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Editor’s Spotlight
MANAGING DIRECTOR Rod Gregg EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Lee Ann Atwater ACCOUNTS & ADMIN Calli Gregg COMMUNICATION, RESEARCH & ADMIN Tristyn Gaudette EDITORIAL & PROJECT MANAGER Gabrielle Gamblin CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
As we look back on the year that has passed and look forward to a new year, we understand how important family and community are and that they play an integral part in every successful business. Family and community are two of the most important things to businesswoman and entrepreneur, Sonya Frost. After moving to the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia for ten years, Frost found herself back home in Digby County running a family business alongside her husband, Jason turning a fireside talk into a new family- oriented lifestyle business venture that offers a beautiful piece of paradise to guests from all over the world. Debbie and Rick Dunham are community-oriented business owners who restore buildings and give them new life in the town of Windsor, Nova Scotia. They look for character, history, and potential as they search for new properties to invest in. In this issue, we learn about the Dunhams and how they are bringing the world to this little town of big firsts. The Robicheaus are all about community. La Cuisine Robicheau, Le Ptit Robicheau, and Cabane d’Horizon offer more than amazing food and unique seaside accommodations. We had the opportunity to learn how Nadine, Scott, and their son Shane continue to grow the family business and their tradition of giving back and helping the residents of Clare, Nova Scotia, as they carry on the legacy of a dear friend along the way. Brothers Dean and Doug Robertson grew up surrounded by agriculture and natural resources. When they discovered their family cottage was perched on land with fossils, they started a business close by that would incorporate their homegrown lifestyle and love of nature. We chat with Dean Robertson about the history of Fossil Farms Oceanside Retreat and learn about how much the Robertson brothers do to reduce their footprint and encourage healthy living for everyone who stays at their venue. We take a look at the current tipping culture, how it is changing along with what is expected and being received by those in the industry. For most of us, Winter means shorter days, longer nights, and in most cases frigid temperatures that can keep us trapped inside. In this issue, we get a better understanding of how the change in weather may impact everyone’s mood negatively temporarily as they adjust, but for some, the winter blues can lead to significant mental health challenges that can affect their personal and work life. As always, my team and I want to thank everyone who made this issue possible, and we look forward to sharing more stories about growing industries, successful businesses, and brands, while spotlighting the people behind and in front of making it all happen.
Cody Ciona Jody Euloth Will Gibson
Kris McCarthy Ceiledh Monk Dan Monk Ryan Myson Teresa Siqueira
WEB DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT Joe Uttaro GRAPHIC & LAYOUT DESIGN Rashmi Azhar
Misha Mahmood Brittany Pickrem SOCIAL MEDIA Troy Gregg PUBLISHER AIDACA Media
Lee Ann Atwater Editor
SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 23 ISSUE 5 3 P.O. Box 35007, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3M 0G3 E: info@spotlightbizmag.com spotlightonbusinessmagazine.com
What’s in the SISSIBOO RIVER RETREAT THE ULTIMATE GLAMPING EXPERIENCE ON THE COVER
Family and community are two of the most important things to businesswoman and entrepreneur, Sonya Frost. After moving to the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia for ten years, Frost found herself back home in Digby County running a family business alongside her husband, Jason. A fireside talk became a big plan to build a new business from the ground up. Frost and her family incorporated their family-oriented lifestyle and beautiful piece of paradise in their business venture to share with guests from all over the world.
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FOSSIL FARMS OCEANSIDE RETREAT R & D DUNHAM HOLDINGS LTD
AN OASIS FOR NATURE & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS
BRINGING THE WORLD TO WINDSOR
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Brothers Dean and Doug Robertson grew up surrounded by agriculture and natural resources. When they discovered their family cottage was perched on land with fossils, they started a business close by that would incorporate their homegrown lifestyle and love of nature. As we talk to Dean Robertson about the history of Fossil Farms Oceanside Retreat, we learn about how much the Robertson brothers do to reduce their footprint and encourage healthy living for everyone who stays at their venue.
4 SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 23 ISSUE 5 Debbie and Rick Dunham are community-oriented business owners who restore buildings and give them new life in the town of Windsor, Nova Scotia. They look for character, history, and potential as they search for new properties to invest in. As we talk to their Executive Assistant, Erika Orde, we learn about the Dunhams and how R & D Dunham Holdings Ltd is bringing the world to this little town of big firsts.
Spotlight
Have we reached the end of tipping? Are we approaching a point where it is no longer the model that supports the worker’s wage? In this issue we take a look at the current tipping culture, how it is changing along with what is expected and being received by those in the industry. TIPPING CULTURE DO YOU THINK IT’S OUT OF CONTROL? Whether you are working in an office or remotely in Canada and many places in the U.S. December means the start of Winter and months of shorter days, longer nights, and frigid temperatures and icy conditions that can keep us trapped inside. The change in weather may impact everyone’s mood negatively temporarily as they adjust, but for some, the winter blues can lead to significant mental health challenges that can affect their personal and work life. SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER MORE THAN THE WINTER BLUES THE ROBICHEAU FAMILY HOSPITALITY BRANDS TRADITIONAL ACADIAN HOSPITALITY Nadine and Scott Robicheau along with their son Shane continue the family xhospitality business tradition, owning and operating a restaurant and mobile food trailer while venturing outside the comfort of food and drinks to build luxurious accommodations on their property all while staying focused on helping the residents of Clare, Nova Scotia, and carrying on the legacy of a dear friend along the way.
03 EDITOR’S SPOTLIGHT 04 WHAT’S IN THE SPOTLIGHT 08 HEADLINES IN THE SPOTLIGHT 10 UPCOMING EVENTS 14 COASTAL GASLINK COMPLETION 18 CONTRACTOR’S CORNER 38 STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD 62 HOME PROTECTION UNVEILED 74 MAKING A CONNECTION 80 BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS 86 PRINT DOES MATTER 92 INVESTMENT IN ALBERTA’S INDUSTRIAL HEARTLAND Growing your following on LinkedIn 104 SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER 110 GUILTY CHOCOHOLIC MAMA More than just the Winter Blues Key to Unlocking Canadian Natural Gas for The World Renovation Planning Process Being Dynamic Makes a Difference Expert Tips for Round-the-Clock Security In Business & Life, Trust is Earned, Not Given Why Print is Important for Building a Branding Net Zero Petrochemical Complex Seen as a Signpost for Future
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Mom of a Young Adult
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HEADLINES
8 SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 23 ISSUE 5 Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who has been heavily critical of the Liberals over their housing policies, has said that the government should calibrate its immigration policy to match the pace of homebuilding in the country. The federal government ultimately decided to increase the number of permanent residents Canada welcomes each year to 500,000 in 2025 — nearly double the amount from 2015. The Liberal ministers are defending the decision to boost immigration levels, arguing immigration supported Canada’s post-pandemic recovery. But Miller and Fraser also say housing pressures have pushed the government to adjust its immigration targets as well as temporary resident admissions. Miller decided to level out the number of permanent residents coming to Canada at 500,000 for 2026, the same number as 2025. HOUSING CRUNCH PROMPTS CHANGES TO IMMIGRATION TARGETS Housing Minister Sean Fraser and Immigration Minister Marc Miller say the federal government is working to stabilize the number of people entering the country every year as housing pressures mount as internal documents from 2022 showing Immigration Department employees warned that a major increase in immigration could affect access to housing and services.
AB INBEV CLOSES FIRST OLYMPIC SPONSORSHIP DEAL
Anheuser-Busch InBev has scored a sponsorship for the upcoming Olympic Games, making it the first beer brand to ever sponsor the event. The International Olympic Committee announced its worldwide partnership with the world’s biggest brewing company, saying the team-up will stretch from the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Games to Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games. The IOC specifically highlighted Corona Cero as the beer of choice for the partnership. Corona Cero, one of AB InBev’s non-alcoholic beers, contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, according to the company’s website. This partnership could be a comeback of sorts for AB InBev, which previously announced that it would be focusing its marketing efforts on sporting and music events.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
META OFFERS SETTLEMENT
MORE CANADIANS BUYING CANNABIS FROM A LEGAL SOURCE An annual survey from Health Canada shows that 73 percent of respondents are buying their cannabis from legal sources. That number compares with 37 percent in 2019, the year after Canada first legalized cannabis. Almost 70 percent were using legal sources in 2022. In addition to more Canadians buying cannabis from a legal source, the survey also found the most purchased kinds of pot were dried flower or leaves, edible cannabis, and vape pens or cartridges. People who used cannabis in the 12 months leading up to the survey said they typically spend close to $63 on cannabis each month, a drop from $73 in 2018. This year’s survey questioned 11,690 Canadians between May and July. It must also be said that Industry experts have long warned data collected by government agencies on cannabis may be impacted by pot users who are still unlikely to report pot use or purchases from illicit sources to officials because of the stigma around the substance.
Meta is offering $51 million to settle a class-action lawsuit in four Canadian provinces over the use of some users’ images in Facebook advertising. The legal action filed by a B.C. woman claimed her image and those of others were used without their knowledge in Facebook’s “sponsored stories” advertising program, which is no longer in operation. MNP Ltd., the court-appointed administrator handling the proposed settlement, says in a statement the agreement needs to be approved by a B.C. Supreme Court judge in March, along with a process to determine class members’ share of the money. The lawsuit was expanded outside of B.C. in 2019 to include residents of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Sponsored stories ran from January 2011 to May 2014. If someone liked a product under the program, Facebook generated a news feed endorsement using their name and profile photo but didn’t tell them their image was being used. Lawyers estimate that 4.3 million people who had their real name or photo used in a sponsored story could qualify as part of the Canadian settlement. Anyone who wants to object to the proposed settlement has until March 11.
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EVENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The Consumer Electronics Show is the world’s gathering place for all those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. CES showcases exhibiting companies, including manufacturers, developers, and suppliers of consumer technology hardware, content, technology delivery systems, and more; a conference program with conference sessions and attendees from countries. It will allow the entire tech community to safely share ideas and introduce the products that will shape our future. You’ll be able to participate in all the awe-inspiring moments of CES wherever you are in the world. We are designing a unique experience for the tech industry. CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW January 9th to 12st, 2024 Las Vegas Convention Centre | Las Vegas, NV USA
The International Production & Processing Expo is the world’s largest annual poultry and egg, meat and animal food industry event of its kind. A wide range of domestic and international decision-makers attend this annual event to find solutions for their business, network with industry colleagues and learn about the latest technological developments and issues facing the industry.The 2024 IPPE already has 1,400+ exhibitors that will occupy more than 620,000+ square feet of exhibit space. The 2024 IPPE will offer timely and important information and an efficient way for producers and processors to find solutions to enhance their operations. We look forward to being with you again at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. For more information on this event go to https://www.ippexpo.org/ INTERNATIONALPRODUCTION & PROCESSING EXPO January 30th to February 1st, 2024 Georgia World Congress Center | Atlanta, GA USA
The Halifax International Boat Show brings you the top brands from across the Maritimes. This leading event features boats of all shapes and sizes, along with exhibits of marine equipment, marine engines, diesel, gas, outboard and inboard, marine electronics and accessories, docks and dock builders. With a long- standing track record of success, The Halifax International Boat Show has become the go-to event that buyers rely on and trust. Capitalize on this ideal platform to showcase your brand to a wide range of potential clients and unveil new product lines with the utmost impact. For more information on this event go to https://www.halifaxboatshow. com/ HALIFAX INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW February 1st to 4th, 2024 Halifax Exhibition Centre (HEC) | Halifax, NS Canada
For more information on this event go to https://www.ces.tech/
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The Edmonton Craft Beer Festival has grown to be one of the biggest and best festivals in Canada and is one of the fastest-growing beer festivals in North America. The ECBF brings together over 150 craft breweries and distilleries to showcase over 500 types of beers, spirits, ready-to-drinks, ciders, and meads, where your biggest challenge will be deciding where to start. You will be able to hear great stories from those in the industry, learn to cook and pair beer with food in the Cooking with Beer Seminars, explore the emerging craft distillery industry in the distillery district, sample from many amazing restaurants and eateries, enjoy the stages, screens, and other entertainment scattered throughout the festival, and most importantly, have an amazing time and enjoy good music the whole weekend! For more information on this event go to https://www.albertabeerfestivals. com/festivals/edmonton-craft-beer- festival/ EDMONTON CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL March 8th to 9th, 2024 Edmonton Expo Center | Edmonton, AB Canada
The World’s Premier Mineral Exploration & Mining Convention is the leading event for people, companies and organizations connected to mineral exploration. This annual convention is known for attracting up to 30,000 attendees from over 130+ countries for its educational programming, networking events, outstanding business opportunities and fun. Since it began in 1932, the PDAC Convention has grown in size, stature and influence. Today, it is the event of choice for the world’s mineral industry hosting more than 1,100 exhibitors and 2,500 investors. Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) | Toronto, ON Canada PDAC MINERAL EXPLORATION & MINING CONVENTION March 3rd to 6th, 2024
THE WELLNESS SHOW February 3rd to 4th, 2024 Vancouver Convention Centre | Vancouver, BC Canada
Wellness Show Vancouver will be bringing new approaches to nutrition, fitness, and physical and emotional well-being to help Vancouverites achieve their most holistic, healthiest selves. We connect like-minded businesses and thought leaders in wellness. We educate the public on health options as a year-round online resource and as the host of Western Canada’s biggest and most established health and lifestyles showcase with 250 + exhibitors, 100 + speakers, cooking and fitness demonstrations, 2 days plus 20K attendees all under one roof. For more information on this event go to https://www.thewellnessshow. com/
For more information on this event go to https://www.pdac.ca/convention
WANT TO HAVE YOUR EVENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT? Send an email 4 weeks in advance to production@spotlightbizmag.com with all the details of your event.
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meet
The place to
in Truro.
437 Prince St., Truro, NS B2N 1E6 - 902.897.8006 - catering@innonprince.com
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Key to Unlocking Canadian Natural Gas for The World by Cody Ciona Coastal Gaslink Completion
supercooled and turned into the lowest carbon liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the world and shipped across to global customers from the export facility. That facility is expected to begin operations next year. It is estimated that the two projects could reduce be - tween 60 to 90 million tonnes of global emissions per year by replacing coal-fired power in Asia. “Coastal GasLink reached mechanical completion in early November 2023 ahead of schedule and is ready to deliver natural gas to LNG Canada’s facility, which will depend on their own commissioning process,” said Natasha Westover, manager of external relations for TC Energy. “Which means, sustainably produced LNG could be shipped to global markets by 2025, via this world-class, safety-leading pipeline.”
Canada’s natural gas industry has made a major step forward in efforts to export much-needed supply to energy-hungry markets in Asia.
The key is the completion of the Coastal GasLink pipeline at the end of 2023.
The project, nearly 12 years in the making, is Canada’s only natural gas export pipeline to the west coast.
It will deliver supply to the port of Kitimat, about 1,400 kilometres northwest of Vancouver. There it will be
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The project continues momentum for economic recon - ciliation with Indigenous communities, with Coastal Gas - Link set to become one of Canada’s largest infrastruc - ture projects with Indigenous ownership. Once the pipeline is in service, 17 of the twenty First Nations along the pipeline route have signed an agree - ment for the option to buy a 10 percent stake. “The opportunity was made available to all 20 Indige - nous communities holding existing agreements with Coastal GasLink and is an important step on the path to true partnership through equity ownership in the proj - ect,” Westover said. The ownership stakes are in addition to numerous agree - ments and contracts reached with Indigenous commu - nities along Coastal GasLink’s path. In all, the project spent $1.8 billion with Indigenous and local businesses.
‘Once the pipeline is in service, 17 of the twenty First Nations along the pipeline route have signed an agreement for the option to buy a 10 percent stake.’ According to TC Energy, the project created more than 25,700 full-time equivalent jobs and took 55 million hours to complete. The project generated $3.2 billion to B.C.’s GDP, some $331 million in tax revenue, and $3.95 billion in spending with B.C. businesses and suppliers. As well, during construction, Coastal GasLink and TC Energy spent over $13 million in community investments and sponsorships to support local and Indigenous com - munity initiatives. SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 23 ISSUE 5 15
five-year construction phase, during which time our workers, contractors, Indigenous and local communities collaborated to complete Canada’s first pipeline to the west coast in 70 years,” Westover said.
According to TC Energy, the project created more than 25,700 full-time equivalent jobs and took 55 million hours to complete. The project generated $3.2 billion to B.C.’s GDP, some $331 million in tax revenue, and $3.95 billion in spending with B.C. businesses and suppliers. As well, during construction, Coastal GasLink and TC Energy spent over $13 million in community investments and sponsorships to support local and Indigenous community initiatives. Once operating, it is estimated that over $26 million in annual tax revenue will be generated for communities along the pipeline’s path. Even with construction com - ing to an end, local communities will continue to see economic spinoffs. More than $42 million is expected to be generated each year through local economic activity.
“The opportunity was made available to all 20 Indigenous communities holding existing agreements with Coastal GasLink and is an important step on the path to true partnership through equity ownership in the project”
Work will now continue on environmental reclamation and preparing communities and workers for the start of operations.
“These accomplishments mark the end of the project’s
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“Coastal GasLink looks forward to continuing to be a part of the local community as we prepare for safe operations for decades to come,” Westover said. “Coastal GasLink looks forward to continuing to be a part of the local community as we prepare for safe operations for decades to come”
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CONTRACTOR’S
Renovation Planning Process by Dan Monk
I f you want a little advice on how to initiate the renovation planning process without going through the stress of having to figure it out alone, listen up! The planning process is equally as important as the renovation project itself. Skipping steps tends to achieve a less than satisfactory result and a whole lot of stress. The following are the first critical steps, based on a few years of personal experience as a
Professional Engineer and Red Seal Carpenter: Design The process of designing a renovation is critical for several reasons, starting with brainstorming and organizing your thoughts with the advice of an experienced professional! Right from the get-go, sitting down with a design consultant and offload all
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your wants and desires is a fantastic idea. You get the designer’s undivided attention, and they get an understanding of your lifestyle, which helps them shape an idea of how to make this renovation work best for you and your existing space. Understanding the purpose of the renovation is as important as the renovation itself. With that baseline established, the next step is creating a design that embodies your style and vision by combining your must-haves and biggest dreams. The client and designer collaborate by gathering inspiration photos, samples from suppliers, or whatever helps you best. After meeting with the client, the designer can begin to work their magic and start developing the design, using design software to allow the picture in the client’s head to become visual on paper or the computer screen. An independent designer or one who works with a contractor can assist you with anything from a basic floor plan to many additional design services such as lighting and electrical location, flooring, wall colours, furniture selection, cabinet design, and appliance selections. Important to note: if you pay for the design service, it is my advice that you ensure the
product becomes your property once complete, to do with as you wish. Engineering The structural integrity of your home is important to the long-term value of your home and your personal safety. As a Professional Engineer, I’m always looking at the building structure and how the building systems work together to make a safe and efficient home. Many lead carpenters have the highly valued skill of understanding building science and structure as it relates to the National Building Code and may make suggestions as the project progresses. Unfortunately, you must look out for the DIY’ers (I would call them carpenter imposters…) in our busy industry who do not have the same level of understanding of buildings science or carpentry. Hiring these people can pose a serious threat to the structural integrity of your home and the living environment. Buyer beware! A key indicator of a professional is their sense of resourcefulness – I will often consult with my engineering colleagues, subtrades and suppliers
your existing space. Understanding the purpose of the renovation is as important as the renovation itself. A key
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to ensure the best result is achieved for my clients. Another key is their inclination to share their knowledge and reasoning – A professional knows what can be done within reason and is not afraid to be upfront and admit when client’s desires can create difficulty, thus increased cost. As opposed to non-professionals who can more easily say, “no problem” or “anything can be done!” However, anything comes at a cost and may end up being a much bigger problem than they led off to be. Most things are possible, but at what cost? Estimating This is the process of taking the combined experience of the contractor, their subtrades and suppliers, reviewing plans, completing site visits and determine the cost of all aspects of the project. This requires extensive hands-on experience to accurately estimate the time to complete each task. This is the reason all our estimators are carpenters! An estimate should have details of all aspects of the project, including any specific request from the client and price allowances for all products to
be selected by the client and supplied by the contractor. When we prepare an estimate, the same estimate becomes the work order for our crews, therefore, what the client has seen and approved is the same for the crew executing the project. This helps minimize confusion and ensures the client gets exactly what they requested. I have been asked on many occasions, “Why is your price higher than the other guy?” The simple answer is “I don’t know.” I am confident that our estimate is accurate based on how we plan to complete the project and we use all our combined experience to ensure we cover all aspects of the project. This may result in a comparatively higher price, but in the end, our goal is to be accurate and reduce the unknowns for the client, not just be the low bid.
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The process of planning a renovation project is filled with details, which a professional renovation company can and will assist with all aspects - design, engineering, and estimating. A process can appear complicated for a client however, after doing thousands of renovations, the process is second nature, and a professional should be able to reduce the stress and uncertainty of the process. Thank you for reading my two cents regarding the initial steps in the process of planning a renovation, I hope you found them helpful as you plan your next renovation project. Please remember, regardless of the size of the renovation, a professional knows it makes a significant impact on you and your home and should always have the client’s best interest at heart.
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TIPPING CULTURE Do you think it’s out of control? by Ryan Myson
H ave we reached the end of tipping? Are we approaching a point where it is no longer the model that supports the worker’s wage? I support people in the service industry who rely on the gratuity from patrons to make a decent living wage. Most work hard. They are difficult jobs with challenging personalities. Their efforts to add value to your service experience deserve acknowledgment, and in most cases that comes in the form of a tip for service. Boy has that model changed. Today most tipping is electronic and managed by the establishments offering the service. Employees have no idea what the tip total is until they receive their payout. In speaking with friends who rely on tips it is common for employers to “hold back” a percentage of the tips. Customer-facing staff would traditionally share their tips with behind-the-counter workers, like the chefs and other kitchen and support staff. 24 SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 23 ISSUE 5
This was an opportunity to address the ways they could work together to ensure the tip pool was larger by not serving cold food or forgetting things. Now management does that electronically and if someone is impeding the ability to provide good service, they still get their cut of the tips. The worker is not getting the full tip. They rely on the integrity of their employer to ensure their payout is accurate. It is all tracked, and Revenue Canada is on top of it collecting their cut. The employer gets to keep subsidizing low wages with gratuities and the worker has little control over it.
Some employers, mostly former service workers, recognize the issue and have
produced good schemes to help bolster the pay for their staff. Unfortunately, from what I am hearing, that is the exception and not the rule in the industry. Especially with chains and large corporate establishments that own multiple service industry businesses and factor in a tip line item on store revenue.
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Here is the problem. The customer is not happy. Recent surveys show that people feel tipping has spread into areas where it does not belong. It also stated that mandatory tipping and suggested amounts are too high. A problem further compounded by inflationary pricing. The customer is at the heart of the tipping philosophy. In Canada, we do it out of obligation because as Canadians we “feel bad” not tipping. (then we bitch about it in the car later) That is not the way in the rest of the world. “Tip - flation” is now a thing. Tip inflation is increasing past amounts from 5%–15% in pre-pandemic numbers and now
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15%–25% in post-pandemic. Add to that the prices on the menu and checks, that the tips are based on have undergone significant increases in recent years. Workers are feeling it. When you hear that there is a worker shortage in the service industry some of the issue is that tipping is dying. Think about your local coffee shop. When we used cash, you always left the change. The need for speed has given us “the tap” which is preclusive to tipping. Employers skimming off the top really cuts into the “extra” that used to come to an employee working in the service sector.
This also impacts the growing demand for a raise in the minimum wage. Most service jobs were 60-70% salary and the rest in tips. That would account for the living wage. The salary is now up to 90%. Wages have not followed. That means less income for the worker. It also means less ability to pay for the customers.
I read an article recently in another publication that 80% of people now bypass the tip on at least one purchase a week. The number one reason is the transaction did not warrant tipping. This is the other problem emerging. Businesses that have no real reason to put a tip option on electronic payments are using it to generate more money. The movie theatre is one example. Adding ten percent tips to the inflated price of a movie soda and popcorn is a tough pill to swallow.
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The pandemic was a takeout boom. Customers kept tipping at good levels to thank workers for being there during that time. Takeout tips are lower. There was a pandemic premium of sorts. That is gone. Now employers are having trouble attracting people to the service sector jobs where tipping supplements wages. Workers are opting for jobs that rely on salary. In Japan, tipping is considered rude. Canada has a 15% tip mentality. The US is 20%. In Europe you get a 10% tip added without question. Otherwise, 10-15% is the expectation. In Scandinavian countries, tips are persona non grata. Rounding up is ok. Tipping is not. Electronic tipping has increased the frequency of tipping. Twenty-two percent higher actually. Starbucks employees were looking into formal labor organization. As a concession, their employer agreed to set up a system where your debit or credit card purchases can automatically add a tip as a patron. Behind-the-scenes in the service industry big corporations are raking in the profits and can afford to pay their employees properly. Smaller businesses not so much. The basis for tipping is a reward for good customer service. Now the industry has stated a 10% tip is an indication you did not like your service as opposed
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Unless food price inflation is under control, and people know the tip is going to the service provider, the 21% decrease in leaving a gratuity is going to continue. Frequency is up but the overall volume of tipping is down because of the expanded request for tips in no traditional places. Wages simply are not pacing inflation. Should that be the benchmark? I say if corporate profits are at breaking new records so should wages. That is true for executive-level employees but not workers. The UAW asked for and won double-digit wage increases from the big three automakers. Sounds crazy until you hear that the executives of those companies have had a 62% increase in addition to more stock.
So, do you think tipping is out of control?
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SISSIBOO RIVER RETREAT
The Ultimate Glamping Experience by Gabrielle Gamblin
F amily and community are two of the most important things to businesswoman and entrepreneur, Sonya Frost. After moving to the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia for ten years, Frost found herself back home in Digby County running a family business alongside her husband, Jason. A fireside talk became a big plan to build a new business from the ground up. Frost and her family incorporated their family-oriented lifestyle and beautiful piece of paradise in their business venture to share with guests from all over the world. 30 SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 23 ISSUE 5
models, “We’re not scared of anything,” Frost teased. “Our guys will work on whatever you bring us.” “We’re not scared of anything,” Frost teased. “Our guys will work on whatever you bring us.” Frost teased. “Our guys will work on whatever you bring us.” Frost said growing up, both she and Jason were brought up in families of entrepreneurs. “It’s just in our blood to be in the business industry and serving people,” she explained. “It’s just in our blood to be in the business industry and serving people”
Sonya Frost is a family-oriented businesswoman from Long Island, Nova Scotia. Her husband, Jason, grew up along Digby Neck. “We can take a boat across the bay and get to where we grew up in fifteen minutes,” Frost described. They live a quiet, country bumpkin lifestyle in Clare, Nova Scotia. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Sonya worked at Staples in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She was promoted to manager and transferred to a Staples location in Yarmouth. She and Jason went back home to their roots and Jason worked at his family’s automotive business. When they had their daughter, Sonya left Staples and took on the automotive business alongside Jason. When Jason’s parents were ready to retire, Sonya and Jason bought the business and continue to run it to this day. Boliver’s Service Center has been in business for over thirty years, ten of which have been under the ownership of Sonya and Jason. The garage will service all makes and
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to be as soon as we walked on the property,” Frost explained. “It’s a beautiful little cove with a nice view. It’s a piece of paradise.” They immediately began the construction of the domes and put up the first one in July 2021, just 5 months after purchasing the property. “It was like this is where it was meant to be as soon as we walked on the property,” Frost explained. “It’s a beautiful little cove with a nice view. It’s a piece of paradise.”
Outside of the family business, Frost gets involved in as many community activities as possible. She’s been a Girl Guide leader, on the soccer association, and she has been treasurer on multiple boards. “I don’t have a lot of spare time, but I tend to get myself involved in a lot of stuff,” she said. She is a people person who loves to surround herself with her family, friends, and community. Sissiboo River Retreat was an idea brought up around the campfire that came to life. Frost said she always planned to have a family business with her brother, Derick. A few years back while he was visiting, the idea of domes came up while sitting around the fire. “We thought they were a cool concept. They weren’t common at that point,” Frost said. They started looking for land and she contacted the CBDC to start the planning. After a property sale in Annapolis fell through, Sonya and Jason found a small piece of land just down the road from their house that would become the perfect match. “It was like this is where it was meant 32 SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 23 ISSUE 5
The first dome to go up in July 2021 is called, “The Fireside”. It’s a small, couples dome that is great for two people or a couple with a small child. A month later, the second dome named, “The Driftwood” was built. Frost explains that they had challenges throughout planning and building due to COVID-19 restrictions, supply shortages, and building permits. Sourcing materials, meeting deadlines and price points all became a challenge during the construction of the first two domes. As well as building inspections and permits due to the uniqueness of the domes in the area. “We went in with punches and did what we needed to do to get those two domes,” Frost said on a positive note. Once they found Phoenix Domes, a reliable supplier, things started coming together. Construction for the third dome, “The Timberland”, halted for quite a long time but they got it up and running a year later. With all three domes up and running, Sissiboo River Retreat was ready to welcome guests.
Check-in at Sissiboo River Retreat is a breeze for guests. If they wish to book online, guests do not have to interact with the staff. Contactless check-in and check-out are available. However, if they prefer personal interaction and communications, Frost says that Barbara the Customer Experience Lead at Sissiboo River Retreat is wonderful to deal with and is always ready to assist future guests with their booking. Barbara is almost always the friendly voice guests will hear on the other end of the telephone as she answers the majority of the calls to the retreat. She is an expert in helping guests choose which dome is best suited to their needs. Guests can expect a confirmation email once their booking is completed, and a welcome email a week before their stay.
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their food, drinks, and personal items such as clothing. “Most people are surprised when they get here,” she said. The domes have all your other glamping needs. Each dome is equipped with a heat pump, a small kitchenette, a three-piece bathroom, Wi-Fi, and a hot tub outside. The domes do not have televisions, so guests can take the opportunity to unwind in nature or simply enjoy the company of the friends and family that are staying with them. Each dome has a gated deck, making it easy to keep children and pets within the space. All of the decks are elevated and have beautiful views of the Sissiboo River. The Driftwood dome has a king-size bed on the main level and a queen-size bed in the loft. “It has a skylight, so you can lay in bed and look up at the stars,” Frost described. She continued to say The Timberland dome has a pellet stove inside, giving it a cozier feel, and The Fireside dome has an electric fireplace. There is no stove in the kitchenette, but each dome has an outdoor barbecue with a side burner. There is also a cooking space to keep out of the elements while cooking outside. Also, right outside the domes are propane fire pits and designated areas for a traditional campfire. Propane and wood are provided so guests can just relax and enjoy all the beautiful property. “It has a skylight, so you can lay in bed and look up at the stars,”
Sissiboo River Retreat is located along the shoreline of the mouth of the Sissiboo River. The Sissiboo River is a huge river that connects to other bodies of water which go into Saint Mary’s Bay. Frost explains that the water in the Sissiboo River is salt water, and it can get very warm in the summertime. Guests can swim in the river in the summertime and Frost is looking into having paddleboards or kayaks at the retreat in the future. The domes sit on an elevated piece of property that has lots of spruce and hardwood trees. During the construction of the domes, they tried to keep as many trees as possible for the privacy of their guests and the conservation of nature. About five
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minutes away from the retreat is the town of Weymouth. It has all the general amenities including grocery stores, a pharmacy, gas stations, and more. Sissiboo River Retreat is in the perfect location for anyone wishing to enjoy the serenity of nature and have activities to fulfill their days. Regardless of the season, Frost says guests take an interest in walking the beaches looking for beach glass or other artifacts. “It’s been an active river in the community for a long time. It used to be a major port, where schooners were built, and lumber was transported. We have found many unique things along the side of the river,” she added. Other activities guests can look forward to are fishing and enjoying the nearby parks and trails. There is one trail in particular Frost says is a family-friendly place to walk especially if they have young children. The nearby trail is usually decorated for the upcoming season or holiday such as Halloween and Christmas themes. Another activity that Frost would like to see more of is four-wheeling. Sissiboo River Retreat is close to abandoned railway tracks. ATV
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enthusiasts are more than welcome to stay at the retreat, bring their four-wheelers and other offroad vehicles and take advantage of the nearby trails. “You can drive right through the town of Weymouth,” Frost explained. “It’s one of the few places in Nova Scotia where you’re allowed to go from trail to road to trail on a four-wheeler.” She also noted that nearby, New France has uncharted forests and lots of history on the land. “There are old ruins back there. It’s quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. I’d love to see more people come with their four-wheelers and explore,” she said. No matter what the occasion is that brings guests to Sissiboo River Retreat, Frost says their goal was to always be a family-friendly place, which includes the four-legged family members as well. While dome retreats are becoming more popular as time goes on, most are not pet-friendly and are strictly adult-only. Encouraging families with pets and children was the only right way to do it in their minds. “Our thoughts when we did this was to have a place, we could enjoy with our family too. We’re pet people and we’re kid people, so we decided to create a family-fun space,” she explained. Frost also wanted to contribute to bringing people to Clare. “Part of our goal was to bring people to the area and showcase what we have,” she said. She has been able to employ people from the area and partner with other local businesses through the retreat. They offer local products within the domes for the guests to use and will continue to support local as much as they can. “Part of our goal was to bring people to the area and showcase what we have,”
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In the upcoming year, Frost reveals there will be an additional dome built on the property called, “The Seascape.” “We have fun with every single dome. There’s something different about each one,” she said. Part of the fun is what they can add and improve with each dome. She says figuring out all the little details of each dome feels like putting pieces of a puzzle together. “After we build them, we sit down and debrief. Then we say okay, what can we do with the next one?” Frost says the next dome coming in 2024 will most likely have the best view. “This one will probably be my favourite... But I say that every time,” she laughed. So, whether you’re looking for a place to host a small family reunion, a girl’s trip, or as a homebase while four- wheeling with your buddies, we recommend Sissiboo River Retreat to all. Be sure to stay up to date on their upcoming addition to the property and all their future endeavours by following them on social media. “We have fun with every single dome. There’s something different about each one,”
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Stand out from the Crowd
Being Dynamic Makes a Difference by Jody Euloth
As consumers, we now have more options to choose from than ever before. Whether deciding on a new smartphone, a new car, or maybe it is just a place to go for an evening with friends, with so many options available, the decision-making process can be overwhelming. Pair this with the fact that several internet sources conclude that adults make approximately 35,000 decisions each and every day. As business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals, we must be aware of this mental noise and the confusion it causes for consumers. Understanding that potential clients are bombarded, and I mean this in a good way, by salespeople and service offerings, our sales pitches must be more dynamic than simply showing value and solving a problem. Seth Godin, best-selling author and renowned business leader, states that ‘People do not buy goods and services. 38 SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 23 ISSUE 5
‘Adults make approximately 35,000 decisions each and every day.’
They buy relations, stories, and magic.’ Chances are your competitors are solving the same problem you are, so how do you stand apart from the competition?
‘People do not buy goods and services. They buy relations, stories, and magic.’ day.’
You’ve heard it before; sales are a numbers game. The more offers you make, the better your odds of closing more deals. Consequently, this consistent repetition that sales demands and the inevitable rejection salespeople experience regularly, can be a demotivating mental challenge, leading to lackluster sales presentations. Of course, you have an amazing product or service that can add significant value, but if presented in a boring, desperate, or self-serving way, you will come across as annoying to your customers. This irritancy will force clients to give their business to someone else, with whom they had a memorable experience.
So, what does it mean to be ‘Dynamic’ and how can this be achieved?
The definition of dynamic, when describing a process or system, means ‘characterized by constant change, activity or progress.’ When referring to an individual, it states ‘positive in attitude and full of energy and new ideas.’ Synonyms include words like compelling, charismatic, effective, influential, powerful, and productive. One way to avoid coming across as a desperate, stressed-out salesperson, is to listen to your client. Find a connection and be thoughtful in remembering the details. Listening is the best way to learn and understand the client’s needs, which will allow you to position yourself as a consultant. One common mistake, salespeople and passionate entrepreneurs make, is they spend way too much time talking about what they can offer instead of learning more about their clients. You’ve experienced it, that salesperson who just keeps blabbing on and on. The truth is business owners love to talk about their
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business, so get them talking by asking open-ended questions. Gather information and take note of any specific points of interest that you can refer to later. For example, details like remembering the names of her kids, where they are going on vacation, or what sports they like to play in their spare time, help build rapport and your relationship with the client. Making this connection and being personable shows that you are interested in more than just making a sale. It goes a long way in being memorable, exuding positive energy, and setting yourself apart from the competition. If you are looking to develop a dynamic sales method, one way that is proven effective for business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals is consistent coaching and sharing failures and successes with others. This exchange and guidance help keep your sales approach sharp, which can often become dull 40 SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 23 ISSUE 5
or less than genuine over time. Studies show that 74% of the leading companies cite coaching and mentoring of sales and business development representatives as the most important role frontline sales managers play. And that no other productivity investment improves sales performance better than effective and consistent coaching and constructive feedback. Whether it comes from a manager, a colleague, or a third-party coach, effective coaching generates creativity and ensures an infusion of freshness into the sales process. So, the next time you are with a client, ask yourself, are you being ‘Dynamic’ when presenting your brand’s product or service? The answer should always be, Yes!
‘And that no other productivity investment improves sales
performance better than effective and
consistent coaching and constructive feedback.’
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