It speaks volumes when your employees talk about feeling like more than just part of a team, said Andy Spurling, president and one of the owners of Proline Management.
“I think it says a lot when you hear from the broader team that they feel like part of the family,” he said. “We couldn’t do what we do without the contributions everyone makes to our success.”
Proline Management, which was recently acknowledged as the recipient of the Victoria Family Business Association Vancouver Island’s Family Business Excellence Award, has been in operation since 1985. The company, established in 1989, focuses on residential property management, and has 53 employees in offices in Victoria, Langford and Nanaimo.
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Spurling said he is honoured to receive the FBA Vancouver Island award. “We’ve been involved with the FBA since I returned to Victoria in 2007,” he said. “Family businesses face a lot of unique challenges, and to be recognized by a group of outstanding businesses is an honour we’re extremely grateful for.” Spurling said the award also recognizes the efforts of his mother, Marilyn. “She played a major role in getting the business to where it is today.”
Finalists for the award were Bliss and Be Love in Victoria and Two Eagles Lodge B&B in Comox. Andrew Wilson of The Wilson’s Group of Companies is the recipient of the 2019 Family Business Young Entrepreneur Award.
Café Bliss, founded by Heather Cunliffe, opened its doors in Victoria in 2008 and good things have been flowing through them ever since. Heather’s brother, Joe Cunliffe, joined as business partner in 2010 and their father, Ayrie, designed space as they expanded. They opened Be Love in 2013, a second Café Bliss location at Whole Foods in 2016 and a third location in downtown Vancouver the summer of 2018.
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Andrew Wilson, 30, is Fleet Manager with Wilson’s Group of Companies where he oversees 30 staff and the purchasing and selling of all the Wilson’s Group fleet. He assumed the position at the age of 24, making him the youngest manager in the company, as well as one of the youngest in his field. Under his leadership, the fleet has grown to almost 200 vehicles which is one of the largest and most diverse fleets in British Columbia.
The awards will be presented at a gala ceremony at the Union Club of BC, Victoria, on Feb. 13. The awards are given annually by FBA to recognize youth leadership and to celebrate and promote achievements of Vancouver Island family businesses and the considerable contributions they make to their local communities. To purchase tickets visit familybusinessassociationvi.ca.
FBA Vancouver Island has been part of the business community on the Island for 20 years, with a focus on providing timely educational events and advisory teams that contribute to the success of family businesses. More than 70 family businesses are involved with the FBA.
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