2016
Men to Watch
Lawyer C.J. (Kip) Wilson and Restaurateur Joe Bourdeau on karma, loving what you do and offering your community something valuable.
Canoe Cove Joe’s & Saanichton Law Offices It seems that a friendship between Kip Wilson and Joe Bourdeau was written in the stars. A few years ago, while considering buying what is now Canoe Cove Joe’s, Joe approached Kip for legal advice. “You’re going to like this guy,” he told his wife Cheryl when he got home. Sure enough she did, and became an assistant at the law office, while Kip and Joe became great friends; the duo has been inseparable ever since!
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What inspired you to follow this career path? Joe: Many years ago I went to visit my mother in an extended care facility and noted that very few patients had eaten their meals. After several visits I learned that the patients found their food very institutional tasting. I believed I could do better and went back to school to learn to cook. What’s new for Saanichton Law Offices? Kip: A Portuguese water dog puppy will be joining our family after the passing of our beloved Maggie, and my wife and I will be enjoying the lifestyle that Sidney has to offer after recently purchasing a home there.
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What do you find inspiring about our local business community? Kip: The Saanich Peninsula is full of great people who are friendly, kind and caring. This extends to their businesses.
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What makes Canoe Cove Joe’s unique? Joe: When my wife suggested I add “Joe” to the Canoe Cove name, I was definitely not in favour. However, I remembered from old movies and when I went out with my parents as a boy, how the owner would come to your table, chat with you about family and your health and provide service like you were in their home. When people mention that they decided to come down to “Joe’s,” it brings back fond memories.
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interests early. Some people dismiss these while they are making career choices and are only interested in how much money they’re going to make. If you love what you do you’ll stay with it and live with the satisfaction of knowing you did the best you could each and every day. Don’t forget the happiness equation and be an example for your children by setting a great work ethic.
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What might surprise your clients to learn about you? Kip: I am very family-oriented and I love golf and travel.
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Three words others use to describe you? Three words you’d use to describe yourself? Joe: A humourous, caring family man with old-fashioned values, instilled in me by my father.
What is your business best known for and why? Kip: We are always thinking about client problems and solutions, and we offer reasonable, common sense advice at an affordable price. What is the secret to success? Joe: Discover your passions and
What is your guilty pleasure? Joe: A glass of Bordeaux at the end of the day with my wife while we talk about the day and our children. Kip: Dawn patrol golf … and breakfast at Joe’s, of course!
What advice do you have for upcoming generations of business owners? Joe: When I worked as a teenager at the lunch counter at Stedman’s, making milkshakes and fries, never did I think that I would one day own a restaurant. When you “whisper to the universe, karma takes over.”
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C.J. (Kip) Wilson
saanichton law offices
Kip Wilson
C.J. (Kip) Wilson Saanichton Law Offices #6 - 7855 East Saanich Road, Saanichton 250.544.0727 | www.saanichtonlaw.com
Joe Bourdeau
Canoe Cove Joe’s 2300 Canoe Cove Road, North Saanich 250.656.5557 | www.canoecovejoes.com
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