Airdrie’s SMARTstart program offers tools, training, mentorship and business planning to a new group of entrepreneurs each year. One of the biggest benefits of SMARTstart is the mentorship – participants are matched with a local business volunteer.
Now in its fifth year, this non-profit program is designed and delivered by Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, City of Airdrie Economic Development and Community Futures Centre West. The 2018 cohort includes 24 entrepreneurs representing 19 diverse and interesting businesses.
In this issue of airdrielife we meet five of the program’s new entrepreneurs and their mentors.
Entrepreneur: Kyle Wudrich, David Schroter
Age: 38, 38
Business Idea: 948 Brewing Company Ltd.
Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about:
David: (Kyle) and I met in Airdrie in 1994 and have been best friends since. Our goal is to put our city on the map for quality beer made in Airdrie for our neighbors to enjoy.
What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur?
Kyle: I like the creativity behind the product, the social and intelligent community it brings together. David: This is a perfect opportunity to showcase (Kyle’s) award-winning home brew recipes and for me to put my sales experience to work.
The company or business I admire the most is:
Kyle: Tool Shed, Dandy Brewing, Citizen Brewing and Brewsters. David: My parents ran two businesses and still managed to raise my brother and me. I might not have understood at that age but now I admire their work ethic and drive to succeed.
In 10 years I see me and my business:
Kyle: Bringing people from all over the province and hopefully Canada to see what we do and what makes us different.
Mentor: Stacey Lauer
Age: 54
Business: CTR Refrigeration and Food Store Equipment Ltd.
Years in business: 24
About my business and my role:
My business is refrigeration contracting. My role is both as business owner, overseeing all areas of operations, and project manager.
If I had the chance to start my career over again, I would:
Everything I am today is because of the journey I have had. It hasn’t always been easy, but I love my work (most days).
The person who has been my greatest inspiration is:
My dad; he taught me a lot about financial management, business and family.
My favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur is:
Making my own decisions.
Entrepreneurs: Angela and Daniel Kosolofski
Age: 41, 42
Business Idea: Making Life Digital
Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about:
Angela: I wanted to create another income for our family without losing the flexibility to be there for them. I have created digital copies in the past for various businesses/people so I knew there was/is a demand for the service. Daniel: (Angela) was talking about making some extra money by helping others make digital copies of photos, documents and kids art work. The next day at work I was looking for a paper document and getting frustrated not being able to find it. Then the full idea hit me; why don’t we make these files digital so they are easier to find. I talked to a department head and they loved the idea of it, but they hated the idea of being the ones having to do it.
What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur?
Angela: The idea that we can give back to the community.
The company or business I admire the most is:
Daniel: So many great companies that come from nothing but an idea. Maglite, Starbucks, Seabin Project are all companies that had little to no money and started with an idea and made a business that leaves impressions.
In 10 years I see us and our business:
Angela: We will have moved the business out of our home due to growth. We will have employees helping with the workload. I want to give back by becoming a mentor for the SMARTstart program.
Mentor: Jacqui Jepson
Age: 40
Business: The Pink Wand Cleaning Services Ltd.
Years in business: 10
About my business and my role:
The Pink Wand Cleaning has provided residential and commercial cleaning to Airdrie and area since 2008. We have grown the business from myself as sole employee to a staff of over 40, with a clientele base of over 600 clients.
If I had the chance to start my career over again, I would:
Believe in myself more and know that in every mistake I made I pushed myself to becoming a better business owner.
The person who has been my greatest inspiration is:
My dad; he is the most successful business man I know and taught his children the value of hard work and business ethic.
My favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur is:
I create my own success and am responsible for my life. Freedom!
Entrepreneur: Zakk Trigg
Age: 26
Business Idea: Noodlebox ( see photo page 61)
Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about:
I am the majority owner of a fast-casual Asian restaurant. We serve awesome food that is made fresh, is highly customizable, and cooked over woks.
What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur?
Owning a business I get a chance to provide work and opportunity for my employees, and it offers me the ability to make a difference in a community.
The company or business I admire the most is:
Google. I admire how they intentionally structure their business in a way that provides their employees the greatest chance to succeed, rather than forcing them into routines that aren’t for everyone.
In 10 years I see me and my business:
I’d love to be involved with multiple businesses. Whether that is by owning multiple franchise locations, or being involved in a number of different industries.
Mentor: Kari Lines
Age: 37
Business: Budget Blinds of Airdrie
Years in business: 10
About my business and my role:
Budget Blinds is a large franchise organization, with over 1,000 locations. Of which, I own one of those locations which covers Airdrie, Chestermere and surrounding areas. We have a staff of seven people and consistently hit the top 20 in sales for North America.
If I had the chance to start my career over again, I would:
Have joined some sort of support group earlier where I can share ideas about starting up, running, and managing a business with fellow business owners.
The person who has been my greatest inspiration is:
My uncle, Lloyd Lines. He was one of the most respected and successful business people I knew (passed away eight years ago).
My favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur is:
The challenge of implementing changes for improving my business and especially when they work it is such a great feeling!
