Debbie Sherwood is co-owner of Rutlyn Development Corp with her husband, Bruce.
They established the business in Sidney in 2000. Before moving to BC Bruce and Debbie had a property management business in Toronto for 14 years. Debbie comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. She also worked with her parents in their Toronto travel agency for 12 years, so Debbie can truly appreciate “ma and pa” businesses.
As both a business person and a consumer, Debbie fervently believes in the value of “value.”
“We could do with less hype, spin and deals in our lives. Truth and honesty, however, are irreplaceable,” she says.
What business do you own/run?
Co-owner of Rutlyn Development Corp., also working as Elevate Consulting’s Manager of Administration and Quality Assurance, and as bookkeeper for Peninsula Veterinary House Call Services.
How long have you been in business?
Thirty-two years.
How do you find balance in your life?
First of all, I enjoy what I do, and if I don’t, I try to change what’s within my power, or move on. Wise words to live by, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Secondly, I am surrounded by lively and active family and friends. Taking an interest in them makes me put my own issues in perspective.
What have you learned that you would like to have been able to share with the “younger you”?
Things we had to learn in high school we were convinced we would never need — like history, math, science, grammar and literature … I wish I would have understood then how relevant and useful they really are.
What’s the one thing you’d like to do better?
Live on four hours of sleep a night, to have more waking hours for fun and interesting activities.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Fine, hand-made chocolates.
What is the one thing you could never be without?
My family.
What is your proudest achievement?
See answer above.
What traits would you like to be remembered for?
The ability to make people think and laugh; maybe for some good Habsburg Empire cooking too.
If you weren’t in your present career, what would you be doing?
Teaching. I have this romantic, perhaps misguided notion that teaching is one of the noblest professions in all mankind.