Summit Lodge general manager Tony Medd took a little time to tell us more about this spectacular hotel. If you’re not sold already on what an excellent offer this is, read on…

Tell us about how your business was started. Was this what you always wanted to do?

The Summit Lodge and Spa opened in 1998 and was originally as part of the Kimpton hotel chain until 2008, when it was purchased by a Malaysian-owned company as an independent property. I never envisioned seeing myself as a General Manger of a hotel but rather as an entrepreneur owning and operating my own hotel one day.

What are some interesting facts about you or your business that your customers may not know?

Those that know me well probably don’t know that I was born in the UK and came over to Canada at a very young age (no accent).

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

The diversity of working in an independent boutique hotel, meeting new people daily from all over the world, helping out where I can, whether it’s answering the phones or changing beds – not many GMs can say that!

What differentiates you from your competition?

Our location – we are located within the heart of Whistler Village where our hotel is one of the few that backs onto a lush forest park offering complete privacy. Our recent hotel refurbishment has changed us from a mountain lodge to a new vibrant artistic boutique hotel. The award winning original Taman Sari Spa offers guests a unique Indonesian spa experience while Elements Tapas Bar has been voted #1.  Our service is to be reckoned with, our hotel has received the Service Challenge award again and again which shows that you don’t have to be a large name brand hotel to receive excellent customer service.

If you weren’t at work, what would you most love to be doing?

I enjoy road biking from my home in Pemberton to Whistler when time permits or mountain biking in the back country. When I’m not doing that, I’m usually planning where to go and when the next car show is!

Do you know The Summit Lodge and Spa, Whistler? Review it on our Facebook page, in the comments section under this post, and get 5 DealMate Dollars! (You will need a DealMate account for this so we can credit you.) Thanks! Oh, and PS, this offer is only valid during the time the deal can be purchased – not used. Cheers!

Customer service, it would be fair to say, is paramount to Portfolio Interiors. DealMate.ca spoke with store manager Kathy Underwood, who explained that they are only too happy to go the extra mile to make their customers happy. You can snap up DealMate.ca’s excellent offer with Portfolio Interiors here.

Tell us about how your business was started. Was this what you always wanted to do?

The store was founded by two ladies and built based on how we would like to shop. When we shop for furniture we don’t want to be hassled and we want to buy trendy stuff that lasts. And we are like agents for our customers, we help them find what they need. 

What are some interesting facts about you or your business that your customers may not know?

We really care about what we sell. We travel to factories and trade shows, and want to partner with businesses that share the same values.We recently partnered with a Quebecois firm called Verbois, which really looks after its staff 

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

The atmosphere: I love working in this environment and with our great customers. 

What differentiates you from your competition?

It’s the attention and research that goes into what it is we are selling, and our customer service. We go to people’s homes to help make suggestions or so they can see the fabrics in their room before they decide. 

If you weren’t at work, what would you most love to be doing?

Spending time with my family: travelling, skiing, enjoying Kamloops.

Do you know Portfolio Interiors  Review them on our Facebook page, in the comments section under this post, and get 5 DealMate Dollars! (You will need a DealMate account for this so we can credit you.) Thanks! Oh, and PS, this offer is only valid during the time the deal can be purchased – not used. Cheers!

It’s not often you get the opportunity to speak with someone who’s fluent in Indonesian, Balinese and Javanese but that’s exactly what happened when DealMate.ca spoke with Peri Clark, of Baliwood. The intrepid store owner, who is offering this great deal, says the beautiful Sunshine Coast is as close to Indonesia as Canada gets…

Tell us about how your business was started. Was this what you always wanted to do?

Peri Clark lived in Indonesia for 20 years, and since returning to Canada has travelled back and forth many times. After a job came to an end after 12 years, she decided it was time for change and found a space in the Market in Mollys Lane. “Friends would ask me to bring things back for them after seeing what I had and I would sell it on, it expanded from there. I’m really pleased with how it’s going. It’s doing really well.”

What are some interesting facts about you or your business that your customers may not know?

“I speak Balinese, Indonesian and Javanese fluently. When I lived in Bali I used to export all over the world, and to Canada, so I have that experience from the other side of the business. Now I buy direct from my contacts and can pass on the savings to my customers.”

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

“A few things: That I still get to connect with old friends and family in Bali – staying in touch with everybody. And I get to buy all this great stuff and sell it! I love sharing Bali with my customers.”

What differentiates you from your competition?

“They don’t know the stories behind the products like I do, and because of my direct connections there I can help them save money.”

If you weren’t at work, what would you most love to be doing?

“I have three beautiful daughters and four beautiful granddaughters – I love hanging out with them.”

Do you know Peri, of Baliwod? Review them on our Facebook page, in the comments section under this post, and get 5 DealMate Dollars! (You will need a DealMate account for this so we can credit you.) Thanks! Oh, and PS, this offer is only valid during the time the deal can be purchased – not used. Cheers!

Charlotte Hughes, the owner of Quarters Home Decor and our latest awesome DealMate, has a real passion for her business - and for hoarding! She’s also pretty handy behind the wheel of a car…

Tell us about how your business was started. Was this what you always wanted to do?

Quarters had been in the back of my mind for some time. Having always had a passion for furniture and decorating, I couldn’t refuse a good piece when I saw it.  As a result I had a house full of furniture and was quickly becoming a candidate for that T.V. show “Hoarders”. I went to my current location to enquire about space availability and was told there was space available almost immediatly. I literally opened 8 days later.

What are some interesting facts about you or your business that your customers may not know?

An interesting fact about me is that I’m actually a driving instructor which I still do part time. I’m a full-time single parent of two boys who are very interested in all aspects of the business.

The pillows I carry are designed, silkscreened and handmade by me.

As well as the signs which are handpainted.

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

I enjoy my job because I’m always learning something new and can involve my children.

What differentiates you from your competition?

I believe I differ from my competition because I am a one-woman show and I handpick everything myself. I offer one-of-a-kind pieces at very affordable prices

If you weren’t at work, what would you most love to be doing?

I love to travel with my kids and explore places we haven’t been before… Of course we are always on the lookout for our next great find :)

Do you know Charlotte and Quarters Home Decor? Why not review the store on our Facebook page, in the comments section under this post, and get 5 DealMate Dollars! (You will need a DealMate account for this so we can credit you.) Thanks! Oh, and PS, this offer is only valid during the time the deal can be purchased – not used. Cheers!

Music-loving Dimiter is a man who also enjoys the outdoor life. Here, he tells us a little more about himself and his love of teaching…

Tell us about how your business was started. Was this what you always wanted to do?

I started teaching piano many years ago. Together with music performing, this was what I always wanted to do. I started my piano-selling business much later, in 2005. I found it fascinating that performing, teaching, and selling pianos require such completely different mindsets. It is almost like living separate lives.

What are some interesting facts about you or your business that your customers may not know?

Here is one little secret: Many of my students don’t know that I mostly disagree with the notion that music is a universal language. I think that it is actually very culture-related phenommen, and needs to be “learned” through experience.

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

Aside from the fact that I simply like music, I am also really happy to help students deal with a fascinating world of emotion, intuition and logic.

What differentiates you from your competition?

Perhaps the competition can provide a better answer to this question.

If you weren’t at work, what would you most love to be doing?

Reading, hiking, chatting with my wife, watching movies. 

Have you been taught by Dimiter? Review him on our Facebook page, in the comments section under this post, and get 5 DealMate Dollars! (You will need a DealMate account for this so we can credit you.) Thanks! Oh, and PS, this offer is only valid during the time the deal can be purchased – not used. Cheers!

Karen, of Shanti Gifts, explains how a visit to a trade show was key to growing the business she runs with Doris - and the importance of Buffy’s role at their store! And here’s their excellent deal to save on jewelry.

Tell us about how your business was started. Was this what you always wanted to do?

In 2009 I wanted to expand my Tarot Reading business. I thought a small storefront somewhere in Gibsons or Sechelt would be ideal but I came across my current location in Wilson Creek, which is bigger than I planned. In June 2009 my partner Doris and I went to a trade show and noticed how many products, gifts and resources were available for people interested in the spiritual aspects of life. It got us thinking… We brought these products to the Sunshine Coast and opened just 4 months later. We have a private reading room but the retail space is multipurpose, serving workshops in the evening.

What are some interesting facts about you or your business that your customers may not know?

In this little space I feel sometimes we are like Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe: we have thousands of items, and so many of them have their own story; we never tire of telling people about them. So many times someone is just needing a little bit of peace, an oasis in their stressful day or lives, and the store gives that to them. Our staff are great and Doris and I love to talk with people, but its more than that, the store has its own energy, a vortex that allows it to be a haven of tranquility.

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

I get to bring Buffy, my Pomeranian-Poodle Cross, to work. She is the official greeter, a bundle of joy and brings a smile to everyone’s face. She takes her job as store greeter very seriously and it is amazing how many people drop by just to say hello to her. Another thing I like about my job is our newsletter. I love to write and I love to take photographs - I get to do both when I publish our monthly newsletter. One thing that we are really proud of is that the people receiving the newsletter are reading it. While our contact list is not huge, it has had steady growth month after month. And I really appreciate that I have been able to introduce people to our products, particularly the Tarot Decks. We have over a hundred different decks, some of which are collectibles. I am currently running two Tarot workshops, a beginners and a more advanced and I love being able to share with others the great aspects of being able to read the tarot for yourself. 

What differentiates you from your competition?

Shanti  Gifts is a unique place to shop and while we are sometimes compared to other stores, we don’t think there’s another place exactly like ours anywhere. We are truly a store for all ages and for all sorts of Mystical, Magickal, Mythical gifts for the Body, Mind and Spirit.

If you weren’t at work, what would you most love to be doing?

I love to spend time photographing the birds and the scenery of the Sunshine Coast and I love shopping for Shanti Gifts. It’s the personal shopping that Doris and I do that helps us to find the unique and wonderful products for our customers. 

Do you shop at Shanti Gifts? Review them on our Facebook page, in the comments section under this post, and get 5 DealMate Dollars! (You will need a DealMate account for this so we can credit you.) Thanks! Oh, and PS, this offer is only valid during the time the deal can be purchased – not used. Cheers!

Montreal native Guy Auger could not resist the pull of beautiful BC and, the world-class facilities in Whistler. Learn more about him, the business he manages, and why we think this deal is excellent…

• Here’s the deal for North Shore customers
• Here’s the deal for Squamish customers
• Here’s the deal for Whistler customer

Tell us about how your business was started.

Riverside Resort opened its doors in 1999 on 40 acres of natural beauty adjacent to the Fitzsimmons Creek in Whistler. The continued popularity and growth of the customer base required an extensive expansion in 2010.

Was this what you always wanted to do?

I have been involved in Tourism and Customer Experience for many years and truly enjoy the industry.  I joined Riverside Resort as the General Manager in May of 2012.  Although I am new to the accommodation industry, I thrive in new challenges and learning experiences.

What are some interesting facts about you or your business that your customers may not know?

The business

Guests have a wide variety of accommodation to choose from: RV sites, Tent Sites, Yurts, and Cabins.  We have unique Yurts that offer a great experience

Guests are less than 2km from Whistler Village (and the Ski/Bike lifts) and can take our free shuttle year round. We have winterized RV sites, our front desk can book any activity you may want to do while in whistler, and we offer unique and cozy log cabins for a great winter/summer experience

Me

I am originally from Montreal and spent 15 years in Moncton, New Brunswick where I completed my MBA and met my amazing wife. Made the mistake of vacationing in Whistler on a couple of occasions, got  hooked  and decided to move here permanently about 12 years ago. Our son is 14 and an avid Mountain Biker and our daughter is in grade 12 and looking forward to University next year.  We are all very avid skiers.  I have been a ski coach/instructor for 25+ years although I just do it for fun now. 

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

Our guest’s smiles and the team’s dedication to ensure our guests are smiling. 

The Team at Riverside is terrific.  They are all dedicated to ensuring our guests have an amazing experience, not just with us but, for their entire stay in Whistler.  

Our facilities are also amazing.  Our Cabins and newly added Yurts complement our offerings of RV and tent sites and allow us to offer unique types of accommodations all year round. The natural setting we operate in provides our guests with great experiences, Whistler has everything for everyone.

Want to relax and rejuvenate, Stay in one of our Glamping Yurts or Log Cabins and visit the adjacent world renowned Scandinave Spa or hike some of the amazing trail in the area. Some starting at the edge of our property.

If you are more of an adrenaline junkie Whistler-Blackcombs World Class Bike Park and Skiing are at your door step and we provide a free shuttle to the village.  No parking headaches!

 And the variety of other activities available in our back yard is simply amazing.  There is something for everyone.

What differentiates you from your competition?

Our guests tell us it’s our team and their dedication to ensuring they have a great experience. We received top honours in a recent Customer Service challenge thru our Chamber of Commerce and we are strong advocates of communicating with our guests for feedback and acting upon it.

And of course our facilities are second to none.

If you weren’t at work, what would you most love to be doing?

Spending time with my Wife and kids on the bike trails or ski slopes.

Do you know Riverside Resort, Whistler? Review them on our Facebook page, in the comments section under this post, and get 5 DealMate Dollars! (You will need a DealMate account for this so we can credit you.) Thanks! Oh, and PS, this offer is only valid during the time the deal can be purchased – not used. Cheers!

Tell us about how your business was started. Was this what you always wanted to do?

I have taught fitness for more than 30 years, teaching every kind of class imaginable. I took about five years off from teaching, mainly to ferry my daughter from class to class. I took one Zumba class, loved it so much that I decided I was going to start teaching. I waited for someone to start teaching it, nobody did so I took the class myself.

What are some interesting facts about you or your business that your customers may not know?

Just because I’m up in front of a class, whooping and hollering, I’m not as ‘out there’ as people think! I’m actually quite a quiet person

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

It’s so much fun and such a great work out. Nobody’s watching the clock, everyone has smile on their face and everyone enjoys it.

What differentiates you from your competition?

I’m twice as old as her! She’s not really my competition, Danica and I work together a lot, teaching masterclasses.

If you weren’t at work, what would you most love to be doing?

Working! I have several jobs. I’m a hairdresser full-time, I teach Zumba seven times a week and organize a children’s craft fair, called Bratz Biz, to showcase young entrepreneurial spirit. I do enjoy bike riding and kayaking also.

To add to each blog post

Do you know Carmen of Zumba Fitness? Review them on our Facebook page, in the comments section under this post, and get 5 DealMate Dollars! (You will need a DealMate account for this so we can credit you.) Thanks! Oh, and PS, this offer is only valid during the time the deal can be purchased – not used. Cheers!

Alex Combas, who runs Pronto’s Pizza, took time out from his love of cooking to share a little more about himself and his business. Alex is a man who respects tradition and family, evidenced by continuing his father’s business, and loves to brew beer - read on to find out what that hobby has taught him, and check out this great deal on baked spaghetti...

Tell us about how your business was started. Was this what you always wanted to do?

My business really got started in October 1983 when my father opened his first Pronto’s here in Gibsons, those are the roots of my business, many people come in today and tell us how much they enjoyed my father’s food and how happy they are to see the next generation carrying on the family tradition.

What are some interesting facts about you or your business that your customers may not know? 

The old Andy’s restaurant, the old Patra Pizza, and the old Pronto’s Restaurant were owned by Andy Maragos, Mike Vortis, and George Combas (my father) respectively; three Greek families, who were all close friends, but of the three families I am the only one currently still in the restaurant business.

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

That is easy, I enjoy cooking. Good food is its own reward!

What differentiates you from your competition? 

I try not to think too much about competition, we just do the best that we can, and let the results speak for themselves. I will say that I have noticed a trend lately of businesses buying ready-made products because it is easier and faster than making it themselves from scratch. My father has always made his pizza dough and sauces from scratch and that is a tradition that we will always continue.

If you weren’t at work, what would you most love to be doing? 

I really enjoy brewing beer. As odd as it sounds beer and bread share the same essential component of yeast, and by brewing beer I’ve learned a lot about what yeast is and how it works, and hopefully that has also made me a better pizza man in the process.

Do you know Alex and Pronto’s Pizza? Review them on our Facebook page, in the comments section under this post, and get 5 DealMate Dollars! (You will need a DealMate account for this so we can credit you.) Thanks! Oh, and PS, this offer is only valid during the time the deal can be purchased – not used. Cheers

Hey, folks! Enjoy the Great Outdoors with our latest deal with the outdoor experts Alpha Adventures. General Manager of the Wilson Creek Store Annie Schroeder took some time to tell us - and you - a little more about them. Enjoy!

Tell us about how your business was started. Was this what you always wanted to do?

The owners, Jamie & Sarah Mani, are long-time Coasters and teachers. Their love for outdoor adventure and education started a small summer business in Robert’s Creek for kayak rentals, lessons, and tours, and a little bit of gear to go along with it. Now, 12 years later, we’re a year round operation serving the entire Sunshine Coast. We’ve expanded to a bigger store in Wilson Creek, another full service shop in Powell River, and two kayak rental locations in Garden Bay and Powell River. We cover a multitude of outdoor sports, from kayak and stand up paddle boarding to snowshoeing and cross country skiing, and lots in between! Its been a dream come true to see it all unfold and we look forward to the years to come.

What are some interesting facts about you or your business that your customers may not know?

The Sunshine Coast is such a unique place with unique needs. We provide some extra services that help meet our ultimate goal of getting people outside and recreating. For some - that means taking our shuttle service to Dakota Ridge during the winter, because they don’t have a 4x4 vehicle to get through the snow.  For others, that means having their kayaks delivered to their doorstep so they don’t have to bother with roof racks. Basically, we try to find realistic ways to get people recreating!

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

This business is about selling FUN to adults. It’s really just a candy store for grown-ups. There’s nothing quite like seeing a person fall in love with kayaking or be so stoked to go camping that they just have to come tell us about their trip.  We have big marine charts laid into the floor of the store - and hardly a day goes by where someone isn’t pointing out where they went on their latest adventure. 

What differentiates you from your competition?

I think the biggest difference is that our staff live and breathe the outdoors. Our staff are kayak guides, paddle boarding instructors, Nordic skiing teachers, and the list goes on. We pride ourselves in being experts in our field. We’re not a big box store, we’re not just going to point you in the right direction and make you figure it out. Come pick our brains, we have tons of experience and love sharing - and ultimately we love helping our customers make decisions about gear that’s right for them, gear that will serve them well for years to come.

If you weren’t at work, what would you most love to be doing?

We work hard and we play hard. I always joke about the ocean being my office - and I can’t say that I don’t pretty well do the same stuff on my days off!  I think I speak for all our staff when I say we love being with our families, travelling, and playing outside. You can never go wrong with surfing in Hawaii either!

Do you know this merchant? Review them on our Facebook page, in the comments section under this post, and get 5 DealMate Dollars! (You will need a DealMate account for this so we can credit you.) Thanks! Oh, and PS, this offer is only valid during the time the deal can be purchased – not used. Cheers!