Profiles of Success 2013

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ JIM TELFER -–RE/MAX RE/MAXTWIN TWINCITY CITYREALTY, REALTY,PARIS PARIS

Jim Telfer, Re/Max Twin City Realty

JIM TELFER RE/MAX TWIN CITY REALTY, PARIS 1 GRAND RIVER STREET PARIS ONTARIO N3R 2L9 519.758.4490 www.jimtelfer.ca homes@jimtelfer.ca

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t’s not unusual for Jim Telfer to be selling real estate while he is out farming his 2,500-acre cash crop.

“I take my phone and briefcase with me in the tractor and a pad of paper and I do a lot of my calls while I’m out in the fields,” Telfer said from his Re/Max Twin City Realty office in Paris.

The Telfer family name has been synonymous with farming in Brant after 60 years in the dairy business. When he chose to get out of dairy farming, Telfer decided to also enter into a new career in real estate.

“I thought I would get into (real estate) part-time and now it has become full-time and farming is part-time,” he laughed. “This is something that I really like because I get to meet a lot of people.”

Making their home buying or selling experience pleasant is important to Telfer, who views his clients as friends.

“I always tell them I want it to be a good experience for them,” he said.

“I want to see them again two years later and buy them a coffee. Working in a small town it is important to have that personalized touch.”

That small-town philosophy and an emphasis on family is something Telfer grew up with on the Telfer family farm in Paris. Now he uses his experience in real estate to help other young families establish themselves in their new homes.

“I like helping first-time buyers and

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pointing out good tips about real estate,” he said. “Most people just live in their homes for about four years before selling so I want them to find a home that they will get some return from.”

A family man himself, Telfer knows the importance of being able to enjoy life while also being able to pay the bills.

“While they are in their home I want them to be comfortable and have enough money to go out for dinner,” he said. “You have got to enjoy life and be able to afford to go away once in a while, yet still have a home that you love. I don’t want to see my clients overextending themselves.

“I want my clients to call me in the future when they are ready to sell and say ‘this has been the best house and now we are ready for the next one.’”

Telfer is a two-time recipient of Re/Max Twin City’s platinum award, received the Chairman award in 2011 and the prestigious Hall of Fame award for 2012. He and his wife April are the proud parents of Richard, 17, Jaime, 14 and Olivia, 12.

❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS BRANTFORD ❱ BRANTFORD NORTH NORTH DENTAL DENTAL❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

Dr. Steven Deskin of Brantford North Dental r. Steven Deskin believes that his success begins and ends with a patient’s smile.

That may result in a patient opting for a temporary solution to a problem until they are better able to afford the most desired solution, or it may mean that the patient will choose what they believe to be the best fit for their circumstances.

No matter how the end result is worked out, if they have made an informed decision and they are happy with their decision, it is a win-win for all involved.

“I make a very strong effort to make sure all of my patients have several options for any of their dental problems,” Deskin said. “Our consult room gets a lot of use. I so often hear patients complain about previous experiences at other clinics where they felt like they were heavily influenced, made to feel guilty about, or even forced into choosing a particular option, or they were given only one option.”

At Brantford North Dental, patient concerns are heard and their decisions are respected.

“I try to make the patient understand that there are short-term and long-term gains and then together, we weigh the benefits of each,” Deskin said. “There are different variables for each patient and one of those could be age, for example.

They may look at the long-term benefits and say it is not as important for them as it might be for someone younger.

“They have to know what each option entails, not just what the “ideal” option is. What is ideal for one person may not be ideal for another. More often than not, for any one problem, there is more than one solution.”

Deskin gives patients time to review information so they don’t feel rushed.

“If something is urgent we will give

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BRANTFORD NORTH DENTAL 525 PARK ROAD NORTH, SUITE 102 BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 2R7 519.759.0049 info@brantfordnorthdental.com www.brantfordnorthdental.com

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them a temporary solution while they make up their mind,” he said. “If they need to wait until they have more time on their hands or more funds in the bank, that’s fine. Nobody needs to feel pressured into something, or feel they need to compromise.”

For example, some people may opt for removable dentures as a tooth replacement option so their financial worries are lessened.

“That is a perfectly prudent and practical decision,” Deskin said. “It’s not a huge compromise; dentures have been around the longest in the history of teeth replacement and when done correctly, they are very well designed to satisfy patient needs.”

Deskin always ensures dentures are properly fitted to each individual so they can continue to enjoy life to the fullest.

“Furthermore,” he explains, “I have seen clinics offer two types of dentures – regular and ‘premium.’ When my patients opt for dentures, they will always get the best – for one reasonable fee. To me, there is no such thing as less than premium – in dentures, or in any of the dentistry I provide, for that matter.”

“Others may make the decision to go with implants,” stated Deskin. “Something I also provide to many of my patients who are looking for a longer-term, more natural feeling solution to tooth replacement.

“Again, there is no ‘right’ answer.

Everyone should be able to choose what’s best for themselves and their unique situation.”

Brantford North Dental provides a wide range of cosmetic and general dentistry services to people of all ages. Dr. Deskin is also a highly trained and leading provider of orthodontics as well as being a Preferred Provider of Invisalign. ❱ PAGE 3 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ INDEX

Welcome

TO THE 2013 EDITION OF

PROFILES OF SUCCESS J

ust what does it take to succeed in business?

Some might say it takes vision, creativity, leadership and a drive to make your company the best it can be.

Others might say it takes adaptability and a focus on ensuring satisfied customers.

In reality, it takes all of these things and more.

Companies and individuals profiled in the publication you are holding – Brant Profiles of Success – are shining examples of how to run a successful business in an ever-changing marketplace.

We encourage you to learn about some of the most successful businesses and business people in Brantford, Brant and surrounding areas by spending some time reading this unique new publication.

It is the hard work of these individuals that is helping grow Brant’s reputation as a great place to live, work, play and – of course – do business.

BRANT NEWS

❱ EDITORIAL:

101 Charing Cross Street

EDITOR: John Zronik

Brantford, Ontario N3R 2H7

REPORTERS:

Telephone: 519-758-1157

Sean Allen

VICE PRESIDENT & GROUP PUBLISHER METROLAND WEST: Neil Oliver GENERAL MANAGER: Len Offless RETAIL ADVERTISING MANAGER: Laurie-Beth Russell ❱ ADVERTISING SALES TEAM: Loren Butler

Jason Teakle Lauren Baron J.P. Antonacci ADVERTORIAL: Colleen Toms ❱ CIRCULATION: CIRCULATION MANAGER: Dave Elliott Linda Hill

Kori Creighton

❱ PRODUCTION:

Angelo Falivena

PRODUCTION MANAGER: Craig Wright

Beth Lechowicz

GRAPHIC DESIGN TEAM:

Ted Lehman

Jason Sibbick

Paul Robertson

Mark Johnson

❱ RECEPTION: Yoeleisha Miller

PAGE 4 ❰

INDEX ❱ Jim Telfer - RE/MAX Twin City Realty Inc.....................2 ❱ Brant North Dental.........................................................3 ❱ Brantford Hyundai.........................................................5 ❱ Hampton Inn Suites by Hilton.......................................6 ❱ FM Audio Video.............................................................7 ❱ Express Employment Professionals..............................8 ❱ Hooton Pools & Spas . ..................................................9 ❱ Neziol Insurance Group..............................................10 ❱ Strodes BBQ & Deli.......................................................11 ❱ Whole Body Health.....................................................12 ❱ Millards Chartered Accountants...............................13 ❱ Scotty’s Refrigeration Inc...........................................14 ❱ Culligan Brantford.......................................................15 ❱ David A. B. Bailey Interiors .........................................16 ❱ Dave Levac MPP.........................................................17 ❱ J.P Graci & Associates L.............................................18 ❱ Northway Ford Lincoln Ltd.........................................19 ❱ Clawsie Kitchens..........................................................20 ❱ Kim Bailey - RE/MAX Twin City Realty Inc.................21 ❱ The Urban Hound Dog Wellness Spa and Salon.....22 ❱ P.S. Footcare Clinic......................................................23 ❱ The Looking Glass........................................................24 ❱ Bell City Carpet One...................................................25 ❱ Brant Hearing Aid/Brantford Audiology Clinic........26 ❱ Dennis Toll Funeral Home Ltd. ...................................27 ❱ Sylvia Jones - RBC Royal Bank Mortgage Specialist . .................................................28 ❱ Water Depot................................................................29 ❱ Brant Mutual Insurance Company...........................30 ❱ Brantford Home Hardware........................................31 ❱ The Bicycle Shop.........................................................32 ❱ Jeff Bryan Transport Ltd..............................................33 ❱ Jungle Heat Imports Hot Sauce Emporium.............34 ❱ Paris Jewellers..............................................................35 ❱ Everything Automotive...............................................36 ❱ Angel’s Diner................................................................37 ❱ Handcrafted Wood Furniture & Kitchens.................38 ❱ Three Blind Mice Cheese Company........................39 ❱ Nurse Next Door...........................................................40 ❱ Carrillo Carpets Ltd.....................................................41 ❱ Dayside Windows........................................................42 ❱ MP Phil McColeman...................................................43 ❱ Grand River Dinner Cruises........................................44 ❱ BYO Breweries..............................................................45 ❱ Dr. Ronald F. Krebs and Associates...........................46 ❱ Rawlings........................................................................47 ❱ Modern Heating..........................................................48 ❱ Adolfo Robert Galuppi Hair Studio...........................49 ❱ The Fitness Centre........................................................50 ❱ Andy Lair- Remax Twin City Realty Inc.....................51 ❱ Brant Sports Excellence..............................................52 ❱ Brant News...................................................................53 ❱ Medix College of Healthcare....................................54 ❱ Enterprise Brant............................................................55 ❱ Solo Cable Solutions Inc.............................................56

CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY

❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SHOOTS ❱ SHOOTS BRANTFORD BRANTFORD HYUNDAI HYUNDAI ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

Jeff Shoots, General Sales Manager

SHOOTS BRANTFORD HYUNDAI 463 POWERLINE ROAD BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3T 5L8 519.751.2171 www.brantfordhyundai.ca sales@brantfordhyundai.ca

Shoots

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f you’re in the market for a new car, it’s one thing to go to a dealership selling quality vehicles in a make and model that you like – but the key when making such an important investment is really to buy from a dealer you know and trust.

That’s why Shoots Hyundai in Brantford has become a leader in the local auto industry since it first opened in 1991.

Located at 463 Powerline Road and owned by Dave Shoots, the business has evolved and grown from used car sales to its current offering as a full-service operation specializing not only in used cars but also in new cars, parts and service.

Shoots who has a long history of experience in the auto industry (he’s always been known as a ‘car guy’ – even working at a dealership as a McMaster University student!) credits the company’s longevity to a great group of long-time staff members with a true ‘team’ mentality.

“We all work hard to look after people,” said Shoots.

Jeff Hilborn, who has been with the dealership since it began, plays a key role in Shoots Hyundai being a leader in the industry he notes, as does his Dave’s son Jeff Shoots.

“Jeff has worked at the dealership since he was 12 and now he is our general sales manager,” says Shoots. “He is following in my footsteps by getting really good used vehicles for customers and providing great service. If there’s not a vehicle on the lot that they like, we can often go out and find it for them.”

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If it’s a new car you’re in the market for, Hyundai continues to be one of the most sought after vehicles in the industry. It is the quality of the Hyundai brand that makes it one of the top quality car manufacturers in the world says Shoots.

“Hyundai has a great product, with zero percent financing (on a lot of the vehicles) and a great warranty,” he said. “People recognize the appeal of owning a Hyundai and how it has high resale value.”

With rising gas prices, Shoots is especially pleased that Hyundai offers fuel conscious options like the Sonata Hybrid. “With a new lithium polymer battery, it’s really ahead of its time,” said Shoots. He is also impressed with the newly launched award-winning Santa Fe XL, a 7-passenger crossover which was named the 2013 Canadaian Utility Vehicle of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.

Successful in business, Shoots believes in giving back to the community.

Shoots Brantford Hyundai is a key donor to many charities and events in Brantford. The dealership is a major contributor to the Lung Association and sponsor of the Phyllis Gretzky Memorial Golf Classic. Over the past five years Shoots Hyundai has given $80,000 to the Lung Association.

After all these years, Shoots says he “still gets excited to see people pick up their new or new to them vehicle. It’s a great feeling to make people happy, whether selling them a car or making a positive difference in our community.” ❱ PAGE 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ HAMPTON HAMPTONINN INNAND ANDSUITES SUITES

Amber Kane, sales coordinator, Jakki Protani, sales & marketing manager, Danny Bawa, owner, Fawad Khan, assistant GM

HAMPTON INN AND SUITES 20 FEN RIDGE COURT BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3V 1G2 519.720.0084 Hamptoninnbrantford.com www.hamptoninnbrantford.com

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ampton Inn & Suites Brantford and owners Bawa Hospitality Canada, including Tej Bawa and his sons Danny and Gary, made a decision in 2009 to take a chance on Brant.

They opened the new hotel in the industrial park area of Brantford, which is conveniently located next to the Highway 403.

The hotel features 84 rooms including 25 suites, with some that include kitchenettes or Jacuzzis. All rooms are equipped with 42” LCD TVs, fridges, microwaves, irons & iron boards, hairdryers, tea/coffee makers and Hilton-certified Cloud 9 bedding.

Danny Bawa, Owner and General Manager of the award-winning Hampton Inn & Suites said, “we cater for big weddings, Christmas parties, family re-unions, birthday parties, baby showers, corporate meetings and annual functions,” and our guests are more than pleased with their experience.

“This decision has been very wellappreciated by the local and business community. The demand for a new hotel and more rooms were essential to the Brant community. Hampton Inn & Suites Brantford, since its opening in 2009, has made an impact on the business and local community,” said Bawa.

“Our all-inclusive rates include a free hot buffet breakfast, evening reception from Monday to Thursday featuring a light snacks and drinks, an indoor salt water pool, hot tub, business centre, suite shop, free wifi, 24-hr coffee, tea and fresh fruit in our lobby and free overnight parking.

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“Guests keep returning to the Hampton Inn and Suites for their overnight stays in Brantford because of our newer hotel, best services, excellent amenities and the cleanliness of our rooms, which is top-notch. We are very proud to be part of the Hilton Worldwide Hotels chain,” Bawa said.

Fawad Khan, Assistant General Manager said, “our staff is our best asset and they are the ones providing the best services to the guests and assisting them during their stay at the hotel. Staff efforts are highly-recognized by the guests through e-mails, thank you notes and cards, direct feedback, positive feedback on travel websites and postings on social media.

One example of its success is that Hampton Inn & Suites Brantford has won and been awarded Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence for three years in a row.

Jakki Protani, Sales and Marketing Manager of the hotel, said hosting local events has given the hotel an excellent reputation in the community.

“This has helped us form a relationship with local residents,” Protani said.

“We are doing the right job to have our guests returning time and time again.”

“We have been told by our guests that we are a home away from home,” Protani said.

“In addition to our numerous amenities, our staff goes over and above to make guests feel welcome.”

“Feel the Hamptonality”! - Hampton Inn & Suites Brantford. ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ FM AUDIO FM VIDEO AUDIO VIDEO ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

Greg Forrest, owner of FM Audio Video

FM AUDIO VIDEO 213 KING GEORGE ROAD BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 6S8 519.753.7006 www.fmaudiovideo.com

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reg Forrest, owner of FM Audio Video, says customers can always count on the best prices and excellent service when shopping for all their electronic needs at his business located at 213 King George Rd. “Our prices are at or below the market prices.” Forrest said. “On a weekly basis, we take five of the major box stores’ online pricing on 100 model numbers, and make sure our pricing on each model is at or below any others. That’s how serious we are about pricing. We belong to the largest buying group in Canada and this puts our buying power at par with anyone in the industry even on line.”

Carrying only brand name products is no mistake, says Forrest.

Panasonic, Sharp, Toshiba, Samsung, Yamaha, Pioneer, B&W, Alpine and Kenwood, to mention a few, are the backbone of our business. Products with proven reliability, parts department, technical training and service are the free extras, which no name products cut out to save money.

“Our reputation rides with the brand,” Forrest said. “We will not compromise on that.”

Televisions, home audio, portable audio, car audio, whole home distributed audio, alarm and security systems and more, can be found at FM Audio Video.

The pre-construction Custom Home Division of FM Audio Video works closely with builders, architects, designers, interior decorators and landscapers, to make sure that all the cabling is

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in the right spots and done in the early stages of construction and renovations for a professional, custom look. In commercial buildings to offices, restaurants to bingo halls and schools, you will find our custom department.

Twenty-one local staff members at the store work hard to provide customers with their excellent knowledge of product lines and expert installation services.

“Sales professionals help you choose the products that have features you want and you are not paying for features you may never use,” Forrest said. “Install technicians that work for us have been factory-trained on the products we sell.

“If you require future additions, you will most likely get the same face as the first time, which our customers really enjoy. We have kids that bought car or marine audio from us 20 years ago when they were teenagers who are now having us prewire their own new homes.”

Forrest now has two sons in the business.

“They enhance the technology level of our business and take it to a whole new level,” Forrest said. “They hire young bright minds that totally understand what is expected in this day and age and blend it with the care and concerns of our senior staff. This totally rounds off this business. After 28 years of box, furniture, and department stores, we are still growing year after year. That has got to say something.” ❱ PAGE 7 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ EXPRESS EXPRESSEMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENTPROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS

Stephen King, Jamie Ferguson, Annette Grant, Patrick McCabe, Charlene Butler, Ted Maksimowski (owner), not pictured-Bruce Hein (owner)

EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS 32 MARKET STREET BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3T 2Z4 519-750-0111 www.expresspros.com jobs.brantfordon@expresspros.com

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xpress Employment Professionals is in the business of helping businesses and individuals achieve success.

Now celebrating its fifth year in Brantford and its 30th anniversary as a multi-million dollar company with offices throughout North America and South Africa, Express Employment Professionals has the tools to find the perfect match for companies seeking the right employee for their specific needs, or to help direct a person to the job that fits their skills and personalities.

“We provide success, first and foremost, to the clients that we serve,” franchise developer Ted Maksimowski said. “We are in the business of helping them succeed by typically providing them with people that help them grow and help them achieve success.

“We are also in the business of providing success to our associates. Our associates are the people that we help in the community to get good quality jobs with good quality companies.”

The full service employment company is staffed by a dedicated group of employment consultants that take the business of helping clients and associates succeed personally.

“Our culture stands for helping people, for putting people first,” Brantford branch manager Annette Grant said.

“We work hand-in-hand with our associates trying to find them positions while working with our clients to find

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them the best people for the job.”

Express Employment Professionals can meet the needs of people looking for temporary employment, permanent full-time work and contract work. Associates receive help with resume updating, interview skills and follow-up.

The company also has the ability to network and problem solve within the organization, to assist clients with human resource issues.

Employment consultants work around the clock to ensure availability in the event of a staffing emergency. In a nutshell, the company helps businesses take care of business while they take care of you.

“If you are a business owner you have a specific expertise and you know your business,” Maksimowski said. “(Clients) say to us ‘you know how to deal with people, to find the right people that are going to fit my culture and have the value added things that I need to make my company a success, so I can focus on looking after my business.’

“If we are able to help associates find a decent job with a paycheck then our associates can find a place to live, can pay for food and can pay for their children’s education. At the same time we are helping companies grow and the community grows as well. It’s really what we are all about. We like to deliver success to all the key stakeholders that we get an opportunity to serve.” ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ HOOTON HOOTONPOOLS POOLSAND ANDSPAS SPAS ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

Family serving families, stop in and see Taylor, Gregg, Wendy or Dawson

HOOTON POOLS AND SPAS 320 NORTH PARK STREET BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 4L3 519.751.0800 www.hooton.ca

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eing family-owned and familyoperated has helped to shape the success of Hooton Pools and Spas.

That’s because owners Gregg and Wendy Hooton treat their customers just like family.

“We get to know our customers well,” Wendy said. “We watch their families grow and get to really bond with them because we see them in the store every time they come in. We are always here and they get to know our family too.”

Going into business for himself was a natural progression for Gregg, who grew up in his family’s business. In fact, the Hooton family name has been well known and respected in the Brantford business community for the past 65 years.

Now, Gregg and Wendy’s sons Taylor and Dawson are actively involved in their parents’ business as well.

“They’ve been very active in the business from a very young age,” Wendy said with a laugh. “They’ve pretty much grown up here so they know the business inside and out, from the front line, to customer service, to selling; from servicing to trouble shooting, they’re very good at every aspect of the business.”

All of Hooton Pools and Spas employees can quickly respond to customer concerns, questions and requests.

“All of our staff are extensively trained in all aspects of pool service, maintenance, chemical usage and water testing,” Gregg said. “We do not

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oversell products, we only guide people to the products they need to keep their pool or spa in the best condition.”

It is important for the Hooton family to know that their customers are getting full enjoyment from their pool or spa.

“We work hard to make it easy for our customers so they can really focus on enjoying their pools and spas,” Wendy said.

“We are always working with them and guiding them with what their needs are.”

Hooton Pools and Spas offers a wide range of products for all interests and all seasons.

Whether people want to entertain family and friends during the warm weather months in an above ground, on-ground or in-ground fiberglass pool, want to ease tensions and enjoy the soothing properties of a hot tub, or simply need help with service and rebuilds.

A full, in-house service department ensures service and warranty issues are dealt with efficiently and in a timely manner and Hooton’s own installation crew offers customers peace-ofmind knowing they are dealing directly with the business they purchased their product from.

“We service what we sell,” Gregg said.

“That is one of the benefits of dealing with a family business.”

The business carries everything people require to keep their pools and hot tubs in peak operating condition, including pumps, filters, liners, swimming pool and hot tub toys and accessories, and also offers billiards and dart accessories. ❱ PAGE 5 9

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ NEZIOL NEZIOLINSURANCE INSURANCEGROUP GROUP

Bernard Neziol, Shalom MacNeil, LIsa Ferras, Nancy Thompson and Gail Kolodziejak

NEZIOL INSURANCE GROUP 53 CHARING CROSS STREET BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 2H4 519.759.2110 www.neziol.com brantford@neziol.com

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ince it was founded in Brantford

by Leo and Stella Neziol in 1958, Neziol Insurance Group has assisted local residents in finding the best insurance programs to meet their individual needs.

Now a second-generation business, Neziol Insurance Group continues to offer people what many insurance companies can’t – independent advice and multiple options, says vice president Bernard Neziol.

“We are a brokerage and that allows us to provide, we believe, a much higher level of customer service and customer care for people when dealing with their insurance requirements,” Neziol said. “Because we are trained and we understand the product, we can help people understand it too.”

The flexibility offered in tailoring packages to each client’s requirements is one of the reasons the company has found such success.

“We sell insurance for and we represent a number of different insurance companies,” Neziol said. “Each insurance company is a little bit different in how they develop their rates and we have access to those so we can assess what clients’ needs are and match them to the insurance company that offers the best package of services for them.

“It gives us flexibility. If someone is not happy with something in their existing program we can offer them something else.”

Personalized service is another strength of Neziol Insurance Group.

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Employees are always available and supportive when clients need them most.

“At the time of a claim, which is a very stressful time for people, we can provide more personalized and localized service. Often the first call comes straight to us and our immediate reaction is to make sure people are safe, that they are ok and then getting them some local help, whether that is getting a car towed to the body shop or some emergency services out to fix their damaged home.

“Then we can help them with the claims settlement. We are constantly in touch with our clients throughout the process to make sure everything is going well and moving forward.”

Neziol Insurance Group has branches in Mississauga, Oakville and Ancaster and currently employs over 50 people. In addition to home and auto insurance the brokerage has a group of experts to help business owners protect their business.

“All of our people receive on-going customer service training and are licensed with the province and meet the annual continuing education requirements,” Neziol said. “We are constantly up-todate with the numerous changes being made within the insurance industry.”

Neziol Insurance Group is a strong supporter of community events and agencies like the United Way, Lansdowne Children’s Centre, Brantford Arts Block and Brantford Rotary clubs. The company is continually giving back to the community that the family has called home for over 50 years. ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ STRODES STRODES BBQ BBQ AND AND DELI DELI ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

From left: Jerry-Lee, Brian, Melissa, TJ, Lisa and Courtney

STRODES BBQ AND DELI STRODES BBQ & DELI 403 FAIRVIEW DRIVE BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 6T2 519.752.3151 www.strodes.ca STRODES EXPRESS 117 MARKET STREET BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3T 2Z9 519.754.0007 www.strodes.ca

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here are some recipes at Strodes BBQ and Deli that owner Brian Witteveen won’t outright share.

But one recipe he is all too happy to talk about is the recipe for Strodes’ success.

“The simple fact is that we care,” Witteveen said. “Howard Strode started this business in 1937 and he was an honest, hardworking man that loved people. We do that today.

“There is nothing special about this place other than we treat people like they want to be treated and give them good products.”

Whether getting product from the meat counter, picking up lunch at the deli counter or booking Big Sid’s BBQ for a catered event, customers can expect a warm smile and a greeting at 403 Fairview Dr. – often accompanied by a patented Witteveen hug when the occasion calls for it.

“Everything is old-fashioned here,” Witteveen said. “From the cutting of the meat to the friendly ‘hello’ people have come to expect.”

Strodes BBQ and Deli on Fairview and Strodes Express at 117 Market St. both feature a hot-lunch counter with their famous chili, cabbage rolls, soups, salads, mouth-watering schnitzel and much more.

At the Fairview location, customers can collect orders from the butcher counter that includes locally-sourced meats.

“I know the people who raise the beef,

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pork and chicken,” Witteveen said. “If for whatever reason there is any problem with anything, we can deal with it easily. But you know what, there almost never is.”

The meat selection includes pork from Willowgrove Hill Farms that is the epitome of the meat Strodes strives to provide.

“This pork is the best pork in the world, bar none,” Witteveen said. “It’s anti-biotic free and Omega-3-enriched pork that comes from his incredible farm setup in Mitchell, Ont. “People come here from all over specifically for this pork.”

Business partner Craig Woodrow owns the downtown Strodes Express location, which was created to help serve the renewed downtown core and cater to the student population.

Outside of the butcher and deli counter hours, Witteveen and Woodrow have a calendar filled with catering gigs.

Witteveen said they have at least one event per day through the early summer with as many as three or four weddings on the weekends.

“And then it gets busy after that,” he said. “We do what we can for the community and we are lucky enough to get that support back from that community. Brantford is such a great place for that kind of support.

“We always say that if someone wants something special done all they have to do is come in and ask us. Odds are we can probably do it.” ❱ ❱PAGE PAGE11 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ WHOLE WHOLEBODY BODYHEALTH HEALTH

Dr. Shaelyn Osborn

WHOLE BODY HEALTH 224 WEST STREET BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 3V1 519.753.9596 www.mywholebodyhealth.com

2013 PROFILES PAGE 12 ❰ OF SUCCESS

welcoming, calming atmosphere greets guests when they walk into the beautifully designed offices of Whole Body Health.

Outfitted with soothing, natureinspired colours and applications, the new offices of Dr. Shaelyn Osborn and her team of dedicated health and wellness practitioners are a perfect complement to the holistic, healing mandate of Whole Body Health.

Clients are cheerfully greeted by name, helping to reduce any stress or anxiety they may have felt prior to their visit.

“Our main focus is health and wellness, looking at holistic, natural means to allow the body to be at its best,” Osborn explained. “Our goal is to educate, empower and inspire people to live a life of optimal health and wellness.”

Whole Body Health accomplishes that by offering a wide range of programs and services to compliment the family wellness chiropractic care offered by Osborn.

Through gentle adjustments, Osborn helps optimize nerve system function.

“The body is great at being able to adapt and deal with stress, but when the body is overwhelmed it needs to do something, so it will shut down as a protective mechanism,” Osborn said.

“Then we need to get those nerves turned back on so that the body can heal and function at 100 per cent.

“The nervous system not only controls muscles, it also controls organs, gland systems, hormones and immune systems. We’ve also seen with nerve

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system irritation, a lot of changes in brain function, so with correcting the nervous system it optimizes the full system potential.”

With special pre-natal and pediatric certification Osborn assists clients ranging from newborns to seniors. A check-up is first completed to determine if there is any irritation or blockage to the nervous system before chiropractic care is undertaken.

Her holistic approach to care is echoed through other Whole Body Heath services, including massage therapy, osteopathy, Body Talk, a weight loss program, supplement recommendations, bioenergetic assessments, reflexology, stress management and wellness workshops.

Yoga classes are also offered.

“I always look at what I am referring people out for and then look for a good fit to my team,” Osborn said. “I have very high standards so people know once they’ve gotten to know me that if I brought somebody on the team, they can trust they are going to get the same high level of service and high quality care.”

Clients will receive honest, straightforward advice about how they can optimize their health.

“We treat people how we would like to be treated,” Osborn said. “We want them to walk out of here and say ‘wow, that was a great experience.’”

People are invited to drop by to learn more about Whole Body Health, to pick up vitamins or supplement, or stop in for classes. ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF MILLARDS SUCCESS ❱ CHARTERED MILLARDS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS ACCOUNTANTS ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

Bill Hyde

MILLARDS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS 96 NELSON STREET BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3T 2N1 519.759.3511 www.millards.com

Millards

Chartered Accountants

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

illards has itself become a tradition in the Brantford community.

Relied upon by clients ranging from an individual to large corporate firms, Millards brings a level of expertise and plain-language explanation to the most complicated financial situations.

“We have deep roots in the community and a lot of important relationships built up over the years,” partner Bill Hyde said. “We have a commanding presence in the local market that we value and work hard to maintain.”

Started in downtown Brantford in 1920, Millards remains a fixture of the city’s core after rebuilding its offices at 96 Nelson St. in 2006.

Taxes, estate planning and auditing may make up a lot of the firm’s business, but Millards prides itself in catering its service to represent each individual client’s needs.

“What we do represents an extremely broad range,” Hyde said. “Everybody has problems with money.”

And Millards offers the solutions.

Much of the early part of each year is dominated by clients seeking assistance with taxes.

“That is certainly a large focus in the first part of the year,” Hyde said. “We do a lot of business filing and corporate income taxes, which do stretch into different times of the year as well.”

Millards brings a level of trust and professionalism to its clients that keeps them coming back.

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Hyde said even with advent of tax software, clients will consistently return to Millards because of their expertise.

“I’m sure you can look up on the internet how to pull your molar out, but I don’t think you should try it,” he said.

“We can often do something in 15 minutes that a client might spend an entire weekend sweating over.”

It is sometimes difficult to attend a fundraiser of event in Brantford without seeing or hearing the Millards name as a key supporter.

Giving back to the community is part of the DNA that makes up a Millards employee.

Not only does the community partnership stem from the corporate level, but individual partners and associates often then go above and beyond with donating time and money to community events and charities.

“We feel like we have a responsibility to help support local events,” Hyde said.

“It’s all part of that web of relationships that encourages us to keep giving.”

There are 85 employees at Millards office in Brantford and a big part of the firm’s continued success are the relationships that branch from those 85 people.

Success at Millards means maintaining those relationships and giving back.

“Success to us means being able to give back to the community,” Hyde said. “It means being predominant in the local marketplace and it means building on the relationships we already have.” ❱ ❱PAGE PAGE13 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ SCOTTY’S SCOTTY’SREFRIGERATION REFRIGERATIONINC. INC.

Penny “the dog”, Mike Beckley (back row), Scott Hardman, Pearl Hardman, Andrew Hardman (Back), Karen Johnson, Rebecca Hardman, Adam Hardman (Back), Bill Leece, Tim Thornton (Back), Debbie Clarkson (Back), Brian MacDonald, David Gamble

SCOTTY’S REFRIGERATION INC. 171 HACHBORN ROAD BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 2R7 519.720.0800 www.scottysinc.ca david.gamble@scottysinc.ca

2013 PROFILES PAGE 14 ❰ OF SUCCESS

ooking back over the years, Scott Hardman is still amazed at the growth of his business.

In 1994, armed with a $15,000 government loan and a contract offer by Sobey’s, Hardman branched out on his own after working at Hussmann’s for a number of years.

“Sobey’s approached me and said they would give me seven stores if I started my own business,” he said.

Equipped with one van, Hardman was the sole employee of the newly established Scotty’s Refrigeration, which he ran from the garage of his Waterford home.

Now, 20 years later, Scotty’s Refrigeration has grown to 47 employees, 11 service vehicles and 7 construction crews operating out of its Hachborn Rd. site.

The company installs and services refrigeration, food service and ice making equipment for commercial and industrial clients throughout Southwestern Ontario, Toronto and Canada’s Eastern provinces.

“We never imagined it would grow to this size and future growth is out there,” Hardman said.

Sobey’s remains one of Scotty’s main clients, along with stores like Metro, Loblaw’s, Wal Mart and Target.

“Target contacted us,” general manager Dave Gamble said. “We are growing still and we just added two more service vans.”

Quality in product and service are touted as the main reasons for the suc-

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cess of Scotty’s Refrigeration.

“A lot of our work is referral because we take care of our customers,” Gamble said. “We are on-call 24/7.”

Hardman’s wife Pearl, his son Adam, who works as the accounting/office manager, and his son Andrew, who is the service manager, assist him in the business. Adam’s wife Becca also works in the office.

Hardman, who is a board member of the College of Trades, puts great emphasis on the importance of ongoing training for his employees so clients always benefit from the most innovative technology.

“With our latest, newest technology we can monitor stores online,” Pearl said.

“If an alarm goes off we can go online and see the temperature of a refrigeration unit right there and then.”

Scotty’s Refrigeration is also taking a more environmentally responsible approach to business, Gamble said.

“We have recently instituted hand-held computers for our service technicians and we are slowly going paperless with electronic e-mail invoicing and automatic pay deposits,” Gamble said.

With a continuing emphasis on customer care and quality product, Scotty’s Refrigeration continues to evolve and embrace success.

“Scott’s focus has always been on service” Pearl noted. New technology innovations have allowed Scotty’s to super serve the needs of every customer. ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ CULLIGAN CULLIGAN BRANTFORD BRANTFORD ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

2013 Great Northern Ride ambassador Ben Kruis, centre, poses for a photo with Lansdowne Children’s Centre executive director Rita Marie Hadley and Great Northern Ride founder Bob Caissie

CULLIGAN BRANTFORD

244 LYNDEN ROAD BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3T 5L8 519.754.0001 www.brantfordculligan.com

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

or more than a quarter century Brantford’s Bob Caissie has been the face behind the well-known phrase – Hey Culligan Man! Today that phrase has morphed beyond the image of one man into a family portrait, with Bob’s wife Janice and daughters Amanda and Melissa Caissie equally entrenched in the business.

Amanda, who has worked in the business full-time for the past 12 years, currently oversees the marketing and sales department. Melissa manages administration and customer service.

The family succession into the business is a testament to the growth and diversity Culligan Brantford has experienced over the years.

From its original base as a provider of water softening and reverse osmosis drinking water, Culligan Brantford, under the direction of Bob and Janice, expanded in 1995 to include Beachcomber Hot Tubs, enabling local families to enjoy quality time in the soothing properties of warm, bubbling waters.

Introducing water treatment chemicals and equipment for home pools and hot tubs seemed a natural next step so customers could access all of their water needs under one roof.

Such forward thinking earned Culligan Brantford recognition as one of the top dealers in North America for sales and performance by both Beachcomber and Culligan.

In keeping with its mandate to assist local residents with healthful living, the Caissie family introduced Flaman

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Fitness in 2009, offering a large selection of fitness equipment like Bowflex Home Gyms, Elipticals, Bosu Balls, UFC Boxing Gloves, Treadclimbers and Kettle Bells.

Now, as Culligan International celebrates 77 years as an industry leader, it is clear Melissa and Amanda carry forward the passion that Bob and Janice exhibited over the years.

In 2011 and 2012 Amanda was the recipient of Canada’s Top District Award, earning her a rating as being one of the Best of the Best in the Culligan Sales family.

The business continues to prosper, due in large part to a continued emphasis on customer satisfaction. With everything from small 500 ml.-bottled water, to water treatment for large factories, Culligan Brantford satisfies every customer’s needs with a team of dedicated employees, many of whom have been with the business for years.

In addition to crystal clear drinking water from eight on-site fill stations, Culligan Brantford provides a drive-thru service where people can stock up on water softening salt, chlorine and water, a 24-hour on-premise filling station, water and salt delivery and free water testing, among other convenient services.

The Caissie family is equally passionate about their home community and to date, Bob has helped raise over $445,000 through the annual Lansdowne Children’s Centre Charity Motorcycle Ride, which he initiated. An additional $1.5 million was raised through The Great Northern Ride, another initiative of Bob’s. ❱ ❱PAGE PAGE15 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ DAVID DAVIDA. A.B. B.BAILEY BAILEYINTERIORS INTERIOR’SINC. INC.

David Bailey takes decorating very seriously

DAVID A. B. BAILEY INTERIOR’S INC. 13 MAIN, STREET, SOUTH, P.O BOX 1010 ST. GEORGE, ONTARIO N0E 1N0 519.448.3370 dabbjet@on.aibn.com www.davidabbailey.com

DAVID A. B. BAILEY INTERIORS

Working with the wrong decorator can be very costly, working with the right decorator... PRICELESS!

2013 PROFILES PAGE 16 ❰ OF SUCCESS

here are a lot of decorators out there, but not very many who can survive on it as a living.

David A. B. Bailey Interior’s Inc. continues to thrive because of proprietor David Bailey’s commitment to his customers’ satisfaction.

“I don’t let anyone stay unhappy,” Bailey said. “I learned very early in my career that you can’t make a living doing one room for somebody. You need for them to call you when it is time to do that second room.

“I don’t do this for a hobby. I take this very seriously.”

Bailey, who spent years learning the interior design trade through education and hands-on experience, successfully ventured out on his own with his business in 1998.

Mostly through word-of-mouth, he has built a client base that stretches through most of southern Ontario while working out of the historic and stylish Sunnyside mansion in the village of St. George.

With clients ranging from residential to commercial and jobs both indoors and outdoors, Bailey’s eye for detail can beautify any location.

“I go to Europe on a regular basis to see what’s coming up, which allows me to stay current,” Bailey said. “I love to tackle modern, abstract, contemporary and traditional – and everything in between.”

When potential clients are close enough for a visit to Bailey’s office, they will see his expertise in meticulous style at

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Sunnyside. Thirty rooms in the mansion are designed down to the most exquisite detail.

But the room clients enjoy the most is Bailey’s small “fabric room” where he keeps all his samples.

His shelves are packed with fabrics, wallpapers, trims, blinds and lighting selections as well as hardware and granite.

“It looks like chaos, but this is where both clients and myself are truly inspired,” he said.

Reading people is an important part of the interior deign job.

“If you pay attention most people tell you what they want, they’re just not sure how to do it,” Bailey said.

Whatever a client needs, Bailey is happy to work with them.

“Sometimes it can be half an hour of consultation because a client needs reassurance on a colour,” he said. “But other times it is working with an architect and seeing a house finished right from the original blueprints.”

But the most rewarding part of Bailey’s job as an independent designer is the freedom to give back to the community it allows.

Just to name a few, Bailey is currently serving on the Rotary Club of Brantford, Boys and Girls Club of Brantford, Brantwood Community Services and County of Brant Police Services boards.

“I work hard and give back to my community everyday, as much as I can,” Bailey said. “That has just worked out for me.” ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ davE BRANT LEvaC MPPBRaNT DAVE LEVAC mPP ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

Brant MPP Dave Levac

BRANT MPP DAVE LEVAC PRIMARY CONSTITUENCY OFFICE: 96 NELSON STREET, UNIT 101 BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3T 2N1 519.759.0361 TTY: 519.759.4953 www.davelevac.com dlevac.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO: 111 WELLESLEY STREET WEST ROOM 180 TORONTO ONTARIO M7A 1A2 416.325.7435

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

uccess isn’t measured by how much money someone has in the bank, or how many cars they have in their collection.

Success is measured by the good you can do for others, and by how you can help make the community you live in a better place for all”, says Brant MPP Dave Levac.

“The reality of success is to love, to be loved, to do good and to not do harm,” Levac said. “And that definition of success can be found in all walks of life, from the young and the old.”

The foundation of success is the love of family and their ongoing support.

“Having a loving family is the paramount part of my life,” Levac added.

“I had this ongoing, relentless desire to help the community and be a part of the community, but never losing sight of my family being my focal point.

“So you give. My parents taught me that. My parents gave me that thread that is woven with all of us, that we are connected and we should be concerned, we shouldn’t be selfish and we shouldn’t be insular. That we should be taking people’s concerns and their challenges, their trials and tribulations seriously, to see if there is something you can do to ease the burden.”

That desire to give and to work towards a common goal was satisfied when Levac began his teaching career.

“I had a very successful career in education and I loved it. As that grew I

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saw that I had the capacity and the ability to do even more for the community,” he said.

Through community activism Levac was able to see areas that were being overlooked and issues that needed to be addressed.

“I began to see the needy side of the community because of my volunteerism, it started to expose the people that were getting left behind,” he said. “It started to expose more difficult challenges. There were other groups that I worked with whose lives were difficult.

So what could we do to change their lives?”

Levac believes that can be done by simply working together, sharing ideas and listening with open minds.

“To me there is no better success than to know that we’ve worked together and we’ve been able to form partnerships to tackle problems that were the darker side of our community,” he said. “My brand of politics is to get everybody in the sand box to play together.

“I continue to believe that politics can be delivered in a better way, with honest debate and sharing of ideas as opposed to attacking individuals. Let people come in who have a different idea, a different perspective and maybe together we can actually improve on that. I believe that is what is going to bring success to this community.”

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2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ J.P. J.P.GRACI GRACI&&ASSOCIATES ASSOCIATES LTD.

Sabrina Vazzoler, Jennifer Porter, Paul Graci, Lisa Shelton-Campbell, Sandra Graci, Kayla Postma, Norma Pivotto, Kristina Puddy

J.P. GRACI & ASSOCIATES 150 COLBORNE STREET, SUITE 2 BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3T 2G6 519.753.7361 www.jpgraci.ca info@jpgraci.com

2013 PROFILES PAGE 18 ❰ OF SUCCESS

here are many reasons why people find themselves in debt. No matter what the reason, if the bills are getting out of control, J.P. Graci & Associates Ltd. is here to help.

The local Trustee in Bankruptcy firm assists individuals and corporations with the filing of bankruptcies, proposals and receiverships. It is the only fulltime resident trustee in Brantford, so help is only a visit or a phone call away.

According to Norma Pivotto, J.P. Graci senior estate administrator and vice president, debt can spiral out of control due to several unforeseen circumstances.

“A lot of times it could be as a result of losing employment, (people) have health issues where it would change their employment circumstances, also it could be due to a marital breakdown,” she said. “They are trying to make ends meet and are behind on their credit cards, their loan payments, or they’ve had trouble with a particular creditor or bank.”

Speaking with the professionals at J.P. Graci & Associates they can help alleviate much of the stress and anxiety associated with high debt loads.

The big thing that clients say about J.P. Graci is how “we have respect for people and not judge them based on their financial situation, we all feel that any one of us could be in the same situation,” president J. Paul Graci said.

“There are a multitude of different reasons why people find themselves in

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financial difficulty and it’s not a detriment to their character. The best thing people can do for themselves is find out what their options are.”

People can learn more about the options available to them during a free review of their financial situation.

“With our firm, bankruptcy is not the only option. We will look for other alternatives like restructuring their finances, or a proposal to creditors,” Graci said. “A fair amount of our referrals are actually from people that weren’t clients, but that came in to find out their options.”

When bankruptcy is the only choice, it can provide relief from stress and anxiety.

“Within the first few weeks of bankruptcy the harassing phone calls from creditors stop, which is one of the stressors that a lot of people have,” Pivotto said.

For a first-time bankrupt, bankruptcy will remain on a person’s credit report for seven years, but the bankruptcy only lasts for nine or 21 months. After that time a bankrupt is eligible for an automatic discharge and people can begin to rebuild their credit rating.

“When someone has to file for a bankruptcy or a proposal, they’re not lowering themselves, they are actually raising themselves back up to even,” Graci said. “Then they can build from there.”

❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ NORTHWAY NORTHWAY FORD FORD LINCOLN LINCOLN ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

Paul Tavernese, General Manager

NORTHWAY FORD LINCOLN 388 KING GEORGE ROAD BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3T 5L8 519.753.8691 1.888.759.6798 www.northwayford.ca

NORTHWAY

FORD LINCOLN LTD.

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

elling cars comes down to honesty at Northway Ford Lincoln.

General manager Paul Tavernese says full disclosure and complete honesty help the dealership at the north end of Brantford increase sales year after year.

“Whatever questions the customers have, they are answered,” Tavernese said. “There is no guessing and we don’t use the words ‘I think.’ If we don’t have an immediate answer, we get it.”

That honesty has helped the dealership continue to grow, now seven years after a move from its old Colborne Street location to 388 King George Rd., just north of Powerline Road.

“We’ve been around for close to 70 years,” Tavernese said. “And year after year we continue to see an increase in sales. The Ford brand is one of the most recognized brands in the world and it shows with the number of vehicles we sell.”

Aside from the popular Ford and Lincoln brands, Northway has a massive pre-owned inventory.

“You won’t find this many used cars at any lot in Brantford,” Tavernese said. “We have more than $4.5 million in inventory at any one time.”

Northway Ford Lincoln has a satellite location inside Brantford’s Lynden Park Mall to make them even more accessible to customers.

Tavernese has built a loyal staff of dedicated sales people and technicians that bring that same quality to the table

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that Northway strives for – honesty.

“We don’t have a lot of turnover in staff here,” he said. “When I do an interview, I look for someone who is honest and wants to make this into a career. All of our staff are dedicated, honest, team players.”

Being a part of the Car Nation Canada group of dealerships brings both a high-level of customer service and a reputation for helping out folks who may have credit problems.

“We are known for making it possible for those in unfortunate circumstances to be able to afford a vehicle,” Tavernese said. “And with Car Nation Canada, it all comes back to customer service.”

Northway Ford Lincoln is also an enormous supporter of charitable causes in the Brantford and Brant community.

Thousands of dollars and volunteer time has been donated by the dealership and its staff to causes supporting the fight against cancer, diabetes, autism and Alzheimer’s.

Northway has had big fundraisers in support of SickKids hospital in Toronto, provides scholarship opportunities for Brantford students and donates a van for use by Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services.

That is in addition to sponsoring a host of youth sports teams.

“We may be known for our sales, but I think we are becoming known for our charity work as well,” Tavernese said.

“You name it, we’ve donated to it.” ❱ ❱PAGE PAGE19 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ CLAWSIE CLawSIEKITCHENS KItChEnS

Michele White, John Clawsie, Lori Zwierzak, Dezyrée Walford, Deborah Denty, Jack Clawsie

Clawsie KitChens

34 DalKeith Drive, Unit 1-2 BrantFOrD OntariO n3P 1n6 519.756-8720 www.clawsiekitchens.com info@clawsiekitchens.com

2013 PROFILES PAGE 20 ❰ OF SUCCESS

ince being incorporated in 1991

by Jack and Josephine Clawsie, Clawsie Kitchens has been helping people build The Heart of Your Home, so they can live in the home of their dreams.

And it is clear, 22 years later, that the Clawsie family and their staff put their hearts into everything they do.

“Clawsie Kitchens has been recognized by both our Canadian and American suppliers as a unique dealership in the kitchen industry,” Jack said. “Our staff has been recognized as leaders in their fields by our suppliers. American companies comment on how well we have our business set up and use us as the standard to duplicate with other dealers.”

Although he retired in 2006, Jack returned to the business after his son Michael, who led Clawsie Kitchens through significant growth and was nominated as Entrepreneur of the Year in 2011 by the Brantford Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, suffered a fatal heart attack in 2012.

“Michael effectively doubled the business by identifying markets such as apartment buildings, affordable housing, and green products. Today we now feature the greenest kitchen line in Ontario,” Jack said. “My son John and myself have taken over the business and will continue in the direction Michael had set the company in.”

In addition to offering a wide range of

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innovative and contemporary products, Clawsie Kitchens offers cabinetry for every room and most every budget.

With a commitment to excellence staff can help people create the room of their dreams with designs that are only limited by imagination.

A beautiful showroom was recently revamped at Clawsie Kitchen’s 34 Dalkeith Dr. site where vignettes of kitchens, mudrooms, laundry rooms, dens and bathrooms offer inspiring ideas that homeowners and builders can use to devise their rooms.

“We’ve had some really great ideas and have a wide range of products, from cabinets, countertops and hardware accessories,” Jack said. “Literally you can come in here and say I have a $3,500 budget or a $100,000 budget and we can fit you in. We are certainly trying to cover the vast majority out there.”

From new home builds to home renovations, barrier-free options to environmentally-friendly solutions, Clawsie Kitchens continues to move forward with a commitment to excellence in design, product and service, said John.

“For peace of mind we provide free estimates, 3D computer designs, on-site final measures, plumbing/electrical specification, one, five, seven and lifetime limited warranties on select cabinet lines and lifetime warranties on hinges and drawer slides,” he said. “We are still here and we will continue to grow into the future.” ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PaGE 5

2013 PROFILES KIM BAILEY OF -SUCCESS RE/MAX TWIN ❱ KIM CITY BAILEY FAIRVIEW – RE/MAX DRIVE TWIN❱ CITY 2013FAIRVIEW PROFILESDRIVE OF SUCCESS

Kim Bailey’s priorities are yours

KIM BAILEY RE/MAX TWIN CITY FAIRVIEW DRIVE 415-A FAIRVIEW DRIVE BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 7M3 OFFICE: 519.759.8900 CELL: 519.865.0078 www.kimbailey.ca realestate@kimbailey.ca

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

hen you ask Kim Bailey what her priorities are when it comes to helping people sell or buy a home she will

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often say: “They are simple, they’re yours.”

As far as Bailey is concerned, buying or selling a home should be an experience that leaves people with a good feeling. So she strives to make it as pleasant as possible.

“I like to feel that I go above and beyond what is expected of me,” the Re/ Max Twin City real estate agent said from her Fairview Drive office. “I get to know my clients on a one-to-one basis. I listen and I care.”

As a full-time Realtor Bailey dedicates much of her time to ensuring her clients get the right price when selling their home, and find the home of their dreams when buying.

“I often say that we’re not only Realtors, we provide guidance too,” she said. “Buying or selling a home is a major purchase and it can be very emotional. I want my clients to love the home they buy so I am there to advise them and help them with pricing and with all of the legalities.”

Bailey won’t sell a home to her clients until she has looked at it so she can point out any concerns or issues the clients may not see. When selling a home for a client Bailey will help maximize the home’s potential.

“I will tell my clients if furniture needs to be moved around or if some

things should be put away,” she said.

While Bailey will tell people if they need to de-clutter their home, she doesn’t believe it needs to look like a model home.

“I don’t believe in depersonalizing it,” she said. “You still want it to be a home.”

After 10 years in the real estate business, Bailey still gets a thrill from connecting people to the home of their dreams.

“Making people happy is the best part of the job,” she said. “The biggest compliment my past clients can give me is a referral and a lot of my clients are repeat or referrals.”

Bailey graduated from an accredited senior’s course and has been an awardwinning Realtor nine out of 10 years.

She was born and raised in Burford and is a member of the Burford Lioness, Paris Baseball Ladies League and the Brant Women’s Networking Group.

Bailey is the mother of 19-year-old Sarah and is engaged to Mark Brown, a service manager at Carrier. In November she will become Kim BaileyBrown.

❱ ❱PAGE PAGE21 5

2013 HOUND DOG DOG WELLNESS WELLNESS SPA SPA AND AND SALON SALON 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ THE URBAN URBANHOUND

Jesce Taimre

THE URBAN HOUND DOG WELLNESS SPA AND SALON 217 GRAND RIVER AVENUE BRANTFORD ONTARIO N34 4Y3 519.732.1711 www.urbanhound.com jesce@urbanhound.com

PAGE 22 ❰ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

hen she opened The Urbanhound Dog Wellness Spa and Salon in January 2012, Jesce Taimre wanted a place where both pets and their owners would feel comfortable.

With a bright, clean and fresh-smelling salon Taimre managed to do just that, while providing clients with a spalike setting that offers a more holistic approach to dog grooming.

“I’m taking on a more natural, organic approach to grooming, more of a whole-body wellness approach,” Taimre said. “I specialize in fur and skin issues, a lot of which are due to things like diet or lifestyle. I’m not just a groomer, I want to educate my clients and try to work with their vets.”

Taimre developed a holistic skincare line for dogs, including shampoo bars, fur butter, sun filtering oils and organic, liquid-based shampoo to combat skin and coat issues associated with dogs. Small lip balm size products can be carried in the purse or pocket to ease issues like dry, cracked paws, dry noses and sunburn prone ears and noses.

“I make all of the products here in small batches to regulate how it is working and to see if I need to change any of the ingredients,” she said.

“I’m always looking for positive and negative feedback so I can perfect the products.”

Taimre started making her own fur care products when she noticed her

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hands drying out from regular grooming products.

“When I’m grooming I have my hands in shampoo all day long so I started to research shampoos and found that the majority are chemical based,” she said.

“If it’s harming our skin it is harming (the dog’s) skin, so I started making my own shampoo bars.”

Products sold at The Urbanhound heal and moisturize skin irritations and hot spots. They can be purchased to use at home and are used by Taimre on the dogs she grooms.

“I’ve been asked to work on more things like a detangler and I do all of my own marketing and packaging,” she said. “I also make a line of collars and I have a friend who makes dog sweaters.

Everything I sell here is local.

An avid dog lover, Taimre began investigating holistic approaches to dog care after her pet was injured. To help alleviate the dog’s pain, she took a course on canine massage and also offers the service to her customers.

Massage helps to calm hyper or anxious dogs, is used as a resort pre and post-surgery and can also alleviate pain if the dog has been injured.

“I’ve always had a love for dogs,” Taimre said. “It is just about building a relationship with these animals.”

❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

PS 2013 FOOT PROFILES CARE CLINIC OF SUCCESS - LA BOTTEGA ❱ PS -FOOT FIFTH CARE AVENUE CLINIC/LA HAIR BOTTEGA/FIFTH DESIGN ❱ 2013 PROFILES AVENUE HAIR OF SUCCESS DESIGN

Francesca Hibberd and Mary Zongoli

PS FOOT CARE CLINIC/ LA BOTTEGA/ FIFTH AVENUE HAIR DESIGN

519.751.2337

519.758.8883 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

wo sisters working together – taking care of customers from head to toe!

17 years ago Francesca Hibberd’s sister Mary Zongoli gave her a lending hand when she started her own business and with that lending hand it grew to what it is today “PS Foot Care Clinic”. Located at 108 Charing Cross Street, the business started as a one-person operation. It has now grown to a team of three all working together providing foot care services to over 1,000 clients.

“Our main service is treatment of the whole foot with specialty in corns, calluses, ingrown toenail, fungal nails, and cracked heels treatments, but we also specialize in holistic treatments of reflexology, reiki, and therapeutic touch, to enhance the well being of the individual,” says Francesca.

Five years later, it was Francesca’s turn to lend a hand to Mary, when they established “La Bottega” a small delicatessen, which grew to what it is today a little grocery store with imported foods and cheeses, fresh bakery and hot take out lunches. Today it is mostly known for their delicious freshly made frozen meals and catering.

“Our 82-year old mom still inspects the meals we serve to make sure we use the traditional Italian recipes - she taught us well.”

La Bottega is currently located at 181 Lynden Road (in the King’s Buffet Plaza) but they are branching off to a

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new location at 358 King George Road (at the intersection of Powerline Road) in mid July.

Even though the ladies had their hands full with work, it did not keep them away from opening yet another business in February of 2008, today known as “Fifth Avenue Hair Design”.

Why a hair salon might you ask? Well it goes back to 17 years ago where Francesca first started her little business by renting a room where she could service clients in the previous hair salon establishment.

“When that salon closed in late 2007, I had to reopen it as it brought fond memories from where I first started.”

As of July 2nd, 2013 Fifth Avenue Hair Design will be relocated to 358 King George Road as it will be a much bigger location newly renovated full service salon to serve our current and new clients.

“We welcome you to try our products and services - as we like to say we take care of our clients/customers from head to toe,” say Francesca and Mary.

❱ ❱PAGE PAGE23 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ THE ThE LOOKING LOOkIng GLASS gLaSS

Paul Imola

The Looking gLass 239 BranT ave BranTForD onTario n3T 3J4 519.756.8840 www.lookingglassoptical.ca thelookingglass@rogers.com

2013 PROFILES PAGE 24 ❰ OF SUCCESS

ow does a small independent business remain viable and successful in the wake of big box stores?

The answer to that question is simple, says Paul Imola, optician/owner of The Looking Glass on Brant Avenue.

“The whole thing about us is that we are very personal. We are doing business the way it was done years ago,” Imola said. “I pride myself on the fact that an independent can compete with the big box stores and the Internet.

Without question it is because of the individual treatment everybody who walks in the door gets.”

Imola’s commitment to customer service harkens back to a time when small family operations were the norm and customers could rely on being treated like an extension of the family.

“We treat everybody the way we would want to be treated,” Imola said of his staff, which includes Sue Lentz, Tia DaSilva Santos and at times, Imola’s wife Jennifer.

“We are starting to see now the second generations, their children and their extended families are all coming in now.”

All spectacle lenses are crafted on site

by Imola in his laboratory, so customers are at ease knowing that commitment to customer service extends well beyond what they receive face-to-face.

Imola is also a certified contact lens fitter and takes pride in ensuring every customer’s vision care is the best that it

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can possibly be.

Imola admits finding new glasses can be stressful and intimidating, but by spending time with people, learning about their interests and personalities and not rushing them into a purchase, he and his staff can help ease the stress and help customers choose eyewear that they love.

“It’s really neat when I’m out and about with the family to bump into people constantly that I’ve done their eye work for,” he said. “Part of our new slogan is: Love Your Glasses. There is no better compliment then somebody who loves their glasses and tells other people.

“Eye glasses are the first thing somebody sees on you so it can really affect your image and self-esteem. You want to know you look great. ” Imola has been helping people improve their vision since 1991 after graduating as an optician. He bought The Looking Glass in his hometown of Brantford in 2002 and has been appointed to a position on the council of the College of Opticians of Ontario.

❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PagE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ BELL BELL CITY CITY CARPET CARPET ONE ONE ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

Rob Gallant

BELL CITY CARPET ONE 106 COPERNICUS BLVD. BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3P 1K5 519.759.8335 www.carpetone.ca

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

hen asked why so many people in the area choose Bell City Carpet One for their flooring needs, owner Rob Gallant, has a pretty simple answer.

“Flooring is what we do. We’re the oldest in the business and people have come to know and trust us,” said Gallant in a recent interview with The Brant News.

The family owned and operated business has been a vital part of Brant County since 1968 when Rob’s dad Mel founded it.

Mel and his wife Tiny operated the business for years building the foundation for the success it still enjoys today under Rob’s leadership.

“We’ve served many second and third generations of customers. It’s party due to a great team of installers and staff – but mostly because of our reputation – people know us. We’ve been here for a long time and we’re always ready to help deal with any issues – they know they can count on us.”

Specializing in a diverse range of flooring solutions offering up everything from hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile and carpet, Bell City has all your needs covered!

The 10,000 square foot full-service showroom on Copernicus Blvd., boasts an array of product on display. A helpful, friendly staff including Rob, Cathy, Val, Janet and John (not to mention various installation teams), is key to the company’s appeal.

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The fact that there are many exclusive brands – only available through the Carpet One partnership (Carpet One is the largest of all floor buying groups in the world) – is also a big draw.

While there are trends in flooring, Rob says what a customer ultimately chooses depends on their individual needs and tastes.

“Over the last few years, hard surface flooring seems to be the most popular choice but we’re also seeing somewhat of a comeback in carpet.”

Rob attributes that to the new styles of soft yarn, which is basically a warmer, softer style of carpet.

In rec rooms is seems that many homeowners are opting for vinyl and laminate floor coverings.

The best way to get an idea of what you want is to do some in store comparison-shopping. Once you’ve consulted with the friendly staff at Bell City Carpet One, you’ll have a better understanding of what you want to do.

Prices vary greatly depending on the size of the job and materials chosen, so it’s best to get a proper quote before making any final decisions.

Financing is available on approved credit and all installations are fully guaranteed.

For more info, visit bellcitycarpetonebrantford.com or drop by the showroom today!

❱ ❱PAGE PAGE25 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ BRANT BRANTHEARING HEARINGAID AID//BRANTFORD BRANTFORDAUDIOLOGY AUDIOLOGYCLINIC CLINIC

Gregory Houle, Brant Hearing Aid/Brantford Audiology Clinic

BRANT HEARING AID/ BRANTFORD AUDIOLOGY CLINIC 274 KING GEORGE ROAD BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 5L6 519.759.8250 www.branthearingaidclinic.ca

2013 PROFILES PAGE 26 ❰ OF SUCCESS

earing loss can significantly impact a person’s social life and self-esteem.

Unfortunately, most people don’t realize they are losing their hearing until they have suffered with it for years.

“Loss of hearing because of aging or noise happens over years or maybe even decades,” registered audiologist Gregory Houle said. “From the time that a person first starts to realize a hearing problem, usually because other people are drawing it to their attention by saying ‘did you hear me,’ to the time they actually arrange for an assessment could be up to two years.

“It could be five years beyond that, from the time they have a confirmed hearing loss, to actually deciding to take steps to do something about it.”

As the owner and Director of Brant Hearing Aid/Brantford Audiology Clinic, Greg has been assisting clients with hearing loss to improve their quality of life.

Greg began his career as an audiologist in 1982 when he graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Master of Clinical Science degree in Audiology.

He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Waterloo.

Over the years he has seen many advancements in the field and offers clients the latest technologies.

“There were no personal computers and there were no devices where I could actually measure inside the ear to allow me to see how the hearing aid functions in the ear,” he said. “That did not exist

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in 1982 so the methods of assessing, were much more unwieldy.”

Hearing aids have also come a long way and in many instances, are barely noticeable in the ear.

“Hearing aids have advanced tremendously. They are much smaller and much more effective now,” Houle said. “They are like mini computers the way they process sounds, so now it has become possible at least to reduce some background noises. They are improving in terms of their ability to at least preserve the speech that you want to hear against any noise.”

While he admits hearing aids will never allow a person to hear the same as they did before losing their hearing, they can help people regain a sense of self-esteem and reconnect with society.

“Very often people with hearing loss tend to withdraw from social interaction because they aren’t hearing conversations and they get tired of asking people to repeat themselves,” Houle said. “Hearing aids can help connect them to other people, to the community, so there is a mental health connection.”

Brant Hearing Aid/Brantford Audiology Clinic assists people with hearing loss from four years of age and up. It is the only clinic in the area that provides central auditory testing for children. It also offers evening and Saturday morning appointments.

Brant Hearing Aid Clinic is also winner of the Brant News Readers’ Choice Diamond Award for Best Hearing Clinic. ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESSDENNIS ❱ DENNIS TOLL TOLL FUNERAL FUNERAL HOME HOME ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

Dennis Toll, Owner/Funeral Director

DENNIS TOLL FUNERAL HOME 55 CHARING CROSS STREET BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 2H4 519.753.8655 www.dennistoll.ca

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

eeping abreast of the latest practices while continuing to offer families the very best level of service at a time when they are most vulnerable is paramount to the caring team of professionals at Dennis Toll Funeral Home.

“Our focus is not on the business but on the families at their time of need,” Dennis Toll said. “If we look after the service to our families, the business will look after itself.”

That philosophy has helped make Dennis Toll Funeral Home the largest funeral home in the city since opening its doors in December 1995.

“Our level of service and quality of people have helped us to grow, everyone here is genuinely caring,” Toll said.

“Certainly we see people at some of the most difficult times in their lives. Emotionally they are most vulnerable from a decision-making point of view.

“We make sure they have the proper information to make decisions that best serve their needs.”

Seven full-time funeral directors, all at varying stages of their careers equaling close to 100 years of shared experience, are among the 15-member team of professionals at Dennis Toll.

Funeral director Hugh Devereux said it is important that families are armed with choices so they can honour their loved ones in a way that makes them most comfortable.

“We always make sure that we offer as many options as possible to help make

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the ceremony more personal for them,” he said.

Helping families narrow down their options is accomplished through discussion.

“Initially for people coming in, it is difficult because they feel we are overwhelming them with questions,” funeral director Holly Vickovich said. “We have to get a good feeling where they are coming from.

You put yourself in the position of that family and that helps you to assist them” Personalizing each service to reflect each individual and their lifestyles makes those who are grieving better able to celebrate that life.

“We feel like we do a good job personalizing each family and not categorizing them,” funeral director Meghan Jack said.

Music, photographs, slideshows, mementoes and extra touches like the release of doves or butterflies help make the tribute special.

“The reality is there has still been a loss and we try to address how best to treat that loss, “ Toll said.

Changing times reflect changing customs in the funeral profession and today people are able to offer condolences and get information on the Dennis Toll website as well as attend services through web casting.

Dennis Toll Funeral Home continues to assist families after the formal service by offering a premiere reception facility separate from the funeral home.

Post funeral follow-up includes assisting families with necessary paperwork and offering guidance. ❱ ❱PAGE PAGE27 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ RBC RBCMORTGAGE MORTGAGESPECIALIST SPECIALISTSYLVIA SYLVIAJONES JONES

Sylvia Jones, RBC Mortgage Specialist

RBC MORTGAGE SPECIALIST SYLVIA JONES 95 LYNDEN RD BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 7J9 519.758.5144 sylvia.jones@rbc.com www.mortgage.rbc.com/sylvia.jones

2013 PROFILES PAGE 28 ❰ OF SUCCESS

ith an extensive financial background, RBC mortgage specialist Sylvia Jones has been helping people in Brant County make their dreams of homeownership a reality for over 25 years with solid, customized mortgage advice.

Supported by the resources and expertise of RBC Royal Bank®, Jones provides clients with expert advice and services for all of their home financing needs.

Taking a case-by-case approach, Jones says the key to her success over the years has been her honest, up-front way of doing business.

“For me, it’s not about just selling a mortgage. It’s about helping the client create a home and living within their chosen lifestyle,” she said in a recent interview. “I do whatever I can to help guide my clients in the proper direction,” she adds.

As well as providing lending options, Jones also helps to offer expert advice along with flexible products. For most homeowners, she says, buying a property means a long-term financial commitment – which can also be a daunting and confusing process.

Whether it’s a first home or not – common questions can give pause for concern - questions like how much can I afford? At what stage should I arrange the financing? What exactly should I look for in a mortgage?

“I take the clients step –by –step

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through these and all of their concerns whether it’s their first or tenth time! It’s important that I make them feel a level of comfort that they didn’t have when they came in and my ultimate goal is to make sure that they walk away feeling confident and secure in their choices.”

Much of Jones’ longevity in the business comes from her ability to create a connection with these clients and to build on the relationships so that they she can become their mortgage advisor for life.

The 1980s brought double-digit personal lending rates, but people struggled to make payments and keep their homes. Today’s market, she notes, is very different.

“People don’t have thousands of dollars to buy a house and financing options are very different – it’s a much more buyer-friendly environment.’

Even so, undertaking such a large financial obligation can still be overwhelming and a lot of trust and financial advice is necessary.

After a pre-qualification process where rates, terms and amortization details are discussed, she determines not only the client’s short-term goals but their long-term goals as well.

“I take a three-step approach. Needs and goals analysis followed by a financial assessment and then finally the product match.”

For more information, contact Sylvia directly at 519-758-5144. Online visit https://mortgage.rbc.com/Sylvia.Jones ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ WATER DEPOT WATER DEPOT ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

Bill and Sandy Goold, Franchise Owners

t’s almost as though water runs through their veins! Bill and Sandy Goold have been taking care of local residents’ water needs since the early 1980s. First, with their own plumbing business - Bill Goold Plumbing Ltd. - and then with Brantford’s Water Depot, which they’ve owned and operated since 2002.

The original Water Depot started in Barrie in 1998. These corporately owned stores introduced and shaped a solid retail presence and began franchising their system in 2001 – today it has expanded to 25 locations across Ontario.

The Goold’s Brantford location was one of the first franchised Water Depot stores to open in 2002. They opened a second location in Cambridge in 2004.

The company provides an array of specialty products including water softeners, reverse osmosis water systems, ultraviolet disinfection systems, rural systems, bottled water and more. Water Depot is the only company to offer patent pending iron and sulphur removal systems using all natural ozone for our rural customers. They continue to stay on the cutting edge of technology, which consistently sets them apart.

Located at 155 Lynden Road, the business strives to consistently provide the best customer service and products with an unwavering attention to exceptional value. “With the support of a 25-yearold Canadian company, we continue to excel as the ‘one stop shop’ for anything related to water and water treatment,” she says in a recent interview.

Sandy says much of their success comes from having a knowledgeable staff of five including manager John Evans. But it is Bill’s rural upbringing and extensive knowledge of rural water treatment, she says, that is the true cor-

I WATER DEPOT

155 LYNDEN ROAD, UNIT 1-D BRANTFORD, ON N3R 8A7 519-753-6100 sandy@wdbrant.ca www.waterdepotbrantford.com

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

nerstone of the company’s longevity.

“We have many customers come to us who have purchased systems from other companies for their wells that have been misapplied and don’t work and they ask us to fix it. I think our rural expertise is what has been the core of our water treatment sales.”

Water Depot Brantford now serves over 10,000 families with their drinking water requirements. “We are proud to be Health Canada compliant.” The self-serve ‘U-fill’ water centre quality is tested twice daily and is independently tested by a Health Canada approved lab twice a year to assure that the water meets or exceeds the Health Canada regulations for pure drinking water. “We also offer specialized industry leading water treatment equipment for in-home water purification.”

The latest introduction to the U-Fill water station is the addition of Alkaline Water. There have been many studies conducted in the health and wellness industry that indicate that drinking water with a high PH can be beneficial to your health and well-being and this water is now available at a reasonable price of $5.40 for a five-gallon fill. Initial samples are free of charge!

“Our success has been derived from consistent, honest customer service over the years. ‘Friends helping Friends’ is our motto and for those purchasing in-home water treatment equipment we sell ETHICAL water treatment” says Sandy.

“We do it once, we do it right and we ensure the happiness and satisfaction of every customer that we serve or your money back – guaranteed.”

For information, drop by the Lynden Road location or call the store directly at (519) 753-6100 or visit www.waterdepot.com. ❱ ❱PAGE PAGE29 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ BRANT BRantMUTUAL MUtUaLINSURANCE InSURanCECOMPANY COMPany

Heather Eybel, Brian Huff, Rob Nagy, Samantha Kolpin, John Howell, Jason Cybulski.

Brant Mutual Insurance coMpany 20 HolIday drIve Brantford ontarIo n3r 7J4 tel: (519) 752-0088 www.brantmutual.com solutions@brantmutual.com

2013 PROFILES PAGE 30 ❰ OF SUCCESS

ith roots dating back 152 years, it is no wonder Brant Mutual Insurance Company is practically a household

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name.

Since its founding by a group of local farmers in Paris in 1861, Brant Mutual Insurance Company has offered a helping hand to the community, meeting insurance needs while also supporting community charities and organizations.

“We’re very localized,” interim president Jason Cybulski said. “We started with a group of farmers who were looking to protect each other. They basically started this insurance where they all pooled in and if someone had a loss, they would all share the loss together. It was very community oriented.”

The focus on community hasn’t waned over the years and the company continues to be driven by policyholders.

“We are 100 per cent Canadian owned,” Cybulski said. “We are not a stock company so we don’t report to shareholders. Every policyholder is a part owner of the company, they have equal voting rights.”

A board of six directors are elected during annual general meetings to run the company. Qualifying policyholders are able to run for a position as director.

Under the direction of its members Brant Mutual Insurance has grown and diversified to become a one-stop shop for all insurance needs, including property, farm, commercial, auto and

liability policies.

“We are a little bit unique in that we have five agents that sell direct for us, but we also have brokerages around Ontario that are spread out,” Cybulski said. “Our agents will meet someone after hours, they will meet someone on the weekend and they will go to your house. It makes it easier that way for you because with society today, everyone is so busy.”

Brant Mutual Insurance moved from Paris to Brantford in 1921 and three years ago moved to its current Holiday Drive facility. It continues to have an open-door mandate and goes so far as to offer space to the community.

“When we built this building three years ago in August we were giving tours to people,” Cybulski said. “We also have a community room downstairs that we lend out to different organizations free of charge.”

As it quietly goes about day-to-day business, Brant Mutual Insurance Company continually reaches out to lend a helping hand to the community that has helped build its success.

“We give to a lot of local charities and support a lot of worthy causes,” Cybulski said. “We offer support to Brantwood Centre, we donated a Zamboni to the new Paris Twin Pads, and we support the Brantford Red Sox, the Cancer Society and the MS Society.

“Being community driven is in our roots and it is something that we will continue to carry forward.” ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PaGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS BRANTFORD ❱ BRantFORd HOME HOmE HARDWARE HaRdwaRE ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

Rhonda Liesemer, Dave Liesemer, Paul Wilson

Brantford Home Hardware 10 king george road Brantford ontario n3r 5J7 519.751.3333 www.homehardware.ca

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

ow does Brantford’s Home Hardware on King George Road measure success?

Being named the 2012 Store of the Year by Canada’s largest independent home improvement retailer is a pretty good indicator.

Brantford Home Hardware was chosen top of its class for retailing excellence from among 1,100 stores throughout the country for achieving the highest standards in retailing, merchandising, staff performance and overall quality and service.

“It’s almost like winning the lottery,” a beaming Dave Liesemer said. “I think the key reasons that Brantford Home Hardware has been so successful is due to our commitment to customer service, which shapes everything that we do. No task or request is too much if it means a happy, satisfied customer.”

Paul Straus, president and CEO of Home Hardware Stores Ltd, presented Liesemer and co-owner Ron Cicuttini with the 2012 Walter J. Hachborn Store of the Year Award at the Home Hardware shareholders meeting in St. Jacobs.

The award is presented annually to the top store from among 23 Proud of My Home Award recipients. Brantford Home Hardware has received that award for the past nine years.

Liesemer said much of that is due to the fact that all staff take great pride in their work and that is reflected in the way they deal with customers.

“We pride ourselves in going above and

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beyond on a daily basis,” he said. “That’s also a large part of why we love being part of the Home Hardware family. It’s a people-oriented business. I think that sense of community runs through the organization to our customers.”

Liesemer and Cicuttini have extensive histories with Home Hardware.

Cicuttini served on the Home Hardware Stores Ltd. board of directors for seven years and was the recipient of the Top Gun Award from the North American Retail Hardware Association in 2012 for his strategic vision and business acumen.

Liesemer was virtually born into the business.

“I actually lived above the Liesemer Home Hardware in Mildmay Ont., which my parents ran,” he laughed. “This store is still an important part of our family and I am proud to say that it celebrated its 140th anniversary May 2.”

After working at Home Hardware’s corporate office for 10 years and managing a corporate store in Saskatchewan for seven years, he moved into ownership of the Brantford store 12 years ago.

“I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

I truly have the best job,” he said. “We care about our customers. We know their first names and in 90 per cent of cases, know their families.

“If you go into a store and the people there know you and know what you’re interested in, you’re going to feel good about that and you’re going to come back.” ❱ ❱PAGE PaGE31 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ THE THEBICYCLE BICYCLESHOP SHOP

The Bicycle Shop Sales Manager Tara Detheridge, left, and Owner Terry Detheridge pictured at the Clarence Street store.

THE BICYCLE SHOP 228 CLARENCE STREET BRANTFORD, ON N3R 3T5 519.752.2414 thebicycleshopbrantford@yahoo.ca www.thebicycleshopbrantford.ca

2013 PROFILES PAGE 32 ❰ OF SUCCESS

erry Detheridge, owner of The Bicycle Shop, has been riding, repairing and selling bicycles since he was a teenager.

It was his passion for anything mechanical – and especially the bicycle – that led Terry to found the Clarence Street business in 1969, which has been the landmark destination for Brantford-area cyclists for 44 years.

“I started the business to fill a necessity in this area,” he said. “I couldn’t find a place outside of Toronto which would handle the service and repair of my racing bicycle at the time.”

The Bicycle Shop started with repairs and shortly thereafter introduced sales.

“We have been busy ever since, selling quality bicycles and offering professional service for more than four decades to Brantford and area,” Terry said. “It’s our experience that sets us apart. Our business has evolved with the bicycle industry.”

“We have seen the evolution from 10-speed bikes, to mountain bikes, hybrids, BMX and everything in-between.”

Up to three generations of local families have trusted The Bicycle Shop’s staff for their bicycle needs, he said.

“We are getting second and third generations of families in here, after selling bikes to their mothers and fathers,” Detheridge said. “Now, their kids and grandkids are coming here for their bicycles too. It’s really special to have that sort of relationship with the community.”

Not only does the business have generational customers, the business itself

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is generational. Terry’s daughter, Tara, is also involved as sales manager. “I sold my first bike when I was 12 years old and I look forward to continuing the growth and success that my family has had in this industry over the last 44 years.”

Tara states that there are many reasons people get hooked on cycling. “People are riding to ensure a healthy lifestyle, to be ‘green’, and to also enjoy Brantford’s scenic trail system,” she said. “Cycling is an activity that anyone can participate in, at any experience level. It’s perfect for families.”

Tara said there is something for every cyclist at The Bicycle Shop.

“Customers are getting a variety of products to suit their cycling needs,” Tara said.

“We have a great selection, but if we don’t have it, we can seek it out for you.”

The business also gives back to the community through many local causes, including the annual Thank-A-Vet Luncheon, The Alzheimer’s Society, The Rotary Classic Run and the Brant Waterways Foundation.

The Bicycle Shop even received national media attention in 2008, on a segment of the Rick Mercer Report on CBC at the Forest City Velodrome in London.

“I dressed Rick Mercer in The Bicycle Shop attire and took him for a few laps of the track on our tandem bike,” Terry said.

“He’s pretty funny and it was a great day.”

The Bicycle Shop’s staff strive to make sure every rider gets the most out of their cycling experience. “We’re all about cycling here. Let our cycling family help yours,” says Tara. ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ JEFF JEFF BRYAN BRYAN TRANSPORT TRANSPORT ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

From left: Beny Craftchick, Donna Lynn Martin, Rose Bryan, Matt Mangano, President Jeff Bryan, Nolan Hanna, Justin Bierma, Dave Henley, Kevin Ferris, Jason Potter

JEFF BRYAN TRANSPORT 319 BISHOPSGATE ROAD BURFORD ONTARIO N0E 1A0 519.449.2714 www.jeffbryantransport.com

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

n time, every time.

At Jeff Bryan Transport being able to stand behind the promises a company makes is what measures a company’s success.

And with an on-time delivery guarantee that has earned Jeff Bryan Transport On-Time Service awards, it is clear this company doesn’t make empty promises.

“I think we run a great company,” owner Jeff Bryan said. “Our success is driven by our people; all of our employees are long-term. Our driver turnover is very low and our customers are all long-term as well because we focus on our relationships with customers.”

Since opening Jeff Bryan Transport in 1989, Bryan has enjoyed steady growth and profitability, going from one truck to a state-of-the-art fleet that includes dry vans, temperature controlled vans and international freight forwarding.

“Within two years we started acquiring new trucks. I always had an intention to grow, to keep taking it to the next level,” Bryan said. “You can’t sit still, sitting still is to go backwards. You have to evolve with technology, with growth, with customers. We are always looking at opportunities.”

The evolution of Jeff Bryan Transport resulted in the opening of a second similar-sized company in South Carolina and the implementation of some of the latest technologies to ensure timely, breakage-free delivery and road safety.

“We were one of the first fleets in the

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area to buy a truck with a fully automatic transmission,” Bryan said.

“Since 2002, all of our trucks have been equipped with automatic transmissions. This appeals to a large number of drivers and provides opportunities to those that are less inclined to drive a truck with a standard transmission.”

Collision avoidance systems were also implemented on all trucks in 2007 to warn drivers of impending hazards on the road, help them drive through sightlimiting weather conditions and provide augmented blind spot visibility.

Other technology that Bryan has employed is real time critical event reporting that is tied to in-truck satellite systems to harness the ABS system and send real-time messages to the office when a driver has a hard brake event or a roll stability activation.

Those types of investments have consistently earned Jeff Bryan Transport recognition by the industry and his peers.

Although the company has weathered some storms, including the latest recession and a devastating fire in 2011, it has managed to maintain with a continued commitment to customer-care and the community it serves.

Bryan currently serves as chairman of the Ontario Trucking Association to help ensure continued success with the trucking industry. The company also supports multiple charities in the community. ❱ ❱PAGE PAGE33 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ JUNGLE JUNGLEHEAT HEATIMPORTS IMPORTS-HOT HOTSAUCE SAUCEEMPORIUM EMPORIUM

Sandy & Rich Whittington

JUNGLE HEAT IMPORTS 84 CHARING CROSS STREET BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 2H6 519.304.6660 www.jungleheatimports.com brantford@jungleheatimports.com

2013 PROFILES PAGE 34 ❰ OF SUCCESS

nd things have been heating up in Brantford since the opening of Jungle Heat Imports Hot Sauce Emporium in Sept. 2012.

The taste buds of area residents have been tempted with not only Jungle Heat Imports’ own brand of sauces, but with a huge assortment of barbecue sauces, hot sauces, marinades, rubs, spices and much more.

For owners Rich and Sandy Whittington, hot sauces have been fanning the flames of their success over the past nine months, winning them kudos among local residents and great respect in the industry.

Rich and Sandy, along with their partners Ron and Adrienne, have accumulated 35 international awards for their Jungle Heat Gourmet Sauces after pitting them against some of the toughest competitions in the industry.

Last October they expanded on their previous 11-category win at the Texas Scovie Awards to claim another 13 awards, including the grand prize. That earned them a spot at the Cajun Hot Sauce Festival in Louisiana, where they went up against 29 Grand Prize winners from competitions though out the States.

Their Mango Heat Hot Sauce not only won first prize for best fruity hot sauce, but also walked away with the grand title of Champion of Champions.

“Entering into competitions across the United States was one thing,” Rich said. “Winning has been something totally different. The Scovie Awards, The Zest Fest and the Cajun Champion

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of Champions are huge industry competitions with entries from all over the world, awarding titles to only the best of the best.”

In addition to selling their award-winning products at Jungle Heat Imports, the couple attends numerous shows and events.

“There is a lot to do between the store and doing trade shows,” Sandy said.

“But we wouldn’t trade one minute. The whole experience has been so much fun that it doesn’t really feel like work.”

While Jungle Heat Imports delivers the heat people are looking for, the sauces don’t overpower a dish.

All of Jungle Heat Gourmet Sauces are gluten-free, low in sodium and low in sugar. Selections range from no heat to extreme and everything in between.

“If we don’t have it, do you really need it?” Rich joked.

People are able to sample the Jungle Heat Gourmet sauces in the uniquely decorated store that is designed to resemble the Costa Rican Rainforest where the sauces originated.

The shop has been a labour of love for the couple because of their passion for the product.

Jungle Heat Imports has adopted Tortuga School in the remote village of Ojochal, Costa Rica and are donating proceeds of their Original Hot Sauce sales to help the children of Tortuga School get school supplies.

“We believe in paying it forward so we want to give back to our community,” Sandy said. ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PARIS JEWELLERS PARIS JEWELLERS ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

From left: Christine Ashton, Ed McGuire and Jenn Bell

PARIS JEWELLERS

33 GRAND RIVER STREET NORTH PARIS ONTARIO N3L 2M2 519.442.2176 www.parisjewellerscanada.com

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

t seems like just yesterday that I was sitting on Ken MacCaulay’s back deck enjoying a cold drink and talking about the jewelry business in Paris. Ken had just recently retired after owning a successful jewelry store in the downtown for over 21 years.

I will not forget the words of advice he spoke that afternoon: “Ed, if you are honest and up front with your customers, treat them with respect and sell quality merchandise at affordable prices, you will succeed in Paris.”

I opened Paris Jewellers, located at 33 Grand River St. N., in August of 1995, shortly after the road reconstruction was completed. It is now 18 years later and my staff and I have strived to build a loyal clientele, a clientele we are so fortunate to call our friends.

One of the positives of being selfemployed is enjoying the rapport I have built with our customers. Frequently, in place of charging for a watch battery or small repair, I am rewarded with a jar of homemade chili sauce, shortbread cookies, homemade butter tarts and have even been given a jar of pickled eggs!

I cherish this customer relationship and I couldn’t be happier working out of our present location at 54 Grand River St. N., once owned by Brad Lewis of Jack Bradley’s Men’s Wear. The good people of Paris, Ayr and surrounding areas have given my family and I overwhelming support both professionally and personally, and for that

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we are forever grateful.

With the renovating and increased store space it soon became apparent that I needed part-time help and Jenn Bell was hired in November of 2004. As business increased Jenn was hired fulltime in 2005 and through her caring and dedicated personality has become a large part of the store’s identity. One look at our display windows and you know they weren’t done by me.

A well-recognized face in Paris, Christine Ashton, was hired part-time in 2011 and has become a loyal and dependable employee, frequently backing Jenn and I, allowing us some quality family time.

Having two great employees to work with is a pleasure for me and I am blessed that I thoroughly enjoy coming to the store.

In closing Jenn, Christine and I would sincerely like to thank all of our valued customers for your loyalty and positive word-of-mouth advertising. It is our pleasure to serve you and we look forward to seeing you in the future. ~ Ed McGuire

❱ ❱PAGE PAGE35 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ EVERYTHING EVERYTHINGAUTOMOTIVE AUTOMOTIVE

Owner, Harvey Travis; Business Manager, Bo Hluchaniuk; Service Manager & Technician, Norm Tolhurst

EVERYTHING AUTOMOTIVE

35 HENRY STREET UNIT 6 BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 1Z9 519.751.3500 www.everythingautomotive.ca

2013 PROFILES PAGE 36 ❰ OF SUCCESS

hen you do what you love, it’s the easiest job in the world.

Harvey Travis started doing what he loves in 1999 when he opened Everything Automotive in Brantford.

Since then, his passion for the repair, renewal, refinish and restyle of vehicles has helped make Everything Automotive one of the most popular regularservice maintenance shops around.

That popularity pushed Travis to move the shop once – across the road from its original location on West Street – in 2002 and a second time in 2009 to its current location at 35 Henry St. The name of the shop says it all.

Whether you need expert advice for an accessory, preventative maintenance, full-scale detailing or even a major rehabilitation project, the team at Everything Automotive is motivated to help.

“I did this late in life, but I did it because it’s a love,” Travis said. “I’ve never done anything that is as easy as this. It’s second nature.

“I can look at a vehicle and have a vision of what that vehicle will look like.”

When the shop moved into its new digs four years ago, it was outfitted with brand new equipment.

Communication with the customer is the pillar from which Everything Automotive derives its success.

“We want the client not to be intimi-

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dated to ask any question,” Travis said.

“We want them to be just as confident as we are that they know exactly what is going on with their vehicle and that we will let them know everything we are doing.”

Travis said every client looking for regular work or improvements to their vehicle will be sure of what they are getting in to.

“We have a meeting of the minds so we can agree on what they want to have done to their vehicle,” Travis said. “We make sure to sort out the ‘need from the ‘wants’.”

“Sometimes people ‘want’ to have something done, but there may be some things that ‘need’ to be done first.”

Everything Automotive is also behind the growing annual Canada Day Car Show. Originally started as a smaller exhibition in 2009, the car show has grown by leaps and bounds in the past three years.

Growing from 40 vehicles in 2009 to 165 in 2012, the show is expected to be even bigger this year.

Henry Street will be closed down on Canada Day as a whole array of vintage and specialty vehicles are on display.

“It’s going to be a good time,” Travis said. “I feel it’s a payback to the community. It’s nice to have people come and get a chance to learn a little more about us in a relaxed way.”

❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ ANGELS DINER ANGELS DINER ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

Maria Coutsis, left, Marina Coutsis, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, John Coutsis and Costantinos Coutsis pose for a picture at Angel’s Diner during Harper’s lunchtime stop at the Brantford restaurant on April 19

ANGELS DINER

125 KING GEORGE RD BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 5K7 519.757.1777 www.angelsdiner.ca

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

even days a week, the Coutsis family finds their passion in serving up scrumptious food complete with a smile to each and every one of their customers.

Decades of success in the restaurant business – most recently at Angel’s Diner in Brantford – has given the family such hard-earned skills, after coming to Canada from Greece more than 30 years ago.

“Our customers can expect consistent, quality homemade food that has been pleasing Brantford’s palate for more than 15 years,” John Coutsis said.

“We offer the best in breakfast, lunch and dinner at an affordable price.”

After owning various establishments in Montreal, Costantinos Coutsis, his wife Maria, and, more recently, their son John, have owned and operated Angel’s Diner on King George Road since the fall of 1998. The family has been pleasing customers with their massive menu of delicious homemade dishes ever since.

“The thing that interested my father the most about this franchise, is that it is Montreal-based cuisine, such as our Montreal smoked meat sandwich, deep-dish baked lasagna, our souvlaki platter, triple-decker club sandwich and many more items,” Coutsis said. “There is such a large variation of items on the menu that are tried, tested and true.

“Whether you are in the mood for a burger, a steak, ribs, pasta or bacon and eggs, you will find it anytime at Angel’s.”

Coutsis has nothing but praise for the

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tireless contributions of his mother, Maria, to both the family and its business.

“Behind every successful man, there is a good woman,” Coutsis said. “She supports and lovingly takes care of the family and its business. Maria Coutsis has been the glue that has kept our family solid and together. She puts our customers on a pedestal. She is a very instrumental person in the restaurant.

She is always greeting customers with a smile and a friendly ‘hello.’”

Coutsis said learning from his parents has led to his own success in the restaurant business.

“I have been working at Angel’s Diner since we opened and I have seen its continued success for as long as I can remember,” Coutsis said. “From what I have learned through the accomplishments of my father and mother, I have been able to open up other establishments, including Gus and Guidos in 2009 and Zander’s Fire Grill and Brew Lounge in 2012.”

Reputation means a lot in Brantford, Coutsis said.

“Word of mouth means everything in Brantford,” Coutsis said. “If you keep a good reputation for quality food and service, people always remember.”

Coutsis said his father, Costantinos, has experienced his success through hard work.

“My father is 62-years-old and he still works like he is in this 30s,” Coutsis said. “He averages 65 to 70 hours a week to ensure the continued success of Angel’s Diner.” ❱ ❱PAGE PAGE37 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ HANDCRAFTED HANDCRAFTEDWOOD WOODFURNITURE FURNITUREAND ANDKITCHENS KITCHENS

Paul DiVito

HANDCRAFTED WOOD FURNITURE AND KITCHENS 90 MORTON AVENUE EAST BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 7J7 519.757.1800 www.handcraftedwood.ca handcraftedpaul@hotmail.com

2013 PROFILES PAGE 38 ❰ OF SUCCESS

hen it comes to quality work at a fair price, nobody beats Handcrafted Wood Furniture and Kitchens.

“If they can come close to our quality, usually their price is outlandish,” said owner Paul DiVito. “At night, I’m going over how to save a dollar, going over supplies, going over details. That’s what makes the difference of how I can offer a better product for the same, if not less money.”

In business for three generations, Handcrafted offers customers qualitymade dream kitchens at various price points as well as high quality, solid wood furnishings like dining room tables, chairs, hutches and china cabinets.

Handcrafted designers take into account the dimensions of your kitchen, but also consider how you use the space now and in the future.

“I think that’s really important,” DiVito said. “You’ve got to talk to people to find out how that kitchen functions – if someone is walking around that kitchen with two bags of hockey equipment, if you’re carrying laundry baskets through the kitchen, if there are two kids and a dog or if someone is a baker.”

Every piece of furniture that leaves the Handcrafted showroom at 90 Morton Ave. was made either in house by a certified cabinet maker, or handmade in Canada.

More than just good quality, Hand-

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crafted offers customers superior customer service. That’s because DiVito and his team treat customers the way they want to be treated.

“When I buy something I want that comfort level. I don’t want to think for a second that if there is a problem, I’m going to get messed over,” DiVito said. “We don’t want that nonsense. We are not perfect, but when things come up we communicate. My guys know if a customer calls me, they better be happy.

“There is not a lot of grey with me.

This is what we do and we do it well.”

But don’t just take DiVito’s word for it. Kitchen after kitchen, client after client, anyone who purchases from Handcrafted comes away happy.

“I like quality, I appreciate quality and I know my money was well spent,” said June of Brantford. “My whole kitchen is drop-dead gorgeous. Paul was always willing to address any of my questions and concerns through the entire process and still does to this day.”

While it can be tempting to opt for a prefabricated alternative that may not last the year, Handcrafted customers can shop knowing that even their great grandchildren will enjoy a top quality product for generations to come. In a pre-fab world, there is no substitute for Handcrafted.

❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF THREE SUCCESS BLIND ❱ THREE MICEBLIND CHEESE MICE COMPANY CHEESE❱COMPANY 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

Paul Divito and Lindsay Dawdy.

THREE BLIND MICE CHEESE COMPANY 436 COLBORNE STREET BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 2R7 226.388.8121 threeblindmicecheesecompany.ca facebook.com/ threeblindmicecheesecompanyparis

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

hree Blind Mice Cheese Company At Three Blind Mice Cheese Company, gourmet cheese doesn’t mean a gourmet attitude.

The gourmet cheese shop, now situated at its new location at 436 Colborne Street, offers a friendly, stylish and inviting atmosphere, with a few jokes thrown in here and there from shop owners Lindsay Dawdy and Paul DiVito.

“I really wanted it to be different,” DiVito said. “I find when I go into a lot of gourmet shops, you feel inadequate. I wanted to have a more relaxed attitude where you don’t have to feel bad that you didn’t go to school for culinary arts.”

If you don’t know what a certain cheese is, how it will taste or even how to pronounce its name, that doesn’t matter. Dawdy and DiVito will hand over a sample, because they say it’s the taste that matters.

“It’s been a lot of fun introducing people to new cheeses and new foods that they wouldn’t have tried because they are scared or they don’t know if they like it or not and we just offer them a sample. You just try it and see if you like it,” Dawdy said.

“Our goal is to have a nice, fun atmosphere for them to enjoy.”

The shop carries a multitude of fresh cheeses from all over the world with flavours like applewood smoked cheddar, caramelized onion cheddar, Moroccan spice as well as something for the sweet-tooth with coconut and fruit-filled cheeses. On Saturdays, pick

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up fresh, local cheese curds.

“You’re getting more flavour in a small piece of cheese from me than if you get a ton of that cheese from the grocery store,” Dawdy said.

Formerly located on Grand River Avenue in Paris, Three Blind Mice’s new Brantford location offers double the size and double the offerings.

With lime green walls, a 1950s jukebox, fire engine red appliances and plush leather chairs, the shop offers customers the opportunity to sit down and relax over a cup of pour-over coffee, a fresh Panini or a gourmet, grilled cheese.

On hot days, grab a slushie, a milkshake or try one of 18 rotating flavours of ice cream from Shaws Ice Cream. Flavours include blueberry cheesecake, chocolate peanut butter, bubblegum and more.

Locally produced jams and jellies, as well as flavoured, unpasteurized honeys (including flavours like cinnamon, garlic and hot pepper alarm) are also on offer.

Carrying on its tradition from the Paris store, Three Blind Mice is the only local dealer to sell miniature cheesecakes from Simcoe’s Little Cheesecake Company.

“We have different flavours every week and they are amazing,” Dawdy said.

With everything they have to offer, the gourmet cheese shop is showing no signs of slowing down.

“We have big plans,” DiVito said. “There is room to grow and evolve even more.”

Follow Three Blind Mice on Facebook for more information. ❱ ❱PAGE PAGE39 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ NURSE NURSENEXT NExtDOOR DOOR

Janet Plastow

Nurse Next Door

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BrANtForD

ince opening Nurse Next Door in the local area one year ago, Janet Plastow feels like she has come home.

Plastow entered into nursing at an early age, largely due to her grandmother who lived on her own well into her nineties.

“She lived in a tiny little apartment in Hamilton and she wouldn’t leave there no matter how much my dad begged her to move to a larger place,” Plastow laughed. “She was on the street level so she could watch the kids go back and forth to school, she walked downtown to get her groceries everyday because she always cooked fresh, and she used to roll up her mat in front of the television and dance to the Irish Rovers on Sunday nights.

“She was a big influence on me, so even as a teenager, I was a candy striper.”

When she entered into nursing Plastow had a strong focus on seniors. Her desire to learn more about the industry saw her shift into other areas of healthcare. In many instances she was manager, part owner and vice president of operations.

It wasn’t until after her mother became 2012 ill that Plastow discovered something was missing.

While looking after her mother Plastow identified areas that were lacking in healthcare, specifically for seniors that wanted to remain in their own home.

She began to investigate other options

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We’re making oNtArIo 519.900.5540 lives better.

Thank you Brantford! www.nursenextdoor.com For voting Nurse Next Door gold winners in home care.

www.nursenextdoor.com 2012

2013 PROFILES PAGE 40 ❰ OF SUCCESS

Call today for a FREE Caring Consult. 519.900.5540

that would give her a chance to offer supports she felt were missing in the industry.

“Nurse Next Door kept jumping out at me,” she said. “It is all about caring, it really is about filling all of those gaps.”

In addition to offering everything from 24-hour care to driving people to medical appointments or assisting after surgery, Nurse Next Door helps clients with everyday tasks like laundry and grocery shopping, takes them on outings or assists them in enjoying their favourite hobbies.

“Nurse Next Door does anything and everything. You use us when you need us,” Plastow said. “It really is about doing what it takes to bring peace of mind and increase somebody’s happiness level. And I just love that.”

Finding resources that enable clients a better quality of life, such as contacting the hearing society so a client can better hear the television, are among the many services Nurse Next Door will do.

“My staff spends all kinds of time trying to find out what those little gems are,” Plastow said. “It’s not just about what we do in terms of nursing, it’s about looking at the big picture and trying to find other things that we can bring to the table.”

Nurse Next Door can be used to augment government services like CCAC. It also implemented a Senior’s Wish Foundation that helps make seniors wishes come true at www.dreamonseniorswish.org. ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ CARRILLO CARRILLO CARPETS CARPETS LTD. LTD. ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

From left: Dan Carrillo, Carlos Carrillo, Yvonne Carrillo and Elise Carrillo

CARRILLO CARPETS LTD. 139 SHAVER STREET BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3T 5M1 519.756.4242 www.carrillocarpets.com

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

he Carrillo family rolls out the red carpet for their customers.

Since 1986, the family business at 139 Shaver St. has been the destination of choice for residential and commercial carpeting, flooring and tiles. Carlos, Yvonne, Dan and Elise Carrillo make sure every one of their clients receives first-rate customer service. The amount of repeat business they enjoy suggests that their efforts are paying off.

“We offer quality work at a competitive price. Our quality of service is top notch, since it’s our name on it every time,” said Dan. “The family background definitely inspires confidence in the consumer.”

Carrillo Carpets Ltd. outfits residential and commercial builds throughout southern Ontario. Carlos, an installer, founded the company and focused on commercial jobs until the family opened its showroom ten years ago.

Two expansions later, the 5,000 square foot showroom off Garden Ave. boasts a wide selection of carpeting, hardwood, tiles, vinyl, laminates, in-floor heating and accessories. Due to the demand for in-floor heating systems, Carrillo now offers NuHeat flooring with one of the best warranties in the business.

Carrillo differentiates itself from other flooring companies by having eight fulltime installers on staff and experienced subcontractors. Carrillo’s installers are knowledgeable, dedicated to the company, and available to work flexible hours to accommodate customers.

“We’re able to cater to the customer –

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that’s a huge selling point,” said Dan. Carrillo Carpets thanks its customers, builders, contractors, and property managers in Brantford & surrounding areas that have sent reoccurring work over the years. “We’re building our reputation every day,” Dan said.

Homeowners who want to complete their own tiling or flooring projects will find all the supplies and products they need at Carrillo, along with some expert advice to get them started. “If we can save them a couple of hours just by sharing our knowledge, that helps our customers,” Dan said.

Another product and service Carrillo offers is Duradek, an outdoor waterproof flooring suitable for decks, patios, porches, boats and more. Carrillo Carpets is the approved supplier and applicator of Duradek in Brantford & surrounding areas.

The family is always willing to extend business hours to accommodate their clients’ schedules, and Elise Carrillo will soon have her interior design certification, which will allow her to give design advice to clients looking for guidance on how to design their space.

The company gives back to the community by donating building supplies to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and contributing supplies and labour to various charitable projects.

The Carrillo family feels their business will continue to grow and change with the trends ahead. They love what they do and will continue to make their customers’ visions a reality. ❱ ❱PAGE PAGE41 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ DAYSIDE DAYSIDEWINDOWS WINDOWS

Hank Vanderbrugghen and Lou Oosterhoff.

DAYSIDE WINDOWS 38 TAMARA PLACE BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3P 1M8 1-800-263-3622 www.dayside.ca

2013 PROFILES PAGE 42 ❰ OF SUCCESS

ou could say that Dayside Windows and Doors is one of Brant County’s best-kept secrets. Since opening a showroom here in the city in 2002, Dayside has been like a hidden gem garnering a loyal following but still growing every single day.

Located at 38 Tamara Place in Brantford, the family owned and operated business specializes of course in windows and doors, but what sets this company apart is the fact that Dayside manufactures their quality windows and doors with a reputation for quality above all else.

Founded in 1960, the business was originally started by brother-in-laws Lou Oosterhoff and Hank Vanderbrugghen and was located in Burlington, Ontario. They saw the business grow over 30 years and when the opportunity arose, moved operations to Brantford.

“We have a 1,000 square foot showroom here but we serve a wide range of customers from commercial business of builders and dealers from Windsor to Kingston, to retail customers and homeowners in Brantford and the surrounding areas,” says business partner Ed Hensen who joined the company last year.

Both Lou and Hank’s wives and children are also part of the business. Lou’s son James and Hank’s son David are both involved in daily operations, along with a great staff of 20, which includes administration, sales, and installation teams.

Dayside offers a large selection of windows from awning and casement,

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bays and bows to sliders, picture windows, patio doors and exterior doors.

All options can be custom built to meet a buyer’s needs and tastes. Today’s windows are even available in a variety of colors (there are actually 20 standard colours now available) Utilizing PH Tech — a leading Canadian supplier of PVC extrusion materials – Dayside purchases all sealed units from one of the largest suppliers in North America giving them a superior window product. The sealed units (glazing) from their supplier have a 20year warranty and Dayside’s warranty track record is less than 1% of sales.

Lou, Hank and Ed are especially excited to announce that last week they purchased Mississauga-based Atlantic Windows and Door Systems.

With this purchase, Dayside will also be manufacturing entrance doors. They are planning on opening an additional showroom location in Mississauga in July of this year and plan on increasing hiring by 50 per cent this fall. To support that growth, Dayside also has plans to move to a larger production and showroom facility in Brantford in early 2014.

“Our ability to meet our customer’s needs from time of order through the manufacturing process to time of install makes our company a definitive supplier of windows and doors in our market. This promotes to our customer that we can provide not only a quality product but excellence in installation and service of their purchase.” ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ MP PHIL MP PHIL McCOLEMAN MCCOLEMAN ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

Martina Esbaugh (Constituency Assistant), Joanna Pielsticker (Administrative Assistant), Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Teresa Percival (Chief of Staff), Phil McColeman, MP Brant

MP PHIL MCCOLEMAN

CONSTITUENCY OFFICE 108 ST. GEORGE STREET, SUITE #3 BRANTFORD, ON N3R 1V6 519.754.4300 phil.mccoleman@parl.gc.ca www.philmccolemanmp.ca

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

fter 23 years as a hard-working entrepreneur and business owner, it is no surprise that Phil McColeman has brought a business-like mentality to his office as Member of Parliament for Brant, with a focus on providing exceptional service and delivering results.

“My staff will tell you that what we strive to do here, is provide the highest level of service and do it in a professional manner. It goes without saying that the success of our offices really has been the people who are on the front lines,” McColeman explains. His staff is always there to assist constituents with matters relating to the Federal Government. From help dealing with the Canada Revenue Agency and Service Canada, to assisting with challenges involving immigration, Team McColeman will always deliver assistance to constituents in need. According to Phil, his team receives over 50 calls, 150 e-mails and 30 letters daily and McColeman is extremely proud of the exceptional service found in his offices.

Moreover, Phil and his team have introduced a number of exciting community initiatives to benefit his constituents.

“We asked ourselves ‘what new things can we offer that will provide that higher level of service?’ One of the most significant is our passport clinics. We assist with ensuring passport applications are completed correctly and have all the documentation con-

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stituents need in order to receive their passports. The new passports are couriered directly back to the applicant within approximately four weeks.” The constituency office also accepts completed passport applications, during office hours. This particular initiative has helped over 6000 constituents with their passport needs. It not only saves them the long drive to a Passport Canada office, but allows his staff to follow up with Passport Canada if problems arise.

Phil has also introduced a Community Shred day, which enables the citizens of Brant to dispose of sensitive documents in a safe and secure manner, while helping boost donations to the local food bank.

His team also volunteered to help create the inaugural Hockey Night in Brantford last August, which raised $70,000 for the Brant United Way. The second annual HNIB is set for Aug. 14 and the funds raised are expected to surpass last year’s total.

McColeman has assembled a strong team of specialized staff who share his strong work ethic, passion for the community, and determination to make a difference. Together, they have helped deliver Phil’s vision of a forward-thinking, efficient and effective parliamentary office that delivers results and betters the community for everyone.

❱ ❱PAGE PAGE43 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ GRAND GRANDRIVER RIVERDINNER DINNERCRUISES CRUISES

From left: Blain Albin, Dana Johnson, Beau Johnson.

GRAND RIVER DINNER CRUISES 36 BRANT COUNTY ROAD 22 BRANT ONTARIO N3W 2G9 905.765.4107 info@grandrivercruises.ca www grandrivercruises.ca

2013 PROFILES PAGE 44 ❰ OF SUCCESS

xperiencing the Grand River from the viewpoint of the river is something everyone needs to try.

And not only has Grand River Dinner Cruises succeeded for more than 35 years in giving its customers a relaxing, unique and delicious experience on the Grand, but it is also one of the most popular day trip destinations for tourists to the region.

A map in the front entrance of the Landing building on Brant County Road 22, just off Highway 54 outside of Caledonia, shows an array of pins marking the home of visitors that have taken a trip along the Grand River in style.

Tourists from Pakistan, China, central Russia, South Africa and all over the U.S. and Canada have witnessed the beauty of the Grand River aboard one of the operation’s three vessels.

Dana Johnson, her husband, Beau, and brother, Blain Albin slowly took over operation of the family business from Dana and Blain’s parents almost 15 years ago. They often find that it’s the local residents who can take for granted what is in their own backyard.

“It’s one of those things where people have heard of us and always figure they will get around to visiting some day,” Blain said. “When they do, people are always very surprised when they come out for a trip. They can’t believe how wide and scenic the river is down here.”

The Grand River Belle, Grand River

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Queen and Grand River Princess can comfortably seat 50 people for a cruise – with every table at a window to take in the scenery.

All the boats are accessible, inspected annually by Transport Canada, decked out with all necessary safety equipment and licensed under the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for the service of liquor, wine and beer.

Visitors can settle in for the lunchtime cruise with a performance by the Blazing Fiddles from Tuesday to Saturday.

“They are a four-piece band that puts on a terrific half-hour show,” Dana said. “They play some Broadway tunes, East Coast music and some jazz – it’s a really nice mix. After the show they go on a three-hour cruise with lunch.”

Grand River Dinner Cruises takes pride in its home-cooked meals that often features Blain’s signature slowroasted beef.

Friday night features a dinner cruise with the Blazing Fiddles show, while Saturdays and Sundays have a sunset dinner cruise with a four-course meal on offer.

On Sundays and Mondays there is a brunch cruise without the Blazing Fiddles show available.

Aside from having an option to experience the Grand River seven days a week, the boats are also available for private rental. Grand River Dinner Cruises often does weddings or other celebrations. ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ BYO BREWERIES BYO BREWERIES ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

Don Wolan, owner of BYO Breweries

BYO BREWERIES

125A STANLEY STREET BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 2R7 519.753.2962 www.byobreweries.com

B Y O

BREWERIES 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

hen BYO Breweries first opened its doors in 1990 it was the first brew-your-own facility in Brantford, and the sixth such facility in all of Canada.

Today, 24 years later, it continues to operate with a dedicated clientele and an ongoing commitment to quality in product and customer service.

But staying in business wasn’t without its challenges, Don Wolan who coowns the Stanley Street brewery with Al Robdrup, said.

“I ended up getting government legislation enacted so we could operate,” Wolan said. “Then I had to work diligently to make sure that we stayed in business. We got our own legislation in place, which I wrote.”

Wolan paved the way for brew-yourown establishments to operate in the province by helping to found the Brewon-Premise Association of Ontario, which he ran for 12 years. It was renamed to the Ontario Fermenters Guild and now has been transformed into the Canadian Craft Winemaker’s Association.

His diligence paid off and from the first day of opening, BYO Breweries was filled to capacity with brew-your-own enthusiasts.

“At that time Brantford had the highest number of beer drinkers per capita so I said we really should open a brewyour-own here,” he laughed.

The business took a hit when, in 1993, the government started taxing the brew-your-own industry.

“It dropped us by 75 per cent overnight,” Wolan said. “We went from sev-

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en employees to two, but we survived and we maintained. That’s the point where we diversified to wine.”

Winemaking now makes up a majority of BYO Breweries’ business with up to 4,000 wines brewed on-site each year, and many more wine kits going out the door for home brewing.

“It’s a good quality product for relatively inexpensive cost,” Wolan said. “We have a huge variety of wines from all over the globe. Our customers have won awards for wines they made here and at home.”

Wine kits yield about 30 bottles per batch and take four to eight weeks to brew. They sell from $100 to $180 and are 100 per cent guaranteed.

Wedding packages that include personalized or photo labels and a complementary set of personalized wine glasses, are affordable options for couples.

BYO Breweries also sells a large variety of home brewing equipment and supplies while also continuing to offer brew-your-own beer kits.

The business generously supports the community that has offered support to it for 24 years.

“Raising money for causes such as the Canadian Diabetes Association, Help a Child Smile, Big Hair for Little Kids, Can Jam for Cancer, to name a few, is very rewarding spiritually,” Wolan said.

“Working with Royal Canadian Legion, currently I am the second vice president at Branch #461, and the Ontario Masons has given me opportunities to become a better person.” ❱ ❱PAGE PAGE45 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ DR. DR.RONALD RONALDF. F.KREBS KREBSAND ANDASSOCIATES ASSOCIATES

Dr. Ronald F. Krebs

DR. RONALD F. KREBS AND ASSOCIATES 108 ST. GEORGE STREET BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 1V6 519-752-5313

2013 PROFILES PAGE 46 ❰ OF SUCCESS

veryone expects to have to wait at the doctor’s office. But patients getting their eyes examined at Dr. Ronald F. Krebs and Associates often don’t want to leave.

Instead, they share stories, laughs, hugs and even tears with Dr. Krebs and his staff. “I treasure that so much in my career – sharing day to day life with patients,” said Dr. Krebs.

Patients trust their doctor and his longtime office manager, Judy Sargent, with their personal problems. “And we are always glad and honoured to listen,” says Dr. Krebs, to whom patients have turned for support and guidance as they struggle through life’s trials and challenges. “It is an undeserving privilege,” says Dr. Krebs. “Patients have said, ‘you are like a pastor to me.’”

It’s that level of what Krebs calls “personable care” that has made the practice a fixture in Brantford for over 100 years. Dr. Charles Jarvis opened the practice in 1912 on Colborne Street.

The father and son team of Percy and Howard Avison continued from 1920 to 1988, at which time Dr. Krebs joined, eventually moving the practice in 2002 from its heritage home on Brant Avenue to its current location at 108 St. George St. Dr. Krebs’ practice offers an extensive range of eyecare products and services, including comprehensive examinations, peri-operative care for laser surgery, contact lenses, prescription glasses and sunglasses, and an on-site

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laboratory. Dr. Krebs has special satisfaction in working with special needs patients, and enjoys investigating ‘out of the ordinary’ approaches to treating patients with medical and visual challenges.

Over his 25-year career, Dr. Krebs has seen technology improve and techniques change, but his focus on patients has never wavered – whether it be special care at home or institutions, staff delivering eyewear to home-bound patients, rushing eyewear to patients around the globe, or office visits beyond scheduled hours.

And his patients remember. Dr. Krebs and Sargent have been invited to their patients’ weddings, attend funerals and visitations, and among the practice’s 15,000 active patients are many out-oftowners who return every year to see their beloved optometrist.

“My goal has never been to have a large practice. It is ironic. God has blessed us with a great ‘family’ of patients and with some very devoted staff,” Dr. Krebs said, emphasizing Sargent’s many years of immeasurable support and dedication.

Patients packed the practice last September to celebrate the 100th anniversary with their cherished doctor and his team.

“Money is a very poor measure of success and happiness,” Dr. Krebs added.

“Patients remarking that what we are and what we do has meant so much to them – that’s what enriches our lives.” ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ RAWLINGS RawLIngSGROUP gROUPCANADA Canada ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

The Rawlings Team at their 131 Savannah Oaks Drive location in Brantford.

Rawlings gRoup Canada 131 saVannaH oaKs dRiVE BRanTFoRd onTaRio n3V 1E8 519.750.1380 rbeatty@rawlings.com www.rawlings.com

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

onna Camilleri feels a sense of pride when she hears the contact of a baseball against a baseball bat.

“When you go by the local ballpark and see the Rawlings brand and the Worth brand it is really cool to know that you are part of that brand,” Camilleri, the purchasing and human resources manager of Rawlings Group Canada, said.

From the major leagues to amateur sports, Rawlings and Worth brand sporting goods can be spotted on most every ballpark in the country.

And it all begins right here in Brantford.

Rawlings moved to Brantford in 2001 when the company consolidated its head office and distribution centre, which were located in Mississauga and Quebec.

“The move to Brantford solidified a successful growth and development for new business and brought our operation from its original 35,000 to 66,000 square feet,” Camilleri said.

A leading manufacturer and marketer of sporting goods ranging from baseball, softball and lacrosse to football and basketball, Rawlings is forever on the cutting edge of innovation, Camilleri added.

“We offer football shoulder pads, lightweight protective apparel, a batting helmet line and the best football protective headwear available on the market today,” she said. “Rawlings is committed to protecting athletes from head to toe.”

An emphasis on quality has been at the heart of the Rawlings brand for 125 years.

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“Most would agree our ball glove with its Red Patch is unparalleled in craftsmanship,” Camilleri said. “The Rawlings Red Patch is recognized by many in the field as the world’s best ball glove. We are also the Exclusive Baseball and Batter’s Helmet to Major League Baseball, most recently winning gold recognition at the 2013 Edison Awards for our S100 Pro Comp batting helmet, the only batting helmet designed to withstand a 100-mile-per-hour ball strike.”

Aerospace grade carbon fibre/epoxy resin construction makes the S100 helmet shell 130 times stronger than traditional ABS plastic shells. That type of quality through innovation and technology is among the reasons for the company’s success.

“We have the best product on the market and the best people to represent it,” Camilleri said. “We are also the Official helmet of Baseball Canada and Sponsors to Slo Pitch National, Slo-Pitch Ontario plus Softball Canada and most baseball and softball provincial programs coast to coast in Canada.”

Rawlings also takes pride in the community, supporting and sponsoring local teams and sporting associations, including the Brantford Red Sox, Jr. A Baseball, Brantford Bisons Football and community lacrosse.

Check out our products at: • www.rawlings.com • www.worthsports.com • www.gaitlacrosse.com • www.mikensports.com • www.jardensportslicensing.com ❱ ❱PAGE PagE47 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ MODERN MODERNHEATING HEATINGBRANTFORD BRANTFORDLTD. LTD.

Tom and Wanda Kirkby

MODERN HEATING BRANTFORD LTD. 214 HACHBORN ROAD BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3S 7W5 519.753.3458 www.modheat.com wkirkby@modernheating.ca

2013 PROFILES PAGE 48 ❰ OF SUCCESS

deep knowledge of their quality products, a strong focus on customer care and a downto-earth nature that comes from the top have helped make Modern Heating the No. 1 heating and cooling contractor in Brantford and area.

Established in 1956, husband and wife team Tom and Wanda Kirkby took over the business in 1989 from previous owners Tom Kirkby Sr. and wife Norma.

With a solid foundation of customer respect and fairness, Tom and Wanda are proud of not only the growth of the business but the personal customer relationships established along the way.

Modern Heating knows that installing a quality product from a reputable company is important.

“A lot of heating and cooling companies change the brand of products they sell after every other year depending on which one they can buy the cheapest,” Wanda said. “When offering products to new or existing customers, we wanted an HVAC manufacturer like Lennox because they stand behind their products. Never mind the fact that they have been around for over 100 years. We have been a Lennox dealer for over 20 years, showing our customers that Modern Heating and Lennox are committed to selling a quality product.

“It’s all about peace of mind for everyone.”

Tom and Wanda have taken the roots of how they believe a business should be run and shared them with their

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employees, so that every customer has the same great experience.

“We’ve instilled our vision in all our employees so they know how we expect our customers to be treated,” Wanda said.

All employees of Modern Heating take pride in their work and taking care of their customers is their main focus.

Safety is always the No. 1 concern with technicians Mike, Louis, Darryl, Ben, and service manager, Brian.

Office administrator Pam greets customers either by phone or in the office with her upbeat personality and efficiently dispatches their service requests.

Dave in sales is knowledgeable of the HVAC industry and the products offered, and is always promptly available to advise customers of their equipment needs.

Tom and Wanda are not only committed to the products and services they provide – they support the community whenever possible.

Recently, Tom himself took part in a locally organized fundraising snowmobile ride held in Quebec, designed to raise money for the Lansdowne Children’s Centre. They also sponsor a children’s soccer team, two adult baseball teams, two adult volleyball teams, and support the Brantford Red Sox. Tom and Wanda take pride in the community and boast about it being a great city to own a business and raise a family. ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ADOLFO ❱ROBERT ADOLFO GALUPPI ROBERTON GALUPPI BRANTON ❱ 2013 BRANT PROFILES OF SUCCESS

photo by Keepsakephotography.ca From left: Adolfo, Aiden, Eddie, Ethan, Robert Galuppi.

ADOLFO ROBERT GALUPPI ON BRANT 148 BRANT AVE BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3T 3H7 519.751-7226 www.adolforobertgaluppi.com eddieg0123@gmail.com

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

n the late 1960’s Robert Galuppi opened a very popular salon called Heads. The salon met with much success and Robert soon welcomed his brother Adolfo into a partnership that helped shape the beauty industry in Brantford.

When the brothers expanded and opened Galuppi Hair Salon on West Street it became a place where men and women flocked to get the latest hair trends, earning the brothers a stellar reputation in the community for their artistry and ingenuity.

After 15 years the West Street location was sold and Robert and Adolfo relocated, naming the salon Adolfo and Robert Galuppi. Today, that tradition lives on at Adolfo Robert Galuppi on Brant where Adolfo’s son Eddie has followed in his father’s footsteps to offer services that not only help people look their very best, but feel that way too.

“Today it is one of the most outstanding shops in the city, offering a multitude of services,” Adolfo said. “It is a complete service beauty spa.”

When Eddie took over the family business in 2009 he relocated it to an elegant century home at 148 Brant Ave. With an aura of warmth and panache, the salon invites people to escape daily stressors and focus on quality ‘me’ time.

“I wanted to create an atmosphere that has a touch of traditional mixed with modern style,” Eddie said.

An upstairs lounge is a pleasant gathering place for bridal parties and other celebrations in addition to being

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an area where clients can kick back and sip on a beverage of choice.

“I wanted an area where clients are able to enjoy their stay and that’s why I created the bridal spa and smoothie café.

People can come upstairs, relax, and enjoy a complimentary smoothie, a cappuccino or a hot chocolate,” Eddie said.

His 17 staff members, including a foot reflexologist, a registered massage therapist, two estheticians, and a registered dental hygienist, continually attend beauty shows and upgrade their education so they remain on the cutting edge of the industry.

Eddie, like his father and uncle before him, also trained at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in London, England and brings his own special touch and attention to the salon.

In addition to innovative cuts, colours and styles, the salon offers complete bridal packages to make that special day even more special.

Children’s birthday parties include hairstyles and manicures, delicious cupcakes and photo booklets detailing their day. Staff parties and ladies night out events, complete with a limousine ride to their destination of choice, are also available.

When asked what the secret to their success is, Adolfo, Robert and Eddie all agree strongly that it is a creative and committed staff.

“Without our staff working so hard to always be on the cutting edge and make each and every client’s experience the best it can be, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” Eddie said. ❱ ❱PAGE PAGE49 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ MICHELLE MICHELLEKWASNIK KWASNIK--THE THEFITNESS FITNESSCENTRE CENTRE

Michelle Kwasnik

MICHELLE KWASNIK THE FITNESS CENTRE 177 PARIS ROAD BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3T 1J2 519.751.2500 www.the-fitnesscentre.ca

The Fitness C e n t re

2013 PROFILES PAGE 50 ❰ OF SUCCESS

hen she took over The Fitness Centre after her mother and prior owner Gerrie Devlin passed away in 2002, Michelle Kwasnik believed it was temporary.

“I took a leave of absence from my career in deaf/blind services to figure out what I was going to do with the business,” she recalled. “My plan was to run it for about six months to figure out what it needed and go back to my career.”

Now, 10 years later, Kwasnik continues to be in charge of a bustling whole body health facility that is far more than a gym to its members.

“In that six months I came to discover the business was not just a fitness studio, that it was something very powerful and inspiring in our community,” she said. “It’s a support network for women. It is the only place that is all for them, where they can be who they are in the only place where what they do impacts only themselves.”

Women-friendly services such as lowcost childcare while mom is attending a fitness class or working out on the equipment is one way The Fitness Centre supports women.

“Women don’t have to make an appointment here, they can just stop in between 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. for childcare,” Kwasnik said. “My philosophy on that is I couldn’t find myself being organized enough as a busy mom to be right here at 2 p.m. if I had to make an appointment.”

The active play centre promotes

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healthy living and allows children to connect with their peers while mom does the same in the adult environment.

It is an important component of Kwasnik’s holistic approach to family wellness that goes beyond the walls of the centre.

Through a secondary business, Navigate Life Positively, Kwasnik works with individuals and families in her home studio, using Neurological Linguistic Programming to facilitate positive life changes that affect things like emotional eating, weight loss, self esteem, stress management, relationships and intimacy.

In addition to being an NLP Master Practitioner, Kwasnik also specializes in Reiki Therapy, Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy, Magnified Healing and Yoga. She hosts Life Coach sessions, workshops and seminars about identity and community and family.

“Most people can relate to a Life Coach because they want to improve on what they are already doing well,” Kwasnik said.

Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy compliments life coaching by allowing Kwasnik to work with the central nervous system to rid the body of unresolved issues and alleviate emotional stressors.

By offering a whole body approach to care, women and their families can live life to the fullest. Kwasnik also works in the community and teaches fitness and yoga classes, in addition to offering children’s fitness programs for girls and for boys up to age 11. ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ANDY ❱ RE/MAX LAIR - RE/MAX TWIN CITY TWIN REALTY CITY ❱INC. 2013 - ANDY PROFILES LAIR OF SUCCESS

Andy Lair uses his military training to succeed in real estate.

RE/MAX ANDY LAIR 515 PARK ROAD NORTH BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 7K8 519.750.4636 www.remaxtwincity.ca bdl1_@hotmail.com

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

ust a few million away from reaching $100 million in sales in just over 10 years, Andy Lair is confident he will reach that milestone this year. And he credits his military training for his success in Real Estate.

The RE/MAX Twin City Realty sales representative turned Broker spent 23 years in the Canadian military, participating in peacekeeping missions in combat zones such as Sarajevo, Bosnia, Croatia, Yugoslavia and Cyprus.

He also worked with NATO in Germany for five years.

“The military trained me well,” he said from is Park Rd. N. office. “In the military you have to be very disciplined. I learned to listen, to defend and to attack. In Real Estate you listen to a client’s needs, then you make a personal plan and execute it. It is a plan that is customized to what will fit their family’s needs.”

Whether he is looking at a home with the eyes of a buyer or the eyes of a seller, Andy said his approach is always to get the best price and the best home for his clients. His military prowess comes into play to ensure that happens.

“Before people know it we get what they want,” he said. “I have many high speed courses in the military such as low level conflict resolution, mediation training, and if you can get yourself out of conflicts, you can certainly deal with other agents, sellers and buyers.”

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Andy said he chose to enter Real Estate after retiring from the military because of the many real estate transactions he made on his travels.

“I bought and sold a lot of homes during my career of traveling and I really thought I could make a difference in buying or selling,” he said. “What leads me in any direction are my ethics, my principals, my experience and the passion for what I do.”

Because of that, most of Andy’s clients are repeat or referrals.

“I believe strongly that if you take care of your people, they will take care of you,” he said. “I’m willing to work with clients on things like commission and I think they appreciate that. When you show them loyalty, they return the favour.”

With 15 to 25 listings at a time, Andy’s office has grown to meet the demands.

“Now I have a cadre of seven personnel who I work with and four years ago I got my Broker’s license,” Lair said.

Andy has trained several local Real Estate agents and helped former clients enter into the business. He is also a Hall of Fame Award Winner and multiPlatinum Award Winner, 2009, 2011 and 2012.

❱ ❱PAGE PAGE51 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ BRANT BRANTSPORTS SPORTSEXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE/PARIS / PARISSPORTS SPORTSEXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE

From left: Rob Delaronde, Gary Jones, Kyle Walsh, Sam Goodfellow

BRANT SPORTS EXCELLENCE/ PARIS SPORTS EXCELLENCE

415 FAIRVIEW DRIVE, BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 7M3 519.752.3900

P A R I S

19 BROADWAY ST. W., PARIS ONTARIO N3L 2S3 519.442.0766

facebook.com/brantsportsexcellence

2013 PROFILES PAGE 52 ❰ OF SUCCESS

uilding long-term relationships with customers is the business of Brant Sports Excellence.

Rob Delaronde, Gary Jones, Kyle Walsh and Sam Goodfellow take pride in their knowledge of the sporting goods industry and of the network they have built to acquire the best products to serve their customers.

“It’s a matter of doing the right thing every day, whether you make money or not,” Gary said.

That focus on what is best for the customer is what separates Brant Sports P from A other R I sporting S Excellence goods stores.

“We give people an education in the products and we give them an honest opinion,” Sam said. “We are not trying to up-sell anybody. If we can build a relationship with a customer, that is just as important as outfitting them.”

Getting professionally outfitted at Brant Sports Excellence is a process catered to each individual athlete.

The team will make sure each customer gets what they need for their best performance, whether they consider themselves a casual or elite-level athlete.

“The same mentality that goes into the high-end player, goes into everybody else we see,” Sam said. “We will find the product that fits their game, fits their style of play and fits their budget.

Luckily we have a wide-range of products to choose from.”

The store and partnership got its start

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in Paris when Sam, Rob and Kyle took the opportunity to buy-in about four years ago. Sam and Rob had been at the Paris location since age 16 and Kyle at a different location.

It was about a year ago that Brant Sports Excellence opened its doors at 415 Fairview Dr. to join Paris Sports Excellence in serving the Brant community.

“We always had the intention to come to Brantford, but the timing wasn’t right,” Kyle said. “We are very happy to be a part of the Brantford community.”

One area where the extra knowledge possessed by Brant Sports Excellence shines is in the area of skate sharpening.

Skate sharpening goes well beyond a simple grinding in their store.

“We work hard at doing quality skate sharpening where consistency is the main thing,” Sam said. “We guarantee crisp, clean, square edges all the time. A customer is expected to do the same thing on the ice week after week, so we believe the same is expected of us.”

The Brantford and Paris stores are part of the Sports Excellence buying group that allows access to extremely competitive pricing.

“We supply the people with the service and knowledge and the availability of vast product range at extremely competitive prices,” Gary said. “It’s like pro shop service with big box prices.” ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ BRANT NEWSBRANT NEWS ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

Brant News’ award-winning team.

BRANT NEWS

101 CHARING CROSS STREET BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 2R7 519.758.1157 www.brantnews.com ads@brantnews.com

2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS SUCCESS

hen a group of local businessmen set out to present Brant with a community newspaper that was entirely created, produced, published and delivered in their hometown, people said it couldn’t be done.

Now entering its fourth year, Brant News continues to live up to the vision that inspired its rebirth – to always put the Community First.

“Our goal is to every day make a difference,” general manager Len Offless said. “We want to inspire the citizens of Brant with content that matters to them.”

Delivering quality local news and advertising that keeps people in touch with their community, Brant News has proven to be a product that local residents can proudly call their own.

Published each Thursday and delivered to over 48,000 households, it is staffed by a dedicated group of employees that live, work and play in Brant. Their passion for the community is portrayed on the colourful and informative pages of Brant News, which is hand-delivered to doorsteps by an equally passionate delivery crew made up of young and old alike.

While it is easy for Brant News to toot its own horn, the many awards and accolades the community paper has earned from peers in the industry have shown time and again that there remains a place in the market for locally produced newspapers.

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For three consecutive years Brant News has been winning awards, an impressive accomplishment considering the paper has only been around since October 2009. In its first year Brant News was lauded by the 2010 Ontario Community Newspaper Awards as number one in its class for General Excellence, an award that recognizes excellence in every facet of the paper, from lay-out and design, to photography, editorial and advertising content.

“The general excellence award is the top award given to newspapers in our class,” Offless said. “That is a reflection of the great work Brant News staff do every day. It goes along with the strong growth pattern of Brant News. We are being recognized by our peers as a top newspaper in the province.”

The community paper followed that up with a second place win for General Excellence in 2011 and another firstplace win in the same category in 2012 when it received a total of four awards and an honourable mention.

Brant News will continue its focus on quality and unbiased news reporting as it looks to more successes in the future.

We will never stop putting Community First.

❱ ❱PAGE PAGE53 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ MEDIX MEDIXCOLLEGE COLLEGEOF OFHEALTHCARE HEALTHCARE

Rick Ostofe, director, Jeanette Laird, administration supervisor, Deana Radmore, reception, Susan Willoughby-Todd, Paul Urbanowicz, admisisons, Craig Munn, admissions

MEDIX COLLEGE OF HEALTHCARE 39 KING GEORGE ROAD BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3R 5K2 1.800.695.2414 519.752.4859 www.medixcollege.ca

2013 PROFILES PAGE 54 ❰ OF SUCCESS

edix College of Healthcare continues to prove its success by turning out graduates that meet the needs of the Brantford community.

As a Career College, Medix takes pride in its ability to get prospective students who are serious about a career into their job with a quick turnaround.

Because the school is so good at what it does, Director Rick Ostofe said Medix deals with misconceptions.

“People sometimes wonder how we can offer a diploma in such a short amount of time,” he said. “We have an accelerated program, it is not condensed. We don’t cut any corners.

“We provide the same training as one would get at a Community College, with the exception that you don’t take electives. You will be going to school four or five hours a day, Monday through Friday and have homework specific to your course.”

The diplomas earned from Medix are the same in the eyes of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities – who oversee this –as the diplomas earned from any Community College in Ontario.

Medix focuses on students who are serious about getting their careers started. The admissions department meets with every student to determine the suitability of the program for that student, before they enroll.

“I can’t provide the atmosphere, buildings, cafeterias, libraries and

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things of that nature that one finds at a Community College,” Ostofe said. “The people we cater to don’t need those trappings. They just want a job and they want it in a specific field. We help them get it.”

All Medix courses have a field placement at the end – which the school helps arrange – to make sure students get a chance to apply the theory they have learned.

Last year, Medix had a graduation rate better than 90 per cent, and more than 90 per cent of those graduates had a job in their chosen field within three months.

Ostofe said Career Colleges and Community Colleges aren’t measured the same.

“A Community College can take credit for a student working within six months of graduation, even if its unrelated to their field of study,” he said.

“A Career College, can only take credit if students have a job in their chosen field and it’s within three months of graduation.

The Brantford campus of Medix is currently offering programs for community service workers, developmental service workers, intra-oral dental assistants, medical office assistants, personal support workers and pharmacy assistants.

❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5

ENTERPRISE 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ ENTERPRISE BRANTBRANT ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

Celebrates Success

Mary-Jane Brown

MJ Brown Certified General Accountant

20 YEARS CONTRIBUTING TO BRANTFORD/BRANT

Harold Kuret

Custom Cooland Equipment Inc.

Jamie Kent

Grand Experiences

Marylea Gowan Paulmac’s Pets & Pet Value

Robert Tamalia Reliant Climate Control Inc.

15 YEARS CONTRIBUTING TO BRANTFORD/BRANT

Elaine Kelloway

Elaine’s Hair Design

Cam McArthur

McArthur Marketing Inc.

Nicole Bauer

Northern Delivery & Courier

John Patterson

Minor Details Accounting & Income Tax

Sarah Ryder

Sarah Ryder Chartered Accountant

10 YEARS CONTRIBUTING TO BRANTFORD/BRANT

Jo Ann Baker

Amos Bookkeeping & Tax Preperation

Joyce Lindsay Blue Iris Art

Ronald & Tawnia Ritchie Grand River Restorations

Dianne McAlpine

Innovantage Services Inc.

Yvonne Shortt Just Like New

Zig Misiak

Real People History

Jacqueline Sokol SoKool Tattoos

5 YEARS CONTRIBUTING TO BRANTFORD/BRANT

Business Services

Business Loans

• Business Consulting • Business Seminars • Equipment/meeting space available

• Reasonable rates • Flexible terms • Loans for students & existing businesses

Need business assistance – call us.

519-752-4636

Enterprise Brant, 330 West St. Unit 10, Brantford ON N3R 7V5 www.enterprisebrant.com 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS

❱ PAGE 55 ❱ PAGE 5

2013 2013PROFILES PROFILESOF OFSUCCESS SUCCESS ❱ ❱ SOLO SOLOCABLE CABLESOLUTIONS SOLUTIONS

Matt and Leslee Smith

SOLO CABLE SOLUTIONS 419 HENRY STREET, UNIT 1 BRANTFORD ONTARIO N3S 7V6 1.866.888.0672 www.solocable.com info@solocable.com

2013 PROFILES PAGE 56 ❰ OF SUCCESS

olo Cable Solutions co-owner Matt Smith knows what starting over is like.

“I was a welder at National Steel Car in Hamilton for six years,” Smith said. “On Dec. 23, 2001, I was laid off along with about 2,000 others.

“I went back to school at CDI College in Hamilton to be a network technician.

I always wanted to start my own business and deal with customers.”

Brantford’s Solo Cable Solutions, coowned by Smith and his wife, Leslee, provides satellite television services for Shaw Direct, the installation of fibre optics, business and residential phone services, wiring and numerous related services.

The company provides its services to residential, commercial and industrial customers, in addition to completing projects for public utility companies.

After graduating from college and launching Solo Cable Solutions out of his home, Smith moved his company to a facility on Spruce Street in Paris. At that time, it employed 10 people.

In 2010, Solo Cable Solutions moved to its current facility on Henry Street in Brantford. The company now has more than 30 employees.

“Satellite television is the core of our business,” Smith said. “But we also install fibre optics for Brantford Hydro, in-office and in-home structure wiring, phone systems and work for the County of Brant.”

The long road to the growth and success of his business did not come

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without financial risks and obstacles, Smith said.

“I went with my plan of action to receive local business funding,” he said.

“They said it wasn’t a viable business and it would never work.

“I maxed out everything I had and set up shop in my home on Mary Street. We worked from home for about six years.

I remember sitting in my basement with a single landline and a $100 fax machine. We had nothing and it’s amazing how it has taken off. Since 2010, the company has tripled in size.

“Did I ever think this would go from a grey Windstar van with a ladder rack welded to the roof to this? Never.”

Smith said providing excellent customer service is his main priority.

“We re-train our customers to expect better customer service,” Smith said.

Recently, Smith was nominated for the Chamber of Commerce BrantfordBrant’s 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Smith said his employees and their families are truly valued by the company.

“We are passionate about what we do,” he said. “I feel very responsible for our team members that come in here everyday and a lot of them have families that rely on us.”

SOLO CABLE SOLUTIONS NOW OFFERS A HOME PHONE FOR $23.99 MONTHLY AS WELL AS BUSINESS PHONE SOLUTIONS. PRODUCTS + SERVICE = SOLO CABLE SOLUTIONS. ❱ 2013 PROFILES OF SUCCESS ❱ PAGE 5