At Work :: Sandra Albers One-on-one with Kootenay business leaders
Lifestyle change equals business success
Margeaux Bauman balances her work at Kootenay Valley Water & Spas with raising four "amazing" daughters. —photo courtesy Margeaux Bauman
h3. Name: Margeaux Bauman h3. Position/Company: Co-owner of Kootenay Valley Water & Spas in Castlegar h3. Products and services: We offer home and office delivery for premium bottled water and water dispensers sales and service. We also offer hot tub and swimming pool sales and service. Other products include billiards and games, acrylic glasses for hot tubs and outdoor recreation, The Big Green Egg barbeque, smoker and grill, bathrobes, spa umbrellas and all kinds of accessories. h3. Past lives: I grew up in Fernie, and my partner grew up in Cranbrook. I worked in the health care field previously, in Victoria and Kelowna. h3. Why did you get into the current business? I’m a small-town girl and wanted my children to have the same experience. It was also time for a lifestyle change. Skiing, fishing, hiking, and everything that the outdoors has to offer—we found it right here in the West Kootenays! There just weren’t many employment opportunities available. At the time (15 years ago), when spring arrived, the Kootenay residents were battling beaver fever, yet there were no places in this area to get bottled water. I guess you could say we found our niche. We started as a home-based business—with two toddlers it was ideal. My husband was our water boy and delivered water after his normal work shift (i.e. late afternoon), and I delivered the commercial accounts, did the books, sanitized coolers and anything else that needed to be done. We initially thought this would be a great part-time position, and were pleased when it turned out to be self-sustaining. h3. Describe an average day for you: I start my day with a cup of tea and a soak in the hot tub, and count my blessings—this helps me plan my day! Most days are pretty much consistent—I go where I am needed. Most days I am in the store, but occasionally I still help with water delivery. I need to be prepared for anything! I enjoy that aspect of my day. h3. Describe your business philosophy: Our aim is to give customer service and the utmost respect to everyone we meet on a daily basis. Even if they don’t buy today, we’re grateful for everyone who walks through our door, and I believe we convey that message to our customers. h3. How would you describe the atmosphere at the business? In general, very friendly. It’s a leisurely type of business. It’s fun! I love all my customers. We try to remember everybody’s name. h3. What sets your business apart or makes it special? We continually think of creative ways to provide better service, and we listen to our customers. And we have been known to give them a hug here and there. h3. What do you like most about your job? I definitely love the people! People from all over the world drop in! I believe my mission in life is to serve people. In health care, I was helping people. Now I help them choose the best hot tub or whatever it is they are purchasing. I look forward to going to work, and the flexibility of my day is an added bonus! h3. What is your biggest achievement? Raising four amazing, beautiful and compassionate daughters! Also the fact that we are consistently growing and diversifying in our business. h3. Where do you hope to be five or 10 years from now? Retired! But still serving people somehow.
Sandra Albers is a staff writer at Kootenay Business magazine. Since 2007, she has enjoyed hearing about new businesses, expanding businesses and unique businesses, as well as learning more about the long-time successes in the business community of the Kootenays. She writes, as well as copy edits and proofreads, for both magazine and website, and welcomes input from our readers.
Email Sandra if you have a story idea for any of the following:
At Work, a Q & A column that focuses on the people behind some of the area's long-running, successful companies;
Business Beat, a page of short, business-related announcements (new businesses, new owners, new locations, major expansions, business awards);
Around the Region, a page in Kootenay Business magazine that highlights some of the more unique businesses and entrepreneurial initiatives in the East and West Kootenay, as well as Columbia Valley and Boundary regions.
Sandra believes that success inspires success, and looks forward to hearing what makes your business special.
