There were three inductees into the Nick and Verna Morsky Business Hall of Fame in Estevan last Friday evening and all three are well-known families, with two of them being in the forefront of a vibrant hospitality sector that has played a role in serving the general public for several decades. The other inductee, a husband and wife team, are noted not only for their business acumen but also for their total commitment and involvement in the Energy City's well being.
When the names Symons or Sereggela pop up in general conversation among local residents, nobody needs to explain who it is and what they do. Their footprints are all over Estevan and they wouldn't have it any other way. Frehlick is another name that requires no further explanation either.
The Hall of Fame recognition is designed to recognize pioneer and cornerstone business leaders who have demonstrated excellence over a period of at least 15 years, so last Friday night's inductees had no problem in clearing those qualification hurdles with ease. All have contributed mightily to Estevan's economic well-being, which was another criteria hurdle that was cleared with room to spare.
For the Frehlicks, it has been an interesting ride, filled with diversity and business leadership through example. It was noted during the induction presentation that Ray Frehlick, a native of Wilkie, moved into the southeast sector of the province as early as 1955, working as a roughneck in the oil patch near Frobisher and Lampman. He later took training courses in oil industry fluids management and that led to a leadership role with Ace Mud, which in turn led to branching out into his own business, Prairie Petro-Chem in 1969. That business and other related enterprises has turned into a corporate entity that currently employs over 120 people while Prairie Mud Service, started in 1976, employs another 56.
Doris Frehlick also got engaged in a dry cleaning business in the earlier years and the couple have branched out with a farming operation plus a quarter horse breeding program at their farm north of the city.
Frehlick noted during the acceptance speech that growth came with long-term plans that were aided by long-term loyalty from many employees.
"Be prepared for changes," he said, was part of the reasons they met with success on several fronts.
The couple are also well known for their personal commitments and donations to local organizations as well as their corporate largesse to the community in which they live and work.
During the acceptance speech, Ray Frehlick said, in paying tribute to the city, it was remarkable what the city had done and it was also "remarkable we're not paying higher taxes, but then politicians don't like to get punted," he added, with a chuckle.
"You have to pay for infrastructure and to fulfill obligations. Our province has exploded, so it's difficult to keep up."
Frehlick then noted that donations to local service clubs was something that generally paid off since "they work locally and the dollars stay at home."
The Symons family had current corporate manager Jeff Pierson serve as spokesman for their team. The Genesis of the corporation was patriarch and matriarch George and Dorothy Symons, with George's business legacy stretching back to the 1940s with a simple bakery operation that became Symons the Baker in the early 1950s. This, in turn, evolved into the Beefeater Motel around 1957. At one point the operations included other restaurants besides the two still in the family structure, an apartment complex (still in the family) and even a mobile home court. The hotel business was later re-branded by joining the Days Inn franchise and expansion projects increased the room count to 75.
There is now a third generation of the Symons clan leading and working within the corporation and Pierson paid tribute not only to George and Dorothy who are now deceased, but also to departed uncles Gerry and Marvin who were integral to the operation as well as Vernon who had also been involved for several years before branching into other ventures.
"Staff is the extension of the family, that's one thing we've learned and observed and another thing we've always said is that we can never take customers for granted," Pierson said. Those business lessons have kept the family enterprises moving forward for 68 years. With over 100 employees now, Days Inn, often referred to by its previous moniker, the Beefeater Inn, is ready to take on whatever each day brings, he added.
"It's a great community, a city to be envied, a city that has provided whatever we've needed. I urge you to look at the big picture, swerve around the potholes for now and appreciate your city," Pierson said in conclusion.
Peter Sereggela, the son of George and Helen Sereggela, the force behind their family complex, served as their spokesman and he was joined on stage by his mother and brothers Nick and George. Another son, Tony, is currently visiting Greece and was unable to attend the event.
George was fondly remembered as the driver of the family enterprise after arriving in Canada in 1948 with the mandate to raise money to provide some security for his five sisters. He began in the construction business but by 1957 he had met Nick Morsky in Estevan and ended up purchasing a restaurant from him, which he named the Soo Line Café, which was opened as part of a service station/restaurant arrangement. He was back in Greece for only a year before deciding that Estevan was truly going to be home.
Helen said "I arrived direct from Greece, didn't know anybody and for almost five years, I said I didn't like it, but I'd never leave now," she said with a smile.
The now familiar Tower Café and Allie's Dining sprang from those humble beginnings, as did the Sereggela Inn, a nearby 38-room motel that has since been sold as was a second restaurant .
The Tap House, next door to the Tower, along with two Subway locations and Cathedral Insurance are other businesses that are operated and influenced by the Sereggelas' touch of hospitality and service.
It was noted during the introduction that the Sereggela family have been integral in helping the city grow with generous donations, volunteer assistance and a commitment to doing what is right.
During his acceptance speech, Frehlick provided one simple instance that arose when the Estevan Bruins hockey team was moved to New Westminster and the city was in danger of losing a junior hockey franchise. He, along with George Sereggela and a trio of other investors got a new club up and operating on a slim $45,000 budget and it was Sereggela who purchased the first membership share and provided the original loan to launch them. The Bruins have even been coached by a Sereggela, Nick, in 1999-2000.
Peter, in his address, also noted how his father was quietly instrumental in helping other young Greek families move to Canada to get established with business ventures of their own before he died in 1989.
"We have fond memories of working together, as brothers and as a family," said Peter. "We learned that it was important to give back to the community that gave so much to us and we consider ourselves more fortunate than successful. We also learned that a traditional 40-hour week, doesn't cut it. There is no better place than Estevan. It provides opportunities that no other city can give."
The emcee for the evening's program was Michel Cyrenne, executive director of the Estevan Chamber of Commerce which was joined by Wilhelm Construction Services Inc. as the lead sponsors for the event.
