Roger McKinnon, of Metis/Scottish ancestry, was born in Port Alberni, BC and is now semi-retired.
Roger says he got his business sense from his father and 3 uncles who owned McKinnon’s Dairy in Port Alberni. Roger went to Malaspina College and the brand new Vancouver Island University the first year it opened.
Roger bought SignAge Canada 10 years ago. He says that, unlike many other businesses, SignAge did very well when Covid-19 hit as his company had to do many signs for social distancing. They wrap about 6 to 12 vehicles per week and can make any type or size of sign which Roger is very proud of. This is very high quality work from his staff.
His business best practice is doing quality work and paying attention to his clients needs. Roger meets regularly with other business- minded friends and clients to ask them for advice on what they would do in different business situations . SignAge has also been involved in many Charity Events, with Roger chairing some of them. A hurdle that Roger had to overcome was trying to find good staff and a manager. He is proud of the work that his team does with the business, which enables him to step back into semi-retirement. He says a company like his needs to keep up with technology as it’s changing all the time. One of the ways he does this by attending trade shows, sponsoring events and talking to his suppliers.
Roger enjoys owning his own business so he can set his own times to work, make the major decisions and decide on his own pay/ income. Advice that he would give to someone starting their own business is to make sure you have enough money to run it and listen to your clients. He says to make a good business plan and follow it as much as you can to be successful. Also make sure you know your business and adjust it along the way. If you are a struggling entrepreneur, ask for help and don’t give up.
Roger is a serial entrepreneur as he has owned many businesses over the years, including a hotel and spa in Comox Valley, a gym in Nanaimo, a Real Estate company, and a Development & Consulting company. Roger has been very happy working with NEDC staff and management, he says they are very professional people.
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