Oromocto • Fredericton
supporting local business in fredericton
July 2010
Create your
perfect kitchen!
Meet Jim Lawrence from Avondale Kitchens
What do YOU
Relish?
inside
Can social media help your business? How to deliver the most difďŹ cult speech
Now Open!
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A voice for local business Welcome to the inaugural Fredericton issue of Innovations! We have developed a unique and innovative way for business owners to express their expertise. This is a venue that brings each owner the opportunity to share with the reader their knowledge and passion for their respective industry. Our local community is filled with bright, brave and perseverant entrepreneurs that have helped build our local economy. We are thrilled to bring their voices to you. Our community thrives on our local people and supporting our local businesses. Each business owner has a unique perspective and each brings their own value to our community. We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to share with us in enjoying the wonderful articles written by our local business owners. They have so much to share. We are truly excited to bring you the first quarterly issue of Innovations magazine in Fredericton. Innovations Media Inc. is based in Rothesay, NB. Our managing partners are Eric Durant and Daniel Mclaughlin.
4 Cover Story Jim Lawrence from Avondale Kitchens offers advice on how to create your perfect kitchen.
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Feature Articles
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Our Smiles Leave Leasting Impressions Fredericton Dental Center What do you relish? Relish Burger Using new technologies Exit Austin Drisdelle Realty team How to deliver the most difficult speech Bishops Funeral Home Extraordinary Service- Even at midnight Pro-Tech Sanitation Guaranteed Peace of Mind Wisecracks
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8 Interest Articles
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Blue Legacy Alexandra Cousteau Increased demand = increased generosity Fredericton Food Bank Don’t lose your customers Publishers Podium
www.innovationsnb.ca
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Photography by James West
All about Kitchens -with Jim Lawrence From
Avondale Kitchens
Their concept is simple; they make getting your new kitchen easy. Avondale starts with professional designing, and also help with the selections and renovation details, and then they wrap up the project with their professional installation. With their designs, custom abilities and special counters, Avondale offers very high-end kitchens at affordable prices.
and counters” this special counter has no seams, the sink is under-mounted and it only costs about $600 on a new kitchen or $2,000 on replacement counters. For more information please visit www.AvondaleKitchens.com.
Tell me about your unique kitchen designing process.
One major misconception is that custom kitchens, or more specifically Avondale’s custom kitchens, are more expensive. With that mindset there are a lot of consumers who don’t even check us out. Many of our clients tell us that when they actually add in taxes, installation and accessories, Avondale’s prices are sometimes lower than the big box stores, or at the very least comparable.
Avondale does very quick, no-charge, at-your-home designs. Right from the start the customer will typically get layouts, professional 3D drawings and ideas all within a quick 60 to 90-minute sitting. “They’re ready not in weeks, days or even hours, but within 10 minutes of reviewing the personalized hand drawings. When finished the customer will have in hand: professional drawings to keep, and peace of mind that this kitchen project can come together very easily.”
What special kitchen counters does Avondale offer? Avondale has what is called the “Avondale seamless sinks and counters.” Let me explain. When you buy a kitchen, you typically get what’s called a “post formed” or “roll top” counter; these have seams and the sink sits on top and they cost about $500 per kitchen counter. To upgrade to a seamless counter with under-mounted sinks, you normally have to go to Corian, Granite or Quartz counters, all of which are very good choices. However, each carries a $5,000 to $7,000 cost. Many years ago Avondale invented the “Avondale seamless sinks
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What misconceptions do you find in this business?
What is the best part about this business for you? When I started many years ago, I thought it was the craftsmanship; over time I grew to know it was more about the creativity. What about now? It’s all about meeting a hundred new friends a year and making their dream kitchens come true for them.
Any advice for a homeowner when buying a new kitchen? Check out your kitchen supplier, their showroom should speak volumes about them. Then go one step further. Get references; it’s easy to do in the Maritimes. The kitchen supplier should be able to pass on a few names of past customers they’ve done work for.
www.innovationsnb.ca
If someone is interested in kitchens how can they educate themselves about kitchens or Avondale Kitchens? The quickest way to start is to simply browse the Avondale website at www.AvondaleKitchens.com. They also could make a trip to the Avondale showroom in Woodstock, New Brunswick; it’s not that far and it is well worth the drive. Get some friends together and make a day of it. If you have time, the Avondale staff will very obligingly give you a complete factory tour. In about 15 minutes you can see the complete process of a kitchen being born.
Before
Designs Quotes are ready not in weeks, days or even hours, but within 10 minutes of reviewing the personalized hand drawings.
After From Avondale...the customer will get kitchen layouts, professional 3D drawings and ideas all within a quick 60 to 90 minute sitting.
www.AvondaleKitchens.com
Photography by James West
Our Smiles Leave Lasting Impressions
Fredericton Dental Center Centre dentaire de Fredericton At the Fredericton Dental Center, friendly staff who love their jobs are a big part of what makes the clinic so successful. When you walk into the office the smiling staff will greet you with a friendly “Bonjour, Hello”. Offering dental care in both French and English is just one of the many ways the Fredericton Dental Center aims to serve its clients’ needs. Doctors Jean-Guy Violette, Chantal Sivret and Rachel Mills, the three dentists at the center, understand not everyone looks forward to visiting a dentist, but they try to make seeing them pleasant for their patients. “We try to make it as easy as possible for them. I think that’s why we have so many new patients,” Sivret says, of the 25-year-old dental clinic that takes on 70 to 80 new patients every month. “We make them feel comfortable.” The dentists travel the world to stay up on the latest trends and techniques in their profession and they meet every morning with the entire staff of 20
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to discuss the specific needs of each patient they will have that day, so they can give personalized care. “This way we know how to approach every person,” Violette says. A dentistpatient relationship is one that generally lasts for years so the three dentists, dental hygienists, assistants and administrative staff get to know their patients. “It’s taking care of the people who take care of us,” Violette says. He says the atmosphere is so friendly it’s like a big family. “I always feel I’m coming home when I come to work.” One of the keys to good dental health is prevention, which is something people need to be able to do on their own. “Everybody forgets sometimes,” Violette says; so he doesn’t guilt them or give patients a hard time if they haven’t been flossing as much as they should. But the dentists encourage their patients to take care of themselves, and spend the time to educate them if needed. “I’ll ask my patients, ‘Has anyone ever showed you how to floss properly?’ You don’t know, what you don’t know,” Sivret www.innovationsnb.ca
says. That’s why the Fredericton Dental Center staff encourages parents to start bringing their children in when they are young. “We see ourselves as the coach of oral health for our patients.” The Fredericton Dental Center, located at 1012 Prospect Street, on the corner of Smythe Street, recently moved into a larger office space in the same building, because they were outgrowing the previous office. When renovating the new spacious center, the dentists wanted an open concept so clients can see the doctors and staff, though patients’ chairs are positioned to provide privacy. The dentists wanted a big spacious entrance area so patients get a sense of the open and friendly setting from the moment they walk in. “When the atmosphere is fun it rubs off,” Violette says. “People can tell if you’re faking it”. As the old saying goes, smiles are contagious. Since Fredericton Dental Center is in the smile business, there’s never a shortage of them at this office.
“ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU CONTINUES THE WORK OF HER RENOWNED GRANDFATHER JACQUES-YVES AND FATHER PHILIPPE COUSTEAU” People throughout the world are increasingly aware that our environment is changing: natural resources are disappearing, pollution is widespread, the climate is becoming more volatile, diseases spread more rapidly, and ways of life are vanishing. Water is at the heart of these issues and is the primary vehicle through which climate change will be felt. Blue Legacy was founded in 2008 by Alexandra Cousteau to engage individuals around the world through telling the story of our water planet. Blue Legacy works to shape society’s dialogue to include water as one of the defining issues of our century inspire people to take meaningful action on critical water issues. Blue Legacy is a catalyst for action and change—promoting ideas for innovative solutions that individuals and communities around the globe can implement to address the issues facing our water planet. We believe that for
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too long, activists have asked people to protect environmental treasures that most individuals have never experienced. Our projects leverage film, educational tools and traditional media along with emerging technologies and social networks to help “mainstream” audiences around the world experience the people, places and systems affected by critical water issues. We believe that every citizen of the world can be an environmentalist and are committed to shaping daily conversation to include critical water issues.
www.innovationsnb.ca
Alexandra Cousteau A globally recognized advocate on water quality and policy, Alexandra continues the work of her renowned grandfather Jacques-Yves and father Philippe Cousteau, Sr. At 33, she has already mastered the remarkable storytelling tradition handed down to her and has the unique ability to draw audiences into the weighty issues of policy, politics and action. Alexandra is dedicated to advocating the importance of conservation and sustainable management of water resources in order to preserve a healthy planet.
Her global initiatives seek to inspire and empower individuals to protect not only the ocean and its inhabitants, but also the human communities that rely on freshwater resources.
It is a global exploration, traveling across five continents to more than eight locations chronicling the interconnectivity of global water issues to document how they impact lives.
Educated in International Relations at Georgetown University, Alexandra brings expertise and energy to environmental issues. And she’s quickly establishing a name of her own. In 2008, she was honored as a National Geographic’s “Emerging Explorer”—an elite group of eleven visionary young trailblazers from around the world who push the boundaries of discovery, adventure, and global problem solving. In addition to continuing her work as a National Geographic Emerging Explorer, Alexandra serves as a environmental correspondent, water expert and host for Discovery Channel’s Planet Green and publishes a monthly syndicated column through Readers Digest International. She has been featured on CNN International as a “Principal Voice” and was named with Tyra Banks as a 2008 Fun Fearless Phenom by Cosmopolitan magazine. She is regularly featured in publications ranging from Cosmopolitan and Elle to Outside Magazine and Traditional Home.
Blue Legacy has assembled an awardwinning team including experts in film, photography, writing and new media. The stories of the expeditions are being told across media platforms including the web, film festivals, short format films, and on our website, www.bluelegacy. net, using short videos and daily blogs as well as on social networking sites. Traditional media outlets such as CNN International, National Geographic, and Discovery; as well as online news media outlets, including, MTVSwitch, Mother Nature Network and Current TV, are using the videos to spread the word of these critical water stories. The Blue Legacy web platform continues to develop, including a soon-to-launch interactive space where site members can take action by supporting not only the work of Blue Legacy, but also the work of organizations that Blue Legacy has met along the way who are providing solutions to local water issues.
8 CRITICAL WATER STORIES
5 CONTINENTS 100 DAYS
Expedition: Blue Planet Expedition: Blue Planet is the first major initiative of Blue Legacy to build and engage audiences around the world.
As of May 2009, Expedition: Blue Planet has covered stories in India, Botswana, the West Bank, Israel, Jordan, the Mississippi River, the Gulf of Mexico and the Anacostia River in Washington, DC. Videos and blogs on the Expedition can be found at our website and on iTunes and YouTube. Through this project, we are illustrating firsthand how “water is life” and how water issues affect everyday people and communities in many ways that are often unexplored. For example, in the Mississippi River episodes, our team chronicled how the agricultural runoff into the river upstream is creating a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico the size of New Jersey. This dead zone is leading to the extinction of the region’s shrimp industry that has long been the central way of life for those communities who have long thrived there. continued on page 9
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For information on Expedition: Blue Planet 2010. Please visit www.alexandracousteau.org 9
U O Y o d t a Wh
Relish?
Eating at Relish Gourmet Burgers is all about the experience, which goes well beyond the uniquely designed burgers.
Corbett says he wants customers to have the same sense that they’re special no matter how many times they come back.
The moment customers walk through the door they are met with a big group welcome by all the “burger ambassadors”.
Relish can please the traditionalists with a classic burger, but most of the menu aims to provide a refreshingly new spin on the old favorite.
“It’s like a big warm family greeting,” says Rivers Corbett prez and co-founder of the new restaurant franchise. When ordering, customers are asked what they “relish,” when the food is ready all the “burger ambassadors” tell the customers they are “relished,” and the group interactions and play-on-words with the restaurant’s name continue until they leave.
“When everybody else zigs, we zag,” Corbett says, explaining the franchise’s main philosophy. “We want your burger experience to be really unique,” he says. “We’re a destination, not a convenience.” The gourmet burger joint lets customers choose their preferred patty
(100% Alberta beef, ground turkey or vegetarian) and offers nine choices of themed toppings combinations ranging from the “Big Texas” (smokey BBQ sauce, crispy onion frites, pepper jack cheese, crispy bacon) to “L.A. is my Lady” (sliced avocado, roasted peppers, basil pesto, creamy goat’s cheese) all of which are created by co-founder and director of burgers Chef Ray Henry. “It’s not just a cheese burger,” Corbett says. “Each one has its own identity.” And each location has its own unique burger special to that location. In Fredericton it’s the Brad Burger, named after the city’s Mayor Brad Woodside. In Oromocto it’s the Base Commander because of the near by Canadian Forces Base. A new location is coming soon to Saint John and it’s specialty location burger is in the works.
Photography by James West
Corbett, an experienced Fredericton entrepreneur, wants to take the franchise across Canada and throughout New England by opening 101 Relish restaurants in the next 5 years. “It’s one of the fastest growing food trends,” he says. “It’s very simple to get started and it doesn’t cost much compared to other franchises.” Corbett says starting a new Relish restaurant in another city is easy because he, Chef Ray and their franchise team will be there for support. Also franchisees don’t need to worry about finding people with specialized skills or experience to work as burger ambassadors. “You just need people with a great attitude,” he says. For more information visit relishme.ca
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Locations in Fredericton, Oromocto, Saint John and Moncton (coming soon)
WWW.INFORMATIVECOMPUTERSOLUTIONS.COM
Who we are? Informative Computer Solutions was started in August 2009 in Saint John New Brunswick. We offered a variety of services ranging from web site design, graphic design, and online marketing. In late 2010, major strategic changes were made which pushed the company into a more developed company concentrating on website development, content management solutions, ecommerce stores, graphic design, social media marketing, photography sessions and video creation and video marketing. This opened us to a whole new audience and has separated us from our competition. Currently Informative Computer Solutions is working on building its staff and creating a store front and production location to be a one stop shop for any interactive need in the greater New Brunswick area.
Social Media Marketing How it can help your business. Social media marketing is the process of promoting your site or business through social media channels and it is a powerful strategy that will get you links, attention and massive amounts of web site traffic. Why is it a must? We get a lot of questions from the business community on how social media avenues like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, StumbleUpon, Squidoo, Digg, YouTube and Blogs help promote business. Simply said, social media utilizes social networking and usergenerated content platforms to promote your product, service or content. Because social media is such a cost friendly form of advertising and marketing it is a must for any small to medium sized business.
product giveaways. The biggest benefits can be gaining new partnerships, increasing traffic and finally generating more revenue which is what we all want for our companies! It is easy for many businesses to try social media for awhile and not really see the benefits, they usually are interacting but not doing so with great success. With even just a quick session, conversation and guidance from our team we can really help your business quickly. It was said on StartUpNation that, “many small businesses weren’t able to capitalize with social media marketing and that seeing a consultant can benefit them hugely.” Customer Relationships
Knowing your customers and building great relationships is important but sometimes you just don’t have the time “Where do I start? I don’t know how to sit down with each one individually. to do this?” This is when something like a blog, We at Informative Computer Solutions Facebook or Twitter comes in handy. are here to make this easy for you. We With a blog you can post news about sit down with you and do an analysis your business and also ask customers of your company to narrow down what and followers for essential feedback. forms of social media marketing will Not only does this make the customer make the biggest impact on you and feel like they are being listened to, their your business. This is the most important feedback enables you to adjust your step. By a long shot, products, service and the most important strategy. Imagine logging social media tools are onto Twitter or Facebook “Social media is not a Twitter, Facebook, and reading specific LinkedIn, YouTube customer comments listen, engage and build that help you improve and Blogs. Once we implement our social relationships.” – David your offering and level of media marketing Alston – V.P Marketing customer satisfaction. strategy we begin What is LinkedIn? And and Community tracking it. Social why should I be a part of media marketing is Radian6” that? all about building relationships If your running a small online and creating awareness of internet business or have a regular your company. If you can give people brick-and-mortar business, “knowing” a reason to come back to your page, the right people and being able to ask blog or profile you’re doing something and answer questions are significant to right. This can include valuable content, your business. interesting tips and videos or even Continued on Page 14
www.innovationsnb.ca
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We can help you... We have the staff and resources to “do it all.” Specifically, our services include design, video marketing, content management systems, search engine optimization, online marketing, social media marketing and e-commerce. We give you the ability to work with just one company for everything related to your online presence, saving you time, money and aggravation. Customer satisfaction is our #1 priority! We are well rounded as we have worked with small startup companies and individuals to large government organizations and national companies. We know if you want to be online you want it now and we make it happen. We are a company that cares and will go the extra mile to make sure you are happy with the results.
WWW.INFORMATIVECOMPUTERSOLUTIONS.COM Continued from Page 11 LinkedIN will help you build your network of contacts and customers and build your reputation as an authority in your field. This is a wonderful way to reach beyond limits of travel and relate to like-minded businesses to discuss important topics and answer questions all in a few lines. Facebook for Businesses?
The answer is yes! This is a very real and effective form of social media. Facebook is used by over 400 million people and over 300 million users log in every day. Why would you not want to promote your business to this many people for such a small investment? If you’re doing it right you can get a lot exposure. Building a fan list, linking it to your website and linking it to twitter can give your clients alternative way to contact you. This also allows you to create a personality for your business and develop an image as a forward think-
ing company that is responsive and cares about its customers. Why Should My Business Use Twitter?
Many businesses are “testing out” Twitter but aren’t really sure whether they are using it properly and some are just not sold on it being a useful application. The thought with some, is that there is really no business getting done on Twitter. The reality is, many businesses are seeing strong response and results. It gives your customers a forum for feedback and offers a way for you to communicate anything from daily specials to new initiatives not to mention the endless networking possibilities. Currently Informative Computer Solutions maintains well over 20 businesses twitter campaigns and each of the businesses has been extremely happy with the feedback they receive from Twitter.
What has social media done for us?
We really enjoy meeting new people, creating new relationships, networking alongside people with like interests, and using the free online tools available to generate opportunities as well as providing insight to help others. It’s a simple approach with countless avenues. Social Media has opened a whole new door for businesses and individuals alike. Social Media is a great solution for your business...have you gotten on board yet? Contact us today to get started with a new way of effective and affordable marketing. info@informativecomputersolutions.com
Business Line: 506-216-0205 Zack: 506-639-6750 Mike: 506-721-6937
Or visit us online at: www.informativecomputersolutions.com
How to Deliver the Most Difficult Speech of Your Life A eulogy gives those gathered for a funeral service an impression of the life being celebrated. Some eulogies are heart-rending and tearful, while others are uplifting or humourous. A well-planned eulogy doesn’t confine itself to a list of milestones and accomplishments. All unforgettable eulogies share certain qualities. They are heartfelt, honest and convey the feelings of the speaker as he or she talks about the loved one. Here are 10 tips for preparing an effective eulogy: 1. Write down all the memories you have of your loved one; these will form the basis of your eulogy. 2. Ask family and friends to share their stories about your loved one; this is a wonderful way to include others as you paint a picture of the person you are honouring. 3. Your eulogy should pay respect to the deceased. Always remain positive about both your loved one and those attending the funeral. Focus on your loved one’s better qualities; this is not the time to
relive bad memories. 4. Think of the eulogy as a way to tell a story about the deceased; A simple way to do this is to use the words, “I remember…” Everyone loves to hear a good story and these words will cue your audience to your memories about your loved one. 5. Mention people who were special to your loved one. Your audience will appreciate hearing of the strong relationship the deceased had with children, a spouse, or with close friends, and it will mean the world to those mentioned. 6. Be honest. Share your feelings and experiences about your loved one. Never exaggerate qualities to make the deceased seem like “a better person.” Stay true to the facts and your feelings for your loved one. 7. It may help to build your eulogy around a theme such as a word that best describes the individual, or a hobby or pastime he or she enjoyed. 8. Don’t be embarrassed if you are overcome with emotion. This will be one of the most difficult speeches of your
life to deliver. Take a moment to regain your composure, and then continue. Remember your audience is sympathetic; no one will judge you. 9. Keep your eulogy brief. Three to five minutes will allow you plenty of time to paint a vibrant picture of your loved one. 10. Find inspiration in famous eulogies, such as: Winston Churchill’s eulogy for King George VI; the Eulogy of the Young Victims of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Bombing by Martin Luther King Jr.; Earl Charles Spencer’s tribute to his sister, Princess Diana; and John Cleese’s eulogy for fellow Python, Graham Chapman. Giving the eulogy at a funeral service is a tremendous gift, both for the family of the deceased, and for the person delivering the eulogy. It’s a concrete way to make a contribution to the final farewell for a loved one. If you are ever given the opportunity to deliver a eulogy, never turn it down; it’s your last chance to let everybody know how your loved one fit into your life. Delivering a eulogy is an experience like no other; it’s an honour and a privilege.
Bishop’s Funeral Home
Photography by James West
540 Woodstock Rd, Fredericton, NB Phone: (506) 458-1885 www.bishopsfuneralhome.com
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TIME TO CLEAN
We Sell Service
and the cleaning solution for your needs
www.protechsanitation.com
877 652 7268 Local Sales 506-999-0138 sales@protechsanitation.com
Extraordinary Service Even at midnight The cleaners had a problem. Hired by a large grocery store in Fredericton, they just couldn’t seem to get the floor clean enough, and one of their machines kept breaking down. Frustrated, they called Scott Lockhart, the sales representative at Pro-Tech Sanitation Limited in Saint John who sold them the machine and cleaning products. Mr. Lockhart said he’d come and take a look at the machine. It didn’t matter that these guys worked at night only when the store was closed. Mr. Lockhart quickly agreed to meet them at the store around midnight. He discovered they weren’t mixing the detergent properly, which meant the floor wasn’t getting clean. And because the floor wasn’t getting clean enough, the pads on another piece of equipment kept wearing out. “So by fixing one problem, he fixed the other,” says Chris Hagerman, owner of Pro-Tech Sanitation. “There are a lot of people in this industry, sales reps, who are just out there selling stuff. Not our staff. We know our products. When you buy our products, you get our expertise and service too.” Even if it means a sales rep has to go out in the middle of the night. Located at 344 Grandview Avenue in Saint John, Pro-Tech Sanitation is a “one-stop clean- up shop” that has been in business since 1997. Pro-Tech offers professional cleaning
solutions to a wide variety of customers, including schools, nursing homes, contract cleaners and hospitals. The company carries almost every imaginable cleaning product – from detergents, degreasers, mops and garbage bags to large scale cleaning equipment. They also have a full complement of environmentally-friendly products. But it’s not the products that Mr. Hagerman talks about most when asked about his business. “It’s our service that sets us apart from competitors,” he says. “We sell service.” Cleaning can be complicated. With countless products to choose from, choosing the right one and knowing how to use it properly can be stressful for customers. “Take stains on a carpet for example. What is the stain and what is the chemistry required to remove that stain and not affect anything else around it?” Mr. Hagerman says. “And in hospitals and nursing homes, they need to know which products will kill Norwalk or C. difficile for example.” Mr. Hagerman says his staff work closely with the manufacturers of their products and use that expertise to help customers. “Everybody here has expertise. A lot of companies in this industry will move boxes. They are very good at moving boxes. What we are good at is when a customer comes in, they can talk to someone who knows the business. We know the industry and we can make recommendations to their specific cleaning requirements,” he says. When customers buy cleaning equipment from Pro-Tech, the sales reps train them how to use it and teach them how to use the products that go with it too. That goes for customers who rent equipment too; they will
also be fully trained before they leave the store. The company also has a full service department. “We service it all. We also service everyone else’s equipment as well,” says Mr. Hagerman. “We are service reps for larger manufacturers too. We’re so good at doing service that they contracted us to do their installs, to do their warranty work even though we don’t sell their stuff.” Mr. Hagerman says his business has been growing steadily, especially in the last two years. The recent H1N1 outbreak opened the eyes of many people to just what Pro-Tech has to offer. For example, a local business owner walked into their showroom in the midst of the H1N1 crisis. He was shocked to see Pro-Tech sold hand sanitizer and dispensers , says Mr. Hagerman. “He had been buying Purell dispensers from a company in the United States, and he was waiting months for it to come in,” Mr. Hagerman says. “He got on the phone to his office and then he emptied our stock. Then we ordered again and he bought that stock too. He was from right here in Saint John, and he didn’t even know everything we had to offer.” Word soon spread that Pro-Tech sold the much-sought-after hand sanitizer and dispensers, and soon other customers were coming in the door and expressing surprise at the store’s long list of products and services. “Now customers call us for other things,” says Roger McLaughlin, director of operations. “We weren’t an option before. Now we are a solid option.” For more information about Pro-Tech Sanitation Ltd, visit www.protechsanitation.com or call toll-free 1-877-652-7268 or visit their store at 344 Grandview Avenue in Saint John.
www.innovationsnb.ca
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... since 1991 ®
Premier Trailer Sales & Service has your best prices for steel and aluminum utility trailer, motorcycle and cargo trailers.
H
usband and wife team ensure customers no longer lose sleep over leaky basements.
We are now pleased to extend our excellent pricing to our line of
ALUMINUM TOOL BOXES,TRUCK CAPS & TONEAU COVERS for pick up truck owners.
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847-1199 Display Lot 91 Palmer Brook Rd Quispamsis
sales@premiertrailer.ca www.premiertrailer.ca
Countless customers have told Dan and Jan Poirier that their leaky basements have kept them awake with worry every time it rains. That is, until those customers hire Wise Cracks to handle their repairs. “When we do the work, the problem is fixed properly, and our customers sleep comfortably,” says Dan. Husband and wife team Dan and Jan Poirier, co-owners of Wise Cracks, say giving customers their peace of mind back is one of the best parts of their jobs. Most people don’t realize “We love the satisfaction of knowing that our work is that there is a permanent done right with a warranty and economical solution for that we will stand behind,” repairing foundation cracks says Dan. Wise Cracks is a nationally and leaks the first time. recognized franchise that has been in business since 1991, with its head office located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Dan and Jan were drawn to the company’s standardized and effective foundation and concrete repair techniques as well as the company’s strong commitment to customer service. Born and raised in Saint John, Dan honed his business and customer service skills working for corporations such as Xerox, Aliant and Dell Computers. A member of the Fundy Business Association, Dan recently expanded the franchise to Fredericton with plenty of positive feedback from the local community. Jan, also from Saint John, earned her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree majoring in Human Resources at the University of New Brunswick. She worked for the City of Saint John prior to joining her husband at Wise Cracks, where she manages the day-to-day activities. While Dan started out handling all the repairs himself, he soon had to hire two full-time technicians, who, like Dan, are factory-trained on the Wise Cracks’ techniques.
LEAKY BASEMENT? The only water coming in to your home
should be from your taps!
If there is a crack that needs to be repaired, Wise Cracks can “Most people don’t realize that there is a permanent and perform the repair from the inside using Wise Seal ® Resin economical solution for repairing foundation cracks and leaks Injection, or it can also be repaired from the the first time,” exterior using a waterproof flexible membrane. he says. Because Wise Cracks is The third method for dealing with water But before he even thinks about repair techniques, Dan, or one of his technicians a national franchise, problems is our Wise Dry ® Interior Drain System. This method is an effective solution does a full assessment of the water problem customers don’t have for dealing with drain tile issues without costly to customize a solution that best suits the customer’s particular needs. to worry about their excavation. And the company stands behind its work with “I look at the whole house,” he says, adding lifetime warranty a lifetime warranty that is fully-transferrable to that sometimes the fix is as easy as ensuring a new owner should a customer later decide to eavestroughs are flushing water properly or sell their house. the grade of the soil is sloping away from the Because Wise Cracks is a national franchise, customers don’t have home. to worry about their lifetime warranty says Dan. “Our warranty is Wise Cracks has three standardized foundation and concrete second to none.” repair techniques for waterproofing basements.
What is the value of Peace of Mind Visit www.wisecracks.org for more information or call 454-5325 or Toll Free 1 800-587-7325 Email dan@flexcon.ca
And remember, “A Wise Crack is a Dry one,
We Guarantee it!” ®
... since 1991 ®
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Fredericton Food Bank Fredericton Community Services Inc. (FREDERICTON FOOD BANK) (started in 1984) is a registered not for profit organization which operates a clothing, and food bank located at 860 Grandame Street, Fredericton, NB. Food and clothing is distributed free of charge to 850 needy families or individuals who request assistance for emergency situations. Food is collected daily from bakeries, dairies, grocery stores and farmers. Groceries are picked up from churches, businesses, organizations and individuals that coordinate food drives to help meet the ongoing need. Our current active client base of 1431 families is primarily low or fixed income families who need emergency help. This represents 3466 individuals, 1247 of whom are children. The numbers increased in September of 2008 when 150 new families registered with the Food Bank. This brought up our monthly statistics from 650 food boxes per month to over 800 boxes per month. People served by the Food Bank are: working poor, children, persons
with disabilities, seniors, single parents or persons on fix incomes. The common denominator among these people is centered on how higher costs in rent, gas, and heating that leave them no monetary resources to buy stable food supplies.
location is just too small and requires warehouse space for a more effective food distribution system, more private interview rooms, more room for packing and food box pickups, and more room for private donations…. More room in general.
Fredericton Community Services accepts donations of food, clothing, hygiene items, baby items, small household appliances, books, school supplies and other items that can be given to someone in need. The primary use of Fredericton Community Services is for emergency food hampers. The average client can access the food bank once per month for food. Each hamper contains approximately a 3-4 day supply of food including fresh milk, eggs, produce and bread as available.
The Board of Directors is actively seeking resolutions to the space problems expanding on what the community has helped to build, so that the generosity of the people of Fredericton can continue to flow to people in need. We are studying the issues and are working towards a solution that is best for the Food Bank and its clientele. What the end result will be is unknown at this time, but we will find a solution.
The recent dip in the economy of Canada has increased the use of the Food Bank dramatically. The number of clients has increased, and the generosity of the people of Fredericton has increased to meet the need. Our current
Meanwhile, with your continued support, we will provide the necessities of life to those who are struggling in these uncertain times. Thank you to all the people of Fredericton who give so generously to support others.
Food Bank on an open day
Urgent Items Needed canned fruit all types of canned soup baked beans canned meat for lunches hamburger helper rice oatmeal sidekicks
pancake mix soda crackers small soups for singles school lunch snacks similac infant formula good start infant formula jars baby food
January February March April May
Individuals 2,190 Individuals 1,960 Individuals 2,276 Individuals 2,100 Individuals 1,392
Families Served 2010 2009 854 669 825 708 915 916 860 842 873 802
Stuff A Bus – An annual food drive sponsored by Fred FM
For more information on the Fredericton Food Bank Become a fan on facebook or contact us at: Elizabeth Crawford Thurber, Executive Director Fredericton Community Services Inc. 860 Grandame St. Fredericton, N.B. E3B 3Z8 Ph: 506 459-7461 Fax 506 450-9076
Email: foodbank@nb.aibn.com Web: www.frederictonfoodbank.com www.innovationsnb.ca
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Nobody wants to lose a customer but it happens. For one reason or another customers choose to go somewhere else to do business. If we treat our customers properly we won’t lose many. Sure some will leave for a cheaper product or service but you get what you pay for. Sometimes a customer leaving is just not within our control. Here are some things that are in your control: • Great customer service • Consistent follow up • Fast response to problems or issues • Great products and services • Excellent relationship building Sometimes even doing all of that is not enough to keep a customer. When a customer leaves your business for another you have to handle it with grace. Although it is disappointing to lose a customer it is very important to preserve the relationship. Chances are, if you have done all of the right things, they will come back. Burning a bridge not only ensures your customer won’t come back but they’ll tell everyone else not to. We have all been hot under the collar about a customer leaving or losing a deal but it is not worth ending a relationship on a bad note for. Sales is as much about integrity and understanding as it is about making money. Maintain high standards and hold to a good value system and you will win more than you lose! by Eric Durant
If you feel your organization has a unique level of expertise in your industry and you would like to consider advertising in a future issue – please call us on: 1-506-849-1670 or email: contact@innovationsnb.ca We also welcome your comments and feedback to any of our local team cast members at: Eric Durant eric@innovationsnb.ca Danny McLaughlin danny@innovationsnb.ca Alicia DeLong alicia@innovationsnb.ca Michelle Pierce michelle@innovationsnb.ca Rachelle Daigle rachelle@innovationsnb.ca Innovations Media Inc. would like to extend our many thanks to everyone who worked behind the scenes contributing so much to this magazine: John Pollock, Contributing Editor James West, Professional Photography Alicia DeLong, Graphic Design and Layout Michelle Pierce Assistant Editor and Executive Administrator
© Innovations Media Inc., 2010. All Rights Reserved The publisher reserves the right to refuse any or all advertising. The publisher bears no responsibility for advertisers messages and or errors. Printed in Atlantic Canada. The publisher and Innovations Media Inc. assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and other materials and cannot return them unless they are accompanied by a selfaddressed stamped envelope. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of the publisher.
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