David and Silvia Badger relax at Medici’s Gelateria after winning Small Business of the Year.
Businesses in Osoyoos gobbled up three of four awards last Friday during the Business Excellence Awards hosted by the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce.
But Medici’s Gelateria in Oliver was recognized as Small Business of the Year.
Owners Silvia and David Badger were not able to attend the ceremony at Frank Venables Theatre, but Silvia’s daughter Jessica Stelkia accepted the award on her behalf.
“I can attest to how hard she works,” said Jessica after the presentation by Chamber president Brian Highley and Yvonne Lalonde, marketing coordinator for Eastlink, co-sponsor of the awards night.
On Monday, David said he was very pleased to be honoured for their efforts, but stressed that the real “heart and soul” of Medici’s is Silvia.
He said it was her idea to start the business, which is renowned in the Okanagan for its premier gelato.
“The presentation is huge. She was trained by German and Italian gelato masters,” David pointed out.
The more modest Silvia attributed her gelato success to her German heritage.
“If you’re going to do something, you do it right or not at all.”
Silvia said the key to doing well in business is the community. “It’s important to make customers your friends.”
She also noted the importance of being an integral part of the community. The Badgers demonstrate this by giving out bursaries and hiring local high school students.
Winner of Entrepreneur of the Year was Joanne Muirhead of Jojo’s Cafe in Osoyoos.
Muirhead, who is on vacation, was very humbled by the award considering the many successful businesses in the South Okanagan.
“I have to say that no success can be measured without including the people who have helped and continue to help me.”
Muirhead said she has been fortunate to surround herself with remarkable people who share their knowledge and experience with her.
“I think the translation of the word ‘entrepreneur’ might be the result of many people’s brains being picked by one person, who uses that information to succeed.”
Muirhead thanked the people whose brains she picked, and those she hasn’t gotten to yet.
She specifically thanked her manager (Alana) who is the heart of the hospitality and warmth that Jojo’s is known for.
Buy-Low Foods in Osoyoos won Large Business of the Year.
Manager Brian Fry admitted he was pleasantly surprised to win the recognition, noting he was going to share it with the 65 people who work in the store.
“It’s fantastic . . . it’s a very nice feeling,” he said after the ceremony.
Fry said the award doesn’t belong to him; it belongs to his employees.
“The key ingredient (to having a successful business) is having the right people.”
When asked why he thought Buy-Low Foods was the recipient of this particular award, he said it stems from the company’s contribution to the community. He noted it is always giving back to the community by helping different organizations succeed.
His advice to other companies looking to succeed: “Listen to your customers. Take care of the people who take care of you.”
Not surprisingly, Home Hardware in Osoyoos won the customer service award. Owner Frances and Larry Sologuk are away on business, but staff member Kevin Ross spoke on their behalf.
The proud employee said he couldn’t describe what it’s like working at the store, which is known far and wide for being one of the most unique Home Hardware franchises in Canada.
He noted that every staff member is so immediately helpful, but there is no pressure placed on customers.
“Staff retention is phenomenal. One employee has been here for 27 years.”
Ross said Frances truly believes in taking care of her staff.
“It’s her generosity . . . she’s renowned (for it).”
Ross said the Sologuks support so many different organizations and are “tireless” in giving back to the community.
As for the store itself, people are taken aback by its charm, Ross pointed out, noting it’s not just a hardware store.
Pssst . . . if you want your wife to be kept busy on any given afternoon, bring her to Home Hardware; she’ll get lost in there for a couple of hours.
Highley said picking this year’s winners was no menial task.
He gave special thanks to co-sponsor Eastlink for once again “hitting it out of the park.” And to Okanagan Stoneworks in Okanagan Falls for providing the awards (granite wine bottle holders).
Highley said the Chamber is feeling the traction this year and is “picking up great momentum.” That’s why he is encouraging people to join and bring their friends.
By Lyonel Doherty
