> Also: Yoga studio stretches out An exclusive feature publication of The Daily News
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013
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Office space
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A new emphasis on design ramps up comfort level in local workspaces
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Caroline’s Cakes Custom Cakes for all your Business Parties! And any other occasions you can think of. Wide variety of flavours of cakes, fillings, and frostings. Cake Pops & Cupcakes of all sizes. Caroline’s Cakes now makes FUDGE. We have a variety of flavours which are all GlutenFree.
Licensed home based business
250 376 6481 • cell 250 371 4594 carolinescakes@telus.net • www.carolinescakes.vpweb.ca 2 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013
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† Purchase any combination of 4 Silhouette,® Duette® or Vignette® shades with LiteRise® between September 1 and December 15, 2013 and receive a $200 manufacturer’s rebate. Also, when you purchase any number of these additional shades you’ll receive an extra $40 for each. To learn more about LiteRise,® please visit hunterdouglas.ca. Valid at participating dealers only. *Shades of Joy manufacturer’s rebate will be issued in the form of a Hunter Douglas Prepaid American Express® Gift Card. THE PROMOTION CARD is a trademark of Hunt Diversified Marketing Inc. All Rights Reserved. THE PROMOTION CARD is a Prepaid American Express® Card issued by Amex Bank of Canada. ® Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.
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Kids Yoga Coming January 2014! ALL CLASSES SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS See website for schedule of class times
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Sahali #1 - Kamloops Yoga Centre Offering Unheated Classes 954-C Laval Crescent Beside Cliffside Climbing Gym (778) 471-0040 Sahali #2 - Kamloops Hot Yoga - Now Open Offering Hot Classes #6 - 953 Laval Crescent Across the street from Sahali #1 - KYC (250) 374-7426 North Shore - Brock #17-1800 Tranquille Rd. at the Brock Shopping Centre 778-470-6121
INSIDE With enhanced lighting and colour palate, and anchored by a bright red couch, the office at TQM Consulting feels more like a trendy coffee shop than a traditional workplace. Hugo Yuen/Kamloops Business
Kamloops Business is published six times a year by The Kamloops Daily News advertising department, 393 Seymour St., Kamloops, B.C. V2C 6P6. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Unsolicited material will not be returned. Publisher assumes no responsibility. For editorial information, contact Kamloops Business editor Danna Bach.
COVER STORY
Office Space Let’s face it, traditional office spaces are boring. But as many Kamloops businesses are proving, an improvement in décor and comfort can go a long way to boosting employee morale and professionalism. Plus, it looks cool. /Pages 10-15
Publisher TIM SHOULTS
Editor DANNA BACH
Advertising Director kevin dergez
Manager, Specialty Publications Aj Nijjer
FEATURES
Get Connected With LinkedIn Networking site offers professional payoff with right setup /16
Yoga Studio Keeping Active Kamloops Hot Yoga stretches out with new projects /20
Esthetics Shop Tickled Pink Pink With Envy glowing with enthusiasm /23
COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS Editor’s Message, 9
KCBIA Report, 22
Solid Advice, 17
Tech Talk, 16
Chamber News, 18
Q&A, 23
NSBIA Report, 22
The Daily News is a member of the B.C. Press Council. It is published daily except Sundays and most holidays at 393 Seymour St., Kamloops, B.C. V2C 6P6.
Phone (250) 372-2331 A division of Glacier Ventures International Corp. Publications Mail Registration No. 0681.
Contributing writers Adam Williams, Larkin Schmiedl, Susan Duncan, Kara Evans
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 5
Meet Your Team
Mich Mich Richard Jensen QC
Barry Carter
Dennis Coates QC
Rob Adkin
Dave McDougall
Jim McCreight
Marlene Harrison
Darren Paulsen
Michael Sutherland
Murray Weeres
Terry Bepple
Joaquin Mariona
Luke Bergerman
Sarah Goddard
Monica Fras
Alicia Glaicar Articling Student
Our areas of practice include:
personal injury & icbc claims • general litigation • family law • real estate corporate & commercial law • wills & estates • estate planning • trusts
Mair Jensen Blair LLP - Lawyers 700 - 275 Lansdowne Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 6H6
Ph: 250-374-3161
Fax: 250-374-6992
mjblaw.com
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Email: info@mjblaw.com
- ADVERTISING FEATURE - ADVERTISING FEATURE -
How How Do Do II Choose Choose A A Personal Personal Injury Injury Lawyer? Lawyer?
by by Michael Sutherland Michael Sutherland MJB Lawyers MJB Lawyers mjs@mjblaw.com mjs@mjblaw.com 250.372.4968 250.372.4968
If you have been unfortunate enough to If you been have been unfortunate enough to have involved in an automobile have been in aninjured automobile accident andinvolved have been as a accident andfault haveofbeen injured a result of the someone else,asyou result the fault else, one. you need aof lawyer. And of yousomeone need a good need lawyer. Andwith you need a good one. Makeano mistake, the exception of Make no mistake, with the exception of some medical and minimal wage loss some medical and minimal wage loss benefits, that adjuster from ICBC you are benefits, adjusterthe from ICBC that you are talking tothat represents driver hit talking represents the driver that hit you andto is aiming to minimize your claim. aiming minimize yourplaying claim. You needand to isdo more to than level the Yo you Yo You to dotomore than level field the playing field:need you need tip the playing to your field: you need to tip the playing field to your advantage. advantage. There are several ways to shop and decide on There are Some several ways to and on a lawyer. lawyers (orshop ways to decide shop) are a lawyer.than Someothers. lawyersThe (or ways to shop) better phone bookare is better others. phone book is probablythan the worst wayThe to pick a lawyer. All it probably the worst way to pick a has lawyer. All it really shows is which lawyer enough really is ad. which lawyer has enough money shows to buy an The internet is marginally money to buy an ad. The internet is marginally better. Generally there is more information better. Generally there more on lawyers’ websites andisyou caninformation start to get on lawyers’ and you to get a feel for thewebsites type of work andcan the start personality a feel for in thea type of work and the personality involved particular firm. involved in a particular firm. I recommend you do your own research. Start Iwith recommend you do your own that research. Start asking family and friends you know with asking family and friends that you know who they would recommend. Generally a who theyinjury would Generally a personal file recommend. lasts somewhere between personal injury file If lasts somewhere between 1 year and 3 years. someone you know and 1 year and someone know and respect has3 years. spent Ifthat muchyou time with a respect has are spent that much time a lawyer and recommending them,with this is lawyer andyou areshould recommending something consider. them, this is something you should consider. Once you have decided who to call, arrange Once youwith have decided to call, to meet them. Mostwho lawyers willarrange not bill to them. Most lawyers notgive bill formeet theirwith initial consultation and will it will for initialtoconsultation and it who will give you their a chance meet the person will you a chance meet theinterests. person who represent you to and your Keepwill in represent and spend your interests. Keep in mind that you will a lot of time with mind that you will spend a lot of time with this individual over the next couple of years this over theaware next of couple years and individual they will become your of medical and financial they willsituation become and aware of very yourpersonal medical other and financial situation other very to personal details of your life.and You need have details of your life. aYou need with to have confidence and build rapport this confidence build a rapport with this person from and the start. person from the start. Ask the lawyer if they represent defendants Ask lawyercompanies if they represent and the insurance like ICBCdefendants as well as and insurance companies as well as Plaintiffs. Ask them if theylike feelICBC this puts them Plaintiffs. Ask them if they feel this puts them in a position of conflict. Many insurance in a position of conflict. Many insurance
companies make their counsel who are under companies make their their counsel who are contract sign away ability to under bring contract sign away their ability to bring certain types of claims, like claims for certain types claims, damages. like claims for aggravated andofpunitive If the aggravated and punitive damages. lawyer cannot bring this type of claim,If orthe is lawyer cannot bring type of claim, or is under contract with this the insurance company under contract with the ask insurance company you are battling with, yourself if you you are battling with, ask yourself if best you think they are in conflict and can do the think they are conflict and can do the best job possible forinyou. job possible for you. Ask if the lawyer and their firm will cover Ask if theexpenses. lawyer and cover litigation Mosttheir firmsfirm that will specialize litigation expenses. Most firms in personal injury work have that the specialize ability to in personal injury work theofability to cover these expenses for have the life your file cover these expenses for the life of your file and those costs can be significant. and those costs can be significant. Satisfy yourself that your lawyer has and can Satisfy yourself your iflawyer has and can bring the file that to trial necessary. Some bring to trial if files necessary. Some lawyersthe can’tfile or won’t take to trial. If you lawyers can’tifor won’t takewill filesgo toto trial. If you don’t know your lawyer trial, don’t know if your lawyer will go to trial, you can bet the insurance company knows, and it can bet the insurance company knows, and it will negatively affect any offer they make. will negatively affect any offer they make. While most files settle and trial should be a While most you filesneed settletoand trialifshould be a last resort, know the lawyer last resort, you needhiring to know if to thetrial. lawyer you are considering will go you are considering hiring will go to trial. Lastly, be wary of lawyers that promise big Lastly, lawyers promise big results be andwary big of dollars rightthat from the start. results and big dollars right from the start. The nature of a personal injury file is that you The nature personal that you do not settleofora go to trialinjury until file youisare better do settle as or go trialgoing until you or not as good youtoare to are get.better Your or as good asisyou areongoing to get. compensation based the length of Your time compensation is based on the of time you take to heal, whether youlength are left with you take to heal, whether you are left permanent injuries or deficits, whether with your permanent injuries orpast deficits, whether ability to work in the and the futureyour has ability to work in the plus past and the future has been compromised, an assessment of been compromised, plus people an assessment of medical expenses. Some heal faster medical expenses. Someget people faster than others and some betterheal surprising than others get better don’t surprising quickly, and and somesome unfortunately, get quickly, andthat some don’tdon’t get the result wasunfortunately, hoped for and the result that was hoped for and don’t recover quickly or at all. It is impossible in the recover quickly or all. Ithow is impossible the first interview to at know someonein will first interview know how someone recover, and anytopromise of instant richeswill in recover, and any promise of instant riches in the first interview should cause you concern. the first interview should cause you concern. At the end of the day, pick a lawyer that you At end of thewith. day, pick a lawyer you feelthe comfortable But make no that mistake; feel comfortable with. But make no mistake; you need a lawyer. you need a lawyer.
MJB Lawyers MJB Lawyers mjblaw.com mjblaw.com 250.374.3161 250.374.3161
The award goes to...
Kamloops Business celebrates Under 40 Award Winners On Sept. 12, Kamloops Business Magazine, in partnership with Excel Personnel, recognized the 10 winners of the inaugural Under 40 Awards at a reception held at Hotel 540. The Under 40 Awards are a collaboration between Kamloops Business Magazine and the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce. The winners for the 2013 awards are Paula Presta, Brendan Shaw, Angela Veltri, Sean Masse, Tammy Osborne, Daryl Cloran, Erica Van Delft, Jaethan Reichel, Amy Berard and Christopher Seguin. Each winner had his or her name put forward as a nominee for the Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Young Entrepreneur Award, which will be handed out on Oct. 19. And 10 becomes four. The four finalists for the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Young Entrepreneur Award received congratulations from Kamloops Daily News publisher Tim Shoults, and they are Jaethan Reichel of iTel Networks, left, Christoper Seguin of TRU, Sean Masse of New Gold (far right). Finalist Paula Presta of KPMG was unable to attend. Angela Veltri, Kix 4 Chix
Erica Van Delft, Get Polished
Tammy Osborne, TLC Pet Resort
Daryl Cloran, WCT
8 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013
photos by Hugo Yuen
> Editor’s Message
Boring offices a thing of the past
W
hat does an office need to be? Functional? Certainly, but regardless of how much business we conduct online, the office, like the web page, is the first impression. The office is more than a showpiece. A U.S.-based study conducted by international architectural firm Gensler suggests lighting, layout and even décor affect employee productivity levels, which ultimately affects the bottom line. What works? The same design components that make homes function well are ideal in the office. Having an open concept design that promotes interaction as well as visually stimulating design concepts will make for happier employees. Investing in the look of your office also resonates with the clients who walk through the door each day. What does your office say about you and the service you provide?
Some offices come with enviable perks — they’ve got a great view, are in a perfect location to capture walk-in traffic, or they’ve got boatloads of parking. Once you’ve found the space that helps your business flourish, however, it’s time to look to the details, something more and more Kamloops business owners are doing. Gone are the days when fluorescent lighting, bland pink or green walls and ages old high-traffic carpeting were enough. Business owners are spending money making their offices visibly reflect their professionalism. When I toured some of these beautiful and unique spaces, I always asked the employees how they felt about the office. Most looked around and said, “I love coming here.” So that’s the point, isn’t it? Create a space that you can be proud to showcase to the world, but one in which you’re excited to be in. This issue profiles just a few of the fantastic offices in Kamloops. We recruited Suzanne Jackson of Human Factors West, an ergonomics consultant, to discuss making these stunning offices as healthy and productive as possible, and it’s surprising to note that ergonomics doesn’t often come at a hefty price tag. Also in this issue find tips on how to leverage your LinkedIn profile to network more effectively. As well, we profile a couple of businesses — Kamloops Hot Yoga and Pink With Envy Nails and Esthetics — that have recently expanded. KB
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 9
> Cover story
Work of art
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Gone are the days when office spaces were filled with nothing but desks and chairs. Now, businesses look more like trendy coffee shops than typical workspaces Story By Danna Bach I photos by Hugo Yuen
Dr. Michael Hansford
F
or most working professionals, more waking time is spent in the office than in the home. And yet, when it comes to dropping money on dÊcor, most spend it in the place they spend the least amount of time. Those days are over — at least for a few business owners in Kamloops who have decided to dress up their workplaces and ratchet up the glam. Sophistication is exactly what Don Anderson of TQM Consulting had in mind for his 3,000 square-foot office
10 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013
space at 1211 Summit Dr. Anderson and his team moved into the office in the newly constructed building in June 2012. While TQM, which stands for Total Quality Management, had been serving Kamloops for 19 years, at the time of the move Anderson says the company was shifting focus from primarily administering government employment programs to working with private clients and needed something different, something new and something truly outstanding.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
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A perfect fit
.............................................................................. .............................................................................. .............................................................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Technology . . . . . . . . . . . .does . . . . .a. .number .............. .............................................................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .on . . .office . . . . . .ergonomics ........................ .............................................................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .t’s. one . . .thing . . .to. design . . . . an . .office . . . that . . .looks . . .beauti........
I
TQM Consulting “We needed a change of scenery for us,” he says, explaining that the goal was to create a functional work place that felt more like a funky coffee shop/lounge combination. TQM offers a wide-range of services — assisting organizations with human resources planning, as well as providing job-search assistance, resumé development and career counselling for individuals. The office’s design had to take all of the different functions of the company into consideration. “We wanted to avoid the standard office space with the fluorescent lighting and green walls. We wanted it to look less utilitarian and wanted to avoid the institutional feel.” That goal was achieved. The offices of TQM feature soft lighting and a rich colour palate. The ceilings are open to allow for a more industrial feel, but the colours keep the space connected. Offices are set up along the windowed southfacing wall, with the centre of the business open. A bright red couch serves as both an eyecatching conversation piece, and as a casual gathering place, meanwhile, workstations are set up in the space for use by job-searching clients. A coffee station is set against one wall — contributing to the classy coffee shop feel.
ful, another thing entirely to design one that works well and provides a safe, ergonomic space for employees. Suzanne Jackson, a kinesiologist and professional ergologist, owns Human Factors West, a consulting company called in to improve employee performance by creating more thoughtfully designed workplaces. When business owners hear the word ergonomics, most expect a consultation will involve spending thousands on new, high-tech equipment. But fancy tools are often the last resort, says Jackson. The best ways to improve the physical design of an office workstation are often the simplest. “I’m talking about setting up computer work stations so they fit,” she says, adding that an ill-fitting workstation can cause musculoskeletal injuries. “Even with really nice furniture we need to recognize that not everyone is the same size.” Ideally, Jackson or another ergonomics specialist is called in when an office is being set up, and the consultant can spend time with each employee configuring the workstation to meet his or her needs. Monitor height, chair height, armrest width and keyboard placement all fall within specific ergonomic standards. Occasionally, Jackson says she can’t make a workstation fit without a few extra tools, but, generally, those tools are inexpensive and might include a foot rest, a longer extension cord or a keyboard tray. What makes her job most challenging, however, is how mobile the workplace has become. It’s one thing to design a static computer workstation for an individual, and much different when that person does the bulk of his or her work via laptop, tablet or cellphone. Productivity may have benefited from technology, but ergonomics has certainly suffered, says Jackson. Laptops force the user to look down to see the screen, so ideally, when at a desk, the user can dock the laptop and work with a regular monitor and keyboard. “Laptops don’t fit human beings. We’re flexing our necks forward . . . it’s the same with tablets, and if you hold it up to eye height you’re loading your shoulder muscles.”
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 11
Turn the corner and find the boardroom, complete with a 70-inch television, kitchen and coffee station. The boardroom was designed to stage seminars, training sessions, and to facilitate team-building activities. “We were really happy and we are really comfortable in this space, and many of the clients who come here are very much in awe,” says Anderson. What makes the space even more special, he says, is that his staff selected the bulk of the décor. “They took a scouting trip and came back with the red sofa,” he says, and that same red sofa is now a fixture on all the company’s marketing material — from it’s website to staff business cards. Peace and Tranquility As you enter, notice the tasteful lighting and the soothing sound of water over rocks in a feature that takes up a quarter of the space in the tastefully decorated reception area. No, this is not a day spa; rather, it’s the office of Dr. Michael Hansford — a Valleyview dentist. Calm and soothing is exactly what Hansford’s wife Shannon says they were trying to achieve in the space. So many people are afraid of the dentist, so the goal was to use the décor to set those clients at ease. During the first visit, clients are immediately brought into the consultation room — a room that would fit perfectly into any modern design magazine. Circular and outfitted with soft grey couches, when the rounded glass panel doors close, the consultation room becomes a quiet space to make introductions. “The flow was designed to make the new client comfortable,” says Shannon. A&T Project Developments renovated the space when Dr. Hansford moved his practice in February 2011. The renovation went smoothly, says Shannon, in part because the designer listened. “She set us up with all the finishings, the lighting and the colour schemes. She saw what we saw but was able to execute it.” Room with a View Visual Statement, acquired by Trimble Navigation in 2007, is an IT company.
Visual Statement There is no reception area, as no clients ever walk through the door, and there are very few walls. But there is a view, and it’s possibly the best one the city has to offer. Visual Statement takes up the entire ninth floor of the office tower at 175 Second Ave., and from this vantage point, the company’s 35 employees look out across Riverside Park to see the meeting of the rivers and the mountains beyond. The company is a made-in-Kamloops success story. Visual Statement comprises the public safety division of Trimble, which creates and delivers software for crash and crime reconstruction and diagramming. This software is used worldwide by law enforcement and private investigators. When Trimble acquired Visual Statement in 2007, the company employed 24 people. Growth, says director of software engineering Chad Ludwig, has been remarkable, and the company is still expanding. When it came to selecting the office space, he said, he was mainly interested in the 5,000 square feet available; the view came as an added bonus. “It was very hard to find 5,000 square feet of office space. The view was not allowed to be used as the criteria for
12 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013
Cat & Joe’s Pig Rig choosing the space, but it was definitely a perk.” Upon acquiring the space, Ludwig estimates about $50,000 was spent renovating — money mainly used to eliminate walls. The rest of the space is still in transition, with future renovations expected once more staff is brought in. Removing walls was essential to promote the most effective collaborative atmosphere, specifically for the research and development arm of the company, Ludwig says. Office on Wheels If Cathy Obertowich and Joe Thompson want a better view, all they have to do is put the keys in the ignition, fire up their office and drive it away.
The pair, owners of Cat & Joe’s Pig Rig, has the most unique office in the city. Their office — their home away from home — is a food truck. The food truck revival is well underway in other major North American cities, but so far the competition is sparse in Kamloops. The couple launched the Pig Rig on March 28 to great success. “I bought my first smoker when I was 19,” says Thompson, who, before getting behind the Pig Rig drove a logging truck for 20 years. “I’ve always been into barbecuing and smoking meats,” he says, but it was Daybreak Rotary’s first annual Ribfest in 2011 that motivated him to start looking for his own food truck and turning his love into a career. Being the first true mobile food truck in Kamloops was a challenge, simply because the couple had to be the first to jump through regulatory hurdles. “Everything that is inside a commercial kitchen is inside our truck,” explains Obertowich. The truck, or office, is 20 feet long and fits a deep fryer, fridge and smoker. The aisle is a mere 30-inches wide. “Hot, busy, lively and fun,” is how Obertowich sums up her office space. “If it’s 30 C outside it’s 50 C in there. Sometimes it’s so hot my pens explode.” As for Thompson, the heat doesn’t bother him much anymore. “I don’t even think of it as a workplace. I just love it so much.” Bringing Work Home What do you do when your job calls for odd hours and late nights? You design your home with a fantastic and functional home office, which is exactly what realtor Tracy Moffett has done. Moffett and her husband moved into their custom-built Westsyde home in February. The home is a sprawling open concept with floor to ceiling windows that capture the stunning view of the North Thompson River. But the home office is tucked away in the front corner of the house — near enough to the front door so clients can come right in, and far enough from the view so Moffett can get work done without being distracted. The home office isn’t huge, but it’s bright and tasteful and makes working long hours bearable. “I’ve had an office in my home pretty much since I’ve been a realtor,” says Moffett, who celebrates 20 years in the profession this year. “This industry is not predictable, and it’s not nine to five. If I’m doing a lot of work after hours, I can stay home and work in the morning so I’m not gone for 12 or 14 hours.” Technology has made working remotely more feasible, so when Moffett is showing houses to her clients, many of them are asking for home office space and consider it essential to their purchase. “A lot of house plans are made to accommodate people who have home-based businesses, and people are starting to turn
Tracy Moffett their detached garages into their offices,” she says. Moffett says working from home is both a blessing and a curse. “I’m very lucky I have the flexibility, but having said that, sometimes the hours are a little long.” KB
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 13
On many occasions, Mona Murray of MCM Real Estate Ltd., pictured with Phil Mason, above, tells clients, “I don’t think this space will work for you and this is why.” Murray says finding the right office space is essential.
Suitable space? it’s all in the details Story By Susan Duncan I photos by Murray Mitchell
F
inding the right office space is far more crucial to a business than just comfort and esthetics, says Mona Murray, managing broker and owner of MCM Real Estate Ltd. It can mean the difference between success and failure. Even experienced operators may not understand all the factors that must be considered when they seek a location for their business, particularly if they have been in the same site for many years. Finding the right office space is essential, says Murray. 14 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013
“People can go out of business if they have not chosen the right size, design and lease rates for their needs.” MCM Real Estate handles a substantial amount of office leasing in Kamloops’ downtown area where an important consideration is parking. Does the business need easy access for customers or clients, such as a doctor or dentist office? “Sometimes clients can’t articulate their needs so I find it’s important to meet the tenants; go to where their office is now and see what is working and what is not working for them.
“Maybe they don’t need more space, but need a better layout,” she notes. A leasing agent should identify the key points for a particular business first, such as affordability of the space and parking, but also take into account factors like natural light, and heating and cooling options. “It’s surprising how many people forget to consider air flow, which can be a serious problem if heating and cooling is inadequate.” Who owns a building is also a growing interest for new tenants. “We are finding more and more that tenants are scrutinizing who owns the building and whether it is professionally managed. If a problem arises, they don’t want to have to deal with an absentee landlord who lives in Toronto.” Murray emphasizes the wisdom of dealing with an agent who knows what questions to ask in the search for the right office space. “I know of a few businesses that have had to close their doors because they entered a lease agreement without having all the information.” A person unfamiliar with commercial leasing may not realize there are two parts to lease rates, one is basic rent that goes to the landlord and the second is the additional fees for taxes, insurance and maintenance. Operators also need to understand the ramifications of signing a long-term lease if they are just starting a new business that might not thrive. “You are still responsible for paying for the space even if your business is no longer operating — at least until the landlord is able to lease the space to someone else,” Murray says. Tenants may also neglect to consider whether the space they are considering is licensed for the use proposed. These are all issues that
Robert Popil, goldsmith and owner of The Bench, is pictured with business development manager Michael Horner. Popil wanted his workspace to revolve around “the bench.” an experienced agent should have a handle on. Consequently, Murray has some solid advice for potential tenants. “If I was looking for space, I would be finding someone who knows about buildings and leases, as well as renovations and how to assist with all of that. It can be a costly mistake to go it alone. “On many occasions, I have told a client, ‘I don’t think this space will work for you and this is why.’ ” She suggests new businesses contact a commercial leasing agent when they do their business plan. An existing business looking to make a change should make the call one year before the lease expires. Most businesses from professionals to retail owners are going to need to renovate their space to suit their requirements. Murray said commercial real estate companies like MCM will handle the renovation headaches from start to finish and it is usually
worth the extra fee for tenants to invest in. “We draw up a space plan, scope of work, get estimates from contractors and then supervise the construction as it goes along.” The tenant is involved in design discussions and picking out colours, but the day-to-day project work is taken off their shoulders. Barbara Godolphin and Robert Popil, who co-own The Bench at 169 Fourth Ave., set up their office independently. However, they are experienced shop owners, opening their first location in 100 Mile House. Their Kamloops shop has been open for a month. They knew what they wanted, from a central location downtown to the size of the lease space to the design. “We wanted the decor to be a combination of natural wood and nature to complement the genuine stones that we work with,” Godolphin explains. “We also wanted to create a space that was comfortable and offered a sense of trust because people are leaving their valuable jewelry with us.” The renovations to the space were carefully planned and completed by Godolphin and Popil, with the finishing touches of desk furniture added by a family member who is a carpenter and understood their vision. For example, Popil does his goldsmithing at a work bench in plain view so everything revolves about “the bench.” It is a focal piece in the shop and was made from an antique piece of wood that was refurbished. Similarly, the sales desk is from refurbished wood. The colour of the walls, the flooring and the selection of art all create a peaceful, trusting atmosphere. “We wanted a sense of coming from the earth as all the things that we work with do.” KB
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 15
> Tech talk
I
Linking in to the value of Linkedin
t is common enough to post your resumé online, but it’s what you do with it once it’s up there that counts. Many professionals have set up LinkedIn accounts only to let them languish in cyberspace. Many feel the need to have a profile, but never actually spend time on the site. To harness the power of LinkedIn, there are a few tips. The first step in creating an online presence is building an individual profile. The next step for businesses is to create a company page. Like other social networks, spending time interacting will get professionals the results they desire. LinkedIn has grown to more than 225 million members worldwide after launching in 2003, according to its website. It’s a professional networking site where individuals and companies can connect, job search, hire and conduct research. An individual’s profile contains an online resumé, with information about skills and experience. Having a completed profile will lead to higher showings in searches, and ensure keywords relevant to a person’s experience are reflected. Keeping a profile up to date and accompanied by a professional-looking head shot is key. To begin making contacts, find current and former employers and clients. Building one’s network by asking for written recommendations holds a lot of weight. Having colleagues on one’s network is helpful. There are companies who search for employees on LinkedIn, and the site can be used to find a job or have a job find you. Josh Turner, who has started a business based around helping people learn to use LinkedIn, tells users to ask themselves, “You’re in a big networking room. Who are the people you most want to meet? What’s your plan for meeting them?” Mastering the art of introducing oneself digitally is vital. LinkedIn’s primary purpose is business networking, so get good at introducing yourself. It doesn’t hurt to reflect on your purpose for being on the site. That purpose can guide your behaviour. Getting involved in relevant LinkedIn groups will help in connecting with desired contacts. On the business side, LinkedIn company pages provide a way to create an information hub about a company, including a description of products and services. When someone researches the company, they will find the LinkedIn page. Have a compelling banner photo and use keywords that represent the company’s products, services and 16 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013
By Larkin Schmiedl
Networking site can help you Make contacts and find jobs — but it must be set up right
location so that it’s searchable. Company pages include space for status updates, so businesses can give users a compelling reason to follow them. The analytics tab allows businesses to keep an eye on which posts are reaching people and driving involvement. According to Stephanie Sammons, who writes professionally on how to best leverage social media, tying company status updates into an ongoing larger campaign is useful. This network can reach new customers and talent, and like other social media can increase visibility and involvement with the company. It’s a good idea to link a company page with a company’s wider online presence. Encouraging employees to add their position at the company to their individual profiles will help build the page. And a business can ask customers to contribute product/ service recommendations, which builds up the business’s online reputation. Companies, like individuals, can find the LinkedIn groups most relevant to them. These groups can be seen as the online equivalent of industry events, where conversations take place and connections are forged. Professional strategist and marketer Jon Tucker, says LinkedIn really is the industry standard for online business networking. While Facebook and Twitter are used to reach typical consumer markets, LinkedIn is designed to reach professionals and other businesspeople. It can be a great way to promote a business, start conversations with others in the field or to find that next big opportunity. The secret is spending the time and putting the effort in. KB
What makes a great leader? Performance may not translate into leadership qualities BY SHANE JENSEN >> NEW QUEST COACHING & Consulting
W
hat are the qualities that you as a business owner or even a senior leader in your organization look for when you are going to “promote” someone into the role of a leader? Historically, in just about any type of business or organization, it was usually the top performers who were flagged as future leaders. It was and still is a common belief that if you are the best at making SHANE JENSEN widgets, then it goes to stand that you would probably be a great leader (supervisor, manager etc.). However, as I am sure some of you have discovered, great widget makers don’t always make great leaders. Nonetheless, I still see it happening all of the time and it usually does not end well for both parties. The same qualities that go into making someone a high performer are not the same when it comes to knowing how to lead and get the most out of your team. Many times, high performers promoted into leadership quickly discover that their staff do not have the same traits or abilities they have. And that is truly where the disconnect takes place. I have said this before, people don’t leave organizations, they leave their boss. Leaders for the most part are not paid to be the best widget makers; instead they are paid to develop their staff, team or department to become great widget makers. The solution to ensure a successful promotion is to provide any new leader with the immediate opportunity to develop or learn leadership skills. Consider mentorship a must for any new leader. Also look at external or in-house leadership training courses. There are some excellent one- or two-day courses that would give any new leader some of the fundamental tools necessary to their success and getting their teams to perform. Another great option is providing a new leader with an external coach who specializes in leadership coaching. In the long run a little investment in your new leaders on the front-end will easily pay for itself in the long run. Shane Jensen, MA, ACC, CEC, is the senior principal for New Quest Coaching & Consulting. To learn more please see www.newquestcc.com. KB
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 17
Chamber NEWS Chamber team key to success Passionate people help businesses achieve greatness BY BOB DIENO >> CHAMBER PRESIDENT
T
he key part to a success is the team that drives it. The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce is fortunate to have a dedicated team of passionate individuals who help steer the chamber and its members toward greatness. These are those individuals, and without them, the chamber would not be have the success and strength it has today.
Lisa White, sales and marketing co-ordinator White has been with the Kamloops Chamber since 2009. Her primary role is with regards to member relations, including attracting new members, working with current members to ensure they are satisfied with their membership, responding to inquiries around chamber benefits programs and marketing the chamber as a whole in the community.
Bob Dieno
Bob Dieno, president Dieno is the 2013-14 president of the Kamloops Chamber. A volunteer position, it is the president’s job to ensure that the board operates as a team. The president is responsible for ensuring that the board of directors and its members are aware of and fulfil their governance responsibilities, comply with applicable laws and bylaws, conduct board business effectively and efficiently, and are accountable for their performance.
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Deb McClelland, executive director McClelland has been with us since 1999 and has been in her role as executive director since 2003. She continues to be the driving force behind the success of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce. McClelland’s key roles include directing the day-to-day operation of the chamber, attending all board meetings and is a member of all chamber committees, acting as a consultant to the board and its committees, addressing the media, and advocacy policy development.
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Jamie Mayes, events co-ordinator Mayes has been with the Kamloops Chamber since 2009 and works hard to ensure all chamber events are a success. She also works with our key sponsors and suppliers related to chamber events, and enjoys working with the Policy Development Committee and researching new policies. Candace Palmer, administrative assistant Candace has been with the chamber for more than a year now and is your first contact when you visit or call the chamber offices. She offers support to all of the staff members and takes care of all the chamber administrative duties that include event registration, board relations, website and social media updates, e-newsletters, boardroom bookings and so much more. KB
"At our very first chamber social we may have only made 3 or 4 new business connections, but each one of those conversations were authentic and turned into clients for our business." Rick Macklan | Geekpros
> Chamber news i NEW MEMBERS
Hugo Yuen/Kamloops Business
Store manager and wine expert Stefan Struk checks over a bottle at Discover Wines, which opened in the Columbia Square in April.
Wine lovers heard loud and clear Pleas from Kamloopsians help attract Discover Wines to city
W
ine lovers all over can rejoice as Discover Wines has made its way into the Tournament Capital. With its beginnings in Kelowna, owner Tracy Gray has branched out north and is now happily serving Kamloops. After meeting hundreds of Kamloopsians at the Kelowna flagship location and hearing their desire for a more local location, Gray decided that it was time to open up in Kamloops. “People from Kamloops were here (in Kelowna) visiting saying, ‘Please open in Kamloops,’ so when an opportunity for a licence became available, we started to seriously look at it,” Gray said “The residents of Kamloops planted the seed in our mind.” From there, Gray found an open space to create the store front, brought store manager and wine expert Stefan Struk
with her, and Discover Wines opened in the Columbia Square in April 2013. Along with more than 800 different types of wines from across B.C., Discover Wines also creates the perfect gift basket for any occasion, made up of local artisan cheeses, dips and sauces. The locality of the products is something that Gray personally stands by. “I’ve worked in the industry a long time and I’m really passionate about buying local, whether it’s wine, food products or anything else,” she said. “It’s really fits my personal philosophy. There really is a desire from people to buy local and as a business model, it works.” Being a Kamloops Chamber of Commerce member has also helped the company network and get in touch with local, like-minded businesses, something that Gray puts as a priority. “We found suppliers at the first event we went to,” she said. “I really, truly believe in supporting small, local businesses. It’s win-win; you support them and they support you back.” Kamloops, according to Gray, has embraced Discover Wines and is quickly making room in the hearts of locals. “When people come in and say, ‘Oh my gosh, this is my new favourite store,’ that really lets us know we’re doing something right because it’s part of the whole experience and how you make people feel,” Gray said. “To hear, ‘I love you guys,’ it’s a very touching comment and we hear it all the time. It’s very rewarding.” KB OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 19
> Profile
Stretching out
Story By Adam Williams I photos by Murray Mitchell
Kamloops Hot Yoga showcases its market flexibility with several expansion projects
I
Kamloops Hot Yoga owner/operator Dwight Ergang, at top, says everybody is welcome “regardless of your background.” Above: Clayton Peterson and daughter Jaclyn Peterson prepare for the start of a hot yoga session.
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n fewer than four years, Kamloops Hot Yoga has managed to stretch itself across the Kamloops yoga scene. It has just opened its third studio and the company’s rapid growth is due, at least in part, to the vision and commitment of Dwight Ergang, owner and general manager. Ergang believed there was a void that needed to be filled in Kamloops’s yoga offerings. He didn’t think that existing studios were doing enough to satisfy customers across the city and took it upon himself to fix that. Using his experience in marketing and business operations, he went to work solving he problem. “There wasn’t any place that really offered yoga everyday,” he said. “There were places that offered it sometimes or one style completely . . . so we decided to offer multiple styles of yoga out of one location.” Kamloops Hot Yoga’s newest studio is across the street from its first location in Sahali (its other location is on the North Shore, in Brock), and with three locations now up and running, business is booming. The company has grown more than 100 per cent year-over-year and, according to Ergang, has cornered between 80 and 90 per cent of all yoga in Kamloops.
The third studio gives them enough capacity to triple their membership group, which at present consists of more than 1,000 practitioners, practising seven different styles of yoga. It’s a hot yoga studio, with the older location transitioning to an unheated yoga studio. The change means more offerings for Kamloops Hot Yoga; now, five per cent of its classes are unheated but that will expand (including kids yoga classes for parents who want to do the hot yoga across the street). And while the focus is entirely on the Kamloops marketplace, that might change. “We have to make sure we’re looking after the Kamloops market first,” Ergang said. “Once the Kamloops market is looked after and we don’t have to build any more studios, we plan to expand to some surrounding cities of Kamloops . . . Vernon, Salmon Arm, Penticton perhaps.” It won’t happen overnight — building a hot yoga studio requires infrastructure specially made for that purpose. Specialized heating equipment, the ability to adjust humidity and a space that can be completely sealed from the outside are all considerations that need to be made. Kamloops Hot Yoga has gone above and beyond in the esthetics of its studios as well, with showers and change rooms, front-end retail spaces and plenty of room for its classes. There has been plenty of attention paid to sanitation and cleanliness — the floors in the new Sahali studio are made of cork for its antibacterial properties, for Hot yoga studios require infrastructure example. Ergang and his staff specially made for that purpose. also avoid chemicals, using environmentally friendly products for cleaning after classes. All of the decisions that have gone into creating Kamloops Hot Yoga’s studios have been customeroriented, which is how Ergang and his staff operate. Whether new to yoga or a longtime practitioner, Ergang says people will feel at home with Kamloops Hot Yoga. “We are very customer-based,” he said. “Everybody is welcome, regardless of your background, your body type, your physical fitness level, your health, your spiritual beliefs; everybody is welcome to come and try us out.” KB
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 21
> Kcbia report
> NSBIA REPORT
Attitude is everything
New events make for lively community
Downtown residents deliver on ‘friendly city’ reputation
Busy fall expected after successful summer on the North Shore
BY GAY POOLER >> MANAGER, KCBIA
E
ver wonder what impression visiting community builders from other cities have of our neighbourhood? Well, we asked. Having 100 Business Improvement Association people in Kamloops for the BIABC conference this spring was a valuable opportunity to gain feedback from experts in the field of improving and promoting neighbourhoods. In a post-conference survey, we GAY POOLER received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Clean, quaint, walkable, a variety of quality shops and awesome restaurants were all common comments. In addition to that, the real standout stars of downtown were the people — almost every visitor raved about the friendly, helpful merchants and even random people on the street. One quote says it well: “Everywhere we went the people were so helpful and friendly. When I must have looked obviously puzzled, a stranger asked what I was looking for and gave me directions to the shop. The hotel staff, the food servers in the restaurants, and the salespeople in the stores were all friendly, helpful and polite!” This, of course, comes as no surprise to us; Kamloops has a reputation for being a friendly city, but it is nice to know our downtown citizens deliver on that promise. Our downtown pride is evident to others and our attitude demonstrates that we are happy to be living in Kamloops. The role that merchants play in the promotion of our area cannot be underestimated; they are on the front lines — most often the first point of contact for visitors. A positive experience makes an impression, resulting in word-of-mouth advertising; all for the price of a helping hand and a smile we create a network of fans spread far and wide. This is the absolute best way to promote our neighbourhood and invite others to join us. Inspiring people to want to live downtown, start or move a business here or simply come to enjoy all that we have to offer. We could spend a fortune advertising how fabulous we are but if the promise is not delivered and the experience is not authentic then we have wasted our resources. To all of our downtowners: great job, please keep it up! For anyone who hasn’t visited us lately: what are you waiting for? Come discover this hidden gem! KB 22 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013
BY STEVEN L. PUHALLO >> EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NSBIA
I
t’s been a busy time for the North Shore Business Improvement Association as we celebrate 25 years of community building and business development. Some of the highlights of this past summer were: development of the popular Heritage Room (sponsored by the North Shore Echo); our “Meet the NSBIA” Open House, re-launch of our Facebook page, started our new STEVEN PUHALLO e-newsletter (you can sign up for it at www.nsbia.com), were active in our ongoing beautification and Communities in Bloom projects, published and distributed our North Shore Business Directory, had a successful Art Walk campaign and topped it off with fun in the sun at McDonald Park for our inaugural Overlander Days. The North Shore is about community — it always has been, and it always will be. It’s thanks to our board of directors, organizing committees, community members and project sponsors that we have had success. In September, we launched our “We are the North Shore” multimedia marketing campaign on behalf of North Shore businesses. It’s been a great experience working with North Shore community members and business leaders to develop this campaign and it will help us continue to attract business, consumers and development to the North Shore. It’s all about the “team” and no enterprise is successful without a strong one. We’re excited to welcome a great North Shore community member and administrator extraordinaire, Mary Ellen Grant, as our new administrative co-ordinator. Mary Ellen started in the leadup to our Overlander Days event and jumped right in with her great knowledge base of event management and organizational skills. She was the right person coming on board at the right time to put the final touches on our new premier summer event! We’re excited to have her on Team NSB IA and appreciate and admire the dedication and expertise she’s brought to our organization. Make sure you sign up for our new e-newsletter and follow our Facebook page to stay in touch about our events and initiatives. We invite you to drop by our Wilson House offices at 115 Tranquille St. and check our art gallery and Heritage Room and get to know our team. “We are the North Shore” — come and see what we are all about! KB
> Q&A
O
ne of the greatest advantages of relocating your business is starting off with a clean slate. In 2012, Brandy Coull, owner of Pink With Envy Nails & Esthetics, was able to move her business from a small, 850 square foot space on Battle Street to a big, blank, 2,800 square foot canvas on Seymour Street. Coull is proud of the environment she has created for herself, her staff and, most importantly, her clients. From crisp whites to funky pops of orange, green, purple and, of course, pink, the new home of Pink With Envy is anything but black and white. Q: What attracted you to this new space? “Seymour Street is such a busy street and there are so many businesses that are similar to what we’re doing as far as personally taking care of people, whether it be massage, chiropractors, or dentists; we figured we’d fit into that location and that building is amazing.” Q: Was there a certain look or feel you were aiming for during renovations? “(The building) was empty for at least five years, quite a long time so it needed a lot of renovations. It was completely empty so everything had to be redone. We added in rooms upstairs, we added a bathroom upstairs. We wanted a very clean look with a lot of crisp white with pops of bright colour. Doing esthetics and nails, people coming in and having facials, it needs to be very clean and I feel that we didn’t want clutter or anything too dark. We went very bright, very clean.” Q: Was there anything that inspired you while decorating? “I wanted a space that when you came in, it put a smile on your face and made you feel happy. We’re all so busy in our day-to-day lives and I wanted the clients that when they walk in, it makes them smile because it’s a very friendly and very inviting atmosphere.”
Q: Does the design reflect your business style? “Absolutely. We are very customer service oriented; we’re all about the customer feeling good. By the time they leave here, they have a smile on their face and (are) feeling good. It’s a fun environment; we have lots of laughs in our shop and are always giggling, our clients really enjoy that. We get a lot of bridal and bachelorette parties, and we have such a large space that they can have the whole space to themselves. The experience can be whatever they want. If they want to sit in the massaging pedicure chairs and just close their eyes and have their pedicure done, that’s no problem; if they want to chat with their esthetician, they can do that as well. We cater to every age group, from threeyears-old to 90. Everyone is looking for that friendly experience.” Q: What are some of the unique features of your space? “We have an elevator. Since it’s a splitlevel, when you walk into the main reception area you have to go up about five steps to get to the esthetics room and the salon floor. It’s fully wheelchair accessible. We have a really cool fish tank that’s a big hit for everybody. It’s such a different space than anywhere else in town. The whole atmosphere, the space, the people working, the aura when you walk in . . . it’s hard to explain but when you come in, it puts a smile on your face.” KB
Murray Mitchell/Kamloops Business
Brandy Coull, owner of Pink With Envy Nails & Esthetics, at top, wants her new space to “put a smile on your face.”
in the
Pink
Nails and esthetics shop Pink with Envy brings its glowing staff and bigger building to Seymour by Kara Evans
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 KAMLOOPS BUSINESS 23
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