| | Have you ever looked at a building or piece of equipment and said, “Wow I need that”? Karen, Eva, Lloyd and Paul did. Sharing the ability to see the potential in things that others have abandoned, these four entrepreneurs revitalized old buildings and equipment to create unique businesses. Although they have very different businesses, they all agree its important to:
- take time to research and plan your idea
- be flexible
- not try to do everything all at once – build expansion into your plan and execute the plan in stages
- keep your renovation costs down by doing the work yourself
- stick to your plan—many people will not see or share your vision
- know what people want and then provide it
- have passion and like what you do – you need to be a people person
Inspiration May Be Hiding in Your Own Community
Rosebush Craft and Tea House, Karen Cole
Karen wanted to create another income source for the farm and do it from her home. She spent three years researching her idea and looking for the perfect building. She did not have to go far. Karen found a house built in 1915 and moved it less than 2 miles to the farm. She knew it would be perfect for a craft and tea house. Seven years later, Karen still serves tea and light meals to visitors and hosts bus tours. A year ago, she opened her bed and breakfast in a 1925 house which she found about 10 miles from the farm.
Karen says, “The community has a wealth of resources. Everything from old houses to local people who help me out with my business.”
Website: www.plantmasters.com/rosebush/
Create a Niche by Doing Something Different
Broxburn Vegetables, Paul de Jonge
Paul started his business as a u-pick strawberry operation. It grew to include field vegetables, greenhouses, retail store and restaurant. Each addition happened in stages and Paul says that he is not finished yet.
When he purchased the property, Paul decided to keep the 1930s barn as he wanted “curb appeal”. He wanted something different to bring people in to look around, spend some time and ask questions. He got ideas from visiting other operations. “Just don’t repeat what others are doing. Take the idea, massage it and find your niche,” advises Paul.
Website: www.broxburn-vegetables.com
Historic Barn Becomes a Family Destination
Great Canadian Barn Dance, Lloyd Kunkel
A love of music led the Kunkel family to their business. They wanted to create an atmosphere that reflected the country music they play. When Lloyd saw the barn and experienced its peaceful surroundings, he knew that this was the place to start their business. They renovated the 1913 barn and today it’s the destination for people from Alberta, the United States and abroad. The business has grown over 15 years to include camping, cottages and activities such as canoeing and wagon rides. Truly a family business, family members create the music, prepare the food, do the renovations and upkeep the property.
Website: www.greatcanadianbarndance.com
Uniqueness Keeps Her on the Right Track
Footloose Caboose Lodge, Eva Loranger
When asked why she bought her first caboose 10 years ago Eva says, "I just had a feeling." After purchasing several more rail cars, Eva combined her love of cooking with railway history in a unique business. "Plan for expansion and keep adding value to your business," suggests Eva. "You need to be able to much of the work yourself. Be prepared to spend a lot of time working on your business." Now located near Miquelon Lake, Footloose Caboose offers guests unequalled dining experiences and comfortable accommodations in an old tyme railway setting. Website: www.footloosecaboose.com
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