much of that growth has been accomplished through word of mouth and social networking. Osborne and her staff post up to 300 pictures a week to the TLC Facebook page, and when owners come to collect their dog after a week-long stay, they’re presented with a postcard with photos of the dog enjoying its time at TLC. “We normally have between two to four new trials a week, and a retention rate of 98 per cent for those who have been here once.” Business has grown by 100 per cent in each of the five years it has been open, and is more than twice as large as its nearest competitor. “I always knew it was going to be big. I knew whatever
18 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
Puppy love
A love of animals led Tammy Osborne to create a resort for pets on her Knutsford acreage and unleashing a wildly successful enterprise we did we were going to be full,” Osborne says, and she knows this because she saw a gap in the market and she filled it. “Everybody can see it’s all about the dogs. I’m there to make the dog happy.” KB
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he stars aligned to bring Daryl Cloran to Kamloops as Western Canada Theatre’s new artistic director, making him one of the youngest artistic directors of a large-scale regional theatre in the country. Prior to arriving in Kamloops two seasons ago, Cloran, 39, lived a somewhat nomadic life. His was the career of a freelancer and he worked in a dozen cities annually. Cloran is the founding artistic director of Theatrefront, a Toronto-based theatre company whose productions have been seen coast to coast and internationally. He held the role of new play development co-ordinator at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Canada’s largest theatre festival in Stratford, Ont., and he has directed at theatres across the country. The desire to plant his feet and grow some roots coincided with WCT’s search for an artistic director — a fateful coincidence? “I have a wife and two little boys,” says Cloran. “The freelance lifestyle was hard on a young family, so as I started to look around the opportunity came up in Kamloops.” Cloran was familiar with Kamloops and Western Canada Theatre Co. as a result of the dramatic work produced here. “I saw it as an opportunity to immerse myself in a community and build a great theatre company. It was a company that had a really great mix of programming. It’s very varied. We’re producing musicals, comedies — and the amount of new work was really impressive.” He saw a lot of potential in the company. “I felt I could bring my professional connections and ideals and really help take the company to the next level.” And the theatre company has certainly reached the next level under Cloran’s direction. Subscription numbers are way up due to his innovative and exciting programming. During Cloran’s first season, ticket sales rose by 20 per cent, and the following season sales were up a further 20 per cent. “Theatres are losing revenue and closing their doors, and we’re doing more programming and having more people see our programming,” he says. Under Cloran’s direction, the production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat was the highest selling production in the history of WCT. He has also made a point of reaching out to children. Western Canada Theatre now offers dedicated programming for children aged three to eight. Since Cloran arrived, WCT’s educational offerings for youth have more than doubled, with classes offered 20 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
Starring role
While other theatres are closing, Western Canada Theatre, under the direction of Daryl Cloran, is thriving year-round. “The only way I have a job in 20 years is if more kids want to go to the theatre,” he says, pragmatically. While Cloran has accomplished much in his two seasons at Western Canada Theatre, he still sees significant room for growth, and is looking forward to the upcoming season. KB
W
hen Erica Van Delft launched Get Polished, she knew two things: She loved doing nails, and she had spare time to fill. A stay-at-home mom until her youngest entered kindergarten, Van Delft, who moved to Kamloops from 100 Mile House six years ago, knew she had to do something to fill the void. “I didn’t need that much spare time.” So she enrolled in and completed a nail technician course and began doing nails from home. Eventually, she rented a small space on the North Shore, but there was no foot traffic and it was difficult to build the business. In September 2011, Van Delft began renting space from Healthy Tan on Fourth Street in downtown Kamloops, and soon after, hired another nail tech to work alongside her. In January 2012, when the owner of Healthy Tan relocated to Kelowna, Van Delft took over the 1,000-square-foot business, and she hasn’t slowed since. In June, the 31-year-old opened the doors to her new, 2,200-square-foot location at 519 Victoria St. where she employs nine staff, including nail technicians, hair stylists and estheticians. The services provided at Get Polished have increased with the floor space, and the shop now offers hairstyling, gel nails and polish, pedicures, teeth whitening, Mystic Tanning and esthetic services including waxing, as well as eyelash and brow tinting. Get Polished also now carries clothing and accessories. Van Delft orders one size in everything, so the products she sells remain exclusive. Success and growth were welcomed, but unanticipated, she says. “I didn’t expect it to take off like it did, but I couldn’t be happier. I love my staff and I love what I’m doing.” Social networking has proved a huge boost to the company, with Get Polished up to 3,000 friends on Facebook. Van Delft and her team post pictures of nail art each day, thereby keeping her clients connected. The majority of her business, she says, comes from word of mouth. “Everything I’ve made I’ve put back into building Get Polished up,” she says, mentioning that her business originally was boosted by a $4,000 loan from her mom and dad. Her secret to success so far has been to make sure everyone has a great experience. Happy customers are return customers — and they tell their friends. Now she’s looking to the future and despite the recent move, she has no plans to slow. “I’d like to franchise. I could see little Get Polished’s opening up in Vernon, Kelowna, Calgary.” With the growth comes a measure of freedom for Van Delft. She’s hired a shop manager who loves the
Beauty queen GEt Polished offers more than just esthetic services — Erica Van Delft makes sure a visit to her business is a happy experience
business as much as she does, which allows her to book time off work to spend with her young family. But admittedly, she rarely takes time off, she says. “I have so much fun here sometimes that it’s hard to leave. I love it so much that it never feels like work.” KB AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 21
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aethan Reichel, chief business development officer of iTel Networks, insists he’s not a five-year plan type of guy. He’s made his career choices based on what seemed right at the time, and so far he’s been spot on. Reichel grew up on a horse and grain farm outside Regina, and has managed to cram plenty into his 32 years, though he’s remained modest about his success. “I’m partially responsible for a lot of things, but not solely responsible for anything,” he says with a dry laugh. He did a short stint in the Middle East “pretending to be a photojournalist,” he says. And it was in a graduate philosophy class at the University of Calgary that Reichel had a change of heart. He went into business with his brother as co-founder and chief operating officer of a mid-sized pipeline construction company. He did that for three years before moving to Kamloops with lofty ambitions for iTel. “We wanted to do something different. We wanted to change the industry.” So far, he and the iTel team have made excellent headway. With iTel, Reichel has helped build a carrier network that connects all of Canada’s largest telephone and Internet systems — a network of networks — that allows them to compete for businesses of any size across the country. “We’re not just competing against the people down the street, but taking a look at what people are doing in Vancouver, Toronto and New York,” he says, explaining that the nature of the business means iTel can function anywhere — hence Kamloops. ITel has posted three-digit growth for the last three years. “We’re the fastest growing telecommunications and connectivity company in Canada, and we’ve at least doubled in size for the last three years.” ITel employs 20 people, and while he’s not a man to look down the road and make projections, Reichel hopes that growth continues. “I wouldn’t want to put a limit on the revenue, but we want to be the company that changes how networking is done in Canada.” Along with his work with iTel, Reichel co-leads two startup companies — Truvian Labs, which creates on-demand, intelligent mapping, and Spire, which is creating risk-management software with the potential to change the way businesses interact with remote employees. Reichel is the co-founder of Kamloops Innovation Centre — an incubator for high-tech companies. He refers to KIC as a “side project,” and says it’s the result of the desire to surround oneself with those of a similar mindset. With KIC, he has helped bring close to $1 million into the region to support innovation and company creation. “We wanted to create a gathering place for the latent creativity in this community and allow it to grow.” Reichel is also the vice-president of the Interior Technology 22 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
Networking
Jaethan Reichel sought out to change the telephone and internet industry — so far, he’s off to a pretty good start
Industry Association, and is the director of innovation and entrepreneurship for the Canadian Cloud Council. Despite his youth, he also acts as an adviser to numerous startups across the country. He’s done so well so far, he says, because he commits himself to excellence. “At the end of the day it’s about trying to be the best at whatever you do.” KB
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ometimes the work just picks you, as was the case with Amy Berard. The 23-year-old moved to Kamloops from Smithers with her family six years ago. As is often the case, when she began university, she had career plans and ambitions, but then she found the Thompson Nicola Cariboo United Way and those plans took an unexpected and exciting turn. She was introduced to the United Way in 2010 as a summer co-op student. The following fall, she took a part-time job as the Housing Action Plan research assistant, and then became a part-time youth engagement officer, a role she held for two years. She did all this while completing a bachelor of arts degree with a major in marketing and a minor in public relations from Thompson Rivers University, graduating this spring. Upon graduation, Berard was offered a position as events associate for the United Way of Winnipeg, and jumped at the chance. “I’ve fallen in love with my work here,” she said in June, before leaving for Winnipeg. “The United Way of Winnipeg is pretty progressive. That’s who we look to for inspiration.” She’s looking at this transition as one that will allow her to grow and learn. “We have seven or eight staff here, and they have 70. We raised $2.2 million and they raised $19 million. Their capabilities and initiatives and their resources are fantastic.” Looking at her recent history, there’s no doubt Berard has a bright future ahead of her. She was selected from 300 students, nationwide, to participate in Next36 — Canada’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Initiative. She has led youth engagement for the local United Way for the past two years, and co-ordinates the Youth Initiative Grants each year, which award $10,000 for local youth community projects. She was selected to participate in the United Way of Lower Mainland’s Public Policy Institute, which brings together 25 leaders from B.C.’s non-profit sector to better understand and influence the public policy process. She has also been heavily involved with Enactus (formerly SIFE) Thompson Rivers and the Kamloops Homelessness Action Plan (HAP), and, in 2010, was the volunteer communications and promotions co-ordinator for Run for the Cure. She was one of six Enactus students from across Canada to receive the Founders Bursary for Team Leadership in 2010 and was awarded the TRU Co-Op Student of the Year award in 2010. In April, she was awarded the TRU Distinguished Alumni Neil Russell Student Leadership Award. When she began her university career, Berard thought she’d complete her degree and head into corporate public relations, but instead found a perfect fit in the non-profit world. “My career goals have completely changed — I love going to work every day knowing I’m doing real good.” For now, Berard is committed to growing her professional portfolio, and if travel is required she’s free to do so. 24 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
United State
Amy Berard has taken ambition to a whole new level with community involvement and with her role at the United Way
“I’m at that place in my career and my life where I can afford to do that,” she says, looking forward to a time in the future where she can jump into a management position. “I’d like to move up in the United Way within the campaign side and the community investment side,” she says. And one day, she hopes to return. “I can come back more valuable.” KB
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t’s a team effort, says Christopher Seguin when asked to explain the success of his department at Thompson Rivers University. The 35-year-old vice-president of advancement says the committed and effective people he works with are at the foundation of his success. “The ability to connect yourself to a network of worldchangers means things get done quickly. I’ve never seen a community so dedicated to improving itself.” Seguin was appointed VP of advancement in 2007. At just 29, he was the youngest vice-president at any university in the province. His role is to fundraise for the institution, whether that is for research, capital improvements or student assistance. Another key role is improving governmental relations and communications. Just a few career highlights include raising more than $20 million through public and private sources for scholarships, bursaries and the Brown Family House of Learning. He also worked with local stakeholders to secure provincial and private grants for TRU’s law school, the first new Canadian law school in more than 30 years. He leads a staff of 17 and three volunteer boards, and under his direction, the TRU Foundation’s endowment has increased 59 per cent to $12.1 million from $7.6 million. When he’s not on campus, Seguin can be found giving back in the community. He just finished his term as president of the Rotary Club of Kamloops, and is an avid volunteer with PIT Stop, the Sunday hot meal program led by the Kamloops United Church. He also worked with Rotary to create the Kamloops Child Hunger Initiative, which hosts family dinners every two weeks at NorKam secondary. Despite his professional achievements, Seguin believes the child hunger initiative is his most gratifying. Professionally, he says, his greatest gift has come from watching the community unite to create The House of Learning. “The community made the House of Learning happen. The government made the law school happen. I’m just telling the story. “My efforts provide a sort of spark that the community leaders turn into a flame.” Seguin graduated from high school in Kamloops and his family still lives here. He left to attend university, worked at Simon Fraser University for a time, and was eager to return. “It’s like the wild west here. We can take an idea and make it real in three years. Our community leaders here are accessible,” he says, and that make his job so much simpler. Seguin says he can’t take credit for the success of his department. Such credit, he says, ought to go to “the donors that came to the plate and the MLAs that stuck their necks out.” Next on the list is a pan-campus campaign. To date, the focus has been on building infrastructure, but now Seguin says a priority is on raising funds for every department within the
Live & learn
AS TRU’s vice-president of advancement, Christopher Seguin has many accomplishments to boast of, but it’s his community initiatives that may be the most impressive
institution for infrastructure, research funds and student assistance, something Seguin calls “a game changer.” “We have some of the top researchers in Canada, attracting some of the top students in the province and it’s time to support them properly.” KB AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 25
> Solid advice
Generation X at the forefront The ‘lost generation’ taking a leadership role in the workforce BY SHANE JENSEN >> NEW QUEST COACHING & Consulting
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uch has been said about Generation X, the much maligned generation that was always left picking up the crumbs from the massive demographic group of baby boomers. The label Generation X is attached to anyone who was born roughly between 1965-1979, where as the baby boomers were born between 1945 and 1965. The baby boomers shaped our political, cultural and economic landscape
SHANE JENSEN
like no generation before it. However, Gen X was caught in its wake and endured unfriendly labels to describe it. Sometimes called “lazy” or the “lost generation,” many graduated from universities with high student debt and few job opportunities. However, it is the Gen X generation today that is leading the way on the social, economic and cultural forefront of our country. Their passion and ability to be innovative, but still stay true to doing it their way has led to some incredible success stories here in own community and abroad. Today, Gen Xers are one of the most sought after labour force groups in Canada and the rest of the developed world. Why? Gen Xers are well educated and most of them now have more than 10 to 15 years of work experience. This, combined with the fact that baby boomers are retiring in droves and Gen Xers are still in their peak productivity years, has left organizations scrambling to attract and retain this talented group. As we celebrate the success of Gen X and its positive impact, it is also important to remember that our workforce is still predominantly made up of baby boomers who have tremendous amount of skill and knowledge. And, of course, let us not forget the youngest generation that is very active in our workforce, the infamous Gen Y (1979 and up). Such a diverse workforce bodes well and will ensure our continued success for years to come. Shane Jensen, MA, ACC, CEC, is the senior principal for New Quest Coaching & Consulting. To learn more please see www.newquestcc.com. KB
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Chamber NEWS Awards recognize best in business Event celebrates year’s worth of accomplishments in community BY BOB DIENO >> CHAMBER PRESIDENT
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nother year has come and gone for the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce and it’s again time to start thinking about the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. This year’s awards will take place on Oct. 19 and will be the 28th annual. It’s another great opportunity to for businesspeople to network and celebrate a year’s worth of accomplishments. It’s been an exciting year for the chamber — we moved into our new offices, underwent a complete rebranding and surpassed 850 members for the first time since 2007. We also presented five policies to the B.C. Chamber of Commerce — four of which were passed — and our former president Brant Hafanen was elected to the B.C. Chamber’s board of directors and finance and taxation committee; a huge accomplishment that shows the strength of our chamber and its members. It’s that same strength that makes the awards such a prestigious event. Each year we receive about 250 nominations and the accomplishments of more than 150 businesses are recognized. I can say from personal experience that just being nominated for an award helps to promote your business to the
Bob Dieno citizens of Kamloops and its business leaders. This will be my first Chamber Awards as president of the chamber and I am especially excited — it will be the first time in my five years as a board member that I will be able to attend. The event gets bigger every year and the accomplishments of our members are always impressive. We are again hoping for a variety of nominations in the following categories: p Community Service Award p Service Provider Award (one to 10 staff members) p Manufacturer of the Year p First Nations Business of the Year p Retailer Award (one to 10 staff members) p Resource Industry Award p Businessperson of the Year p Home-Based Business of the Year p Retailer Award (11+ staff members) p Green Award (11+ staff members) p Technology Innovator Award p Service Provider Award (11+ staff members) p Young Entrepreneur Award p Tourism and Hospitality Award For more information about making nominations, or to attend the event, please contact our events co-ordinator Jamie Mayes (250-372-7722, events@kamloopschamber.ca) or visit our website kamloopschamber.ca. We hope to see you there! KB
28 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
> Chamber news i NEW MEMBERS
Murray Mitchell/Kamloops Business
Tyler Gertzen, director of TylAir Aviation Ltd., says the company’s target market is “largely fellow chamber members.”
Passion for aviation takes flight in city Love of teaching sets Kamloops flight school apart from others
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t took a two businessmen and a lot of dedication but TylAir Aviation Ltd. has taken off and is now a fixture in the skies of Kamloops. Tyler Gertzen and his business partner David Cruz are the high-flyers behind TylAir, a flight school for aviators of all experience levels. The company was launched in April and aimed to fill a void Gertzen and Cruz believe existed in the Kamloops aviation community. “The experience I had when getting my licence — I thought there must be a better, more fun way of doing things,” Gertzen said. “TylAir is a positive and encouraging environment for people to learn to fly.” TylAir is located on Aviation Way and has one Cessna 172 and two very experienced flight instructors available to their students. Together, their flight team creates a passionate group of aviators who genuinely enjoy teaching others how to fly — it’s what Gertzen says sets TylAir apart from other flight schools.
With their grand opening on June 23, business is really starting to pick up at TylAir. Gertzen says word of mouth is spreading and people around Kamloops are realizing that they don’t need a special occasion or an appointment booked months in advance to get in a plane and see if flying is for them. They’ve also joined the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, which Gertzen says has been a real driving force behind TylAir’s ever improving traffic. “Our target market is largely fellow chamber members,” Gertzen said. “The chamber opened us up to being able to network and socialize with people we weren’t able to reach otherwise. The trades show they had also helped us to spread the word about our business. “It’s been a useful tool for promoting our business and I would definitely recommend joining to other businesses.” For Gertzen and Cruz, making flying an enjoyable, accessible experience was the motivator behind their new business venture and so far they’ve managed to avoid any turbulence. Gertzen says a passion for the work is something that should be central to any new business and fear of failure shouldn’t scare entrepreneurs off. “If you’re passionate enough about an idea, you should at least sit down and see if it’s feasible as a business,” Gertzen said. “A lot of people fail to take an idea from concept to reality because they are afraid to fail.” KB AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 29
> Kcbia report
> NSBIA REPORT
Building on a solid Business family at heart of downtown foundation Friendly faces help keep city’s core thriving BY GAY POOLER >> MANAGER, KCBIA
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owntown Kamloops is a hotbed for young entrepreneurs. The very nature of our downtown fosters them. In fact, this fertile atmosphere was created by past young entrepreneurs. One of the core strengths of the heart of our city is the variety of independent, owner operated businesses. The majority of which were started by young entrepreneurs (some aren’t young anymore, but GAY POOLER they were young when they started!). A few businesses have been passed down through the generations and are not run by the youngest, who are growing them with new energy. Think David at McAllister & Howard, and Stephen at Kennell’s Shoes. Others have been passed to a younger generation in a new family; the Big Boot Inn is surging forward with new ideas. We also have some stellar examples of young go-getters starting their own enterprises. Nicki and Donna created Main Street Clothing and later bought up 406 Boutique. Both have enjoyed phenomenal success. Rosie has grown Castles and Cottages from a tiny shop on Lansdowne to one of our anchor businesses in the centre of Victoria Street. Anthony Salturo is a veritable one-man business dynamo, currently running Viva Bridal, Jardines-Domaine and his wedding planning business. The sister duo Anna and Gina, created Genesis more than 25 years ago. Sadly Gina is no longer with us but her legacy lives on in the business and our community. Looking at newer members of our business family, Christina at The Art We Are has done a brilliant job of identifying a niche market and serving it well. Jenna and Justin started Instinct Adornment in a second floor cubby hole, and now it adorns Victoria Street. They even help foster other new entrepreneurs like Arwin’s Apparel. There are so many more I could mention (we are a hot bed after all) but the attributes these entrepreneurs all share are enthusiasm, independence, the spirit of innovation and the energy to bring it all together in building a successful business. Next time you are shopping in our beautiful downtown, take the time to meet the faces behind the success and awesome service, say hello and thank them for their contributions to our community. KB
30 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
Strength and diversity of heritage behind vibrant North Shore BY STEVEN L. PUHALLO >> EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NSBIA
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or 25 years, the North Shore Business Improvement Association (NSBIA) has been a positive leader and voice of business in Kamloops. As a BIA, our job is to promote our business areas and work with all levels of government toward positive economic development, beautification projects and future planning. Through those types of initiatives, STEVEN PUHALLO the NSBIA was a primary agent of the solid economic and social foundation that make up the new North Shore we enjoy today. It’s that foundation, created over the past 25 years that we’ll build the next 25 years on! We’ve emerged from a post-agricultural community into a vibrant business and cultural community that continues to grow. By celebrating the strength and diversity of our heritage we are building a stronger future. From the Overlanders of the 1800s to the agriculturalists and developers of the 20th century, the genesis of our North Shore community was formed; a heritage seen on street signs bearing their names and by the North Shore’s mosaic of cultures. The 21st century brings technological and social revolutions on how we work, live and interact with each other. It’s a new horizon for both commerce and consumers that we have embraced as a society and continue to integrate into our daily lives. We live in a moment in time where we have generations who were born in a world without electronics or mass communication to generations who are growing up in an integrated social media reality. It’s an exciting time for business as we continue with traditional methods of commerce and marketing while delving into a new era of communication. Storefront retailers can now market worldwide through online commerce while still greeting customers as they walk into their store. It’s this proud history and exciting future we’re celebrating on the North Shore. Come meet us and see what the buzz is about at our open house on July 17 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at our Wilson House location, 115 Tranquille Road. KB
Congratulations Congratulations
Christopher
Appointed TRU’s Vice-President Advancement in 2007, Christopher Séguin was the the youngest VP at any Canadian University. He amalgamated several existing internal and external university groups into a new Advancement department, gaining the trust of volunteers, high profile donors and the confidence of the Foundation Board members. Under his leadership the Foundation’s endowment has increased 57 %, from $7.6 M to $11.9M. Overall annual private funding for the University has increased 84%, all in support of students. Christopher has created many new relationships with the provincial and federal governments, with corporations and with individuals — and their combined support has built the Brown Family House of Learning, renovated Old Main, bought research equipment, funded endowed research chairs and helped bring the Kamloops Marathon back. In the midst of all this, he has found thousands of volunteer hours to feed families and the homeless through Kamloops Rotary and took on Ironman to raise funds in the name of an injured colleague. We thought you should know why we are so proud of him.
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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 31
> ACROSS THE RIVER
Encouraging signs of the times Investment in infrastructure will help spur more development BY SHANE GOTTFRIEDSON >> CHIEF, TIB
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n most ways, we at the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc operate like any other government. We have a wide range of people and businesses that call our reserve home and they require public services. Providing these services to the thousands who live and work on our reserve is no small task. From operating our water treatment plant to our landfill, we take on virtually every civic governance role there is. SHANE GOTTFRIEDSON On top of that, we remain a strong voice for our community at the federal and provincial level. It
KMS TOOLS is proud to be a sponsor of the first ever Under 40 Awards for the Kamloops and surrounding area. KMS is excited about celebrating the achievements of our local men & women who have demonstrated remarkable success before the age of 40. We look forward to how this award will promote professional development, mentorship, and awareness. We feel it will introduce some of our leaders to our thriving business community and the general public as well as promote them as role models for other aspiring young Canadians. Our hope is that these awards will encourage and help all the nominees on their way to a successful career. At the same time we honour them for making our city a great place to live and work.
goes without saying that we have a duty to our members to advocate for them, but we have also advocated for Sun Rivers residents and contractors building developments within our reserves so that they get fair treatment from senior levels of government. Many tens of thousands of people drive through our reserve each day. If you are one of them you have probably noticed our “Open for Business” billboards along the highway. After investing millions of dollars in infrastructure, we are now able to offer serviced parcels of land to potential investors. In addition, we are investing millions more extending sanitary sewer connections through to our industrial park. This will allow tenants to make better use of their leased lands because they will no longer be required to hold land aside for septic fields. This allows for the construction of larger or secondary buildings and the expansion of parking areas to make use of a full property. Another encouraging sign is the construction taking place just below the Sun Rivers development. All Nations Trust Company is constructing a two-storey facility to house their operations and provide some much-needed office space. We are in the process of finalizing other projects that will soon see a shovel in the ground pointing to still more activity in our area. If you haven’t done so lately I would encourage you to take a visit to Sun Rivers. A trip to look at some new homes will show some more encouraging signs as construction there has now passed the 700 mark. Soon there will be more than 1,000 separate residences in this development. KB
Portfolio Interiors is proud to be a sponsor for the Kamloops Business under 40 awards. A thriving business community relies on individuals who strive everyday to improve their situations and the situations of others around them. We feel it is important to honour and encourage these individuals to keep going, keep working hard, and keep making this city a great place to live and work. It is not easy to grow a business into a success. It takes a special kind of person; Kamloops is lucky to have so many too choose from. Portfolio Interiors is lead by under 40’s so we know first hand the challenges of building a name for yourself and a reputation to be proud of. Our hope is that these awards will help the winners on their paths to success.
1216B Battle Street Kamloops, BC 250.372.5045
PORTFOLIOINTERIORS.CA 32 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
A flourishing business community functions on individuals who endeavor each day to advance their situations and the situations of others around them. Excel Personnel deems this of utmost importance to tribute and promote these individuals to keep going, keep KAREN WATT working hard, and keep making this city a great place to live and work. It is a difficult task to grow a business into a accomplishment. It takes a special kind of person; Kamloops is lucky to have so many too choose from.
D001660959
emier 9 Hole The North Thompson’s Pr urse! Championship Length Golf Co
Excel Personnel is proud to be a sponsor for the first ever Kamloops Business under 40 awards. The awards focus on recognizing the incredible talent, skill and perseverance of some of the city’s finest young professionals and entrepreneurs.
At Excel Personnel, we are pleased to offer our clients in-depth knowledge of the region and undertsnad the importance using a local firm which is in touch with the region’s economy and industry trends.
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HEAD OFFICE Suite #600, 235–1st Ave., Kamloops Ph. 1-877-374-3853
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Canadian Tire
and myself are proud to be a sponsor of the first ever Under 40 Awards, designed to reveal the tremendous talent, motivation, skill and perseverance of some of the city’s finest young professionals and entrepreneurs. These awards recognize and celebrate the young leaders in Kamloops and surrounding area who have done exceptionally well in their chosen fields. In my involvement with owning and operating the local Canadian Tire Stores in Kamloops over the past 29 years I have had the pleasure of having been involved with developing many staff members who have gone on to be successful in many different fields while seven of them have been selected to become Canadian Tire Store owners themselves. Having such an award will provide recognition to some of this exceptional young talent that we have in our community.
www.chinookcovegolf.com AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 33
> Tech talk
Squaring Accounts
Could SquareUp help you expand your business? By Larkin Schmiedl
I
f you haven’t heard of Square, you might be a little . . . square. The hot new way to accept payments on the road or in-store hit Canada in late 2012 and many small business owners haven’t looked back. “Once we knew that we were going to go with an online store as well as the bricks and mortar store, we started looking at various options for accepting credit cards. SquareUp . . . offered just about everything we needed and the price was phenomenal,” said Bill McQuarrie, owner of RGB Image Masters, which offers photographic services in Kamloops. “Unlike a traditional bank relationship we didn’t have to enter into a long-term lease of any equipment. In fact the little swipe piece they give you works on your phone and it’s free. There was no set-up fee and there’s no monthly lease fee on equipment. The 2.75 per cent (cost per transaction) is the equivalent of a good merchant rate.”
I can’t put into words what it means to me as a home-based business. . . . It’s the best little tiny piece of hardware ever.
“
34 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
JENNI RAHN
“It’s a bit of a charge on the purchase, but it’s still worth it because then you get that extra (business) you wouldn’t have gotten had you not had (a way to process credit cards).” Receipts are sent over email, and text messages can verify payments in real time. KB
KGHM International Ajax Project believes in making a positive difference in the community. One of the ways we do this is by supporting local businesses and organizations such as the Kamloops Daily News and its Under 40 Awards. We know the impact young entrepreneurs have on the growth and success of communities such as Kamloops. It is the creativity, innovative ideas, and fresh new energy of these business leaders that will guarantee a prosperous future and warrants recognition in our community. If approved, the Ajax Project will provide at least 500 jobs here in Kamloops. We will hire locally as often as possible and will support independent businesses throughout the community. We know that in order to succeed we will need the kind of talent being honored by this award. That is why KGHM International is so proud to be a part of the Kamloops Business Under 40 awards.
AJAX COPPER-GOLD PROJECT
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The “square” itself is a small piece of hardware that plugs into the audio jack of any iOS or Android smartphone or tablet. After downloading the free Square Register app, business owners are ready to swipe credit cards. Payments take about a day to go into the bank. As McQuarrie said, the only fee is a 2.75 per cent charge per transaction, or an optional flat-fee of $275 a month. Based in San Francisco, Square first became available in the U.S. in 2010. The downfall for Canadians is since debit and credit cards are separate here, Square can only be used to accept credit. In the U.S. the cards are merged, so Square does both. Jenni Rahn has seen sales double since using Square in October. She operates a clothing business out of her Kamloops home and online. “I can’t even put into words what it means to me as a homebased business. Just the software alone that they offer . . . keeps track of everything for me — my taxes, all my sales, my top-selling item. “It’s the best little tiny piece of hardware ever.” Square’s mobile aspect is what makes it unique. “I do clothing parties at homes. I can take it with me and offer credit card when I’m out on the road,” she said. Sharon Toews does the same at the farmers’ market. Shuswap Tea Infusions has seen about 10 per cent of its business on Square over the past four months.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 35
> BUILDING PERMITS May 2013 Date Issued: May 1 Value: $5,000 Builder: Ted & NormaLynn Stewart Location/Work: To construct a basement washroom at 2275 Valleyview Dr. Date Issued: May 1 Value: $15,000 Builder: Jormac Contracting Location/Work: To construct a 238 sq. ft. deck extension at 840 Fleming Dr. Date Issued: May 2 Value: $18,000 Builder: Elizabeth Huggett Location/Work: To finish basement at 2086 Highland Pl. Date Issued: May 2 Builder: KIBDC Inc. Location/Work: Earthworks at 5935 Yellowhead Highway. Date Issued: May 2 Value: $150,000 Builder: Original Home Designs Ltd. Location/Work: To demolish an existing SFD and construct a duplex (side 1) Addressing subject to change when created, at 1840 Gellrich Ave. Date Issued: May 2 Building Value: $150,000 Builder: Original Home Designs Ltd. Location/Work: To demolish an existing SFD and construct a duplex (side 2) Addressing subject to change when created, at 1840 Gellrich Ave. Date Issued: May 3 Value: $7,000 Builder: Achim &
Wendy Hanschke Location/Work: To create rear basement exit at 1604 Tranquille Rd. Date Issued: May 3 Value: $50,000 Builder: 457236 BC LTD Location/Work: To construct a commercial alteration for Watson Engineering, 2-1421 Roper Pl. Date Issued: May 6 Builder: Norco Development Ltd. Location/Work: Earthworks, 2250 Westsyde Rd. Date Issued: May 6 Value: $248,250 Builder: 0840250 BC LTD Location/Work: To construct a 2 storey single family dwelling at 2120 Doubletree Cres. Date Issued: May 6 Value: $318,570 Builder: ROHIT Custom Homes Ltd. Location/Work: To construct a new twostorey SFD at 1352 Dunbar Dr. Date Issued: May 6 Value: $8,000 Builder: A & T Project Developments Location/Work: To construct a commercial alteration at 519 Victoria St. Date Issued: May 6 Builder: Yvette & Martin Old Location/Work: To site a garden shed at 1726 North River Dr. Date Issued: May 7 Builder: Louise Morash & Mary Strandt Location/Work: To site
36 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
a garden shed at 1006 Raven Dr. Date Issued: May 8 Value: $205,200 Builder: Right at Home Construction Ltd. Location/Work: To construct a duplex (side 1) at 1376 Nanaimo St. Date Issued: May 8 Value: $205,200 Builder: Right at Home Construction Ltd. Location/Work: To construct a duplex (side 2) at 1376 Nanaimo St. Date Issued: May 8 Value: $10,000 Builder: John & Teresa Dares Location/Work: To construct a modular home addition at 140-1555 Howe Rd. Date Issued: May 8 Value: $9,000 Builder: D & T Developments Ltd. Location/Work: To construct a commercial alteration at 103-1410 Pearson Pl. Date Issued: May 9 Value: $10,000 Builder: Get Polished Location/Work: To construct a commercial alteration at 519 Victoria St. Date Issued: May 9 Value: $45,500 Builder: Neil & Tammy Monsen Location/Work: To site a mobile home at 2400 Oak Hills Blvd. Date Issued: May 9 Value: $30,000 Builder: Ultimate Handyman Location/Work: To construct a single family dwelling alteration at 650 Garnet Rd.
Date Issued: May 10 Value: $700,000 Builder: Tim Pache Construction Ltd. Location/Work: To construct three storey dwelling unit for accommodation of maximum 12 persons with six private spaces which includes a bedroom, full bathroom, closet and small sitting area. The remainder space is shared includes one kitchen, large common space, living room, pantry, laundry, storage, bathroom, exercise room and guest room at 772 Battle St. W.
tion Menchies Frozen Yogurt.
Date Issued: May 10 Value: $350,000 Builder: TRH Homes Inc. Location/Work: To construct a sfd at 18 -950 Ida Lane.
Date Issued: May 13 Value: $1,000 Builder: Jaspal & Monna Manhas Location/Work: To construct a single family dwelling alteration. New 3.5x 4 ft. opening in concrete wall at 970 Heatherton Crt.
Date Issued: May 10 Value: $25,000 Builder: Kevin Isfeld Location/Work: To construct an 624 sq ft accessory building at 1111 Dominion St. Date Issued: May 10 Value: $50,000 Builder: RBI Construction Group Location/Work: To construct a retaining wall at 438 Waddington Dr. Date Issued: May 10 Builder: Leslie Kosiec & Margaret Brenner Location/Work: To site two garden sheds 6 x 8 each at 2596 Abbeyglen Way Date Issued: May 13 Value: $220,880 Builder: Commercial Building & Contracting Ltd. Location/Work: Commercial altera-
Date Issued: May 13 Value: $20,000 Builder: James & Karen Hunton Location/Work: To construct a 580 sq ft accessory building at 325 Armour Pl. Date Issued: May 13 Value: $3,500 Builder: Robert Drake Location/Work: To construct a single family dwelling alteration. Rear basement door and covered exterior stairs at 550 Linden Ave.
Date Issued: May 14 Value: $280,000 Builder: Danchuk Construction Ltd. Location/Work: To construct a duplex, side 1, 110-1923 Parkcrest Ave. Date Issued: May 14 Value: $280,000 Builder: Danchuk Construction Ltd. Location/Work: To construct a duplex, side 2, 109-1923 Parkcrest Ave. Date Issued: May 14 Value: $369,060 Builder: Glen-Lor Developments Inc. Location/Work: New SFD with 1451 SF unfinished and 770 finished basement at 1384 Dunbar Dr.
> BUILDING PERMITS Date Issued: May 14 Value: $8,000 Builder: Pittman Construction Ltd. Location/Work: To construct partition wall in unit 175-945 Columbia St. W. Date Issued: May 15 Value: $4,000 Builder: Tim Pache Construction Ltd. Location/Work: To extend deck at 779 Franklin Rd. Date Issued: May 15 Value: $280,000 Builder: Kim & Maria Hanson Location/Work: To construct a 2 storey single family dwelling. Full unfinished basement except for laundry/furnace room at 3132 Bank Rd. Date Issued: May 16 Value: $125,000 Builder: Lyons Landscaping Ltd. Location/Work: To construct a 9 m. x 2.4 m Deltalock retaining wall at 2372 Qu’Appelle Blvd. Date Issued: May 16 Value: $8,000 Builder: Lisa Ternes Location/Work: To construct a deck at 468 Greenstone Dr. Date Issued: May 17 Value: $1,500 Builder: Living Homes Construction Location/Work: Addition of wheelchair ramp at Main Entrance, 240 Gordonhorn Cres. Date Issued: May 17 Value: $210,000 Builder: PRC Construction Ltd. Location/Work: To construct a 2 storey duplex, side 1, - 768 Stansfield
Rds Address is subject to change once new address is created for second unit.
Location/Work: To construct a multi site alteration at 140- 1939 Coldwater Dr.
Date Issued: May 17 Value: $210,000 Builder: PRC Construction Ltd. Location/Work: To construct a 2 storey duplex, side 2, - 768 Stansfield Rds Address is subject to change once new address is created for second unit.
Date Issued: May 22 Value: $30,000 Builder: Snow-Terra Investments Ltd. Location/Work: To construct a multi site alteration at 106- 1939 Coldwater Dr.
Date Issued: May 17 Value: $300,000 Purpose: To construct a commercial alteration at 500 Notre Dame Dr. Date Issued: May 21 Value: $30,000 Builder: Tim Pache Construction Ltd. Location/Work: To construct a deck and entrance totaling 27 sq. m. at 322 Ridge Rd. Date Issued: May 22 Value: $210,000 Builder: PRC Construction Ltd. Location/Work: To construct a 2 storey duplex side 1-750 Stansfield Rd Date Issued: May 22 Value: $210,000 Builder: PRC Construction Ltd. Location/Work: To construct a 2 storey duplex side 2 - 750 Stansfield Rd Date Issued: May 22 Value: $265,810 Builder: Peter & June Neufeld Location/Work: To construct a single family dwelling at 2639 Sunset Dr. Date Issued: May 22 Value: $16,000 Builder: Snow-Terra Investments Ltd.
Date Issued: May 23 Value: $8,000 Location/Work: To construct an accessory building in Riverside Park, Riverside Lawn Bowling. Date Issued: May 23 Value: $80,000 Builder: TRH Homes Inc. Location/Work: To construct a commercial alteration at Puddle Jumpers Daycare Ltd., 725 York Ave. Date Issued: May 24 Value: $15,000 Builder: DW Builders Location/Work: Front porch addition at 973 Dominion St. Date Issued: May 24 Value: $416,869 Builder: A & T Project Developments Location/Work: New building, pre-engineered metal building, at 3035 Airport Rd. Date Issued: May 27 Value: $171,686 Builder: 1200 Aberdeen GP Inc. Location/Work: To construct a Fourplex. Unit 101-1365 Aberdeen Dr. Date Issued: May 27 Value: $448,400 Builder: Fretz Construction Ltd. Location/Work: Industrial building 40 x60 at 1843 Ord Rd.
Date Issued: May 27 Value: $441,275 Builder: Cardi Homes Ltd. Location/Work: To construct a single family dwelling at 1675 Rose Hill Rd. Date Issued: May 27 Value: $171,686 Builder: 1200 Aberdeen GP Inc. Location/Work: To construct a Fourplex. Unit 105-1365 Aberdeen Dr. Date Issued: May 27 Value: $171,686 Builder: 1200 Aberdeen GP Inc. Location/Work: To construct a Fourplex. Unit 103-1365 Aberdeen Dr. Date Issued: May 27 Value: $171,686 Builder: 1200 Aberdeen GP Inc. Location/Work: To construct a Fourplex. Unit 107-1365 Aberdeen Dr. Date Issued: May 27 Value: $14,000 Builder: Brian Friesen Location/Work: Detached garage, 24’ x 24’ at 6033 Pringle Rd. Date Issued: May 27 Value: $10,000 Builder: Douglas & Lisa Miller Location/Work: To construct an 24 x 24 accessory building at 747 Morven Dr. Date Issued: May 28 Value: $4,000 Builder: Original Home Designs Ltd. Location/Work: To construct a 384 sq ft. accessory building at 1840 Gellrich Ave. Date Issued: May 28 Value: $60,000 Builder: Justin Cachelin Location/Work: To con-
struct a 50 s.f. addition and redesign/renovate upstairs. Rebuild deck and extend at 1832 Glenwood Dr. Date Issued: May 28 Value: $2,000 Builder: Carla Flannery Location/Work: 8 x 24 deck at 536 MacKenzie Ave. Date Issued: May 29 Value: $36,000 Builder: Martin’s Renovations Location/Work: To construct deck extension and concrete retaining wall for deck/driveway at 2405 Skeena Dr. Date Issued: May 29 Value: $7,000 Builder: William & Cheryl Bowling Location/Work: To construct an accessory building, 12x 20 at 95 Chapman Pl. Date Issued: May 29 Builder: Pembina Pipeline Corp. Purpose: To locate a 8.5’ x 8.5’ storage building at 2165 Trans Canada Hwy. W. Date Issued: May 29 Builder: Robert & Jaqueline Harding Location/Work: To site a garden shed at 1936 Snowberry Cres. Date Issued: May 30 Value: $220,000 Builder: 942252 Alberta Ltd. Location/Work: Commercial alteration, Visions Electronics 475 Seymour St. Date Issued: May 30 Value: $20,000 Builder: A&T Project Developments Location/work: Commercial addition to the Kamloops Food Bank
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 37
> Q&A
I
nterior Savings Daybreak Rotary RibFest is an annual fundraiser for the Kamloops Rotary Club taking place in Riverside Park from Aug. 9 to 11. RibFest spokesman Bryce Herman encourages families to come and enjoy free entertainment, games and activities in the Family Fun Zone and some delicious food from vendors from across North America. Q: What is RibFest? “The Interior Savings Daybreak Rotary RibFest is a fundraiser for the Rotary Club. The idea behind it of course is to keep that money all in the community because we end up giving it all back, supporting a tremendous amount of youth development programs, and ongoing needs to the community, through a multitude of things that the Rotary does. “The idea is that the guys who come to town are part of a circuit that’s traveling across Western Canada, or in some cases all of Canada, and they go to events like the Calgary Stampede, Pioneer Days in Edmonton and we’re part of that tour. They come here and, of course, they do their ribs and their pulled pork and barbecue chicken, so it’s a bit of a showcase of all of that and it’s really meant to be fun. There’s going to be five different vendors competing at this particular one and it’s tied into Hot Nite in the City as well. It’s a family event, we’re going to be running music daily all day long on the main stage, there’s a Coopers-Save-On-Foods Family Fun Zone, which is almost half the park, and it’s really geared to be on a donation-only basis.” Q: And it’s at Riverside Park? “Yes. The entertainment will be on the Rotary Bandshell and we’ll have a beverage garden there for 1,000 people. We saw 30,000 to 40,000 people last year throughout the course of the event; we’re anticipating it will be even larger. It was such a success last year that on Friday night they ran out of ribs because they were so overwhelmed with the response they got in Kamloops. They sold as much on the Friday night as they had in three nights in Edmonton.” Q: So is access to the whole event by donation? “It’s free. Attendees will pay for the food at the RibFest itself, so if they go to any of the vendors that are there they’ll pay for the food there, but the entertainment is 100 per cent free, the Family Fun Zone is by donation and there’s no forced donation. If a family comes in and they’re less fortunate we’re encouraging them to just come and enjoy.” Q: What would Rotary be using this money for in Kamloops? “It’s a multitude of different things that we do from supporting junior achievement programs throughout the city with supplies, we do Christmas things for Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, we do the Rotary Food Drive for the Food Bank twice a year, all this stuff is driven by the Rotary Club.” Q: So all the money going to Rotary will go back to the community? “Absolutely. It’s a 100 per cent service club. There’s not 10 38 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
Organizers of RibFest anticipate an even larger turnout than the tens of thousands who showed up at last year’s event.
Meatup
More than 30,000 hungry meat lovers turned up at least year’s RibFest, and organizers expect an even bigger turnout this year by Adam Williams cents of any of the money raised that goes back to the members of Rotary, we don’t take a dime of charitable money going back to the club, and that’s our mandate. We’re very much driven by that.” For more information visit http://kamloopsribfest.com. KB
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