The secret ingredient in running a long-standing business is loving what you do, according to three individual Peninsula business owners celebrating longevity this year.

MD Charlton Co. in Central Saanich, is ringing in its 40th year, and owner Alec Rossa hopes there are many more to come.

The store specializes in law enforcement supply, military gear, security equipment and clothing for first responders. Rossa is passionate about finding new and advanced technology and equipment, and supplying it to first responders nation-wide. There are currently four stores across Canada.

B次元官网网址淲e are constantly searching the world for new stuff, and we bring innovative technologies to Canada,B次元官网网址� said Rossa, who has owned the company for 18 years.

Since he bought the business July 1, 2002 it has grown from 15 people to 60. Although the pandemic has been challenging he has not had to lay off any staff. B次元官网网址淥ur company is a success because of its people, and our team has great relationships with CanadaB次元官网网址檚 first responders. We work with customers from coast-to-coast to supply products and training that saves lives and keeps our communities safe.B次元官网网址�

Right now, Rossa said the company is focused on updating its software and website, to make the customer experience easier, faster and more interactive. Rossa is confident in the road ahead, and is looking forward to what is to come for the business.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 ever changing, and thereB次元官网网址檚 always something new and exciting. I enjoy the people I work with. The day it becomes a job, is the day IB次元官网网址檒l move on and thatB次元官网网址檚 the whole trick,B次元官网网址� said Rossa. B次元官网网址淵ou have to love what you do.B次元官网网址�

In celebration of the 40th anniversary, MD Charlton will award 11 scholarships of $1,500 for students in policing or first responder programs across the country.

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Another Peninsula business that has been around the block is Bosleys by Pet Valu in Sidney. Store owner Doug Busilla has run the local pet store about 20 years and previously owned one in Vancouver for about seven years.

Busilla said word of mouth has been a secret to his success, as well as building trust with customers.

B次元官网网址淵ou have to be truthful and honest with your people,B次元官网网址� said Busilla. B次元官网网址淥nce people talk to you and know they are getting straight goods, they can trust you. But that trust has to be built.B次元官网网址�

BosleyB次元官网网址檚 sells pet food and supplies, a business model that works well for Busilla, as he loves pets and animals.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a fun business to be in because people with pets are like people with babies, everyone is happy and proud of their pets and are dying to share those things with you,B次元官网网址� said Busilla. B次元官网网址淲e get to know the names of almost everyoneB次元官网网址檚 dog that comes in here.B次元官网网址�

For Busilla, the secret to the longevity of a business is being a good people person, and finding the right employees.

B次元官网网址淚 have employees that have been here a long time, when you donB次元官网网址檛 have that turnover it all works well together,B次元官网网址� said Busilla. B次元官网网址淲e also enjoy our customers, and if we didnB次元官网网址檛, it wouldnB次元官网网址檛 be that successful.B次元官网网址�

A third notable long-standing business in the Peninsula is Expedia Cruises in Sidney, which has been open for about 26 years. The travel company has been in Sidney since 1994, and current owner Elaine Kirwin bought it in 1997.

B次元官网网址淪idney is a great area to be working in, the town has been supportive to us and we are selling travel, which most times people are happy about,B次元官网网址� said Kirwin.

Expedia Cruises closed for two months at the start of the pandemic, but is now open.

Kirwin said she has enjoyed watching the business evolve over the years, including the customer clientele that comes through.

B次元官网网址淚 have gotten to know a lot of people; some clients I have had for 20 years and thatB次元官网网址檚 lovely. It has also been really neat seeing the kids who went to school with my kids all grown up and buying travel now,B次元官网网址� said Kirwin.

Kirwin said the secret to owning a long lasting business is loving what you do.

B次元官网网址淚 love planning travel for people. For some, itB次元官网网址檚 the only trip theyB次元官网网址檒l ever take, or maybe itB次元官网网址檚 a trip of a lifetime. ItB次元官网网址檚 about the people and what we can provide for them.B次元官网网址�

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