The Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation presented its annual awards to four worthy Aboriginal businesses at a luncheon held at Tin Wis Resort in Tofino Oct. 26. It was the organizations’ 8thannual awards ceremony, said emcee and Business Support Officer Jennifer Gallic.
The Best in Business Award went to South Island Cleaning Services; Best Youth Business went to Vancouver Island Limousine; Outstanding Business Achievement went to Les Sam Construction; and Business of the Year went to Sinclair Trucking Ltd.
Owner/Operator Brenda McQuarrie traveled to Tofino from Victoria with her family to accept the award for Best in Business. South Island Cleaning was established in 2010 and services Victoria and the surrounding communities of Sooke, Sidney, Metchosin and Cobble Hill.
McQuarrie has been in the industry for five years and before striking out on her own was holding down two and three jobs simultaneously just to make ends meet.
She was encouraged by her cleaning clients to start her own business. She took a business access program at Camosun College and got involved with NEDC, which provided her a $22,000 loan for marketing, equipment and supplies. McQuarrie has grown her little business to 60 clients and seven employees, saying in a CBC report on microfinancing that she now earns triple what she used to take home and can provide a better life for her young son, who accompanied McQuarrie to the awards luncheon.
The products she uses are eco- and pet-friendly, and while she originally marketed the business by way of a postcard mail out strategy, now it’s word of mouth and referrals that keep the doors of her business open. McQuarrie describes herself as a people person who works to earn the trust of her clients and screens her staff well. This has gained South Island Cleaning Services a loyal base of customers. Check out her website at www.southislandcleaning.com
“Thank you for all your support,” she told NEDC. She said she was “blown away” being chosen to receive the award. It made her very happy.
Vancouver Island Limousine nabbed this year’s youth award. Owner Selena Van Apledoorn was on hand to accept the honors. She operates a luxury chauffeured limousine that can transport parties of up to 12 people to such monumental occasions such as weddings, graduations, or a night on the town. There is even a Christmas Light tour that is very popular, so make sure to get your booking in quick if the family wants to view the decorations this year in style.
Van Apledoorn is the chauffeur and has her Class 4 restricted license. Her previous experience is in courtesy shuttles and auto detailing.
In 2011 Van Apledoorn enrolled in an entrepreneur camp and decided that a limousine service was a right fit for a business to grow. She had been injured by a drunk driver in a car accident so it was motivation to provide alternative travel for those who were heading out for big event where alcohol would be involved.
She prides herself on making that special moment even better for her clients by providing top customer service that alleviates stress in a professional, friendly and upbeat environment. The Web site, complete with video of inside the amazing vehicle, is www.VancouverIslandLimousine.com
Van Apledoorn says that 30 per cent of her business is by referral, and her limousine is a moving billboard for attracting business.
She said thank you to NEDC for both encouraging her and providing inspiration.
“I’m definitely happy that I am here.”
Les Sam Construction, established in 1986, received the Outstanding Business Achievement Award. Currently employing four people, that number can swell to upwards of 30 people, depending on the project at hand.
Les Sam is a residential, commercial and architectural contractor, offers construction management, does concrete floors and general contracting.
Les Sam, the owner, earned his Red Seal in carpentry in 1974 and was encouraged by other contractors to get into business for himself. Since then he’s been busy working on some of landmark buildings, including the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council building in Port Alberni, the NEDC building and Bank of Montreal on Hwy 4. Les Sam Construction also built the Haahuupayak School and about 200 homes over the years. The business strives to hire locals because Sam says in instills a sense of community pride.
Sam congratulated the other winners because being in business is never easy. He was very appreciative of the NEDC and those forward-thinking Nuu-chah-nulth leaders like Simon Lucas, who was in attendance for the luncheon, and the late George Watts, for establishing the economic development corporation.
He said when he went in search of traditional financing for his business on reserve the banks wouldn’t even look at him because he didn’t own his own house. NEDC however looked at him seriously and that has led to others—his employees—to be able to feed their families.
Business of the Year went to Sinclair Trucking Ltd. which operates out of Parksville. It was established in 2005 by Sheila and William Sinclair. Sheila is from Tseshaht and they have been married for 50 years. They currently have a fleet of five trucks, hauling gravel and other heavy duty operations including contracts on highway construction. They have five employees.
Team work and hard work are the secrets to their success, said Sheila.
“You can do anything that you can put your mind to.” She says Sinclair Trucking never says no to a job, no matter how small. She spoke about staying on budget and managing cash flow well as critical to a long business life.
“Be accountable for every penny,” she said.
