I'd like to thank my friends & family for their ongoing support. Without your support this business would
not be possible:
Karri (wife): We have been married over 16 years now.
She is a wonderful woman with a great sense of humour, a terrific mother of the boys and she loves the outdoors. Her positive
attitude and caring for others makes her a pleasure to be around. Her forestry degree and second to none work ethic will
allow her to actively participate in the business in a part time role. Karri is our book keeper as well.
Derian & Jayme (sons): Derian is 10 and Jayme is 8 years old. Both
are straight A students in school, excellent athletes and well behaved and respected kids. They get along with everyone
and care about other people immensely and are nature enthusiasts. Karri & I are very fortunate to have such terrific
children. The boys are the future of the business. In a couple years they will become directly involved during
the summers.
Denis Caron (father): My father has offered almost daily in kind support.
Dad is very handy and is involved with pretty much everything and has great ideas to add value to the business. We would
have a very tough time without the support of Dad.
Dodie Caron (mother): Mom has
been battling illnesses over the past several years and is making daily progress. Mom has done in kind work helping
get the business going. We look forward to Mom becoming more involved in the business as things progress and her health
continues to improve. Mom's strong will and desire to see things through to the end are an asset.
Leonie Caron (grandmother): Although she has passed on and is sadly missed, her always positive
attitude and caring actions are key values she taught and lead by example with. These values are part of our everyday
way of life in our family and how we do business. She was always there for us over the years. In her memory we
ask that everyone do a random act of kindness each and every day.
Denise Gordon (sister):
Denise has a gift for taking awesome scenery and wildlife photos. The pictures of the nice buck in the snow (guided
hunting page), the bears and the butterflies (promotional video) were taken by Denise.
Jerome Delorme:
A very good friend since we were young children, Jerome looks after others before himself and is a terrific person.
Jerome has offered financial and business advice. Jerome will be the financial advisor for the business.
Len Rimmer: I worked for Len for a period of close to seven years. Len showed
me what it means to be a true leader. He took good care of his people and treated us all like family. A perfect
example of how to blend people skills, technical skills and humour to get the very best out of people. Len has always
been there over the years to offer sound coaching, encouragement and friendship.
Myles Gochee:
I worked with Myles in Alberta and our families became quite close. We had many hilarious events in the woods
and on the ice (will make for some good stories at the camp fires). We have remained is close contact
over the years. Myles' sense humour and support over the years is certainly appreciated. Myles is a terrific
person that cares about others and the environment very much. Perhaps one day we can convince Myles and his
family that Ontario is indeed the light side and for him to convert and move over.
Todd, Sandy Zurkan
& family: Timely kind words of encouragement and support for the business is certainly appreciated.
Terrific people dedicated to their children and the environment.
Coaching parnters
Todd Zurkan, Dave Withers, Brian Nieminin, Geoff Wheatstone: Had a great time last year coaching the kids
with these guys (with Todd 06-08 and Dave 06/07 for Derian's team, with Brian & Geoff in 07/08
for Jayme's team). Awesome guys! Looking forward to doing this yet again in 2008/09 with Rich Findlay and
Brian!
Marvin Mcdonald: Marvin is a council member for Wabaseemoong First Nation
and also a guide and chef. Marvin has taught me a great deal about native traditions and challenges they face.
Marvin also taught me some awesome recipes for shore lunch. He has an excellent sense of humor and some of our adventures
in the woods we had while working will make for great stories at shore lunch with guests. Marvin is a terrific
person and I appreciate his ongoing support and friendship.
Friends at Weyerhaeuser Forestlands (Matt,
Bob, Lenny, Dave, Mike, Rob): Your support since my career change has been appreciated. It was a
pleasure working with you all. Looking forward to working and fishing with you in the future.
W5
Logging: I have done a fair bit of consulting / field work for Rudy and Dave over the past few months.
They are good people, have a solid business and do a good job in the forest. Thanks for the support.
MNR
Kenora: Thanks to everyone at MNR in Kenora. It is always been a pleasure working with you. I look
forward to continuing to work with you in the future. Special thanks to Lori, Todd, Jamie, Aaron, Steve and Leo.
Sunset Trail Riders: STR had me do a bunch of work for them on trail location and permitting
in the Kenora area. Thanks for the support.
Ron Simmons: I've worked with
Ron on several projects - a terrific person and good work ethic.
Moncrief Construction:
Greg Moncrief, Tannis Romaniuk and Moncrief's employees have been terrific to deal with over the years. I appreciate
the support and encouragement offered.
Tolko Manitoba Woodlands: Special thanks to Doug
Hunt and Tolko Manitoba for utilizing my company for a special project. It was a pleasure working with you.
Bob Stapleton (JB Tackle): Bob went out of his way several times to offer sound advice on
tackle manufacturing and jig making. Bob has an awesome store on the Redditt Road south of the bypass. Be sure
to check it out if you are in Kenora.
Chris Canfield (Sunset Baits): Chris offered
good advice on packaging and the presentation of tackle. Chris has a terrific store on highway 17 on what is known as
'sunset strip' on the west side of Kenora. Sunset Baits is my biggest retail customer for spinners.
Murray (Anshinabe Park), Bob (Shell), Duncan (Sunset Husky), Rob (Lake Vu Motel & Store):
These fellows have been key customers of my bagged fuel wood business. Their support was key to a solid
start to this business. I certainly appreciate your support. I look forward to growing the business relationship
in 2008.
Lakeview Husky: Thanks to Tom Ricard and Cheryl Ricard the owners of Lakeview
Husky - my latest retailer customer for my fishing tackle. Tom & Cheryl have a terrific store, gas station
and restaurant on the Lake of The Woods Between Kenora and Keewatin.
Reddens & Maynard Lake Lodge:
Big retail customers of my fishing tackle - appreciated!
Ken Boychuk: Ken has offered my
family in kind support over the years on numerous occassions. Ken's assistance and support of the family is appreciated.
Leanne Wheatstone: Leanne created our new logo. Thanks Leanne for your
efforts! We appreciate it! Leanne's husband Geoff will be assisting Brian and I coach Jayme's hockey
teeam next year.
Jackie Rush, Elysia Dempsey, Crystal Mousseau: Thanks for your
encouragement and positive attitude in guiding me through the development of my business plan and ongoing coaching as my business
develops. You are terrific people and you made a big difference!
Lawrence Lunam:
Thanks for your support and use of your property. You came through for me when it was challenging to find a place to
store the fuelwood for my business. Lawrence owns a well respected business that includes a large rock quarry and
numerous operations including drilling, blasting, crushing and various types of construction. Lawrence is selling
his business. Information is found on this website on the "Lunam Drillers / Quarry" page.
Bob Hamlyn & Donna Tilberg: Thanks for your support in marketing my products and for related
advice - much appreciated!
Other friends & family: There is far too many people to
mention that have offered support and encouragement. We are very fortunate to be surrounded by so many terrific people!
Our valued suppliers: Far too many people and businesses to mention. Your
timely advice and exceptional service is appreciated. I look forward to doing business with you in the future.
Our valued customers: One of the greatest things with this business has been meeting so
many people. It has been a pleasure serving everyone and talking with so many terrific people. Your support of
our business is greatly appreciated. We look forward to continuing to serve you!
Thanks again everyone!
Dean