We are so excited to spice up our weekly feature- MomPreneur. Since Father’s day is in June, I felt it was important to feature some amazing DadPreneurs for the month of June. Every week we will feature a local west island dad that has his own business and lives in the west island. It’s so important to support local and after the year we have had, we need to support our community more than ever. The month of June features, are sponsored by Steak Bleu.
We are so excited to introduce you to our second DadPreneur : Mike Smith of Aspirateur Vacupro. Read all about this amazing DadPreneur.
What is the name of your business and what is it about?
Aspirateur Vacupro located in Plaza Pointe Claire. We specialize in sales and service of vacuum cleaners, central vacuum systems and related parts and supplies, installations and service. We also have a wide variety of other cleaning equipment and supplies – steamers, polishers, carpet washers, janitorial floor machines, detergents, laundry soaps, floor care products and more.
2. How long have you been an entrepreneur and why did you become one?
It’s been so long, I don’t quite remember – LOL. I think it’s in the 20 year ballpark. I always wanted to have control of my own future and to not have to depend on someone else. There’s nothing better than being able to control the direction of my business and implement my vision of where to take it.
3. What advice would you give to a Dad considering opening their own business?
Be prepared to work harder than you would as an employee for someone else. Be prepared to make sacrifices. Part of the attraction of being an entrepreneur is the ability to make your own schedule and work it around your life. Right from the start make that work-life balance as much of a priority as your customers and profits. If not, you end up putting it off to the proverbial ‘soon’… as soon as I get to this level; as soon as the financing is paid off…but the time that goes by cannot be replaced. Work hard; work as much as needed while always keeping the balance with family as an equally important priority. You have to, because no one else will do it for you. The work will still be there tomorrow, your loved ones might not be.
4. Seeing we are all about our West Island Community, where are your Go to places?
Without question, Plaza Pointe-Claire. I do most of my shopping there. My personal service providers are located in the west island – dentist, barber, doctor. I like to support our local restaurants when we can, such as, Ye Olde Orchard Pub, The Keg, McKibbins, Romano’s and Arena Pizza. Taking some time to enjoy strolling along the Lakeshore in Ste-Anne’s or the Pointe-Claire village or spending an afternoon at Cap St-Jacques are a few of my go-to’s.
5. To wrap up, what are your must have items that you use or need everyday….
Car, phone, computer and tools are all must-have items that are used every work day. But equally as must-haves are quality time with family, including our dog Parker. They make the long days worthwhile and melt away the stress of the difficult days.
Social Media and Website Links
Website: www.vacupro.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Vacupro
Instagram – @Vacupro