We continue our look at this year’s participants in Airdrie’s SMARTstart program, designed and delivered by Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, City of Airdrie Economic Development and Community Futures Centre West. The non-profit program offers tools, training, mentorship and business planning to a new group of entrepreneurs each year.
In this issue of airdrielife, we meet 8 of the program’s 2018 entrepreneurs and their mentors.
Entrepreneur: Katie Li-Broussard, Jonna McQuade
Age: 38, 39
Business: Airdrie Acupuncture
Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about:
Katie: We opened October 2017, to offer a safe and professional space to see our clients. It was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.
Jonna: Airdrie Acupuncture was born at a play park in Airdrie. While our kids played, Katie and I were talking about an acupuncture-only clinic. We decided to take a leap of faith. The whole thing came together in less than a month. We could have never envisioned how tranquil and comfortable the space would become or how effortless and enriching our partnership would be, but I feel so grateful to come to work every day.
What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur?
Jonna: I think what made me take the leap was finding a great partner. Over the last year I had been looking into different opportunities but for whatever reason the obstacles always felt too great. It is a scary thing to take on the weight of creating a successful business while continuing to provide the highest standard of care in the clinic room. In Katie I found a partner who I can collaborate with on all levels.
What motivates you?
Katie: I am driven by my passion to help others. I love the relationship I have with my patients. I am dedicated to always growing and evolving my skills as an acupuncturist.
The company or business I admire the most is:
Katie: I love what Leanne Vogel is doing with her online business Healthful Pursuit. I love the idea of having such a strong online presence.
Jonna: My dad. He always put the person before the business. He could walk into a room and know how everyone took their coffee. It’s these kinds of relationships I aspire to develop.
In 10 years I see me and my business:
Katie: I would love to continue my acupuncture practice but also gain my own online presence.
Jonna: I can see Airdrie Acupuncture growing, and working collaboratively with other Airdrie businesses. I hope to see us become a part of bringing a community of health care workers together in the interest of providing the most effective care for every individual.
Mentor: Natalie Gibson
Age: 55ish….
Business: InnoVisions and Associates
Years in business: 25
About my business and my role:
InnoVisions and Associates is an international economic development and marketing consultancy firm based in Alberta. We work with businesses to find new markets, launch products, and how they can grow market share. As president, I am experienced in working with individual stakeholders through one-on-one strategic path-finding or working with entire teams of staff, senior management and elected officials to develop programs to help businesses in their communities.
If I had the chance to start my career over again, this is what I would do differently:
No, I don’t think so. My varied path has provided me with the broad range of skills, experience and network of friends and colleagues.
The person who has been my greatest inspiration is:
A very hard question as it changes from month to month. In years past, definitely visionaries such as Gandhi, or Bill Gates. Now, Malala….
My favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur is:
Developing ideas or solutions to challenges that are new, different or that don’t exist. There is no template. The flexibility of thought processes and ideas and having the ability to pursue them.
Entrepreneur: Laurence Dion
Age: 28
Business: Chiropractic Clinic (idea)
Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about:
A new chiropractor to Airdrie, I wish to provide comprehensive health and wellness care to this close-knit community. My idea for an impact beyond the office is teaching people to advocate more for their own health. I wish to collaborate with other health and wellness business owners who share the same mentality, as I believe this is how we can achieve a healthier community. I am in an excellent position to run workshops for kids and teenagers to empower them to chase their goals and enjoy the process of achievement.
What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur?
Years of working in my family’s own small business. I realized that owning your own business allows you to introduce your own passion, creativity and unique value into your product.
What motivates you?
The desire to help people overcome their challenges, become more adaptable, and encouraging people to live a healthier lifestyle.
The company or business I admire the most is:
Elon Musk’s family of companies (SpaceX, Tesla, PayPal) for their innovation and drive to make the world a better place.
In 10 years I see me and my business:
As the primary practitioner in a thriving, lively practice in Airdrie. Eventually I plan to expand my practice with an associate. I anticipate my practice being able to generously give back to the community by that point, by acting as a sponsor for sports teams or clubs. I also see my practice being the go-to for those looking for fully bilingual service (English/French).
Mentor: Jody Funk
Age: 42
Business: JF Management & Consulting
Years in business: 14
About my business and my role:
I started Day Star Mechanical in 2003, grew the business till 2015 and sold it. My current business started in 2015. Through the past several years I have managed construction projects ranging from $30,000 to $2 million and have consulted for other companies aiding in system and procedures implementation, culture change and missions and vision casting.
If I had the chance to start my career over again, this is what I would do differently:
I would listen closer to advice, read more. I would face fears and take advantage of learning opportunities. I would emolument systems and procedures at ground level.
The person who has been my greatest inspiration is:
My father. He has surpassed and defied the odds against him both personally and professionally.
My favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur is:
Being my own boss, creating and developing businesses from scratch and seeing them move forward even without me being present.
Entrepreneur: Sarah Courneya
Age: 32
Business: Custom Gemini
Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about:
My business started as a hobby. I wanted a dye cutter to make my own invitations for my upcoming wedding. Soon I was also making wedding decorations, then applying designs to shirts and robes for our wedding party. I started getting requests from friends and family, then from people I had never met, to make items for them. I was getting requests for items I had never tried before. Custom Gemini was born and has since evolved from there.
What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur?
A desire to express my creativity in different mediums. I love creating images from different fonts, images, photos, etc. and turning them into something unique. The spark to start my own business was so I could be home with my kids and create a schedule that would work for our family.
What motivates you?
The freedom to be creative while also having a desire to grow, expand and be innovative with my business. I love having an idea in my head and seeing it come to fruition.
The company or business I admire the most is:
There are a lot of great businesses in Airdrie, but I’d have to say BOCC Home Inspections. Their involvement in the community, while also being well known, is amazing to see.
In 10 years I see me and my business:
I have quite a few ideas for growth, new equipment and new ideas. I also hope to become considerably more involved in the community. I wish to expand my product line which would include my very own items, created by me.
Mentor: Jennifer Benner
Age: 39
Business: Benner Database Designs
Years in business: 9
About my business and my role:
I create custom, user-friendly databases for other businesses as part of their advanced business development strategies. Databases help them complete hours of work at the click of a button. Information/data is a company’s greatest asset and well-organized information becomes the most powerful tool they will ever have.
If I had the chance to start my career over again, this is what I would do differently:
I would have a better understanding of my personal strengths and weaknesses to ensure that the jobs/positions I filled actually enhanced and encouraged my growth and development. Personality traits can play a much larger role than skill sets when dealing with people and accomplishing goals.
The person who has been my greatest inspiration is:
I read The E-Myth by Michael Gerber and it was revolutionary. Really brought what I was trying to achieve into focus with a solid plan.
My favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur is:
Setting my own hours and objectives. I also love learning and I find being an entrepreneur, you have to constantly update and diversify your skills.
Entrepreneur: Lindsey Cybulskie
Age: 29
Business Idea: Homegrown House and Pantry Inc.
Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about:
By wanting to have easier access to local goods. Everything in Homegrown is made in Alberta, including all of your essential pantry items, beauty products, clothing, jewelry, and home decor/art. Homegrown will also have a quarterly subscription box, called Season’s Best, which will be send out a seasonal assortment of locally made foods that correspond with the four seasons of the year. I am committed to promoting local female entrepreneurs and fellow moms. Also, we will have a Kid’s Corner, where all products will be made by local young entrepreneurs. A proportion of the proceeds will go to the Boys and Girls Club, whereas the rest will go to the young entrepreneur.
What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur?
I love locally sourced food but as a mom of two young girls, I wanted to find somewhere convenient, where it is easy to identify that your purchase was locally made, and will support a local business. After having my second daughter, I had to start thinking about returning to work, and decided to take the leap into starting my own business.
What motivates you?
I have always been a determined individual and I thrive on doing things my way. However, when I had my daughters, I realized the importance of being a strong role model that was willing to take risks.
The company or business I admire the most is:
My father’s cattle feedlot and compost yard. He has been in business for 47 years, and essentially fell into both businesses. He constantly strived to become better, and has become not only successful, but a leader in his industry.
In 10 years I see me and my business:
Becoming a staple in Airdrie. A consistent, easily accessible location for those wanting to buy locally. If it does become successful, there are other communities where small local businesses are also highly popular. Growing into other communities, such as Cochrane, Okotoks or Calgary would be a goal.
Mentor: Ron Farrell
Age: 43
Business: Beneficial Insurance Solutions
Years in business: 15
About my business and my role:
I purchased my brokerage as a going concern in 2003 after working for the company for three and a half years. Since then, through acquisition and organic growth, I have grown the company to about three times the size. I have a small but strong team of nine employees that work well to provide great service in finding and providing the best insurance solutions for our clients. My current role has moved away from client service, and focuses on the importance of guiding and running the business.
If I had the chance to start my career over again, this is what I would do differently:
I would better develop a profile of my ideal client, and I would focus on physical location of my business a little closer.
The person who has been my greatest inspiration is:
I have had business mentors that have shown me so much, but I would suggest my father-in-law gave me the greatest passion.
My favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur is:
I love the ability to create a vision of my company and continue to adjust the course to find my path to financial stability and success with a social conscience.
Entrepreneurs: Nick Bellemore, Sander Henriksen
Age: 33, 39
Business: Ookabottom Adventure Games (idea)
Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about:
Nick: We want to create a family friendly escape adventure. These games are immersive, team-oriented puzzles. They challenge people to think outside the box and work together to solve a mystery that is hard to experience anywhere else. Our business will be like a real-life video game, with jaw-dropping environments and atmosphere that will make you feel like you’ve travelled to a different world. You’ll have the chance to feel like Mario or Link without the TV screen! And best of all, your friends and family can play, too.
Sander: A fun, interactive entertainment experience for all ages with a specific focus on providing for family friendly entertainment and corporate team-building events. Our ownership team has a combined 20 years in specialized custom and creative construction and design.
What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur?
Nick: Great friends, and a good idea. I love to create and I’ve been creating for other people for too long. I want my and Sander’s name on the cover this time!
Sander: We have been inspired by the independent and unique businesses that are coming to Airdrie.
What motivates you?
Nick: My daughter. I want her to see someone who is self-reliant and building something people enjoy.
Sander: My family
The company or business I admire the most is:
Nick: Patagonia
Sander: I have a lot of admiration for businesses such as Thumbprint, Abe’s, First & Vine, and Hayloft because they are demonstrating what is possible in Airdrie.
In 10 years I see me and my business:
Nick: A benchmark in the industry. Still growing and evolving. Multiple locations. Family-fun ‘centres.’
Sander: We would like to be the premiere entertainment venue in Airdrie and truly be part of the Airdrie business community. With a strong base in Airdrie we would also like to expand to other markets.
Mentor: Adam Morand
Age: 46
Business: Cantest Solutions Inc., Oasis Technology and Cantest Labs
Years in business: 24
About my business and my role:
Currently president/CEO of Cantest Solutions Inc. a national service delivery fleet predominately focused on regulatory and compliance services. I am also president of two subsidiary technology companies: Oasis Technology dedicated to smart security and environmental intelligence; as well as Cantest Labs, which is dedicated to advancing the supporting technologies of Cantest Solutions.
If I had the chance to start my career over again, this is what I would do differently:
More math, and invent Google.
The person who has been my greatest inspiration is:
Isaac Asimov wrote hundreds of books, and at least one book for every category of the Dewey Decimal System.
My favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur is:
The unknown. Every day I wake up with new ideas and move as quickly as I can to discover what is or is not possible. I would not bother getting out of bed if I already knew what was going to happen tomorrow.
In 10 years I see me and my business:
I hope to see our business grow into a lively centre of creative arts with a strong community that connects people in Airdrie and the surrounding areas.
Entrepreneur: Kim Koons
Age: 48
Business Idea: Tarin Resource Services
Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about:
Tarin sells geospatial data to many business sectors within Western Canada – energy, environment, forestry, municipal and insurance. It was started to help facilitate partnerships between forestry and municipalities to assist in managing land resources in a more economic manner. We also provide mapping and GIS services to a variety of clients such as pipeline design and inspection, provincial park design and planning, town visitor maps and brochures.
What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur?
My initial thought when my boss said he was retiring was “Now what – I don’t want to get a real job.” To expand on this – I did not want to punch a clock and work the standard 9-5 work day. I enjoy the flexibility of working at your own business and the feeling of accomplishment at successfully building and keeping a business going.
What motivates you?
My clients are definitely my motivation; providing excellent customer service and finding the data my clients need as well as doing whatever I can to make their jobs easier is my main goal.
The company or business I admire the most is:
Google. They have successfully become a leader in their field. They use the latest technologies and everyone knows their name. I want the name Tarin to be synonymous with quality data and customer service.
In 10 years I see me and my business:
To have enough money to speculatively acquire orthophoto for Western Canada on a five-year rotation and to have all municipalities in Alberta on an imagery subscription service.
Mentor: Sid Van der Meer
Age: 61
Business: NWEL Holdings Ltd. (retired)
Years in business: 32
About my business and my role:
I started in sales right out of high school in the automotive retail market. I joined Brittania Compressor as a salesman in 1978 and held positions of sales manager and GM before I became a partner in Brittania Compressor Ltd in 1986. We sold that company in 1997, started NW Equipment Ltd. in 2000, and moved the business to Airdrie in 2004. I held the position of president until we sold the business in 2014. Over my years in business I had to learn a lot about running a business the hard way, on the street.
If I had the chance to start my career over again, this is what I would do differently:
I would love to have the opportunity to go back to 1978 and start up with all that I have learned over the years about running a business. I wish a program like SMARTstart had been around then. It truly would have fast tracked my career.
The person who has been my greatest inspiration is:
I would say my oldest brother who has given me much business advice over the years. He was very successful in business in the Netherlands
My favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur is:
Being in control of your own destiny. Being able to make decisions that you feel are best for you and your business. It allows you to react to opportunities as they appear. It can be very scary but rewarding.
