Profiles of Excellence - New Westminster by New West Record

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE NEW WESTMINSTER â&#x20AC;¢ 2017

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PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE

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elcome to our fifth edition of the New Westminster Profiles of Excellence, a very special annual publication of The Record.

The men and women profiled in the following pages come from a wide variety of backgrounds, education, experience and expertise, but they all share something in common: a commitment to excellence that is second to none. Their dedication and passion in both professional and personal endeavours have bred success on all levels, making them leaders not just in their respective fields but in the community as well. The awards and recognition these business and community leaders have earned are evidence of the truest hallmark of success: the loyalty and respect of customers, and a reputation here in New Westminster and beyond. We have collected their stories here to share a taste of what they do and why they do it, and most of all, to recognize their commitment to excellence. We are excited to give our readers a glimpse into the lives of these entrepreneurs and professionals, who call New Westminster their home.

BUSINESS PROFILES n City of New Westminster n Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation n ReThink Real Estate Group n Oxygen Yoga & Fitness n New West Dentureworks Inc. n Nurse Next Door n Bunches & Blooms Floral n Queens Hotel n Columbia Square Law Office n Anvil Centre

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lara Graham, Publisher, New Westminster Record sponsored content

CONTRIBUTORS I

Writer: Christina Myers I Design & Production: Gary Slavin I Photography: Lisa King & Kevin Hill

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE Intelligent New West

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It’s an exciting time to be in New Westminster. – Mayor Jonathon Coté

districts and many of the city’s multi-unit residential buildings, creating a solid foundation for future development and unique “smart” technology innovation. Coté notes that there are seven key focus areas under the Intelligent New West program: intelligent mobility, intelligent environment, intelligent community, intelligent economy, intelligent living, open government and infrastructure. While the terms may sound ambiguous to someone new to the concepts, they have highly specific and targeted meanings: intelligent environment, for example, includes using computing technology for achieving goals around waste, water and air quality; intelligent

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he Royal City has always symbolized the best of both worlds: the past and the present coming together in a community that is equal parts small town and big city. But there’s a new dimension to New Westminster that places it firmly in the future. Intelligent New West is a multi-faceted initiative that is not just preparing the city for the world of tomorrow but leading the way as a progressive example to other communities around the globe. It’s a process that is both inspiring and exciting, says Mayor Jonathon Coté, and one driven by the desire to ensure a solid economic future for the community. “The city has changed so much over the last few decades. The traditional industries that were part of this area in many cases simply aren’t here any more. So that really forces you to to look at the future of the economy, not just here but throughout the region and the world,” he said. “And looking at that question brings you to a host of other related issues in access to technology.” In other words: how do you make the city connected so that businesses, education, civic activities and – most importantly – the people who live here, can not just be ready for the future but thrive in the process, too? The answer has been the Intelligent New West initiative – and it’s already begun to garner world-wide attention. “We were incredibly proud particularly as a city the size of New L to R: Alvin Chok, Chief Information West – to be named one of Officer; Jonathan X. Coté, Mayor; the Smart21 Bill Harper, Councillor and co-chair, Communities Intelligent City Advisory Committee; of 2017,” said Mike Hrybyk, community member Coté. “To be and co-chair, Intelligent City Advisory recognized Committee and Patricia Jecks, on an Intelligent City Project Coordinator international scale, out of more than 400 communities across the globe, was a tremendous honour and validated the work we’re doing here.” The Smart21 program, under the wing of the New York-based Intelligent Community Forum, helps to study and promote best practices in intelligent communities as they work with and explore opportunities presented by information and communications technology. One of the primary pieces of building for the future under this iniative has been the development of BridgeNet, a high-speed fibre network stretching from one end of the city to the other. It connects commercial

mobility includes using tech and data to connect people and places through various transports. “New Westminster will always be a community that places high value on its heritage and its past, but I think this program is something that compliments that by embracing the reality that we are an increasingly urban community where people and businesses can thrive and put down roots,” said Coté. “We’re really bridging the best of the past and the future, and taking a leadership role in that – this is a chance for New Westminster to be progressive and inclusive and forward thinking,” he added. “It’s an exciting time to be in New Westminster.” sponsored content

511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster I 604.521.3711 I www.newwestcity.ca/intelligentnw

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation

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It’s really where my heart is. – Doug Eveneshen

been our multi-purpose interventional suite,” he notes. “Literally from day one, it’s been saving more lives, improving treatments, making it easier for the doctors and nurses and staff to help people. It’s an astounding facility.” But there’s always more to do – and right now, the foundation is focused squarely on the next big project: a major redevelopment of the hospital campus. “This is going to be a $1.3 billion redevelopment, and the largest in western Canadian history,” he notes. “And we’ve committed to raise tens of millions of dollars towards that over the next ten years.” That means being more creative, more

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or many, the hospital is a place to visit only when necessary – and even then, for as limited a time as possible. For Doug Eveneshen, the opposite is true. Eveneshen is the chair of the board at the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, and it’s a role he treasures not just for the chance it provides him to give back to the community but also for the insight it allows into the impact the hospital has on countless lives. “I am here every week, sometimes every single day and I love it,” he said. “You walk through the halls here and there’s so much emotion. You see hope and happiness, you see people receiving support through their despair and sadness, you see people being encouraged, a helping hand offered in tough times, and celebration in happy times. Seeing all that, being part of people’s lives in that way, is impossible in any other role.” Eveneshen, a CEO with a credit union, says his volunteer work with the foundation has been rewarding since he first got involved five years ago. “I am thrilled that I can help people, from being able to lead the foundation’s efforts (in fundraising) but also just those day-to-day interactions Doug Eveneshen of talking to people in the hospital,” he said. “It’s really where my heart is.” And a good place for a heart to be: the hospital serves as an acute care facility for not just the local area but the entire province. Royal Columbian is the only hospital in BC with cardiac, trauma, neurosciences, high-risk maternity and neonatal intensive care on one site. In other words, the most seriously ill and injured patients from across the province come to RCH for care. RCH is the province’s busiest cardiac care centre, notes Eveneshen, and the neonatal intensive care unit is considered the most successful in terms of survival rates in all of Canada for more than a decade now. “Those are just a few of the statistics, but there are countless more amazing stories and details like that here,” he said. Much of the foundation’s work in recent years has been to provide funding for critical, cutting-edge technology. “One of those projects, really ground-breaking, has

innovative, and more dedicated than ever before – and bringing more talent and passion into the mix. “Our CEO Jeff Norris is bright, he’s amazing, and I really believe he can help get us there – and we’re also looking at the board, and our team, and building on that solid foundation we have now and bringing in some new people to grow with us,” he said. It’s a transformational time to be part of the hospital foundation, Eveneshen said, and he wouldn’t trade it for anything. “This hospital is in my blood now, and I can’t wait to see where we go.” sponsored content

330 East Columbia Street, New Westminster I 604.520.4438 I www.rchfoundation.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE ReThink Real Estate Group

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You do the right thing, for your team, for your clients, for your community. – Darcy Schlechtleitner

the last 15 years, she says the future has never looked better for the community. “New Westminster is this year’s ‘It Kid’. … It is amazing to see our city basking in the sun,” she said, noting the progress, growth and change in this area in recent years. “We are becoming a world-class city and I’m not even sure if people fully realize it. This is a special time.” That means a hot real estate market, which is great for business, but for Darcy it’s also an opportunity to be part of that change – and to also preserve the best aspects of the city. “People love this city for so many reasons – small town feeling, it has that heritage, it’s

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ood things come to those who wait – or so the old saying goes. But at Rethink Real Estate Group, “waiting” isn’t really in the vocabulary: for this New Westminster-based team, good things come to those who have a vision for the future, a passion to achieve it, and a work ethic that just won’t quit – and enough fearlessness to take a leap into the unknown. Darcy Schlechtleitner leads the team at ReThink, whose mold-breaking approach to the real estate industry has garnered them not just incredible growth as a business, but also a sterling reputation in the industry. Those are great achievements, says Darcy, but more important is what their efforts mean to each and every client – which has always been, and always will be, the light by which they guide their evolution. “We have one core value: Do the right thing for the client,” she said. “I obsess about how to maintain absolute service and integrity in all that we do as we grow.” It’s an approach that has worked well, to say the least. After several years as a division under the banner of a larger real estate organization, 2017 brought yet more change for the local business. “We quietly opened ReThink Real Darcy Schlechtleitner Estate Group this year: a boutique brokerage of a few like-minded souls who work as a collective making the overall experience unparalleled in service, sale prices, creativity and knowledge,” she said. “We also have three divisions now: ReThink Home, ReThink Stage, and ReThink Land.” These three divisions cover, respectively: house/ condo buy and sell, staging for listings, and finally land assembly, parcelling, OCP specialists and developer/ homeowner liaison. It’s a natural next step for an organization that grew out of Darcy’s desire to reconsider the traditional approaches to real estate, and find new ways to serve her clients at every step of the process. “I want my customers to feel absolute contentment on all levels. I want them to know ‘we made top dollar, ReThink did more, and we picked the right team,’” she said. There’s no other place she’d want to be than the Royal City, personally or professionally. As a resident for

progressive and modern but also traditional. It’s a real utopia, a bubble,” she said. “You still kind of get to know everyone in a city like this.” Giving back to the community continues to be a priority for her and her team, be it through local homeless initiatives or other volunteer efforts. At the same time, she is fiercely loyal and protective of her work “family” and about balancing work and life. “It’s not all about the money for me,” she said. “It’s about an abundant life: you do the right thing, for your team, for your clients, for your community.” sponsored content

106 - 631 Columbia Street, New Westminster I 604.783.1250 I www.teamrethink.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE Oxygen Yoga and Fitness

community within a community – that’s what Oxygen Yoga and Fitness has created in their Columbia Street location since opening four years ago. Oxygen has fast become a favourite home-base for yoga and fitness enthusiasts of all ages in the Royal City, which itself has a special place in the hearts and lives of its owners. “That whole notion of community and what that means has always been important to us, but it really comes together here (in Oxygen) in such a unique way,” said Kelly Ranford. Ranford and Oxygen partner Faith Wiens opened the doors in January 2014 under the umbrella of the New Westminster-based Stonewater Group. Stonewater is an award-winning restaurant group that is owned by the Ranfords and the Flintoffs, local friends with long established roots in the Royal City. When Wiens – who has been with Stonewater for over 18 years and serves as controller for the organization – told them about her experience with an Oxygen Yoga in another community, they were quick to agree with her

assessment on the potential of a local franchise. The decision has paid off in spades: their two studios have a bustling schedule that continues to grow and expand. “It has absolutely become this incredible community. People enjoy being here, it’s such a happy comfortable place to be,” said Ranford. “What we’ve built here is very special.” Ranford notes the studio is unique in the breadth of its offerings: from traditional yoga practice, to more cardio-based yoga fusion classes with dance, boxing moves and more. “We really pay attention to what members are showing up for, what’s popular, what are they asking about, what’s going on out there in the wider yoga world, what’s best for our bodies, the latest concepts, and then really morphing our classes to fit those needs. Even the same person might need different things at

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It has become this incredible community …what we’ve built here is very special. – Kelly Ranford

different times and we can give them those options.” On top of that, the studio offers yoga teacher training and a variety of workshops. “We have this really interesting range. We might have a weekend workshop on yoga as a coping strategy, and then we have the Naked Truth yoga teacher training. We have yoga instructors coming from all over to our studio to do training and I think that really is a testament to what Faith created in our particular franchise that we have the best of the best coming here.” Ranford is herself an instructor, on top of her primary role as an educator and counsellor with the New Westminster school district.

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L to R: Tristan Ranford, Yoga Instructor; Kelly Ranford, Co-Owner of Oxygen,Yoga Instructor, Ohana Wellness and Yoga, Counselling Psychologist; Hannah Bernoe, Student at Oxygen

“It’s a wonderful combination with my career, this ability to use yoga for anxiety and stress in counselling. We’ve been able to bring students into the studio – and every single one who has come has just loved it,” she said. Being able to not just build community but give back to the wider community as well has always been a primary focus for Stonewater. “We grew up here doing sports and feeling supported in the community and now my own kids are doing the same and we want everyone’s kids to feel that way so a lot of our community giving is focused on youth and sport,” she said. “This city is very important to us.” sponsored content

105 - 1065 Columbia Street, New Westminster I 778.870.8262 I www.oxygentraining.ca/new-westminster-location

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE New West Dentureworks Inc.

ince completing an extensive trade program at the age of 19, followed up with an 18-month apprenticeship with a dedicated and highly talented mentor, Denturist Quan Gifford, R.D. (Denturist) has been driven to provide the very best in dentures and advanced procedures. With more than 18 years of experience, she is still passionate about patient education and believes a big part of her job is to educate patients about their dentures so that they can make well-informed decisions. “Being upfront, honest and more importantly kind, while providing high standards in quality of materials and products is what drives us,” says Quan. “For me, service is also about being there for your patients without any added charges for extra time spent.” Since being licensed in 2000, Quan has ensured that each patient achieves their desired result. Whether a patient’s dentures are for purely cosmetic reasons or for optimizing full dental function, the clinic offers full removable denture and permanent denture solutions. Working closely with some of the Lower Mainland’s top dental professionals and specialists, the clinic delivers a comfortable, relaxed and enjoyable experience. Her denture clinic offers the latest state-of-the-art dental office and specializes in the fabrication of removable dentures, partial dentures or complete

dentures, refitting and immediate repairs pertaining to dentures. Rest assured that Quan can bring back a smile to those who have lost their confidence because of problems with their dentures. In addition, it is equipped with an in-house lab where everything, from start to finish, is being quality controlled by her. This allows for a more thorough job and helps eliminate potential difficulties. Quan believes the key to the practice’s success is a combination of knowledgeable, friendly, caring, empathetic, highly skilled team of professional support staff. She strives to provide her clients with the very best denture services available. She does that by looking for new ways to improve her techniques and knowledge in the field of denturism in order to stay current with the latest technologies and products. “I attend continued education on a yearly basis with various seminars and or hands on participation with new trends,” she adds. It’s an approach that has paid off: their reputation draws satisfied customers from every

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I’m very involved with the young children in our community – Quan Gifford, R.D.

part of the Lower Mainland, in particular from neighbouring Burnaby and the Tri-Cities area. Quan is also paying it forward. Having had a truly talented and wonderful mentor, this dynamic professional provides a learning environment for young entrepreneurs by opening her doors to mentor and inspire. Furthermore, Quan is deeply committed to the community which has supported her over the years. “I’m very involved with the young children in our community,” she says. “I volunteer many hours at schools and have been involved with fundraising with various sports teams in our community. In addition, I provide

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(L) Denturist Quan Gifford with staff

pro bono cases for the patients struggling financially in our community once a year.” New West Dentureworks Inc. presents donations to many local public schools and churches on a regular basis. For those aspiring to enter the field, Quan says: “My advice to young people is to be honest and kind, everything is reflective in how you treat others, whether in business or in life. Moreover, keep good lines of communication open between you, your patients as well as other dental professionals.” Discover how Quan and her professional team can help give you that smile you dream of. sponsored content

270 - 522 Seventh Street, New Westminster I 604.553.1222 I www.newwestdentureworks.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE Nurse Next Door

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Wendy brings a wealth of experience with 45 years in the healthcare field.

found her passion in making a difference in the lives of clients and families who were experiencing difficulty in navigating the complex health care system. Susan graduated from BCIT with a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology and has a certificate in Applied Project Management from Langara College. Like Wendy, she considers herself a lifelong learner, and continuously seeks out learning opportunities in the business and technical fields in order to ensure best practices in the franchise operations arena. After working in the lab clinical field, Susan decided to embark on a career in the lab related field of instrumentation. This decision

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t’s a family affair – and a calling of compassion – for the co-owners of the local Nurse Next Door home care services. Wendy J. Scott and sister-in-law Susan Scott came together to offer a wide range of oneon-one home care services under the Nurse Next Door banner in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities. Headquartered with offices in the Royal City, the local office has customers of all ages, needs and requirements in the surrounding region – and their reputation has been growing by leaps and bounds. They have won a number of awards including New Westminster Record’s Readers’ Choice Award, Burnaby NOW’s Best of Burnaby Award for Best In-Home Care, a first-place win in the Favourite Home Health Services three years in a row for A-List New Westminster, and have been included in the 50 over 50 National Awards, and nominated for the 2017 Business of the Year by the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce. Considering the breadth and depth of experience both women bring from their backgrounds in health care and related fields, it’s perhaps no surprise that they’ve garnered so much recognition as they continue to grow their business. Wendy came to the business with first-hand knowledge of the benefits of home nursing care thanks to a lifelong career in healthcare. Susan’s entry into the world of home care services came from the personal experience of Wendy Scott (left) and Susan Scott struggling to (right), Co-Owners find reliable and respectful care for her ill mother. Having heard similar stories from other people, she knew that there was a growing need for the services that could be offered with Nurse Next Door. Wendy brings a wealth of experience with 45 years in the healthcare field. Her background includes roles in clinical and management/ leadership, coronary care, intensive care, emergency, and interventional cardiology. A lifetime learner, Wendy completed her diploma and baccalaureate degree in nursing and is a graduate of the master’s program in leadership and training from Royal Roads University. She has also completed the Advanced Project Management Program from Langara College and the Canadian Legal Nurse Consulting program. She is also a certified dementia practitioner. Susan too brings 45 years of experience with her to Nurse Next Door, coming from a background in the laboratory technology field and case management software, sales and marketing, project management, and customer service and support. Susan says she

led to experiences working with hospital and private labs involving sales, marketing, installation of equipment and applications support. After the lab, she went to support and sell case management software for cancer patients in Canada, the US and internationally. Both Wendy and Susan say that they are focused on driving and building the strong Nurse Next Door brand in the local area. With the ability to keep close attention on the New Westminster, Burnaby and Tri-Cities communities, the pair say that families here can be confident they are receiving the best in home care services for seniors and others in need. sponsored content

209 - 88 Tenth Street, New Westminster I 604.522.9989 I www.nursenextdoor.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE Bunches & Blooms Floral

reating the perfect floral arrangement requires a delicate balance of art and science – understanding the visual as much as the organic – but also insight into what a customer wants and needs. Translating that talent into a successful business requires a dedication to excellence, a wealth of experience and a desire to provide customers with the best. Luckily, that’s a mix of skills, focus and knowledge that Robin Schafer has in spades – and the success of his store, Bunches & Blooms Floral, is living proof of it. The company has moved into bigger digs in River Market not once but twice to keep pace with growing demand and earned numerous awards in the local business community, all in just four years since it first opened its doors. “We have a passion for design and flowers and it shows in our products,” he said. “No cookie cutter designs here; unusual flowers and products are the norm.” They’ve earned a reputation for being able to provide unique and creative custom designs – all backed with extensive industry experience and top-notch customer service – for individual clients but also for commercial projects and large-scale events.

It’s a very different experience than picking up a quick bouquet at a big box store or in the grocery store, says Schafer. “We’re adaptable to individual requirements,” he said. “Creating custom products tailored to individual clients is the norm.” It’s an approach that continues to pay off, as the store’s reputation and brand grows. “Our success is proof that people are looking for options when it comes to floral products,” he added. And meeting customer needs is a never-ending evolution. Schafer opened the shop armed with more than three decades of experience, but he continues to learn and innovate to offer his customers new choices – and to keep his business thriving. “From the beginning of my career I took an immediate interest in design, but it was the process of business that fascinated me,” he said. That passion helped him as he worked his way up from assistant to senior designer for a number of companies and eventually into his solo venture in Bunches & Blooms

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We have a passion for design and flowers and it shows in our products. – Robin Schafer

Floral. “We’re always presenting new design trends and products with our own creative interpretations. … I am always looking for new products and ideas.” The shop offers an incredible array of possibilities, including exotic and tropical plants. And as time goes on, new items and ideas are constantly being considered. For example, they’ve recently launched a line of DIY terrarium kits in the store: customers decide what type of terrarium they want to create, and are then able to purchase the contents and get planting instructions. They also offer unique concepts such as the Bouquet of the Week Club. “It continues to grow – people love seeing a new bouquet

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Robin Schafer with a customer

every week and the discounts they receive is a bonus,” he said. He says he’s excited to be part of the growing River Market community, and New Westminster and he’s been able to give back to the city in a number of ways. “I’ve supported the community almost from the time I opened my shop,” he said. “There have been countless local schools, daycare centres and animal care and rescue services that have been recipients of flowers or gift certificates to support their cause.” He notes that their primary focus now is supporting the Senior Services Society of BC, New West Pride and the Hyacks Football Tailgate Auction annual events. sponsored content

River Market - 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster I 604.544.0996 I www.bunchesandblooms.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE Queens Hotel

he Queens Hotel has been a landmark in the Queensborough neighbourhood since the 1950s and now, under new ownership, its future looks brighter than ever. Fully revitalized, this boutique-style pet-friendly hotel has 24 modern rooms that offers guests a uniquely comfortable stay – in a uniquely situated location. New owner Walloce Sohl says it’s been exciting to bring new life to the site, and customers have been responding with equal enthusiasm. “The rooms are beautiful, the beds are incredible, even our lobby gets so many comments,” he said. “And we’re right here in this spot away from the rush and the noise of SkyTrain or other businesses that you might get elsewhere, but close enough that it’s a quick hop to transit to get anywhere you want to go.” That mix of comfort and location is a winning blend that Sohl plans to capitalize on as word of the re-opened Queens Hotel spreads. For example, he’s planning to offer “cold weather” deals where commuters along the nearby route between the Queensborough Bridge and the Alex Fraser Bridge might opt to stay overnight rather than sit it out for hours in snow-clogged roads. “We’re right along that route that can often be so bad when the weather gets going,” he said. “Instead, why

not just pop in off the highway and get a good sleep?” The hotel is situated in close access to neighbouring businesses and restaurants, including a fully refurbished liquor store, a gym; in addition, the Starlight Casino is a five-minute drive away, as is a huge shopping district anchored by a Wal Mart Supercentre. Sohl notes that the surrounding residential area is in a period of unprecedented growth, with a large population boom expected in the coming years in the wake of new developments. “Many times, people who are in a condo or a townhouse, they don’t have the room when family or friends come to stay,” he said. “So if we’re right here, close to home, that’s an easy option for them.” Compared to hotels in the downtown Vancouver area, Queens Hotel is able to offer rooms at a fraction of the cost – and with free parking included. “It’s really astounding how much parking alone can add to the bill in some hotels,” he said. “It really

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We want to deliver exceptional value, each and every time someone stays with us. – Walloce Sohl

increases that cost and here we’re able to offer fully free parking for our guests.” Sohl says the hotel has enjoyed a “colourful” reputation in the past, when it had an on-site strip bar and was known for drawing an eclectic crowd. “Yes, it’s had some interesting years,” he said with a laugh. “It’s had a lot of history over 60 years. We’re really excited to be stepping in at this point and giving it a new direction for the future.” Sohl, who works in real estate development, says that the team at Queens Hotel is top-notch – and all focused on the same goal: giving each

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Bonnie Poon

customer the best visit possible. “We want to deliver exceptional value, each and every time someone stays with us,” he said. “We understand that a customer has a lot of options and we want them to come back here again and again, and to tell their friends about us.” That means ensuring clean, comfortable, modern rooms and amenities, but also going above and beyond, like having fresh-cut flowers from the garden during the blooming season or providing a small chocolate treat from the nearby Lindt store, in each room.