Nick’s Woodcraft 2015 FEYA Finalist
Calgary’s Nick Lobello is a happy and a lucky man. At home and at work he is surrounded by family. For every day of his remarkable 49-year career, his tremendous, creative and unique skill and workmanship, his values, his integrity, his work and his passion have earned a solid and respected personal and professional reputation which evolved into a special and very successful Calgary family business. “My dad is deeply rooted in high standards, loyalty and tradition,” says Lisa Lobello, his daughter and director of Nick’s Woodcraft, the third-generation family business producing custom woodworking for commercial and residential clients from custom homes to restaurants, golf courses, major shopping centres and corporate offices throughout Calgary. The company has built its exceptional reputation with outstanding work like stunning ceiling panels, fabulous cabinetry, sprawling and elegant boardroom tables and commercial interiors, including the big circular, elliptical panelling on the ceiling of Chinook Centre “And he is sharp and business savvy to realize that while the old school way of thinking may be easier, the world changes and business must keep up with the times and be contemporary. “Sometimes a multigenerational family business requires patience. My dad still has a little trouble with ‘being managed’ but although my brother Guy (who is the company VP) and I are making most day-to-day decisions, Nick usually makes most major final decisions. And as much work and time as it involves, he still checks every piece before it leaves the shop.” The infectiously personable and squinted smile of 72-year-old Nick Lobello is brighter than ever, now that the third generation of his family is hard at work in the family business. While his son and daughter are Nick’s Woodcraft senior management, his two grandsons have also chosen to “pay their dues” and join the company. For Lisa Lobello, the uniqueness of a family business is invaluable. “Not only as my dad but as president of the company, he has the
Seated (L to R): Connie Lobello, Nick Lobello Standing (L to R): Nick Lobello Jr., Anna Lisa Lobello, Mike Lobello, Guy Lobello
ability to instil enthusiasm and a sense of pride and purpose in everyone who works with us. Sometimes communication can be a problem in family businesses but we’re fortunate. We deal with everything, honestly and together. “As a family, we have the opportunity to motivate and lead by high achievement and communication and it allows us to transform ideas into success.” On the common obstacle of the family business overlapping into the family’s family life, she explains that her family has found a happy solution. “We have frequent family meetings for detailed business matters. For special family occasions, we try to avoid talking business. It gives everybody a break and it’s important for our mom.”