Since 1998, Stanley and Debbie Andrus have been longstanding clients of Community Futures Wild Rose (CFWR). Initially, they embarked on their journey with CFWR while managing Buffalo Jump Canyon Ranch. Over the years, we have had the privilege of accompanying them from their ranching endeavours to their present focus on the trucking aspect, as seen in their current enterprise, S & D Andrus Trucking. Continue reading to delve into their story, narrated by Debbie herself.

In 1993, Stanley and I, (Debbie), found ourselves at a crossroads after being laid off from CIBC due to reduced hours. Following career counselling, a letter suggested I explore a guest ranch vocation. During a stint at Wild Rose Business Development in Rockyford, Glenda and I were tasked with promoting tourism. In Trochu, we met Frank Vanderkley, who suggested contacting Bob Beal to advertise his trail riding and camping business. Bob, at 80 years old, welcomed us, and conversations unfolded about his ranch, which he was considering selling due to age.

Creating a Family Legacy

Nestled in the friendly town of Three Hills, Alberta, Ken and Laura Lee Cunningham's entrepreneurial journey with Bigfoot & Co. Inc. unfolds as an inspiring tale of success. Their vision to provide excellent quality agriculture/truck supplies and service to Three Hills and surrounding areas drove the founding of Bigfoot & Co. Inc., a company committed to its community.

In the 1980s, Ken Cunningham worked with his father and brother grain farming. He also worked off the farm as a mechanic in the agriculture industry. In 1990, Ken built his first shop on the farm for extra income. It turned out to be the start of a successful business. Customer service was his strength and the business grew.

Thirty years ago, a shift from the oil and gas industry led my parents and me to venture into the creative realm by acquiring a sign and decal company in Calgary. This marked the birth of Indus Graphics, later incorporated as Indus Graphics Inc. Following my father's passing 11 years ago, I assumed leadership, with my husband, Todd, joining the venture four years ago. An opportune move to Langdon allowed us to seamlessly transition to a home-based setup just two weeks before the onset of COVID.

An impactful moment in my entrepreneurial journey came during a business conference where I was confronted with a pivotal question: 'Are you building a corporation or a lifestyle?' The revelation shifted my perspective, alleviating the pressure to conform to a corporate model. Opting for a lifestyle-oriented approach, I found a renewed focus on delivering quality products and excellent customer service.

Established in September 1986, the East Side Tae Kwon-Do Club, a not-for-profit organization based in Beiseker, operates entirely on volunteer instruction. Offering diverse classes for all ages, from Junior and Advanced Tae Kwon-Do to Junior Kickboxing and Cardio-Kickboxing. The club also caters to seniors with a Chair-Cardio program.

Originally founded in Calgary and later relocated to Beiseker in 1996, the club faced challenges accessing martial arts training locally. In response, the founder opened Beiseker's first martial arts club in 1996, growing from a shared rental space to the current #3-223 6th Street location in 2006. With over 27 years of teaching martial arts to the Beiseker community and beyond, the club boasts a current membership of nearly 50 students.

In the rhythm of diesel engines and the pulse of construction sites, Bill Josephison's journey from trucker to business owner unfolded. Surrounded by towering rigs with 64 wheels, and mastering the art of handling hoes and dozers, Bill felt a stirring desire for autonomy. The whisper of "do my own thing" echoed in his heart, a call answered by the decision to buy his own equipment.

Amidst the grind, a pivotal moment shaped Bill's path. Refined excavations for TransAlta Utilities, long before daylighting was a term, became his niche. The touchy, fussy work spoke to his soul, defining the trajectory of his entrepreneurial journey.