On March 29, small business owners around North America celebrated their family businesses and honoured those generations of mom-and-pop business owners who built vibrant local economies across the continent.
This is the case for two CARSTAR locations: one in Collingwood, ON, and the other one in Vermilion, AB.
Meet the Donkins at CARSTAR Vermilion
Small business owners like Mike and Loren Donkin, owners of CARSTAR Vermilion in Vermilion, AB, celebrated their family business and honoured the generations of mom-and-pop business owners from decades past.
Mike Donkin started working at the location in 1992, managing the facility and took it over in 2010, with his wife, Lorena, joining the team after the front office administrator retired. They joined the CARSTAR family in 2019.
“Fixing and repairing vehicles is what we love to do,” said Mike Donkin. “It’s gratifying when our customers refer others to our location because of the quality of our work and our customer service.”
Son, Brandel, 21, works full-time at the facility, continuing the family leadership. He and his brother Karsten Donkin participated in registered apprenticeship program at CARSTAR Vermilion.
The start of Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day was established by Rick and Margie Segel in honour of their parents and the successful hat shop they opened in 1939 and grew into a 10,000 square foot, $2 million dollar clothing shop. It is a special day to appreciate the long hours, hard work and dedication it takes to run a small business.
The Donkins give back to the community through a number of programs, including supporting local sports, their church community, and education awards, among others.
“We are very involved in the local golf course and work on the board,” said Donkin. “CARSTAR Vermilion regularly sponsors a hole-in-one contest for tournaments throughout the year. We’re also involved in our church and the work they do in the community. In addition, we donate to minor-league hockey, two curling clubs and the J.R. Robson Math 9 Award.”
Like many mom-and-pop businesses, the Donkins are committed to building their family business by serving their community and sharing their passion for repairing vehicles.
Generations of the Boucher Family
Matt Boucher, Owner of CARSTAR Collingwood in Collingwood, ON, appreciates the importance of independent owners and hands-on leadership in a small business firsthand. His grandfather and grandmother founded what became CARSTAR Collingwood in 1974. It was then taken over by his father Gary along with his aunt and uncle. Today, Matt runs the business with his father and his brother Andrew.
“It’s very special to grow up in a family business and continue the legacy of your grandparents, your father, your uncle and aunt,” said Matt Boucher. “As a locally owned business serving this community for some 50 years, we’re very connected here and have been for generations. That’s what a mom-and-pop business is all about—treating your team, your customers and your community like family.”
Boucher and his family give back to the community through a number of programs, including sponsoring local teams.
“It’s rewarding seeing our customers happy because they know we went the extra step for them,” he said. “Our community stands behind us and our work, and everyone knows who we are. It’s nice to have people say ‘hi’ when you are out in public because you took care of them and showed them how a bad accident can lead to a great experience.”
Boucher also loves putting on events for his staff, too, to show them how much they mean to the family and the operation.
“I absolutely plan to keep this business in the family for years to come and look forward to celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Day with our team and customers for the decades ahead,” he added.
