Leading entrepreneurs in the West Kootenay

Meet the inspirational business owners who are leading the way in the West Kootenay region

The Happy Hills Farm family is thriving in the West Kootenay. — Photo courtesy Happy Hills Farm

The West Kootenay has a flavour all its own, famous for arts and cultural attractions, historical sites and bustling businesses.

Entrepreneurs who set up shop here quickly fall in love with the region, so we decided to introduce you to a few of our top West Kootenay business people. Each of them were honoured at their local chamber of commerce awards for above-and-beyond service to their customers and communities.

- Photo courtesy The Wandering Greek Oven

George and Heather Salivaras, The Wandering Greek Oven - Castlegar, BC

Award: The couple earned the Restaurant Award at the Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce's 2019 Chamber Business Excellence Awards.

Bio: Chef George Salivaras and his wife, Heather, purchased The Wandering Greek Oven (formerly The Greek Oven) from George's parents in 2015.

They have upheld the family tradition of excellence, cooking up authentic Greek cuisine with passion and flare. They are all about community, and have been partnering with other West Kootenay companies - serving Crumbs Bakery bread products and beverages from Nelson Brewing Company and Tailout Brewing. 

Business: The Wandering Greek Oven

- Photo courtesy Ferraro Foods

Danny Ferraro, Ferraro Foods - Trail, BC

Award: Danny Ferraro was named Business Person of the Year, and his company won the Community Impact Award at the 2019 Trail & District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.

Bio: Ferraro is a longstanding member of Trail's business community. He has continually expanded and improved his company over the years, investing in major renovations and adding a Starbucks along the way. 

Ferraro believes in paying it forward. He does so by getting involved with local charities and fundraisers on a regular basis.

Business: Ferraro Foods

- Photo courtesy Breanne and Dan Gaudreau

Dan and Breanne Gaudreau, Edge Roofing Ltd. - Nelson, BC

Award: Dan and Breanne Gaudreau were award-winners at the 2019 Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, under the Professional Service Excellence category.

Bio: The Gaudreaus own Edge Roofing Ltd. in Nelson and have a skilled, dedicated team under their leadership. 

Since opening in 2006 they have tackled a variety of projects in the West Kootenay, working closely with building contractors and home owners to bring their visions to life.

Business: Edge Roofing Ltd.

- Photo courtesy Happy Hills Farm

Dan Hayden and Miche Warwick, Happy Hills Farm - Rossland, BC

Award: The owners of Happy Hills Farm won a Go Green Award at the 2019 Trail & District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.

Bio: Dan Hayden and Miche Warwick have had tremendous success with their farm in Rossland.

They have been lauded for their eco-friendly, regenerative agricultural practices, and pride themselves on producing healthy, locally grown food year-round.

Business: Happy Hills Farm

Learn more: Check out this article to learn more about Happy Hills Farm.

- Photo courtesy Arrow Lake Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Kelly Fraser, Arrow Lake Veterinary Hospital - Castlegar, BC

Award: Dr. Fraser did well at the Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce's 2019 Chamber Business Excellence Awards, winning an accolade in the Professional Services category.

Bio: Dr. Kelly Fraser is an accomplished veterinarian and the devoted owner of Arrow Lake Veterinary Hospital. With her gentle care, she has earned the trust of West Kootenay pet guardians.

Business: Arrow Lake Veterinary Hospital

Learn more: Find out more information about Dr. Fraser and Arrow Lake Veterinary Hospital.