Mint Westman Vol2 2 Iss 1 by Mint Magazine

SKIN Clinics

Dr. Jason Sneath People to Watch 2018 Spring Fashion & Hair Trends Aaron Check

WESTMAN Vol 2 Iss 1 2018

2018 CADILLAC

XT5 CROSSOVER $289

LEASE STARTING AT

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204.728.0130 MURRAYCHEVBRANDON.COM 1500 RICHMOND AVE, BRANDON

WWW.TRANSCANADAMOTORSPORTS.COM 204.725.1003 | 206ï&#x161;º16TH ST. N | BRANDON, MB

BRANDON, MB

Locally Owned & Operated For Over 24 Years

Contributors IN THIS ISSUE

JAMIE WILLEY Jamie Willey is the proud owner of Studio 78 Photography and Social Media Services. Jamie loves photography because a great image can tell your story, and last for a lifetime. Growing up in an entrepreneurial household, this is where her interest in business started. Her passions lie in travel, to see and explore beauty and meet new people along the way, while discovering new wines and delicious foods. Her love lies with her 2 boys, Braden who is exploring in Victoria, and Nate. Their journey so far has been an adventure.

ANNA DUMAS Anna Dumas is an restauranteur and aspiring entrepreneur. She currently owns Prairie Firehouse Restaurant in Brandon MB and would love to move forward with several other unique restaurants in brandon as the food culture develops. She took wine training in Winnipeg and Kelowna and shares a strong passion for pairing wine and food.

JILLIAN NESBITT Jillian Nesbitt is a styling consultant who works with businesses, groups and individuals looking for help refreshing their image through branding, photo styling and social media. A people person with a keen eye for style, she longs for building meaningful relationships while capturing the beauty in lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s little moments. Jill showcases her unique lifestyle brand on @lifestyledbyjillian, where she shares her passion for decor, design, fashion, food and family. Born and raised in Winnipeg, she has fallen hard for the sense of community in Brandon. Jill also pursues interests in social work and mental health activism while sharing adventures with her husband Ryan and kitty Willa.

BRANDI PARNELL Brandi Parnell is a freelance writer and editor who lives in words, loves to travel and has a true appreciation for all things grown on the prairies, including her two sons. When she is not writing for clients or recanting personal stories, she can be found at the rink or on a dock. She also loves to dabble in stones and eats pizza whenever she can. She is a thinker-on-her feet, a yogi and a Reiki Master.

Contributors IN THIS ISSUE

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RENEE HUNT Renee is the Founder and CEO of Lustre Fitness and Lifestyle. She is a Healthy Eating and Weight Loss Coach, speaker and fitness instructor of 20 years. Renee is on a mission to help people all over the world not be fooled by fitness gimmicks or big business know as the food industry. Renee helps people to take back ownership of their health and fitness and believes that when people take control of their food choices and ultimately their health, they can truly carve out the life they want for themselves. A healthy and strong physical body translates to a healthy outlook on life and how we treat those around us. Renee loves to shake up the way people think about food and exercise.

WANDA KURCHABA Loves…words, sharing stories, being creative, proper grammar and punctuation, and all things to do with marketing and advertising. Is passionate about…healthy living, real home-cooked food, the environment, being active, living a balanced life, doing things that make her happy. Thoroughly enjoys…wine and chocolate, gardening, spending time with family and friends, listening to CBC, photography, nature, laughing, and life in rural Manitoba. Infatuated with… her two amazing daughters and her handsome husband.

JAYDI DINSDALE Jaydi Dinsdale is the owner and principle designer of local interior design company, Timber + Lace Interior Design. She has worked in the design + architecture industry for over 8 years. Jaydi is motivated to design thoughtful, client focused spaces through the idea of ‘good people deserve great spaces’. She is eager to continue building her local design brand within the community of Westman, through offering obtainable design services to both the residential + commercial markets. When not designing for wonderful clients, Jaydi can be found with her young family – husband Rob, daughters Maevy (3) + Lindy (9 months) and miniature schnauzer Ripley.

TYLER HORAN Tyler is the Founder/Creator of The Snappy Gent, an online network of advice and guidance in helping men everywhere step up their style game. Having developed a strong sense of style early in life, he is using this platform to give back and offer his tips/ tricks on how easy it can be to dress right and look good. Showcasing his brand through the online blog and on Instagram (insert Instagram logo there) @thesnappygent, Tyler shows you exactly what you need to do. With big dreams and aspirations for TSG, he promises to grow the network and offer us all this great tool for years to come.

PANTAGES ON PARK SALON & SPA Maryke and Sasha are the owners of Pantages Salon & Spa. They have been in the industry for 20 plus years combined. Bringing passion and experience to the business, they pride themselves in being able to create a salon where clients feel a part of the Pantages family. They strive to deliver a great experience, with excellent service, in everything they do. Staying on trend, they hope to continue to grow Pantages and be an inspiration to others in the beauty industry.

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FIRST WORD

From Our Associate Publisher

JAMIE WILLEY Volume2 Issue 1, 2018 Publisher Mint Media Inc Editor Rhonda Tannahill Art Director Candace Haiko the design table

Writers Brandi Parnell Wanda Kurchaba

Contributing Writers Anna Dumas

Renee Hunt Jaydi Dinsdale Tyler Horan

Photographer Studio 78

Bluebird Creative

Cover Photo Studio 78

am beyond grateful to bring you our Spring issue. This is a great time to be a part of the Westman community as it is overflowing with kindness, generosity, and amazing vision and ambition.

Over the past few weeks, we have worked with so many talented business owners from different industries. Their achievements are inspiring. Be sure to read their stories and keep your eyes on them this year. From nurturing your health, building or renovating your home or business, and having the perfect do. No matter your need, these amazing souls are here to help. They are doing things right, they are the People to Watch 2018. May this spring season bring you inspiration to grow within, to inspire others, and the build the desire to create a life that you love. “Nothing in life is perfect, so don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect” anonymous Happy Spring Westman

Spring Hair Trends Photos Studio 78 Styled by Pantages on Park Dress Your Bump & All in the Family Photos Studio 78 Styled by Jillian Nesbitt Mens Fashion Photos Studio 78 Styled by Tyler Horan ADVERTISING INQUIRIES jamie@mintmagazine.ca mintmagazine.ca /mintmagazines @mintmagazines @mintmagazines Mint Magazine is published by Mint Media Incorporated. Articles and art may not be reprinted without written permission from the Publisher. The Publisher assumes no responsibility to return unsolicited editorial or graphic material. Mint Magazine publishes 4 times per year. Copies are distributed to select homes, local businesses and offices in Brandon and surrounding areas. If you would like to subscribe to home delivery please email jamie@mintmagazine.ca

Mint Magazine 5261 Burnell Court Kelowna, BC 250.469.4447

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CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE Fashion 8 Wellness 20 Eats & Drinks 36 Abode 40 Life & Local Finds 48

FEATURES 24 Cover Story: SKIN Clinics: Dr. Jason Sneath People to Watch 2018 8 Spring Fashion & Hair Trends 48 Aaron Check

26 8

24 48

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Fashion

ALL IN THE

Family++ BY JILLIAN NESBITT PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Three generations of strong, inspiring Westman women highlight the key pieces you need for spring.

BY PANTAGES ON PARK SALON & SPA

FLOWERS PROVIDED BY CAROLYN'S FLORALS

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"Here's to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them." STACEY BENDET

from day to drinks

pretty in pink

check mate

Break out of your usual workwear routine with a pair of dressy pinstripe joggers, the comfy way to class it up. Keep things sleek with a white body suit and put your best foot forward in the shoe of the season - a white slingback mule another perfect transitional piece. Take this look from the office to the patio by adding your go-to jean jacket and some ultra-trendy tassel earrings.

Don't just make your way through the day, stand out from the crowd in this simple and chic ensemble. Two classic pieces, a pair of ripped light blue denim jeans and a crisp white top, are easily elevated with the addition of this light pink coat - the perfect piece to help you transition through spring. Top things off with a bold statement earring for some added punch.

Trendsetter alert. A twist on a classic piece, the oversized double breasted checked blazer dress is the perfect balance of fun and formal, feminine and flirty. Pair your most-delicate jewellery with some slingback mules and you're ready for a night on the town.

BODYSUIT, PIN STRIPE JOGGERS AND SLING BACK MULES DYNAMITE LIGHT DENIM JACKET ARDENE TASSEL EARRINGS TRUMPET + TASSEL

JACKET, DRESS SHIRT, DENIM & EARRINGS DYNAMITE HEELS PAYLESS

OVERSIZED BLAZER DRESS DYNAMITE SLING BACK MULES PAYLESS

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THE SLEEK, DEEP PART (OLD HOLLYWOOD STYLE) CAN ADD A TOUCH OF GLAM TO AN EVERY DAY LOOK, OR MAKE IT MORE GLAMOROUS FOR A SPECIAL EVENT.

BY PANTAGES ON PARK SALON & SPA

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THE MIDDLE PART IS VERY FASHION RIGHT NOW WITH LOOSE BEACHY WAVES. IT’S VERSATILE AND EASY TO WEAR WHETHER IT’S FOR A MORE PROFESSIONAL LOOK, OR AN EVENING OUT.

A STYLE THAT IS SIMPLE YET ELEGANT ON A YOUNG GIRL. THE SOFTER THE CURL, THE MORE PLAYFUL IT IS.

BRAIDS HAVE BEEN BACK IN STYLE FOR A FEW SEASONS NOW AND THEY ARE A GREAT WAY TO CREATE SOME DIMENSION WITHIN A HAIRSTYLE. THEY TAKE A SIMPLE HAIRSTYLE AND MAKE IT MORE ELEGANT, OR CAN CREATE A MORE SOFT BOHEMIAN LOOK AS WELL. BOTH LOOKS ARE VERY INSTYLE AT THE MOMENT JUST DEPENDING ON THE EVENT OR DESIRED LOOK FOR THE CLIENT.

CHOOSING A STYLE FLATTERING TO WOMEN IN THEIR 50’S. FRINGES ARE ALWAYS TIMELESS AND SUITABLE FOR CLIENTS OF ANY AGE. MINT Westman

Ladies Wear • Mens Wear • Baby Items & Clothing • Footwear • Swimwear • Jewelry & Purses Gwen’s Trends offers you boutique shopping in a small town and is committed to offering a great selection of high quality fashions from top brand names. Come in and let our friendly staff help you find that perfect outfit for your next occasion. We have something for everyone!

GWENSTRENDS.CA

KILLARNEY SHOPPERS MALL (530 WILLIAMS AVE)

(204) 523-8162

TRENDS@MTS.NET

BEAUTY SPRING CLEANING WITH SASHA & MARYKE FROM

PANTAGES ON PARK SALON AND SPA

In the beauty industry, spring is a time of change in many different ways. People are ready for something brighter and lighter after the winter months. At Pantages, we ﬁnd people like to change their hair – usually to more lighter tones, such as Ombre, Balayage and Pastel hair colors.

•

Eyelash extensions: Create a longer lash look from a more natural look to dramatic feel. All depending on what you want!

Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh haircut. Spring trends we are seeing this year are bobs, lobs, soft waves, pixies and long hair with soft layers.

•

Makeup: We can help from enhancing your natural beauty, to special events – weddings, graduations, or just a treat.

From manicures to spa pedicures, we can help you get ready for flip-flop season with our new remodeled spa pedicure room. •

Hair removal is an essential for spring. Choose from waxing or body sugaring.

•

Facials are a great way to rejuvenate your skin. Our aestheticians customize each facial according to every skin-type. Leaving you with fresh skin for the summer.

•

Dermaplaning is the removal of the dead skin and ﬁne layer of vellus hair. This new service we oﬀer helps you look young and youthful.

•

Lash lifts are a great way to curl your lashes and makes it easier to apply mascara and accentuate your natural lash.

Pantages on Park Salon & Spa 1360 Park Ave, Brandon | 204.727.2053 pantageshair.com |

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HOW TO

Dress

FLORAL KIMONO STYLE ROBE ARDENE SLIP DRESS & EARRINGS DYNAMITE

YOUR BUMP BY JILLIAN NESBITT PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Pregnancy is a time to celebrate your body and the extraordinary things it is capable of. The next time you're headed out, break free from the typical stretchy pants and loose fitting clothing by wearing pieces that embrace your body through its sizes and stages. With all the changes going on remember that choosing a fitted dress is still an option. Let these styles serve as inspiration on how to look chic, stay comfortable and feel your best while showing off those mom-to-be curves.

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sleek and chic Just enough fit to show your bump but still leaving you with some space to play, this slip dress paired with a floral kimono-style robe is ultra-chic and extra comfy. When choosing earrings this season it's either big and bold or super sleek, like these simple hoops with chain detail.

Momma's night out Buying a whole new wardrobe can be expensive so why not add a piece that you can keep in your closet even after the bump is long gone. A bodycon dress is perfect for your pregnancy from beginning to end, as it adapts and changes as your body does. Add a bold lip, trendy tassel earrings and a lace up bootie topped off with your favourite leather jacket to complete this bad ass look.

LONGLINE BLAZER WINNERS FITTED DRESS DYNAMITE EARRINGS TRUMPET + TASSEL

DRESS DYNAMITE CLUTCH WINNERS BOOTIES ALDO EARRINGS TRUMPET + TASSEL

Lux in lavender A maternity go-to for any event. Be a boss babe from day to night by reaching for a fitted frock and a longline blazer which perfectly frames your best feature, that beautiful bump. A timeless look is made current with the addition of this light lavender piece, the of-the-seaon shade this spring, and a bold tassel earring with a pop of colour.

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5 Staple Items EVERY GUY SHOULD HAVE IN HIS CLOSET BY TYLER OF THE SNAPPY GENT PHOTOS STUDIO 78

Great style is not as hard as it seems and having these 5 staple items hanging in your closet will help you achieve just that every time you walk out of the door. The awesome part is that each item works as a base that you can grow off of and use whatever else you already own. So next time you head into your closet, make sure these guys are in there ready to be put to work: WHITE BUTTON DOWN SHIRT simple, basic and goes with everything. Not too baggy and not too tight. FITTED JEANS Slim or straight leg and you shouldn’t be able to ﬁt more than 2 ﬁngers in between your waist and the denim. SIMPLE BELT A nice simple belt that pulls the entire look together is all you need. Black and brown are two colours you shouldn’t be without.

CASUAL BOOTS Easy to dress them up for the office or dress them down for a night on the town. JACKET Denim, Bomber, Blazer, Peacoat…whatever suits you best, a nice jacket is an effortless way to add a layer of complexity to any outfit. 5 items that are easy to find, easy to wear and make you look like on heck of a Snappy Gent! See how easy that was? Head over to The Snappy Gent for even more advice, tips and tricks on looking great without giving it a second thought!

SHIRT – BROMLEY’S MENSWEAR BLAZER – BROMLEY’S MENSWEAR JEANS – BESTSELLER BOOTS – ALDO BELT – TIP TOP TAILORS

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Tiny tassels for big causes. We make tiny tassel jewellery that trumpets the heart of big causes. Our chic satin, cotton and alt silk thread accessories are customized, lightweight and flowy for rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n drops, bangles, bracelets, chokers + necklaces that look amazing with anything. Part of every purchase goes to local, national, and international non-profits that are making a difference in our world. Some of our past recipients include Light A Candle N. Iraq and Adoption Options Manitoba. On Etsy and coming soon to Farmhouse 50 Minnedosa! www.etsy.com/ca/shop/TrumpetandTassel 18

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THE ART OF THE PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT WITH Jamie Willey of STUDIO 78

Have you ever asked yourself, what is so important about headshots that I need to get them done professionally? Why not use a selfie, vacation photo, or cropped wedding photo? While it may be acceptable for personal social media sites, what professional message do you want to send? Knowing the person behind the business establishes credibility and connections with current and potential clients. In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social media rich economy, professionals of all industries need the right profile photos to help establish that all important first impression.

1. What is the first thing you do when you make a decision to hire a new employee, make a purchase, do business with a new company? You look them up online. People will do their research before ever meeting you, so what is your online impression? A professional, flattering image of yourself is vital. 2. People like to do business with others they know. Having a headshot

helps people feel like they already know you, and establishes a human connection. 3. The right headshot can say a lot about you â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you want to project confidence, personality and authenticity. 4. A professional headshot will demonstrate that you made an investment in yourself and that you take yourself seriously. 5. You deserve it! You can feel good about sending clients to your website and social media pages. In this day and age, not having a headshot to help build that connection with clients and industry professionals is almost like not having a business card at a networking event. Faces help people remember, and your headshot is how you can get yourself out there. To book your professional headshot, contact Studio 78. Studio 78 studio78.ca | jamie@studio78.ca 204.721.1296 | MINT Westman

Wellness

FIT & HEALTHY at Home BY RENEE HUNT OF LUSTRE FITNESS AND LIFESTYLE

The road to a healthy lifestyle, which should include exercise along with nutrition is paved with our best intentions. The belief that a good workout takes a long time is often a barrier to one’s fitness.

he great news is that a fantastic and eﬀective workout can be achieved right in your home in minimal time. An added bonus is that you can omit the time it takes to drive to and from the gym. With a small bit pf planning, (which may include a session or two with a trainer to ensure you are moving safely) you

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will have a workout that is equal to if not better than the gym with minimal equipment. The workout you can achieve with just your body weight is often under rated. One challenge of working out at home, is taking it too easy. Use the pro tips provided to challenge yourself each workout to either beat your reps, time or try a more challenging move. This will help avoid plateaus and conquer boredom.

PRO TIP: Squats are an essential move to have in your ﬁtness arsenal. Learning proper technique is crucial to avoid injury. It takes time to master, but don’t give up. Hint: Move as if you were going to sit on a toilet.

The “4 in 24” Workout

Repeat 1-4 for 24 minutes with minimal rest. BEGINNERS: Set a timer for 30 sec with a 5 second transition time to the next move. Get as many rounds as possible (AMRAP) in 24 minutes with minimal rest. INTERMEDIATE: Increase your timer to 45 secs/move.

A warm up is a must. This not only prepares your body physically, but psychologically. Take 5-10 minutes to properly warm up your body and get your head in the game.

THE MOVEMENT PLANK JACKS Challenge your core, shoulders and chest while getting your heart pumping.

PRISONER SQUAT Challenge quads, glutes and core. Prisoner arms challenge the muscles of the back and shoulders.

UP YOUR GAME Perform with 1 arm only. Switch arms each round. SAFETY TIP: Protect the shoulders. Ensure shoulders are stacked over the wrists.

Lift the heel of 1 foot so 90% is on one foot and 10% on toe. Switch each round. SAFETY TIP: Protect the knees. Do not let the knees jut out past the toes. Lead with the hips.

UP/UP/DOWN/DOWN

Lift 1 leg. Switch legs each round.

Challenge your triceps, chest and core. Begin in low plank. Alternate each arm used to go up and then return to plank.

SAFETY TIP: Minimize movement of the lower half of the body to avoid the help of momentum and recruit more muscle ﬁbres.

180 STEPS TURNS

Jump the turn instead of step turn.

Stand perpendicular to the front of your space. Drop your hips to touch the ground then a quick step turn to touch the ground with your opposite hand.

SAFETY TIP: Protect the back by dropping the hips to get low rather than rounding the back. Landing softly protects the knees and back while recruiting more muscles.

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HEALTHY EATING The Key to Fat Loss WITH Renee Hunt, Owner & CEO, HWL, B. Ed

at LUSTRE FITNESS AND LIFESTYLE

As a Healthy Eating and Weight Loss coach, MFC Fitness Instructor and speaker, my focus is helping women struggling with resistant, stubborn fat. Focusing on losing it the right way and creating a smart, strong body full of vitality. If you feel you are doing all the right things, and yet have a muffin top that just won’t budge, it is important to remember that there is not a one size ﬁts all approach, but there are many common mistakes that may be sabotaging your best eﬀorts.

HERE ARE TWO: 1. USING EXERCISE AS A LICENSE TO EAT From personal experience, nutrition trumps exercise every time. Work out as hard as you can, but you will not see the losses you are looking for in the mirror if your nutrition is not in line.

www.reneehunt.com/challenge

reneehunt.com 204.573.2362 |

2. DROPPING CALORIE INTAKE WAY TOO LOW There is a ﬁne line between the body feeling comfortable to allow fat loss to happen and starvation mode. When calories are way too low, the body slows the metabolism right down to conserve energy. Severe calorie restriction creates a stress environment in the body. This environment creates hormone havoc that interferes with the body’s ability to lose weight, increases the hormones that make us feel hungry and depletes our super important muscles. Not an ideal environment for sustained fat loss. Weight loss is not a one and done event, but a lifestyle where tiny, consistent changes go the distance in the body fat battle. 22

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Renee Hunt

.2018.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is success? I think it is a mixture of having a flair for the thing that you are doing; knowing that it is not enough, that you have got to have hard work and a certain sense of purpose.â&#x20AC;? Margaret Thatcher

uccess means different things to each one of us. For some it is measured in happiness. For others, it is the ability to purchase beautiful things. Success can be realized in an earned level of respect or a list of achievements; for others it is documented on the pages of their passport, echoes in their adventures. Regardless of how you define success, it is not wished for. Success is achieved with patience, prophecy and purpose. In this issue, we look at people who have achieved success in various aspects of their lives. They are people who share their talents with the world. They

all use intuition to best align their practices with the needs of their clients. They see the beauty in life and they aspire to leave each project, each client and each life that they touch better than it was before their meeting. Read their stories, learn about their desires for more and understand why they are leaders; not only in their respective industries, but also in and around Westman. For they have that mix of flair that Ms. Thatcher referred to - for their craft and a knowing that hard work is not enough, you must also have purpose.

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Cover Story

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P E O P L E T O W AT C H 2 0 1 8

Dr. Jason Sneath PRESERVING BEAUTY in Westman Manitoba BY BRANDI PARNELL

PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

f you live in the Westman area, you likely already know the Sneath name. If you don’t, you’re about to. Esteemed dermatologist, Dr. Jason Sneath has been turning heads both locally and nationally — not only because of his work in the field of cosmetic dermatology — but also because of his entrepreneurial spirit in the redevelopment of downtown Brandon. He is the medical director of SKIN Clinics and is regarded as a leading national expert in his field. The Brandon Chamber of Commerce just awarded SKIN Outstanding New Business and both Dr. Sneath and his wife, Robyn, were recently nominated for Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, he attended the University of Manitoba for his undergrad degree. Prior to starting medical school, he was given the opportunity to spend a year in Boston at the prestigious Harvard University to study public health. Upon his return, Dr. Sneath completed his four-year medical degree on a scholarship, as one of the top applicants in his class. “After med school, I moved to Vancouver to begin my five-year residency training in the field of dermatology. At the time, there were only a few schools in Canada that offered this program,” he said. Happy to remain in Canada, his plan was always to return home to Manitoba and open a clinic in Brandon upon graduation. “I knew that it had been more than 10 years since Brandon had a dermatologist and that there was a real need for a service of this kind in Western Manitoba.” As a resident at UBC Dr. Sneath had the opportunity to start training alongside and conducting research with Dr. Jean and Alastair Carruthers, renowned in the dermatology community for being the first to use Botox for cosmetic purposes. “I was honoured to not only train with them, but also to collaboratively

publish a research paper on Botox. Thanks to their advancements in the area, they have revolutionized cosmetic medicine.” Fast-forward seven years, Dr. Sneath has not only become a regular speaker at international conferences, but has also authored a chapter in one of the leading textbooks on Botox and its cosmetic uses. Yet, despite his extensive training and experience, Dr. Sneath remains committed to his cause. He wants to offer his clients the best possible services without inflating his prices. “I really wanted people to not have cost be the barrier to having their Botox injected by an expert.” In many cases, clients end up spending less money because of Dr. Sneath’s discerning approach. “We take pride in how healthy and natural our clients appear. We use the least amount of Botox necessary to achieve the desired, natural results for a refreshed and rested look.” SKIN Clinics was established in Brandon four years ago with the dream to build central Canada’s premier laser and injectable dermatology practice. “We now have more new lasers than any other clinic in central

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In many cases, clients end up spending less money because of Dr. Sneath’s discerning approach.

Canada and I’m proud to say we offer the best in new laser technology.”

best pricing in Canada and have extremely experienced staff administering the treatment.”

Regarded as the gold standard in laser hair removal, their newest laser, the Lumenis Lightsheer, is groundbreaking. Not only is it priced inline with other hair removal services offered, it typically requires fewer sessions for permanent removal and, better still, it is more effective, faster and much less painful.

SKIN Clinics now has two machines and all of the latest treatment applicators due to its popularity. The ideal candidate for this treatment has a stubborn area of excess fat. Commonly treated areas include the abdomen, double chin or flanks.

“It’s really exciting for us to know we offer cuttingedge technology operated by expertly trained and experienced staff including two registered nurses, two laser technicians and a coolsculpting technician. Our patients want to invest in themselves and we are proud to have the full toolkit at our disposal to help them achieve their goals. We offer a complete spectrum of non-surgical cosmetic treatment options so people no longer need to drive to Winnipeg.” Another such state-of-the-art treatment is Coolsculpting - the industry’s leading device for non-surgical fat reduction. “Our office has had Coolsculpting for more than two years now and it remains one of our most popular cosmetic treatments because we offer some of the 26

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“Whether it’s rosacea, brown spots, scarring, fine lines, sagging skin, unwanted hair or excess fat, we are confident we have the best laser or device on the market.” When it comes to skin care Dr. Sneath says, “I believe in skin care first approach. Our mantra is simple - prevent, protect and correct when it comes to a good skin care regimen. Improving facial beauty and symmetry is a waste if the skin is still looking dull and deteriorated at the end of the treatment. We are proud to be Westman’s sole retailer of Skinceuticals by L’Oreal. This advanced skin care is backed by science and formulated to correct signs of aging, protect healthy skin and prevent future damage. It’s no wonder Dr. Sneath and his team are considered People to Watch in 2018.

“Brandon is a great place to live and own a business,” he says. “Robyn and I often say it’s a great city for entrepreneurs; the cost of living is reasonable, real estate is affordable and the community is incredibly supportive. People are welcoming and friendly here – it’s a wonderful place to raise a family.”

Fraser Sneath Coffee has become the destination for coffee aficionados.

Dr. Sneath goes on to say, “We’re thrilled to be a part of Downtown’s renaissance. The positive momentum here is exhilarating. We want to continue to bring to Brandon luxury experiences that one might not expect to find in a city of this size.”

“2018 has been a great year so far. We’re so thankful for the support of the community and our clients, and hope to keep providing top quality experiences for Brandonites as we open The Hills Spa.”

The Sneaths don’t plan on letting up anytime soon. “We have some exciting goals for the next five years. We plan to bring to Brandon a premier, full-service spa complete with an outdoor hot tub and steam rooms on the second and third floors of our historic downtown location. It will be called “The Hills Spa” and will enable us to offer even more cosmetic treatments than we do currently.” Life can be demanding, but Dr. Sneath jokes, “It’s no secret I’m fueled by a serious coffee addiction. I’m pretty sure we’re the first dermatology clinic to add a cafe at the entrance.” Successful in its own right,

He also has future plans for expansion including the first dermatologist run laser clinic in Regina, but remains committed to keeping his home base here in Brandon.

Together he and Robyn along with their team at SKIN offer a refreshing look at the potential of Brandon and its historic downtown. At Mint, we not only admire Dr. Jason and Robyn Sneath, but also wish them great success as they change the landscape in both business and beauty in Brandon

SKIN Clinics 1031 Rosser Ave, Brandon 204.717.7546 | skinclinics.ca

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P E O P L E T O W AT C H 2 0 1 8

Mike & Corey Peters

A FOUNDATION BUILT ON TRANSPARENCY BY BRANDI PARNELL

PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

ike and Corey Peters were raised with business in their bones. In fact, their father was a farmer who took on various construction projects whenever he was able; when Corey was in the eighth grade, his family sold their farm and moved to Brandon to pursue other opportunities. A short time thereafter, Mike and their father started a framing business.

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Over the course of 15 years, the Peters had grown to become a significantly sized family-run construction company. “We did general contracting for all of our own projects while slowly expanding our areas of construction as well as project and office management,” says Corey who joined them after high school. It was about this time Alair Homes reached out to the Peters. Alair is a franchise model business that partners with some of the best people in the industry to bring forth a tried and true customer centric experience. “We found their unique approach to construction captivating.” Fast-forward six months, “Instead of converting our family business into Alair, my parents decided to transition out, which

tradespeople that intuitively feel right for their project to choosing finishing touches. “Our clients see everything. From the quotes and estimates to the rolling financial projections. They can see whether or not the project is on time, ahead of schedule or delayed. We offer industry experience and guidance, but ultimately the client is in charge.” The best part about this method is that it creates certainty for the client. The scopes of work keep everyone accountable and transparent. “This gives our clients a budget that they can plan for and the power to choose. We then solidify the work and manage every step along the way.” The Peters had always been client centric, however until partnering with Alair, they didn’t realize just how much stress their clients felt. In their new approach, the client gets to go through a design and estimation process, see every quote and walk through the financial requirements even before Alair begins the work. “Life happens, which can make it hard to feel confident to make last minute, split second decisions. With our new model of operating, we’ve managed to ultimately defeat stress and maximize our client-builder relationship. Now our clients can sit back and enjoy the process with security of mind.” Corey and Mike Peters are not only innovative entrepreneurs, but they care about the relationships they have with their clients, the future of the Cities of Brandon & Rural Manitoba. We’re billing them as People to Watch in 2018 because they are bringing the infrastructure and capabilities of a $200 million dollar company to the people of our communities.

gave Mike and I the opportunity to move forward as sole owners of Alair Homes Brandon.”

THE ALAIR DIFFERENCE “Alair employs a client control model, built on transparency and integrity. Through an efficient pre-construction design & estimation process we develop a plan tailored to our clients’ lifestyle and goals. From there we create scopes of work for all trades and suppliers to submit pricing on for your specific project,” Corey says. With this approach, the client gets to be involved in the entire process — from selecting quality suppliers and

“The houses we build are not going to last forever, we are the vehicle to help others, to bring people together and to improve the way they live their lives. My brother is really a community-minded guy who is passionate about developing and training trades. He sits on a number of boards and an advocate for apprenticeships.” On the day we spoke, Corey had attended a course on passive home building for the future. Trust Alair Homes. They will help you Live Better. Alair Homes 1300 18th St 100 Suite 320 | Brandon 204.813.6953 www.alairhomes.ca | MINT Westman

P E O P L E T O W AT C H 2 0 1 8

Tami-Rae Rourke

A FOUNDATION BUILT ON TRANSPARENCY BY WANDA KURCHABA PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

"Small businesses are the core of our country. We need economic stimulating companies and if I can help, I will.â&#x20AC;? 30

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ami-Rae Rourke is an entrepreneur through and through. As she launches her own new business venture she aims to help other local entrepreneurs gain the success they desire and in turn, give back to the community in which she works and is proud to call home.

Through her consulting agency, The Rourke Group, Tami-Rae works with small to mid-sized businesses that are preparing for their next stage of growth. The main aspect of her company is to work with individual businesses to develop their own strategic business plans and focus on implementing new technologies to assist with growth while keeping costs low.

up margins Tami-Rae has the in-depth knowledge and experience to develop plans that can help to grow businesses, secure funding or attract investors. “It’s not easy to write about ourselves and most people aren’t very good at bragging about their business. I personally had to overcome that. If you’re in business and planning on going to a financial institution or to an investor to ask them to invest their hard-earned money you need to be able to brag about your business. With input from the owner I can research the data and put together a package for their company that makes them proud,” said Tami-Rae. As a co-founder of I-NetLink and NetSet Communications Tami-Rae primarily worked on the operational side of the companies establishing processes and policies. When Xplornet bought NetSet Communications last November they retained ownership of all tower infrastructure and launched TowerCo Canada.

“A lot of people that I knew were preparing for the next step, their business was taking off and they were starting to feel the growing pains. What I discovered was that many of them didn’t have business plans. I’ve always been interested in consulting and now I have the opportunity to do so,” said Tami-Rae. “Through all my years of business we used a business plan as a guide; we adjusted it as we needed to, we expanded on it. It lays out a structure for you, the owner to really understand what you have; business plans are an amazing product to have.” With over 17 years of business experience, a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Canada West, Six Sigma Green Belt (concentrating on Lean processes), and a passion for driving

Tami-Rae has a network of strategic partners that she works with to provide outstanding service to her clients. She’s excited to continue to have a positive impact on the Brandon business community in her continued role of President of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce and through her new venture. While the business is based in Brandon, she will also offer her consulting services in her hometown of Summerland in the southern part of the Okanagan Valley. The Rourke Group 204.724.4036 | info@therourkegroup.com trourke@therourkegroup.com therourkegroup.com | MINT Westman

P E O P L E T O W AT C H 2 0 1 8

Anna Dumas

FRESH, FIERCE AND TRENDING AT PRAIRIE FIREHOUSE BY WANDA KARCHUBAL

PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

The Prairie Firehouse is hot, smokin’ hot! And it doesn’t have anything to do with the history of its location. It’s all about how one of Brandon’s newest restaurants has quickly become one of the trendiest hotspots in town.

wner Anna Dumas has put her heart and soul into developing the restaurant in the last two years, all while raising a very young family with her husband Geoff.

“The first year was the hardest, but now that we’ve made a name for ourselves and crafted out our own niche people are really starting to see what our goals were,” said Anna.

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The Prairie Firehouse offers guests a unique dining experience in terms of the atmosphere as well as the food and beverages. The restaurant is located in the historic 1911 Central Fire Station in downtown Brandon and they offer creative dishes to suit every taste. Along with her chef, Anna introduces a new menu every six months that offers hearty, comfort food during the winter months and lighter meals in the summertime. “I always say that I’d rather fail with integrity than succeed by doing something that I don’t believe in,” said Anna. “It’s really important to me that we provide real food using as many local products as possible, but this is costly and more labour intensive. However, it’s all worth it in the end because now we’ve created that niche market and people know that are going to get local, real, handmade food.” While the restaurant is kept busy, the Prairie Firehouse has also become well known for hosting events. They have live music on a regular basis and currently host Paint, Plant, and Cake Decorating Nights as well as Mixology Seminars. The beautiful, private dining room on the second floor, used for some of these events, can accommodate up to 55 guests. “We’re currently working with owners of the building to now develop the third floor and transform it into a wedding venue. This year we’re hosting 26 weddings onsite, which we set up in our main dining room, but that means we’re not able to keep the restaurant open at the same time. Having dedicated space for events will allow us to do both,” said Anna.

“I always say that I’d rather fail with integrity than succeed by doing something that I don’t believe in,” said Anna. Her desire to be part of the fast-paced service industry started at a young age. She can remember being just 10-yearsold and helping to serve her aunt’s friends at house parties. By the time Anna graduated from high school, she knew that she would eventually own a restaurant. It was this passion that fueled her to achieve this goal.

While Anna’s passion for success is driven by being able to support her family, her achievements were recognized and celebrated recently as she was the 2018 recipient of the YWCA Women of Distinction Leadership in Business Award. “Before I started my own restaurant I spent a lot of time trying to make someone else’s vision happen. Now, I’m my own boss and I’m able to take my ideas and turn them into something real. I’m proud that people are becoming familiar with my work ethic and seeing how much I want to be part of this community.” Prairie Firehouse 637 Princess Avenue, Unit 1 | Brandon 204.727.3117 | prairiefirehouse.com anna@prairiefirehouse.com |

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Your Taste, Your Coffee, Your Culture 510 1st Street, Brandon

coffeeculturecafe.com

Red Pear SUMMER SALAD

PHOTO COURTESY OF THECHICSITE

INGREDIENTS SALAD 1 1 ½ ½

bag mixed spring greens red pear, chopped cup pecans cup feta cheese

DRESSING ¼ cup sunflower oil ¼ cup olive oil 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp dijon mustard 2 tbsps shallots, chopped 1 tsp loose mint tea leaves pinch of salt pinch of black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS To make the dressing, combine all of the ingredients in a mason jar and cover tightly with lid. Shake vigorously until well combined. Store in the fridge until ready to use. To make the salad, combine the lettuce, pecans, pear, and feta cheese with a bit of the salad dressing in a large bowl. Toss to fully coat. Serve immediately.

RESTAURANT PROFILE

SHADY LANE TEA ROOM Diane & Doug Willey We invite you to see more about our Tea House which has been operating from over 15 years. We have a large menu selection and homemade soups daily. Don't forget to save room for a piece of home made pie, ice cream, or a piece of our homemade fudge! We have been catering for many years and pride ourselves on great food and professional service to make your event joyful and memorable. We offer full banquet facilities on site and cater to all sizes and venues (up to 200 km radius) for your important day or night. Our Tea House is also home to our Doll Museum, brimming with thousands of dolls, bears, collections, and accessories that countless people have enjoyed visiting over the years. We have collections of items; such as Winnie the Poo, Elvis, Mickey Mouse, and a phenomenal Barbie Collection, just to name just a few. Bears, Bears and more bears! Give us your fur coat and we will transform it into a treasured bear for your or someone special to love. We have completed hundreds of specialized bears for our satisfied customers. We look forward to serving you this year! We operate on seasonal hours so please visit our website at shadylanetearoom.com or call us at 204.728.1245. Join us May 13th, for our Annual Mother's Day Brunch. Please call to make reservations. MINT Westman

Eats & Drinks

Citrus and butter poached shrimp with a pea shoot and mustard aioli, crispy fried capers and sweet pickled onions. The ideal refreshing and tasty dish to enjoy in your backyard or laying near the beach.

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LAMBS WOOL Lambs Wool is a spiced gruit ale, this method combines barley malts and organic juice during the fermentation process to allow for the fruit flavors to come through. The white foam and spiced finish allow for the citrus flavor from the butter poached shrimp to come through. This beer and classic summer appetizer will ignite and delight the senses while paired with a perfect patio day.

LITTLE BROWN JUG 1919 Little Brown Jug 1919 is a Belgian pale ale low on the bitterness scale and tastes of fresh bread and yeast. This savoury flavour compliments the butter and mouthfeel of perfectly cooked shrimp. This balanced beer paired with this timeless summer appetizer will make a sunny summer day well rounded and delectable.

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Custom Cookies for Every Occasion!

Available at

Forbidden Flavours 18th Street, Brandon

TIPS TO ROCK YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY WITH Jamie Willey of STUDIO 78

“We don’t have a choice on whether we DO social media, the question is how well we DO it.” ERIK QUALMAN

Do you have a Facebook page? Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn? Most of us can answer this question quickly. What about your Social Media Plan? Does that question stump you? It’s easy to get your business page up and running, what are the next steps to creating and managing a thriving social media plan?

a calendar until it becomes a habit and then stick to the plan (but be ﬂexible enough to change as needed.) If you’re looking for more help in stepping up your social media, contact Jamie at Studio 78. For your free Content Calendar Template email jamie@studio78.ca.

1. Choose wisely – Position yourself in front of your ideal client. Before you jump into your pages, you need to understand your audience. For some it will be Facebook and Instagram. For others it will be Facebook and Snapchat. When it comes down to it, you need to spend your time wisely on what works for your business. 2. Evaluate – Take a look at what worked and what didn’t work. Audit your platforms, and ask – am I growing? Is this creating positive engagement for my business. 3. Use a content calendar to map out your strategy – this will guide you to think about what type of content to share. It will help you organize your content in a strategic layout that makes sense for your business and engage your audience. As you move along with your plan, don’t be afraid to change direction You may decide to edit your content calendar, or to add or remove social networks. The key is to have a plan – use

Studio 78 studio78.ca jamie@studio78.ca 204.721.1296

Renee Hunt

MINT Westman

Abode

BY JAYDI DINSDALE, BAID TIMBER AND LACE INTERIOR DESIGN 40

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UNDERSTAND WHAT WE DO. We are not architects, yet we are not decorators – the world of interior design lives nestled somewhere in between - borrowing skills and knowledge from both sides. Designers want to make your space look + feel beautiful (decorators), but we also focus greatly on elements such as functionality + the importance of complying with proper codes and regulations (architects) - we bring a happy medium. BRING US IN EARLY. Using an interior designer shouldn’t be an ‘add on’ to your project, ideally, we love being involved from the very beginning. As interior design involves more than just ‘the finishing touches’ we can also provide creative solutions to space planning, cabinetry and lighting design. SEE THE VALUE. Designers have gone through years of education and training to become experts in the field and we are passionate about creating designs our clients love! Consider this, you could cut your own hair… but you will probably achieve much better results visiting a professional salon – the same concept is true with design! COMMUNICATE. Designers love information + knowledge! Not only to do we love learning about new products and trends, but we also love learning about what you need for your home or business. The more we can learn about your space and how you use it, the better we can create solutions and improve functionality! So don’t hold back – let us know and we will create something beautiful, functional and simply ‘you’. TRUST THE PROCESS. Please know that we care so much about our clients and about our projects being successful. Also know that there is a tried and tested process that goes into every new design venture. Give us the time and trust and we will ensure all aspects of the design are looked after – don’t worry, we’ve got this.

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BEFORE

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GOOD PEOPLE DESERVE GREAT SPACES Timber + Lace Interior Design BY BRANDI PARNELL

PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

fter working in the design industry for more than six years, Jaydi Dinsdale decided to go out on her own, a decision motivated by family, more than two years ago. “I started my business when my daughter was one,” she said. “My husband and I had another baby in 2017; it’s been a perfect balance of design and motherhood.” Jaydi said of her growing family and portfolio of clients. “Everyone has been really receptive.”

More of a design generalist, Jaydi has done plenty of renovation work as of late. “Every project I touch is interesting, “ she says. “Especially when it comes to renovations because you have to tie in to what’s staying; you have to adhere to city regulations and neighbours as well as existing plumping, HVAC systems and so on.” The City of Brandon is growing exponentially, which accounts for new builds, but if a new home isn’t in your future, Jaydi recommends, “If you can live through a reno, it can make a huge improvement to not only your house, but also your life.” Choosing to work with a designer is like choosing any other professional; it often comes down to personalities. If you’re in the market to hire a designer, the right match is key. “I’ve always thought it’s nice to live in a beautiful place, but design is all about making your life function better. And because our homes are so personal to each one of us, I love getting to know my clients and figuring how I can help them. This process combines beautiful aesthetics with functionality,” she says. “Many people have a misconception that design and decorating are the same. But that’s not true.” According to Qpractice.com, “Interior design is the art and science of understanding people’s behavior to create functional spaces within a building. Decoration is the furnishing or adorning of a space with fashionable or beautiful things. In short, interior designers may decorate, but decorators do not design.” She goes on, “When I chose the name Timber & Lace Interior Design, I did so because I wanted something that spoke to the structural side of the process as well as the adornment side. A truly successful design considers both.” In the past, a common misconception was that hiring a designer was reserved for a select few. “I don’t think that’s

the case at all,” says Jaydi. “Good design is something that everyone should have. You deserve good spaces that work for you and makes you feel good about where you live.” She continues, “Sometimes even a new coat of paint can brighten your spirits during a cold winter. Swapping out a counter top or adding in new accessories can make you feel amazing.” “What I love most about my profession is that hiring a designer can make life easier. I have clients who tell me what challenges they run into on a regular basis, such as getting out the door in the morning and I come up with creative ways to improve their situation.” If you’re thinking about starting a project, call Jaydi Dinsdale of Timber & Interior Design to see how you can make the most out of your life.

Timber + Lace Interior Design Jaydi Dinsdale, BAID 204.740.0254 timberandlace.com | MINT Westman

3 WAYS Home Sellers Can Attract More Buyers WITH

CENTURY 21 WESTMAN REALTY LTD.

If you’re thinking of selling your home this year, consider these 3 tips to ensure you attract the most attention and get the best price for your home. 1. WHO’S BUYING? Good REALTORS® will be working with a few buyers of their own and will know of others within their oﬃce. Great ones will know many other REALTORS® working with buyers in your area — expanding your listing’s reach exponentially. While buyers do search online, when it comes to signing on the dotted line, they value a professional’s input or may try to take advantage of a solo seller’s inexperience.

You’ll want expert input to negotiate for the best price, professionally market your listing online and oﬄine, and present your home in a way to attract the most buyers. At Century 21 Westman Realty we are always available to answer your home selling and buying questions, contact us anytime!

2. MAKE SURE YOUR HOME IS PRICED PERFECTLY Overpricing a home not only decreases its chance of selling quickly but can stop it from selling at all. Under-pricing a home leaves the seller short-changed. Consult with an expert who knows the local market inside-out and can recognize home buyer trends to get you the best possible price when you sell.

3. WHAT ARE YOUR LOCAL BUYERS LOOKING FOR?

Century 21 Westman Realty Ltd. 2915 Victoria Ave, Brandon 204.725.0555 | text 204.729.8323 realestate@century21westman.com century21westman.com |

What audience is looking for your type of home? What is the best pricing strategy? When is the best time to list?

COMPARABLE SALES

Actual SOLD prices in your area is one of the most important ways to ensure you have priced your home competitively. EDUCATION SESSIONS… KEEPING C21 WESTMAN ON TOP OF WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!

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ADVANTAGES OF Using a Mortgage Broker WITH Sheila Cooper, Mortgage Broker

CENTUM Mortgage Choice

Purchasing a home is typically the biggest investment a person will make in their lifetime. So whether it’s a new purchase, refinance or renewal, I am here to help save you time, money and stress while securing you the best mortgage to fit your needs. Each client is different, which is why our access to lenders both locally and across Canada gives me the opportunity to tailor to your specific needs. •

I work for YOU, not the lender. And as small business owners, word-of-mouth makes or breaks mortgage brokers. Hence we are motivated to act in your best interest.

•

I will work around your schedule which includes evenings and weekends. You and your realtor will never be left with a Friday deadline with no answer!

•

I have access to lenders offering their best rates and products. If you go direct to your bank, you will only be offered products from that financial institution. Mortgage brokers have relationships with several lenders and I am knowledgeable across each lender’s range of products.

•

Our lenders have much lower prepayment penalties should you have to break before the term is up, possibly saving you a substantial sum.

•

Are you Urban or Rural? Are you looking for the cheapest rate? Are you interested in paying off your loan sooner? Are you planning on buying another investment property? I will listen to your financial needs and customize a mortgage tailored to fit your home ownership goals.

•

I’m here to educate you through the mortgage process. I am a resource of information, ensuring my clients know exactly what is happening, every step of the way.

•

I have options for clients with credit issues, those who are self-employed and those who have other nontraditional income.

•

I only need to pull ONE credit report for all of our lenders, allowing me to shop around without aﬀecting your score

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And best of all, my services are free!

Mortgages can be complicated and I will take the time to sit down, explain, and answer all your questions. You’re not just a number, you’re a person with wants and needs and my goal is to help. For one-on-one advice on getting a mortgage, contact me today!

Sheila Cooper CENTUM Mortgage Choice 244 10th St, Brandon, MB C: 204.730.0141 | F: 204.725.1018 www.sheilacooper.ca Sheila_cooper@centum.ca MINT Westman

PHOTO BY BLUEBIRD CREATIVE

BOTTOM LEFT & CENTRE PHOTOS BY REDPHOTOCO

1031 Rosser Avenue, Brandon | Info@frasersneathcoffee.com | frasersneathcoffee.com | info@frasersneathcoffee.com

8 QUESTIONS You Should Ask Your Custom Home Builder WITH MIKE AND COREY PETERS FROM

ALAIR HOMES

When you are planning your custom home or renovation, hiring the right builder is just as important as having the right plan. The experts at Alair Homes Brandon recommend asking the following questions before hiring a custom home builder / renovator. 1. ARE YOU INSURED AND LICENSED?

7. WHEN WILL MY PROJECT BE DONE?

While this may seem obvious, it is also important to know that the builder can legally work in your locale.

Be sure your builder has commitments from all trades & suppliers involved in your project prior to ﬁnalizing your project schedule.

2. DO YOU HAVE REFERENCES? The builder should provide you references that can be contacted and checked. Ask how the projects went and visit them if possible.

3. HOW MANY JOBS ARE YOU WORKING ON? This question will determine how much attention a builder can give to your project. While you want a company that is in demand, you also do not want to be stuck on a waiting list.

4. DO YOU OFFER A WARRANTY?

8. WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR THE FINAL INSPECTION? A quality builder will make sure everything is exactly right before handing over the home to you. There will be multiple inspections during the construction process, and the builder should do a ﬁnal, thorough walkthrough when the job ends. Your custom home or home renovation is a large investment of your time and money. Asking the above questions will help you hire the right builder and ensure you get the house of your dreams.

Find out exactly what is covered and what is not included.

5. WHO IS THE PROJECT MANAGER? A quality builder will provide a project manager, knowing who this person is and how to contact them will reduce stress and keep the job ﬂowing.

Mike & Corey Peters

6. WHAT WILL BE THE FINAL PRICE OF MY PROJECT? You should be conﬁdent in your builders budget numbers prior to commencement of construction. If the builder is not transparent with there budget numbers be cautious to commence construction.

Alair Homes 204.813.6953

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Life & Local Finds

AARON CHECK BY MINT STAFF PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

have been performing music since I was very young, mainly singing in choirs, which eventually lead to my two-year contract with Hoja, an acapella band from Saskatoon. I had always played guitar as a hobby, but after playing for other bands, or being the singer in cover bands, it sort of dawned on me that I needed to get better at the guitar if I ever wanted to play my own stuﬀ.

From there I just decided to start playing and writing. What came out was a blend of folk, blues and classic rock. See, my dad raised me on guys like Clapton and James Taylor, and it’s crazy how those sounds and stories become a part of who you are. It truly feels amazing to be playing songs that really mean something to me...and it’s even more wonderful to share it with people. When I’m not practicing or performing, I teach high school in Strathclair Manitoba, where I have approximately 12 students enrolled in a ‘Guitar and Music Appreciation’ class. Together, they are learning how to play, but we are also learning how to describe and interpret the music that they love. It’s been so rewarding to watch them uncover the beauty of music, while expressing their feelings and emotions with their peers. In the coming months, you can catch me at various locations around the province, and then with some friends (Alex Riel/Bass and Jordan Froese/ Drums) on April 28th at the Prairie Firehouse.

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For more information or full event listings visit www.brandontourism.com

APRIL

6-8

Brandon Home & Leisure Show Keystone Centre

7-8

Westman Games Expo Keystone Centre

13-15

Brandon Toyanda School of Ukrainian Dance Festival Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium

Trivia Night Prairie Firehouse

Aaron Check Prairie Firehouse

MAY

11-13

Brandon Scrapbooking Convention Keystone Centre

Manitoba Day Open House Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum

Cruise Night in Downtown Brandon Rosser Avenue between 6th Street and 13th Street

Treesblood Spring Festival Treesblood Farm

39th Annual Koch YMCA Spring Ru YMCA of Brandon

JUNE

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Country Fair Kirkcaldy Heights School

Music in the Park (also June 12, 19, 26) Princess Park

9 6-10

Red Dress Gala by the Heart & Stroke Foundation The Clarion Manitoba Summer Fair Keystone Centre

Matt Calvert Charity Shootout Wheat City Golf

Illume Night Markets Global Market

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CREATING AN EXCEPTIONAL CAR BUYING EXPERIENCE FOR YOU WITH MURRAY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM WESTMAN

Customer Focused: We have a no pressure, transparent process to make sure our customers are confident and happy with their purchase and with us. We want our customers to be Raving Fans!

5 WAYS WE ARE HERE TO HELP 1. GETTING THE MOST VALUE FOR YOUR TRADE IN We Want Your Trade! We have well trained staff utilizing the best technology in the business to ensure we are paying you fairly for your trade in. We will fully explain our valuation and show you how we came up with the trade value. Also when you trade in your current vehicle for your new one,

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you receive a tax credit for both taxes, PST and GST, on your trade value, which will reduce the amount you will need to finance on your new vehicle. We will also pay out your current vehicle loan and you will only have to finance the net difference between what you owed and what you received for your trade with your new purchase. With a vehicle trade in, we do it all for you. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to advertise the vehicle, deal with strangers, make appointments, negotiate a price, make sure all paperwork is correct, have safety completed, clean vehicle entirely, and

DID YOU KNOW? Booking an appointment for a test drive can prepare the dealership to have your potential new vehicle ready for you, saving you time! Having a list of questions ready will make sure that you know all there is to know about your potential purchase.

hope nothing goes wrong after the sale. All you have to do is show up, agree to a trade-in price and the dealer takes care of the rest.

2. FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AVAILABLE ON SITE We deal with 12 Major Banks and Credit Unions directly from our dealership for all your vehicle financing needs. Dealing with multiple banks gives us the opportunity to shop for the best interest rate possible for every customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. We can utilize the bank you deal with regularly or show you what is available across the board. There is no extra cost on the customers end to have us set up their vehicle financing needs. We have professional Finance Managers on site that will confidentially collect the information needed in order to work on the best approval possible for each individual.

3. VEHICLE INSURANCE/REGISTRATION DIRECTLY ON SITE To make things easy we have a local insurance institution right on site. Getting insurance on your vehicle is just a few steps away.

4. WE ARE HERE FOR THE ENTIRE OWNERSHIP PROCESS/ SERVICING WHAT WE SELL We have certified, licensed technicians to fully service and maintain your vehicle in top condition to help you enjoy your ownership experience.

5) OUR EMPLOYEES ARE YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS IN YOUR COMMUNITY We employ people who are involved in our local community and care about the community around them. Understanding and supporting our friends, neighbors, and community members has always been and always will be a top priority for all of us at Murray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Westman. Being a part of the local community that we deal with on a day to day basis, has to be a focus of any local business.

Murray Chrysler 1550 Richmond ave, Brandon 1.877.463.7450 | 204.727.0531 murraychryslerwestman.com

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BRING VITAL BACK TO REVITALIZATION BY BRANDI PARNELL PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78 & BLUEBIRD CREATIVE

he Brandon Downtown Development Corporation (BDDC) is a non-profit organization mandated to drive revitalization of downtown Brandon by identifying and encouraging investment and redevelopment opportunities in the city’s core. Funded by the City of Brandon and Province of Manitoba, the BDDC uses incentive programs to leverage private sector investment in downtown. At the root of it, the development corporation helps bring to fruition redevelopment projects that may not otherwise have been feasible.

Ed McMahon said, “It’s really kind of hard to be a suburb of nothing. If you don’t have a downtown, you really don’t have anything.” That desire to create a lively city centre is a passion for executive director Elisabeth Saftiuk. Since moving to Brandon from Winnipeg three years ago, she has worked to build relationships with downtown stakeholders and to help them accomplish their goals. Saftiuk’s vision for downtown is catching on and shared by a cohort of savvy developers and business owners alike. Within the last few years, the BDDC has provided funding for several downtown projects, including the redevelopment of the former Central Fire Station. This property has been beautifully restored and is now home to Prairie Firehouse Restaurant, whose food and atmosphere draw in diners at all times of the day, particularly evenings and weekends. This kind of activity outside of traditional business hours is critically important in realizing our vision of a dynamic downtown. Another significant enhancement to downtown was the addition of Pirouette Activewear, an established dance, skate and swimwear retail business that relocated into the downtown, in 2016. “This property had been neglected for some time and with the help ELISABETH SAFTIUK

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of a Redevelopment Grant, the property owner was able to transform the space, which also helped to improve the streetscape along this stretch of 10th Street.” “We have a unique collection of heritage buildings in downtown Brandon, which is a tremendous asset to our city. They create a visual representation of our community’s heritage and serve as a physical expression of our history.” Prairie Lofts, an 8-unit residential development project, is a prime example of such an undertaking. “Located above Ten Thousand Villages and Innomar Clinics on Rosser Avenue, this upper-story conversion completely transformed formerly vacant space into high-end loftstyle rental apartments. The developers had a keen eye for detail and took care to ensure they maintained the historic integrity of the space, which included the installation of custom windows that pay homage to the past.” The BDDC provided a Redevelopment Grant to assist the property owners with the preservation and adaptive re-use of the space. In The Death and Life of Great American Cities, Jane Jacobs said, “You can’t rely on bringing people downtown, you have to put them there.”

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“I interpret this famous urbanist’s theory in two ways. We need people living downtown who will demand services, but we also need to give the public a reason to come downtown.” To that end, residential development projects have been and continue to be an important focus for the development corporation. “Drawing a critical mass of residents downtown drives revitalization because it is precisely this critical massing of people who demand services and that attract amenities. Appealing new housing with street-level cafes and shops breathes new life into downtowns.” From large-scale renovation projects to offering rent assistance, the BDDC has been an important support in assisting business owners not only get started in downtown, but to thrive. Their Rent Abatement Program provides funding directly to business owners to help subsidize lease payments, to help make it even more desirable to locate downtown. “Since 2015 we have supported 10 businesses through this program, including Tour Indoor Cycling, Chez Angela Bakery & Café and Muse Boutique & Bridal Studio.” “Over the past few years, we have witnessed the early stages of a revival in our downtown, which has included the preservation and adaptive re-use of several neglected character properties. We have provided funding to help bring these properties back to life and we have helped business owners establish themselves and thrive in our city’s core. What is perhaps most exciting is that we’re just getting started.” “If you are a new or existing business owner looking for space in downtown, we would like to work with you. If you are an existing property owner interested in a redevelopment project, please connect with us. If you are an entrepreneur wishing to build new or redevelop in downtown Brandon, we’d like to help.” For more information on the Brandon Downtown Development Corporation and to learn about the exciting things happening in downtown, please visit brandondowntowndevelopment.ca or call their office today.

Brandon Downtown Development Corporation 410-9th Street, Brandon 204.720.0342 | brandondowntowndevelopment.ca downtowndevelopment@brandon.ca 56

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KNOW YOUR WEALTH CONNECTION FORMULA WITH

NATIONAL BEST FINANCIAL NETWORK

There is a connection between all aspects of your personal, family, and financial life. If you are a business owner, the connection extends to your business activities as well. A strategic formula exists that can build and help sustain these important connections. We call it:

THE WEALTH CONNECTION FORMULA The formula can work for anyone. For the wealthy, the strategies help them retain their wealth and pass it on to the next generation without losing money to taxation and probate. For those building their wealth, the formula can help them establish a plan and stay on track. We don’t all require the same formula, but the concepts and strategies are available and could be beneﬁcial to everyone. There are many wealth building strategies that most people are not aware of: •

paying your mortgage down faster than with traditional methods

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To discuss the Wealth Connection Formula that ﬁts your needs call us today at 204-728-0500.

National Best Financial Network 1114 Rosser Ave, Brandon 204.728.0500 | nbbn.ca | KEITH & SHIRLEY SCOTT, SUSAN NELSON & ROD NELSON MINT Westman

PROTECTING YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET And Enjoying the View! WITH

CARLA HEBNER, CAIB OF GUILD/HMS INSURANCE GROUP INC.

At Guild HMS, we take a panoramic view of your entire life and business to ensure we have you properly covered. When you have the right products at the right price, you can take the time to appreciate lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moments and Enjoy the View! As an insurance broker, we work for you, not the insurance company, to make sure your life is properly protected by providing choice, advice, flexibility and knowledge. It is crucial that you have your home adequately insured. Ask us how we can help you Enjoy the View today.

INSURANCE IS COMPLICATED; THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WHY WE ARE HERE FOR YOU! Your home is probably your most valuable asset. When we least expect it, it all could be gone. Home insurance will help you pick up the pieces. For example, if your home was damaged or destroyed in a fire, the policy would kick in to help you rebuild or repair the home. It would also pay for the replacement of possessions in the house damaged by the fire, such as furniture, appliances, and electronics. Home insurance can also provide liability coverage. If you were negligent, you could be sued. An example could be if a guest in your home slips on

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the kitchen floor and breaks his arm, he could sue you for liability. Since home insurance policies include personal liability, your policy would help cover legal costs, medical costs, or settlement expenses.

Keep in mind, if you are doing renovations or upgrades to your home, you should advise your Insurance Broker to see if adjustments are required to your policy.

As with other types of insurance, your home insurance coverage comes with a deductible. The deductible represents your out-of-pocket expenses, which can vary from one policy to the next. Policies with higher deductibles generally have lower premiums.

Guild/HMS Insurance Group Inc. 2830 Victoria Avenue & Shoppers Mall Brandon 204.729.4949 Other location in Wawanesa, Virden, Carberry & Shilo guildhmsinsurance.ca

WHICH FACTORS CAN AFFECT HOME INSURANCE PREMIUMS? There are a range of other factors that can impact the cost of your home insurance policy. These include the location of your home, age of its components such as the roof, plumbing and wiring, and security and protection. If you’ve bought a house already, you can’t very well move it to a less dangerous location. However, you can replace pipes, plumbing, roofing, security systems, or fire alarms to reduce your property’s risk profile.

Carla Hebner

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MAKING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS BY BRANDI PARNELL

PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

or many of us, our careers play a significant role in defining who we are to the world. Often our workplace forms a community of friends and colleagues, mentors and teachers; it gives us a place to rise to the occasion, a chance to shine.

However, for others, even just the mention of work can evoke negative feelings. Fear for example can be impeding when it comes to seeking out or applying for a new job. But it doesn’t have to be. A true passion of hers, Tracy Williams, executive director at Career Connections has been working in the supported employment field for more than a decade. “We assist individuals with barriers to finding employment; from a physical hurdle such as hearing or vision impairment to mental health issues and everything in between, we help them gain competitive employment within this community.” 60

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Spencer Day, a partner at Progressive Westman in Brandon is new to the Career Connections program and had this to say about one of their team members,

“Brenden has been an amazing addition to our team here at Progressive. He always shows up with a positive attitude and is always ready to work. Our partnership with Career Connections has been nothing but beneficial. It is a first-class organization that is really making a difference in the lives of its members, and the business community.”

Fortunate to have a rewarding occupation herself, Williams and her team at Career Connections provide a full vocational assessment to help determine a person’s interests as well as strengths and abilities. “For everyone from those who have never worked before to those who need help retaining employment, we’re here to help.” Career Connections helps with resume writing, interview prep as well as assistance with the job search, on-the-job training and even post- employment follow-up coaching. “I’m very passionate about helping people gain meaningful employment. Not only does everyone deserve rewarding work, but inclusion and diversity in the work force helps us all,” she says. DO YOU OWN A BUSINESS? Consider utilizing Career Connections’ free service to help you find the right employee for your business. Diversity and inclusion in the workforce impacts more than just your employees. It’s a great way to share your values with your customers and can provide an incredible return on investment.

“This isn’t a charity,” Williams explains. “Don’t give someone a job because you feel it’s the right thing to do. This is real work for real pay. Give someone a job because they are the best candidates for that role. People with mental or physical disabilities typically have better attendance. They generally give 110 percent to their job and contribute to a better rate of punctuality, employee morale, teamwork and safety in the workplace.” “I believe everyone deserves the right to work in a job they enjoy and get a fair and equitable pay check.” From physical labour jobs, sales and customer support, the options are endless. And, because all of the services Career Connections offer are free of charge, the only thing you have to lose is time you could have spent working with an expert. To meet your next employee, call or stop by Career Connections today. Career Connections Inc. 710 3rd St, Brandon 204.728.9594 | cciwestman.ca executivedirector@cciwestman.ca

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IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW VEHICLE? Have you considered leasing? WITH

MURRAY CHEVROLET CADILLAC BUICK GMC

WHAT IS LEASING? The best way to describe leasing would be to say that leasing is simply an alternative way to own a vehicle. Another way to think of it is it allows you to pay for only the portion of the vehicle that you use and not the entire vehicle at once. This may be a shorter- term, low risk option to consider. If you love the vehicle and ultimately decide to purchase the vehicle, you can do so at the end of the lease term for a pre-determined amount.

WHAT DO YOU PAY FOR IN THE LEASE? You will pay for the expected monthly depreciation, plus a lease charge, bringing you to your total monthly lease payment. Often manufactures will offer extra incentives and better interest rates to customers that lease a vehicle. Many times your monthly lease payment may be lower than payments you make when financing your vehicle.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF LEASING? One benefit is that you pay for expected depreciation only, and are protected from any unexpected depreciation. Another benefit is the tax saving component, as you only pay tax on your monthly payment, and not the full purchase price.

OTHER POTENTIAL BENEFITS ARE:

WARREN MURRAY, SALES MANAGER

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• • • • • •

Options, not obligations Drive a new vehicle more often Lower cost of ownership Guaranteed future value Avoid negative equity No trade in hassles

•

GAP coverage included

•

Equity can carry forward

We talked about depreciation. What is the difference between expected and unexpected depreciation?

EXPECTED DEPRECIATION This takes into account the length of the lease, the km’s that you drive, and any normal wear and tear from typical everyday use. The length of lease terms are generally the same time frame as your warranty, therefore your out of pocket expenses for repairs are virtually non-existent. At Murray’s, your vehicle’s oil changes are covered for 2 – 4 years depending on the model. Many times in leasing all you need to look after is the fuel for your vehicle.

are less fuel eﬃcient. An over supply of models can also drive prices down. The biggest unexpected depreciation factor is accidents, that can leave a black mark on the vehicle’s history. With leasing you never have to worry about unexpected depreciation. There are many benefits associated with leasing a vehicle. Although leasing may be done for almost any term or mileage, if you drive average kilometers (24,000 per year or less) then leasing may be an attractive alternative to purchasing a vehicle. If you are curious what leasing can do for you, please drop in and talk to one of our sales and leasing experts at Murray Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC.

UNEXPECTED DEPRECIATION As new models are released yearly, the technology available advances as well. The older models will then lose some of their value as they are no longer have the most current options. An unstable economy can also affect the value of vehicles. Rising fuels costs may affect the resale value of vehicles that

Murray Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC 1500 Richmond Ave, Brandon 204.728.0130 murraychevbrandon.com

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BY CATHY SNELGROVE PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

athy Snelgrove and Jeff Roziere own Siere, a company dedicated to assisting small business owners to get more out of their business. “We say “more”, because some owners are looking to make more money, but then there are other who simply want to have more time with family, doing the things they love”, explains Jeff. “We help them define a road map to ensure their business is working for them, rather than the other way around.”

The dream of any small business owner is to make a lot of money, to have more freedom and to deliver a superior product or service, that keeps customers coming back for more. It sounds simple enough, but if you were to ask most small business owners, it is a whole lot tougher than it sounds.

Siere started just over ten years ago and today, has five employees with clients all over south western Manitoba and into the United States. Siere provides advisory services and workshops, geared at helping to build the skills of small business owners. “Most start their business, with an incredible amount of knowledge in the technical areas of their business. They are great bookkeepers, carpenters or experts in ag equipment or oil field servicing, for example, but fail to recognize it takes different skills to run a business.”, says Cathy. “The hit and miss approach, many

SIERE HELPS YOU GET ‘MORE’ OUT OF YOUR BUSINESS

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choose to take in learning this, can be painful both financially and personally.” Siere’s advisory services seek to create a partnership with their clients. “We initially enter into an engagement, ranging anywhere between six months and a year, focused around achieving a specific outcome.”, says Jeff. “Once complete, we discuss the next steps. In some cases, we may immediately enter into another outcome-based engagement, look at monitoring, or it could be the business owner needs to take the reins, for a bit, on their own. It needs to make sense to everyone involved, because business is about creating value.” Jeff and Cathy are proud of the fact that some clients who have been with them for years, while others continue to come back, time and time again, to take their businesses to the next level. Cathy explains, “Most potential clients, want to know what we are going to “do” in their business, as if there is one simple solution. We are about driving to an outcome and our philosophy is that our services, should basically

pay for themselves, through the improvements made in the business.” Jeff added, “We know what we are good at and don’t pretend to be something we are not. Once a client starts seeing results they no longer question what we do” Siere was started with this idea of helping small business owners be more success and over the past ten years, Jeff and Cathy have come to understand the impact they have on their clients. “What we do, isn’t about creating the next Apple, or Tesla. It is about helping to ensure a business owner can pay themselves fairly. It is about ensuring that there is an exit plan, so one day they can retire. It is about being able to take a vacation. Business owners start their business with a dream and we are about helping to ensure they have the opportunity to realize it

Siere 117 10th Street, Brandon 204.571.6923 siere.ca |

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Feather Approx 4” x 17”

Manitoba

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Sunburst Approx 16” x 16”

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Tree

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Iron Age Welding is a home based welding shop operated by Rick and Michelle Cop. We offer custom fabrication, repairs and mobile welding. We can hand craft house numbers, custom signs, fire pits, wall décor, horseshoe décor, furniture and so much more! Select items available for purchase at: Cowtown (Brandon) Inspire Studio (Minnedosa) Lagasse’s Studio (Souris) The Station (Boissevain)

IRON AGE WELDING 204-724-4263 (Rick) 204-728-8365 (Michelle) www.ironagewelding.com

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CREATING A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO STRATEGICALLY WORK TOGETHER. The Rourke Group is an advisory service focused on companies in their expanding stage of growth. Our purpose is to help these growing businesses with developing strategic business plans as well as implementing technologies such as software, policies, and operational processes while maintaining low operational costs and increasing margins. Offices located in Southern Manitoba and the Okanagan, Southern Interior, BC •

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