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28 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday September 21, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com elebrating 25 years in business, this is a story of one man's achievement. It is the tale of how hard work and heart can lead to the road of business and personal success. Cliff's Lawn and Garden Equipment has been setting the industry standard for outdoor power equipment dealers since 1982. Today, his reputation precedes him and a loyal customer base increases, as does the business. The quality of the man and product has resulted in a respected and profitable company. It was just over 25 years ago... When Cliff was driving transport and doing minor mechanical repairs for friends and neighbours. Though a licensed small engine mechanic, it was his natural ability and enthusiasm that prompted Cliff to dabble at lawnmower repair work. When the transport company he worked for moved to a new location, Cliff had to make a decision. And to everyone's benefit, most importantly the people of Oakville, Cliff rented a small space locally from a friend and set up shop. And that was the beginning... I drive to 488 Morden, 7,000 sq. ft. of achievement, to meet up with the man himself. Soft-spoken and very `matter of fact', I sense a history of no-nonsense hard work mixed with a ton of kindness. We stroll pass unparalleled product, and I ask how he felt when it all began. "I knew what I was doing in terms of repairs," reflects Cliff, "but had no idea how far it would lead me." Twenty-five years ago, leasing 500 sq ft. on Wallace St., he was a one-man show. "I would advertise by handing out flyers and putting up posters". It would be just one year later when Cliff took success in hand and moved it to a 4,000 sq. ft. building on Speers Rd. Over the years Oakville's changes and growth pattern had a positive effect on Cliff's business. When Glen Abbey was built it opened up a whole market in terms of repairs, leading the business into sales of equipment. As well, the customer dynamic began to rapidly shift. "Whereas there was a time when almost all of our customer base was residential, nowadays, our commercial and municipal business account for up to 60 per cent of our sales." >> C "Actually looks like they're doing some work". Peter Mozola, Tyler Williston, Kevin Ellsmere, Chris Knap. (ABOVE) "The whole gang" - from left to right: 1. Hilkka Carley (VP - Cliff's wife) 2. Peter Mozola, (mechanic) 3. Tyler Williston, (chief mechanic) 4. Kevin Ellsmere, (apprentice mechanic) 5. Dave Carley (Service Manager - son #1 - just in chronological order - NOT that he's the favorite...cause he's not ya know...really..why don't you believe me) 6. Cliff Carley (president) 7. Steve Carley (Office Manager son #2....they told me we were equal in there eyes...but come to think of it, he did always get better Christmas gifts than me....do you think...) 8. Joshua Cooper (sales) 9. Chris Knap (general help) 10. June Jones (Accounts Recievable, Reception) 11. Ken Biggs (Parts Manager) 12. Marie Carley (Accounts Payable, Reception - #1 son's wife) "The TORO Company would like to recognize and thank Cliff 's Lawn and Garden for their success and contribution to the community over the past 25 years. Be sure to stop by and see Cliff, Dave or Steve to discuss all your lawn and professional landscape needs." They are the experts in your community!! "Count on Toro" "Count on Cliff 's" Congratulations Cliff's Lawn & Garden 25 th Anniversary A Leader in the Outdoor Power Equipment Industry since 1914 From All of Us at Pro-Power Canada Inc. www.propowercanada.ca 1-800-361-0907