Reflecting on 20 Years of Entrepreneurial Achievement
When we first started our entrepreneurial journey, we had big dreams and even bigger goals. Looking back over the last 20+ years, it's hard not to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment for what we've built. From humble beginnings to thriving businesses, we are now celebrating seven of our companies that have managed to stand the test of time, adapting and growing to become leaders in their respective industries.
These companies have not just survived, but thrived, navigating the challenges that come with entrepreneurship, from market shifts to changing customer demands. It's truly remarkable to witness the success of these businesses, some of which have had successful exits, and others that continue to build and innovate.
A Look at Our Seven Thriving Companies
Cody Window Cleaning – Celebrating 37 Years
Cody Window Cleaning holds a special place in our hearts. Not only did we build it into the largest window cleaning company in Ottawa, but after we sold it, it continued to thrive. In fact, it has been sold twice since then and remains the largest window cleaning company in the city to this day. It's an incredible legacy, and we're proud of its continued success.
Highrise Scaffolding – Celebrating 30 Years
Highrise Scaffolding is another success story. The team that took over the business recently had a highly successful exit to a larger company, and the business continues to grow. We're proud to see the company flourish, and it's been a rewarding experience watching it evolve over the years.
Lou X Rentals – Celebrating 28 Years
Lou X Rentals was a partnership that we're especially proud of. The partners passed the business on to their son, Dominic, and he's done a phenomenal job growing and developing the company. Watching Dominic take the reins and continue to build on the foundation we laid has been truly gratifying.
Highrise Matthews (Now Hertz Rentals) – Celebrating 28 Years
This company, now part of Hertz Rentals, continues to do well in the Ottawa area. One of the most amazing things about this business is that our core team remains intact, with Rob, who started with us at a marketing class and worked his way up from the yard, now serving as the branch manager. His journey has been one of dedication and growth, and it's inspiring to see how far he's come.
Ottawa Bobcat – Celebrating 27 Years
Ottawa Bobcat has been sold a couple of times since we owned it, but it's still a major presence in the city. Every time I see a Bobcat machine in action, I can't help but feel a sense of pride. It's rewarding to know that the company we built continues to have a lasting impact.
Cody Party Rentals – Celebrating 25 Years
Cody Party Rentals is still going strong after all these years. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the business has weathered the storm, and we have an incredible team that has been with us for years. It's amazing to see how well the business is doing, and we look forward to many more years of success.
Luscious Linen – Celebrating 20 Years
Luscious Linen, which originally started as an extension of our party rental business, has become one of the premier linen rental suppliers in Ottawa. It's thriving and continues to be an integral part of our business ecosystem.
The Significance of Longevity in Business
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 20% of new businesses fail within their first year, and by the end of the fifth year, approximately 50% have gone under. After 10 years, only about one-third of businesses survive. So, the fact that our seven companies have lasted over 20 years is nothing short of remarkable.
But the true value of these businesses goes beyond their longevity. Each company has created jobs, offered career-building opportunities, and contributed to the economic landscape in ways we're immensely proud of. These businesses represent ideas that refused to buckle under market pressure. Instead, they adapted, innovated, and became pillars in their industries.
Shared Achievement and the Road Ahead
This milestone isn't just a personal achievement. It belongs to every member of our team, our clients, stakeholders, and even the loyal customers who supported us along the way. Whether you're part of one of these companies or someone who's been cheering us on from the sidelines, your contribution has helped make this possible.
What excites us most is that this is far from a finish line. Instead, it's a reminder that we have the resilience and drive to continue pushing forward, adapting to new challenges, and seizing new opportunities. As we look ahead, we're filled with optimism and excitement for what the next 20 years might bring.
We're constantly learning from the past, and the lessons we've gathered over these two decades fuel our entrepreneurial spirit and drive. With these insights, we're more ready than ever to meet the challenges of the future.
A Few Key Successes and Transitions
- Cody Window Cleaning: The company has been sold twice since we sold it. It remains the largest window cleaning company in Ottawa, continuing to service clients across the city.
- Highrise Scaffolding: The team that took over Highrise Scaffolding has had a successful exit to a much larger company. It's remarkable to see how this business has grown and evolved.
- Lou X Rentals: Our partners passed the business on to their son, Dominic, and he's been doing an incredible job building and expanding the business.
- Highrise Matthews (Now Hertz Rentals): The company, now part of Hertz Rentals, continues to thrive, with Rob, who started with us in marketing, now serving as the branch manager. Rob's dedication and growth in the company are a great story of internal success.
- Ottawa Bobcat: This business has been sold a few times, but every time I see a Bobcat machine, I'm reminded of the strong foundation we built. The presence of Bobcats in the city today shows just how impactful this business was.
- Cody Party Rentals: Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Cody Party Rentals has come out stronger. We have an incredible long-term team that has weathered the storm and continues to provide excellent service to our clients.
- Luscious Linen: Originally an extension of Cody Party Rentals, Luscious Linen has become one of the premier linen rental suppliers in Ottawa. This company continues to thrive and grow, providing top-notch service and products.
What the Future Holds
As we celebrate these incredible achievements, we're not resting on our laurels. Instead, we're preparing for the next phase of growth and success. The best is yet to come, and we're ready to continue building, innovating, and supporting the communities around us.
Here's to the next 20 years and beyond!