Beyond Business: Stories of Family, Legacy, and Lasting Impact

April 29, 2025, Halifax, NS – The Family Business Association Atlantic (FBA) and its key sponsors, Scotiabank and Lighthouse Transportation Inc. are thrilled to announce the return of its signature spring event: the Awards of Excellence Luncheon – Building a Lasting Legacy — an afternoon dedicated to celebrating the strength, resilience, and enduring impact of family businesses across Atlantic Canada.

Taking place at 11:30 am on May 8th at Dartmouth’s Brightwood Golf and Country Club, this event will honour two outstanding family enterprises: Amos Pewter of Mahone Bay, NS, and LED Roadway Lighting Ltd. of Amherst, NS. Both companies exemplify the entrepreneurial drive, deep-rooted values, and multigenerational leadership that define the essence of family-owned businesses.

More than a celebration of achievement, this event also highlights the crucial role family businesses play in the region’s economy. Across Atlantic Canada, family-owned enterprises make up over 75% of all private-sector businesses, employing thousands and contributing significantly to local economic development. They are job creators, community builders, and key drivers of innovation, often reinvesting their success back into the communities where they live and work.

While the awards presentation will recognize the leadership and legacy of these two businesses, the luncheon’s main event will be an engaging Fireside Chat, moderated by FBA’s Vice President, Leslie Bishop of Scotia Investments. This year’s featured participants include Don Sheehan and his son Connor of Amos Pewter, alongside Chuck Cartmill and his son Ken of LED Roadway Lighting. Together, they will offer a candid, and enlightened behind-the-scenes look into their family dynamics, succession planning, and the bold decisions that have shaped their long-term growth.

From managing generational transitions to embracing technological innovation, this conversation will provide real-world insights into what it truly takes to build a legacy that endures — not just within a family, but across the region and beyond.

“Every family business has its own story, filled with challenges, sacrifices, and proud milestones,” said Mark Peapell, owner of Peapell & Associates/Supertemp and President of FBA. “What unites all of us in this community is a deep-rooted commitment to our values and our people. This signature event is a chance to recognize that shared experience and to learn from two extraordinary families who continue to inspire us all.”

The event is open to FBA members, business leaders, community partners, and supporters of family enterprise, and promises to be a heartfelt celebration of heritage, innovation, and the future of family business in Atlantic Canada. Please ensure you secure your seat for what promises to be an insightful and open discussion among family business leaders.

Meet the 2025 Family Business Legacy Honourees

Amos Pewter | Mahone Bay, NS

What began in 1974 as a humble workshop in a repurposed boat-building shop has evolved into one of the most cherished and recognizable brands in the Maritimes. Founded by Greg and Suzanne Amos, the company quickly earned a reputation for its distinctive, hand-crafted pewter pieces inspired by the natural beauty of Nova Scotia’s South Shore.

In 2006, with no succession plan within the family, the company was sold to Don Sheehan who infused his entrepreneurial spirit into the business, expanding its presence across the Maritimes. Today, Amos Pewter proudly operates five stores, including the original flagship location in Mahone Bay, as well as storefronts on the vibrant Halifax Waterfront and Pier 22, in iconic Peggy’s Cove, and at the bustling Peake’s Quay in Charlottetown, PEI. An additional location will be opening this Spring in the Halifax airport.

Today, the next generation of the Sheehan family is actively shaping the future of the business. Jacob, Connor, and Max have each taken on vital leadership roles: Jacob manages retail operations, wholesale partnerships, and long-term strategic planning; Connor, who began as a business manager, now contributes across various operational areas; and Max leads creative and marketing efforts, including photography, graphic design, and catalog development. Together, they reflect a well-rounded, collaborative approach to succession rooted in shared values and a genuine passion for the brand.

The Amos Pewter story is one of vision, legacy, and resilience. They are a shining example of how family, tradition, and innovation can come together to create something truly enduring.

LED Roadway Lighting | Amherst, NS

What began as a bold vision to transform the way our streets are lit has grown into a global powerhouse of innovation, sustainability, and smart technology. Founded by Chuck Cartmill in the early 2000s, LED Roadway Lighting was built on a simple but powerful idea: to develop energy-efficient lighting solutions that not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance safety, reliability, and performance for communities around the world.

From its roots in Amherst, Nova Scotia, the company quickly distinguished itself through its commitment to cutting-edge research and product development. Today, LED Roadway Lighting is a globally recognized leader in smart city solutions, with products installed in over 70 countries and partnerships that span continents. Its intelligent lighting systems, featuring sensor-based technology and data connectivity, help cities monitor usage, conserve energy, and plan more efficiently for the future.

At the core of the company’s leadership today is a dynamic and collaborative partnership between Ken Cartmill, part of the next generation of the Cartmill family, and Dave Scott, a team member from the very beginning, who now serves as Co-CEO. Together, Ken and Dave are guiding the company into its next phase of growth, balancing deep-rooted family values with bold, forward-thinking strategy. Their complementary leadership reflects the importance of shared vision, trust, and the power of combining family business legacy with professional expertise.

This thoughtful approach to succession – blending generational transition with seasoned executive leadership – ensures that LED Roadway Lighting continues to evolve while staying grounded in the principles on which it was built

From product innovation to navigating global markets, the LED Roadway story is a powerful example of what happens when purpose meets progress. Their journey offers valuable lessons in adaptability, resilience, and the importance of building a leadership team that’s both visionary and family values driven.

About FBA Atlantic:
The Family Business Association Atlantic (FBA) is a not-for-profit organization committed to helping family-owned businesses thrive through education, networking, and peer support. By fostering connection and continuity, FBA helps families in business strengthen their legacy, today, tomorrow and the future.