special features - profiles of excellence fall 2012

Profilesg r e a t e r V i c t o r i a

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Po f e x c e l l e n c e

g r e a t e r V i c t o r i a Profiles o F e x c e l l e n c e

Rafer Strandlund, Vice-President Mortgage Investments, and Dawn Paniz, CFO and General Manager, Fisgard Capital Corporation.

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RafeR StRandlund and dawn Paniz, fiSgaRd CaPital CoRPoRation

Flexibility and the ability to react quickly is essential to Fisgard’s success.

Dawn Paniz CFO and General Manager

Rafer Strandlund Vice-President Mortgage Investments

Fisgard Capital Corporation 3378 Douglas Street Victoria, BC V8Z 3L3

Phone 250-382-9255 Toll Free 866-382-9255 Fax 250-384-1498 Email [email protected] www.fisgard.com

Knowledge and experience.

Few words carry as much weight when it comes to financial investing; they describe Victoria’s Fisgard Capital Corporation perfectly.

One of the largest private mortgage investment corporations in Western Canada, Fisgard Capital is a family business, founded by CEO Wayne Strandlund and overseen by Dawn Paniz, with Strandlund’s daughter Hali, sons Rafer and Jason, additional family members and long-term staff.

Primarily a short-term equity lender, Fisgard provides fair, flexible and creative residential and commercial mortgage solutions for local borrowers. For investors, those same mortgages create a diversified portfolio that has enjoyed consistent returns, even during uncertain times.

Dawn Paniz, Fisgard’s CFO and General Manager, oversees the investment team and staff training, and builds relationships with clients and investors.

“I work closely with the mortgage department because the mortgage side is very important to the investment department,” she notes. That comprehensive approach ensures clients feel confident their investments are in good hands. In all, Fisgard’s fund currently holds 372 mortgages totalling $241,655,422. Its 3,737 investors have an average investment of $62,149.

Drawing on the knowledge and experience of a career in the industry, Rafer Strandlund manages the mortgage department and a diversified portfolio that balances reasonable returns with reasonable risk.

“I’ve been in the business of real estate and lending since 1989, so I’ve seen all kinds of markets and I think that experience helps us make decisions that are sometimes tough, but necessary,” Rafer says. For example, in 2008, witnessing some of the problems emerging in other markets, Fisgard adjusted its portfolio to minimize the impact on clients and maintain a very good rate of return.

That flexibility and ability to react quickly is essential to Fisgard’s success. “We’re small and nimble enough that we can make changes quickly as we see fit.”

At the same time, Rafer emphasizes securing quality investments that benefit investors in the long run. “We wouldn’t chase a return because that’s very short-lived,” he explains.

The right staff make it all possible.

Committed to consistently exceeding expectations, Fisgard staff took it upon themselves to certify as investment dealers in anticipation of a change to industry requirements that the company be registered as an Exempt Market Dealer.

“Our staff works hard and is very good about taking on a challenge – they embraced the opportunity to take the required courses and earn their licenses,” Dawn says. “We always want to be current.”

Those knowledgeable, long-serving staff are key to Fisgard’s success, enhancing the company’s relationship with long-time clients.

“These one-on-one relationships are essential to our success.”


Sherry Lemay, Funeral Director/Manager, Leslie Duncan, Funeral Director/Owner, Doug Overend, Funeral Director/Owner, Simply Cremations & Funeral Services.

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IntegrIty, DIgnIty, respect anD Value, sImply crematIons anD Funeral serVIces

While good value is partially about dollars and cents, more importantly, good value represents a service undertaken with thoughtfulness, commitment and attention to detail, for a fair price.

It’s also a principle upon which Simply Cremations was founded.

With more than 30 and 17 years in the funeral industry respectively, Doug Overend and partner Leslie Duncan believe in providing cremation and funeral services at a reasonable cost, without foregoing quality and service. They do that by focusing specifically on cremations and related services, and hosting smaller, more intimate services in line with many of today’s families and their wishes, Overend explains. “We’re not trying to be everything to everyone. Our whole focus is on providing the best possible service to our clients.”

The right staff are key to that approach. “The people we hire are pretty much the best at what they do,” Overend says, pointing to Sherry Lemay, for example, who is in charge of operations on Vancouver Island. “We are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, so the people we hire have to be stable, well-educated and passionate about what they do.”

Serving Sidney and the Saanich Peninsula for two years now, Simply Cremations was founded in Edmonton more than 10 years ago and remains focused on Western

Canada, where cremation continues to grow significantly as a choice.

Overend had managed funeral homes for other companies, but saw an opportunity to really focus on a specialized market and do it very well. In addition to the opportunity to help people at what can be a difficult time, he appreciates the diversity of people and families he meets, and being able to create a service that answers their needs with respect and compassion.

Regardless of the type of service clients choose, “pre-planning is a big part of our industry now and we do encourage it whole-heartedly,” Overend notes.

Not only does pre-planning allow individuals to pre-pay many of their cremation and funeral expenses at today’s rates, but it also makes their wishes clear, helping families during what is a difficult time. And for loved ones facing myriad decisions following a death, pre-planning also helps remove the “emotional buying” and the pressure to spend more than necessary on funeral expenses.

“We still want families involved but it helps if the major decisions have been made already,” Overend explains.

“Throughout the process, we want our clients and families to rest assured that Simply Cremations will not only provide value, but that we will do so with integrity, dignity and respect.”

”We’re not trying to be everything to everyone. Our whole focus is on providing the best possible service to our clients.

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Doug Overend Funeral Director/Owner

Leslie Duncan Funeral Director/Owner

Sherry Lemay Funeral Director/Manager

Simply Cremations & Funeral Services Unit 2, 2075 Henry Avenue W. Sidney, BC V8L 1T2

Phone 250-656-5555 Fax 250-656-7444 Email [email protected] www.simplycremations.com


From left to right: Tiffany Vu, Jürgen Sauer, Manager Cathy Scott, Owner Kenn Munro, Kaylee Starr and Estelle Curwen, Van Isle Jewellers.

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Van iSle JewelleRS, a tRadition of Quality, SeRViCe and Value

Timeless quality and excellent service have been Van Isle Jewellers’ hallmarks since the locally owned and operated store first opened its doors more than 60 years ago.

Add to that the experience and artistry to create today’s most beautiful designs and it’s easy to see why the store has stood the test of time.

Built on the principles of quality, value and fine design, Van Isle Jewellers was founded by Belton Turner, Cliff Duckworth and James Munro in 1948, in a single-room Yates Street workshop serving the local jewellery industry. As their reputation grew, so did their business, expanding both in size and scope to also offer retail and design services.

When the final two founders retired in 1991, a new generation allowed Van Isle to continue the tradition, says owner Kenn Munro, who accompanied his father to work as early as five-years-old.

While the landscape of the jewellery industry has changed over the decades, Van Isle Jewellers remains confident in its strengths: exceptional quality, unique design and “old school” service at a reasonable price.

Setting their sites on offering clients an alternative to mass-produced jewellery or expensive designer pieces, Van Isle added a showroom that allowed customers to deal directly with the manufacturer and repair specialists – and save money. Moving to their Blanshard Street location in 2000 provided a more

spacious and accessible location to view and discuss engagement rings, wedding bands, signet rings, or other special pieces, Munro explains.

“I think what we’ve tried to do over the years is make fine jewellery more affordable.”

As leaders in their field, “a lot of people also come to us for information and if there’s something we’re not sure of, we’ll hunt around to get the right answer.”

Today, Van Isle employs six long-term staff providing design, fabrication and repair services, in addition to restringing, appraising, engraving, eyeglass soldering and supplying diamonds or coloured stones.

As people look for affordable alternatives to rising gold costs and a way to incorporate family heirlooms, recasting of old jewellery is a growing field.

The key from start to finish is working with the client to help create a special design that fits their budget, Munro says, encouraging clients to bring in pictures, sketches or other ideas. “A lot of what we do is one-of-a-kind pieces that we design, but it’s also nice to have people come in with an original idea.”

From those, designers will create a wax mold from which their unique, one-of-a-kind piece is cast; in all, the process can take as little as two to three weeks.

Of course, those who prefer to browse the many special pieces on display from Van Isle’s talented designers will also be delighted.

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Kenn Munro Owner

Van Isle Jewellers 1126 Blanshard Street Victoria, BC V8W 2H6

Phone 250-418-1126 Fax 250-382-6115 Email [email protected] www.vanislejewellers.ca

While the landscape of the jewellery industry has changed over the decades, Van Isle Jewellers remains confident in its strengths: exceptional quality, unique design and “old school” service at a reasonable price.


From right to left: Teija Vuur, Alistair Hicks, Ann Margeson, Jasmine Vet and Marge Tawtel, Home Instead Senior Care.

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to uS it’S PeRSonal,aliStaiR HiCkS,Home inStead SenioR CaRe

Alistair Hicks Franchise Owner

Home Instead Senior Care 222-1595 McKenzie Avenue Victoria, BC V8N 1A4

Phone 250-382-6565 Fax 250-382-6566 Email [email protected] homeinstead.ca/victoriabc

When his mother fell ill, Alistair Hicks was working in Japan and unable to spend enough time in Canada to care for her. Later introduced to the remarkable work of Home Instead Senior Care, he knew this was his opportunity to give back. “I had always felt a small void because I couldn’t help my sister care for my mom,” he says. “In my work, I had studied hundreds of franchises and the only one that really captured my heart was this one.”

First to own a Home Instead franchise in Canada 13 years ago, Alistair relocated from Toronto to Victoria. Today it’s one of 1,000 well-respected franchises around the globe, all of which are locally owned and operated. Serving seniors locally – all phone calls come right to their McKenzie Avenue office – Home Instead provides a personalized service that in turn draws upon a remarkable level of world class research and resources.

“With our dynamic and compassionate CAREGivers, we try to help people stay at home as long as possible – wherever they call home,” says Alistair. “It’s all about allowing people to maintain their independence, assuring their safety, and keeping their spirits lifted. It often just takes a bit of support to stay in the place they call home.”

Services can be as simple as meal preparation, companionship, light housekeeping or transportation to doctor appointments, etc. “Once a week, once a month or every day, it’s a matter of individual need and it’s customizable,” notes Community Outreach Coordinator, Ann Margeson.

“While some seniors might worry that non-medical home care will take away their independence, it’s actually the opposite. An in-home approach allows you to maintain your lifestyle while ensuring you are receiving the perfect amount of care in your own home.”

Relationships are the core of their service, and from the very first care consultation, finding the right match for caregiver and client is key.

“When CAREGiver Carol goes to see Mrs. Smith, she knows Mrs. Smith likes cream in her coffee but not in her tea,” Ann explains. At the same time, “Carol also recognizes any health changes that might arise, especially significant in situations where the family doesn’t live in town. In many cases, they become a surrogate family member as the relationship develops.

“Home Instead hires CAREGivers who want to make a difference in seniors’ lives. From the beginning, it’s about the relationship…it’s often the little things that count.”

Complementing its person-centered care, Home Instead also offers a Resource Centre to provide information and contacts to help people navigate the system. In addition, they offer free Family Education Workshops regularly throughout the year to families and the greater community. “Our unique CAREGiver training approach for Alzheimer’s or other dementias is part of our CARE program, Changing Aging Through Research and Education.”

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It’s all about allowing people to maintain their independence, assuring their safety, and keeping their spirits lifted. It often just takes a bit of support to stay in the place they call home.

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Pictured above is our Calgary team of highly trained and skilled associates. mortgagestogo.ca is not a franchised company.

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mortgagestogo.ca 103 – 2455 Millstream Road Victoria, BC V9B 3R5

Phone 250-361-3388 Fax 250-391-3995

Toll Free 1-877-361-3388 Email [email protected] mortgagestogo.ca

Trying to find the right mortgage can be difficult in the best of circumstances – and next to impossible if you’ve got

less-than-perfect credit.

But this is what mortgagestogo.ca does best.

Founder and president Paul Izzard has a lifetime of experience in mortgages and real estate.

He founded mortgagestogo.ca in 2004 on the principles of “guidance, respect, integrity and performance,” with the idea of providing a trustworthy, knowledgeable resource for mortgage-seekers.

The specialty brokerage, which donates a portion of every funded mortgage to the Children’s Wish Foundation, prides itself on being able to get the best possible product along with the best possible rate.

Izzard takes pride in the quality of his staff, noting they are all licensed by a provincial governing body and go through extensive on-the-job training for at least a year before they are allowed to work unsupervised.

“No other mortgage broker in Canada can make this claim,” Izzard says.

The reason mortgagestogo.ca is often able to secure approval, where others may fail, is twofold. mortgagestogo.ca is well respected in the industry and has access to many banks and trust companies that have come to rely on our submissions.

Consumers are often ambushed by a re-advance clause along with other clauses that make a mortgage product undesirable. An inexperienced agent, including bank employees, can cause the home owner(s) many problems with the wrong product.

“Unless you’re trained – and we see this all too often – it’s easy to put a client into the wrong product,” Izzard says. “We always try to establish how long our clients plan on owning the property.”

mortgagestogo.ca specializes in finding mortgages for people that own homes but are unable to access the equity in their home due to credit and income challenges. Of course we continue to offer 5 year fixed mortgages at 2.99% with no re-advance clause. This is a quality product with many privileges for those that qualify.

“We have a registered trademark, ‘Doing the impossible...every day,’” Izzard says.

“We’ve built a reputation on helping clients that other brokers and banks have declined. We’re making people’s dreams come true every day.”

More facts on mortgagestogo.ca:Since 2004 mortgagestogo.ca® has grown to become Canada’s Largest Independent Mortgage Brokerage. We are not a franchise company. We’re in the business of assisting all clients regardless of their situation. Some have equity but poor credit and challenged income while others qualify for our ‘iachieve program’ and enjoy rates even lower than our Best Rates. When you place your trust in mortgagestogo.ca® rest assured that you are dealing with seasoned professionals at all times and a company that is able to secure the lowest rates with banks and trust companies because of our status as a high volume brokerage.

In the real estate and mortgage business there are ‘brands’ that don’t actually sell real estate and broker mortgages. These brands are in the business of selling or renting their name to anyone that can pay. The ‘brand’ ends up with a bunch of mom and pop businesses that give the consumer the impression that they are dealing with a big corporation. Not true. The consumer could be dealing with an inexperienced individual who bought the ‘brand’ name. It’s more about selling a brand than anything else. In fact a strong established brokerage is highly unlikely to waste money buying a ‘brand’.

At mortgagestogo.ca all our offices are corporate. We do not sell or rent our name.

Our agents are extensively trained and have access to many lenders and products. Mortgages are highly sophisticated financial instruments and broad knowledge of the industry and products is required in order to service a client competently.

In this industry it is not uncommon to advertise that your deal will be shopped to 30 lenders. Well, aside from being untrue any agent shopping to 30 lenders should not be in the trade. We’ll know right away which lender we’re going to with your deal because we’re experienced.

”We have a registered trademark, ‘Doing the impossible... every day.’

Better rates. Better products.

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Better rates. Better products.


Mark Gervan, Gerry Mar, Tracy Cui and Manager Krikor Kuspekian, Lugaro Jewellers.

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timeleSS eleganCe,lugaRo JewelleRS

Krikor Kuspekian Manager

Lugaro Jewellers 235-3147 Douglas Street Mayfair Shopping Centre Victoria, BC V8Z 6E3

Phone 250-382-2040 Fax 250-382-4000 Email [email protected] www.lugaro.com

As a significant investment, buying a diamond can be stressful, but with the right consultants and a guarantee that the diamond purchased today will remain dazzling for years to come, the decision becomes much easier.

That’s why Lugaro offers after-sale services that include a lifetime limited guarantee, diamond upgrade option and appraisal services. By maximizing control of the process – from directly sourcing Canadian diamonds through design and production – clients receive personalized service from acclaimed professionals and the ability to create unique, fully customizable pieces at the most competitive prices.

As a precious heirloom you’ll pass on for generations, it’s extremely important that your jewellery distinctly reflects your style and personality.

“Controlling all aspects of the jewellery-making process gives us enormous flexibility to customize items to suit our clients’ design and budget needs without compromising quality. We can create personal pieces within a short lead time and at no additional cost. Our goal is to make our clients feel like royalty every time they wear a Lugaro piece,” says president Steve Agopian.

Since 1986, Lugaro has built its clientele on its commitment to providing fine jewellery and excellent service. Co-founders Clara and Steve Agopian have instilled their values of integrity and social responsibility into all levels of the business – all of Lugaro’s diamonds are mined, cut and polished in Canada according to the highest environmental standards. Each diamond is individually

inscribed with a maple leaf and personal inscription number and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Proud to be the largest user of Canadian diamonds, last year Lugaro purchased the largest pink diamond ever mined in Canada – a whopping 2.74 carats. The brilliant oval cut, natural light pink SI clarity diamond as graded by Forevermark, was set in an 18 karat gold ring, surrounded by 0.90 carat total weight of smaller pink and white diamonds, designed by the acclaimed Simon G.

Lugaro is the only retailer in Canada that carries Forevermark diamonds in all three locations. Sourced from a few local mines and selected for exceptional quality, less than one per cent of the world’s diamonds are eligible to become a Forevermark diamond and are inscribed with the Forevermark icon and identification number invisible to the naked eye.

Lugaro’s meticulous commitment to excellence has earned clients’ trust while its award-winning designs have earned awards, including a first in the Canadian Jeweller Excellence in Design Competition, sponsored by De Beers’ Diamond Trading Company. In the community, Lugaro is active in organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society and the Sidney Rotary Club.

Lugaro’s unique approach to the jewellery business has allowed the company to weather the economic climate, bringing Lugaro into 2012 as a streamlined luxury brand with an excellent value system. Carrying such renowned brands as Rolex, Omega, Chopard, Ulysse Nardin, Tag Heuer, Glashutte and Dior, Lugaro continues to further its commitment to excellence, integrity and the highest industry standards.

”As a precious heirloom you’ll pass on for generations, it’s extremely important that your jewellery distinctly reflects your style and personality.

Jj e w e l l e r y


Dr. Joseph King, King LASIK

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Dr. Joseph King, King LAsiKWhen Dr. Joseph King ran the Boston Marathon this spring, he did so without having to worry about glasses slipping or fogging up, or his contacts falling out mid-race.

In fact, as someone who has had LASIK himself, the benefits of the quick, easy procedure are quite clear.

“I think LASIK makes sense for people who are active because it’s one less thing they need to worry about, and one less piece of equipment,” says the busy father, coach and runner – not to mention an eye surgeon who has enjoyed a thriving laser vision correction practice on Vancouver Island since 1997.

The same goes for busy parents and travellers, just about anyone in fact who would like to enjoy the freedom of clear, crisp sight, without the need of glasses or contacts.

“For many patients, this may be the first time in their life they are able to see clearly without glasses and the change for them is remarkable.”

Dr. King is joined at King LASIK in Victoria by Saanich’s Dr. Colin Nelson and optometrist Dr. Scott Williams; together their experience, commitment to patient care and leading-edge technology provide the opportunity for clear, precise vision in a quick, five to 10-minute procedure that creates minimal discomfort – two points that often surprise patients. Only eye drops are needed for anesthesia and sedation is available to relax patients if needed. “Laser vision

correction is typically very quick and comfortable,” states Dr. King.

Dr. King performs vision correction using the latest technology, including blade-free LASIK and PRK. Most people over age 18 who wear glasses or contacts are excellent candidates for LASIK, which is more affordable than ever and extremely safe, notes Dr. King, who has performed about 80,000 of these procedures in his career. He also serves as a clinical investigator for new laser vision correction technologies for both Canada and the U.S.

Understanding that patients may be initially nervous about undergoing any medical procedure, King and his medical team carefully explain what will happen during laser vision correction and recovery. They remain in close contact with patients following their procedure to address any concerns, and they work with each patient’s optometrist to co-ordinate care. “We have staff on call 24 hours a day,” Dr. King notes. “All of my patients have my cell phone number and they can call at any time.”

The vast majority of Dr. King’s laser eye surgery patients achieve 20/20 vision or better without glasses or contacts, so it’s no surprise that in addition to the many doctors, athletes, pilots, professional photographers and others with vision-intensive jobs who are among his success stories, Dr. King also serves as the official LASIK surgeon for the Vancouver Canucks. Free consultations are offered at Dr. King’s offices in both Victoria and Burnaby.

”For most of our patients, this is the first time in their life they are able to see clearly without glasses or contacts and the change for them is remarkable.

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Dr. Joseph King Laser Vision Correction Surgeon

King LASIK 201 – 3550 Saanich Road Victoria, BC V8X 1X2

Phone 250-360-2141 Toll Free 1-877-551-2020 Fax 250-360-1513 Email [email protected] www.kinglasik.com


Kathy Ajas, Consultant, and Andrew Trinder, General Manager, Ross Place Retirement Residence.

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andRew tRindeR, katHy aJaSRoSS PlaCe RetiRement ReSidenCe

Andrew Trinder General Manager

Kathy Ajas Consultant

Ross Place Retirement Residence 2638 Ross Lane Victoria, BC V8T 5L5 Phone 250-381-8666

Two years on from major renovations to “The Great Room,” Ross Place’s new $2 million entertainment and recreation centre, general manager Andrew Trinder and consultant Kathy Ajas are thrilled with the space that now links the independent and assisted living buildings, effectively creating one and promoting the feeling of connection within.

“Our residence is a place where people connect,” Trinder explains. “Our residents come here to forge new friendships, gather with family and participate in various activities that complement their interests and lifestyle. It’s so important for us to promote connections. We do this with all our work with local grass roots charities, our links with the cultural side of Victoria, and by hosting unique, inspiring events. Together we create a giving, caring, involved and connected home that links our residents to the community at large. This is so important to our senior residents.”

Among the many meetings, AGMs, fundraisers and events Ross Place has hosted was the recognition event Celebrating the Hearts and Hands of Healthcare Workers.

“Healthcare workers perform essential but relatively unseen services and are the eyes and ears of our community. They are often in people’s homes longer than other members of the health care team, and sometimes encounter difficult situations. They deserve recognition for the invaluable work they do and this is just one opportunity to express thanks!” Ajas says.

“We know that the government wants seniors to remain longer in their homes

or seniors’ communities such as ours. Without the support of healthcare workers this will not happen.”

This event is next scheduled on Thursday Oct. 18th.

Ross Place also actively supports art and culture, understanding the benefits these provide people of any age. As a major sponsor of the Victoria Symphony’s Pops Matinees and Viennese New Year, Ross Place not only involves residents at each concert, but also extends an invitation to all ticket holders to a complimentary pre-performance lunch at Ross Place.

In addition, “we created our own art studio and gallery at Ross Place, Studio65, which hosts four shows a year,” Trinder explains. “This is no hobby art show, but an active and vibrant display of art from our professional artist in residence, residents and senior artists from the community. We have put tremendous time and effort in developing the 1,000 sq. ft. gallery within our residence – encouraging people to be ‘creatively retired at Ross Place.’”

The final component of a community full of life and vitality is a full calendar of activities, and not only those typically associated with a retirement residence. On Valentine’s Day, for example, Ross Place held its own “Seniors Dating Game,” hosted by Barry Bowman and welcoming both residents and seniors in the community. Not only did local television capture this special day, but also CTV National News. Love was definitely in the air!

Together we create a giving, caring, involved and connected home that links our residents to the community at large.

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Mark Webber and Denis Lederer, Vintage Roofing Ltd.

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Our work isour pride!

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Vintage Roofing and CedaR ReStoRation, ouR woRk iS ouR PRide

Mark Webber Roof/Cedar Roof Restoration and Residential Roofing

Denis Lederer Residential/Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal

Vintage Roofing Ltd. 8560 Alec Road Central Saanich, BC V8M 1S4

Phone Mark 250-889-1117 Phone Denis 250-889-5620 Email [email protected] www.vintageroofing.ca

For most families, their home is their biggest investment, and they want to be confident that what’s protecting that investment – and their family – is in tip top shape.

But if the West Coast weather has your roof in need of a little attention, rest assured that the knowledgeable, experienced professionals at Vintage Roofing will have your home warm, dry and looking great in no time.

Whether you have an existing asphalt roof in need of replacement or a cedar roof looking like it’s had better days, Vintage Roofing will have the right solution.

Serving residential, commercial and new construction clients, Vintage Roofing specializes in all types of roofing, from fiberglass laminate shingles to cedar roofing restorations.

“Family owned and operated, we have been building our reputation on trust – one customer at a time – since 1989,” says Denis Lederer.

In addition to their experience, Vintage Roofing has built its reputation on offering their customer choices, including the option to restore – rather than replace – their cedar roof.

Here on the West Coast, where cedar has been both an aesthetic and practical choice for decades, Vintage Roofing has been Victoria’s cedar roof restoration specialists for more than 20 years.

Rather than assuming your roof needs replacing, “a lot of cedar roofs in Victoria can be restored,” Lederer says, pointing out that often, restoring a cedar roof makes sense both economically and environmentally.

A restored cedar roof can protect a home for up to 15 more years, be treated to prevent accumulation of moss and algae, and can cost about one-third to one-half the cost of a new roof.

For those who prefer an alternative to cedar, Vintage Roofing also offers a variety of options, from metal and asphalt shingle to composite or rubber shakes. With manufacturers’ warranties of up to 50 years, plus 20 years on the installation, homeowners know their roof will protect them, and their home, for years to come.

“There are a lot of different options people can choose from, depending on their situation.”

In addition to the product on the roof, proper ventilation is key to its longevity, your home’s comfort and the warranty. Homes built before the early 1980s, for example, probably don’t have sufficient ventilation, but can be retrofitted to today’s standards.

In addition to choosing the right product and a qualified installer, proper maintenance is also key, and Vintage can help in that department, too. “It’s very important to catch areas with deficiencies before they start causing problems,” Lederer notes.

The professionals at Vintage Roofing are Victoria’s roofing experts, offering qualified roof inspection services and servicing of roofs installed by other companies, in addition to their quality products, workmanship, competitive pricing and warranty. For further peace-of-mind, Vintage offers free estimates, 24-hour emergency service and repairs, is WCB-covered and fully insured.

”Family owned and operated, we have been building our reputation on trust – one customer at a time – since 1989.

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VINTAGE ROOFING LTDV I N T A G E

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Cheryl Laidlaw, Realtor, and Andrea Knight-Ratcliff, Realtor, Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty.

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CHeRyl laidlaw and andRea knigHt-RatCliff,Royal lePage CoaSt CaPital Realty

It doesn’t matter if you’re buying a one-bedroom condo or selling a $2 million property, everybody deserves the same level of service.

Cheryl Laidlaw, REALTOR® Personal Real Estate Corporation Email [email protected]

Andrea Knight-Ratcliff, REALTOR® Email [email protected]

Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 132B – 2945 Jacklin Road Victoria, BC V9B 5E3

Phone 250-474-4800 Fax 250-474-7733 www.LKRrealtors.com

From the significant financial implications to the myriad rules and regulations, there’s little doubt that buying or selling a home can be one of life’s most stressful events.

But with the right professionals, it doesn’t have to be that way.

“Our goal is to make buying and selling a positive, simple, stress-free transaction,” explains realtor Cheryl Laidlaw, with Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty.

Of course, when you find someone else who shares your vision and philosophy, combining your talents can offer clients an even better experience, and that’s exactly the approach Laidlaw and fellow realtor Andrea Knight-Ratcliff have taken in their recent partnership. Not only do both take a personal, customer-first approach to their clients, but both also have a wealth of experience in other facets of the real estate industry. Both women have a background as legal assistants specializing in real estate – Laidlaw went from there to real estate and Knight-Ratcliff became a mortgage specialist with RBC where the two of them worked closely together and were able to provide a “total experience” for many mutual clients.

In the community, Laidlaw is consistently a Top Donor to the national Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, which supports the Greater Victoria Women’s Shelter Society, Cridge Centre for the Family, Sooke Transition House – Annie’s Place and Victoria Women’s Transition House. As an active person, Laidlaw also believes in making those

opportunities available for others and so supports Crossfit Vancouver Island’s kids’ programs, allowing the Belmont high school athletics department to access Crossfit Vancouver Island at a reduced rate.

Knight-Ratcliff is a director and treasurer of the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame, a great supporter of sports and family in the local community. An enthusiastic fitness buff, skier, kayaker and cyclist, you might also find her busy with the local lacrosse scene, often watching her stepsons Lewis and Cayle Ratcliff play.

Her background as a legal assistant and then as a mortgage lender provides expertise to support Laidlaw’s experience as a successful realtor with Royal LePage – a multiple MLS Silver and Gold Award winner, Laidlaw is also a three-time Royal LePage President’s Gold winner as well as a Director’s Platinum award winner.

The spirit and friendliness of Island life appeal to these two realtors and long-time residents – not to mention the numerous outdoor opportunities. In fact, when they’re not “on the job,” you’ll often find the avid hikers and kayakers exploring local trails and waters. But at the end of the day, it’s how their clients feel that is the true reward.

“We are so honoured that we are entrusted with and part of such a huge decision in someone’s life. There is nothing more heart-warming than handing keys to a buyer, or congratulating the seller when we put up the SOLD sign.”

”


Kevin, Bob and Peggy Price, Glanford Avenue in Victoria, 2012, Price’s Alarms.

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BoB, keVin and Peggy PRiCe,PRiCe’S alaRmS

p r o f i l e

Bob Price, President Kevin Price, Vice President Peggy Price, Vice President

Price’s Alarms Victoria Head Office 100-4243 Glanford Avenue Victoria, BC V8Z 4B9

Phone 250-384-4104 Toll Free 1-866-384-4104 Email [email protected] www.PricesAlarms.ca

”A l A r M s

AFounded right here in Victoria in 1895, Price’s has the distinction of being Canada’s oldest security company. Today, 117 years later, Price’s Alarms remains locally owned and operated, a family business run by Bob, Peggy and Kevin Price.

Having grown to more than 140 employees, the company owns and operates its own 24-hour monitoring station, meaning the professionals monitoring your system are highly trained Price’s Alarms employees right here at home.

Dedicated from the start to protecting property and saving lives, Price’s provides clients with the latest technology to keep their homes and businesses secure and loved ones safe, along with the personalized service to back it up. Clients can expect a Price’s security advisor to come to their location to review their needs and discuss the many options for their security system and monitoring.

This fall, the company is building a brand new monitoring station where it will allow Price’s security experts to monitor their wide range of clients – from those counting on Price’s for their home security or medical alert needs to elevator and fire monitoring. “The new station is again ULC-certified, meaning it’s achieved the industry’s highest standard when it comes to design and reliability,” Kevin notes, adding that the new station is still right here in Victoria, built from the ground up with the latest technology, systems and security to keep our customers safe regardless

of unforeseen circumstances. “Our job is to provide the right solutions to keep our customers safe and secure.”

Recently named dealer of the year by GE Security (Interlogix), Price’s Alarms custom designs each security system to specifically meet each situation. Price’s even operates a specialized division that designs security camera and access control systems.

Among the common misconceptions new customers may have is how affordable alarm systems and monitoring can be. Installed systems begin at just $100 and monitoring can be less than $1 per day, depending on the level of service required. As an added benefit, most insurance companies will also provide a discount on your home insurance when a security system is in place.

Thanks to today’s secure and reliable wireless technology, installing and using a security system is easier than ever. With interactive services, homeowners can monitor and operate their security system from wherever they are via a computer or smart phone. From a text telling you your children have arrived home safely to the ability to control lights and door locks from across the world, you will always be connected with your security.

“Every customer counts,” Kevin says, “and coming up with the right solution for their needs is what we have prided ourselves on for more than 100 years.”

No matter where you are, there’s always someone here to look after your security needs.

POliver Sommer, Advertising Sales Director; Penny Sakamoto, Group Publisher Greater Victoria; Kevin Laird, Editorial Director; and Bruce Hogarth, Circulation Director.

Welcome to the fifth edition of the Black Press Profiles of Excellence, honouring and recognizing Greater Victoria’s vibrant business community.

Inside, find profiles of select business leaders from throughout the Capital Region. Representing the diversity of Victoria business, these experts in their fields include members of the investment, real estate and mortgage communities, a recognized retirement residence, a leader in laser eye surgery, celebrated jewellers, and a local funeral provider recognized for their professional, personalized service. We offer the story of a company striving to keep seniors happy in their homes longer, a longstanding roofing company that prides itself on years of quality and an alarm company born right here in Victoria 117 years ago!

Together we celebrate these thriving local businesses whose success is rooted in their commitment to quality, customer service and community, but whose growth comes from their entrepreneurial spirit.


special features - profiles of excellence fall 2012

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