5 HE SAID/SHE SAID: The news and views of area executives on pertinent business issues of the day.
12 CORPORATISM: Jim Blasingame says small business owners should be aware of the common maxim.
L2 AT A GLANCE
A look at global perceptions of the use of AI and its economic impact.
2 CROSSWORD
Take a coffee break from work and challenge yourself with our crossword.
3 ESSEX ECONOMICS
A series of guest columns by business executives on various trends in the region.
6 PRIME PROPERTY
A look at recent commercial property transfers in Essex and Chatham-Kent area.
8 PRIME HOME
A look at residential property sales in Essex County and Chatham-Kent.
10 BUILDING PERMITS
A compilation of construction activity in the Windsor and area market.
10 START UPS
Newly incorporated firms launched in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.
11 WORLD OF WORK
A career advice column by a workplace consultant and career coach.
eamington favourite Ray’s Ribhouse is moving to a much more prominent location The 30-year-old eatery, long at Robson Road near the waterfront, is moving to Talbot Road, Leamington’s main east-west thoroughfare.
Owner Ray Youssef recently purchased the Pizza Hut property for $1.2 million.
“We’re just moving from this location to that one,” he said.
There’s no immediate deadline for the move; Youssef said that will happen when Pizza Hut finds its own new location in town.
Not only is Youssef eventually moving, but he plans to demolish his current building and construct a 10-unit condo on the property. “The plans are all done” and he’s waiting for final town approval before hiring a contractor.
Continued on page 4
Ray Youssef, owner of Ray’s Ribhouse in Leamington, at his planned upcoming location in a Pizza Hut site on Talbot Road.
By Ron Stang
AT A GLANCE
JUST THE FACTS:
• Our 30-country report reveals regional differences in the level of excitement about advances in artificial intelligence, confidence in responsible use, and expectations of future impacts.
• People are excited about the advances in Artificial Intelligence, but they are also nervous about the changes those advances could bring.
• In the Anglosphere (U.S., Great Britain, Canada and Ireland and Australia) there is much more nervousness than excitement.
• In European markets we see less nervousness, but also just a mid-range of excitement.
• Globally, and in many markets, more people think AI will make their local job market worse than think it will improve it.
• Almost every market thinks AI will make disinformation worse.
• For most content, we want to keep it real. When asked if they prefer humancreated content or AI-generated across a variety of usages like online news, movies, photos for artistic purposes, or for photojournalism, etc., most prefer human-created.
AFTER THE COMPANY PICNIC, HAROLD WAS HORRIFIED TO DISCOVER HE WAS FEATURED ON A PAGE IN FACEPLANTBOOK.
BUSINESS BOOST
“Management’s perception of the factors that make the subject company different from its competitors, usually introduces a discussion of the intangible assets of the company. These could be a trademark, patent or copyright. It may be proprietary technology, a trained and assembled workforce, special know-how, customer relationships, supplier relationships or other intangible assets that make the company a viable competitor and give it earning power.
“Some closely held business owners call these intangibles blue sky or goodwill. The accounting practices for these assets should be explored.
“The company’s customers can be a good source of information about the subject company’s products, strengths and weaknesses. Customers can help provide an indication of the longer-term outlook of the subject company, and help the analyst evaluate the continuing demand for products and services.
“Customers may also provide a viewpoint about the competition and the customer’s perceptions of the differences in product design, quality, service, pricing and the various intangible assets among competitors.”
VOLUME 29, ISSUE 3 • JULY 2025
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nadia H. Shousher
ART DIRECTOR David Cowx
CONTRIBUTORS Jim Blasingame, Mike Chase, Dale Dauten, Paul March, Devan Mighton, J.T. O’Donnell, Ron Stang, Joe Symchyshyn
Windsor Business is published monthly by The Page Publishing Corp. and is distributed through Canada Post to every business address in Windsor and Essex County and Chatham-Kent. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. Copyright The Page Publishing Corp., 2025.
The other night a neighbor’s car was broken into, right in his driveway. It gave me flashbacks of when my own vehicle was trashed and ransacked while I was enjoying the slumber of the innocent.
I remembered I was surprised – and offended – when the 911 dispatcher laughed at my suggestion the police come by to dust my ride for prints. As I was told, this happens at least 30 times a day! We don’t have the manpower to fight such crime! Don’t be ridiculous! What I heard was the safety and sanctity of my personal and hard-earned property is not important enough to allocate the manpower required to protect it.
Don’t get me wrong. Mere stuff isn’t valuable or important compared to human life, but this other extreme of total disregard is unacceptable, too. The message it sends out to the little perps is that stealing is a pretty good way to earn a living, and there are rarely any consequences for doing it well.
Why compete with the masses for a job and then slave away for most of your life, just to hand over the rewards to the ruling regime at the end? No way; that kind of bondage is for chumps. Thinking of that old song, 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, I propose 50 Ways to Make Moolah Without Working:
You could run a cash business, in which you only ring in every third or 10th or 20th sale, and therefore pay the bare minimum of taxes. The rest goes right in the pocket. This plan has the added allure of getting one over on Canada Revenue, and who wouldn’t want that pleasure?
You could base your entire existence on a trade or barter system, so there’s no actual money changing hands. Swap meals for advertising and computers for rent, and you are one wealthy guy. Ahhh, tax evasion at its best.
And don’t forget identity theft. Has Visa or MasterCard turned you down? Bad credit or no credit? No matter. You need only steal another’s ID and voila! You have an unlimited amount of funds at your disposal.
Then there’s the telephone scam, Internet scam and romance scam. But what to do if you don’t have the means to these means? You can trot out that old standby – cheque kiting – and literally laugh your way to the Bahamas.
If you want the double delight of ripping people off while teaching them not to be so giving, then you can always go door to door under the pretext of collecting charity. Who is to say a 15-year-old kid with sticky fingers is not a charity?
He is the most needy – of a swift kick in the rear and a long stint in boot camp.
Nadia
H. Shousher is Editor-in-Chief of Windsor Business, a division of The Page Publishing Corp.
ESSEX ECONOMICS
SUSAN ROBERTSON
Visionary leaders create change
Most leaders don’t ignore change because they don’t care. They ignore it because, in the moment, it doesn’t feel urgent. When the metrics look good and the operations hum along, making time for possibility feels indulgent. But that’s what separates the visionary leaders from the merely competent: they make space to reimagine before a crisis demands it.
Visionary leaders act when things still look fine on the surface, when most people are coasting. They understand comfort breeds complacency, and complacency is where innovation dies. But change feels riskier than routine. Leaders are rewarded for short-term outcomes, not long-term possibility. Teams are trained to fix problems, not to explore potential.
Possibility lives in the slightly unhinged questions that start with “What if we …” or “Why don’t we …” It lives in the willingness to step off the wellpaved path and consider what might lie just beyond the familiar.
Visionary leaders create the conditions where this thinking can thrive. They reshape the cultural assumptions that say, “Don’t rock the boat,” and replace them with, “Let’s see what else is possible.” They interrupt the patterns that reward efficiency over imagination.
They carve out space for thinking, not just doing. They understand innovation isn’t a task to check off. It requires mental white space, uninterrupted time and freedom from constant urgency. Visionary leaders protect this space intentionally, creating boundaries that allow their teams to go beyond surface-level thinking. They say no to unnecessary meetings, protect thinking time on calendars, and give teams permission to pause, reflect and reframe.
They ask their teams to challenge assumptions even when there’s no problem to solve. Because waiting for problems means you’re always reacting, never inventing. This is about building a muscle for questioning the status quo. Visionary leaders embed assumption-checking into regular conversations.
They shift language from certainty to curiosity. Questions like “What if …” and “Why not …” become signals of forward momentum, not distractions from the agenda. Over time, that language shift rewires team dynamics: fear of being wrong is replaced with enthusiasm for exploration. Visionary leaders celebrate when a team member floats an odd idea or pushes back on accepted norms. They replace Creating change before it’s urgent isn’t reckless. It’s responsible. It’s what allows organizations to adapt instead of react. To lead instead of follow. To shape the future instead of surviving it.
If your team is only innovating when a fire breaks out, you’re not leading. You’re firefighting. Visionary leaders don’t wait for permission; they look beyond what’s working to see what’s possible.
Susan Robertson has more than 20 years of experience speaking and coaching in Fortune 500 companies, and is an instructor at Harvard. Visit SusanRobertsonSpeaker.com.
Shannon P. Pratt in Valuing a Business: The Analysis and Appraisal of Closely Held Companies, McGraw-Hill.
Restaurant moving to higher profile site
Continued from page 1
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Pizza Hut had eliminated its dinein service and has been offering just take-out. Attempts to get a comment from the chain’s New Brunswick-based owner, Franchise Management Inc. (FMI), were unsuccessful.
“Right now, they’re still looking for a spot here in town,” Youssef said, with a September deadline.
Youssef said the new restaurant needs some renovations. “The dining room is kind of sad. We’re going to have to change the carpet up, and the roof has to be done,” he said. There’s a low ceiling that will
be raised up for more ambience and better acoustics, because “the music sounds better with higher ceilings.” While the kitchen is larger, the restaurant will actually lose 10 seats, but the business will open for both lunch and dinner rather than just dinner.
Talbot Street should bring in much more business, Youssef said.
“People passing by our (current) location, you’re either going to a boat because the marina’s here, or you’re going golfing, or you’re going home,” he said. “There’s really no other business near us.”
Youssef said he had “daydreamed a lot” about moving and now is the opportunity.
ACQUISITION
BY RON STANG
Extendicare buys chunk of land
Ahuge vacant lot in Chatham has been acquired by Markham-based Extendicare, Canada’s largest nursing home provider. It was part of a massive acquisition of properties in June from competitor Revera, another international nursing care provider.
Two other long-term homes in Chatham-Kent changed hands as part of the nine-property deal across Ontario and Manitoba.
An Extendicare rep responded to the sales generally but, despite a repeated request, not to why Extendicare bought the 6.05 acres of land for $1.6 million and what
BY RON STANG
An unusual hundred-yearold era apartment house has been sold in the downtown Windsor area. It’s the type of building that, if copied, could help fulfill urban planners’ goal of creating the “missing middle” in housing, one expert said.
The Ontario Superior Court sold the property after a previous owner declared bankruptcy. Colliers (London) had the listing, but an agent declined comment. However, the realtor’s website described the brick building at 208 Giles Boulevard East as being 2.5 stories and having 11 one-bedroom suites.
While the building has 11 units,
plans it has for it. The property is at Bear Line Road and McNaugh-ton Avenue, on Chatham’s west side.
Extendicare also acquired the existing Blenheim Community Village and Village on the Ridge. The price was almost $5 million.
According to the company spokeswoman, these aged facilities have Class C beds, which “require redevelopment to meet modern design standards.”
Meanwhile, Extendicare’s modernization “Improving Care Plan” will eliminate multi-unit bedrooms, increase staffing, improve infection and prevention control and improve communication with
residents and families.
As for older homes like those acquired, Extendicare is investing $500 million to bring them up to modern design standards.
The company doesn’t currently have a home in Chatham, but has several in Windsor-Essex County. University of Toronto sociology professor emeritus Pat Armstrong, who has studied the long term care industry, said Revera “has been trying to get out of the nursing home business in Canada. Extendicare already manages some homes owned by other corporations, and seems content to stay in the nursing home business.”
it only has six parking spaces, which architect and urbanist Dorian Moore of Windsor said could be a model for newer construction.
The property sold in June for $1.3 million. The purchaser was Oakville-based Whitehall Apts. The company specializes in rehabilitating older buildings and in rentals. As its website says, “With immigration driving population growth and renting becoming increasingly common, the demand for affordable rental options like Whitehall is on the rise.”
Whitehall CEO Timothy Diamond did not respond to calls.
Colliers also advertised the
building as being in a walkable neighborhood, close to downtown, a hospital and on a transit route, ideal for the kind of housing Moore would like Windsor to have more of.
“When we talk about the term ‘missing middle,’ these are the kind of structures we’re really talking about,” he said. “And the ability to create modern versions of these is really what all of the housing initiatives are moving toward.” He added, “part of the issue is we don’t have a variety of unit types out there, and I think these kind of structures whether new or renovated can help alleviate a lot of the problems.”
QUESTION:
“I thrive in a supportive team environment for collaboration, but when it's time to focus, I prefer a calm, clutter-free space filled with art, photos, and plants – things that bring me peace and inspire productivity.”
Sharisse Guyton, CEO, Vision in Numbers.
“I prefer working as a team. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and teaching. A variety of individual ideas and skills helps optimize the outcome of what the team is working on. Team work can help increase production, reduce fatigue and provide a mindfully positive work day.”
Michael Wacheski, co-owner, JMW Painting.
“Hello, amigos! I love a work environment that is busy, loud, lively and with lots of people working together to create something amazing with and for the community. Thank you Windsor Business Magazine for inviting Café Amor & Art to be part of this edition. See you at the Café!”
Amor Hernandez, Director/ Owner, Café Amor & Art.
“Working alone allows me to express my individual opinion. However, working with a team demands I be open to other people’s ideas. I tend to work alone to create my vision then enlist others to get a broader perspective and spark more creativity.”
Ken Gray, Funeral Home Manager, Arbor Memorial.
schedule, et cetera.
“Every once in a while, all of our company has the opportunity to work together on a common project from start to finish. It produces an environment where we feel like we are part of a winning team. It’s very satisfying.”
Ryan Jordan, Owner, RJ Steel & Copper Co.
Address: 208 Giles Blvd. E.
Selling Price: $1,295,000
Vendor: Ontario Superior Court of Justice
Purchaser: 208 Giles Blvd. Holding Corp.
Selling
Vendor: Baker Investments Ltd.
Purchaser: McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada Ltd.
Vendor: Revenberg Holdings Ltd.
Purchaser: 2612035 Ontario Inc.
Address: 1572 Tecumseh Rd. E.
Selling Price: $1.35 million
Vendor: 13737292 Canada Inc.
Purchaser: 2613581 Ontario Ltd.
Selling
Vendor: 2264333 Ontario Inc.
Purchaser: Southwood Development 2025 Inc.
Vendor: 100000339 Ontario Inc.
Purchaser: 1000046159 Ontario Inc.
Purchaser: 2612035 Ontario Inc.
PRIME PROPERTY
THE FOLLOWING, PROVIDED BY REALTRACK.COM, REPRESENT SOME OF THE TOP COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TRANSFERS IN THE ESSEX & CHATHAM-KENT AREAS:
SOLD
Address: V/L North Talbot Rd., Tecumseh
Selling Price: $4.095 million
Vendor: Old Castle Heights Inc.
Purchaser: 1954945 Ontario Inc.
SOLD
Address: 246 Talbot St. W., Leamington
Selling Price: $1.2 million
Vendor: FMI National Inc.
Purchaser: 1001222684 Ontario Inc.
SOLD
SOLD
Address: 8445 Talbot Trail, Chatham-Kent
SOLD
Address: 21673 Communication Rd., Chatham-Kent
Selling Price: $1.272 million
Vendor: 981351 Ontario Inc.
Purchaser: 1001164567 Ontario Inc.
Selling Price: $1.75 million
Vendor: RM Auto Properties Ltd.
Purchaser: Handy Bros. Home Comfort Inc.
Address: 4093 Concession 4 N., Amherstburg
Selling Price: $1.3 million
Vendor: Named Individuals
Purchaser: 1001234601 Ontario Ltd.
SOLD
Address: 293 Talbot St. W., Leamington
Selling Price: $1.9 million
Vendor: 1000194297 Ontario Ltd.
Purchaser: 4Plant Greenhouses Inc.
SOLD
Address: 130 Sheldon Ave., Chatham-Kent
Selling Price: $10 million
Vendor: Skyline Real Estate Holdings Inc.
Purchaser: 9532-7342 Quebec Inc.
SOLD
Address: 455 Sandys St., Chatham-Kent
Selling Price: $13.5 million
Vendor: Skyline Real Estate Holdings Inc.
Purchaser: 9534-0501 Quebec Inc.
Where: 3134 Donnelly St. Property Size: 33’ x 160’
• Individuals are renovating a restaurant on Concession 1. Value of construction: $180,000.
• A contractor is erecting an industrial building on County Road 18. Value of construction: $25 million.
• A contractor is doing hospital repairs on Talbot St. W. Value of construction: $2.063 million.
MUNICIPALITY OF LEAMINGTON RESIDENTIAL:
• A contractor is building a new single-family home on Deer Run Rd. Value of construction: $3 million.
• A contractor is renovating an
institutional building on Erie St. N. Value of construction:
$269,500
• A builder is erecting 24 units of two townhouses on Sherk St. Values of construction:
$800,000 each.
• A builder is erecting two units of a duplex on Sherk St. Value of construction: $200,000 each.
• A builder is erecting 4 units of a townhouse on Sherk St. Values of construction: $400,000 each.
• A contractor is building an Accessory Dwelling Unit at a home on Pebble Beach Court. Value of construction:
$100,000.
TOWN OF LASALLE COMMERCIAL:
• A contractor is building a com-
mercial plaza on Sandwich West Pkwy. Value of construction: $4,681,075.
• A contractor is erecting a fast food restaurant on Sandwich West Pkwy. Value of construction: $1.6 million.
• A cemetery is building a mausoleum on Howard Ave. Value of construction: $880,000.
• A contractor is building a storage facility on Front Rd. Value of construction: $1 million.
TOWN OF LASALLE RESIDENTIAL:
• A contractor is erecting a singlefamily residence on Mayfair Ave. Value of construction: $688,874.
• A contractor is building two units of a semi-detached home on Omira St. Values of construction: $427,550 each.
A contractor is building two units of a semi-detached home on Bouffard Rd. Values of construction: $371,400 each.
Individuals are building an Accessory Dwelling Unit to a home on Bouffard Rd. Value of construction: $222,020.
A contractor is building a singlefamily residence on Matchett Rd. Value of construction: $560,578.
A contractor is building two units of a semi-detached residence on Vel Lane. Values of construction: $595,030 and $596,325.
Individuals are building a singlefamily residence on Centre Ave. Value of construction: $967,532.
• A1 Plus Delivery Services
• Ace Building Supplies Inc.
• Adam's Group Services Corp.
• Aevum Health Ltd.
• African Princess Market Inc.
• Aitiana Logistics Inc.
• Ajua Bar & Grill Inc.
• Aksan Logistics Inc.
• Allison Technology & Solutions Group Inc.
• Angrej Express Inc.
• AP Motion Transport Inc.
• Arteth Consulting Ltd.
• Avenue Lane Build Inc.
• Axleway Transport Inc.
• Barakih Inc.
• Blinktech Solutions Inc.
• Brown's Bookkeeping And Taxes Inc.
• Brydges Sales Consulting Inc.
• Bush Marketing Inc.
• Butler Building Group Inc.
• Canaduino Corp.
• Carnevale Law Office Professional Corp.
• CDL Investments Inc.
• Clean2at Inc.
• Confluence Arts Solutions
• Copper Jigger Mobile Bar
• D N St Tool Supply Inc.
• Dedosh Investment LLP Corp.
• Deepshore Construction Inc.
• Digital Muziq Inc.
• Divine Transportation Services Inc.
• Edenbyte Consulting Inc.
• Elite Cue & Console Bar Inc.
• Ellis Investment Corp.
• Enrinity Health Inc.
• Essex County Granite & Cabinetry Corp.
• Exordia Creative Inc.
• FM Innova Mold Services
• Formative Health & Wellness
• Fuerte Financial Technologies
• KC Xpress Ltd.
• Kensington Beach Association
• Ketu Foods Ltd.
• Kings AM Business Inc
• Kingsville On The Harbour Condos Inc.
• Lakeshore Industrial Park
• Lashmore Bookkeeping Services Inc.
• Lawki Corp.
• Lead Autoworks Inc.
• Leadshealth Ltd.
• Lebeau Logistics Inc.
• LK Tools And Equipment Inc.
• M A Mechanical Heating & Cooling Inc.
• Malachite Manuscripts Book Services Inc.
• Milojevic Digital Ventures
• Northern Softwoods Ltd.
• Nova Wholesale Trading
• Numbers Man Holdings Inc.
• Numbers Man Inc.
• Official Construction Inc.
• Osamah Polus Trucking Ltd.
• Ouma Bouwer Kitchen Inc.
• Plan Up Logistics Inc.
• Plant-Based Windsor Essex (PBWE)
• Premier Tiling Inc.
• Premier Truck & Auto Sales
• Pro Star HVAC Inc.
• Puzzuoli Wealth Management Group Inc.
• Quantified Drywall Solutions
• Revora Contracting Inc.
• Riverside Accounting Inc.
• Rob N Sons Kitchen Inc.
• Rodriguez Law Office Professional Corp.
• Rose City Convention Center Inc.
• Selectcore Communications Inc.
• SFF Global Marketing Inc.
• Individuals are building a singlefamily residence on Short Snake Lane. Value of construction: $600,687.
• Individuals are building a singlefamily residence on Laier Lane.
Continued on page 11
• G & C Magic Windsor Ltd.
• G Tint Studio N Auto Care
• Galaxy Controls Automation
• Happy Hare Publishing House Inc.
• Harrow Kinette Club
• HR 1st Consulting Services
• Hustler Multi Express Limited
• Sicilia Investments Ltd.
• SMSH Transportation Inc.
• SNR Kitchen Inc.
• Sod & Beyond Landscaping Inc.
• Solidarity Bridge Association
Continued on page 11
SINCE
THE WORLD OF WORK
BY JEANINE “J.T.” O’DONNELL
Ways to get your boss to finally see your value to the company
Hannah: I’m feeling really discouraged. I work hard, hit my deadlines and go above and beyond — but my boss keeps overlooking me for new projects and recognition. Is there a way to change this dynamic?
J.T. O’Donnell: I hear this concern often, and you’re not alone. It’s frustrating to feel unseen, especially when you’re putting in the effort. The good news is, there are proactive steps you can take to change how your boss perceives you. Let’s explore a strategy to help you get the recognition you deserve.
Step 1: Understand the dynamics. First, it’s essential to recognize that bosses are human, with their own pressures and blind spots. Sometimes, they may not realize they’re overlooking someone. Other times, they might be unaware of your aspirations or the full extent of your contributions. This isn’t necessarily a reflection of your value but rather a communication gap that can be bridged.
Step 2: Initiate a constructive conversation.
Approach your boss with a positive
and collaborative mindset. Request a one-on-one meeting to discuss your role and contributions. During the conversation, express your commitment to the team’s success and your desire to take on more responsibilities. Ask for feedback on how you can grow and contribute more effectively. This shows initiative and opens the door for a two-way dialogue.
THEY MAY NOT REALIZE THEY’RE OVERLOOKING SOMEONE. OTHER TIMES, THEY MIGHT BE UNAWARE OF YOUR ASPIRATIONS OR THE FULL EXTENT OF YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS.
Step 3: Demonstrate your value.
Consistently showcase your achievements and how they align with the team’s goals. Keep a record of your accomplishments and share them during regular check-ins or performance reviews. Offer to take on challenging projects or assist with tasks that alleviate your boss’s workload. By proactively contributing and communicating your successes, you
THE ANGRY ANGRY CANADIAN CANADIAN
reinforce your value to the team.
Step 4: Seek opportunities for visibility
Engage in cross-functional projects or committees that allow you to interact with other departments and leaders. This not only broadens your experience but also increases your visibility within the organization. Networking internally can lead to new opportunities and perspectives on how to enhance your role.
Step 5: Reflect and adapt.
Regularly assess your progress and the effectiveness of your strategies. Seek feedback from peers and mentors to gain insights into areas for improvement. Be open to adjusting your approach based on the feedback and the evolving dynamics within your team. If you don’t feel after all these steps you are getting what you want, you can confidently start to look for a new job that will be a better fit, knowing you did all you could.
J.T. O’Donnell is the founder and CEO of Work It Daily. Visit workitdaily.com to submit your questions.
START UPS
Continued from page 10
• SRV Capital Inc.
• SSG Dhillon Transport Inc.
• Tabone Fitness Inc.
• Tae Restaurant & Sports Bar
• The Lawn Guys Corp.
• Three Fires Food & Beverage Corp.
• Tongil Electric Ltd.
• Toolcans Inc.
• Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Alliance Network
• True North Custom Manufacturing Corp.
• True North Land Services Inc.
• Unique Automotive Sales Inc.
• Unique Tool Global Inc.
• Vital I.Q Logistics Inc.
• VJ Bansal Logistics Ltd.
• Walker Beauty & Hair Salon Inc.
• Wendini Wealth Corp. Ltd.
• West Gold Express Inc.
• White Feather Holistic Arts Ltd.
• Windsor Ballet Academy Inc.
• Windsor Essex Auto Inc.
• Windsortech Inc.
• Yemeni Canadian Association of Windsor/Essex
• Zalent Creatives
BUILDING PERMITS
Continued from page 10
Value of construction: $1,274,630.
• Individuals are building a singlefamily residence on Huron Church Line. Value of construction: $1,049,010.
TOWN OF KINGSVILLE COMMERCIAL:
• A contractor is building a greenhouse on Seacliff Dr. Value of construction: $7 million.
• The Grove Brewing Corp. is doing alterations to a commercial building on Lansdowne Ave. Value of construction: $1.3 million.
TOWN OF KINGSVILLE RESIDENTIAL:
• A contractor is building a singlefamily residence on County Rd. 34 E. Value of construction: $900,000.
• Timber Valley Homes is building a single-family dwelling on Ford Rd. Value of construction: $450,000.
TOWN OF ESSEX RESIDENTIAL:
• Individuals are building an Accessory Dwelling Unit to a garage at a residence on County Rd. 12. Value of construction: $480,000.
GALATI - Windsor,
Brampton,
Small business owners should beware of the maxim
Languages become rich and interesting when expressions are coined and used to leverage our points-of-view. These expressions come in many forms, like the platitude and the cliché, for example, which represent the obvious and the over-used. Then there are others that cut to the chase, like the proverb, the truism and the maxim.
Webster says a maxim is a “generally accepted truth.” But how could something be a “generally
accepted” truth? Shouldn’t the truth be beyond debate? Nobel prizewinning author, Albert Camus, said, “Integrity has no need of rules.” Couldn’t we say the same thing about truth?
The best example of a maxim I know is, “It’s lonely at the top.” True enough. But must it be?
Small business owners know all about being lonely at the top. And even though being “at the top” of a small business is not very high in the marketplace, no CEO of any
Forbes or Fortune favorite can move the needle on the loneliness meter as far as we can.
But loneliness for a small business owner is a self-imposed exile. It’s something we often do to ourselves when we are faced with any number of difficulties. The beauty of a maxim is that it’s a “generally accepted truth.” Apparently, we can choose not to be among those who are so accepting.
Small business loneliness, one of the most dangerous things we
allow to happen, is a phenomenon I have long contemplated, and have determined there are five untruths we tell ourselves which contribute to this affliction:
Lie #1. As the owner, I’m supposed to know how to solve this problem.
Lie #2. I don’t want to talk to anyone about this or ask for help, because I am experiencing something others don’t.
Lie #3. I can’t admit I have a problem because that would make me appear managerially ignorant and my business competitively weak. Lie #4. I don’t know anyone who can help me.
Uncovering what drives you can drive more in-depth wealth advice.
We’re redefi
Lie #5. Even if I found someone to advise me, I couldn’t afford it.
In Chapter 16 in the book of Proverbs, King Solomon said: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors, they succeed.” Where can a small business owner get advice and counsel? Lots of places, including many options for those on a Spartan budget. Here is a partial list:
• Mastermind groups can be formed by anyone simply by asking peers to get together and talk about issues and share ideas.
• Your local chamber of commerce may be the most important destination address for you to know to get help. You will invest a paltry couple hundred bucks a year to be a full-fledged member, but it’s one of the best investments you can make.
• There are dozens of business courses available. The cost per program is usually under $100, and sometimes they’re free.
• Trade association roundtables are great places to meet fellow travelers and learn valuable management solutions. Cost is the price of membership.
• Executive Peer Groups require an investment, but the structure is professional and the value is high.
• Certified public accountants and attorneys often can serve as valuable advisors beyond the professional work they do for you. But remember, like any professional, their time is their inventory. Use these advisors wisely and they will deliver great value.
Whenever you find yourself being seduced by a maxim like, “It’s lonely at the top,” remember, this truth is merely generally accepted. You probably didn’t get where you are by being a conformist, so why start now?
Write this on a rock: Being “at the top” is always going to be a tough job, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely job. Regardless of your challenges or budget, listen to the wise man and seek counsel.
Jim Blasingame is the author of The 3rd Ingredient, the Journey of Analog Ethics into the World of Digital Fear and Greed. Visit jimblasingame.com.
