Brushes with Great Small Business

In any given week we all deal with small business. As a small business owner myself, I know the joys and the pressures that come with running your own business.

So, when I encounter exceptional service and dedication, I can’t help but jump with joy.

I had 2 such encounters in the last couple of weeks.


western imperial magnetics

Western Imperial Magnetics.
I had a last minute request from a client for a very specific media product that is rarely in demand anymore. Calls all over town resulted in ‘sorry’ answers from everyone. A sales rep at a local audio store suggested I try Western Imperial Magnetics.

Between rushing to meetings and juggling a busy day I got on the cell and found someone who listened to my request and came up with a brilliant response: SURE we can help.

What I needed, she explained, would required a custom assembly. The type of cassette tapes my client needed just aren’t stocked anymore. The time was 11am. I told Sue I was up against some tough deadlines to meet the courier, and she said she’d do the best she could.

Sue’s best was above and beyond. Within 7 hours, I had the tapes in hand, delivered to my home that evening. I couldn’t believe it.


second wave board shop

Second Wave – Surf, Snow, Skate.
These guys are the best. Last year, after picking up a used Burton snowboard for my 7 year old, I had to get some Burton plates for his existing bindings. Everywhere I went I hit a dead-end, and one service rep at a big sports store suggested I’d have to pay 20 or 30 dollars to get some. Another guy suggested Second Wave on Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver. Within seconds of arriving, I had the Burton plates in hand, including new screws and a few kind words of advice. Total cost, 2 bucks.

I’ve been in a few time since just to window shop, and everyone in the store is awesome. (I’m an old guy don’t forget) Most time when I go into a board shop I get the ‘look’. You know, like how did gramps wander in here ? Not at Second Wave.

This weekend we popped in again. Looking to take advantage of last year models, I got a too-good-to-resist deal on a Nitro board. They’re full of helpful advice, great attitude, and clearly love what they do. They’ll even wax my board all season, free of charge.

These guys have my business for life.