Browsing “Home Grown Profiles”

V.I.A.’s Home Grown features only the most awesome companies in Vancouver. From tiny, single-person operations to the big players, we profile our favourite businesses and interview their owners and operators.

Brodie Established 1986 brodiebikes.com

Brodie Bicycles is a Vancouver-based bike company who are all about making their customers smile and seeing them enjoy the bikes they’ve created. What makes them particularly awesome is something which many people don’t realize: they’re a small business which does everything with only 5 full-time staff and a few part-time sales reps. Much smaller than other local Canadian brands they work as a small team, all pitching in. Whether at the bottom of the totem pole or the top, they’re all equal and they are certainly pumping out some great product.

We asked Brodie’s president, Roger Yip, a few questions about his business in Vancouver.

If Brodie is known for one things amongst its customers, what would it be? Our dealers would know us for our relationships we’ve built with them over the years.  In a normal situation you would have an account rep, but as a small tight-knit group our dealers are comfortable dealing with anyone that picks up the phone or services them: We all usually know what’s going on with each others work. Having these close relationships, going beyond our call of duty isn’t usually out of the ordinary whether it’s for our dealers or end-consumers. Producing different styles of bicycles, we’re not really known for “one certain” thing with the people riding our bikes. That being said, we’re known for certain iconic items we’ve produced over the years including the sloping top-tube mountain bike, hand-built cross country frames, box tube mountain bikes and lifestyle bicycles… *sloping top tube: Paul Brodie was one of the first innovators of the classic “sloping top tube” allowing for more clearance on aggressive style riding. *hand-built frames: The original hand-built steel XC frames (Expresso/Sovereign) are still lusted over by many riders *box tube: We were one of the first ones to come out with an aggressive aluminum hard-tail with box tubing, the Holeshot *lifestyle bikes: Today, our best selling bicycles include commuters, cruisers and touring bikes as well as niche products which include things like the Shimano internal gear systems: Nexus and Alfine What’s your favourite place to ride your bike in the city? Vancouver offers such a variety of riding that it’s impossible to pick a favorite place or type of riding.  On an any given day depending on your mood, you can ride the North Shore Mountains, take a Stanely Park seawall cruise or stretch your legs out for a long ride around UBC: None better than the other.

Aside from Brodie, what’s your favourite Vancouver business and why?
We’ve always loved 1-800-GOT-JUNK not just because we have some friends over there, but because of their story. Starting out as a one-man operation, Brian Scudamore was able to build an empire out of nothing. Home grown out of Vancouver as well, they’re success and practices are something we truly admire.

What keeps you here? Like what’s the best thing about Vancouver?
Vancouver has a unique community and lifestyle feel to it and on a sunny, beautiful day you understand what’s to love about being here.  Where else can you be out on the ocean, hike, bike, and snowboard all in one day?

brodiebikes.com

V.I.A.’s Home Grown features only the most awesome companies in Vancouver. From tiny, single-person operations to the big players, we profile our favourite businesses and interview their owners and operators.

citizen brand Established 2011 www.citizenbrand.ca

A new type of branding agency has sprung out of Vancouver. citizen brand is an innovative consultancy created to connect small and start-up businesses to the benefits of great design and branding. “Small businesses make up a large portion of our economy,” says Principal Todd Falkowsky, “but it is typically only the biggest companies that engage with branding agencies…I believe design should be available to everyone and developed citizen brand as a way to make that happen. We have been described as the IKEA of branding, which I get but our plans do not require an Allen key and will last definitely last longer.”

The agency really is different. It is not a graphic design studio nor is it a marketing firm. Focused on elevating brands (and bottom lines), they offer a series of straightforward plans and products that guide clients through the process of creating a unique and well-defined brand. They target specific problems, encourage clients to think about their business in new ways, and use a solid design process to generate solutions. citizen brand also works with an exceptional network of freelance creatives and consultants across a wide range of disciplines. In this way the agency is not limited to prescribing in-house services and is able to give objective advice, improving the strategic and creative outputs for clients. The agency also runs a brand lab, a place for them to test drive products and concepts that gives them knowledge and services other agencies cannot match.

We asked Todd Falkowsky a few questions about business and branding in Vancouver.

Give me the Idiots Guide to branding.
The term is frequently used to describe everything from graphic design, advertising, and marketing, but it is actually about all these things. Branding expresses the kind of organization you are and what you stand for. Branding is an emotional connection between you and your customer, which is critical in how your business generates value. When the brand is well designed, customers have something to connect to and the company stands out from its competitors. Logos, marketing plans, and ads: branding is the backbone of all of these.

If citizen brand were known for one thing, what would it be?
It is my belief that our communities gain in social value with more access to great design. I want citizen brand to become a known positive force in the city, working with clients who want to make the world better.

Does Vancouver have a brand?
Brand Vancouver exists, but I would like to help shift the storytelling of the city from the tourist board to the creative class. This community needs to be the brand of Vancouver and help to broaden the way the city is seen from the outside. Vancouver is unique and it is up to us to discover the bits that make us different and generate an economy around them. For example, we should own all the mindshare with rain (wipers, S.A.D., umbrellas, water management, etc.). It is pretty straightforward to create value around the subjects we know best. There are loads of distinct features of our local environment that can easily be translated into intellectual property.

Who is your personal favourite designer of all time?
Karl Heisleman has had a big influence on my approach and understanding of branding. He reformatted and updated (global branding agency) Wolff Olins with his humble, collaborative and humanist process and helped launch my career. I also love the work of Constantine Boym, Gaetano Pesce, and Marian Bantjes…all designers who understand humanity and how to connect us to imagination and joy. I love work that puts goodness into the world.

Aside from citizen brand what’s your favourite Vancouver business and why?
I admire the work Ian Grais has done at Rethink… always out front, curious, fun and smart. If all advertising agencies ran like Rethink the community would be filled with surprise. As far as local brands/businesses, I like Obakki, MEC, and Native shoes. All of them have invested in design and are using their brands to reach out to customers and create fans.

citizenbrand.ca

V.I.A.’s Home Grown features only the most awesome companies in Vancouver. From tiny, single-person operations to the big players, we profile our favourite businesses and interview their owners and operators.

Moor Design Established 2007 www.moordesign.ca

Moor Design is a full service Interior Design studio located on Union St, in the heart of Chinatown. The firm specializes in residential, commercial and hospitality ventures and is passionate about creating successful and marketable projects. Their personable and professional design team understands the importance of good design and is dedicated to creating inviting spaces that tell a story or relay a mood. Each project is a journey and their approach is to work one-on-one, to communicate well with clients and encourage their participation. They pride themselves on producing original, functional, refined and practical design solutions, that are both economical and stand the test of time. Moor Design also embraces the amazing opportunity to connect and work with local business owners to make their design dreams into a reality as they go through their transformation process. Contributing to the local community and designing inspiring environments that are full of heart is what drives them.

Environmentally conscious design is a large focus for Moor Design. To assist in creating healthy living spaces, their team is responsible for specifying eco-friendly products/ materials and followings ‘Green’ building practices. They provide services that vary from concept development, project budgeting, project management, space planning, design drawings, sustainable design, furnishings, as well as collaborating with developers and architects. Moor Design is community focused and uses local artists works and unique crafts and trades people for many of their projects. They are also huge fans of and support non-profit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Architecture for Humanity.

We asked Sarah Hollett, Principle Designer at Moor Design, a few questions about business and life in Vancouver.

If Moor Design is known for one thing amongst it’s clients, what would it be?

We engage our clients in the design process and make it fun. We strive to make the experience collaborative and the focus is always on the unique needs of each project. Our goal is to have clients love every step of their project , not just the final outcome. 

Who is your personal favourite designer of all time?

I have a profound respect for and have been greatly influenced by Charles and Ray Eames. Their furniture design process was very unique and they did amazing work with colour, experimentation, and free-form sculpture. Their collaborations together using moulded plywood, fibreglass and wire mesh resulted in some really incredible furniture pieces. Their Walnut Stools are still a few of my favourite to this day.

I’d also like to give a shout out to William McDonough, who is an amazing Architect and Community and Product Designer. I would highly recommend reading the book “Cradle To Cradle” that he co-wrote. It’s mind-blowing and without a doubt will change your thinking on how things are made and their life cycles.

Aside from Moor Design, what’s your favourite Vancouver business and why?

I love Greenworks Building Supply in East Vancouver. Their staff are extremely knowledgeable about environmentally-friendly materials and are always amazing to work with. 

What keeps you here? Like what’s the best thing about Vancouver?

I have lived here my whole life and in that time I’ve watched beautiful Vancouver transform into a very progressive city that inspires me daily. There is such a great sense of community and culture here, as well as many unique Architectural and Design influences. I wouldn’t live anywhere else!

MoorDesign.ca

V.I.A.’s Home Grown features only the most awesome companies in Vancouver. From tiny, single-person operations to the big players, we profile our favourite businesses and interview their owners and operators.

Coup Salon Established 2009 www.coupsalon.ca

Coup is perhaps the best business to ever open it’s doors in Shanghai Alley in Chinatown (and presently the only business open on this historic street!). Their salon is cozied into a heritage building which was once a barber shop and the current buildout was constructed with recovered wood and recycled furniture, and cozy is a word that truly represents them. The tight-knit team of Rosie Zollinger, Missy Clarkson, Spencer Jensen and Michael Barry Anderson go out of their way to make you feel comfortable in their space while getting your hair done and they definitely offer a different experience than any other salon in town. Some might say they offer a more positive experience, and I am personally one of those “some”!

I caught up with Coup’s owner, Rosie Zollinger, for a few questions…

If Coup is known for one thing amongst it’s customers, what would it be?

We are definitely most known for our comfortable atmosphere. We do great hair without all the attitude!

What’s your personal favourite hairstyle of all time?

My all time favorite hairstyle is the bob. It was such a radical trend in the early 1920s that it revolutionized the way women’s hair was cut, and changed our industry forever. Because it is so flattering for all face shapes it has stayed popular ever since.

Aside from Coup, what’s your favourite Vancouver business and why?

I’m a big fan of The Regional Assembly of Text on Main Street. It’s such a unique shop and I love stopping in there to check out all the amazing zines and cards.

What keeps you here? Like what’s the best thing about Vancouver?

I think most of all it’s the people that keep me here. Vancouver has so many people who are initiating amazing things, and I think it’s just a matter of time before they catch on. If we continue to support and inspire each other Vancouver will become even more awesome!

CoupSalon.ca

V.I.A.’s Home Grown features only the most awesome companies in Vancouver. From tiny, single-person operations to the big players, we profile our favourite businesses and interview their owners and operators.

Next Level Learning Centre Established 2010 www.nextlevellearningcentre.com

For over 40 years, Tom Lee Music has helped musicians of Greater Vancouver and Vancouver Island to make sweeter music. More than just a musical instrument and equipment specialty superstore, Tom Lee Music offers instruction and a level of service in a creative, dynamic environment that is unique to Western Canada. Further still is Tom Lee Music’s dedication to its community, offering continued support to a wide range of local arts and cultural events (including the TD Canada Trust Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Vancouver Folk Music Festival, The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Ballet BC, Vancouver Opera, Music Fest) to sponsoring organizations like the Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach Foundation and the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities as well as the School Alliance of Student Songwriters (SASS).

I sat down with Richard Duggan, Managing Director of the Next Level Learning Centre, to talk about the school.

Is there actually a Tom Lee?

Yes, there is. And no, he does not play drums in Mötley Crüe.

Tom Lee Music first opened in Vancouver in 1969. What is the secret to this company’s longevity?

Music is an international language, and Vancouver is one of the most multicultural cities in Canada. We always listen to all of our customers and make a real effort to satisfy their needs.

Tom Lee Music already offers traditional instruction through their existing Learning Centre. How is the Next Level Learning Centre different?

The education we provide at Next Level is different than anything we’ve done before. Music lessons, the way most people think of it, is learning to play guitar or drums or piano. Historically, music industry schools were limited as to what they could teach or would teach, and were otherwise few and far in between. What we’re offering at Next Level are all the essentials skills a musician needs to set themselves up for success in today’s music market, which as you know is constantly changing.

How did Next Level get started?

It initially started as a simple idea among myself, Tom Lee Music’s Business Development Manager Richard Howland and Don McLeod, who is a producer / songwriter and the founder of SASS (www.sass-bc.com). The concept was to expand upon our existing educational facility by offering songwriting and software recording classes.

However, as we were doing the groundwork and market research, we discovered that there is a massive gap in affordable music industry based educational facilities in this city – one can either take musical instrument lessons or spend $10,000+ to learn how to be a recording engineer.

So upon discovering this void we decided to expand our vision of the school to encompass a much larger segment of the music industry. Now, we will be offering everything from songwriting and software recording classes, to performance coaching, business and marketing, promotion, all the way to DJ lessons, and much more, all at an affordable price.

Self-marketing and promotion, this “new” philosophy… are there examples of this?

The reality is that the music industry has changed – established artists that have been tied into music contracts for years are telling people, “whatever you do, do not get into the industry we got into!” It worked for them, but it is a totally different industry today, and aspiring musicians need to learn how to work and grow within it.

In the end, there are many variables and measures to gauge success. But you still need to know what the resources out there are and how to access them, and that’s where we come in.

Tell me about the music market in Vancouver, from a musician’s perspective.

Vancouver’s music scene, like many other cities in Canada, can be …READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY>>>

V.I.A.’s Home Grown features only the most awesome companies in Vancouver. From tiny, single-person operations to the big players, we profile our favourite businesses and interview their owners.

Kube Computers Established 2006 www.kubecomputers.com

Kube Computers is an awesome little computer store on Cambie Street owned and operated by Georgina and Mirek Havelka. They wanted to create the kind of computer store where technology doesn’t overshadow the human element – where buying a computer or getting a computer repaired can be a comfortable, fun and transparent experience.

At Kube, there’s no marketing jargon and every customer gets the information they need to buy a computer, laptop, peripheral that is suited to their needs. Or if they are in for a computer repair or upgrade, they get fast and effective service at reasonable prices. For example, they can fix most problems in 1-2 days and if a computer is in for a virus removal they selectively remove the virus keeping all of the customer’s data intact. They also don’t cut corners when it comes to building quiet and reliable computer systems. Each component is individually selected to uphold the following mantra: EVERYBODY deserves a quality computer, regardless of price. A consequence of being a small computer shop is that it gives them the flexibility to make component selection decisions instantly; something a large computer manufacturer can only dream about.

They also wanted to create a computer store that women would be comfortable going into and getting what they need. On top of all of this, along the way they discovered stylish laptop bags and accessories that were hard to find and they made it a mission to have a large selection in the store. They want to rid the world of the bland, boring black nylon laptop bag!

We got Kube’s owners, Georgina and Mirek Havelka, to answer some questions for us…
…READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY>>>

V.I.A.’s Home Grown features only the most awesome companies in Vancouver. From tiny, single-person operations to the big players, we profile our favourite businesses and interview their owners and operators.

Hip Baby www.hipbaby.com

Hip Baby is a dream of a modern kids store on 4th Avenue in Kitsilano. A friendly staff, a relaxing atmosphere and many great choices in safe and sustainable products from toys to clothing, meal time, bath time, and local designs. They also offer the largest assortment of in-store cloth diapers in Vancouver and offer monthly instructional workshops in how to use them.

I feel it’s important to note that our youngest blogger, Arlo, loves his cloth diapers as does Hip Baby co-owner, Michael Ziff, who runs The Cloth Diapering Dad workshop for parents considering this system of diapering but who might be daunted by the prospect and the commitment. Participants leave informed and ready for this healthy, environmentally friendly, economical and surprisingly easy alternative to conventional single-use diapers.

“Sustainability, value, function – and a whole lot of style” is what they’re all about, they just opened a new location in Victoria and both locations offer products for little ones from newborn to 6 years old.

We caught up with owners, Jen MacCormack and Michael Ziff for a few questions…

If Hip Baby is known for one thing amongst it’s customers, what would it be?

Michael:
For me, creating a sense of community is really important by providing workshops as well as a retail environment that is welcoming without being pushy so that a mom out for a walk can come in with her stroller and child and know there’s a change table and a comfortable nursing chair.

Jen:
That we actually research the products we buy and that the criteria covers everything from safety, sustainability, functionality, usefulness, and of course style.

What’s your personal favourite product that you sell at the store?

Michael:
Rody! Mostly because my daughter loves him so much. He’s an inflatable donkey made from a safe plastic and you can ride him around; basically a modern variation of the bouncy ball but in the shape of an animal. She grabs him by the ears and bounces around the living room with a huge smile on her face. The beauty of this toy, aside from the hours of endless entertainment, is that they get started on it around 18 months and it grows as you inflate it until they’re about 5 years old. How many kids toys can claim that?

Jen:
I love Padraig cottage wool slippers. They are made locally in North Vancouver and my entire family owns a pair (as does Michael’s). The slippers are just about the softest, coziest thing you could put on your feet. The soft, crocheted wool shell and leather sole make them both breathable and durable, for inside or in the stroller… but it is the luxurious sheepskin found inside that makes you smile!

Aside from Hip Baby, what’s your favourite Vancouver business and why?

Michael:
Too many to list! I guess I’m always firstly impressed, and proud, by what friends have accomplished. I watched Karri and Nico Schuermans build Chambar literally from scratch, with guts, smarts and sweat. And then watched my friend Robbie Kane do the same next door at Medina. I love the little Beatty street empire they’ve all built. And a nod to all the companies in Vancouver changing the face of business with their progressive ideas; business can no longer be just about the bottom line, there is too much at stake with our current environmental and economic climate.

Jen:
I would have to agree with Michael on all of the above. Another favourite of mine is Collage Collage owned by our friend Erin Boniferro, who we love. Located on 15th (just West of Fraser), Erin offers both art classes and merchandise that encourage children (and adults) to explore their creativity. Her boutique is filled with unique, and many locally made, products. It is also a great place to hold your child’s birthday party. Fun!

What keeps you here? Like what’s the best thing about Vancouver?

Michael:
I grew up in Montreal and had the opportunity to live for extended periods in cities around the world, then moved here in 1994. It was still a bit of a sleepy town but I’ve since watched Vancouver evolve into a world class city. 90 minutes from Whistler, 5 hours from surf, 4 hours from wine country, these are some of my favourite things! And a seemingly endless supply of great restaurants. And I love that my daughter is growing up here. And… (I have to stop now).

Jen:
I was one of the few that was actually born & raised in Vancouver… which made me want to escape the first chance I got. After 3 years of traveling the world followed by 5 years in Whistler and a year in Montreal I returned home to find a city that had grown into it’s own (especially culturally). And when you have been surrounded by mountains and ocean most of your life it is just too hard to live without them. The best thing about Vancouver? I would have to say my family and friends.

www.hipbaby.com
http://www.twitter.com/hipbaby_kits
www.facebook.com/hip_baby

V.I.A.’s Home Grown features only the most awesome companies in Vancouver. From tiny, single-person operations to the big players, we profile our favourite businesses and interview their owners and operators.

Cactus Club Café Established 1988 www.cactusclubcafe.com

Cactus Club Café is committed to delivering a unique experience whereby the fusion of fine dining and casual dining come together. Led by Chef Rob Feenie, Canada’s only Iron Chef, Cactus Club’s globally inspired menu is crafted with local and fresh ingredients, such as Alberta Certified Angus Beef and Ocean Wise sustainable seafood. Guests are invited to unwind in upscale, yet casual atomospheres, while being served by a first class team. Each location has a unique personality with defining state-of-the-art, such as an original art collection featuring pieces of work Andy Warhol, Jean Michel-Basquiat and Sir Anthony Hopkins.

We caught up with Chef Rob Feenie for a few questions…

If Cactus Club is known for one thing amongst it’s customers, what would it be?

I would have to say we are known for our consistency in everything that we do. Our ability to execute time and time again is what we do best, and I think it’s what our guests really love about us. I think it’s what keeps them coming back.

What’s your personal favourite dish served at the restaurant?

That’s a tough one – the tuna tataki and beef carpaccio I really enjoy. I have always been a fan of the Cajun Cheddar sandwich – even before I got here. And yam fries, of course, I have always loved.

Aside from Cactus Club, what’s your favourite Vancouver business and why?

Definitely has to be Barbara-Jos Books to Cooks because my hobby is cook books. I have collected almost 2000 books in the past 10-15 years and I continue to collect them. I think she is probably the best at what she has done in terms of cook books in North America and to have that right here in Vancouver is special because it is what I love to do – so she makes my life fun.

What keeps you here? Like what’s the best thing about Vancouver?

It’s a mix of things, but for the most part it is a great city to raise my three young kids. The water and weather are great and I love how laid back the city is. My parents – like me – were born and raised here so even after I’ve travelled the world, it has always felt great to come back and call Vancouver home.

WEB SITE: www.cactusclubcafe.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/cactusclubcafe
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/cactusclubcafe