XL Quality Industrial Services Inc. Support for the Big Engines


 XL was spawned from the turmoil of Cominco’s restructuring in the early ‘90s. John Lake worked there for a while after selling off his machine shop business in Australia “to become a ski bum in Canada,” then ended up buying the company when it seemed about to close in 2001. Being an entrepreneur is in John’s blood. He enjoys living close to the edge, taking risks – rewards are directly proportional to the risk, he said. “For people used to a steady income that’s hard. But I like controlling my own destiny.”

 

XL is now a thriving $2 million business that pumps about half a million dollars into the local economy through the payroll of 12 to 18 employees turning out steel and aluminum fabrications and machined products at their Columbia Gardens’ shop, largely for the big ‘engines:’ Teck Cominco, Celgar, BC Hydro, “and anyone else who comes through the door.” Keeping a steady flow of orders coming through that door is the challenge, “Which means keeping our customers happy,” John said.

 

So running a business is what you really want to do? “Absolutely. There are people issues occasionally, but I’ve got good people; we do a good job, and we do a bit better every year, even though it is a cyclical market.”

 

“Anybody with a vision, a reasonable goal, the will, and the tenacity to see it through can make it in this town. The supports are there – Community Futures, Skills Centre, the Chamber – so if you see a good opportunity, go for it, take the risk.”

 

XL Quality Industrial Services Inc. Contact Information

 

Risk is intrinsic with entrepreneurs – you have to speculate to accumulate
 
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