Farm life instilled a profound understanding some of the keys to Alberta Entrepreneur Success. It taught me the importance of hard work, ingenuity, perseverance, and, most importantly, honesty and integrity in everything you do. Thank you, Mom and Dad!
It’s not just about sweat and persistence but also about taking a leap of faith, months of meticulous planning, and the rollercoaster of emotions, prayer, and unwavering belief in one’s success. I’ve traversed this path, and I’m fervent about guiding others through it.
As a professional insurance broker, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with amazing entrepreneurs across Alberta. To that end, I want to share two success stories of entrepreneurial Albertans who had an idea and pursued it. May their stories inspire you to kickstart or elevate your own entrepreneurial journey.
EJH Events and Distribution
Edward Haynes emigrated from England to Canada, spending much of his adult life in the events industry. He brought a dream: to drive change within the Canadian Events, Hospitality, and Furniture markets with exceptional European products. These products were designed to withstand the harsh environment we sometimes have in Canada: winds, hail, and snow. COVID put his plan on hold, but not his dream.Post-COVID, he swiftly resumed his operations. EJH Events and Distribution is now a leading distributor of robust tent structures across North America, a testament to their resilience and quality.
He is now a partner at Superior Tent Rentals Ltd., which serves the Hospitality and Event industry at events such as the Heritage Festival and the Big Valley Jamboree. Even in the worst weather, the Superior Tents remain standing and undamaged.
So, what’s next for Edward? You will definitely want to check out Posh Outdoors, Inc., which has luxury glamping at its finest. Their first site in our beautiful Canadian Rockies is coming soon.
Viking Wood Splitter
A hard-working farm boy, Michael Thompson took his first big step after high school by joining a large fabrication company. They enrolled him in their apprenticeship program, where he spent 31 years mastering his skills as a journeyman welder and project manager until the company shut down.
Even while working full-time, Michael’s passion for creating things never waned. About 25 years ago, he crafted a sword to decorate his garage. When he shared it with friends, one joked it looked like it could chop wood. It wasn’t until 2016, during a camping trip, that he saw people struggling with axes for chopping. He offered them his sword, and one camper—a website developer—suggested he should start a business. That camper even helped him create a website, and Viking Wood Splitters was born.
In 2019, Michael decided to make Viking Wood Splitter his full-time career. Since then, his business has thrived, with sales doubling every year.
Each Viking Wood Splitter is custom-designed and hand-crafted, nearly 4 feet long, which makes it very safe to use. The handle comes wrapped in your choice of tape or leather for an excellent grip, and you can even get it custom-engraved.
Today, Michael and his wife Kelley are excited to see their innovative wood splitters being used across North America. Their product sells out quickly, making it a favourite among campers, woodsmen, and anyone who needs to chop wood.
These are just two examples of the many outstanding entrepreneurs I’ve had the chance to work with. To make your business successful, it’s essential to have a strong team of experts by your side. This team should include your lawyer, accountant, financial institution, and insurance broker.
Your insurance broker should be your partner in protecting your business. They work with you to offer risk management advice, customize your insurance plan, and find the best mix of coverage and premiums to keep you and your business safe.
So, if you’re considering starting your own business or want to improve yours, don’t wait! Start building your team today and set yourself up for success. Contact Heather at Thor Insurance. You won’t be disappointed. It’s a smart move that can make a big difference!
For additional information on Business Planning you can also check out “Strategic vs. Business Planning”.