Randy Singleton- from unemployed to self-employed

When the dissolution Hantsport was being considered, some residents favoured inviting big industries to move into town. Others believed that small businesses should be encouraged. In the last few years, people laid off by the two major industries which closed, have started their own businesses. Randy Singleton is one of these. 

Randy is grateful for the help he is receiving from the Canadian Business Development Commission in Windsor in staring his new business - Property Services. 

He worked for Minas Basin for 33 years until being laid off with the other employees when the company closed in 2013. Randy received a severance package. He spent the next few months enjoying life and figuring out his future. 

Like many others, he seriously considered heading for the oil fields but he was not interested in flying back and forth to Alberta. 

And he was not interested in working for someone else. He liked the idea of deciding for himself when to work.

To qualify for CBDC assistance, a person must be on unemployment. They must have a business idea, a business plan, meet the criteria, present a plan and be approved. 

“As a kid, I mowed lawns. Now, I mowing lawns again.”

But Randy has discovered that mowing lawns has changed to lawn grooming and maintenance. He learned new techniques from YouTube and bought a commercial mower to maximize his time.        

Randy does more than mow lawns. Just look at his business card!