Entrepreneurs share their journeys at Fireside Chat

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This article was published 30/03/2024 (587 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Marcel Kringe, founder of Bushel Plus Ltd., never imagined his hobby would evolve into a successful business spanning four countries.

From its humble beginnings in his basement in Brandon eight years ago, Bushel Plus Ltd. has grown into a manufacturing and software enterprise specializing in harvest optimization tools for farmers.

Kringe’s journey, shared during the Fireside Chat organized by Westman Immigrant Services on Tuesday, exemplifies the transformative power of passion and perseverance in entrepreneurship.

“When I started, it was just a hobby,” he recounted. “But I was lucky to have good people and a solid product. We have employees in Australia, United States, Mexico and Canada, with a team of 35 employees.”

Kringe was keenly aware of the obstacles involved in expanding a business in Brandon, particularly focusing on growth. He said conceptualizing a product was one aspect, but the true hurdle lay in establishing the necessary infrastructure for mass production.

“While creating a few prototypes independently was feasible, the real challenge entailed setting up the infrastructure and assembly line for large-scale manufacturing to guarantee the product’s marketability and scalability.”

The strategy for surmounting this obstacle, he said, involved hiring individuals with expertise and a strong commitment to innovation to ensure the creation of a professional and scalable product.

Labour shortages, a common concern for businesses, didn’t hinder his success.

“We’re fortunate to have a great team,” he emphasized.

Weddings by Abby owner Abby Wenger also shared her entrepreneurial journey.

Leaving a 14-year banking career to pursue her passion for event decoration, Wenger embarked on her entrepreneurial voyage from her home, determined to carve her niche in the bustling wedding industry.

Wenger’s dedication has led her to successfully organize more than 300 events in just two years, a testament to her dedication and proficiency in the wedding industry.

“Bringing couples’ dreams to life on their special day is incredibly rewarding,” she told the Sun. “There’s a certain magic in seeing their vision come together seamlessly, and it’s what drives me in this profession.”

However, amid the joys of wedding planning, Wenger acknowledged the challenges that go with the territory.

One of the biggest challenges is staying ahead of the curve with wedding trends. Every couple has their unique vision, she said, and it’s essential to strike a balance between staying current with trends and maintaining a personalized touch for each event.

Navigating logistical hurdles is another aspect of Wenger’s role that requires finesse and adaptability. Co-ordinating with vendors, managing budgets and ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day of the event, she said, can be challenging. But it’s all part of the job — and overcoming these challenges ultimately leads to the most rewarding outcomes.

Despite the challenges, Wenger remains steadfast in her commitment to excellence.

“Every wedding or event presents its unique set of challenges, but I thrive on turning those challenges into opportunities for creativity and innovation,” she said. “At the end of the day, it’s about creating unforgettable moments that couples will cherish for a lifetime.”

PPD Law Office owner Premmal Patel-David embarked on a journey in the legal sphere two years ago with a passion for justice and a drive to serve her community.

She ventured into entrepreneurship, determined to establish a legal practice that prioritizes integrity, empathy and excellence.

“Founding PPD Law Office has been a labour of love because I’ve always believed in the power of law to effect positive change, and establishing my own practice has allowed me to pursue that vision with unwavering dedication,” Patel-David told the Sun.

However, the path to success in the legal profession is fraught with challenges, and Patel-David has encountered her fair share along the way.

“Building a client base from the ground up was one of the most daunting challenges I faced,” she said. “In a competitive field like law, establishing trust and credibility with clients takes time and effort.”

For Carlos Muñoz, owner of Mariachi Mexican Tacos & Cantina, embarking on a culinary journey two years ago was driven by a commitment to excellence and a love for his community.

With a background steeped in cooking, marketing and a vision to create a dining experience unlike any other, Muñoz said he poured his heart and soul into his restaurant.

“Opening my restaurant has been a lifelong dream come true,” he told the Sun on Tuesday. “I’ve always been fascinated by the art of cooking and the joy it brings to people’s lives, and having the opportunity to share my passion with the community has been incredibly rewarding.”

However, the road to success in the restaurant industry is paved with challenges. From securing funding to navigating the complexities of permits and regulations, he said, there were many hurdles to overcome. But with perseverance and a strong support network, he was able to turn his vision into reality.

In addition to the logistical challenges of running a restaurant, Muñoz said he is also keenly aware of the competitive nature of the industry.

“In a city like Brandon where culinary options abound, standing out from the crowd is no easy feat,” he said. “But I believe that by staying true to our unique culinary identity and providing exceptional service, we can carve out a niche for ourselves in the local dining scene.”

WIS executive director Enver Naidoo explained the event was organized because entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in fostering economic development and growth in Brandon, especially with the city’s growing immigrant population.

“We aimed to create a platform that brings the community together, irrespective of their stage in the entrepreneurial journey,” he told the Sun. “Whether individuals were at the ideation phase or seeking expansion opportunities, we wanted to ensure they were aware of the plethora of support services and resources available in the ecosystem.”

The event, he said, is just the beginning of WIS efforts, adding it plans to host more events catering to different demographic groups, including engaging and connecting with international and Canadian students from Brandon University and Assiniboine Community College.

Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett commended WIS for hosting the Fireside Chat, expressing his enthusiasm for the opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts.

“This is a great and remarkable event, and I’m thrilled to be here,” Fawcett said. “Our entrepreneurs are seizing opportunities and making things happen. That’s why I nominated a local individual for Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 immigrant entrepreneurs. They deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication.”

Encouraging networking and dialogue among attendees, he emphasized the value of connecting with fellow business owners.

“No matter what industry you’re in, there’s always something to learn from each other,” he said. “I remember when I was running my irrigation company, and my cousin was a fashion designer in New York — we’d swap business insights all the time. It’s those connections that drive innovation and success.”

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