by Stella Shepard
Robert MacLeod of Murray River began thinking outside the box while employed as a carpenter in the construction industry.
Being an innovate thinker, Robert researched new energy efficiency technology for a year before becoming an authorized dealer with AeroBarrier. With this, Efficiency First Air Sealing Inc. was born in October 2019.
The company uses an innovative technology in new construction and large-scale renovations that improves energy efficiency and offers more economical energy options by sealing gaps left behind in the building process.
The process is computer controlled and offers computer-based results of up to 98 percent better efficiency. Aerobarrier is GreenGuard Gold certified. The entire procedure takes as little as 90 minutes. Contractors can go back to work immediately upon completion.
“About 14 dealers in Canada use this technology, and I’m the first and only authorized dealer on PEI,” says Robert. The franchise provided Robert with the necessary equipment and training before COVID-19 struck, and business did not slow down for him during the pandemic.
“I projected using this new sealing technology in 30 houses in the first year of business. Even with the pandemic, it was very busy with 47 seals. I’m predicting a demand for this new sealing technology as the construction business continues to boom on PEI and word spreads about this product.”
Community Business Development Corporation-East (CBDC) provided Robert with a loan to buy into the franchise and purchase the necessary equipment. As well, he was able to access business-related programs and services provided by CBDC, which is located at the Rural Action Centre on Main Street in Montague.
CBDC East assists in creating small businesses and in expanding and modernizing existing businesses by providing financial and technical services to entrepreneurs. Services target entrepreneurs who require customized financing not ordinarily available from traditional sources.
Robert became a member of the Eastern PEI Chamber of Commerce to make better connections and to build his business locally.
The chamber is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting its members’ businesses and the economic environment of the community.
“Supporting our members with their immediate and future challenges is a major role that we play here in Eastern PEI,” says Lori MacGregor, Executive Director. “We exist to strengthen our local business economy and help our members reach positive outcomes in the future.”
Future hiring
“I will be hiring when the pandemic stabilizes,” says Robert. “I will be looking for people with construction experience who are interested in learning efficiency-related technology.”
For more information about AeroBarrier and how Efficiency First Air Sealing Inc. can help you, contact Robert MacLeod at 902-969-1234 or email [email protected]
Visit www.efficiencyfirstairsealing.com
For more information about Community Business Development Corporation East (CBDC) visit www.cbdc.ca or call 902-838-4030.
For more information about The Eastern PEI Chamber of Commerce, contact Lori MacGregor at 902-838-3131. Visit www.epeicc.ca