In Good Company with Wards Lawyers

Episode 8 - From produce clerk to proprietor. The story of Snoddon’s Valu-mart

Graham Snoddon didn’t have lofty ambitions, beyond buying his first car, when he started in the produce department of his local grocer. At 16, few of us do. But it wasn’t long before he started considering a big move, with bigger challenges and bigger rewards within the walls of Lindsay’s Valu-mart. Today, he and his wife (and business partner!) Hannah’s last name is synonymous with the downtown store. We take you inside the big store with the small town feel to meet new owners Graham and Hannah – who share the story of their big leap. In Good Company is a production of Wards Lawyers. Original theme music by Jeremy Van Halteren.

Episode 7 – Rooted In The Family Business

It’s not uncommon for a family business to be helmed by someone from its third generation. But when all three children  – now young men – in that third generation choose to carry on that legacy, together, well, that’s something exceptional.  And Luke, Kyle and Jeff Richardson are fully invested in Pineneedle Farms near Pontypool. Each studied and developed their own unique skills when it comes to raising a wide variety of trees from wee tiny seedlings. None are prouder of this special partnership than parents Paul and Tracy. We head to the farm where all five Richardsons share the story of this extraordinary business that ships around the world, but is rooted in our community. In Good Company is a production of Wards Lawyers. Original theme music by Jeremy Van Halteren.

Episode 6 – Tracing Tradewind’s Trip Through Thirty Years

Officially, it’s called “Tradewind Toys and Gifts.” But, oh my. It really is so much more than that. Yes, there are the billions of board games and puzzles. But then there’s that intangible, yet all-encompassing quality that customers can’t help but leave with – a genuine, almost child-like, sense of giddy happiness. It’s a credit to the woman who has exuded that warmth and gentle enthusiasm since the first day she swung open the doors to this oh-so-fun-and-cool store in Lindsay’s downtown. Angela Field shares how and why her fervour has not waned in what is now 30 years of bringing joy (and introducing Code Names!) to Kawartha Lakes.  In Good Company is a production of Wards Lawyers. Original theme music by Jeremy Van Halteren.

Episode 5 - Hannah’s Happy Place

But it’s also Downeyville’s happy place. Heck, it’s a happy place for anyone who’s visited Brouwer Bake Shop, the beloved creation of Hannah and husband Rob Brouwer. But their story is about much more than just oh-so-delicious cakes, cookies, doughnuts and scones. (Oh, my. Those scones!). And let’s not forget the roasted coffee, deli sandwiches and pizza. It’s a tale of how the Brouwers – diehard Downeyville dwellers and parents to seven children - transformed a once-derelict former general store into a happy hub of community. That they did so with much help from family and neighbours is no surprise – cuz that’s baked into Downeyville culture. (Yes, baked. Pun fully-intended). Original theme music by Jeremy Van Halteren. In Good Company is a production of Wards Lawyers.

Episode 4 - Bobcaygeon Loyal to Kim's Lavish Locks

Kim Murphy’s clients are quick to praise her skills as a stylist. But they’re equally admiring of her keen ability – and willingness – to lend a listening ear. It’s why the young stylist isn’t just a small business owner in Bobcaygeon – she’s an integral part of its community. In Good Company takes you inside Lavish Locks to meet Kim, some of her clients (and new friends!) as well as her part-timer – her mother, Tracey. Theme music by Jeremy Van Halteren. In Good Company is a production of Wards Lawyers.