September 2021 marked a truly special moment in our journey as entrepreneurs. Over the years, my wife and I have spent countless hours building companies with amazing people, tackling challenges, and driving success. While the companies have evolved and some have even changed names, we always make it a point to track the lifetime impact of these ventures.
This month, we hit a significant milestone that fills us with both pride and gratitude: we surpassed $750 million in lifetime sales and created thousands of jobs. This is not just a number—it's the culmination of decades of hard work, resilience, and innovation.
While milestones like these are important, it's never been just about the money. It's about the incredible teams we've built, the personal and professional growth we've experienced, and the positive impact we've made along the way. From cleaning windows on 30-story buildings to building an online rental marketplace when so many others had tried and failed before us, every part of this journey has been an adventure. Each company we've created, each challenge we've overcome, has taught us valuable lessons that shaped the next step forward.
Let me share the stories of the businesses that are still going strong, alongside those that didn't quite make it but still played a vital part in our growth.
The Journey of Our Enduring Businesses
Over the years, we've been fortunate enough to build companies that continue to thrive. Here's a quick snapshot of the businesses that have stood the test of time:
Cody Window Cleaning – 35 years of service. This business continues to be the leader in the Ottawa market, providing top-notch window cleaning services to high-rise buildings. Even after we sold it, the company remains the largest window cleaning business in the city.
Highrise Scaffolding – 28 years. Over the years, this company has become one of the go-to scaffolding providers in Ottawa. We built a reputation for safety and reliability, and it has continued to prosper under new management.
Lou X Rentals – 26 years. A successful venture offering equipment rentals across Ottawa. It was passed on to the next generation, with my partners handing over the reins to their son, Dominic, who has built upon the strong foundation laid down.
Highrise Matthews Heavy Equipment and Aerial Lifts – 26 years. This business, specializing in heavy equipment and lifts, was eventually acquired by a larger company but remains an example of how we built and scaled operations in a niche industry.
Bobcat Dealership – 25 years. This business was born out of a bankruptcy purchase and grew to be a major player in the market. Even after we sold it, the Bobcat brand continues to be synonymous with quality equipment in Ottawa.
Cody Party and Event Rentals – 23 years. Despite the challenges faced during the pandemic, this business weathered the storm and remains one of the leading party rental companies in Ottawa.
Luscious Linen – 17 years. Originally an extension of our party rental business, this company has become one of the premier linen rental suppliers in Ottawa.
Cody Mobile – 11 years. A mobile auto detailing business born out of a personal frustration—never having the time to take my car to be detailed. We built a unique mobile service that continues to be highly popular with customers across the region.
Better Software – 6 years. A software business focused on creating tools for entrepreneurs and small businesses. We've built a strong reputation in the software space and are excited about its continued growth.
Marketplace Studios – 7 months. A marketplace business that helps clients create custom online rental platforms. In its short existence, it has already started making waves in the industry.
Bunking.com – 4 months. A fresh new venture designed to help people find roommates in a world that's changing rapidly due to the increasing need for shared living spaces.
Bünking Ventures – 3 months. A brand new venture focused on launching scalable, impactful businesses in various industries.
Businesses That Didn't Last
Not every venture we've undertaken has had a happy ending, but each of these experiences taught us valuable lessons that ultimately helped shape our future successes. Here are a few businesses that didn't quite make it:
Rückify – A marketplace for rentals that was ultimately handed off to a partner. Sadly, it didn't take off as expected, and it ceased operations within a year of the transition.
Swing Stage Rentals – A business that had great potential but was ultimately sold and closed 12 years later.
Monster Halloween Stores – A seasonal retail business that was impacted by the pandemic and ultimately closed 8 years after we sold it. Despite its closure, it was a fun venture, and we learned a lot about the Halloween retail market.
What We've Learned Along the Way
The journey of building these businesses has been marked by lessons—some learned the hard way, and others through moments of success. But the common thread in all of them has been the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and learning from our experiences.
Each business, whether still running or now closed, taught us something new. We learned how to scale operations, how to manage cash flow, and how to turn setbacks into opportunities. The most important lesson? There's no such thing as a failure—only valuable lessons for the next endeavor.
Our businesses have survived recessions, market shifts, and disruptions. They've been built on hard work, innovative thinking, and the incredible teams we've had the privilege of working with. While the road hasn't always been smooth, we've always maintained our commitment to creating jobs, improving our communities, and building companies with lasting impact.
Looking to the Future
As we reflect on our journey, we're proud of what we've achieved so far, but we're also looking forward to the next chapter. We're far from finished, and the best is yet to come. The entrepreneurial journey is never linear, and we're excited about the new ventures on the horizon. With the lessons from our past and the incredible teams we continue to build, we're ready for whatever challenges and opportunities come next.
Here's to the next $750 million in sales, the next businesses we build, and the countless lives we'll impact along the way.