In Good Company with Wards Lawyers

It’s not uncommon for a family business to be helmed by someone from its third generation. But when all three children  – now young men – in that third generation choose to carry on that legacy, together, well, that’s something exceptional.  And Luke, Kyle and Jeff Richardson are fully invested in Pineneedle Farms near Pontypool. Each studied and developed their own unique skills when it comes to raising a wide variety of trees from wee tiny seedlings. None are prouder of this special partnership than parents Paul and Tracy. We head to the farm where all five Richardsons share the story of this extraordinary business that ships around the world, but is rooted in our community. In Good Company is a production of Wards Lawyers. Original theme music by Jeremy Van Halteren.

Officially, it’s called “Tradewind Toys and Gifts.” But, oh my. It really is so much more than that. Yes, there are the billions of board games and puzzles. But then there’s that intangible, yet all-encompassing quality that customers can’t help but leave with – a genuine, almost child-like, sense of giddy happiness. It’s a credit to the woman who has exuded that warmth and gentle enthusiasm since the first day she swung open the doors to this oh-so-fun-and-cool store in Lindsay’s downtown. Angela Field shares how and why her fervour has not waned in what is now 30 years of bringing joy (and introducing Code Names!) to Kawartha Lakes.  In Good Company is a production of Wards Lawyers. Original theme music by Jeremy Van Halteren.  

But it’s also Downeyville’s happy place. Heck, it’s a happy place for anyone who’s visited Brouwer Bake Shop, the beloved creation of Hannah and husband Rob Brouwer. But their story is about much more than just oh-so-delicious cakes, cookies, doughnuts and scones. (Oh, my. Those scones!). And let’s not forget the roasted coffee, deli sandwiches and pizza. It’s a tale of how the Brouwers – diehard Downeyville dwellers and parents to seven children - transformed a once-derelict former general store into a happy hub of community. That they did so with much help from family and neighbours is no surprise – cuz that’s baked into Downeyville culture. (Yes, baked. Pun fully-intended). Original theme music by Jeremy Van Halteren. In Good Company is a production of Wards Lawyers.

Kim Murphy’s clients are quick to praise her skills as a stylist. But they’re equally admiring of her keen ability – and willingness – to lend a listening ear. It’s why the young stylist isn’t just a small business owner in Bobcaygeon – she’s an integral part of its community. In Good Company takes you inside Lavish Locks to meet Kim, some of her clients (and new friends!) as well as her part-timer – her mother, Tracey. Theme music by Jeremy Van Halteren. In Good Company is a production of Wards Lawyers.

Being honest, we initially figured this’d be a nice little segment to add on to another episode. But Hemy Hockey’s story – and, specifically, the father-son team that own and operate it – was just so compelling and warm and thoughtful that we happily realized it deserved its own episode. We take you inside the skate sharpening shop at The Lindsay Recreation Complex to meet Randy and Cody Hyndman. They share how a small, but efficient, space quickly became recognized and respected for being big on specialized skill, customer service and community. Theme music by Jeremy Van Halteren. In Good Company is brought to by another great community member, Wards Lawyers.

So, what’s that space in hockey between amateur and professional? Semi-Pro? Senior A? Officially, the Lindsay Barncats are the latter. But the team’s die-hard fans would argue their team is full-on professional, featuring seasoned players – who range in age from early 20 to mid 40s – still at it because beer league and shinny can’t cut it for them. (And like all players in the Northern Premier Hockey League, only their basic expenses are covered, further proving their genuine love of The Best Game You Can Name, eh). In Good Company takes you inside their home barn, the Lindsay Rec Complex, to meet the entrepreneur who brought the Barncats to our community, the fans who cheer them on, and a player who “brings it” every game. Theme music by Jeremy Van Halteren. In Good Company is a production of Wards Lawyers.

Chris Van Lierop and Tim Wisener didn’t just want to set up shop in Fenelon Falls. Fer sure, “Home by Tim and Chris” – the full-service architectural design firm they launched a few years ago  – is one of the bigger success stories of Fenelon’s business community. (And all of Kawartha Lakes!).  But when Chris and Tim chose Fenelon as their home – (Chris relocating from Newmarket, Tim making his childhood summer town his full-time home) - the couple was quickly all in on contributing to their new community’s cultural fabric. Their Colborne Street Gallery and their deep involvement in The Grove Theatre are proof of this. Listen to the story of how their business started, grew, expanded – and deepened their love of, and commitment to, Fenelon Falls. In Good Company is brought to you by Wards Lawyers. Original music by Jeremy Van Halteren.

There was little discussion when the team at Wards was choosing who to feature in the first episode of In Good Company - a show that celebrates our community and the people in it. We all knew who the perfect choice was.  For more than 40 years, Van Halteren’s Music Centre has been a big part of the business and cultural fabric of Kawartha Lakes. This is the story of the iconic store (Yup, iconic is very fitting, here) as told by two generations of the famous musical family, John and Jeremy Van Halteren. Music for this episode - and every episode to follow! - is provided (again, fitting) by the very talented Jeremy Van Halteren.