Dedicated to serving their customers
Published Tuesday May 6th, 2008
Three generations of Carleton County entrepreneurs honoured at Enterprise Carleton Region awards dinner
They are a testament to all entrepreneurs in Carleton County, who have strive for success in the business world and provide excellent customer service.
Last Wednesday night, three area entrepreneurs were honoured by Enterprise Carleton Region at its annual awards dinner at the Covered Bridge Golf and Country Club. Bristol businessman Raymond Brennan of Brennan Contractors and Building Supplies Ltd., and Woodstock businesswoman Mary Ann MacNabb-Walker of Hairraiser 678, were presented with Community Business Achiever Awards. Nick Munro of Sticks and Stones Landscaping received the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Enterprise Carleton general manager Gary Melanson said the three award recipients are a testament to the local business world. He said all three have worked hard from the ground up to see their businesses succeed and grow.
"They are an encouragement to other entrepreneurs," he said.
Melanson referred to Brennan as a civic-minded businessman, who has more than 60 years of dedicated service to his community.
Brennan began his career as a farmer for 25 years, seeding potatoes with his father and his two brothers, and he spent another 20 years growing potatoes for processing. This led him to building potato houses for other farmers and to the establishment of his contracting business in 1965. By 1976, he incorporated his contracting business and his building supplies business to provide both services to the region.
Since then, Brennan has continued to expand and diversify to meet the changing needs of his customers and the challenges to his business.
"This vote of confidence will help to grow the business, strengthen Carleton Region's economy and enhance its quality of life, continuing Raymond's 60-year tradition as a benevolent businessman," Melanson said as he announced Brennan's award.
To a thunderous round of applause and a standing ovation from the more than 100 people in attendance, Brennan accepted his award.
"It's a pleasure and honour to receive this award," said Brennan. "I really appreciate receiving this award tonight on behalf of my family. It is quite an honour, really. I want to thank my wife (Ann) and my family, some of whom have worked in the store. I greatly appreciate it. We have a great staff, who are hard-working people. I'd also like to thank all the people who have supported us in our work and our business."
Brennan added he is pleased to provide great service to the region and his customers.
MacNabb-Walker has also built her business over the past 18 years on the dedication of her customers.
She began Hairraiser as a one-woman shop in 1990. Through her dedication to set herself apart from the competition, she has enjoyed success and watched her business grow and prosper. In 2004, she merged with Studio 678, owned by Linda Rose, providing her with a wide range of services.
Now MacNabb-Walker is sole owner and boasts a staff of 12, including seven hairdressers, three aesthetician, one nail technician and one massage therapist.
Upon acceptance of her award, she took the time to thank her family, staff and customers. Without them, this award would not be possible, she said.
"It is truly quite an honour," she said. "Thank you very much."
Munro began his entrepreneurial spirit in 1999 while he was a full-time student. Over the years, he has worked hard to watch his business grow and succeed. By 2006, he took on the Carleton Manor courtyard project, which added to his reputation and led to more contracts in the area, including the Riverside Park in Bristol.
Now Munro's business is getting calls from as far away as Fredericton for his services.
Munro was extremely honoured by the award. The young businessman said it is a pleasure to be recognized by his peers. He added it could not have been possible without the support of his family, his friends, his staff and his customers who believed in him and gave him the opportunity to prove himself.
"The recognition is greatly appreciated," said Munro. "It is great to have people in your own community to come up, shake your hand and tell you what a great job you are doing."
In closing, Munro left future entrepreneurs with a little advice he received from Harrison McCain.
He said, when things look bad, to always keep smiling.
"Keep working hard, keep being dedicated and, with a little luck, things will turn around," he said.
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