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

My journey with Sunshine Tiny Homes began from a deeply personal place rooted in compassion and a drive for positive change. Growing up on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, I witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by friends, neighbors, and even family members in finding affordable and secure housing. It pained me to see families torn apart or individuals burdened by financial stress simply because they couldn't afford suitable housing in our increasingly expensive real estate market. The turning point came when I encountered the tiny house movement—a movement that resonated deeply with my values of simplicity, sustainability, and community. In 2016, I took a leap of faith and built a prototype tiny home, which sold within just 12 hours of listing. This immediate response highlighted not only the demand for alternative housing solutions but also the profound impact that tiny homes could have on people's lives. Driven by this initial success and motivated by a desire to make a tangible difference, I embarked on a journey to formalize Sunshine Tiny Homes. In 2018, I officially launched the company with a clear mission: to provide affordable, sustainable, and beautifully crafted homes that empower individuals and families to achieve homeownership and live authentically. What fuels my passion for what I do is the belief that housing is a fundamental human right. Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to call home, a sanctuary where they can thrive and build their futures. Through Sunshine Tiny Homes, I found a way to channel my passion for sustainable living and community development into a business that not only builds homes but also fosters hope and empowerment. I am passionate about advocating for tiny homes because they represent more than just a housing solution; they embody a lifestyle choice that promotes financial freedom, reduces environmental impact, and fosters stronger community ties. Each home we build is a testament to our commitment to innovation, quality craftsmanship, and ethical business practices. In essence, Sunshine Tiny Homes is not just a business venture—it's a calling born out of a desire to create positive social change and make a lasting impact on the lives of others. I am honored to be on this journey, and my passion for what I do continues to grow as we expand our reach, advocate for policy change, and empower more individuals and families through affordable and sustainable housing solutions.

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.

Sunshine Tiny Homes is deeply committed to supporting and uplifting our community through various initiatives and active engagement. Here’s how we demonstrate our community support: 1. Affordable Housing Solutions: We have delivered over two dozen custom-built tiny homes to our immediate community and beyond, providing affordable housing options that meet diverse socioeconomic needs. 2. Educational Outreach: We regularly host workshops and public events to educate community members about tiny home living, sustainability practices, and housing affordability. These engagements aim to empower individuals with knowledge and options for sustainable living. 3. Policy Advocacy: As a board member of the Tiny Home Alliance of Canada (THAC) and committee member of ASTM International tiny home standards, I advocate for policy reforms that support tiny homes as a viable housing option. This advocacy extends to local municipalities on the Sunshine Coast, where we collaborate to explore opportunities for tiny home communities. 4. Community Engagement: We actively participate in local events, fairs, and markets to showcase our homes and engage with community members. By being present and accessible, we foster connections and demonstrate our commitment to serving the community’s housing needs. 5. Client and Community Feedback: Our clients and community members consistently express their support by recommending our services to others and inviting us to participate in community initiatives. This word-of-mouth promotion underscores their confidence in our work and its positive impact on the community. 6. Metrics of Success: o Number of Homes Delivered: Over two dozen homes delivered locally and nationally. o Workshops and Events: Conducted 10 educational workshops reaching over 500 attendees. o Policy Influence: Contributed to policy discussions and reforms at municipal and national levels. o Community Engagement: Participated in 15 local events, fostering direct engagement and feedback from community members. In return, the community has shown support through: • Referrals and Recommendations: Clients and community members refer Sunshine Tiny Homes to others seeking housing solutions. • Event Invitations: Invitations to participate in local events and workshops, showcasing our homes and expertise. • Policy Advocacy: Community support in advocating for zoning and regulatory changes to accommodate tiny homes.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Sunshine Tiny Homes deserves to win the Business Impact award due to our steadfast commitment to transforming lives and communities through sustainable housing solutions. Here are compelling reasons why we believe we should be recognized: Addressing Housing Affordability: We directly address the critical issue of housing affordability by providing custom-built tiny homes that offer a more accessible path to homeownership. Our homes enable individuals and families to achieve financial stability and security, contributing positively to their well-being and quality of life. Promoting Sustainability: We are leaders in promoting sustainable living practices through our use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and advocacy for minimal environmental impact. By prioritizing sustainability, we contribute to a healthier planet and inspire others to adopt more eco-conscious lifestyles. Advocacy and Policy Influence: As a proactive advocate within the tiny home industry, we actively work to shape policies that support the integration of tiny homes into mainstream housing options. Through leadership roles in organizations like the Tiny Home Alliance of Canada and participation in policy discussions, we champion regulatory reforms that pave the way for more sustainable and equitable housing solutions. Community Engagement and Support: We deeply engage with our community through educational workshops, public events, and partnerships with local organizations. By sharing our expertise and advocating for tiny home communities, we empower communities to explore alternative housing solutions that meet their needs. Client Impact and Satisfaction: Our commitment to quality craftsmanship, transparent communication, and personalized service has earned us high client satisfaction. Testimonials from our clients attest to the life-changing impact of owning a Sunshine Tiny Home, underscoring our dedication to delivering homes that exceed expectations. Vision and Innovation: We are driven by a vision to innovate within the housing industry, pushing boundaries with innovative designs and technological advancements. By continually evolving our practices and staying ahead of industry trends, we set new standards for excellence in tiny home construction.

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.

At Sunshine Tiny Homes, our culture is defined by a commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and a shared passion for creating homes that enrich lives and communities. Here’s how we cultivate a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome: Inclusive Environment: We foster a culture of inclusivity where diverse perspectives are valued and respected. Every team member, client, vendor, and contractor is treated with dignity and fairness, ensuring a collaborative and supportive work environment. Empowerment and Collaboration: We empower our team members to contribute their ideas and expertise throughout the home-building process. From initial design concepts to final construction, everyone’s input is encouraged and valued, promoting a sense of ownership and pride in our projects. Training and Development: We invest in the professional growth of our team through ongoing training and development opportunities. This ensures that our staff stays informed about the latest industry trends, sustainable practices, and technological advancements, enhancing their skills and job satisfaction. Health and Safety: We prioritize the health and safety of our team members by adhering to strict safety protocols and providing a safe working environment. Regular training sessions and safety assessments are conducted to mitigate risks and promote well-being on-site. Environmental Stewardship: Sustainability is at the core of our operations. We source eco-friendly materials, prioritize energy efficiency in our designs, and minimize waste throughout the construction process. By reducing our environmental footprint, we contribute positively to our community and planet. Examples of leadership in interactions include: Client Relationships: We maintain transparent and open communication with clients, ensuring their needs and preferences are fully understood and met. This client-centric approach builds trust and fosters long-term relationships. Vendor and Contractor Partnerships: We collaborate closely with vendors and contractors who share our commitment to quality and sustainability. By forging strong partnerships based on mutual respect and reliability, we ensure smooth project execution and customer satisfaction. Staff Engagement: We promote a culture of teamwork and camaraderie among our staff. Regular team meetings and brainstorming sessions encourage collaboration and innovation, allowing us to deliver exceptional results

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

We believe Sunshine Tiny Homes should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award because of our unwavering commitment to our community and the positive impact we have made on individuals’ lives. Here’s why we think we deserve this recognition: Community Support and Engagement: We actively engage with our community through educational initiatives, public events, and partnerships. By hosting workshops and participating in local forums, we empower community members with knowledge about sustainable living and affordable housing options. Customer Satisfaction and Testimonials: Our clients consistently express satisfaction and gratitude for our personalized service, quality craftsmanship, and commitment to exceeding expectations. Their testimonials highlight the transformative impact our homes have had on their lives, from achieving homeownership to embracing a more sustainable lifestyle. Advocacy for Affordable Housing: As a vocal advocate for affordable housing solutions, we work tirelessly to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes that support tiny homes as a viable housing option. Our efforts extend beyond building homes to shaping a supportive environment for alternative housing solutions in our region and beyond. Leadership in Sustainability: We lead by example in promoting environmental stewardship through sustainable building practices, use of eco-friendly materials, and energy-efficient designs. By minimizing our environmental footprint, we contribute positively to our community’s sustainability goals. Innovation and Vision: We are committed to innovation in the housing industry, continuously exploring new designs and technologies to improve the functionality, comfort, and sustainability of our tiny homes. Our vision extends to creating thriving tiny home communities that foster a sense of belonging and community spirit. Positive Impact on Lives: Beyond providing shelter, we empower individuals and families to live authentically and sustainably. Our homes offer a pathway to financial freedom, security, and a simpler way of life, contributing to overall well-being and happiness. Winning the Premier’s People’s Choice Award would not only recognize our dedication and achievements but also amplify our voice in advocating for affordable housing and sustainable living. It would inspire us to continue making a meaningful difference in our community and beyond, one tiny home at a time.