David Slemin lay on the ground drunk in downtown Victoria, staring up at the moon when he realized heB次元官网网址檇 hit rock bottom.

B次元官网网址淚 had nowhere to go,B次元官网网址� said the 42-year-old Sooke man, noting he had been sleeping on a concrete floor at the time. B次元官网网址淚 remember looking at the sky while the snow was falling and two words left my mouth: B次元官网网址楩ather, help.B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址�

That moment was at the age of 25 in 2003.

The day after, Slemin received a call from a church minister that would soon become his mentor. Slemin said his spiritual faith would end up playing a significant role in helping him get back on his feet.

He soon founded a construction company called Trusted Trades Inc. Almost 20 years later, heB次元官网网址檚 married, is no longer in debt, no longer drinks recklessly and has launched a new company.

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His latest venture, Man Up Demolition B次元官网网址� co-founded with Paul Packer and Murray Klassen B次元官网网址� employs those who have had a rough past like himself and are looking for a fresh start.

B次元官网网址淐hange is always possible,B次元官网网址� Slemin said. B次元官网网址淲hat is it worth if IB次元官网网址檓 rejecting to hire the guys that need some extra help when they canB次元官网网址檛 get a job?B次元官网网址�

The Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce believes that though there are rare opportunities to flourish, the pandemic has brought turbulent times, with more uncertainty expected later this year.

B次元官网网址淢ore businesses in Sooke are struggling compared to last year, and some are shifting their working models,B次元官网网址� said chamber president Karen Mason.

B次元官网网址淭he income supplements provided by the federal government has helped with public spending, but with that coming to an end soon, we are bracing for a bigger impact on businesses in the future.B次元官网网址�

Mason said the key to success during the pandemic is delivering on your product, getting the word out and understanding your customer.

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B次元官网网址淧eople have been more cautious about how they spend their money,B次元官网网址� said Kamara Llewellyn, who recently started a weeding and garden company in Sooke.

B次元官网网址淚t hasnB次元官网网址檛 been going as quickly as I anticipated, but IB次元官网网址檓 working to provide a better life for my family and me.B次元官网网址�

The 26-year-old has been tirelessly working alongside her only employee to work on pruning, lawn cleanup and weeding just five months after having a baby girl.

With previous experience in landscaping, Llewellyn said launching her own company was the best way to help make ends meet to help her family B次元官网网址済o from surviving to thriving.B次元官网网址�

Similarly, Slemin believes that demolition is a good start for those who are trying to get back on their feet, where they donB次元官网网址檛 have to look clean-cut and are still able to get the job done.

Man Up DemolitionB次元官网网址檚 disposal yard, located at 2049 Idlemore Rd. in Sooke, accepts metal, drywall and renovation debris. All appliances and metal are being taken in for free.

B次元官网网址淓veryone wants to feel unconditionally loved no matter where theyB次元官网网址檙e at in life,B次元官网网址� Slemin said. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 not quitting on these guys.B次元官网网址�

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