The next stop on our celebratory road trip is close to home. We visit Strathmore Station Restaurant and Pub, owned by Peter Klironomos and Loizos Zakos. Situated in Strathmore, Alberta, this expansive and inviting establishment offers a diverse menu featuring appetizers, pizza, steak, ribs, pasta, bowls, soup, salads, and more. Blending culinary excellence with a celebration of Strathmore's rail history, Strathmore Station boasts fireside seating, a lively bar, and an inviting outdoor patio.

Nestled in Rosebud, Alberta, the Queen Regent Bed and Breakfast proudly claims the titles of the area's first, finest, and most affordable B&B. Fondly known as "the place to stay" in "the Bud," this historic 4,000 sq ft home offers regal accommodations amidst the serene Rosebud Valley, making it an ideal sanctuary for theatre enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Situated just a block away from the renowned Rosebud Theatre, it's perfectly positioned for a memorable stay. Alana Bowker, the owner of Queen Regent B&B, became a Community Futures Wild Rose client in 1997. As part of our 35th anniversary celebration, we reconnect with Alana to hear her inspiring story firsthand. Join us as she recounts her journey.

Right here in Strathmore, Alberta resides Deidre Cameron of Deidre Cameron Photography. With a focus on immortalizing precious moments, Deidre specializes in weddings, graduations, and capturing the essence of family dynamics. Renowned for her innate talent, originality, and artistic flair, Deidre Cameron possesses the unique ability to breathe life into every frame she captures. As one of the esteemed clients of Community Futures Wild Rose, she stands as a shining example of entrepreneurial success. Join us on the next leg of our 35th Anniversary Celebratory Road Trip as we delve into Deidre's captivating journey, recounted in her own words…

Join us on the exciting leg of Community Futures Wild Rose's celebratory road trip as we explore High Seas Coffee, nestled in the quaint town of Linden, Alberta, under the ownership of Krista Boese. This charming coffee haven prides itself on offering big-city quality in a small-town setting. Whether you're craving a perfectly brewed black coffee, a comforting classic like the London Fog, or something adventurous like the Mexican Hot Chocolate or Honey Badger Latte, High Seas Coffee has something to tantalize every palate. Krista Boese's journey with Community Futures Wild Rose began in 2016, and now, she graciously shares the inspiring tale of her business firsthand.

The spark for my business ignited during my daily commute in Calgary, where I passed by a charming coffee shop. Witnessing its sale sign prompted me to start envisioning my coffee haven, sparking a flurry of café concepts on my Pinterest board. The more I delved into the idea, the more my passion flourished.

Beerd Beekman became a Community Futures Wild Rose client in 2007 when he and two other co-founders founded Magnum Cementing Services. Since then, Beerd’s leadership and commitment have built Magnum into the company it is today.

Upholding its core value of "Service with Integrity," Magnum epitomizes commitment, reliability, and respect, setting the standard for exceeding customer expectations. Through unwavering adherence to values rooted in community, safety, integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement, Beerd and his team exemplify the ethos of success forged through resilience and purpose. Dive deeper into Beerd Beekman's inspiring narrative as he shares his firsthand account of triumph and transformation below:

The next stop on Community Futures Wild Rose’s celebratory road trip is Rockyford Steel.

Nestled in the rural community of Rockyford, Alberta, Rockyford Steel became a Community Futures Wild Rose client in 1997. Founded by Adrian de Groot in 1996 the family-run company specializes in addressing common issues with older grain bin models. From cumbersome doors in Butler bins to restrictive lid openings in Westeels, Rockyford Steel offers tailored solutions including lid openers, retrofit door kits, and collar upgrades. Additionally, they supply a range of grain bin products, accessories, and used bin parts.

Located in Carseland, Equine Connection: The Academy of Equine-Assisted Learning strives to positively impact people's lives through working with horses. Their carefully designed programs aim to empower individuals, prioritizing both personal growth and the well-being of the equine. Read further as Kari Fulmek, the owner of this business, tells her story.

The idea for my business originated from a childhood dream of owning horses and living on an acreage. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, including divorces and financial struggles, I never gave up on my dream. Eventually, with the support of my soulmate, Sid, we found the perfect piece of land and built our dream home. This sparked my desire to work with horses in a non-traditional way, leading me to discover Equine Assisted Learning (EAL).

The next stop on our celebratory road trip is Strathmore Pawn and Collectables Ltd. founded and run by Tanya Anderson. Offering a unique blend of pawn services and antique treasures, the business has become a cherished fixture in the community, providing both financial assistance and nostalgic discoveries to its patrons. Tanya became a Community Futures Wild Rose client in 2003. Here is her story:

Driven by a passion for antiques, I sought an entrepreneurial opportunity in Strathmore. Believing the community couldn't sustain a standalone antique store, I identified a need for a pawnshop, given the absence of one within 50 km. Combining these ideas, Strathmore Pawn and Collectables emerged, aiming to be a welcoming presence in our community.

Three Hills Motor Products Ltd stands as a cornerstone of automotive excellence within the tight-knit community of Three Hills, Alberta. Owned and managed by a dedicated father-son team, this family-run business combines a rich tradition of service with a comprehensive range of offerings. From retail sales to a plethora of automotive services including brakes, air conditioning, tire maintenance, engine tune-ups, and more, Three Hills Motor Products Ltd. caters to the diverse needs of its clientele. They ensure top-notch quality in both their products and services, all underscored by their unwavering commitment to exceptional customer care.

This father-and-son business became a Community Futures Wild Rose client in 2007. Here is their story as told by Doug: