Scotiabank's Cross Country Small Business Tour drops by for a visit with Carleton County entrepreneurs

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By Shawn Merrithew

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Small business is the backbone of the community, says a national Scotiabank spokesperson, and that's as true in the Upper St. John River Valley as anywhere,

Earlier this week, officials for Scotiabank's Cross Country Small Business Tour stopped in the region to talk with two local business owners, who are helping shape economic development in the Carleton County.

Managing director of small business banking Kyle McNamara explained the purpose of the tour is to talk with local small business owners about their success and to discuss the challenges of today's market.

"It really gives us a really good perspective on what is going on in the small business market, and it also allows us to introduce some of the tools and resources we have to help small business owners be successful," explained McNamara.

The first stop was at Scotiabank in Florenceville-Bristol. That's where Nick Munro operates his successful business – Stick and Stones Landscaping.

Munro started the business a decade ago as a summer job while attending university. He has enjoyed success in the 10 year's since

"When I started, I had a truck, a few wheelbarrows, some shovels and rakes and two employees," Munro explained. "Now, we employ five full-time seasonal guys, have three trucks, two skid steer loaders, a mini excalator, a lawn tractor and other attachments for those pieces of equipment. So it has definitely grown."

On Monday morning, Munro proudly gave the Scotiabank representatives a tour of the company's most recent project – the landscaping and courtyard at the Carleton Manor courtyard in Woodstock.

The Scotiabank tour visit is the latest recognition of Sticks and Stones success. Earlier this year, the young businessman accepted the award as Young Entrepreneur of the Year at Enterprise Carleton's Small Business Awards.

"It certainly makes you feel pretty good," Munro said.

But the road travelled hasn't been easy for Munro. Starting his own venture did have its share of challenges, he said. Financing was one of the hardest parts, he said, noting he needed capital to buy much-needed equipment. But, he added, as the business became established financing became easier.

Munro said he also struggled to find enough employees. In the beginning, he said, it was easy as he had several friends around the area who worked for him. Over the years, they have moved on, leaving him looking for new employees. Lately, he noted, he had to turn down some jobs because he hasn't enough manpower.

"It has been a struggle as of late to keep some boys around with the western side of Canada competing with us," Munro explained. "It is just hard to find the people that want to do that kind of physical labour on a seasonal basis."

It's not stopping him though, and he plans to expand his business for the future.

"We haven't levelled off yet," he said. "We are still in the growth stage."

Besides helping established businesses, McNamara said, through the tour, he has the opportunity to speak with new owners and offer them some advice about starting up and growing.

"Our focus is helping businesses grow," McNamara explained. "Since a vast majority of small businesses are focused on growing their business, we have introduced the get-growing Web site – getgrowing.com – and there are tools and resources to help you grow your business."

This site includes a free business plan writer to help owners build and construct their plan for success.

"One of the main reasons some small businesses fail is a lack of planning," McNamara explained. "Small business owners might underestimate to competition, might over-estimate what customer needs are, but you can consider those things when you're constructing a business plan. You can plan for them, investigate them and research them. Our tool provides a step-by-step walk-through on how to do that."

McNamara also suggests being surrounded by the right team of people and advisors – an accountant, a lawyer, a small business banker, a coach or a mentor

"You want to surround yourself with the right team of advisors to help you go through your business plan, to help you understand those risks and help you realize the opportunities in the market."

McNamara's advice will prove beneficial to Rodney and Kelly Everett, co-owners of A&E Auto and Towing in Jacksonville. The couple recently started its business, located at 69 Hopkins Rd., and was looking for some help and advice on how to grow.

"It is nice to see they are interested in giving us a hand, especially where we are new and just getting started," said Rodney. "We are going to need all the help we can get. The economy is real tight, and we are going to need some help from these guys on getting our business up and running strong. Maybe when things come around, it will be a good investment for us."

Because he had his own truck and enjoyed working on his own, Rodney said he decided to set up shop.

"We also had a chance to create some jobs," added his wife Kelly.

"There were some people who wanted to come to work for us, and that was part of the package," Rodney said. "We probably wouldn't have started out all on our own without everything that has happened for us."

The biggest challenges the duo faced during start-up was cash flow and establishing their name on the automotive repair market.

The hope become known and begin their business growth through advertising and word of mouth.