PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE NEW WESTMINSTER • 2018
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PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE
Photo: Thinkstock
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elcome to our sixth 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 A.I.P. Services Inc. n Triniti Laser Clinic and Medi Spa n ReThink Real Estate Group n Royal City Physio n 30 Minute Hit n Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® n Budget Blinds n Kinman & Associates Law n Oxygen Yoga
– Lara Graham, Publisher, New Westminster Record
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CONTRIBUTORS I
Project Coordinator: Jenna Hebb
Writer: Christina Myers I Design & Production: Gary Slavin I Photography: Lisa King & Kevin Hill
PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE A.I.P Services Inc. Career Success for Professionals
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Do not waste your time and money making less than you’re worth.
position, let alone work that is fulfilling. The process can be discouraging without guidance, and people don’t know where to start. “People say the same things: I have no money, I can’t afford that, I have no time – instead of taking the time to think, breathe, reflect and dream of what they really want. Do not waste your time and money making less than you’re worth.” Furber sees herself as a guide, with knowledge and expertise, to help people find their own way. “Excellence means giving the right tools and strategies to ensure success in achieving their life and career goals,” she said. “I hold the
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now your worth. Find your niche. Love your work. Realize your dreams. For many people, these are goals that sound wonderful – but all too often impossible. For an unemployed professional, who may be battling low confidence while struggling to find a job for the first time in their career, these goals can feel like a slap in the face. Winnie Furber of A.I.P. Services Inc. has experienced this first-hand. “I’ve had clients come in very angry, determined that they don’t have enough experience or education. Some of these people have Masters degrees or PhDs. It’s ridiculous. What they need are the right tools to market themselves to an employer.” That’s where Furber comes in, with a program that focuses on not just getting a job, but renewing her clients’ confidence and their excitement for the future. They may come in discouraged and uncertain, but they leave inspired and confident. Furber loves the transformation. “I have the same amount of passion, excitement and commitment I had the first day I began my career,” she said. “I worked as an employment counsellor for over 10 years, and I believe there is a real need for this. When employers are travelling to other Winnie Furber, Owner countries to seek A.I.P. Services Inc. out talent, and we have talent in our own backyard, I think there is a total disconnect. That’s why I started my own company, to address those gaps for professionals.” Furber specializes in helping professionals from all backgrounds, including new immigrants, new university or college graduates, professionals returning to their career, and professionals who want to advance. They often have one thing in common: they are used to making a high income and being sought by employers, and are in uncharted waters searching for work. Furber knows how her clients feel, because she’s been there. “I’ve walked in their shoes. I emigrated to a country where I didn’t know the language, didn’t have my credentials recognized, and didn’t have the right experience. When I came back to Canada, I had to start from scratch. Within a month I was working at the most prestigious employment agency in Vancouver.” Often, she says, people have bad advice or old wisdom that simply won’t serve them to finding a new
client’s hand all the way through the program, but I expect accountability. People take 100% responsibility for their lives.” Her workshops are based on the Azrin Method – learn, then do – and her clients leave the program with a full toolbox, including branded resumes and cover letters, networking scripts, and information about salary negotiations. However, it’s “doing” that makes all the difference, and brings back the confidence and excitement to take charge of their career. Furber notes that she hosts regular orientations to give potential clients an overview of her program. sponsored content
#350-625 Agnes St., New Westminster I 604.868.8482 I www.aipinc.ca
PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE Triniti Laser Clinic and Medi Spa
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or Tahora Eslahian and Tina Ruggiero, there’s no better magic than the ability to transform how a client feels, inside and out. The duo owns Triniti Laser Clinic and Medi Spa in New Westminster, which has re-located into a revitalized heritage house on Sixth Street. Being able to offer top-notch services in a beautiful environment is something the pair is ecstatic about – but it’s the impact that their work has on each client that makes them so proud of the work they do. “People sometimes think of what we do as being about the outside, but what we see is clients who feel great on the inside because of what we can do for them,” said Tahora Eslahian, who owns Triniti along with Tina Ruggiero. “That’s the best part of this work – you may have a client who comes in with acne, for example, who is feeling upset and insecure about that but we can find solutions for them.” The clinic offers an array of services, including laser
treatments to help with skin conditions and anti-aging, body contouring, laser hair removal, medical facials, permanent makeup, reflexology and more. Some services are aimed at treating current issues, others at prevention, and still others – such as hair removal – can simply make life simpler and easier for a client. Other services are focused on providing relaxation, balance, and general wellness. No matter what services a client comes to Triniti looking for, or if they are a long-time customer or a first time visitor, the focus on excellence is the same. “The level of service we have here is the best, hands down,” said Eslahian. “It’s all medically influenced, it’s the best technology, the most effective tools and techniques.” That approach has helped the company grow by leaps and bounds over the years as loyal customers continue to return, but also recommend Triniti to their friends and family.
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We treat our clients like family.
“Word of mouth has been the primary way we have grown and we love knowing that someone has recommended us,” she said. The move into the new space has been an exciting evolution for the business. “We renovated a beautiful heritage home on Sixth Street – it’s three levels, a beautiful large space. From the outside it looks a house but inside we have quite a number of treatment rooms and it’s a beautiful place to be able to work with our customers.” Both Eslahian and Ruggiero have substantial
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Co-Owners Tahora Eslahian and Tina Ruggiero
experience in the field; Ruggiero is a certified laser technician with more than a decade of experience, and Eslahian has served as a trainer in laser treatments across North America. “We have great expertise but we are always learning, too,” said Eslahian. “We want to know we always have the best techniques and tools, and that we are educated about the best ways to help our clients. We treat our clients like family – if there’s a service that I wouldn’t do to myself, or to my family or to my best friend, then I won’t perform it on a client.” sponsored content
210 Sixth Street, New Westminster I 855.284.3642 I www.trinitilaser.com
PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE ReThink Real Estate Group
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aving been in real estate for 16 years now, Darcy – head of ReThink Real Estate Group – understands market shifts and the highs and lows of the industry. She got her start in 2004, and then saw her business boom in the low market of 2008, because it offered so many deals for young buyers. This last year has seen a similar shift and provided an opportunity for Darcy and her team at ReThink to refocus on being the best in three key areas: service, presentation, and all things New Westminster. Darcy says her priority is always to do the best for the client no matter what the market is doing: working harder and giving more to help people seize unique opportunities, whether it’s to move to another city, to downsize or upsize, or to invest. “All market dips are when the bravest and often richest people on the planet make their moves,” she said. “This is a time when you need a highly intelligent agent or team working for you. Someone who knows the numbers, how to present a home to a specific market, rental vacancy rates, trends and can offer inhouse staging like ReThink can.” In practical terms that means the team has the capacity to take a listing from “zero to 100” in 48 hours, with in-house staging that allows them to work directly with a variety of tradespeople, gardeners,
photographers, and more to create the best presentation for a sale. “Challenging markets are just that – a challenge. Having happy clients who believe in their move in this market is a win,” she said. “There are no losses, just strong informed lateral moves, or gains when it’s a choice.” For Darcy and her team, there’s no better place than New Westminster to be in business. “We believe in the city, our heritage, our houses, our people, our community, our spirit and tradition – that’s what ReThink Real Estate Group is all about,” she said. “Highs or lows, this is still New West and we are a boom town regardless.” No matter what comes, and no matter how the market or the city changes, there’s one constant that has always shaped Darcy’s approach: providing excellence in client care, on every level and helping each person through
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No matter what, it’s always about the client. Always.
the process with whatever unique needs they have. “You have to be ahead of what’s going on, where is the market going, what do people want and need,” she said. “That varies from year to year, from client to client, so it’s a constant re-evaluation. We’re always asking ourselves what else can we do, what can we do different, what can we do better? But no matter what, it’s always about the client. Always. This business is really about doing the right thing and helping however you can.” Most of ReThink’s new clients come from word-of-mouth referrals, which is gratifying for
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LtoR (Back Row): Rob Botham, Ronnie Islas PREC LtoR (Front Row):Teya Kiriakidis, Chelsi Pari, Darcy Schlechtleitner PREC, George McNeill
Darcy and her team. “There are lots of options in this industry and if someone recommends you, it’s because you did what you set out to do for them,” she said “I want my customers to feel total contentment about the work we did for them.” Focusing on others is a philosophy that doesn’t just apply to customers, but to her team, her family and her community. “At the end of the day, it’s about people. People come first, whether it’s your customers, your colleagues, your family, your neighbours. When you put people first, the rest falls into place.” sponsored content
604.783.1250 I www.teamrethink.com
PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE Royal City Physio
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elping people, regardless of the field, requires knowledge, passion, and empathy. For Karen Nichol, there’s another ingredient – one that not only led her to a successful path as a physiotherapist, but continues to guide her approach with every patient: personal experience, as a patient. “I was a very active growing up. I played competitive basketball and college basketball, and so I had quite a few injuries along the way,” she recalls. “And I just had this fascination with the human body, how it operated, how it restored itself. Having the experience of working with a good physiotherapist and discovering what a huge impact that could have really changed me.” Those memories continue to guide Nichol today as much as they did at the beginning of her career. “It really does come down to listening, to really seeing each client as an individual and hearing their story – what’s happened to them, how does it impact them, what are their goals, what do they need right now?” she said. “The number 1 priority is quality of care for each of our clients – listening, a thorough assessment, top-notch care.” Nichol opened Royal City Physio almost six years ago, building on a long career of working with a wide
spectrum of clients. In particular, her work with athletes of all levels – including professional athletes, NHL players, and serving as chief physiotherapist for Team Canada’s lacrosse team in both 2007 and 2011 World Championships, to name just a few - had earned her a sterling reputation that continues to build on itself. These days, she continues to work one-on-one with clients, while also fostering and mentoring a new generation of physiotherapists at her clinic. “I love my team – these are amazing individuals who are so dedicated, and I love that I can help mentor them,” she said. “Everyone has different interests, areas of focus that they may want to specialize in, or unique backgrounds that help them with particular clients, and so I really enjoy guiding that and supporting them in their growth.” It’s an approach that continues to grow the Royal City Physio reputation and Nichol says she’s looking forward to the coming years.
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The number 1 priority is quality of care for each of our clients.
“New Westminster is such a wonderful place. I started my career here and it’s been an amazing journey to continue growing here with my own clinic. This community is so supportive, and when we see people referring their friends, family, their children, it’s just so rewarding,” she says. “I have a vision for the clinic, and we plan to be here and growing for a long time.” No matter what the future brings, one thing will remain a constant: giving the best care to every single person who comes through their door. “We’re able to adapt quickly to those unique needs – we might have someone
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Karen Nichol, Founder/Owner
who is a retired senior who wants to get back out into their garden, and the next client is a professional athlete that needs to get out on the field as quickly as possible because that’s their career,” she said. “Those are very different needs, different goals, but they both get the same care, the same attention, every single time.” For Nichol, it’s exciting to see her clinic grow and to be looking ahead – but the most rewarding part of her day will always be the same: knowing she’s made a difference for someone. “It’s the best part of this work, to help someone feel better.”
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101-450 E. Columbia St., New Westminster I 604.553.1203 I www.royalcityphysio.com
PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE 30 Minute Hit
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f there’s one word to describe Stacey Firth, it’s passionate. Or energetic, enthusiastic, happy, strong, and motivated. And her goal is to help every single woman who comes in the door at 30 Minute Hit feel exactly the same way she does. “I started this business because I honestly felt that every woman needs this feeling in their life, and we are here to bring that to them,” said Firth. She should know: her own experience at 30 Minute Hit was what led her to open the New Westminster location. She was working in commercial real estate when she went in for a free 30-minute trial session in another community. “I can remember being in there and knowing I had to open one,” she said. “I had tried tons of different fitness programs and this was the only one that gave me this truly intoxicating feeling of empowerment, confidence, and truly delivered on the results I wanted pretty much right away. I wanted every woman to have access to that same feeling.” Six weeks after that initial workout, she had officially decided to open a 30 Minute Hit – and eight years later, she’s still in love with the workout and the opportunity to work with other women. 30 Minute Hit is unique in the fitness field: it’s a high intensity boxing/kickboxing circuit workout designed specifically for women. Firth says it’s a fast paced,
challenging and empowering workout that appeals to all fitness levels, in a non-intimidating and friendly environment. “I love everything about the workout, the environment and how it makes me feel,” she said. “I love how I feel energized, beautiful and strong after every session. I can honestly say that I am at my absolute happiest when dripping in sweat, surrounded by other amazing women doing the same thing.” “We’re a welcoming place, you don’t have to be nervous,” she said. “We’re full of women of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels and we’re all there for the same reason. You’ll find a whole new version of yourself that you didn’t even know was inside of you when you start the HIT. Firth gives credit to her staff for their dedication and commitment.
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When you’re passionate about something it shines through in your work.
“My wonderful team of instructors are one of a kind,” she said. “The effort that they all put into their roles is outstanding. Our goal, as a team, is that each and every single member that walks in knows that they matter to us.” She notes that all of the instructors started as members, and understand what newcomers feel like. “They know what everyone goes through from starting with their free trial nerves, to getting better at their skills, to seeing their results,” she said. “Most of all, they have the passion that makes all the difference. When you’re
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Charlotte Afoakwah(Trainer) in the background, Jennifer PItcher (Middle) Manager, Stacey Firth (right) Owner
passionate about something it shines through in your work, and I truly couldn’t ask for a better team.” Firth says she also feels grateful for the community she gets to work in. “My husband grew up in New West and I grew up in the small town of Sechelt. I really love the community and the small-town feel that New West has,” she said. “Everyone that lives in New West are noticeably proud to be a part of this vibrant little city and I absolutely love it. It’s got a cozy, close-knit vibe and just feels like home.” sponsored content
425 East Columbia St., New Westminster I 604.521.5913 I www.30minutehit.com
PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure®
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ometimes, a single day can change one’s path forever, leading to new and unexpected experiences – and the chance to help change the lives of others in the process. For Julie Joyal, that day was the first time she experienced the benefits of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure®. “I had been a personal trainer and martial artist for almost 20 years in Vancouver and New Westminster,” she says. “I had a fellow martial artist who studied Jin Shin Do® say, ‘Hey, why don’t you come onto my table after class, and give it a try.” The experience was unforgettable. “I floated home, feeling deeply relaxed and connected after that session. Everything looked like it was highlighted with a silver highlighter – so shimmery and sparkling,” she recalls. “I couldn’t explain it. That was my first conscious experience with Ki, or Qi – Life Energy.” Now, Joyal hopes to allow others to have their own experiences that come from relaxation. She’s the owner of the New Westminster location of Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure®, which is a registered organization operating in 20 countries worldwide and founded by Iona Marsaa Teeguarden
(see jinshindo.org). According to Teeguarden, there is no stronger conductor of Ki in the world than the human hand, and her no-needle approach to wellness and relaxation uses gentle yet deep finger pressure on specific acu-points and verbal body focusing techniques to help release “armoring” or chronic tension, balance the Ki/energy, and improve vitality. “It helps relieve stress- and trauma-related problems,” says Joyal. “Words cannot explain the feelings and experiences that come with complete relaxation.” She notes being unable to relax or release tension can keep an individual from experiencing the “magic that makes life a sovereign celebration and expression of our uniqueness” and points to the Taoist belief that there are as many ways to live life as there are people. Doing this work with clients and seeing the impact it has on their individual lives is deeply rewarding and exciting, she says. “I want my clients to be able to say ‘Wow, I never
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It really is the best kept secret in bodywork.
knew I could feel so connected and so relaxed. My mind is my best friend and is so peaceful.’” The process is a powerful one, she says, for creating mind-body-spirit balance. “I want everyone to understand the importance of valuing ourselves, our feelings, our tensions, our stories,” she said. Joyal notes that the relaxation therapy is a useful adjunct to licensed, qualified medical or psychological care, and not intended for the diagnosis, treatment or cure of disease. When used in conjunction with standard medical treatment, the Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® technique can assist the healing
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Julie Joyal, Owner
process, and create the conditions where healing can occur. Joyal spent extensive time and training to be able to offer this technique before opening her New Westminster clinic. “We joke that if this was available to everyone, the world would be a different place,” she said. “It really is the best kept secret in bodywork and was almost lost.” Find out more online at jinshindo.org. Have you tried a head and neck release? Go to newwestminsteracupressure.ca for more information.
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501-625 Fifth Ave., New Westminster I 778.895.5415 I www.newwestminsteracupressure.ca
PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE Budget Blinds
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Every customer is important, and you treat them that way.
create satisfaction in the final product is the goal. “People are often surprised at what a change it can make – to have the right product in the right place can really change the look and feel of a home,” he said. “We come in and do a consultation and bring the products right in for people to look at and see.” Their focus on personal service and custom products has proven a successful approach so far. “Referral is a large portion of our business, and that’s really the key to success,” he said. “Some people may find you online but a referral from a happy customer is the best compliment.”
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t’s not enough to meet a customer’s expectation. For Clay Tierney and his team at Budget Blinds New Westminster, the goal is much bigger. “It’s a matter of always trying to exceed the expectations of the customer, treating every customer like you’d want to be treated, giving the best service, no matter what product you’re providing for them,” he said. Tierney, who owns the local franchise with his wife Lacey, says that philosophy has been a guiding force since they opened their doors. “Every customer is important, and you treat them that way,” he said. “To me, it’s a matter of being able to offer my expertise – I want a customer to use my knowledge and experience to help them make decisions. When I come into someone’s home and I can use what I know to help them save time, money, and to give them something that fits their unique needs, that’s what it’s all about.” Even if a customer opts not to purchase from him after the complimentary in-house consultation, it’s rewarding to know he has offered help and guidance. “I’m happy knowing I’ve given them information, and that they’ve been able to use my expertise,” he said. The company, which opened in New Westminster five years ago, offers a huge spectrum of window treatments, including shutters, blinds, draperies, and shades, which allows them to provide creative Budget Blinds owners, Clay and Lacey and custom Tierney with their two children. solutions for people. “One of the best parts is that we have relationships with vendors that you can’t get anywhere else, so we can provide unique products that you won’t see elsewhere,” he said. “I love coming in and being able to show people what we can offer and they’re blown away by the options.” While the company does a significant amount of private residential work, they also offer services for commercial and retail locations. Increasingly, there’s also a demand for products that use motorization and automation. “We’re really on the leading edge of that,” he said, noting that these products may include apps, timers, remotes and other technology to fit the customer’s needs. But no matter what is being installed, from the simplest of blinds to the most modern of high-tech solutions, helping a customer beautify their home and
The goal now, says Tierney is to continue growing their reputation and maintaining and exceeding expectations from both prior and new customers. “One of the great things about us is our warranty, which really tops everything else out there: it’s a no questions asked five-year warranty,” he said. “And we really mean that. It’s quite unique.” Ultimately, the secret to success, is offering excellence to each customer. “You need to have incredible customer service and a quality product,” he said. “Plain and simple.” sponsored content
205-810 Quayside Dr., New Westminster I 604.359.9655 I www.budgetblinds.com
PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE Kinman & Associates Law
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t’s all about people. For Ian Kinman, the owner and senior lawyer at Kinman & Associates, the only way to provide top-notch legal services is to listen to each client, to help them through the process with consistent communication, and to have a team of staff whose expertise keeps things running smoothly at every step. “It’s really about client service,” he said. “Many people only need legal services every few years, or once or twice in their life, so it’s important to remember that the process may be unfamiliar to them. We really do try to make our clients feel happy and comfortable.” The full service law firm focuses on a variety of areas, such as personal injury, civil and commercial litigation, corporate and commercial transactions, family law and more. “We offer legal services in the most common areas a person might have need for help, with the kinds of problems that the day-to-day person might encounter,” he said. As well, the organization provides legal services for a number of small to large companies. The firm was created in 2007, but grew out of Baumgartel & Gould, a law firm that had been serving New Westminster since 1960, and where Ian had been practicing as a lawyer for many years.
In all, he’s had three decades in the Royal City. “It’s wonderful to have been in the community for so long,” he said. “You really get to know people, and to develop those relationships with clients.” Ian notes that one of the unique aspects of his firm is the diversity of its staff: he himself was born overseas, and has travelled to more than 130 countries, and he has staff members who speak Korean, Punjabi, Mandarin, French and more. “That can provide familiarity and comfort for clients, many of whom are first or second generation Canadians,” he said. “It really goes a long way in making them feel good about the process.” Ian says he’s focused on ensuring consistent communication. “I often take over files from other firms, and I’m quite struck by how little the former lawyer may have done to keep the client appraised of what’s going on,” he
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It’s really about client service.
said. “That’s important to me, that someone feels knowledgeable and understands what’s happening next. We do our best to keep the clients involved in what’s going on with their files along the way.” Ian credits his team for helping to create the strong reputation at the firm. “I have a wonderful team – many of them having been working closely with me for many years,” he said. “One of my paralegals has been here for 16 years. They’re all very dedicated and knowledgeable in what they do.”
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LtoR: Andrew Beesley, Lawyer, Savina Sohi, Lawyer, Ian Kinman, Lawyer and Proprietor
Most of the new clients who come to them do so through word of mouth, says Ian. “That’s always so rewarding, to know that someone has recommended you to others,” he said. “And then when we see a client come back themselves, for a new item they need help with, that tells us we’ve done our job right. When a client is satisfied, and their issue has been resolved, and we’ve been able to provide expertise and guidance in a way that has left the client happy, that’s when we know we’ve provided excellence service.” sponsored content
100-624 Agnes St., New Westminster I 604.526.1805 I kinmanlaw.ca
PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE Oxygen Yoga
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community within a community – that’s what Oxygen Yoga and Fitness has created in their Columbia Street location since opening three 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 different times and we can give them those options.” On top of that, the studio offers yoga teaching
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It has become this incredible community … what we’ve built here is very special.
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. “It’s a wonderful combination with my career, this ability to use yoga for anxiety and stress in
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LtoR: Tristan Ranford, Yoga Instructor; Kelly Ranford, Co-Owner of Oxygen,Yoga Instructor, Ohana Wellness and Yoga, Counselling Psychologist; Hannah Bernoe, Student at Oxygen
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.”
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105-1065 Columbia Street, New Westminster I 778.870.8262 I oxygentraining.ca/new-westminster-location
PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE Christina Myers Writer
Christina Myers is a long-time journalist, writer, and editor. She spent a dozen years as a staff reporter with newspapers in the Metro Vancouver region before moving into a freelance career. She has garnered provincial and national journalism awards, and her work has appeared in magazines, anthologies, on CBC Radio, and a host of newspapers and literary journals. Her first novel is forthcoming in 2019, and she is currently editing a non-fiction anthology for publication in 2020. As well, she co-hosts a mixed-genre reading series for emerging and established writers. She lives with her family in Surrey. Find her online at cmyers.ca.
Gary Slavin Creative Designer
Gary Slavin has worked as a graphic designer in the lower mainland for community newspapers for over two decades, with the majority of those years at the New Westminster Record and sister paper Burnaby NOW. He continues to work as a freelance creative designer for various newspapers and local businesses. He has many design awards over the years presented by British Columbia Yukon Community Newspaper Association (BCYCNA), Canadian Community Newspaper Association (CCNA) and the Suburban Newspaper Association (SNA). He grew up in North Burnaby, a father of two amazing sons, he now resides in Blaine, Washington with his wife Kristen. Outside of designing he volunteers in the sport of ball hockey at national and international levels.
Lisa King Photographer
Lisa King has been a professional photographer for 12 years, working for a variety of newspapers and publications throughout B.C. King and fellow photographer Kevin Hill work collaboratively, shooting editorial photography as well as commercial and product photography, events and weddings. The duo met while studying photojournalism at Loyalist College but now live and work in the Lower Mainland. In her spare time, King enjoys playing team sports, scuba diving, and travelling, as well as volunteering her time with university students studying abroad.
Kevin Hill Photographer
Kevin Hill has been working as a photographer since 2006; his work has appeared in a variety of publications, including magazines and newspapers in B.C. and beyond. Hill and fellow photographer Lisa King work collaboratively, shooting a mix of editorial, commercial, product, event and wedding photography. The duo met while studying photojournalism at Loyalist College but now live and work in the Lower Mainland. Hill, originally from Saskatoon, enjoys a wide spectrum of outdoor recreation, including skiing, backpacking and target shooting, and heading out on motorcycle adventures.
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