STROKES OF GENUIS

Exterior wood structures are a very valued part of our exterior decor, lifestyles, personal protection and personal havens, and yet there lies the mystery of what we can do to eliminate or at least limit the labour and expenses to maintaining these valued structures. Let us break down the mystery of staining and protecting your outdoor investments. First of all, you need to determine the look you want and then research how you can achieve it; and how much maintenance is required to attain it. There are 4 types of stains to choose from: Translucent, Semi-Transparent, Semi-Solid, and Solid colour. Translucent stains are primarily used for new structures but note that dark colours are not attainable in translucent colours. Semi-Transparent stains are commonly used to allow wood grain to show through and yet allow for medium tones to come alive in your backyard. Semi-Solid stains can blend worn surfaces better, giving you more uniform coverage. Solid colour stains provide you with the option of choosing any colour you desire. Solid colour stains will appear as paint initially but close up will still give you the texture of wood.

PREPARATION AND CLEANING

Choose the stain type best suited for your project and follow the "Janzen's" recommended method of preparation and cleaning:

Scrub wood using a deck scrub brush on the wood surface with Benjamin Moore cleaner 317-00 for general cleaning or 316-00 for heavy cleaning.

Rinse surface after cleaning with clean water from garden hose.

If you are dealing with new wood projects it is imperative to remove the mill glaze prior to staining. Mill glaze is a wax like film on the surface of the wood which can be removed with Benjamin Moore wood cleaners and a scrub brush or with orbital sanding using 60-80 grit sanding discs.

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APPLICATION

Application guidelines will vary from one type of stain to the next so please read and follow manufacturer’s instructions, however, here are a few "best staining practices" which may provide some structure.

Wood surface must be dry prior to staining to allow for proper penetration of stain.

Do not apply stain in direct sunlight. Early mornings and late evenings are great as long as there is no threat of dewfall or rain.

Many Alkyd stains require wet on wet application which simply means you must not allow the first coat to dry prior to applying the second coat.

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Feel free to visit any of our (5) store locations and let our team of professionals help you with your next outdoor staining project.

DRIVE Your AdvertisingIt’s time to wrap it up.

Vehicle wraps are one of the best forms of outdoor mobile advertising. With the eye-catching designs, these wraps continue to be one of the most costeffective ways for your company to reach a large number of potential customers in a non-intrusive way. They provide a way to turn a commute to or from a job site into a mobile billboard, advertising to hundreds, if not thousands, of other commuters. By taking advantage of vehicle wraps and graphics, companies are able to grow their brand awareness and drive sales.

One of the main draws to vehicle wraps and graphics is the incredibly low cost per impression. With an average cost per impression of less than $0.01, and with modern wrap films lasting on a vehicle up to 10 years, the return on investment for a vehicle wrap just can’t be beat by any other advertising medium. The best part is that it can’t be missed. People see vehicle advertisements. Whether you’re sitting at a red light, or filling up at the pumps, it’s very likely that you’ve seen and noticed a company’s vehicle graphics.

Another benefit of vehicle wraps is that they are a form of passive advertising. When the average consumer thinks about advertisements, they’re probably thinking about TV commercials or pop-up ads on websites. These are intrusive advertisements. They get in the consumer’s way forcibly and invade their line of sight. Passive advertising, on the other hand, is subtle. It keeps your brand in the back of the consumer’s mind. It leads to long term results and returning clients rather than impulse purchases.

The best part is the exposure doesn’t stop. Vehicle graphics have no monthly fees, and they don’t stop at the end of the workday. By simply parking the vehicle outdoors, anyone driving by is further exposed to your brand. The graphics are eye catching; people want to see your vehicle wrap. Consumers can tune out ads on radio, scroll past ads on Instagram and Facebook, or press the “skip ad” button on YouTube. People like looking at vehicle graphics. They’re different, intriguing, and you know that it’s reaching people.

A third benefit to wrapping your vehicle is an extra layer of protection. No one likes rock chips or paint rust. It looks bad and lowers the value of your vehicle. While the goal of the wrap isn’t to absorb the damage that would otherwise end up on the body of your vehicle, vinyl wraps are protected with an overlaminate

that will prevent nicks, scratches, and minor dents from damaging your paint job. The salt from winter roads is never a good thing to have on your paint. Vinyl graphics provide one additional layer to get between your paint and corrosion. The best part is that the vinyl can be easily removed or replaced when damaged, allowing you to sell your vehicle or return the lease without any long-term modifications, helping keep your resale value as high as possible. This is another reason why vinyl wraps can be a better option than repainting the vehicle.

As listed above, there are many benefits to wrapping your vehicle or applying graphics for advertising. Vehicle graphics are a very low-cost option for long term advertising. The exposure generated from vehicle wraps is hard to match, reaching thousands per day. It’s also an easy way to increase the resale value of your vehicle by keeping it well protected. With virtually no downsides, vehicle graphics and wraps are a great option for advertising your business. From full fleets to single vehicle applications, vehicle graphics can be a wise investment in marketing your company. Contact one of our estimating professionals to discuss how we can help drive your brand with a well-designed eye popping vehicle wrap.

ow do we get the most out of our precious Manitoba summer? This year, that question is being asked more than ever. With travel to many destinations suspended, the next few months present an opportunity to shift our perspective on how to have a vacation. Instead of planning a trip this year, you could instead think about how to invest in your own back yard to create that sense of peace and relaxation you would get from your usual getaway. Outdoor living spaces have become more and more common, but the amount that they can be enjoyed has still relied on the co-operation of Mother Nature. Advancements in technology have since come along to help the home-owner take more control over the elements, creating an enjoyable environment every day of the week.

Whether it’s an awning for your deck, or screens for wind control, privacy and keeping out the bugs, Advance Blinds and Drapery out of Plum Coulee offers this and more. For over forty years, the team at Advance have made a name for themselves in the area of window coverings, while also being the place to go for creating outdoor sanctuaries and exterior upgrades.

In the past, bug screens were not created to stand up to the high winds that blow through our province. Screens would need to be taken down in the presence of wind that would easily rip them off their zippers. They were simply not good enough for Manitoba. Advance offers a new line from Progressive Screens, featuring a wind resistant magnet track. This revolutionary difference allows screens the flexibility to block the wind without being damaged, and have even been given a hurricane level rating. These screens are great for around the deck or hot tub and can be used in commercial spaces such as restaurant patios or other outdoor seating. Never again worry about pesky mosquitoes ruining your evening and enjoy your afternoon knowing that the majority of UV rays are being blocked. This type of protection also keeps your outdoor furniture looking new and free from fading.

Their semi-permeable design gives you privacy while still allowing you to see through them. Screens are operated by the touch of a button and are offered in many colors, textures, and levels of permeability.

Awnings are another great addition to a patio or outdoor setting. Often pictured with campers and RVs, backyard awnings have come a long way in style and performance. Installed on the side of your house, these awnings are compact when closed and can match almost any type of siding, rendering them nearly unnoticeable. They could be just what you need to enjoy those hot summer days without having to retreat inside. Automated awnings come equipped with wind sensors, ensuring they retract in higher level winds to keep from being damaged.

Summer is also the time to talk energy efficiency for your home. Exterior rollshutters can be installed to cover windows, protecting your home from the sun, while also offering an element of security. Automate them to open and close according to your schedule and minimize the unnecessary heat that comes in through your windows. You can also choose a more industrial grade shutter for homes or businesses to ensure safety and prevent break-ins.

With emphasis on staying at home this year, take it as an opportunity to transform your home into the ultimate getaway, available to you every day. With so many options for upgrading the outside of your home, cottage or business, the first step starts with a call to the experienced installers at Advance Blinds and Drapery. They will be glad to help unlock the creative potential of your outdoor space with a free consultation where they can personally present all the possibilities available to you.

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Pharma Focus

Enjoying the outdoors is a great way to get exercise and fresh air. Here are some pointers on staying safe and dealing with common health issues.

Tick Trouble

Tick bites can present a temporarily annoying experience in the summertime. However, the additional possibility of catching Lyme disease is one more reason to take action against these bugs. To avoid tick bites when hiking or camping in wooded areas: • If possible, stay away from tick-infested areas, especially in May, June, and July. • Stay in the middle of hiking trails and try not to brush against grasses or leaves. • Wear light-coloured clothes to make it easy to spot ticks “hitching a ride” on you. • Wear closed shoes and long pants with the pant legs tucked into your socks or boots. As an extra ` precaution, put tape around the area where your pants and socks meet. • Wear a hat and a long-sleeved shirt for extra protection. • Spray your clothes and exposed skin with an insect repellent that contains 30% DEET

Poison Ivy

Your best defense is to avoid contact with poison ivy plants. Learn to recognize them by their slightly glossy green leaves growing in groups of three – but their shape can vary. If you’re in heavily wooded areas and it’s impossible to avoid them, wear long sleeves, long pants, and gloves. Remember, the oils can cling to your family pet’s fur, so be careful when handling your pet after spending time in wooded areas – a bath may be necessary.

Hay Fever

You may have heard the term “hay fever,” but seasonal allergies, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, are triggered by several different types of pollen, but not by hay. So if you’re an allergy sufferer, how can you enjoy the outdoors without experiencing unpleasant symptoms? Here are a few tips:

• Keep windows closed so pollen can’t drift in. Do some spring cleaning, and do it regularly. • If possible, stay inside when pollen counts are high. • If you’ve been outside all day, remove all your clothing and put it aside to be laundered, and take a shower after coming home. This will prevent you from taking all that pollen to bed with you.

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Friesen Insurance

Friesen Insurance can trace its roots back to the late 70’s, faithfully serving the community for over 40 years. The current ownership, though, is celebrating their 20 year milestone, this fall. Of the three original partners in the current ownership group, Merlin Heppner is the longest standing. Having previously worked in restaurants, he started with the company in May of 1995. A few months later, Doug Penner, relocated from Winnipeg, bringing with him eight years of insurance experience, with a Winnipeg firm. With some turnover in 1997, Merlin suggested to Henry Friesen, the founder and owner of Friesen Insurance, to consider hiring a friend, Brad Friesen. Brad gave up his electrician aspirations, and joined Friesen’s in February 1997. All three worked for Henry in a small 700 sq ft office, besides Smitty’s restaurant, in the Southland Mall, where it had been since the mall opened. For the first ten years in the mall, Friesen Insurance shared half of the office with a realtor, until both expanded beyond what the current layout would hold, and the realtor moved on. This gave the staff at Friesen Insurance the room they needed to serve their customers more conveniently and effectively. After the trio had worked for Henry a few years, Henry shared the fact that he was contemplating retirement and was hoping his employees would take the reins. “Would the three of you be interested in buying me out, and taking over?” he asked. That was a tough, but very exciting question for three young men, who had no previous business ownership experience. Knowing each other and the business well was one thing, but could an equal three-way partnership work? Some difficult questions were asked, some soul searching and praying done, and the answer came back, a resounding “Yes”. There were obstacles to overcome, but the idea of working together, determining their own fate, and working to a common goal, was too exciting a prospect to pass on. The three young men put their trust in God and in each other, and took a leap of faith. Coming up with financing proved to be a formidable task, as buying a book of business does not fit the traditional mold of business financing for traditional financial institutions. Yes, the business was established, but there was no tangible collateral for banks to consider as leverage. After much discussion and frustration, Henry decided to put his money, and faith, in his three charges and finance them, to get the ball rolling. “This is where Henry had a lot of faith in us” says Brad, “He was willing to finance us the whole amount, and take on the risk, if it wouldn’t work out”. That was the break the boys needed, and they became owners of Friesen Insurance Brokers. This is when the hard work started. The partners had two full time employees to start, two younger guys that had started under Henry’s watch, and were great workers. Not long after the takeover, though, both young men had individual opportunities come their way, and both moved on, within a day of each other. Now having to do the work of five people, the three partners had to manage the counter, all the renewals and endorsements, administration, hiring and advertising, all on their own. This meant that during the week, their work day started at 8:30 in the morning, when the office opened, until 9:30 at night, when the mall closed for the day; as well as eight-hour days on Saturday.

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Vacation days were unheard of, and other commitments were cancelled, as life revolved around keeping the business afloat, managing every aspect of the business. “I think this really helped bond and solidify the partnership and friendship” said Merlin. “These were the times we really had to pull together and lean on each other’s strengths”. Within a short period of time, two new employees came on board and fit in amazingly well. “These two young women were a great addition to the office” adds Doug. Both employees worked long term for Friesen Insurance, until family called them away for more important work. “These two talented individuals really set the bar for what employees in a small firm should be, and they really helped shape the culture at Friesen’s”. While many businesses look for experience when hiring, that isn’t the case here. The owners of Friesen Insurance look to hire a certain personality trait, and place high value on character. “We believe we can train almost anyone to do the job, but what we’re looking for is someone who is honest, sincere, enjoys people, and humble enough to start at the bottom, and work their way up, like we had to do.” They firmly believe that this has been a cornerstone to their success, and has given them the reputation of honesty and integrity in the industry.

“Our biggest initial priority when starting out, was gaining trust…trust in us, and trust in what we are selling. We sell you a piece of paper, which is only that, until something happens.” The partners worked hard at increasing their knowledge on property and casualty insurance policies, carefully reviewing each file and understanding their client’s needs. This also meant getting to know their clientele, getting involved in the community through various organizations and committing funds to worthwhile community-minded events. “We wanted to go above and beyond the norm of what people expected.” “Instead of a flat-out “no”, what could we do to make something work”, became a theme. No detail would be too small, as they found out that when they could be expected to look after something small, they could be trusted with something larger.

To further their commitment to the customer, the team was adamant about being open late on weekdays, and Saturday, throughout the day. This would ensure that all customers would have a convenient time to conduct their business, and have someone to meet with personally. While the push for many companies is to model a heavy online presence, Friesen Insurance has strived to be as accessible in person as possible, while still maintaining an online profile. “We will always do our best to be available to our clients, as we believe this is a people-first business.” They believe that with something as important as insurance, it’s critical to have a real relationship with the client. It helps to have staff who can speak both Low and High German, languages that are still prevalent in the Winkler area. The extra work has been worth it, as the team continues to prove themselves through offering the highest level of customer service, and has steadily grown over the last 20 years. Part of the service is simply caring about their clients and being willing to listen when the situation calls for it. Merlin remembers living through a total loss, when his parent’s house burned down, and how messy things can get. “People need an advocate” he said, as he described how adjusters and clients can see things differently, especially with the added element of emotional attachment; which often complicates matters. These experiences only further strengthen their belief that there is a great need for personal

human interaction and real relationships when it comes to buying something like insurance. Friesen Insurance’s first transition came in 2006, when they moved from their initial office space to directly across the hallway in the mall, into a space almost three times the space. While the move took a little getting used to for some customers, it was a simple fix. “When people would call from their cellphones from in front of our old space, asking where we were, we’d just tell them to turn around”. After getting their start with only two employees, Friesen Insurance now employs twelve staff, in addition to the three hands-on partners. This has caused them to look for room to expand. They believe that a big part of keeping happy, long-term employees is to create the right culture; one where people are empowered and can regulate themselves. “It is very much a family atmosphere in the office” explains Brad, who says that often they’ve hired younger workers and have been able to watch them grow up and, in some cases, start families of their own. As much as they value hard work, they also believe in celebrating well. Whether it’s a staff BBQ in summer, an evening watching playoff hockey, or a staff Christmas party weekend, they all enjoy spending time together, both in and outside of the office. “Our staff loves our Christmas banquet weekend… everyone makes sure everyone else can make it” says Doug. Now, after 20 years, the once young team of inexperienced business owners get to celebrate the success of Friesen Insurance. “God has a way of putting things together, the way they are supposed to be” adds Merlin, who confirms they have been very fortunate and blessed over the years. Doug, Brad and Merlin extend a heartfelt and sincere “Thank You” to their staff and the community for their support, trust and loyalty, all these years. It is because of that support that Friesen Insurance is what it is, today.

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