For Tyler Knight, the road to entrepreneurial success has taken some unexpected twists and turns. Originally, he thought his creative flair and eye for detail would be qualities that would help him become a first-rate cabinet maker. But after learning the trade, he realized it wasn’t for him. So, he took a job at Kahuna…
Inspired by healthy living and nature, Robb MacDonald has successfully taken his passions and turned them into an influential, multifaceted business. Originally a marketing and communications consultant, Robb used his social marketing skills and a multi-disciplinary approach to educate communities about healthy eating, and living a more active lifestyle. His focus on behaviour change pushed…
Meet young entrepreneur Olivia Neal, owner of Harold + Ferne: The Local Goods Co. and CDC Success Story! After receiving a BA in Political Science, Olivia returned to her hometown of Orillia, and it wasn’t long before the artist in her saw a need to display the area’s ever growing community of makers and artisans.…
Meet Alison Braun, founder of EarthTreks. Alison combined her love of travel in search of the world’s abundance of natural and cultural treasures, with her personal commitment to effect positive social and environmental change to form the vision of EarthTreks. Her business was shortlisted and selected as one of Western Ontario Community Futures most recent…
After receiving a BA in Political Science, Olivia Neal returned to her hometown of Orillia, and it wasn’t long before the artist in her saw a need to display the area’s ever growing community of makers and artisans. Named after her beloved great grandparents, her business Harold + Ferne: The Local Goods Co. was born…
The Orillia Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses Thursday night during its annual Business Achievement Awards. Several businesses and a couple of non-profits received awards during the ceremony at Hawk Ridge Golf and Country Club. Award winners are as follows: Entrepreneurial Initiative Momma Mari’s Harold + Ferne: The Local Goods Co. Driverseat Orillia Rustica Pizza…
The moment Sherry McKinnon and Gayle Wells met they knew they would be friends—but they never imagined they would begin Hummin’ & Strummin’ Music Company together. Gayle, in search of a new career, had just moved to Orillia with her family after 20 years in corporate sales. With a strong background in music she was…
After nine years of dedication, Greg Simms’ career as a professional firefighter began to exact its toll on his health. Greg found a sanctuary in his small garden while facing his health challenges, and that’s where he found peace and healing and discovered his passion for organic farming. “I love to work with my hands…
Celebrating her 15th year in the printing industry, Carey Frantz is ready to take over the business her father first purchased in 2001. Impression House, located at 44 Mississaga St. W., takes care of all of your graphic design, binding, copying, printing, and promotional needs. As owner Bob Frantz nears his retirement, Carey decided to…
Andy Moore, an entrepreneur at heart weary of working for someone else, decided to put himself in the driver’s seat. Literally. With financial assistance from the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation (CDC), the local resident recently opened a Driverseat franchise. “It’s a great concept,” Moore said of Driverseat. “You’re helping people and you’re keeping the…
