Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

Mason and Dawn had the privilege of growing up in Nakusp and after 12 years in Calgary they were ready to call the Kootenays home again. Moving back in 2018 Mason used his background as a journeyman bricklayer to work in construction, and Dawn worked for various non profits utilizing her project management experience. Although work was abundant, Mason and Dawn knew they were meant to be small business owners and were constantly looking for opportunities that made sense in a small community. Intent on being a part of something bigger the couple approached Arrow Lakes Ready Mix and inquired if they would be willing to sell. In 2020 they bought Arrow Lakes Ready Mix and while growing the business, they took special care to build relationships in their community and give back to a place and the people that mean so much to them. Dawn describes their focus on community, “Community means so much to us, and when we were writing our business plan we included a section that outlined community engagement and the various ways we could build relationships and give back to a place that has given so much to us. We’re so grateful to live here and raise our family, and with every client interaction we hope to create an environment that encourages people to love it here too. Concrete isn’t your typical customer service business, but we have aimed to make it so!” To sum up, Mason and Dawn love concrete, but more importantly they’re passionate about the interactions they have with their clients and providing the best service possible.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

Mason and Dawn give where they live to support and uplift their community. In the past year they have donated the following to various organizations in town: • Over $5000 in labour and in-kind donations to the Rotary Adventure Playground Project providing concrete, equipment, materials, colour and masonry installation for the entrance signage • $250 to Arrow Lakes Youth Baseball Association for new youth jerseys • $1000 to In The Parkers slo-pitch team for new adult jerseys • $200 to Applegrove Nature School to put towards their tuition bursary • $100 to Nakusp Secondary School graduates for their “May Madness” auction • $100 to Rotary for their Auction • $250 to the Nakusp Rail Society • In-kind donation of concrete worth $375 to a family in need for a house repair • Various discounts on material and labour for non-profits in the area, and projects for the community “Obviously most organizations thank us for donations, but more importantly we get to see the positive outcomes of our support.” Says Dawn, “Kids in new baseball jerseys, the Nakusp Rail Society installing new equipment for families to enjoy, children being able to attend outdoor after-school camps and more.” They have a respectable following on social media (for a small-town concrete contractor) were they get unsolicited shout-outs and compliments. In addition, they are often recognized in town for their efforts. “It’s a small village, so we get stopped on the street, or when taking an order people will mention their appreciation,” says Dawn.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Mason and Dawn have spent the last 4 and a half years dedicating their time and efforts to building a company that is not only strong from a business perspective, but also from a community impact aspect. “We are here for the long haul,” says Dawn, “This community is our home and we intend to use our business to make it an ever-improving place. We are so grateful we have the ability to make where we live better and we will continue to do so for a long time.” Mason and Dawn hope to continue to make an impact for years to come as they grow as a business and the community grows alongside them.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

We have a small team, with Mason and Dawn actively working in all aspects of the business, and two incredible employees who make our dedication to customer service possible. Mason and Dawn are grateful to have Dave and Colin on the team and appreciate all their hard work and focus on client appreciation. It sounds cliché, but the team is like family and they work together as such. Great communication, education opportunities and flexible working schedules all factor into providing a healthy culture in the workplace. Every interaction with clients and the public are approached with care and consideration. In a small town they know many people personally and being involved in new construction gets them to meet newcomers on a regular basis. Being at the front line of a kind of welcome wagon allows them to set a precedent on how our community welcomes new people and sets a precedent for positive interactions with the construction industry in our area.