Success Story Archives - Page 5 of 5 - Community Futures North Okanagan

The Interview: How Breanna Got Confidence & the Job

November 29, 2017/in Success Story

When Breanna Bloor thinks back to job interviews after high school, she remembers her words stumbling, getting stuck somewhere between her mind and her tongue. She remembers not getting calls back. She remembers getting calls back for retail jobs that saw her standing around alone most of the day, looking out the window. That stuck feeling, it enveloped her.

And then, a former classmate told her about Employ! It’s a program hosted by Community Futures North Okanagan that’s designed to give young adults the employment skills they need to find and secure jobs suited to their strengths and interests.

In addition to learning how to research jobs and write a good resume, Bloor and her classmates learned how to shine in an interview. That training started with seeing the typical questions employers ask, and then practicing answering them.

When Bloor came out of the program, she found herself across the table from the manager of a local truss building company.

“A few questions in, he stopped.”

Bloor had answered the first few questions so well, he told her he didn’t need to continue with the rest. And she was hired.

It wasn’t just that she’d had the answers. She’d had confidence about delivering them. Within hours, Bloor was building wall frames and trusses at the plant.

“I liked how physical it was. I like physical labour work,” said Bloor. “They said I was catching on really well.”

But impending winter layoffs saw Bloor looking for work that would also be physical and long-term. She’d noticed the Total Restoration trucks around town, and then saw they were hiring.

Once again, 20-year-old Bloor was in a job interview, this time with two people at once.

“I was getting drilled with questions, but I just took some deep breaths and thought about it before answering.”

Again, Bloor had strong answers, and, even more, the composure to articulate them well. Soon she was wearing a Total Restoration t-shirt, helping to demo and clean homes that have been damaged by flooding or fire.

“It’s great because we’re at a different site every day. My coworkers are awesome and my boss cares a lot. The day we had that snowstorm, he texted us to make sure we all got home OK.”

When Bloor came back to Community Futures to say hello to Employ! facilitator Angie Fisher and tell her about her job at Total Restoration, “Angie was really excited and thought it was a good fit for me.”

That unwavering enthusiasm, said Bloor, is a critical part of how Employ! helped her succeed.

“I thought the facilitators were really great. They always make you feel like they want you to be there and they want you to do well. They’re very understanding people, but they have very high expectations for you, and that makes you have high expectations for yourself.”

They always make you feel like they want you to be there and they want you to do well.

Fisher said from the initial interview it was clear Bloor’s intention was to find meaningful work.

“Sometimes you can just tell when someone has the drive to work, and this was clearly Breanna,” said Fisher, adding working with young people who are driven and willing to put in the effort to find employment, do the research and practice the skills is an exciting journey to be part of and one of the highlights of her own job.

“Breanna has demonstrated focus, determination and a desire to be great. We really appreciate how Breanna stays connected with us and really feel she demonstrates how focus, determination and hard work are rewarded.”

Escaping to a New Adventure

October 30, 2017/in Success Story

IT LOOKS JUST LIKE GRANDMA’S LIVING ROOM. Every detail of the space screams vintage, save for the large flat-screen monitor off to the side. Centred on the chocolate brown shag are two rusty brown floral patterned sofas. Pictures of family members in shiny metal frames are showcased on shelves around a veneer cabinet that is mysteriously padlocked. A painting of sunrays shining down on a mountain range is prominently displayed, while on the coffee table sits an envelope, where the clues of escape lie within.

Part of a worldwide entertainment craze that, with the opening of Beyond Belief Entertainment Centre, is now in Vernon, escape rooms are not the same games we played as youth, where Colonel Mustard used the wrench in the ballroom to murder Miss Scarlet.

“Our escape rooms offer interactive live entertainment, where the players have to solve puzzles and riddles while looking for clues using the three theme scenarios we have. They have 60 minutes to finish the mission and escape the room,” explains Gary Woitzik, the co-owner of Beyond Belief, which not only features three escape rooms, but also an indoor axe-throwing target area.

Situated in a warehouse building in the north end of Vernon, Beyond Belief is the brainchild of Gary and his wife Jenn.

After acquiring the space two years ago, the couple’s plan was to start an event venture that used different theme rooms for birthday, Christmas parties and the like. They started last November, when Jenn, who has an aptitude for design, created a Santa’s village with her mom, and opened it to the public.

“After two weeks of crazy, hard work, we decided to change our idea,” said Jenn.

Gary and Jenn Woitzik in ‘Aunt Edna’s condo’ escape room at Beyond Belief Entertainment Centre in Vernon.

That’s when Gary, who specialized in computer technology and once owned and operated an indoor golf simulator in his native Ontario, came up with the idea to open an escape room.

“Gary has the Midas touch when it comes to business,” said Jenn. “We both felt there was not much here as far as entertainment goes for a certain age group and we heard that escape rooms were popular.”

After conducting extensive research and communicating with escape room forums online (yes, they are a thing), the Woitziks came up with a plan.

“We had our own vision and didn’t want to copy other rooms, some of which are designed by game designers then franchised out. We wanted to create something unique,” says Jenn. “We were thinking of possibility starting with one or two scenarios, but we wanted to make a good first impression, so that our escape rooms would not only cater to a younger generation, but to everyone.”

The three different themed rooms include the aforementioned ‘80s Aunt Edna’s condo, the ‘50s Hollywood room, which resembles a starlet’s dressing room, as well as a serial killer theme —think Hannibal Lector from The Silence of the Lambs.

To keep things fresh, the Woitziks plan to change the theme of the rooms on an annual basis.

“Everything in our rooms is monitored. We have microphones and cameras so that we can help people by giving them nudges. We want to see them succeed. That’s also why we give them 60 minutes to escape instead of the standard 45 minutes,” said Gary.

“It’s taking an evening of playing board games at home to a whole new level!”

– Rob Short, Loans Coordinator, Community Futures North Okanagan

Having poured a good chunk of their life savings already into the building, the Woitziks needed funds to bring their escape room-entertainment centre idea into fruition. That’s when they decided to approach Community Futures North Okanagan about its business loans services.

Guided by loans coordinator Rob Short, the Woitziks created a business plan, which was eventually approved by Community Futures’ loans committee.

“Jenn did most of the work, which saved us a lot of money as she designed it herself, but we also are grateful to Community Futures. Rob came to the warehouse a few times to check out what we were doing. He really helped us out at a good time, when we wouldn’t have been able to keep moving forward,” said Gary.

“Community Futures shared in the excitement that Gary and Jenn brought with their business plan, as it had both a high degree of entrepreneur spirit and introduced a new form of family entertainment to Vernon,” added Short. “It’s taking an evening of playing board games at home to a whole new level!”

The Woitziks know they made the right decision about their business venture, as they have already held a soft opening to some good reviews. More recently, they catered to a group of lawyers from Nixon Wenger and some doctors visiting from Calgary.

“Escape rooms are great for teamwork building,” said Jenn. “Some people that have visited other escape rooms have said that they like ours the best.”

“The axe throwing is also a great way to blow off some stream and frustration after a hard day at work,” added Gary.

With their official opening expected for some time in November, the public can now start booking into Vernon’s newest entertainment adventure. To book an escape room or axe throwing session, visit beyondbelief.ca or call 250-244-8408. You can also find Beyond Belief on Facebook.

Do you need financial help to open or expand your business? Reach out to Community Futures North Okanagan business loans program by contacting our business team at 250-545-2215 or at futuresbc.com

Saying Yes to the Business

June 21, 2017/in Success Story

FOR MANY MONTHS, Sue Cairnie had a conundrum: She knew she loved creating ceremonies and wanted to be a celebrant; she just had no idea how to turn that passion into a paying job.

“I knew that was my passion or my calling. I had a burning desire to make money doing what I love, but I’d never met anyone who did what I wanted to do,” says Cairnie, owner of Earth to Sky Ceremonies.

What she wanted to do was create the ceremony—the words and the steps—that mark life’s most special moments: commitments, births and deaths.

Cairnie discovered celebrancy through her sister, who was getting married and couldn’t find quite the right person to lead the ceremony.

“The percentage of people who want to get married in a church is declining and they also want something more personal. This generation really values individualization,” says Cairnie. “Some people grow up with religion and they have that system for marking important transitions, but for those who don’t, they still want and need that ritual, and to create something meaningful.”

Cairnie literally stepped in.

At her sister’s ceremony, there was singing. There was a procession of drums. There was a story, the couple’s very own story, told by Cairnie.

“It was so creative and so fun. So many people said they’d never been to a ceremony like that, and afterwards my dad said, ‘You need to find a way to do this for your job.’”

After eight months of celebrancy and self-employment training, Sue Cairnie performs a range of personalized ceremonies.

So, Cairnie pursued two paths: the education and training she needed to become the kind of celebrant she wanted to be, and the education and training she needed to turn her talents into a viable business.

First, she approached Community Futures North Okanagan, and eventually made her way into the organization’s Self-employment Services.

Next, while she took the workshops and did the work of planning to open a successful business, she embarked on her celebrant training. After eight months of celebrancy training Cairnie became a Certified Life Cycle Celebrant through the Celebrant Foundation and Institute, an Ordained Inter-faith Minister through the Canadian & International Metaphysical Ministry and a Red-corded Priestess through the Red Moon Women’s Mystery School.

In June 2016, she was ordained as a minister and graduated from the self-employment program. She performed four weddings (her area of specialization), and will perform more than 20 this summer.

The support from Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO), says Cairnie, gave her “an incredible leg up.”

“There’s no way I would have been able to do as much with my business while working full-time and getting started,” says Cairnie, who studied sociology and ended up working with special needs children. “I’m a creative type. I’m not a business-minded person, so they covered all these steps which I would have muddled through on my own.”

In addition to the “free and amazing” (government-funded) tools and workshops, Cairnie said she also felt supported by the people at CFNO, especially her mentor, Kazia Mullin.

“I felt like she had a genuine interest in me and my success.”

Just a year after the launch of her business, and Cairnie has become a sought after celebrant for a range of unique ceremonies, including blessingways to support women about to give birth, naming ceremonies, and commitment or wedding ceremonies that incorporate glass-breaking, ‘jumping the broom’ or Celtic hand-fasting rituals.

Unlike officiants of traditional wedding ceremonies (though her vows are legal), Cairnie encourages guests to cheer, sing and dance as they see fit. And she carefully writes a script that revolves around the couple’s unique love story and values.

“Every ceremony is unique. I want people to feel like they’re a part of something, not just a spectator. I think that’s how I help create a feeling of connection and community.”

Are you thinking about starting your own business? Set yourself up for success with the training and resources provided through Community Futures North Okanagan’s Self-employment Services program. Reach out today!

Massage School Changes Hands

April 24, 2017/in Success Story

Last September, at a staff dinner for all the instructors and administrators who work at Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy (OVCMT), Roxanne Petruk joked to the founder, Doug Fairweather, “Yeah, well, when I’m running this place…”

She was teasing, of course. And then Fairweather, replied: “OK.”

Petruk is a registered massage therapist (RMT) and graduate of OVCMT who was now a sessional instructor. A few days after the dinner, she sat in Fairweather’s office and asked, “Were you serious?”

He was.

What began as banter quickly became an exit strategy for Fairweather, who had been running the school since its founding in 1994 and was now ready to retire, and a business opportunity for Petruk, who fell in love with the people and the passion behind the school in 2009 when she entered it as a student pursuing a second career.

“The staff here are wonderful. I’ve seen it from all sides, as a student and as an instructor, and that was a big motivation for me to want to buy the school,” says Petruk. “They’re so passionate about massage therapy and they’re really engaged in student learning. In turn, the students become engaged with each other and with their own learning, and it’s become a great opportunity to engage with the public.”

The hitch was, Petruk didn’t know anything about buying a business. Fairweather, who had once sat on the Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO) board of directors, suggested Petruk visit the organization for guidance. Community Futures Loans Program supports existing and start-up businesses in the region. Petruk ended up in the office of Rob Short, loans coordinator.

“I said, ‘I’ve never valued or purchased a business. I’m a teacher. I’m passionate about massage and students and teaching, but this opportunity has come to light.’

Short said, “Well, let’s explore it.”

Soon, Petruk had handouts and links and a to-do list to help her get started on Step 1, the business plan. Back and forth she went in and out of Short’s office as he continued providing feedback on her business plan. During one of those visits, Short told her he had an idea for Step 2, the financing, and an application was started.

“I knew this was a project Community Futures would want to support,” says Short. “It ticked so many boxes for us—employment, economic development, business retention, and we were very confident that Roxanne was really invested in its success.”

Every day, dozens, if not hundreds, of cars and people pass the OVCMT building on the corner of 30th Ave and 34^th Street, without realizing the machine running in its two floors and 14,280 square feet. With twice-yearly intakes of classes ranging from 25-46 students and four classes running simultaneously, at any given time, there could be nearly 150 students taking the two-year program, which prepares students to become registered massage therapists.

At the school’s on-site training clinic, more than 400 residents take advantage of affordable massages, and dozens more receive treatment through community outreach clinics. In a year, thousands of locals improve their health through the offerings at OVCMT.

The school employs nearly a dozen management/administration staff and up to 50 part-time or contract teaching and supervising staff, many of whom have a practice in Vernon as well.

Most of the students come from across the Thompson-Okanagan to study here, and so contribute significantly to the economy, particularly downtown, where they congregate in the cafes and restaurants, and later, after becoming registered, set up their own practices.

“There were other parties outside the Okanagan interested in buying the school because of its great reputation, and we knew it was really in the best interest of the community to keep the school here,” says Short.

Petruk’s loan application was approved. On March 10, she officially became executive director.

Today, from a corner office where she sits below thumbnail images of all nearly 120 current students, and an abstract painting somehow as vibrant and optimistic as her, Petruk talks about what she sees for the future of ‘our’ school. She envisions online education, research partnerships, acting as a hub for an entire alternative health education community.

“We really want to develop the leaders in massage therapy and be at the forefront of research and innovation in the industry,” says Petruk, practically fizzing with enthusiasm about building on the great work of her predecessor.

She says it’s hard to believe just eight months ago she was in the waiting room at Community Futures, sitting with just those ideas.

“They believed in me. They believed in the history of the college and what we do well and what we can do. It’s exciting.”

Are you looking at buying or expanding a business in the North Okanagan, and need someone to believe in you? Reach out to the Community Futures North Okanagan business loans department and find out how we can help!

Zach Is in the Kitchen!

March 15, 2017/in Success Story

Zachary Murison wanted a job. Not just any job. A job that offered work he would be proud of, that would appreciate what he would bring. That would give him a chance to grow and shine, in his own quiet way.

Last year, at seventeen, he was looking for work when his foster parents noticed an ad for Employ! at Community Futures North Okanagan. It’s a program designed to give young adults employability skills to secure jobs that harness participants’ talents and interests.

Murison was busy with his high school courses at the Alternative Learning Program, but he knew the extra workload would be worth it, that the Employ! program could also lead him somewhere. So, he asked his parents and his teachers if he could do the program during the day, and his schoolwork at night and on weekends.

They agreed.

Within days, Murison, knew the hard work and long days would pay off.

“We learned so many things,” says Murison, “Job interview exercises and practicing questions, and even facial expressions and handshaking. Resume skills. How to look for job.”

But one of the most impactful discoveries was that “they helped me see what kind of job I wanted, and how to focus on that.”

That kind of job was cooking in a restaurant kitchen where he would make and plate delicious, beautiful meals for people.

“My favourite part is the presentation,” says Murison. “I like making it look really nice. There’s a sense of self-accomplishment when it looks perfect. And when you’re feeding so many people, you see how much work you did.”

He’s been feeding so many people because within days of completing the Employ! program, Murison was sitting across from a manager at Red Robin, in a job interview.

“Near the end of the program, I had a lot more confidence about being able to meet someone new and be able to sell myself and explain why I want to be a part of that team and why they would want me to be a part of their team.”

“I was a little nervous but she was really nice. She asked me a few different questions that kind of threw me off but at the end she said I did well and I felt really good.”

The unexpected question: What kind of superpower would you want to have?

Fortunately, says Murison, Employ! had taught him how to think quickly and give thoughtful answers.

“Near the end of the program, I had a lot more confidence about being able to meet someone new and be able to sell myself and explain why I want to be a part of that team and why they would want me to be a part of their team.”

A few days after the interview, the Red Robin manager called back. Murison got the job.

Community Futures North Okanagan Employ! graduate Zach Murison went on to earn a job he loves–cooking at Red Robin.

In the last year, he’s learned how to do the hot, the cold and the sauteé stations. He’s become a closing shift leader. He was named Employee of the Month just three months after starting.

“I was quite surprised. I was not expecting her to call my name,” says Murison, whose manager commended his devotion to his tasks and his strong sense of teamwork.

Looking back over the last 12 months, Murison says “I feel good about how hard I’ve worked get there, and I’ve been able to get to know the people who work there, and they’re friends.”

As guests and orders come and go, Murison most looks forward to making the Royal Burger, “because if you can make the perfect egg, it looks really nice on top,” and the fajita, the way its searing pan sizzles and steams on its way out onto the floor “smelling really, really good.”

Murison, who was working in the kitchen full-time at one point, has scaled his hours back a little so he can continue with his education. He has big dreams.

Some day, Zach Murison wants to open his own restaurant in Vernon.

“I want to become a business owner. I want to own a restaurant here someday.”

To other young people struggling to find the right fit in the workplace, Murison says “anyone who has had a job or hasn’t had a job can learn a lot from the program—communication skills, pinpointing the best job for you, people skills, building your resume….I’ve had lots of jobs and it definitely taught me more than I would have thought.

“The instructors were absolutely amazing. Even though we were in a class, they really took as much time to do one-on-one as they could.

Are you between the ages of 16 to 30 and looking for an opportunity to grow your job search and employability skills so you can find a great job? Learn more about our Employ! Program.