By Treena Mielke
The ebb and flow of the economy may affect his customer traffic, but his philosophy of providing friendly, knowledgeable service; quality products and honest prices will never change.
Melvin Durand, who owns Parkland Automotive with his wife, Valli is this year’s recipient of the Rimbey chamber of commerce’s small business award (employees under 14).
He is pleased and honoured to receive the award, which was handed out at the chamber’s small business awards celebration held Oct. 20 at the Peter Lougheed Community Centre.
“I was honestly surprised,” he said. “I didn’t expect it and I am extremely honoured to be recognized by the chamber. Much of the credit needs to go to my hardworking, dedicated staff,” he added.
Durand, who has a diploma in business administration and is a journeyman mechanic, began his business in 2001.
“I was a one-man band back then,” he recalled.
However, hard work and perseverance got the business off the ground and running well and in a few years Parkland Automotive expanded and moved to its new location. At peak times, the local businessman has employed six people. Presently he has two technicians, an apprentice and a part-time person behind the front counter hired.
Running a business in a small town such as Rimbey is not without its challenges, but Durand does his best to meet the needs of each and every customer to the best of his ability.
“It’s important to understand the needs of each customer and his or her situation. I try my best to inform and educate my customers as much as possible. I want them to buy local and I want them to keep coming back and I do give them good value for their money.”
Durand is pleased he and his wife Valli are raising their family, nine-year-old Dezirae, seven-year-old Mason and five-year-old Karsten in a small town.
“I believe in Rimbey and its benefits. I appreciate the people here and I plan to be here for the long term.
Other nominees for business of the year with 14 or less employees included ATB Financial, Beagle Electric, Gull Lake Golf Course, Realty Executives Apex, Rimbey Electric, Rimbey Janitorial Supplies, Scratchin the Surface and Subway.
A secret committee makes the final decision as to the winner of the business awards.
Magic Suds Truck Wash Inc. sponsors the business of the year with 14 or less employees’ award.
He is pleased and honoured to receive the award, which was handed out at the chamber’s small business awards celebration held Oct. 20 at the Peter Lougheed Community Centre.
“I was honestly surprised,” he said. “I didn’t expect it and I am extremely honoured to be recognized by the chamber. Much of the credit needs to go to my hardworking, dedicated staff,” he added.
Durand, who has a diploma in business administration and is a journeyman mechanic, began his business in 2001.
“I was a one-man band back then,” he recalled.
However, hard work and perseverance got the business off the ground and running well and in a few years Parkland Automotive expanded and moved to its new location. At peak times, the local businessman has employed six people. Presently he has two technicians, an apprentice and a part-time person behind the front counter hired.
Running a business in a small town such as Rimbey is not without its challenges, but Durand does his best to meet the needs of each and every customer to the best of his ability.
“It’s important to understand the needs of each customer and his or her situation. I try my best to inform and educate my customers as much as possible. I want them to buy local and I want them to keep coming back and I do give them good value for their money.”
Durand is pleased he and his wife Valli are raising their family, nine-year-old Dezirae, seven-year-old Mason and five-year-old Karsten in a small town.
“I believe in Rimbey and its benefits. I appreciate the people here and I plan to be here for the long term.
Other nominees for business of the year with 14 or less employees included ATB Financial, Beagle Electric, Gull Lake Golf Course, Realty Executives Apex, Rimbey Electric, Rimbey Janitorial Supplies, Scratchin the Surface and Subway.
A secret committee makes the final decision as to the winner of the business awards.
Magic Suds Truck Wash Inc. sponsors the business of the year with 14 or less employees’ award.