New Westminster Profiles of Excellence 2020

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE NEW WESTMINSTER • 2020

Budget Blinds

Triniti Laser Clinic and Medi Spa

Kearney Funeral Services

Douglas College Sports Institute

Mindful Mutts

Angelina’s Dutch Corner

Bosley’s by Pet Valu

CEFA Early Learning

B-Bombshell Salon

Live Well Exercise Clinic

Magnum Construction Services

Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation

Harjit Sandhu at IG Wealth Management

W

elcome to our eighth edition of the New Westminster Profiles of Excellence, a very special annual publication of The Record.

The men and women profiled in the following pages come from a wide variety of backgrounds, education, experience and expertise, but they all share something in common: a commitment to excellence that is second to none.

Their dedication and passion in both professional and personal endeavours have bred success on all levels, making them leaders not just in their respective fields but in the community as well. The awards and recognition these business and community leaders have earned are evidence of the truest hallmark of success: the loyalty and respect of customers, and a reputation here in New Westminster and beyond.

We have collected their stories here to share a taste of what they do and why they do it, and most of all, to recognize their commitment to excellence. We are excited to give our readers a glimpse into the lives of these entrepreneurs and professionals, who call New Westminster their home.

BUSINESS PROFILES n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Budget Blinds Triniti Laser Clinic and Medi Spa Kearney Funeral Services Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation Harjit Sandhu at IG Wealth Management Douglas College Sports Institute Mindful Mutts Angelina’s Dutch Corner Bosley’s by Pet Valu CEFA Early Learning B-Bombshell Salon Live Well Exercise Clinic Magnum Construction Services

– Lara Graham, Publisher - New Westminster Record sponsored content

CONTRIBUTORS I

Project Coordinator: Aislinn Carey I Writer: Christina Myers I Design & Production: Gary Slavin I Photography: Lisa King & Kevin Hill

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE W I NDO W CO V ER I N G S

Budget Blinds

T

he more things change, the more they stay the same.

For Clay and Lacey Tierney, the last year has brought plenty of unexpected curves in the road – but it’s also reinforced the values that helped guide them to success as business owners.

The pair own Budget Blinds in New Westminster, which serves not just the local community but also Queensborough, Maillardville, Richmond East, as well as parts of Surrey and Vancouver.

Their company has seen phenonemanl growth over the last several years, building a reputation that has helped them expand not just their client base but also their team. Now with a staff of three – sales consultants Scott Mason and Dina Diack, plus installer Alec Kachmazof – the company has brought high-quality custom window coverings to hundreds of satisfied clients over the last few years.

“We really just set out to make sure we served every single customer the way we would want to be served”

said Tierney. “And we give them all the education and information they need to make a decision. I believe that even if someone doesn’t buy from me, the decision they make in the future will be based on what I was able to share with them about function, livability, esthetics. We make sure they’re getting information that’s unique to their lives and their homes and that changes a lot from home to home.”

Though the business had to close its doors for a time, they’ve bounced back and are busier than ever.

“We have a very specific protocol and we’re extremely careful about everything we do – how we carry out consultations, how we work in a client’s home,” he said.

“And because people have been home more than usual this year, there’s a definite increase in the interest for finally getting around to some updates or changes that people had maybe been thinking about for a while. So we’ve been kept quite busy, and it’s been great to see

‘‘

We want everyone to feel like their expectations were exceeded in every way.

the work we do make people feel better and more comfortable in their spaces.”

And while safety is top of mind, customer service always has and always will remain a key priority.

“We want everyone to feel like the quality of the product was exceptional, the communication was exceptional, that across the board their expectations were exceeded in every way.”

So far, it’s working. The word-of-mouth recommendations continue to roll in.

“This is such a great community and really continues to have a small-town feeling to it –

‘‘

Lacey and Clay Tierney, Owners

when someone likes your work, they tell their friends and they spread the word,” he said. “It’s really an amazing city.”

Tierney encourages people to check out the website and to feel free to reach out for a complimentary consultation to learn about what the company can offer.

“People are definitely still surprised by the choices of products, by the services we can provide. I love helping people explore those options.” sponsored content

604-359-9655 I New Westminster, BC I budgetblinds.com/newwestminster

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE LASER CLINIC & MEDI SPA

Triniti Laser Clinic and Medi Spa

D

o what you love and success will follow. For Tahora Eslahian, owner of Triniti Laser Clinic and Medi Spa, this age-old wisdom has certainly proven true – and led to a booming business that continues to grow in both reputation and size.

“My passion has always been in acts of service and helping other people feel better about themselves,” she said. “And I get to do that here every day.”

The clinic offers a wide range of services, including laser treatments, body contouring, hair removal, medical facials, wrinkle and anti-aging treatments, along with permanent makeup and microblading, to name just a few. With cutting-edge technology and top-notch products, along with highly trained staff, the clinic is able to provide services that help clients with everything from cosmetics and health, to relaxation and wellness.

Their devotion to quality has paid off: loyal customers come from not just the surrounding area but as far away as Chilliwack and Seattle, and most new clientele find

them through word-of-mouth recommendations.

Eslahian says that’s due in part to their focus on education and ensuring each client feels safe and welcome.

“We really feel that educating our clients is part of our job, to not just blindly offer a service but to help them understand exactly what we do and why,” she said. “We have a beautiful space here and it is important to us that our clients feel very comfortable. Even our building is beautiful – on the outside, like a heritage home, and on the inside a fully renovated spa clinic.”

The company has always been known for high levels of sanitation and cleanliness, but with changes this year they’ve upped their protocols even further, going well above and beyond expected routines.

Eslahian, who is a well-known clinical trainer in laser technology, having taught across the US and Canada, says this dedication to going above and beyond applies

‘‘

We set a very high standard for ourselves here, in all ways.

to all facets of her business.

“We set a very high standard for ourselves here, in all ways,” she said. “Not just what we do but how we do it. It’s personal, we treat each person like an individual, we pamper them, make them welcome and safe. It’s really our passion to make sure everyone gets the absolute best.”

In the coming years, Eslahian hopes to continue expanding what they can offer. In fact, they recently launched a variety of services aimed at men who have been a larger portion of clientele in recent years. Those services are tailored to suit not just the kinds of treatments men may be looking for, but also the kind of approach, timing,

‘‘

Tahora Eslahian, Owner

and environment that will work best for them.

“It’s really exciting to be able to specialize for people and to know you can provide what they want and need,” she said.

The company may open a second location in the future, so that clients who live further away from the New Westminster clinic will have options.

In the meantime, Eslahian is thrilled to continue growing her business here at home and is looking forward to the future.

“We are excited to invite new clients to join the Triniti family,” she said.

sponsored content

604-544-5666 I 210 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC I www.trinitilaser.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE F U NER A L SER V I CES

Kearney Funeral Services

P

lenty has changed over the years, but one thing has remained a constant at Kearney Funeral Services: a focus on compassion and care that goes above and beyond.

The family owned business got its start more than a century ago. Today, with locations in Burnaby, New Westminster, Vancouver and Cloverdale, and fourthgeneration members of the Kearney family still involved in operations, those touchstones continue to be a guiding priority.

“We’re very focused on caring for people, for families,” says owner and funeral director Ryan Crean. “That’s a priority throughout our organization. We want everyone to feel that they were listened to, taken care of, treated compassionately and with sensitivity. That’s part of our legacy, part of the trust we’ve built over the years.”

In some cases, Crean and his team help people plan for the future, but sometimes they’re working with families in the midst of unexpected grief.

“We help people with the process of deciding what

kinds of arrangements they want for themselves or their loved ones,” he said. “That can mean people who are coming to us as part of their own estate planning, looking ahead to make plans for themselves. Sometimes we are helping people a few weeks or days in advance, and sometimes it’s an unexpected loss and we step in at that point to support them through that time.”

Kearney assists in making arrangements that can include a wide spectrum of services, including burial or cremation, or memorial events. Depending on the circumstances, a family may have very specific traditions and requests, but other times, the staff can help guide choices and decisions.

“These events are very important and how we manage this time can impact how the grieving process takes place,” noted Crean. “At one time, communities had very deeply rooted traditions, but over time that’s

‘‘

We’re very focused on caring for people.

That’s a priority throughout our organization.

become less common and so we know how important it is to help guide people to decisions that will allow them to honour and remember the loved one and also the community and family and friends around that individual.”

The proof of their dedication is evidenced in the incredible reputation they have built – and which continues to grow.

“We often hear back from people how much of a difference our team made for them. They’ll comment on a specific staff member, sometimes even just a small moment or action that helped them, or that they felt overwhelmed at first but

‘‘

L to R: Victoria Cippiciani, Athena Theodorakakis, Ryan Crean, Michael Garisto, Aaron Morrison and Andrea Richmond

that we were able to walk with them through the process,” he said. “We work very hard to build that trust, to help people make decisions that they will feel are the right ones. These are critical moments of transition and connection, and I’m proud that we can help people with that.”

Crean says he hopes that people will become more comfortable having conversations about their wishes.

“These are hard things to talk about but it’s also reassuring for family and friends to know that they’ve made plans in advance.” sponsored content

604-521-4881 I 219 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC I www.kearneyfs.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE F O U ND AT I ON

Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation

F

or more than 40 years, the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation has had one goal: to serve the needs of the hospital community.

That’s a daunting task under normal circumstances. RCH is the only hospital in BC with trauma, cardiac, neurosciences, high-risk maternity and a neonatal intensive care all on one site, drawing thousands of patients from across the region and province.

But with an unprecedented global health crisis, the foundation was facing a sudden and unexpected challenge this year – one that they met with their hallmark dedication and commitment.

“In a typical year, we spend a lot of time working with donors and the hospital to coordinate on projects that may be years in the making,” says Jeff Norris, foundation president and CEO. “But in the spring, the hospital had to shift gears very fast. So, we said: what can we do to help, not over months or years, but in a matter of days or weeks. We were suddenly working at a

much higher level of urgency.”

Norris said they took their early cues from regions that were hit hard in the early stages of the pandemic.

“We could look at Italy, for example, where hospitals were overwhelmed and health care workers were struggling and then build ideas that would help us manage better here.”

This involved both practical tasks – for example, helping to quickly source donor PPE from the community as supplies ran short – but also developing supports for front-line workers.

“On the one hand, we were asking: what does the hospital need today, what can we get in terms of equipment or supplies today. On the other hand, the question was very much: how do we take care of our staff?”

The community response to both sides of that coin has been incredible, said Norris.

‘‘

This year has really shown us what we can do when we pull together.

“We saw some amazing things this year.

Traditional donors stepping up and making gifts. Quick turn-around on urgent expenditures, equipment that would help in our ICU. Cutting edge investments, like a germ-killing robot for sanitization. But then we also had incredible support for our people: local companies stepping up to provide meals for staff, free coffee coming in every day. We partnered with taxi companies and car companies to cover transportation when public transit was limited, local hotels that were able to provide a place for staff who couldn’t risk exposure to family at home.”

There were also efforts to help coordinate

‘‘

Jeff Norris, Foundation President and CEO

neighbourly help – like residents mowing lawns for health care staff working long hours at the hospital, or a call-out for unused baby monitors that could help staff working with Covid-19 patients. Another key success was a program that allowed the public to send messages to hospital staff through the foundation’s website.

Norris says that there’s plenty of work still ahead as the hospital continues to tackle both the pandemic and the normal health-care needs of the community, and he invites anyone interested in supporting the foundation to reach out now and in the coming months.

“This year has really shown us what we can do when we pull together.” sponsored content

604-520-4438 I 330 East Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC I www.rchfoundation.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE W E A LT H M A N A G E M ENT

Harjit Sandhu at IG Wealth Management

W

ealth means much more than simple dollars and cents. It can include future goals, personal values, family priorities, and much more – but making plans around wealth can seem a daunting task to tackle without help.

That’s where Harjit Sandhu with IG Wealth Management comes in. As an adviser, Sandhu can help clients look at the big picture – where they’ve come from, where they are today and where they want to go – and create a personalized path with advice and guidance.

“That’s my role here, is to really help people navigate through the planning while looking at all the pieces of the puzzle,” he said. “That doesn’t mean just looking at investments but considering a variety of areas: tax planning, tax advice, insurance advice, estate planning, budgeting, cash flow management, debt management.

It’s a full spectrum of services.”

IG Wealth Management, previously known as Investors Group, specializes in providing services that fit a diverse and highly personalized set of needs, because there’s

really no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to financial planning.

“We see a lot of different people, a lot of different situations and goals,” said Sandhu. “Being able to respond to that, find good solutions, and help people feel confident about their decisions is really a primary goal.” Sandhu says that many people can feel uncertain, nervous, or even frightened when it comes to money conversations or planning for the future, but there’s no need to be wary. It’s not uncommon for people to have little to no formal education or understanding of how investing, retirement planning, debt management, or tax planning works.

“That’s why people come to us,” he said. “We have the knowledge and information to help guide them. People don’t need to feel nervous about that, we’re not here to judge but to help.”

Sandhu’s experience and commitment to his clients

‘‘

When a client has no hesitation recommending you to friends and family, that’s excellence to me.

has helped him build a strong reputation in the industry. Many people reach out to him because of word-of-mouth referrals.

“When a client has no hesitation recommending you to friends and family, that feels great,” he said. “That’s excellence to me, when you’ve done your job to the degree that people want to tell others about your work.”

His client base has continued to grow year over year. In fact, he’s preparing to move his team to a larger office space in the Metrotown area in 2020, which will allow him to continue serving clients not just in Burnaby but throughout the region.

“I love the work that I do, and being part of IG Wealth Management allows me to help so many

‘‘

Harjit Sandhu (MBA, BBA, BA), Senior Financial Consultant

people. That’s a wonderful feeling,” he said.

IG Wealth Management first opened in 1926, and has 100 offices nationally with headquarters in Winnipeg. It is part of the Power Financial Group of companies, which includes Great West Life Co., Canada Life, Freedom 55, Mackenzie Financial and Putnam Investments. Sandhu notes that IG Wealth Management has a strong commitment to the communities it serves, including being donors or supporters for locallevel organizations, such as South Burnaby Neighbourhood House and the Burnaby Rotary Club.

Sandhu’s work in financial planning has been recognized over the years within IG Wealth Management with a variety of awards.

sponsored content

604-431-0117 I www.investorsgroup.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE CO L L E G E

Douglas College Sports Institute

D

ouglas College has always been a gem in New Westminster’s crown thanks to its innovative approach, unique offerings, and bustling campus located right in the heart of the city.

But the Sports Institute, under the college’s continuing education wing, is a diamond in its own right.

The Sports Institute has two main streams of programming: educational opportunities for adult learners and youth programs including camps and tournaments.

Both streams have acquired a sterling reputation over the years, both locally and across the province.

“Douglas College is one of the only academic institutions that runs continuing education sports programming. And under that we run a huge variety of programs for all ages, throughout the community,” said David Munro, the faculty programmer for the Sports Institute. “We’re very proud of what we’ve built here – what we can offer, the faculty we have, the relationship with the community.”

The Sports Institute is the largest provider of BC

Recreation and Parks Association courses, for certification of personal trainers and fitness instructors in the province.

And though Covid-19 has had an impact on the fitness industry, the Sports Institute has seen a spike in interest as people seek online opportunities to further their education or begin training to switch careers.

“For some people, this may be a time to re-evaluate and pursue new goals,” Munro noted. “Normally, personal training education is something you do in person, but this year we’ve seen an uptick in our online programming, and we’ve been able to offer choices to people in communities much further away, so we’ve seen students from Prince George and Kelowna, for example. That’s really exciting.”

The new challenges this year required a shift in planning on the youth programming side, too, but Munro says they’ve been proud to still be able to host so many youth with safety protocols in place.

“We ran those sports camps over summer in-person with

‘‘

We’re very proud of what we’ve built here.

social distancing limits, safety protocols,” he said.

“In other cases, we found a way to do a hybrid of in-person and online, so that kids could participate based on what worked for their families. We like to say that our programs are all about safety, smiles and skills – this year the safety part took on new meaning but we still had the same smiles. It was really wonderful to see.”

One of the invisible benefits of the youth programs is that it provides a rare opportunity for young people to become familiar with – and feel comfortable at – a post-secondary institution long before they may be making decisions about their

‘‘

David Munro, Faculty Program Manager

educational path. The addition of the Coquitlam campus has offered additional local choices.

“That’s really powerful, when a young person is able to come and experience the campus and feel an attachment to it. That can lead to their interest in attending later as a student,” he said.

Given the dedication to excellence, it’s no surprise the Sports Institute has seen year over year growth since its inception. For Munro, that strong history and solid foundation means that the Sports Institute, despite the challenges this year, is well poised for the future.

“There’s exciting things ahead.” sponsored content

604-527-5400 I sportsinstitute@douglascollege.ca I www.douglascollege.ca

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE DOG DAYCARE & TRAINING

Mindful Mutts

B

e the change you wish to see in the world. For Stefania Butkovic, that’s a philosophy that informs her daily life, not just in the one-on-one care she provides at her business Mindful Mutts, but also in her advocacy and activism for animals in general.

Mindful Mutts is a low-stress dog daycare and training facility that also offers walking, pet sitting and boarding in New Westminster.

Butkovic is passionate about the care she provides– but she’s equally committed to ensuring all dogs receive the same quality care.

“We advocate for humane, force- and fear-free training and handling of dogs and the welfare of all animals,” she said. “We also advocate for regulation within our completely unregulated industry. Anyone can call themselves a dog trainer or open a dog daycare with no prerequisites or formal education.”

The business has earned an incredible reputation and a loyal customer base since opening their doors six years ago in Sapperton and then three years ago in downtown

New Westminster. She jokingly refers to herself as the “head pooper scooper” at Mindful Mutts with a team comprised of two managers and five additional staff, all of whom are equally passionate about their work and animal care.

“Our customers experience a noticeable extra level of individualized care at our daycares. We try to offer a very human and personal experience so that clients can get to know who is caring for or training their furry family members,” she said.

And though the success of the business has been rewarding, the true joy is seeing the difference their efforts make.

“The best part of our work is absolutely seeing the difference that advocating loudly for the humane and kind treatment of animals can make, and seeing the difference in our community and clientele,” she said. “It is incredibly eye opening to learn about reward-based

‘‘

Excellence to me is being the change you want to see in the world.

training and passing this on to people who truly are in love with their pets is incredible.”

Butkovic says the Royal City has been an ideal home for Mindful Mutts, as the community is loyal and supportive to local small businesses, especially those that are making a difference in the world – which is exactly what she tries to do.

“Excellence to me is being the change you want to see in the world, and actively participating to make those good things happen,” she said.

“There are a number of businesses like ours doing a lot of hard work right now and I am glad

‘‘

Stefania Butkovic

to be a part of a revolution for the welfare of our dogs. They deserve happy, loving lives and to be treated with compassion and empathy.”

In an industry with no requirements for education currently, Butkovic is passionate about making sure she and her staff are knowledgeable.

She is currently completing her Certificate in Training and Counselling, which is a two-year intensive science-based dog training program and her team is always involved in adding more education and knowledge to their resumes. sponsored content

604-553-MUTT I 305 Cedar St./9 Sixth St., New Westminster, BC I www.mindfulmutts.ca

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE RESTA U R A NT

I

Angelina’s Dutch Corner

t’s a much-loved hometown favourite and a major business success story, all in one. Angelina’s Dutch Corner has been in operation for nearly two decades in the Royal City and its reputation continues to shine.

“We love what we do here,” said Eric Missouri, who took over as owner eight years ago. “We specialize in European style foods, especially breakfast and specifically the Dutch style pannekoek. Many of our customers we see over and over again, and bring friends and family with them to try it for a first time because they know they will enjoy the food.”

Unbeknownst to most customers, a huge portion of their menu is organic.

“People will say ‘this tastes different, it’s so good, it’s so fresh.’ And that’s because a majority of our ingredients are organic, Grade A products.”

While the quality of the food has been the foundation for their success, Missouri says it’s also due to the incredible community here in the Royal City.

“I love New Westminster. It’s like a small village

and people know each other and care about the community,” he said. “There’s so much loyalty and appreciation and support. I’m very happy to be a part of this area.”

In spring of 2019, the restaurant moved into new digs at the Quay, a space that is three times larger than their original location. It didn’t take long for the larger capacity to be just as busy as the smaller one.

“It’s been a blessing to be here, inside the beautiful River Market and next to the river,” he said. “It’s just so calming to see the water and to be able to enjoy a meal right here, and then go for a walk or do some shopping.

It’s a wonderful location.”

In recent months, the restaurant hasn’t been as full as normal – but not due to demand, of course.

“With Covid, we’ve had to make some changes and we’ve been able to adapt quickly,” he said. “When this

‘‘

We love what we do here.

started, we were one of the first in the industry to institute a safety plan even before the health department recommended it. I started doing half the capacity in March – nobody else was doing that. So we had a head start on creating a good safety plan,” he said. “Our customers can see the distancing we’ve created and the protocols in place, and many have told us how much they appreciate what we’ve done.”

Missouri leads a team of more than 30, including chefs, servers, dishwashers and more. He says the group is close-knit and he strives to provide

‘‘

Eric with the Angelina’s team

strong, supportive leadership.

“I started out in this business as a dishwasher, and made my way up. I’ve managed and owned restaurants for 20 years, so I’ve worked in every part of a restaurant and understand the hard work my staff are doing,” he said. “I treat them like family members, because employees are the engine that make your business run. And I am hands on, every single day – if something needs to be done, doesn’t matter what it is, I’ll jump in and do it too.”

sponsored content

604-520-6468 I 122-810 Quayside Dr., New Westminster, BC I www.angelinasdutchcorner.ca

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE PET STORE

I

Bosley’s

by Pet Valu

f you follow your heart, it will lead you in the right direction – both in life and work. That’s certainly been the case for Karima Jivraj, who has turned her love for animals into a thriving business here in the Royal City.

Jivraj opened a Bosley’s by Pet Valu at Columbia Square in 2011, and it has been growing ever since – and has led her to unique opportunities to help provide leadership and volunteering to improve the lives of animals.

“My goal from the beginning was to be the local neighbourhood go-to for pet food and supplies, but also for advice and help, to be a place where people know we care about their pets, too,” she said. “And I believe we’ve done that. We’re so grateful that people trust us that they know they can come in and get some answers and some help.”

Jivraj had been working at UBC for many years but the urge to go out on her own, and a passion for working with animals, led to an unexpected – but perfect – chance to change her career direction with the store.

“It was really one of those moments where it was the

right opportunity at the right time and the right place, and I jumped right into it,” she said, laughing. “To be honest, I dove head first. I was so excited.”

The business quickly drew loyal customers and built a great reputation, leading to significant growth.

“We are in the midst of an ambitious renovation project so that we can offer more space and selection to our customers,” she said. “And ideally I’d love to have a second store in Burnaby or another in New West. This area is growing so much.”

And while she’s proud of the success, it comes second to the impact she’s been able to make for animal welfare.

“One of my biggest goals was to make life better for the animals here in this community and part of that is supporting the shelter – with food, or toys, all the things that those animals might need while they wait for their

‘‘

I want every customer to know they and their pets are the priority.

new pet parents,” she said. “I wanted to make life better for the animals, to support the work they do there.”

That goal extends beyond the Royal City, as well. She is in the middle of a second term serving on the board of directors for the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council. “The board provides advocacy on a national level,” she said. “I’m so honoured to be on the board, with people who have more experience than me and to be able to sit with them

‘‘

Karima Jivraj, Store Owner

and learn from them but also to help influence decisions.”

All in all, it’s been a life path that has proven rewarding on multiple levels.

“I love what I do here and when I know a customer is leaving here satisfied, happy that they’ve gotten good service, I’m ecstatic,” she said. “I want every customer to know they and their pets are the priority, and to want to come back here because they know they can rely on us.

sponsored content

604-522-5280 I 114-1015 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC I www.bosleys.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE E A R LY ED U C AT I ON

CEFA Early Learning

A

A commitment to incredible education, top-notch care, and excellence on every front has been the hallmark of CEFA Early Learning centres since the first one opened its doors in West Vancouver more than two decades ago.

Vivian Young has seen the difference that level of commitment makes in the lives of children, from both sides: first as a parent whose children attended the program, and now as the owner of two CEFA locations in New Westminster.

CEFA is an all-day early learning private school for children ages 1 to 5, with a curriculum that offers reading, writing, mathematics, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), as well as visual arts, dance, music, drama, yoga, cultural immersion, and more, with a focus on helping prepare for kindergarten readiness.

Young was the parent of three young children – two of whom were already in a CEFA school – when she made the decision to leave her position with an environmental

consulting firm to have more time to focus on her young family.

“I fell in love with the program and what it was offering,” she said. “All three of my children are quite unique with their own strengths and perseverances, including one with a learning disability. I felt strongly that CEFA supported us and promoted comfort and confidence. All three graduated from the CEFA program and my husband and I couldn’t be happier, more grateful or more proud of their efforts and successes in school and in sports.” With her oldest just beginning his university journey and the youngest now in high school, she’s seen the long-term impact that their early education experiences had on them. Now, she’s thrilled to offer that same experience for students at her two local programs.

Their first location opened on Carnarvon Street in 2008 and opening their second location in the Uptown area in Royal City Shopping Centre less than a year pre-COVID-19

‘‘

I fell in love with the program and what it was offering.

has been a roller coaster ride of emotion and resilience. Without the support of the City, the Ministry, Strathallen Property Management and her amazing team, the grand opening celebration and its continued curriculum and care wouldn’t be possible in coping through this pandemic.

“My team of early childhood educators and chefs are absolutely wonderful, patient, caring and resilient in their dedication in maintaining a warm and safe environment throughout. We have engaged consultation with all the appropriate regulators and available resources and support in ensuring proper protocols are in place and regularly updated to promote safety, physically and

‘‘

L to R: Naticia Thandi, Principal; Alice Jang, Education Coordinator; and Vivian Young, Director

mentally, for our students and staff. We will get through this together with kindness and calmness.”

CEFA’s core purpose is to inspire children to learn and be knowledgeable, seek self-betterment and contribute as individuals,” she said. “Whether you are a child, parent, teacher or adult in your community, our core purpose helps guide any efforts.”

The foundations that made the first CEFA such a success continue today, she says, as that original commitment to excellence continues. “Excellence is putting forth your best with the sincerest intentions,” she said. sponsored content

778.326.2332 I #243 – 610 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC I www.cefa.ca

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE S A L ON

B-Bombshell Salon

T

he Columbia Street salon (whose name is pronounced buh-bomb-shell) opened in 2014 with the goal of creating a unique destination for geeks, gamers, nerds and quirky folks of all kinds.

But that initial niche has grown over the years into a deep commitment to inclusivity and acceptance – a place where people of all stripes will feel safe and comfortable, says owner Ryan Paul.

“Everyone and anyone is welcome here,” he said. “My goal is that everyone who comes here feels understood, feels heard, feels beautiful, and has a lot of fun.”

The full-service salon offers the traditional spectrum of hairstyling services – but they’ve also built a reputation for their incredible colour work, with a portfolio that’s jam-packed with mermaid blues, neon greens, fiery reds, blushing pinks, and just about everything in between.

“We have a great time here – we’re always doing new things, which makes it interesting – but it’s also just the environment. It’s just a happy place, and a safe space,” said Paul.

The original team of four has grown to 18 in the intervening years, and new clients come through the door all the time, many by word-of-mouth recommendation.

Even with the challenge presented by Covid-19 this year, the team has managed to hold their own – and are poised for continued growth in the coming months and years.

“We were very lucky in that we had a lot of systems in place before shutdown that were above and beyond the normal recommendations to begin with, so that really allowed us to be up and running quickly with new protocols in place when we re-opened. We take this very seriously – I want my staff to be safe and we want our clients to be safe,” he said.

So far, they’ve kept busy despite the new measures, and Paul says that’s due in part to the community.

“We looked everywhere when we were deciding where to open and New Westminster just hit every mark on the

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My goal is that everyone who comes here feels understood, feels heard, feels beautiful, and has a lot of fun.

checklist,” said Ryan, noting that he fell in love with the area so much, he moved here himself.

“It’s an amazing community, such a strong sense of connection.”

And while Paul keeps the needs of his clients top of mind, the needs of his staff hold equal priority.

That means making sure they have a safe work environment, are well compensated for their work, and feel supported and encouraged.

“For me as a boss, I want the same thing for my staff as I want for customers: treat people like

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L to R: Ryan Paul, Talisa Corrêa, Alex Healy and Jen Cleroux

human beings,” he said. “It might not sound that exciting but that’s really the heart of it. Take care of people, treat them well. It shouldn’t be a radical concept but sometimes it seems like it is these days. That’s what I focus on.”

B-Bombshell was already named New Westminster’s best salon in the local A List business awards three years running and Ryan says he’s excited to see that reputation continue to bloom – in every colour of the rainbow – for many years to come. sponsored content

604-544-0199 I 708 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC I www.bbombshellsalon.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE E X ERC I SE

Live Well Exercise Clinic

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s British Columbians navigate living through a pandemic, LIVE WELL Exercise Clinics have provided their members with a safe place to exercise and stay healthy.

“Focus on member health and safety has always been extremely important to us,” says Brian Budd, clinic director of LIVE WELL New Westminster.

“Our protocols going into COVID-19 were probably what a lot of gyms will come out of the pandemic with.

In addition, we’ve taken our sanitation and cleaning standards and stepped them up dramatically. We’ve placed a real emphasis on following health authorities and going above and beyond guidelines.”

LIVE WELL’s clients are confident in their safety while working out at the clinics.

“LIVE WELL has always been very clean and sterile,” client Ayla Kilic says “the new positioning of equipment maintains social distancing, and the Kinesiologists ensure that everybody is following the safety standards. I feel very safe exercising at the clinic, and I appreciate everybody’s

effort to provide us with this safe venue to exercise.”

LIVE WELL focuses on providing customized exercise programs for each member to help reach their personal health goals.

“Most of our members will have one health condition or concern,” says Budd. “We work with people with heart disease,obesity,arthritis and a variety of other ailments and diseases, including those who are recovering from knee and hip replacements.There’s no ‘gym-timidation’ here we have a very warm and inviting community. It’s very easy for new people to come in and immediately feel like they’re part of things.”

Stephanie P joined LIVE WELL after hearing about it through a family friend. “I was in an accident years ago and have struggled with mobility issues ever since,” she says. “I have massive headaches, sound sensitivity and a lot of pain in my body. Regular gyms are too loud for me to attend.

For 10 years I felt stuck but coming to LIVE WELL helped

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There’s no ‘gym-timidation’ here. We have a very warm and inviting community. It’s very easy for new people to come in and immediately feel like they’re part of things.”

me feel athletic again. The mobility in my arms has changed drastically. My legs feel stronger, my arms feel stronger and I feel hopeful for all the changes to come in the future.”

LIVE WELL’s staff includes university-educated kinesiologists and clinical exercise physiologists who work together to help clients meet their goals.

Many members joined LIVE WELL to take control of their health understanding the benefits of a regular exercise program.When new members come in for an initial consultation, LIVE WELL’s staff does a full medical intake and a baseline assessment to determine where they are in their fitness journey.

A customized exercise plan is created, including

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Stephanie P. joined LIVE WELL after a serious car accident

participation in small classes. All workouts are by appointment and facilitated by staff members, who provide oversight and coaching.

LIVE WELL has also introduced two new online programs for existing members to foster support and access.

That community is part of the accountability that LIVE WELL creates for its members, partly credited to the same group of people sharing classes. Budd encourages anyone who is curious about the LIVE WELL experience to come in and see the clinic.

“Any concerns, insecurity or fears you have will be cleared up when you come in and see that we don’t have that typical gym-feel,” he says. sponsored content

604-245-1899 I Suite 260, 505 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC I www.livewellbeourguest.ca

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE CONSTR U CT I ON

Magnum Construction Services

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he heart of a business is people – on both sides of the equation. For Magnum Construction, the relationship between their team and their clients has always been a top priority. This focus has helped the local business develop an incredible reputation since they first opened their doors just a few short years ago.

“That relationship and connection is so important,” said Yosef Pharaon, who co-owns Magnum Construction with business partner Mai Eilia. “That’s what really matters: the trust that you build with a client. Because the end goal is not profit, it’s a satisfied client who will be excited about the work you did and recommend you to others.”

Pharaon says that their dedication to integrity, honesty, and excellence in all aspects of business – from client care to building expertise – has been a touchstone since the beginning.

“That’s always been a focus for us,” he said.

It’s a philosophy that has allowed them to see year-overyear growth – even in a year like 2020, in which Covid-19

has had such significant global impacts.

“Our homes are so important to us, and this year people are in their homes a lot more than usual,” he said. “So people are looking around and deciding, hey, if we’re not going to be travelling and we’re not going to be doing other things, let’s do something with our space.”

That’s meant a steady flow of new clients all year long, many of whom want extensive updates that include everything from kitchens, to bedrooms, to bathrooms, to decks – and much, much more.

Magnum’s focus on general construction, teaming up with subcontractors who are specialists in their unique fields, has allowed them to offer a wide spectrum of services for projects of all sizes, in all parts of the home.

And though the pandemic has created challenges in supply chains, Pharaon says they’ve been able to plan ahead with their projects, bypassing potential problems.

“That’s a large focus for us: making sure we have the work

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We really love what we do.

flow planned and everything lined up and ready to go so that we are meeting those deadlines,” he said. “Communication is key: keeping everyone in the loop, clients, staff, trades people. We have to be on top of everything at all times.”

That’s a goal that requires both hands-on expertise and behind-the-scenes organization – a balance that’s reflected in the management of Magnum.

Eilia, who founded the company, serves as project manager – relying on her talent for communication and business know-how – while Pharaon serves as main site supervisor, using his years of industry experience and his passion for construction. Their

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Before and After of a renovated kitchen recently completed by Magnum Construction Services

combined dedication is evident in the company’s portfolio of stunning before-and-afters that show not just their skill and expertise, but also their passion for the industry.

“We really love what we do. When you finish a project and you see how happy and satisfied the client is, or you get feedback from them, or see the review they post online, it’s amazing,” Pharaon said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

This year, the company was a finalist for the Best Immigrant Entrepreneur Award with the Small Business BC Awards. sponsored content

604-657-4573 I New Westminster, BC I www.magnumconstructionservices.ca