The Under 40 Entrepreneur Award is a newer award that celebrates and supports younger Gabriolans in their local business development. Each of our award winners this past year have something in common – community commitment and local collaboration, which are the foundations of our 2021 winner, Aquality Service’s, business model. Aquality specializes in water treatment services and plumbing supplies and also shares the benefit of the positive relationships they’ve cultivated in the community to coordinate other service contractors for clients.
Originally operating under the company name Withey’s Water Treatment, Nicholas Read took over ownership and operations in July 2017. With a new vision in mind, he rebranded the company as Aquality Service and expanded with support from his family and the commitment of the Aquality Team. Aquality Service has since grown from servicing 500 properties to 1000+ residential and commercial properties. The Aquality Team itself has also grown from 2 staff members in 2017 to 5 team members currently.
They opened the Aquality Store…and more! 2 years ago to provide a place for community members to purchase water treatment equipment locally and learn about Gabriola’s water systems. The storefront also provides a unique spot in Twin Beaches Mall to shop and support local artisans.
Aquality is committed to developing Gabriola’s Service Sector with a focus on creating meaningful full-time employment and establishing positive boundaries around work/life balance. They’ve excelled by maintaining long-lasting relationships with clients and other local businesses.
The team and business also have an environmental focus, advocating water-wise techniques and equipment, as well as hosting a monthly shoreline clean up the last Wednesday of every month.
Their ultimate dream is to establish a group of community-minded people serious about business collaboration that surpasses their immediate work environment. They describe this vision as:
- Investment in one another to expand work/personal relationships and build local economic resilience
- Networking opportunities to assist individuals professionally and support community cultural growth
If this resonates with you, they invite you to reach out or stop by to discuss ideas for the future!
Thank you, Aquality Service, for your determination, commitment and creativity and Love Local spirit! You can give back and support these young entrepreneurs by hiring on-island, shopping local, joining one of their shoreline clean-ups, and by following them on social media: Aquality Service and Aquality Store & More. Learn more and get in touch: aqualityservice.ca
The U40 Award has acknowledged Aquality Service and Ground Up Cafe & Catering – who’s next? Nominate for our 2022 Business Awards here.
Photos by local photographer, Jenn Knight. Graphics by local designer, Drifter Media.