The following 'success story' was submitted to OrilliaMatters by the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation.
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Good things do happen to good people if they have support.
That’s what helped Tiffany Denena take a leap of faith when she took over a business a couple of years ago.
“I always knew I wanted to own a business — I just didn't know what it would be,” said the owner of Master Lube Rust Check, which is located at 91 Laclie St. in Orillia. Denena had worked at the locally owned business for 13 years before the opportunity to succeed her employer came up.
It was an intimidating step to take, said Denena, and she had no idea how to go about it, until she reached out to the Orillia Area Community Development Corp. (CDC).
“I had driven by them and I'd heard lots of good things from other people,” she said, “so I kind of winged it and went in there.”
With guidance from CDC staff, she set about step one of starting her own business: drawing up a business plan. Her boss and mentor, Gord Stewart, was ever ready to help her through the process.
Denena reached out to the CDC again when it came time for finding financing.
“I'm a self-made person and I don't come from a rich family,” she said, adding she took her business plan to the CDC. “They were super nice and helpful. They helped pull together investors to make this work for me,” said Denena.
With every piece of the puzzle in place, the new owner of Master Lube Rust Check said her goal is to pay off the loan in three years — and she’s already made strides in that direction.
“This is my life,” said Denena, holding back tears. “I'm dedicated to this business until the end.”
“I want to inspire my staff members — maybe one of them will become a business owner — just like me,” she added.
Denena said she wants to hold up the trust given by the CDC.
“They're so pleasant and helpful and really informative,” she said. “It's nice to go to someone who is honest and will tell you exactly how it is.”
For more information on Master Lube Rust Check contact 705-326-1555, [email protected] or visit www.masterluberustcheck.ca.
For more information on the Orillia Area Community Development Corp. (CDC), please contact [email protected] or visit www.orilliacdc.com
