Family Business Atlantic Honours 2018 Award Recipients
Family Business Atlantic celebrated the accomplishments of three successful family owned businesses: Minuteman Press, Northeastern Protection Services and its first Young Entrepreneur, Thian Carman of Meadow’s Brothers’ Farm, at the April 5 awards luncheon to be held at Brightwood Golf and Country Club.
Chace Hynes, chair for this year’s Family Business Awards program says, “Since the program began 10 years ago, we have profiled 28 family enterprises in our region, and this year’s presentations continue to impress and inspire. We are delighted to have family and friends from each of our three families with us and congratulate you all on your accomplishments. You’re all remarkable in your entrepreneurial spirit, vision and management of your businesses and, along with our presenting sponsor, BMO Financial Group, our banner sponsors – Boyne Clarke and MNP – and our media sponsor, All Nova Scotia, we thank each of you for sharing your stories with us. We all thoroughly enjoyed travelling back in time with each of you – moving through your history, your challenges and successes.”
Chace noted that there have been some changes made to the Award’s program that are in keeping with our Association’s core values. This event will no longer a competition with one company taking home the winning title and others receiving finalist awards. This year, and in up coming years, Family Business Atlantic will acknowledge and celebrate each family business based on their individual merits and in specific categories. “We believe that that there is much we can learn from each of these entrepreneurial companies and we are honored to celebrate their successes today,” says Chace.
Minuteman Press of Halifax/Dartmouth was purchased by Mike Maheux in 1998 with a vision for growth. The company provides quality, fast and economical print, copy and design services including business cards, vehicle graphics and promotional materials. Minuteman Press marked its seventh acquisition in just under six years this past January and continues to provide customer excellence. Mike Sr., President, and his children, Michael and Chantal own and manage the business with the help of Chantal’s husband, Kris Webster. The company will be recognized for Advancement and Growth and for its transition to the second generation.
Northeastern Protection Service Inc. was founded by the late Mark Joseph in 1983 and provides a variety of services such as uniformed security guards, security alarms, video surveillance, mobile patrol, alarm response services and more. The company has accomplished much since its beginning and has grown from a one person operation to now employing over 150 staff from its Burnside location. Northeastern continues to honour Mark’s original mission and vision for the company through the leadership of Mark’s son, Chris, Vice-President, and longtime business associate Roger Miller, President. Family Business Atlantic will be presenting the family and staff with a Longstanding Award as they celebrate their 35th anniversary
Family Business Atlantic’s first Young Entrepreneur recipient, Thian Carman, 18, displayed his entrepreneurial spirit at age 14 and did whatever it took to become Nova Scotia’s youngest registered farmer by establishing Meadow’s Brothers’ Farm. He’s no stranger to family business, having grown up around his father’s construction company and his mother, who is an in-home music teacher. His educational and business journey has been challenging as Thian has a learning disability that affects his reading and writing skills. In spite of this, he is an outstanding leader of the 4H movement and received a $20,000 scholarship last year for his leadership in farming.
Jamie Loughery, Senior Vice President, BMO Private Banking Atlantic Canada, is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor for the Awards event. “We have been helping families navigate through complex business and financial issues for over 200 years and it’s important to recognize these three companies for their entrepreneurial accomplishments. We are committed to seeing business grow and prosper in Atlantic Canada and are pleased to be a part of this celebration that recognizes those who have achieved success and are encouraging and inspiring others.”
Family Business Awards are presented annually with consideration paid to the candidate’s entrepreneurism and innovation, company mission, vision & values, their prosperity and development, succession best practices and the company’s business culture and philanthropy.