Brent Gedak Welding (BGW) was the big winner at the Estevan Chamber of Commerce’s fourth biennial Estevan Business Excellence (EBEX) Awards.
The local company won the prestigious Business of the Year Award during the ceremony on Friday night at the Wylie Mitchell Building. The announcement came minutes after BGW claimed the Growth and Expansion Award.
All of the businesses nominated for an EBEX award were eligible for Business of the Year. Selection criteria for Business of the Year included such areas as customer service, community involvement, innovation, overall growth, marketing and other factors.
Gedak, who accepted the award alongside his wife Janelle and employees Justin Fieber and Jarred Dumaine, said he didn’t expect to win the award.
He credited the mentorship provided by people like Ray Frehlick for his success.
“Growing up, I used to come to his door and ask for money so I could curl. I’m still curling, Ray,” he said to laughter from the audience. “However, what maybe Ray doesn’t know, although I’m sure he actually does, is I really look up to him, Ron Carson, and several other people like Ken Wallewein in the community.”
Gedak said he wouldn’t be where he is without their advice and support.
“I can’t wait for 2018, which is just around the corner, and all the years going forward,” said Gedak.
There were so many good businesses that were up for Business of the Year, he said, and he couldn’t pinpoint a reason why BGW was selected for the distinction.
“There are so many successful businesses in Estevan,” said Gedak.
Gedak said he appreciates the people he works with, the customers they have and the other people he interacts with on a daily basis.
“Every day they show up with a smile on their face, and I like to see that,” said Gedak.
He also paid tribute to his wife for her contributions to the business. Not only does she handle the books, she helps with decisions, and she is there in both good and tough times.
“This is our business together,” he said.
As for the Growth and Expansion Award, Gedak said it was a tough category to be in with three other good candidates.
When it comes to growth and expansion, Gedak said there are three things a company can do.
“You can give up, you can keep things the way they are and try to stay successful or afloat, or you can grow, and we chose the latter,” he said. “With the support of my team and my family, that’s what we did, and things are going well.”
He believes the company’s push forward in recent years was the reason it was chosen.
“We could have easily just continued our business the way that it had been the past seven years, but three years ago we just decided we wanted to be more,” said Gedak.
If they didn’t get adopt the new technology that is out there, then they would be left behind, he said.
That technology includes a robotic welding machine and a robotic beam line cutting machine that allows BGW to cut steel much quicker with computerized codes.
“We wanted to be one of the front runners and one of the first to do it,” said Gedak.
When he built his first shop a few years ago, he never thought BGW would outgrow it. But within a year, the company was already building the next one.
The other dual winner this year was Southern Plains Co-op. One of its staff members, Michelle Smart, who volunteers with a variety of co-op sponsored events and activities, was named the Employee of the Year – the first time the award has been handed out. And the company won the Community Involvement Award.
Smart told the crowd that she can’t believe she won an award for loving life. She dedicated the award to the co-op’s branding team, and the words “go for it” often uttered by general manager Brian Enns and human resources manager Carol MacKay.
“Because of these words, you give me inspiration,” said Smart.
As for the Community Involvement Award, the co-op was recognized for its support of arts, culture, recreation, amateur sports, education, and community and business development.
Enns said community is embedded into the co-op’s mission.
“We’re quite honoured, as the staff and board members, to be part of this community, and to participate in all kinds of involvement,” he said.
Three other awards were handed out that night. Joe Billesberger with B&S Construction and Prairie Sky Kitchens was named the Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
He thanked his family for their support since he started the construction business in 2007 at the age of 18.
“I’d like to say I know everything, but I’ve learned a lot from the business community,” said Billesberger. “I have a lot of sub-trades and customers that have helped me along the way, and have been patient with me.”
Encompass Fitness was named the Top New Business Venture. The award goes to a company that has been in business for less than three years, and has shown positive performance in profitability, job creation or entry into new markets.
Owner Brady Johnson said she is pleased to be able to help people with their fitness goals and to allow them to realize things they never imagined possible.
“It’s my hope that each interaction that we have leaves others feeling empowered, and feeling like a better person,” said Johnson.
Pharmasave 427 was selected for Outstanding Service. The award isn’t just about customer service; judges also considered the conditions of the business, the growth potential, stability and investment strategy.
Store owner Brad Cooper said they are humbled to be part of the community. There are a lot of choices for pharmacy services in Estevan, so Pharmasave has placed its emphasis on service.
“We have a large staff, and I really owe this award to all of them, everyone from the teenager that’s running the cash at night, right up to the pharmacists who are helping to serve the health needs of the community,” said Cooper.
The other highlight from the evening was the induction of Ed Turnbull and Turnbull Excavating into the chamber’s Nick and Verna Morsky Business Hall of Fame. See this week's edition of Lifestyles for more on this story.
