Steamshovel scoops platinum

Hand-picked staff, strong core values and calculated risk has resulted in a popular, thriving business

The Flying Steamshovel Hotel in Rossland, B.C., ranked platinum in the Kootenay Business reader survey for best businesses. — Photo courtesy Flying Steamshovel Hotel

The Flying Steamshovel Hotel in Rossland, B.C., achieved platinum ranking in Kootenay Business magazine’s Best of Business readers’ survey. We spoke with Chris Bowman, operating partner at the Steamshovel, about what it takes to garner this level of popularity.

“We renovated the pub in 2008,” Bowman said, “right at the point when the economy fell off. We kind of went against the odds, but we felt that if we put together something that was pretty cool and gave all the right things with service and quality of product, we could make a success of it.”

Bowman believes that the Steamshovel’s success wouldn’t have been possible without his hand-picked staff.

“At the Steamshovel I’m a small piece in a big picture. My philosophy as a manager has always been to hire and train and retain great people. It all begins with a plan, people, process and tools. Stick to the plan; hire, develop and retain good people; simplify the process of learning; and give them excellent tools to work with, and the success levels increase.”

When it comes to business success, The Flying Steamshovel Hotel is clear proof that hiring and developing a team of great people is key.