Success Story #2

 

BUSINESS VETERAN DON AIKEN SHORT ON YEARS, BUT LONG ON EXPERIENCE  

 

      At just barely thirty one years of age, Red Lake’s Don Aiken has the kind of business acumen and energy that could make Donald Trump look like a slacker.  Let’s have a quick look at his resume...  “I bought my first business when I was 15,” grins Aiken, who adds that he “bought a chip box, and then it did really well, I had them in four different towns...and bought a business every year after that, too.”  Fast forward to today and you’ll find Aiken as the President of Red Lake Marine Products Limited.  In addition to those responsibilities he also owns a land development company, and has interests in a mall and some apartment buildings.  If you meet him, you’ll likely come away impressed with the dynamic, yet humble, entrepreneur.  Although be fairly warned that you may also feel kind of lazy in comparison! 

      So what drives Aiken’s love of business?  It all began at the tender age of eight when Don and his family took over a bowling alley and arcade.  “My parents where young when they bought it, and they relied a lot on us to help,” recalls Aiken, continuing that “we helped them count the money at the end of the night, and it looked like a lot better idea than working for somebody else.”  So what is the best part of being your own boss?  “Well, mostly freedom,” offers Don, who says he gets to “spend time with the family, not to be harnessed by an eight to five job or be hassled with a boss yelling at you for something.”  And what about the downside?  “Well, your work day doesn’t end at five... I mean, you’re waking up at three o’clock and making a list so that you can get some more stuff done.”  And that’s on top of the fifteen hour work days Aiken already puts in.  But that may be about to change. 

      Don Aiken and Tammy Gagne, the woman he refers to as ‘the love of my life’, are expecting a baby soon.  As a result, Don has vowed to make more time in his schedule to spend with her and the newborn, plus Tammy’s three children.  The couple plan to marry in Jamaica this coming January.  Despite what we’ve mentioned about Aiken’s business prowess, he claims he isn’t motivated solely by finances.  “It’s, I think, a living.  It’s not really the money, because you know, money’s money but the most important thing is family, friends, health and then whatever lifestyle you want for yourself.”  Diversification is also a big consideration for Don.  “I went from the restaurant business to the tourism business to the marina,” says Aiken, who adds that “now I’m starting to get involved in the mining sector a little bit.  I just like doing different things, meeting different people.” 

      Diversification is also a word that applies to Don’s current endeavour.  Red Lake Marine features not only the recreational vehicles you might expect to find  - boats and motors, motorcycles, scooters, and sporting accessories - but also has a licensed automotive garage that services not only trucks and cars, but small engines, lawn mowers, snowmobiles, ATVs, boats and even electric wheelchairs.  There is also a Source outlet (think Radio Shack) on the premises.  “We sell all kinds of electronic equipment, we do storage, we do servicing, winter servicing, shrink wrapping,” rhymes off Aiken, reasoning that “because it is a small town, there’s not a lot of customers, so you have to be a one stop shop.”   

      With an estimated population of less than 6,000 people, Red Lake is not presently a big centre.  But Don Aiken says he expects the area to grow as the local gold mining industry flourishes.  That may mean that the area will have to adjust.  “We need more accommodations,” states Aiken, “the town has had some forethought, they’re putting some infrastructure into the ground and developing sixty more lots or something like that.”  Ever the entrepreneur, Don sees that scenario as a possible boost to his bottom line.  “It’s good for me,” he says, explaining that “I have some lots for sale, too.” 

      Whatever the future holds for Red Lake, Don Aiken will likely be a big part of it.  Don is a fourth generation Red Laker, the great grandson of the town’s first dentist.  And despite his driving ambition, Aiken – golden retriever Casey resting by his side - says he enjoys the laid back atmosphere of his hometown.  “We’re close to the water, I like walking down to work every morning and being on the lake, and my dog coming in to work,” smiles Don, continuing that “it’s just this whole pace.  Everybody’s very intelligent, they’re very friendly, and it’s a safe community, we’ve got the three kids already and they drive around on their bicycles around town and, it’s just a great place to live.”  

If you’re in the market for any of the many items Don Aiken has for sale - or just want to pick his entrepreneurial brain for a little business advice - visit Red Lake Marine Products Limited at #22 Highway 105 in Red Lake, or call him at727-2747. 

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The Chukuni Communities Development Corporation
A Community Futures Development Corporation
137 Howey Street, Box 250, Red Lake, Ontario Canada P0V 2M0
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