Building a Business, Reconnecting with Heritage: Gary Roberton’s Journey

For Gary Roberton, there is a special kind of pride that comes from standing back at the end of a job and knowing his work will serve a community for years to come.

As the owner of Roberton Heavy Duty Repair, that feeling has become even more meaningful as Gary builds his business while discovering more about his Métis heritage and family story.

Born and raised in Campbell River, Gary was drawn to mechanics from a young age. He went on to earn his Red Seal certification and Authorized Safety Inspector Certification, building the technical expertise that would eventually become the foundation of his business.

While working on a full-service farm, Gary gained valuable hands-on experience repairing and maintaining heavy-duty and agricultural equipment. As his skills and confidence grew, so did his interest in building something of his own.

Still working full-time, Gary began taking on repair jobs from his parents’ garage. One job led to another, and what started as extra work gradually became the foundation for Roberton Heavy Duty Repair.

Nine years later, Roberton Heavy Duty Repair has grown into a mobile heavy-duty repair operation serving customers throughout the region. Gary repairs and maintains heavy and agricultural equipment on site and has expanded into small engine repair. He has also developed a strong working relationship with Tayco Paving, opening the door to larger projects and new opportunities.“As an entrepreneur, you have to keep finding ways to keep busy,” Gary says.

A major step forward came when Gary purchased his first service truck for $10,000. As the business grew, he needed more storage and capabilities. With support from NEDC, Gary upgraded his service truck, creating a more professional mobile operation and helping position the business for continued growth.

Through his work with Tayco Paving, Gary contributed to paving in the new Tlowitsis community on York Road. His work has also taken him to Klahoose First Nation on Cortes Island, where his grandfather once lived.

The connection is particularly significant because Gary didn't learn about his Métis ancestry until his late twenties. His grandfather, who attended residential school in Port Alberni and was later adopted, rarely spoke about his history. After he passed away, Gary’s family began learning more about their Métis roots.

Today, Gary and his wife are raising three children and making Métis culture and learning part of their family life through books, traditional foods and continued exploration of their heritage. “We still have lots to learn,” Gary says.

Gary often thinks about how proud his grandfather would be to see him today — building a business from the ground up, raising his children with a stronger connection to their heritage and bringing his skills to communities, including one his grandfather once called home.

For Gary, success is about providing for his family, taking pride in a job well done and knowing his work contributes to something larger.

Looking ahead, he hopes to expand Roberton Heavy Duty Repair into transportation while continuing to build a reputation for quality and dependable service.

What began in his parents’ garage has become a growing business, a way to contribute to communities and, unexpectedly, part of Gary’s journey to better understand where he comes from.

And that journey is still unfolding.