by Stella Shepard
Floyd Burke is embarking on a new business journey after life-long work in the trades. Transferable welding and fabrication skills inspired Floyd to launch Triple S Holdings located on the Gowan Brae Road in Rollo Bay.
The company produces custom kiln-dried animal bedding from pine and aspen logs. The entire drying procedure, including bagging, is done on-site. “It’s the only kiln-drying facility on the Island producing dried wood shavings for animal bedding,” says Floyd.
“I recognized a great need for the product while employed at a feed mill. It took a couple of years of thought, research, marketing, and purchasing and fabricating my own equipment before I opened the business in 2020.
“I am targeting large PEI dairy and poultry farming operations, as well as Island-based feed stores.”
Community support
Community Business Development Corporation East (CBDC) 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.
Martina MacDonald is the Executive Director of CBDC East, and Helen Antle is the Business Development Officer.
“Without the financial assistance of CBDC East, I would not have been able to open the business,” says Floyd. “The support and encouragement Martina and Helen offered was phenomenal. They looked at my business plan and said that we need this service on PEI.
“CBDC relaxed my loan payments for three months because of COVID-19. I’m doubtful if any other financial lending institution would have done the same.
“Without the support of CBDC East and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) the number of small Island businesses would be much lower.”
As well, Floyd says family support contributed to the business venture.
Hiring needs
“I’m sourcing the wood locally,” says Floyd. “As well, I will be hiring two to three staff full-time, year-round. I’m willing to train people who have some mechanical knowledge. They should be reliable and be willing to learn new skills.”
For more information about Triple S Holdings, contact Floyd Burke at 902-969-8056.
For more information about Community Business Development Corporation East (CBDC) visit www.cbdc.ca or call 902-838-4030.