SMALLSMALLBUSINESSBUSINESSweekweek
Oct. 20-26, 2013
2 Red Deer Express Wednesday, October 9, 2013 – Small Business Week
Small Business Week – Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Red Deer Express 3
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Small and medium-sized
businesses are the cornerstone
of the Canadian economy. They
account for 99.8% of all Cana-
dian companies and employ
more than 60% of private sec-
tor workers. At the Business
Development Bank of Canada
(BDC), we believe this contribu-
tion deserves to be celebrated.
We also believe entrepreneurs
need support in building suc-
cessful, innovative businesses.
BDC Small Business Week™ ac-
tivities provide an opportunity
to celebrate, develop new skills,
make new contacts and plan for
new opportunities.
About BDC Small Business
Week™. For 34 years, the Busi-
ness Development Bank of
Canada has been organizing
BDC Small Business Week ™
in recognition of the contribu-
tions and achievements of Can-
ada’s entrepreneurs. Events
held during the week bring
entrepreneurs together at con-
ferences, luncheons and trade
fairs across the country where
they have the opportunity to
learn, network and enjoy them-
selves in the company of their
peers.
BDC Small Business Week™
2013 takes place Oct. 20 – 26
under the theme: SUCCESS
AHEAD! MAP YOUR FUTURE
GROWTH
Every business begins with
an idea and a vision. Yet the
roadmap to growth is never
simple. Canadian entrepre-
neurs know that long-term
success requires passion, com-
mitment, hard work, a great of-
fering and a solid plan. Expand-
ing your market—whether at
home or abroad—demands
determination and adaptabil-
ity, resources, an appetite for
greater risk and even a little
luck. Use BDC’s Small Business
Week 2013—a time to celebrate
and recognize the nation’s busi-
ness owners— to help map your
future growth and success!
BDC- Small Business WeekOctober 20-26
Success Ahead! Map Your Future Growth
2014 is a milestone year for the
Red Deer Chamber of Commerce
and I am excited to be a part of it.
This year, the Chamber will cel-
ebrate its 120th anniversary. This
anniversary represents not only
an incredible legacy of bringing
together businesses from across
our region but of leading this
region to become the growing,
vibrant centre that it is today. As
one of the youngest presidents to
lead this Chamber, I am honoured
to be a part of this legacy and to
add my name to this incredible
milestone.
Small Business Week embod-
ies the entrepreneurial spirit that
thrives here in Red Deer. We are
fortunate to live, work and do
business in a community with a
truly diverse economy and mul-
titude of opportunities. However,
this didn’t happen overnight, the
Red Deer Chamber of Commerce
has played an integral role in the
development of Central Alberta.
Today, we continue to see Cen-
tral Alberta grow by being a key
player in projects such as Central
Alberta: Access Prosperity and
Red Deer Regional Economic De-
velopment. We often receive let-
ters from people with old news-
paper clippings or literature from
the Chambers’ past. These stories
are intrinsic to where we are to-
day because they not only show
us what we’ve done and from
where we’ve come, but they are a
part of who we are. I know I speak
for the entire Board of Directors
when I say that we are committed
to ensuring that we honour these
stories of success and prosperity
by writing new ones going for-
ward.
This past year, our Chamber,
once again, showed its prowess
in the area of policy develop-
ment and advocacy. I am always
impressed with policies that
come from our policy commit-
tees. These volunteer committees
come together to develop solu-
tions to the most relevant and
important issues that our busi-
ness community faces. The tire-
less work of the Chamber staff
to bring these policies to light at
the municipal, provincial and
federal levels creates a better eco-
nomic environment for our whole
region. It is by working together
that the Red Deer Chamber has
become known across the coun-
try as a leader in policy develop-
ment.
I would like to take this oppor-
tunity to remind you that Cham-
ber membership brings access to
many of our great benefi ts such
as the Chambers of Commerce
Group Insurance Plan, preferred
rates for merchant services, and
President’s message for Small Business Weekmany more. But the Chamber
also works hard to create qual-
ity networking and learning op-
portunities. I invite you to join us
each month at any of our mentor-
ship breakfasts or lunches fea-
turing relevant speakers. Or our
Business After Hours networking
events. If you would like to get
even more connected to the busi-
ness pulse through the Chamber,
consider joining our Ambas-
sadors Committee or one of the
policy committees.
It is the people involved with
the Chamber of Commerce that
make it so great. The directors,
the ambassadors, the policy vol-
unteers and those that help out
are the lifeblood of both what we
do and who we are. The Chamber
staff bring passion, professional-
ism and a desire to serve in ev-
erything that they do. Most of all,
our members give us a purpose as
an organization: a drive to create
a better future.
During my year as president,
it is my desire to ensure that this
milestone points towards that
better future. I hope to have the
honour of connecting with each
of you and hearing about what
that looks like to you. Together, I
believe that we will have an even
brighter tomorrow.
CHAMBER PRESIDENTTYLER BOWMAN
Publisher’s messageSmall Business Week is
an important time to recog-
nize the contributions of the
local business community.
Each year at this time, this
designated week is a terrifi c
opportunity to highlight the
differences these companies
make to Central Albertans on
a day-to-day basis.
Small businesses make up
a large part of Red Deer and
Central Alberta’s economy,
and it’s important to ac-
knowledge their dedication
and range of services to the
region.
We are pleased to again
team up with the Red Deer
Chamber of Commerce to
bring our readers the annual
Small Business Week feature.
It includes many stories
about an array of local small
businesses on a variety of rel-
evant topics. There are also
practical articles about en-
hancing strategies from the
Business Development Cen-
tre. We want to thank the Red
Deer Chamber of Commerce
for the opportunity to bring
this feature to our readers.
We would also like to extend
our thanks and appreciation
to the local small businesses
that participated.
Tracey ScheveersPublisher, Red Deer Express
TRACEY SCHEVEERS
4 Red Deer Express Wednesday, October 9, 2013 – Small Business Week
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BY ERIN FAWCETTRed Deer Express
Doing business in the
downtown core has proven
to be a success for one local
shop.
Hudson Madison, a home
décor, design and accesso-
ries store, fi rst opened their
doors in Red Deer 10 years
ago. The store moved to a
downtown location (4824
Gaetz Ave.) just a couple
of years ago, has expanded
their space in the last year
and has been reaping the
benefi ts ever since.
“We are more of a bou-
tique experience,” said
Janell Malkin, co-owner of
Hudson Madison. “Our fur-
niture is defi nitely a little
bit more higher-end be-
cause it can be customized.
What you’re seeing in House
& Home and Style At Home
magazine is what we try
and do. In the last two years
we have changed and we’ve
dove into the gifts more and
that has been very well re-
ceived. We do more jewelry,
scarves and hats as well
with candles and tableware.
Our gift end has really ex-
panded and changed which
has been a lot of fun and
we’ve noticed our custom-
ers have loved that.”
Moving to the down-
town core from the previ-
ous south hill location was
a big change for Hudson
Madison, but one that has
paid off, said Malkin.
“I would say that I love
downtown Red Deer. We
genuinely love to support
our downtown core. I do
think that this is the heart
of a city and to bring people
down here to our historical
setting is great,” she said.
“To see people wandering
through the shops with a
cup of coffee is wonderful.
“I love Red Deer so being
able to do business in Red
Deer means you can con-
tribute to Red Deer. I feel
like our downtown core re-
ally supports us and they
want us to be there and
they do what they can do to
make sure we’re here. A lot
of the places downtown are
locally owned and operated
so it’s important to support
those businesses.”
Malkin added she has
seen an increase in traffi c
in the downtown core re-
cently.
“On Wednesdays we have
our farmer’s market which
is right in front of us and it’s
really fun to bring your fam-
ily out, grab some ice cream
and walk through some of
the shops,” she said. “Then
at Christmas they decorate
the streets with lights and
it’s so beautiful.”
As for moving forward,
Malkin said Hudson Madi-
son will stay the course and
continue to provide fash-
ionable, comfortable and
good quality home décor
and gift items.
“Our goal has always
been to provide furni-
ture and home décor that
our customers really love
and want to come home
to. We’ve always said love
where you live and that is
important to us.”
Local business relishes downtown location
HOME AESTHETICS - Janell Malkin, co-owner of Hudson Madison, stands in her downtown location along with staff Stephanie Schwartz and Sarah Lehman. Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express
Small Business Week – Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Red Deer Express 5
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BY KIRSTEN PALARDYRed Deer Express
Living in Alberta, the oil and gas in-
dustry is a familiar part of life for many
people, but for CWC Well Services it is not
only their way of life, but their business
entirely.
“We are in the well servicing business,
meaning we service existing and new wells
both oil and gas with our equipment being
service rigs, coil tub-
ing, snubbing and well
testing,” said President
and CEO Duncan Au.
Au said that after a
drilling rig goes into
drill a hole down in
search of the oil and
gas, a fracking compa-
ny follows and injects
high-pressure water
and sand to crack the
rock surrounding
where the oil or gas is
trapped.
“What we do then
with the service rig
and coil tubing is we
go and lay the pipe down hole so that the
oil or gas can fl ow out into the pipe and
eventually into production,” said Au.
CWC Well Services is one of the most ac-
tive operators of service rigs and coil tub-
ing in the Red Deer area.
In Red Deer alone they have 20 active
service rigs operating as well as eight coil
tubing units, seven snubbing units and 11
testing packages.
The company was incorporated in 2005
and became a public company in 2006.
Au said CWC Well Services is the sixth
largest service rig company in Canada.
“From a young fl eet and technological
advancement perspective our rigs are su-
perior. We have been really quite success-
ful in a short three year period.”
The company also has operational loca-
tions in Alberta in Grande Prairie, Slave
Lake, Lloydminster, Provost, Brooks as
well as one in Weyburn, SK.
CWC Well Services employs 520 people
and services right across what Au refers to
as the oil and gas basin.
Some of the accolades the company has
acquired in their years include being in the
top 50 companies in the TSX Venture Ex-
change in 2012.
Au said the company came in fi fth in the
Diversifi ed Industries category.
This year, CWC
Well Services has
placed among the
PROFIT 500 Listing,
which is a list of the
fastest growing com-
panies in Canada in
the last fi ve years.
CWC Well Services
made this list with
a fi ve-year revenue
growth of 137%.
“We also placed on
the Report on Busi-
ness list of the top
1,000 companies in
Canada here for 2013.
“Most recently in
Alberta on Sept. 1st the Venture 250, Al-
berta’s top 250 companies, we also placed
on there.”
Au said the key to being so successful is
having quality people delivering quality
service.
“We think that we have the best of the
equipment available to get the job done.
That new equipment attracts the better
quality fi eld hands out there, so we think
that has been a key part of why we’ve been
so successful.”
He said CWC Well Services customers
have enjoyed all of the success through the
employees delivering top service.
“Of course we are always looking for
good people. We have an RSP program,
paid benefi ts, and cash bonuses on the ser-
vice rig side.”
CWC Well Services sees steady growth
“WE THINK THAT WE HAVE THE BEST OF THE EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE TO GET THE JOB
DONE. THAT NEW EQUIPMENT ATTRACTS THE BETTER
QUALITY FIELD HANDS OUT THERE, SO WE THINK THAT
HAS BEEN A KEY PART OF WHY WE’VE BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL.”
DUNCAN AU
6 Red Deer Express Wednesday, October 9, 2013 – Small Business Week
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Life’s brighter under the sun
BY KIRSTEN PALARDYRed Deer Express
Breathing Room Yoga
Studio + Café is a family-
friendly yoga studio that is
more than just yoga.
“Breathing Room grew
out of the desire to have
a space that was welcom-
ing, non-judgemental and
comfortable. A space where
individuals and families
could come to connect with
themselves and each oth-
er,” said Bonnee Gregg, co-
owner and instructor.
Gregg added that Red
Deer has been using
Breathing Room not only
as a place to do yoga, but a
place to meet new people,
socialize and fi nd solace.
Breathing Room features
two yoga studios. One is a
large, main practice studio
and the other is a smaller
children’s studio, café and
sitting area along with two
family-friendly change
rooms.
“During the day, chil-
dren’s programs run si-
multaneously with adult
programs ensuring that
adults can spend time on
themselves while their
children are engaged in
positive, educational pro-
grams like dance, yoga and
art,” said Gregg.
To date, Breathing Room
is the only family-friendly
yoga studio in Red Deer.
Additionally, it is the only
studio in town that has a
full service café.
Gregg added that Breath-
ing Room often travels to,
or hosts, yoga classes and
team building and develop-
ment classes for local busi-
nesses and organizations.
Some of the classes
Breathing Room offers in-
clude therapeutic yoga for
backs, yoga for curvy bod-
ies, prenatal yoga, yoga for
moms and tots and moms
and babies.
Something special to
Breathing Room is their
eight-week session called
Life with Cancer. It is a class
led by a certifi ed yoga thera-
pist and is developed to cater
to those living with cancer,
undergoing treatment, or
recovering from treatment.
“Life with Cancer is also
open to the members of the
families affected or their
support people.”
Gregg said people seem
to really enjoy the oppor-
tunity to make new friends,
and that she has seen many
new friendships develop
from meeting at the studio.
“We’ve seen grandmoth-
ers form a connection with
college students and as a
result they’ve set up times
to go for walks together.”
September 2013 marked
the second anniversary of
Breathing Room’s opening,
and Gregg said it has fi lled
a void that hadn’t been ad-
dressed in Red Deer.
“Breathing Room is a
place for moms and dads
where they can bring their
kids or come solo, fi lling
their own cups without
guilt or judgement.”
She added that people
practice yoga for any num-
ber of reasons including the
relaxation, rehabilitation of
an injury, gaining physical
strength or mental strength.
“That’s one of the beau-
tiful things about yoga, ev-
eryone takes from it what
they need.”
Some of the other health
benefi ts of yoga proven by
research include decreased
blood pressure, improved
circulation, reduction of
symptoms related to ar-
thritis, migraines and back
pain, and improves posture,
strength, energy and can
even impact sleep patterns.
FINDING BALANCE – Breathing Room Studio + Café offers a variety of classes for every yogi’s needs, taught by a variety of instructors including this class taught by Sam Belanger. Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express
Breathing Room offers family-friendly environment
Small Business Week – Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Red Deer Express 7
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BY MARK WEBERRed Deer Express
Offering unique ways of
hiding unsightly elements
in one’s property, The Rock
Company also provides a
means of making a yard
more attractive at the same
time.
Jodi Hertlein is owner
of The Rock Company, a
dealer for DekoRRa Rock
Enclosures. She launched
the business in 2009.
The rock enclosures are
‘faux’ rocks that can be
used in landscaping pur-
poses to hide things such
as septic tank lids, wells or
electrical posts. “There are
about 14 different models
and four different colours.”
Irrigation equipment on
acreages is another exam-
ple of where they come in
handy, she said. They can
also be used in a decora-
tive sense to display house
numbers, for example.
“They can also display a
family’s last name.”
They are realistic looking
and durable as well as light
in weight. “You can carry
them yourself, because the
biggest one weighs about 80
lbs.” That adds to their ver-
satility – obviously if the
largest models were real,
they wouldn’t be moving
at all once they were put in
place on a given property.
But with the models, they
can be moved at will any-
time for a new look or deco-
rative purpose.
Hertlein got the idea to
look into the business liter-
ally in her own backyard.
“We have a septic tank
outside our deck, so I start-
ed thinking about what we
could put there to cover
it,” she explains. “I found
this company – DekoRRa
Rock Enclosures – online
and they have these sep-
tic tank lid covers that are
easy to move. That way, you
are not going to be fi ghting
with it if you have to get it
off.
“And they look good
– so I ordered one. One
thing then led to another
– I started talking to the
dealer in Ontario and even-
tually started up a small
home-based business. Now
I’m a dealer for Central Al-
berta.”
Hertlein has several
examples of the rock en-
closures at her home, and
they certainly do come
in a range of shapes and
sizes and several different
shades and colours as well.
They also look like the real
thing – and can be used for
more than just covering up
unsightly things around a
property.
“They are made of recy-
clable plastic, so they are
durable. And they are also
made in Wisconsin so they
are really made for our cli-
mate too because they have
the same kind of weather
as we do. So they’re not go-
ing to crack in the winter.”
Meanwhile, the business
continues to grow as people
learn about the product
through word of mouth
and the annual Home Show
in Red Deer, for example.
There is usually plenty of
curiosity about the product
line when people stop to
check them out.
“Everyone wants to
touch them, and they al-
ways knock on them to see
if they are hollow,” she
adds with a smile. Mean-
while, she enjoys chatting
with customers about the
possibilities that The Rock
Company can provide to a
particular setting – wheth-
er that be of a primarily
practical nature or a more
decorative purpose.
“I like meeting people,
and I’ve always liked land-
scaping.”
Plus the company is al-
ways coming out with new
concepts, such as water
features which can be in-
stalled on and around the
rocks, too.
“I like to bring the new
products in and see how
people feel about those.”
Innovative yard solutions with The Rock Company
INNOVATIVE - Jodi Hertlein, owner of The Rock Company, poses with a number of products her company specializes in. Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express
8 Red Deer Express Wednesday, October 9, 2013 – Small Business Week
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BY MARK WEBERRed Deer Express
Fully preparing prospec-
tive employees for a range
of posts in the oilfi eld and
the province’s industrial
sector is the top goal of
Gateway Training Services
Inc.
The Red Deer-based com-
pany provides “Innovative
and client-centered servic-
es to individuals who are
looking to access employ-
ment within the Alberta
industrial sector.” Staff
specialize in recruiting,
training and job placement
support.
“Our unique brand of
programming sets us apart
from the fl y by night and
‘crash course’ competition
by offering intense pro-
gramming that covers all
the concerns associated
with relocating to Alberta,
fi nding work in Alberta and
staying here in Alberta.”
Rus King co-owns the
company along with his
wife Kelli-Ann King and
Mihai Vlaicov.
As Rus points out, many
looking for work in the oil-
fi eld for example are sig-
nifi cantly unprepared for
what it entails in terms of
training.
“They may not know
where to start, what to
do; they may not be fi nan-
cially prepared. They may
not have a resume or they
don’t realize there is a drug
test,” he said, listing off ex-
amples of what can be over-
looked. “Our program is
a 17-day one that prepares
them as best we can for this
industry.
“We also bring employ-
ers into the course and they
present about their compa-
nies and what is required
to work for them,” he said.
“We are a gateway to the oil
and gas and heavy indus-
trial industries.”
Rus also described a
common ‘condition’ that
surfaces in some newcom-
ers to the province – ‘Al-
berta-itus’. It’s a set of mis-
conceptions people have in
connection to fi nding work
in the oilfi eld or heavy in-
dustrial in general.
Some will phone looking
for help to land a ‘fl y-in, fl y-
out’ type of job.
Expectations can indeed
be unrealistic and exces-
sive, and if they aren’t cor-
rected, they can ultimately
turn employers off. Some
newcomers also mistaken-
ly believe they can come to
the province and start mak-
ing certain demands, even
when they have virtually
no experience in the fi eld.
“Getting into the oil and
gas industry is not as easy
as people might think. You
have to have something
that sets you apart, and
that’s what our program
does. We put you in front
of the employers.” Under-
going the training shows a
certain seriousness, for one
thing.
But that ‘Alberta-itus’
can still sneak in. As the
men become more trained,
often expectations surge in
terms of what they want
from employers. Some-
times, guys earning very
little elsewhere end up
turning down solid offers
in search of something
even bigger and better.
But overall, what Gateway
Training Services Inc. pro-
vides is critical not just to
preparing workers, but for
adjusting these kinds of
faulty expectations.
Kelli-Ann also pointed
out that the retention rate
for companies who hire
workers who have utilized
Gateway Training Services
is much higher than the
norm.
“It’s successful for the
employers too. For us,
the retention rates we see
are between 75 to 100 per
cent for the guys who go
through the program. They
stick with their compa-
nies.” She added there is
also a pre-screening pro-
cess prior to the training
sessions, which also helps
ensure that those who un-
dergo the training are right
for what the industry of-
fers. “There are quite a few
steps to even get into the
program.”
Looking ahead, Rus said
the company is working
on a program for mature
workers (those who are 50
and over).
“I think the western Ca-
nadian economy has a duty
to help these mature work-
ers,” he said. “We’re work-
ing with the employers to
fi nd jobs for these people
in the industry, so they
can get paid what they are
worth. I want to see where
we can go with this. Let’s
take the next step and see
how we can help these ma-
ture workers who cannot
afford to retire. I’m pretty
excited about that.”
Ultimately, whatever the
age or employment circum-
stance, it’s a win-win for
everyone involved.
“It’s great for people
coming from all over the
world, or from across the
country,” explains Vlaicov.
“We also paint a very real-
istic picture, and we really
help to set them up for suc-
cess. We have many, many
success stories from our
clients.”
It’s also a fulfi lling line
of work for the company’s
owners.
“It’s great to see people
go through it and they’re
genuinely happy and see
their lives turned around,”
he added.
“I’m very proud of what
we do.”
TICKETS MADE EASY – The staff at Gateway Training Services stand in front of their location in southeast Red Deer. Back from left are Lance Kangas, Rus King, Mihai Vlaicov, and Ted Glad. Front from left are Cassidi Wagner, Kelli-Ann King, Marlena Crookedhand and Dawn Volmer. Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express
Gateway Training Services specializesin employment preparation
Small Business Week – Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Red Deer Express 9
Business of the Year Finalists 1 - 15 employees
“Stems started as a fl oral shop,” says Steph-
anie LaPrairie, co-owner with husband Jus-
ton, and a professionally accredited fl oral de-
signer, “And has become a gift shop, a home
decor, jewellry and knickknacks store, and
also a cafe and little deli.”
She says, “People know to come to us for
something special. We use a lot of different
and unique products, we also use almost 90 per
cent Canadian-grown product. We are about
supporting local and if we are not supporting
local ourselves, then we can’t expect people to
support us locally. This helps with shipping
and volume, so our product is longer lasting
and fresher, and we can do volume discount-
ing.”
After locations in Calgary and Lancaster
Centre in Red Deer, Stems Flowers and Cafe
opened again in the new medical centre build-
ing on the old site of Central Alberta Florists,
just north of the hospital, in 2012.
It was a Red Deer institution and LaPrairie
says Stems benefi ts greatly from their old cus-
tomers and services.
At Stems the emphasis is on personalized
service, because, “It’s a tricky business. We try
to be all about service because we sell emotion.
Yes, we are a great one-stop shop, with amaz-
ing products and reasonable prices, but we
read between the lines for what people want
when it comes to fl owers.”
A Red Deer native, LaPrairie says, “I’ve
learned that it really is the greatest place to
do business. I got to see how business works
in Canada’s biggest booming city (Calgary)
where I had a lot of growing pains. But we
sold our shop in Calgary and focused 100 per
cent on Red Deer because it’s a wonderful little
market of its own. It’s a little niche pocket that
has the best of everything, the best people.”
When it comes to community support, “We
do tons and tons of stuff, big and small. Our
policy is if they buy one, we give one. We are
also involved with the Festival of Trees, Mas-
ters Swim Club, Tour of Alberta and many
others.”
Success with fl owers at Stems
The Coverall Shop provides personalized,
ready to wear, fl ame-resistant work clothing.
General Manager Jeremy Jablonski says with
one phone call a company can place an order
for an individual, or any number of employees,
for personalized coveralls for those employees
down to their nametag and get it in a couple of
days locally with free delivery service
“Work clothes are a need, not a want. They
are a huge necessity, so we saw an opportunity
to do it differently from what was offered in the
market. We did our research, our due diligence
and went ahead. We built a business based on
just-in-time delivery for our clients, ready to
wear garments, with (company) crests, em-
broidery, all done. They show up ready to
wear, whether they want one pair, a hundred
pairs, or more.”
While it started with coveralls, it now in-
cludes safety equipment, gloves, footwear and
other accessories. A separate company, Park-
land Coverall Cleaning, provides laundry ser-
vice for work clothes. Jablonski says business
grew faster than expected. Now in the fourth
year of business, he says revenue has already
reached what he projected for year six.
“The speed at which we’ve grown is quite
exciting and a lot of fun, but has created chal-
lenges too. However, urgency is important to
us. It’s a word we use a lot. Every order is an
urgent order. Other companies provide similar
services, but we’ve taken it to the next level.”
Jablonski adds that The Coverall Shop
would not be the success it is without tre-
mendous support from his family (some are
partners), his hardworking staff and loyal
customers. “We’re family-owned and commu-
nity-minded, and our people are the most im-
portant thing. Red Deer is by far the best place
to live, work, do business and raise a family.
And because it’s a good place to do business it
allows us to give back. Among the many orga-
nizations we support are the Festival of Trees,
Red Deer College (with scholarships and bur-
saries), Rotary Clubs, Red Deer Food Bank and
the Christmas Bureau.”
Personalizing the coverall business
Babycakes Cupcakery co-owners Diana Kn-
apton and Andrea Fox are two Red Deer girls
who had a dream and fulfi lled it successfully.
Their dream business involved one specialty
product: gourmet cupcakes.
Knapton says, “I found myself here after
having lived in places like Montreal and Van-
couver and seeing ... there is lots of opportu-
nity here to build a small business in Central
Alberta. There are so many feeder communi-
ties, the opportunity is huge in Red Deer. I just
had a feeling the market was ready and hungry,
literally!”
She was right. “We had a line outside our
door before we opened,” says Fox. “We had
pregnant women following our truck around
town before we even had the store. It was awe-
some. It caught us off guard at the beginning,
but our product speaks for itself and word-of-
mouth works really well for us.”
On an average day Babycakes bakes 30 to 45
dozen cupcakes. Their busiest day is Valen-
tine’s Day and last February they made over
150 dozen and they were sold out by mid-after-
noon.
“Red Deer was ready for something unique
and independent, kind of fun and retro,” says
Fox. “We took a well-educated risk, we worked
hard on our business plan while doing our for-
mer jobs ... most cupcake businesses take the
quick and easy route, the cheaper route, where-
as we were the opposite. We wanted a high stan-
dard for our store, our product and our service
that would pull people from everywhere, not
just Red Deer. The product had to be top notch.
So no one can compete with how we do it.”
Fox says Red Deer is a great place to do busi-
ness because, “It has a small town feel ... but
it’s a big city atmosphere. We wanted to be a
place that brought people into Red Deer and
it’s been really good that way.” When it comes
to community support, “We do as much as we
can,” with organizations like Festival of Trees,
Ronald McDonald House and the Red Deer
Women’s Shelter benefi tting from the success
of their business dream.
Dream business success story
Stems co-owner Stephanie LaPrairie is an accredited member of the American Institute of Floral Designers and a Certifi ed Floral Designer.
Coverall Shop General Manager Jeremy Jablonski says they treat all their workwear orders with urgency.
Babycakes Cupcakery Co-owners Diana Knapton (left) and Andrea Fox can serve up 30 to 45 dozen cupcakes on an average day.
10 Red Deer Express Wednesday, October 9, 2013 – Small Business Week
Business of the Year Finalists 16 - 49 employees
“We specialize in manufacturing fi re resistant
workwear for the oilfi eld and electrical indus-
tries,” says Reg Radford, president of IFR Work-
wear, one of the top fi ve companies in the indus-
try. They believe in the integrity of their clothing
and the IFR brand gives companies the reassur-
ance their employees are wearing quality safety
garments. Radford and his daughter, vice presi-
dent Erin Buckland, started the business from
scratch with only one other employee. Today,
they have 26 employees and are still growing. In
December, they are moving into a new 26,000 sq.
ft. distribution centre in Queens Industrial Park,
three times larger than their present space.
“We don’t sell direct to end users,” says Rad-
ford. “Our business is developed through dis-
tributors across Canada , the U.S. and offshore
as well. We purchase all our raw materials and
major components from well-established known
names like Westex, Dupont, 3M and YKK and
ship it to our manufacturing plants in Mexico to
complete the cut and sew operations. Our gar-
ments are setting the quality standard expected
in the workplace today.”
Buckland says, “Our mission is to provide qual-
ity, trusted garments. When somebody buys an
IFR garment they know that it is quality product
and they can trust the garments’ components.
That’s really important for us, to make sure that
everything is top quality.”
“Staff are the backbone of any successful busi-
ness,” says Radford. “We have excellent, dedicat-
ed staff.” Buckland adds, “We also support our
employees and encourage them to be involved
with the community, and will lend support to any
organization they are involved in.”
“As business owners it is important to be in-
vested in the community,” says Radford. “Our
family is well known for our volunteer work and
support of many local organizations like Ronald
McDonald House, Red Deer College, Festival of
Trees and Red Deer Curling Centre.”
“Red Deer is a really good place to do busi-
ness,” says Buckland. “It’s a right size of commu-
nity. It’s a good balance between a place to live
and a place to work.”
Trusted quality behind success at IFR
General Manager Reg Radford (left) and Vice President Erin Buckland started IFR Workwear in 2005 to produce fi re resistant work clothes.
John Donald, president and general manager
of Deermart Equipment Sales, says the presi-
dent of John Deere Canada once told him that
if he could pick any place in Canada to jump out
of a plane and start a John Deere dealership, he
would pick Central Alberta.
Deermart is one of the few independently
owned John Deere dealerships left in western
Canada. It sells ag machinery, lawn and turf
products, parts and service. Last year sales
were over $40 million.
Donald says, “We’ve hired some great people.
That’s probably the thing I’m most proud of; 50
per cent of our employees have been with us for
over 20 years. Our service is outstanding, John
Deere product has a good reputation in the in-
dustry and our parts and service departments
run exceptionally well.”
He says farmers using modern technology,
better agricultural inputs, and better equip-
ment probably doubled production in the 31
years he’s been in the business. And if agricul-
ture hopes to feed the world’s increasing popu-
lation, it will have to double production again
by 2043. “It’s a challenge. But better technology
keeps coming. Agriculture is changing fast and
we’ve made sure we are staying on the cutting
edge of it.”
Donald, also chairman of Western Tractor
with four outlets in southern Alberta, says,
“Red Deer’s been phenomenal for our family
(his father Jack Donald started Fas Gas). I’ve
watched it grow and thrive. It’s got agriculture,
oil and gas and professionals putting down roots
here. Red Deer has really established itself as
an emerging force as a community and I think
it’s got a long way to go.”
He says, “I couldn’t tell you how many boards
and committees I’ve been on.” Examples on a
long list include the Red Deer Hospital Founda-
tion, Agri-Trade, Love of Children Golf Clas-
sic, STARS, SPCA and Employment Insurance
Board. “We’re a big believer in giving back. You
get to a certain point when your needs are met
and your staff needs are met, when it’s impor-
tant to go out and make Red Deer a better place.”
Serving Central Alberta agriculture
Deermart President/General Manager John Donald has seen dramatic changes in agriculture in his 31 years in the business.
Although it’s only been at its 12,000 sq. ft.
Southpointe Common location for six years,
Carpet Colour Centre has been providing fl oor
coverings and window treatments to Central
Alberta for over 30 years.
Owned and operated by the Wiebe family
for the last 25 years, manager Rick Wiebe says,
“People come in and we help them choose their
colours, we help them choose their products,
we try to steer them in the right direction.
When you are renovating there are so many
choices, it can be overwhelming to a lot of peo-
ple. Sometimes people come in and they don’t
know where to start and that’s where we step
in and help them decide on colour schemes,
and give them lots of ideas.”
He says, “What sets us apart is we are a full
service store - the full meal deal. From the start
to the fi nish we help the customer with every-
thing. Then we guarantee it. We have a war-
ranty called the Beautiful Guarantee. If you
don’t like it, for any reason, we’ll replace it. No
questions asked.”
Wiebe is happy his son Andrew is taking
over Carpet Colour Centre and that the busi-
ness will continue in Red Deer. “This City is
phenomenal. It’s big enough it’s got almost all
the amenities, but it’s small enough I can still
get to work in 15 minutes. You know where ev-
erything is. Sharon (his wife) and I have been
here since 1982 and wouldn’t dream of moving
anyplace else. We raised our family here. We
just love Red Deer.”
As a successful businessman Wiebe is often
approached to help in the larger community.
Right now he’s especially involved with A Bet-
ter World, a volunteer Central Alberta-based
international development organization dedi-
cated to improving lives in developing coun-
tries for over 20 years. Wiebe himself manages
four projects (like drilling wells) in Kenya. Ad-
ditional support goes to Big Brothers/Big Sis-
ters, the Pregnancy Care Centre, local home-
builder and construction associations, and “I
don’t think there’s a church in town that we
haven’t helped out.”
One store for a perfect fl oor
Carpet Colour Centre Manager Rick Wiebe (left) and son Andrew provide complete fl ooring and window dressing services and guarantee their products.
Small Business Week – Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Red Deer Express 11
Business of the Year Finalists 50+ employees
Joel Ward, president of Red Deer College, says 94% of their graduates fi nd jobs within six months.
Red Deer College is known throughout the prov-
ince and beyond as a hub of innovation, a place
where culture is created as communities connect,
strengthening the social fabric of Central Alberta
by providing practical and relevant learning op-
portunities.
As a vibrant centre where innovation thrives,
RDC supported more than 500 small and medium-
sized enterprises last year alone through the Cen-
tre of Innovation in Manufacturing, helping busi-
ness and industry in the manufacturing process
through prototyping and design. This is just one
reason RDC was recognized as one of Alberta’s
Top 25 Innovators.
As one of Red Deer’s largest employers, employ-
ing more than 1,800 people, the college contributes
$300 million to the local economy each year.
“We’re proud of the fact that we employ faculty
and staff who are experts in their fi elds; because
we draw such incredible talent, we provide a prac-
tical education that prepares our learners for suc-
cessful lives and careers,” says Joel Ward, presi-
dent and CEO of RDC.
More than 94% of graduates get jobs within six
months of studying at RDC. With more than 7,500
students and 13,000 community learners each
year, RDC not only meets the learning needs of
the region through in-demand programming, it
provides businesses in Red Deer and throughout
Central Alberta with highly skilled employees.
The vision of RDC has always been bold, and
never more so than through its active role in the
revitalization of downtown Red Deer. Through
the Donald School of Business, RDC has shown
its responsiveness to the needs of business and in-
dustry by adding new programs like the Bachelor
of Business Administration degree. Through the
recent acquisition of City Centre Stage, with its
Art Gallery, Cinema and Theatre, RDC it is truly
a place where culture can be created and enjoyed.
By offering in-demand programs, exceptional
facilities, and by supporting hundreds of busi-
nesses and thousands of learners each year, RDC
will continue to contribute to the social and eco-
nomic well-being of the City and help ensure the
region thrives.
Opportunity and innovation at RDC
Now celebrating 30 years as a Canadian-owned
company, Red Deer’s Peavey Mart supplies hard-
ware, tools, work wear, agricultural and garden-
ing supplies through 31 outlets. That includes one
just opening in Rocky Mountain House and an-
other early next year in Spruce Grove. The com-
pany also operates Main Street Hardware stores
(Peavey Marts for smaller markets). The fi rst
opened in Blackfalds and a second is set to go in
Vermilion.
“We’ve got 170 people in Red Deer and about
160,000 square feet of warehouse and offi ce here,
all the buying and administrative work is done
here as well,” says Peavey Mart President Doug
Anderson. “Altogether we have about 700 – 750
employees, mostly in Alberta and Saskatchewan,
plus single stores in Manitoba and B.C. and we’re
looking to continue to grow.”
Anderson says, “Red Deer is such a strong and
vibrant area.
As well as oil and gas and agriculture, it has a
strong sense of community in my mind, and, at
the end of the day, it’s my home. We are a rural
roots type of organization with an appeal to ur-
ban people, acreage owners, farmers and busi-
nesses too. It’s a really good mix for us.”
Their success, says Anderson, is because,
“We’ve consistently looked at doing things bet-
ter, working with our product mix and maintain-
ing a unique product mix. We have a very loyal
customer base. People really love shopping in our
stores because we’re down to earth, economical
and have a fantastic product selection.”
Community support comes from the Red Deer
head offi ce and individual stores. Many thou-
sands of dollars are raised for food banks across
their territory and a long list of organizations like
Wild Pink Yonder (breast cancer research), Eas-
ter Seals, Women’s Outreach Centre, Telemiracle
in Saskatchewan and 4-H.
“I’m especially proud of our community agri-
cultural grants,” says Anderson. “It’s something
new we’ve started as a way to reach out to rural
communities and help them build. We’re really
looking for innovation and it’s a way to creatively
reach out to our customers and supporters.”
Red Deer-based western enterprise
Robert Bilton started his own small welding
company in Innisfail in 1993. “I started by my-
self with a portable welding rig. And just slowly
built it up.”
Now Bilton Welding and Manufacturing Ltd.
is celebrating its 20th anniversary. It has close
to 200 employees, plus contract employees de-
pending on project requirements. Growing fa-
cilities in Innisfail cover 77,000 sq. ft. and the
company just opened an offi ce in Calgary. Bil-
ton’s core business is fabrication welding with
complementary products and services: insulat-
ing, painting, specialty coating, whatever the
job needs. “When a customer comes to us and
says they need something, we don’t job it out,
we do it all from initial engineering to fi nished
product.” Bilton’s secret for success - good peo-
ple and work hard.
“Right now we inject into Central Alberta,
between wages and materials purchased, about
$25 million annually. We work really hard to de-
velop good relationships within this community
and invest as much money back into it as we feel
we can afford. And because this is really a small
community we reap the benefi ts of that invest-
ment.”
The company likes to support charities with
lots of volunteers, like the SPCA and Hospice
Society. “One of the ones I really like to work
with is the Red Deer Hospital Foundation. There
are thousands of volunteers who give what they
can, and time is very precious. I have a little
bit of money, they have a little bit of time, so
we both give. One is no more valuable than the
other, they are both necessary.”
Bilton says, “Alberta is the land of opportuni-
ty. There’s nothing special about me other than
a bit of good luck, a lot of hard work and a lot of
support from my family (allowing me to work
16 hour days at the beginning). This company
is nothing without our employees. I know it’s
a cliché, but it is the truth. That’s what’s most
important: to recognize everybody. They (our
staff) are knowledgeable, hard working and
pretty important. The fi rst person I hired is still
working for me today.”
Welding his way to success
Peavey Mart President Doug Anderson says his company continues to expand with new Main Street Hardware stores.
Bilton Welding and Manufacturing president Robert Bilton oversaw tremendous growth of his Innisfail business the last 20 years.
12 Red Deer Express Wednesday, October 9, 2013 – Small Business Week
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BY ERIN FAWCETTRed Deer Express
Offering expertise and ex-
perience as well as superb
customer service is what one
local travel agency strives for.
UNIGLOBE Mills Travel
recently moved to a new lo-
cation on the City’s east hill
(3020 22 St.) and said busi-
ness has been good.
“It’s excellent here. This
is a very busy location,” said
Shelley Cota, branch man-
ager. “People are stopping in
on their way to work or when
they get groceries, so it has
been very good.”
UNIGLOBE Mills Travel
specializes in holiday travel
and offers vacation packages
on cruise lines, adventures,
destination weddings and
river cruises, among others.
“The hotspots are Mexico
followed up by Jamaica and
Punta Cana.”
Cota added with Air Can-
ada now fl ying out of Red
Deer, it is a great opportu-
nity for local travelers to be
connected with fl ights world-
wide.
“People don’t really think
where that can take them.
You can go Red Deer to Cal-
gary to anywhere in the
world,” she said.
In addition, Cota said what
sets the travel agency apart
from others is the strength
that comes with the UNI-
GLOBE name.
The company offers ex-
clusive rates, price match
guarantees and has access
to group space discounts on
many different cruise lines.
“We have competitive
rates, we have our own UNI-
GLOBE cruise department
and our expertise that we
have here as well.”
Cota, who has been with
the company for 25 years,
said she is passionate about
travel. “I love selling travel
from fi rst time travelers to
seasoned travelers. There is
a sense of excitement when
we plan a holiday of a life-
time or a group for a desti-
nation wedding. It is a great
job.”
As for doing business in
Red Deer, Cota said she loves
welcoming her longtime cli-
ents and new clients as well.
“Red Deer has grown and
changed so much that it’s a
good place to do business. We
love to see the clients we’ve
had for years and we love to
meet new clients as well.”
[email protected] – Shelley Cota, branch manager at UNIGLOBE Mills Travel in Red Deer, poses in their new location on the City’s east hill. Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express
UNIGLOBE Mills Travel thrives in new location
Small Business Week – Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Red Deer Express 13
Honourable Cal Dallas
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BY JENNA SWANRed Deer Express
‘Physical literacy in
Central Alberta’s youth’
is Sportball’s mission said
Program Director, Bran-
don Robb.
Now entering into their
third season, they are well
on their way to achieving
this goal.
Having started with only
20 children in their pro-
gram, they now facilitate
over 300 kids per season.
Robb explains that Sport-
ball is a “Non-competitive
sport instruction program
where they work with kids
anywhere from 18 months
to 16-years-old and teach
them the fundamentals of
eight different sports.”
Soccer, football, hockey,
basketball, volleyball, base-
ball, golf and tennis are
Sportball’s specialties and
instructing children on
proper techniques to train
in these sports is their pas-
sion.
“We teach them the fun-
damentals and the skills,”
said Robb. “Then as they
get older we teach them
how to properly play the
game so that they don’t get
thrown into a competitive
environment without nec-
essarily knowing the rules
of the game.”
By organizing after-
school programs in various
schools in Central Alberta
usually from 3:30 to 5 p.m.,
kids are given a great place
to be active after class.
Parents are embrac-
ing the program as it gives
them peace of mind to know
their children are in a great
program and learning skills
for a healthy, fi t life.
Often Robb and the oth-
er coaches of Sportball
will give demos in schools
where they teach gym class
for the day.
Students are delighted
to get the chance to learn
more about the sports they
love, or never knew they
loved until Sportball came
and showed them how fun
it can be.
Sportball Fitkids is also
making a splash in the eyes
of parents and children as
a new fun fi tness program.
“Here we give them func-
tional fi tness training,” ex-
plains Robb.
“We teach them how to
properly train and work
different muscle groups
within the body and give
them the fi tness fundamen-
tals.”
Designed for kids aged
six to 12, the program
aims to help build strength
through non-competitive
sports instruction for chil-
dren.
“Typically when kids are
that age they already have
a sport they are interested
in and likely are wanting to
play it in a minor league,”
said Robb.
“So Fitkids is there to
give them that extra edge
and show them how to
properly train for the sport
they enjoy.”
Robb believes that “By
developing the physical
literacy skills in kids early
on, we are teaching them
how to properly move in
different environments,
which develops skills to
teach them how to properly
jump or properly throw a
ball which in turn builds up
their confi dence especially
when they are put in those
situations outside of Sport-
ball.” In the younger kids
who join Sportball, coaches
work on team values and
social dynamics of sports,
such as taking turns, fair
play and teamwork.
“With the younger kids
we work a lot on the team
and social dynamics of
sport as opposed to the
‘mine, mine, mine’ atti-
tude.”
All Sportball coaches
are certifi ed with standard
Sportball methods and usu-
ally have a background in
early childhood education,
sports administration, oc-
cupational therapy or kine-
siology.
As well as being certifi ed
in the Sportball Mentor-
ship Program, First Aid,
and CPR – Sportball coach-
es love to teach kids about
what they love.
Sportball focuses on child athletic development
BRANDON ROBB
14 Red Deer Express Wednesday, October 9, 2013 – Small Business Week
BY MARK WEBERRed Deer Express
A local consulting busi-
ness aims to offer top qual-
ity professional develop-
ment training and project
coordinating services.
Kimberlink Consulting
is operated by Kim Darby-
son, who holds a psycholo-
gy degree along with more
than 16 years of experience
in workshop development/
facilitation and project co-
ordinating. She is also a
True Colors International
Trainer. “When I was with
Cosmos, one of the projects
I was doing was Toastmas-
ters. We had a relationship
with the youth employment
program at the time. Basi-
cally I coached the indi-
viduals with Toastmasters
to deliver a public speaking
course for the youth,” she
explains of the business’
beginnings.
She later moved on from
Cosmos and decided to
launch her own consult-
ing business, as she had
often been doing that kind
of work in her day-to-day
employment as it was. Kim-
berlink Consulting was of-
fi cially launched in 2010.
“So I developed a pub-
lic speaking program, and
started there. And then I
wanted to be trained to do
one of the personality in-
ventories – that was really
interesting to me with my
psychology degree. I did
some research, and found
True Colors.”
She offers True Colors
International Personal
Success Seminars which
are described as a model
of personal identifi cation
that is easy to understand,
remember and use. Par-
ticipants’ personalities,
after careful and thorough
analysis, are described by
particular colors – gold, or-
ange, green and blue.
In general terms, blue
equals relationship-ori-
ented, whereas green rep-
resents a love of learn-
ing. Gold points to an
organized, procedural style
whereas orange represents
an essentially outgoing and
spontaneous personality.
Darbyson said the semi-
nar helps employees have
more self-confi dence, re-
spect for one another and
work as a connected team.
It also helps business
owners better understand
customers, and it has appli-
cations for communication,
team building, confl ict res-
olution, coaching, leader-
ship and sales. Ultimately,
facilitators say True Colors
distills the concepts of per-
sonality theory into a user-
friendly, practical tool.
Meanwhile, other work-
shops and seminars offered
by Kimberlink Consulting
include Speak Freely Pub-
lic Speaking Workshops.
There are also ‘Project
Coordinator/Facilitation
Services’ for folks that fi nd
themselves on a deadline,
short-staffed and in need of
getting a project completed.
Next up, Darbyson, who
is also executive director of
the local Learning Disabili-
ties Association of Alberta
offi ce, will be taking a pro-
gram in confl ict leadership
as well.
“What I’m really inter-
ested in doing is tying the
True Colors with confl ict
resolution and starting to
use that by teaching work-
shops and also going into
companies as a mediator,”
she said. “I think that the
more I have to offer, the
more diverse I can be.”
Darbyson has extensive
experience in coordinat-
ing a range of projects in
the non-profi t sector - she
has coordinated an annual
community science festi-
val, assisted a government-
funded agency to prepare
for their accreditation re-
view, developed a volun-
teer-match program for a
community organization
and coordinated a Commu-
nity New Year’s Eve festi-
val, among several others.
She has indeed found a
fulfi lling path in life.
“I love working for my-
self – I’m very much a
‘walk to the beat of my
own drum’ kind of person
whenever I can be,” she ex-
plains, smiling. “That defi -
nitely appeals to me – the
independence factor.
“And I love teaching. The
populations I work with
are usually really keen to
learn this material, and
the True Colors workshops
are so cool because I actu-
ally get to know the people
on a personal level. Their
stories start to come out as
they are engaging with the
material and understand-
ing how it all fi ts together
for them.”
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Small Business Week – Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Red Deer Express 15
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October 11 & 12, 2013October 11 & 12, 2013October 11 & 12, 2013October 11 & 12, 2013
BY KIRSTEN PALARDYRed Deer Express
Red Deer is home to a
number of radio stations,
and Shine FM tries to set
themselves apart with a
different genre of music,
and a different approach to
being radio-friendly.
“Shine FM is a small in-
dependent broadcasting
company and has a single
owner out of Edmonton,”
said Mark Imbach, station
manager for Calgary and
co-manager for the Red
Deer station.
The station is located at
13-7619 Gaetz Ave.
The station moved to its
new location about a year
ago after being located in
Scott’s Parable Christian
Store.
The fi rst property was
CJCA AM out of Edmon-
ton in the spring of 1994.
The Calgary station started
in December of 1997 and
Red Deer came onboard on
April 1, 2011.
“One thing we really feel
is an advantage is that we
are locally-owned so we
don’t have to worry about
what the big companies are
saying,” he said.
“We make our decisions
right here. This allows us
to be able to refl ect and re-
spond to what’s going on
right here in the local mar-
ket.”
Imbach said that the big
idea behind Shine FM was
wanting to be safe and fun
for the whole family.
“What this means to us
is that if a mom or dad are
taking their kids to school
or driving around, they
don’t have to shut the ra-
dio off because of what was
said or even explain to the
kids what was said.”
He added that the on-air
radio personalities have a
lot of fun with their jobs,
but that it is done so in a
practical way.
The genre of music
played on Shine FM is de-
scribed by Imbach as being
contemporary Christian
music.
“We feel strongly about
providing a positive alter-
native to what’s out there,”
he said.
“Our mandate is not to
preach on the air but to let
the music send the message
through the lyrics of the
songs.”
The station’s value state-
ment also says “To promote
healthy Christian values
and standards with an em-
phasis on traditional fam-
ily values.”
Imbach also said that
what news is broadcast
on Shine FM is the news
people need like traffi c,
weather reports and basic
reports of what is going on.
“What we don’t talk
about is the entertainment
news, that’s for the other
stations to deal with. We
aren’t even really heavy on
the news,” he added.
“If people want the hard
edge stories they’ll have to
fi nd that somewhere else.”
He said after a recent
survey done in Calgary,
listeners responded say-
ing the things they enjoy
the most are the weather,
traffi c, saving money tips,
relationship advice and in-
formation on how to con-
nect with kids that are now
teenagers.
“Our positioning is that
we don’t want to sound a
whole lot different from the
regular music or other sta-
tions, we just try to be very
connective to where people
are right now.”
The music played on
Shine FM might not even
sound any different from
the other stations, said Im-
bach.
He said the music is so
contemporary most people
wouldn’t notice the differ-
ence from their station to
Shine FM.
Imbach also said that
Shine FM does get involved
in community events in-
cluding Shake the Lake,
events at Bower Ponds and
Westerner Days.
“What we look for and
target are the family activi-
ties. One of the things we
do have too is our mascot,
Shiner,” he said.
“The kids love him and
whenever we go some-
where for kids, Shiner is a
part of that.”
Shine FM offers family-friendly radio
Station specializes in contemporary Christian music
“WE FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT PROVIDING A
POSITIVE ALTERNATIVE TO WHAT’S OUT THERE. OUR MANDATE IS NOT
TO PREACH ON THE AIR BUT TO LET THE MUSIC
SEND THE MESSAGE THROUGH THE LYRICS
OF THE SONGS.”
MARK IMBACH
16 Red Deer Express Wednesday, October 9, 2013 – Small Business Week
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BY ERIN FAWCETTRed Deer Express
An online entertainment direc-
tory which showcases fun activi-
ties to do in and around Red Deer
continues to grow.
Wendy Swales, spokesperson
of RedDeerNightOut.com said
the business has seen success
since opening in September 2012.
“It’s been really good and it has
been very busy but it has been so
much fun to put together. I’ve met
so many great people and there is
a lot more going on in Red Deer
than people realize,” she said.
RedDeerNightOut.com high-
lights a variety of things includ-
ing entertainment on a nightly
basis throughout the City as well
as nightly restaurant and drink
specials. The goal is to try and
consolidate everything that is
happening in the City in one con-
venient spot for Red Deerians.
“We try and promote the best
in Red Deer. It’s basically every-
thing you need to plan a fun night
out. There is a calendar of events
that shows what is happening
any given night of the week and
then highlights a lot of the local
businesses we have in town too
because there are people looking
for different ideas.
“The tag line for the site is ‘The
place to go for the place to go’,”
said Swales. “It has lists of res-
taurants, bars and other enter-
tainment options.”
The online directory is part of
a franchise which is seen in the
U.S. and there are a few popping
up in Canada as well, but Swales
has launched the fi rst web site of
its kind in Alberta.
“There are about 450 sites
worldwide. There is also a free
app (MyNightOut) that people
can download and it will link
them up to all of the other sites so
if they are traveling they can see
what is going on in the area they
are visiting.”
Swales, who majored in tour-
ism in college, got involved with
RedDeerNightOut.com after do-
ing some research online and see-
ing a link to the night out sites.
She thought Red Deer could ben-
efi t from one like it.
“I had a passion for being a
hometown tourist – trying out dif-
ferent things that are happening
in and around where I currently
live.”
As part of RedDeerNightOut.
com there is also an ‘ad pints’
program where local businesses
can purchase ad space on a pint
glass. The program is currently
at International Beer Haus &
Stage.
“It’s an easy way for other busi-
nesses in town to target a specifi c
clientele,” said Swales. “It’s great
because you have a captive audi-
ence.”
In addition, RedDeerNightOut.
com is holding a monthly contest
via its facebook page and twitter
account for participants to win a
night out in the City.
EASY ACCESS – Access the Red Deer Night Out web site or app from any smart phone or tablet to fi nd out what’s happening in the City tonight, or advertise on one of the Red Deer Night Out and International Beer Haus’ ad pints.
Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express
Web site provides one-stop shop for local fun
Small Business Week – Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Red Deer Express 17
SPONSORS
BDC is the Business De-
velopment Bank of Cana-
da. From over 100 offi ces
across the country, BDC
promotes entrepreneur-
ship by providing highly
tailored fi nancing, venture
capital and consulting ser-
vices to entrepreneurs.
A fi nancial institution
owned by the Government
of Canada, BDC has been
serving Canadian entre-
preneurs for more than
65 years. Our team helps
more than 29,000 business-
es reach their full poten-
tial. As a complementary
lender, we offer loans and
investments that supple-
ment services available
from commercial fi nancial
institutions.
We put special focus on
SMEs in sectors such as
manufacturing, exporting,
innovation and knowledge-
based industries. We pay
particular attention to
start-ups, innovators, fast
growth companies, manu-
facturers and exporters.
We also focus on entrepre-
neurs who are working to
commercialize the fruits of
R&D to create innovative
products and globally suc-
cessful companies.
We put entrepreneurs’
success at the heart of all
we do.
Servus Credit Union is
proud to sponsor the Busi-
ness of the Year Awards
and celebrate Small Busi-
ness Week. In fact, we cel-
ebrate the success of small
businesses all year.
Our Business Banking
Centre, located in Servus’
south hill branch, has a
focused, experienced and
supportive team ready
to meet the needs of the
business sector, and our
knowledgeable and friend-
ly staff can manage your
day-to-day business bank-
ing needs at any Servus
branch. We understand
your community and the
local economy, and we con-
sider these factors when
exploring fi nancial solu-
KG Country 95.5FM and
ZED98.9FM are owned and
operated by Newcap Radio,
one of Canada’s leading
radio broadcasters with 88
licenses across Canada in-
cluding 35 locations across
Alberta. Our company
reaches millions of listen-
ers each week through
a variety of formats and
is a recognized industry
leader in radio program-
ming, sales and network-
ing. We are honoured to
partner with the Red Deer
Chamber of Commerce as
sponsors of the 2013 Busi-
ness of the Year Awards.
We are equally honoured to
help support and promote
small business which are
the very backbone of any
strong economy. Our team
is a dedicated, community
focused staff committed
to providing excellence in
our content. Our objective
is to provide exemplary
customer service to our
listeners and our partners
in business. Our aim is to
not only meet but also ex-
ceed all expectations. We
are proud to be located and
operate our business from
Red Deer and to serve and
contribute to not only the
needs of citizens and busi-
nesses in this great Alberta
city but to all in our cover-
age area throughout Cen-
tral Alberta. Industry Can-
ada defi nes small business
as fi rms with fewer than
100 employees. Small busi-
ness in Canada contributes
more than 30% of our na-
tion’s GDP. Small business
owners employ approxi-
mately 48% of the total
labour force in Canada’s
private sector. Small busi-
ness matters to Canada, to
Alberta, to Red Deer and to
all of us at KG Country 95.5
and ZED 98.9.
Collins Barrow is a proud
sponsor of the 2013 Busi-
ness of the Year Awards.
We congratulate all the
fi nalists on their achieve-
ments.
Whether you’re a multi-
million dollar enterprise
or an entrepreneur who
aspires to be one, we work
closely with you to develop
optimal solutions that meet
all your accounting, tax
and advisory needs.
Our partners and pro-
fessionals have experience
with virtually all of Red
Deer’s key industries, from
agriculture and oil and
gas to manufacturing and
distribution. As such, we
offer sector expertise and
regional knowledge to op-
timize every area of your
operations. What’s more,
with offi ces from coast to
coast, we provide seamless
support wherever business
takes you.
For genuine insights,
combined with objective,
actionable advice, turn to
Collins Barrow.
Diamond
Gold
Silver
Platinum
tions for your business. We
have local infl uence over
the fi nancial decisions that
impact you and we’re fl ex-
ible.
Servus has a fi nancial
solution for any business..
Whether you’re an estab-
lished business or just
starting out, we can help
you fi nd just the right bank-
ing solutions to help you
make the most of your time
and energy. After all, we’re
also an Alberta-based busi-
ness that understands the
economic climate you’re
operating in.
Servus Credit Union is
member-owned and pro-
vides fi nancial services
to nearly 390,000 member-
owners from more than
100 locations in 62 commu-
nities across Alberta. Our
vision of building a better
world – one member at a
time inspires our commit-
ment to provide sound, ad-
vice-based fi nancial prod-
ucts and services. We’re
committed to serving our
members and making a dif-
ference in the communities
where they live and work.
Platinum Platinumpassion in radio. Sonia
grew up in Red Deer and
has extensive experience in
broadcasting working as a
television producer in Lloy-
dminster, Saskatoon and
Red Deer. Sonia’s past posi-
tion as executive director
of the Red Deer Downtown
Business Association and
her continued involvement
in the Red Deer Chamber
of Commerce and Rotary
keep her actively involved
in the local business com-
munity.
As an independent, lo-
cally owned company, LA
Radio Group adds diver-
sity to the Central Alberta
radio market. L.A. Radio
Group is a young, dynamic
company that is looking
forward to continuing to
be part of the Central Al-
berta business community
and successful radio broad-
casting business for many
years to come.
*Source: BBM Fall 2012:
Full Coverage BBM Spring
2013: Red Deer Ctrl, Mo- --
Su, 5A- --1A, %AQH Audi-
ence, A12+
**Source: BBM Fall
2012: Full Coverage BBM
Spring 2013: Red Deer Ctrl,
Mo- --Su, 5A--- 1A, %AQH
Audience, 12+
It starts with a vision.
Where others see an empty
space, you see a dream.
We get that, which is why
we’re proud to support
Small Business Week in
Red Deer and across Al-
berta. After all, like you, an
Alberta business too. We
have worked with innova-
tive Albertans for 75 years
and understand doing busi-
ness in Alberta. We are not
only here to help and sup-
port you with your bank-
ing needs, but to be part
of helping you grow your
businesses and achieving
your goals. Learn more
about how ATB Financial
can help you achieve your
dreams and grow Alberta.
Visit www.atb.com/busi-
ness.
Silver
recognizing the incredible
contributions that small
businesses make to our
communities through busi-
ness opportunities and em-
ployment, and their overall
contribution to Canada’s
prosperity. This October,
TD is sponsoring, hosting
and participating in a num-
ber of activities and events
across the country to show
our support to small busi-
nesses and entrepreneurs
in our communities. There
are over one million small
businesses in Canada.
And these small busi-
nesses drive almost half of
Canada’s gross domestic
product. So it is clear just
how important small busi-
nesses are to the quality
of life in our communities
and how they drive signifi -
cant growth in the overall
economy. And at TD we’re
committed to supporting
that growth. Small busi-
nesses don’t just provide
local employment oppor-
tunities. They are also of-
ten involved in their local
communities, supporting
charitable causes, business
improvement associations,
sponsoring sports teams,
etc. At TD, we believe in
the same kind of commu-
nity involvement. We give
signifi cantly at the corpo-
rate level every year. And
we also encourage our em-
ployees to get out there and
get involved in their local
communities. And we have
a formal employee volun-
teer program that supports
this. TD is committed to
continue to support the
small business community.
We recognize the powerful
role small businesses and
entrepreneurs play in the
quality of life we are lucky
enough to enjoy in Canada.
So this October, we thank
small business owners and
entrepreneurs for their
hard work, creativity, pas-
sion and ability to “dream
big”. Without your contri-
butions, our communities,
and our country, would
look very different indeed.
Platinum
L.A. Radio Group is an
independent, locally owned
corporation operating two
radio stations -- Sunny 94 in
Lacombe and KRAZE 101.3
in Red Deer.
KRAZE 101.3, Red Deer’s
hit music station reaches
44,800 listeners weekly*
with their Top 40 hits music
format. Sunny 94, Central
Alberta’s greatest hits sta-
tion reaches 33,100 Central
Alberta listeners weekly**
with their classic hits mu-
sic format.
L.A. Radio Group’s man-
agement team are seasoned
broadcasters from the Cen-
tral Alberta community.
Husband and wife team
Troy Schaab, president and
Sonia Sawyer-Schaab, CFO
are the founders and own-
er-operators of LA Radio
Group formed in 2005.
Troy and Sonia believe
understanding and being
involved in the local mar-
ket is what makes a radio
station successful. This be-
lief is one of the underpin-
ning values of L.A. Radio
Group. Troy plays a major
role in Central Alberta’s
community, living and
working here for the past 17
years following his life-long
This year, TD is celebrat-
ing small businesses and
entrepreneurs through-
out the entire month of
October. It is our way of
Gold
Small business owners
often start up businesses
based on a deep personal
passion. They bring their
own special talents to the
products and services they
offer to consumers – talents
that are more enjoyable
and often far removed from
the many “paperwork” de-
tails that often take up so
much of a working day.
Small business owners
can fi ll in the gaps between
what they like to do and
what they have to do, by
having better and easy ac-
cess to relevant resources,”
says Rina Pillitteri, nation-
al director, small business,
RBC Royal Bank. “That’s
where the expertise of or-
ganizations such as banks
comes into play”.
Pillitteri adds that in
addition to providing tai-
lored products and advice
to clients, they also pro-
vide online resources to
all small businesses. This
web site, www.rbc.com/
tips, provides advice on
key aspects of starting up
and growing a business,
including matching fi nanc-
ing solutions to your needs;
keeping your cash fl owing;
building a better business;
making sense of taxes and
opening a business depos-
its account.
New tips are added
throughout the year to cre-
ate a comprehensive advice
archive for Canadian small
business owners. People
who visit the site also have
the opportunity to submit
tips of their own – the web
site is an interactive meet-
ing place, where small busi-
ness owners and aspiring
entrepreneurs can share
18 Red Deer Express Wednesday, October 9, 2013 – Small Business Week
SPONSORSSilver
and learn from the real
life experiences of oth-
ers. For more information,
please call 1-800-ROYAL-20
(769-2520) and to fi nd valu-
able small business tips
and resources online,
please visit www.rbc.com/
tips.
Since 1988, the Red Deer
College Alumni Associa-
tion has worked to engage
our alumni and promote
the goodwill, prestige and
reputation for excellence
RDC has earned in its fi rst
half century. The Associa-
tion is dedicated to ensur-
ing that RDC continues to
be a critical service for all
Central Albertans.
Maintaining informed,
interested and committed
alumni is the optimal way
to promote and encourage
the well being of the Col-
lege. Building on the friend-
ships and associations
established while they at-
tended RDC, our alumni
share a rich and rewarding
legacy as they pave the way
for future generations to
share in that success.
Stantec, founded in 1954,
provides professional con-
sulting services in plan-
ning, engineering, archi-
tecture, interior design,
landscape architecture,
surveying, environmental
sciences, project manage-
ment, and project econom-
ics for infrastructure and
facilities projects. Continu-
ally striving to balance eco-
nomic, environmental, and
social responsibilities, we
are recognized as a world-
class leader and innovator
in the delivery of sustain-
able solutions. We support
public and private sector
clients in a diverse range
of markets at every stage,
from the initial concep-
tualization and fi nancial
feasibility study to project
completion and beyond.
Locally, Stantec occupies
the top six fl oors of Stantec
Executive Place in Down-
town Red Deer. This offi ce
serves as the hub of the
Alberta central and north-
ern region which includes
offi ces in Fort McMurray,
Grande Prairie, Cold Lake
and Lac La Biche as well
as Whitehorse, Yellowknife
and Iqaluit in Canada’s
North.
For the last two decades,
our inspired team has
taken on projects know-
ing that our work and our
clients are transforming
our community. Whether
it is designing new residen-
tial neighbourhoods like
Inglewood, Vanier Woods
or Timberlands, providing
transportation solutions
like the North Highway
Connector or delivering a
more effi cient waste water
treatment infrastructure
for the region, our commit-
ment to Central Alberta
resonates loud and clear.
In simple terms, the
world of Stantec is the wa-
ter we drink, the routes we
travel, the buildings we vis-
it, the industries in which
we work, and the neigh-
bourhoods we call home.
Our services are provided
on projects around the
world through approxi-
mately 13,000 employees
operating out of more
than 200 locations in North
America and four locations
internationally.
Stantec - Design with
Community In Mind.
Central Alberta: Access
Prosperity is a non-profi t
economic development ini-
tiative focused on promot-
ing economic growth in the
Central Alberta region. We
represent over 40 munici-
palities, managing projects
that focus on local business
retention and expansion
while also promoting for-
eign direct investment in
the region. We emphasize
our business-to-business
matching program that
connects local companies
with international invest-
ment or trade opportu-
nities, letting our local
business owners be the am-
bassadors for the region.
And, as we keep a running
inventory of all assets in
the region, we are the only
resource site selectors and
investors need when con-
sidering the region.
Silver Silver
Bell is a Canadian leader
in information and com-
munications technology
(ICT) strategies that help
enterprises improve busi-
ness performance, speed
time-to-market, and realize
peace of mind. The founda-
tion of our world-class ICT
infrastructure is a high-
powered reliable network
backed by a multidisci-
plinary team of experts.
Our highly skilled profes-
sionals offer diverse exper-
tise in business process as-
sessment, solution design,
and deployment across a
wide range of industries.
Bell solutions and services
can be customized to meet
industry-specifi c needs and
satisfy current and future
business demands.
HSBC Bank Canada,
a subsidiary of HSBC
Holdings plc, is the lead-
ing international bank in
Canada. With around 6,600
offi ces in 80 countries and
territories and assets of
US$2,645 billion at June 30,
2013, the HSBC Group is
one of the world’s largest
banking and fi nancial ser-
vices organizations.
For nearly 150 years,
we have been where the
growth is, connecting cus-
tomers to opportunities.
Today, HSBC Commercial
SilverBanking serves businesses
ranging from small enter-
prises to large multination-
als in over
Sixty developed and
faster-growing markets
around the world. Whether
it is working capital, trade
fi nance or payments and
cash management solu-
tions, we provide the tools
and expertise that busi-
nesses need to thrive. With
a network covering three
quarters of global com-
merce, we make HSBC the
world’s leading interna-
tional trade and business
bank.
What do you want to do
today? The Redwoods Re-
tirement Residence serves
seniors from independent
care to those that need
daily care or assisted liv-
ing. We strive to nurture
the mind, body, and spirit.
Healthy seniors need more
than health care, we pro-
mote active aging through
exercise programs catering
to all fi tness levels, men-
tal aerobics to keep minds
sharp and a variety of so-
cial, spiritual and wellness
programs to ensure Red-
woods Seniors have it all!
With three homemade
delicious meals served
daily, weekly housekeep-
ing and transportation
services for shopping and
appointments, you set the
pace of life at The Red-
woods.
Silver
“REaction Marketing is a
marketing, web design and
creative services agency
located in downtown Red
Deer.
We are a team of nine
full-time creative profes-
sionals that love what we
do and always put our cli-
ents fi rst.
We do this by listening,
learning and defi ning real-
istic goals that ensure you
are receiving value and ROI
for your marketing dollars.
We value the lasting re-
lationships we have built
with so many of our clients,
but this wasn’t by accident
- it comes from consistently
delivering a very high level
of service while offering
original, strategic and cre-
ative thinking, backed up
by design and technical ex-
cellence.
Friends ofBusiness
of theYear
Awards
Here’s how to improve your odds abroadIf you’re an entrepreneur with growth
on your mind, the place to look for fresh
markets is no longer just the U.S., the Eu-
ropean Union or Japan. It’s increasingly
important to consider China, India, Bra-
zil and emerging countries in Southeast
Asia, says Frank Pho, vice president,
global expansion, at the Business Devel-
opment Bank of Canada (BDC).
China’s economy grew by over 10%
annually from 2000 to 2010, while India’s
expanded by 7% yearly and Brazil’s has
grown by nearly 4% per year. Meanwhile,
the economies of Canada, the U.S. and
the European Union each grew by less
than 2% annually. “The emerging mar-
kets are where you have constant GDP
growth. Going to those countries should
no longer be a question of why, but rather
a question of how,” Pho says. Expanding
into these markets offers not just growth
potential but also much needed diversifi -
cation, he says.
Just 8% of Canadian exports explore
the fastest-growing emerging markets,
while 85% still focus on the mature devel-
oped world. Many companies don’t even
consider pursuing international sales,
and Pho says that can be dangerous. “If
you don’t expand abroad, you’re playing
a defensive game, because you will still
be competing against foreign companies
doing business in Canada.”
Canadian entrepreneurs need “a para-
digm shift” to catch up, Pho says. Many
start selling abroad without an under-
standing of the target market’s behav-
iour, their different supply chain and/
or business practices, which results in
costly false starts.
Entrepreneurs must adopt the con-
sumer mindset of the target country and
adapt their products and solutions. Too
often, Canadian companies fail because
they assume a product that sells in Cana-
da will sell elsewhere.
It’s important to get help from advi-
sors who understand the local consumer
mindset, target market and players in
the supply chain, Pho says. This process
can take two to three months, but it will
save you a couple of trips. You will then
need an additional six months to a year
to adapt your product, develop a rela-
tionship with in-country partners and
validate the business model before you’re
ready for a full launch.
That’s often much more time than Ca-
nadian companies give themselves. “Ca-
nadians often want to get a deal signed
with a local partner after a couple of
meetings. That won’t work in a country
like China. They want to get to know you
and build a relationship,” Pho says.
Robert Desrosiers agrees. He started
marketing his company, RH Hydrau-
lique—which makes telescoping ladders
used on utility trucks—in developing
countries fi ve years ago. Sales have just
started to pick up now from those efforts,
but they already represent 15% to 20% of
his revenues. “It’s just the beginning. The
potential is enormous,” he says.
Managing an international team of
employees or overseas partners can be
tricky. You often have to negotiate across
thousands of kilometres of time zones,
language and cultural differences, and
unfamiliar business practices and rules.
Pho advises developing two layers of
checks and balances to improve your
odds of success: create a “multi-level”
monitoring system - don’t rely just on
communications with the person desig-
nated to work with you.
Establish “multi-dimensional” moni-
toring - by developing contacts up and
down your supply chain in the local
country. This helps you keep ahead of
changing market conditions and gives
you quick access to alternate supply op-
tions, if needed. -BDC
Small Business Week – Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Red Deer Express 19
71 St
Grant St
68 St
67 St
Ga
etz (50
th) Ave
Red Deer6858 Gaetz Avenue 403 986-8855
Monday to Saturday: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.Sunday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thanks rise shine
to you
we and
Warmest thank you from the entire Cora team!
We couldn’t have done it without you!
GOLDEN FORK AWARDS
2013 Readers’ Choice Awards
BRUNCH
GOLDEN FORK AWARDS
2013 Readers’ Choice Awards
BREAKFAST
BY JENNA SWANRed Deer Express
Two years after opening their
doors with nothing but their own
stock on the shelves, the walls at
Big Gold Pawnshop are now lined
with high-caliber guitars and a
variety of interesting goods.
Co-owner Trevor White, who
owns the business alongside
his wife Kim and friend Darren
Kshyk, explains that if you’re
looking for junk try a garage sale,
because Big Gold only buys and
sells the best. It shows in their in-
ventory with a collection of jew-
ellery, guitars and electronics.
Aside from customer-pawned
items, the shop also brings in a
range of products of their own
which White explains stems from
the starting days of Big Gold
when they wanted to start out
right with full shelves.
“Unlike other pawnshops we
bring in our own merchandise,”
said White. “Because when we
fi rst opened up we wanted to en-
sure that we had good quality
products for sale every day.”
White went on to explain that
often times when they were start-
ing, they would fi ll up the coun-
ters in the morning with items
acquired from customers just for
someone to come in and say ‘I
want that, that, that, and that.’
“Then you’re left with noth-
ing on your shelves,” said White.
“And when you fi rst open you
want people to come and shop but
we had trouble keeping anything
on the shelves. So we started
bringing in the shirts, masks and
some jewellery and our custom-
ers love us for it.”
The recent trend of acquir-
ing vintage items with character
value has left the Big Gold Pawn
shop happy business owners.
“We can’t keep record players
on the shelves right now,” ex-
plains White to a young customer
who came in looking for a turnta-
ble. “As soon as we get them they
are gone the next day.”
The shop also carries a vari-
ety of vinyl to accompany the
turntables they see come and go
so quickly. White explains that
although the shop has had their
rocky moments over the last two
years, sales are increasing and
their customer base is growing.
“Pawnshops are just like any
other business,” said White. “You
don’t make any money for the
fi rst while when you’re starting
out, but now we are really start-
ing to see things take off.”
While he often sees specialty
items coming through the shop,
it was the merchandise they or-
dered in that kept them going the
last two years.
“We like to do the specialty,
in fact we love to do it but some-
times it can be hard to sell,” ex-
plains White. “You need to fi nd
the right person to buy it.”
White explains that over the
last two years he has learned
to try and just stick to the bet-
ter items when purchasing from
customers. From that ideology
he has developed a vast item base
that gets only what he thinks
his customers will want into the
shop. “I get American Gibson and
Fender guitars and I’d like to try
to get into art more. We also get
some interesting, cool stuff com-
ing through because of that. The
idea is just to keep the shop roll-
ing right now.”
GOLDEN FINDS – Co-owners of the Big Gold Pawnshop, Kim and Trevor White display their collection of fi ne guitars and jewelery for sale in their shop located just off Gaetz Ave. Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express
Big Gold Pawnshop continues to see success
20 Red Deer Express Wednesday, October 9, 2013 – Small Business Week
A Great Place To Live, Work & Grow
SMALL BUSINESS THRIVESIN
RED DEER COUNTY
www.rdcounty.ca
To learn more about howCentral Alberta: Access Prosperitycan help your business become strong,stable and ready to grow, contact:[email protected]
We all know Canada’s population is ag-
ing. But how will changing demographics
affect your business?
First, the good news. Aging consumers
have different buying habits, so that means
opportunities if you’re creative. The bad
news is that as baby boomers retire, many
businesses will face labour shortages be-
cause not enough younger workers will be
around to take their place.
Either way, businesses that don’t adapt to
the aging population could face challenges
and are going to miss opportunities, says
Pierre Cléroux, chief economist at the Busi-
ness Development Bank of Canada (BDC).
The impacts are already being felt in
some sectors and regions where business-
es are struggling to fi nd younger employ-
ees to replace retiring boomers.
In the next 20 years, the median age
of Canadians is expected to rise to 45, up
from 26 in 1991, Statistics Canada proj-
ects. Twenty years ago, nearly two people
entered the labour force for every person
nearing retirement. Today, the ratio is one
to one, and it is expected to drop further.
Cléroux says entrepreneurs can take
steps to adapt. “Every sector of the econ-
omy is going to be impacted.” To deal with
the coming labour crunch, you can start
by creating more accommodating work-
places to entice aging employees to put off
retirement, he suggests. Older workers of-
ten can’t or don’t want to work full-time.
Flexible hours, part-time jobs and tempo-
rary work are ways to keep them on board.
Some companies also deliberately recruit
seniors to fi ll labour gaps.
“Older workers usually have a great work
ethic and experience. Businesses will need
to keep their people working for them lon-
ger. The perception is that at 65 people are
done. That perception will have to change.”
Les MacIntyre believes in retaining old-
er employees to make up for a shortage of
younger workers at his company, Super-
port Marine Services. He has no mandato-
ry retirement age and offers retirees fl ex-
ible, part-time and temporary jobs. He also
pairs them with younger workers to pass
on skills. “Those guys pick up a wealth
of expertise. The retired guys have the
patience to pass on that knowledge. They
bring a lifetime of skill,” he says.
MacIntyre also works hard to foster a pos-
itive workplace culture so retirees are eager
to come back. “I try to instill a stimulating
and satisfying workplace so they enjoy work-
ing here and I have a high retention rate.”
Another solution is immigration, which
has always been important in addressing
labour shortages in Canada, Cléroux says.
That role will grow: 20 years from now,
32% of the labour force will have been born
outside Canada, versus 21% today.
Cléroux says Canadian entrepreneurs
will need to be more welcoming to foreign-
born workers. “Businesses will have to be
more fl exible in accepting people trained,
educated and born outside Canada.”
Creative changes will be needed to re-
main competitive, he adds. “We can no
longer do the same things as in the past.
The structure of the last 40 years is going
to have to change. But if we do things cor-
rectly, we should be able to retain Canada’s
competitive position.”
- BDC Canada
Boomers and your business
Small Business Week – Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Red Deer Express 21
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E-commerce is revolutionizing the way
Canadians do business, but Canadian en-
trepreneurs are missing out. Just 10% of
small businesses were selling online last
year, Statistics Canada says.
Meanwhile, Canadian consumers spent
an estimated $21 billion on online pur-
chases last year, up nearly 30% in just two
years, according to research fi rm eMar-
keter.
“The world is moving toward this type of
commerce,” says Anita Bezeau, Assistant
Vice President, Information and Commu-
nication Technology Solutions at the Busi-
ness Development Bank of Canada (BDC).
“Canadians are online, but Canadian busi-
nesses aren’t there.
“The result is Canadian consumers are
buying online from the U.S. and other
countries.”
Get your feet wet
The good news: It’s never been easier or
cheaper to get started in e-commerce. No
longer do businesses need to invest huge
sums in an e-commerce web site.
You can create a sales-ready site with no
programming knowledge using free ser-
vices such as OpenCart and PrestaShop, or
inexpensive providers such as Shopify and
eBay Stores.
These sites come with an online shop-
ping cart, product catalogues and the abili-
ty to pay via credit cards or other methods,
such as PayPal. Also included are options
for customer reviews and feedback, and
data on your sales to help you track per-
formance.
“If you know how to use e-mail, you can
build an e-commerce site in 15 minutes,”
says Harley Finkelstein, Chief Platform
Offi cer at Shopify, a leading e-commerce
web site provider.
E-commerce can level the playing fi eld
for small businesses, including those in
small towns, Finkelstein notes.
Online sales allow you to punch far
above your weight in attracting customers.
With a well-designed web site, a small busi-
ness can reach as many people online as a
much larger company.
Plus, your site can be seen worldwide 24
hours a day, and Internet marketing tends
to be cheaper than traditional methods.
“The Internet has democratized entre-
preneurship,” Finkelstein adds. “Thanks
to the Internet, I think the future of com-
merce belongs to small businesses.” Anoth-
er advantage: E-commerce lets businesses
test products and marketing approaches
at little cost, while getting quick feedback
from potential customers.
The online advantage - unlike a bricks-
and-mortar store, where you might be
stuck with the same product display for
months because of the investment, an e-
commerce site can be changed for free in
minutes to include new products or a dif-
ferent look, Finkelstein says.
You can then quickly check your web
traffi c data to see how clients are respond-
ing to your changes.
E-commerce allows the kind of trial and
error that entrepreneurs often need to do
before succeeding, Finkelstein says.
“One of the advantages of online sales
is you can pivot quickly.” Bezeau agrees:
“The cost of entry is very low. The Internet
allows you to try and fail and learn.”
Selling over the Internet helps stream-
line order processing, reducing costs and
errors, Bezeau adds.
And it offers businesses a “huge compet-
itive edge” because of the convenience of
online ordering, she says. “The more con-
venience you create for clients, the more
they’ll stick with your business.”
Here are three tips for e-commerce suc-
cess.
1- Start small - don’t get bogged down
trying to create a huge, high-end website
featuring hundreds of products. Start with
a free or low-cost e-commerce site, and test
three or four products to gauge customer
interest while working out the kinks in
your ordering and fulfi llment process.
2- Test and learn - don’t expect to suc-
ceed with your fi rst efforts. “It’s really
about learning,” BDC’s Anita Bezeau
says. “Technology allows us to do and test
quickly and economically.”
3- Be attractive - in your online store,
feature attractive product images, clear de-
scriptions and an easily navigable layout,
so visitors can quickly fi nd what they’re
looking for and make a purchase.
Also, engage visitors with fun and edu-
cational extras: how-to tips for products,
interesting videos and background infor-
mation on the story of your company.
- Business Development Centre
Not selling online yet? Here’s why you should
22 Red Deer Express Wednesday, October 9, 2013 – Small Business Week
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With over 40 years of design and construction experience.
RED DEER I EDMONTON I CALGARY
s c o t t b u i l d e r s . c o m
BY KIRSTEN PALARDYRed Deer Express
City Motion is a fi tness
center looking to change
the way people work out.
Co-owners Krystal
Kromm and Jonathan
Wieler said there were a lot
of driving factors behind
opening City Motion.
“Part of wanting to open
it was the mom and me
classes and being able to
bring the kids to class.
“I’m a mom, I have four
kids, and I could go and
sign up for classes but then
I had to pay child minding
and the fee for class,” said
Kromm.
She added that City Mo-
tion is different in that
you pay your monthly fee
and you can attend any
number of classes within
that month, and the child
friendly space is included
in the fee.
Wieler said his motiva-
tion for getting involved
opening City Motion was
the drive to provide a group
atmosphere for working
out.
“When I used to go to the
gym I would put my head-
phones on and run on the
treadmill for a half an hour
and then go home and quit.
Being in a group of people
who are like-minded with
the same goals is a big mo-
tivator.”
He added that at a gym if
you go by yourself you may
spend two hours there and
get half the workout you
would in a group setting.
“A lot of people really
just want to come in and
get their workout done, but
at the same time you’re get-
ting the motivation of be-
ing in a group setting.”
City Motion is all about
community and family fi rst
values, said Wieler.
This is why, he said, the
area for children is de-
signed so that moms can
see their children while
they work out, and chil-
dren can see their parents
as well.
“It’s great because they
see mom or dad working
out and they’re learning
healthy values and that
it’s cool to work out,” said
Wieler.
Kromm is the primary
boot camp instructor with
City Motion and said that
what the classes really try
to focus on is functional fi t-
ness.
“When you go to the gym
and do leg lifts, you’re prac-
ticing a motion you don’t
necessarily use on a daily
basis. We try to work the
muscles in the ways that
people use them all day and
every day,” said Kromm.
Some of these motions
include rotating at the hips
which is a common offi ce
movement when reaching
around for objects. Kromm
said practicing functional
fi tness is key to a healthy
body.
“We have such a wide va-
riety of classes including a
special needs class. We re-
ally just want fi tness to be
easily accessible for every-
body,” said Kromm.
Part of City Motion’s
statement is that they get
you in shape faster than
the gym.
“You can come so often
without having to pay high-
er rates or having to pay
a personal trainer three
times a week. All of our
instructors are personal
trainers so you’re getting
that service but for a lower
rate,” said Kromm.
The reason Kromm said
this is important is instead
of signing up for Tuesdays
and Thursdays at a set
time, pass holders are in-
vited to take part in classes
whenever they are able to,
even if that’s a different
time of day every day of
the week.
City Motion offers versatility in fi tness programs
“A LOT OF PEOPLE REALLY JUST WANT
TO COME IN AND GET THEIR WORKOUT DONE, BUT AT THE SAME TIME YOU’RE GETTING THE MOTIVATION OF BEING IN A GROUP SETTING.”
JONATHAN WIELER
• Home Watch™ • Pet Watch™• Custom Shopping • Personal Assistant
• Auto Care • Senior & Convalescent Services• Business Services • Employee Incentive Packages
• Free Quotes• Customized Service• Reasonable Rates• Licensed and Insured
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403.302.9032RED DEER, ALBERTA
www.metroconcierge.ca
Small Business Week – Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Red Deer Express 23
We live and work where you do. Which is why we have a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in your market.
Get the Servus Business Banking team working for you. Let’s talk.
servus.ca | 187SERVUSCU
Before advising your business,
we get to know your business.
feel good about your money.
24 Red Deer Express Wednesday, October 9, 2013 – Small Business Week
Are you positioned to hire and retain quality employees in a tightening job market?
Get a competitive edge by putting the Alberta Blue Cross advantage to work for you.Alberta Blue Cross delivers the group benefits that employees prefer, and the value your business needs.
www.ab.bluecross.ca/group
Need a benefit plan for your business, but don’t have much time on your hands?
We make it easy for you to get a group benefit plan—providing you with a confidential no-obligation quote, easy sign-up and hassle-free
plan administration.
ABC 83098 2013/01
Call us today! Red Deer 403-347-7999 Toll-free 1-866-513-2555
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