Airdrie made

Most 13-year-old boys spend their free time hanging out with friends, watching TV or playing sports, but not Sam Fuller.

Well at least these aren’t all he does – he also sews and sells face masks for those in Airdrie that need them.

The Grade 8 homeschool student has been making face masks since the end of August after a friend in Calgary, who was doing the same, couldn’t keep up with demand.

“I find the learning process of starting and running a business rewarding,” says the budding entrepreneur.

“Rolling with this pandemic is a learning opportunity for kids like me. It’s like practicing being a grown up and learning to make the best of a challenging situation. Hopefully, it gives people hope that my generation is learning to be prepared to make an income despite the circumstances.”

He adds that he lost both of his part-time jobs (delivering flyers and walking a dog) when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Fuller says that he is also creating reusable masks to help the environment.

“Disposable masks are littering streets and parking lots; this will only get worse as masks are mandatory in more and more places,” he says.

“By making reusable fabric masks, I can reduce that and help the environment. I hope masks aren’t mandatory for long, but while they are, they might as well be comfortable.”

Fuller says that his style of mask is unique as it is an origami-style mask that doesn’t touch your mouth, making it comfortable to wear, and it won’t fog up glasses.

Billy, Sam’s dad, says he is incredibly proud of his son for giving up his free time to help out.

“He’s giving up opportunities to hang out with his buddies when there’s an order to fulfill,” says Billy.

“It isn’t always fun for him, but he is learning about responsibility, running a business, and communicating with people through this project.”

Sam jokes about his lost time with friends.

“If I could get paid for the number of times friends have come to the door to go for a bike ride or play Grounders at the park while I was sewing up an order, I’d be rich!” he says.

Sam has sold about 100 masks, many of which ended up going to his customers for free because they took advantage of his buy-five-get-one-free offer.

“I would like people to know that this is a big learning experience for me, and I am thankful to everyone who has purchased my masks,” he says.

“I’m grateful that people trust my work even though I’m just a 13-year-old.”

Sam sells his masks on social media and is advertising his products on groups on Facebook.

“I think it is important for everyone to have access to a mask, so people feel safer when they are out and about,” he adds. life

For more information visit, ask Sherry to add SAM’S SHOP ON FACEBOOK

Carolyn Clarke and Jacques Juteau

Airdrie business BY STACIE GAETZ EXCELLENCE

Tara Pickford

The 22nd Annual Airdrie Business Awards recently celebrated the work of local businesses that are making our community a better place to play and work.

“Although it was a more intimate event then previous years, it was still truly a celebration of how our local businesses can persevere during these challenging times,” says Airdrie Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marilyne Aalhus of the event that took place on Oct. 23 at Berth Church Theatre.

“The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate all the finalists and winners,” Aalhus says.

The awards were given out in two staggered events due to COVID-19 restrictions. Thirty-six finalists were recognized as Airdrie’s best businesses and leaders in seven categories.

Here are the winners in each category: Business of the Year - Pauls Pizza Steakhouse & Lounge; Business Leader - Jacqui Jepson of The Pink Wand Cleaning Services Ltd.; Employer Excellence Business Award - Ambition Performing Arts Inc.; Emerging Business Award - Flavours of Montreal; Legacy Business Award - Star Bound Dance Company; Franchise Business Award - Fulton’s Home Hardware Building Centre; Business Innovation Award - Tires on the Run.

We spoke with each of the winners to ask them their advice for future or new Airdrie entrepreneurs to help them succeed in our community.

Farouk Elsaghir of Pauls Pizza Steakhouse & Lounge Elsaghir says winning the Business of the Year Award means the world to him and his team couldn’t have done it without their awesome employees and customers.

His advice for new entrepreneurs in Airdrie is “to be unique by finding ways to stand out from others.”

Jacqui Jepson of The Pink Wand Cleaning Services Ltd. Jepson says she was grateful to receive the Business Leader Award and adds that she is proud to be a part of the Airdrie business community and looks forward to the continued growth and opportunity the city has to offer.

She encourages entrepreneurs to “strive to have the ability to persevere when faced with challenges, pain or suffering.”

Tara Pickford of Ambition Performing Arts Inc. Pickford says she is proud to have won the Employer Excellence Business Award and honoured that her team of staff have stood by and supported her through all of the challenges the COIVD-19 pandemic has presented.

She shares this knowledge with aspiring business owners: “If you invest in your staff, they will return that investment more than tenfold. The people who are on the ground serving your mission are your stakeholders.”