Client Success Stories

If you're ready to share your business success story and you've been helped by CFAC, contact us and we would be pleased to write a story for you.

Troy Schmitz & Alyson Martel - "West Coast Firewood"

2008/7/8 - 10:30:00

This business was started from scratch by this couple in 2003. They left the aquaculture industry to get involved in value added wood products.

They now specialize in manufactured firewood, campfire bundles, shrink-wrapped bundles and cedar shake blocks. The business takes low value wood fiber and manufactures it into a value added product.

West Coast Firewood’s market share has grown dramatically over the past 3 years. They supply and sell their product to Provincial Park campgrounds around the central Island area including Port Alberni, Parksville/ Ucluelet and Tofino. They also service private campgrounds and resorts in the same areas.

Rhonda Del Rio - Del Rio Academy of Hair & Esthetics

2008/7/8 - 8:40:00

Rhonda and her young family moved to Port Alberni, B.C. from Alberta for business reasons in 2004.

Rhonda worked as an instructor at a local hairdressing school for two years. In addition to this she worked as a stylist at another shop in town.

In late 2006 Rhonda approached the local Community Futures office to discuss options for starting her own business. In early 2007 an opportunity arose for Rhonda to purchase an existing hairdressing/esthetics business. Rhonda decided to purchase the business and start a school at the new location. The school offers instruction done in modules to allow the students more time to learn their craft.

Walter Koelmans – "Heartfelt Home Inspection"

2006/1/30 - 13:10:00

One less stress in life would be good. Having one less stress when buying a house is essential for your own personal well-being and that of any relationship you may be in. Those of you who have bought a house recently – especially if it was your first experience – can relate to this sentiment. For Walter Koelmans’ “Heartfelt Home Inspection”, one less stress is not only his company’s motto but it is also a philosophy that he and his family can relate to on a very personal level. After the experience Walter had selling his last home he also learned, first-hand, the value and necessity of certified, professional home inspectors.

Leann Pitman, "Riding 4 Life"

2005/11/25 - 13:10:00

Waking up early, heading straight to the barn to tend to her horses is the start to Leann Pitman’s “perfect day”. Her perfect day would also include having a full day of riding lessons scheduled where she can contribute to people’s growth not only in terms of their riding skills but also, and more importantly, in terms of their growth as a person. Not only has Leann Pitman, owner, operator, instructor, stable-cleaner, entrepreneur of Riding 4 Life just described her perfect day but she has also just described a typical day in her life and that of her business. So, when I asked if “today is another perfect day?” Leann paused and admitted: “well, no, not quite. I would prefer it to be sunny…more people come out to the lessons when it’s sunny than raining.”

Roberta Livingstone, “Purple Paw” Grooming Salon

2005/8/22 - 13:00:00

A bright purple house with a bright yellow car and an even brighter smile lets you know that you’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for Roberta Livingstone’s Purple Paw Grooming Salon. If your canine companion doesn’t have you smiling before you enter the salon Roberta’s “Great Dane” sized personality and approach to your pet will certainly have you beaming in no time. Equally at ease, confident and masterful with the smallest of show dogs to the largest of the family “Heinz 57s” Roberta is a shining example of an entrepreneur successfully living her passion.