Fernie's Top 40 Under 40


21. Jenn Johnson
My involvements in the community include owning my own business and organizing
events that get people to dance until they can't dance any longer. My goal is to help make
Fernie one of the most dog friendly places in the world, where having a party is not a
crime. I'd also like to see the words "liability" and "lawsuit" eliminated from the Fernie
vocabulary. I like to use forums, letters to the editor and The Fernie Fix to vocalize my opinions and I'm a strong advocate of people and businesses working together to make Fernie the best place on earth.

What gets me up in the morning? My dog, but it’s usually closer to the afternoon. If there's fresh snow, I’m up in the morning.


22. Chantel Kuefler
I am a proud Fernie local. Mountains, snow, sunshine and local enthusiasm have molded
me into who I am today. I am a Practical Herbalist by trade and have been involved in the
Shop Local Campaign, the Fernie Wellness Fair and the Food Security Board. A year ago I began a small herbal tea business where I grew herbs and prepared handmade herbal teas. Soon we will be selling organic and fair trade teas online and around town.

What gets me up in the morning? I have great friends and a great job.


23. Melody Kultgen
I am a born and raised in Lethbridge, Alberta and attended the University of Lethbridge, graduating with a B.Sc. In February of 2005, I started the Ready Paint Fire Ceramic Studio to offer an outlet for locals and visitors of all ages a year round indoor activity that provides an environment for creativity for artists of all abilities. I have also taken my volunteerism to work with the Fernie DMO and have acted as the marketing chair for the Fernie Chamber of Commerce.

What gets me up the morning? Simply living life.


24. Randal Macnair
I grew up in Victoria and spent my formative years studying Anthropology and Art History at the University of Victoria. I then began a career in the heritage field and worked with museums throughout B.C. and Alberta as well as institutions such as the
Royal B.C. Museum and the Smithsonian Institution. After moving to Fernie in 1997, I immediately immersed myself in the community, volunteering with groups such as the Arts Council and the Fernie and District Historical Society. As my involvement grew, I decided to run for City Council and was elected Mayor in 2002 and again in 2005. I believe that our heritage, our natural surroundings and the people are the greatest assets of our community.

What gets me up in the morning? Literally and figuratively, my kids, Mira and Kieran.


25. Justin Marshall
When first heard that I had been nominated for the Top 40 Under 40, I thought “Wow they got the wrong guy for this one!” Don't get me wrong, it’s not like I wasn't honoured. But at this stage in my life, being honored for my achievements just didn't seem right and I'll tell you why. As much as I have loved the last five years in Fernie, it definitely came with its fair share of personal and professional mistakes and disappointments. But through it all, I have had the support of so many. From a business partner who's never stopped believing, to staff I consider family. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all. Everything I have accomplished over the years would be nothing without any of you.

What gets me up in the morning? That’s easy, I don’t. Those of you that work in the bar industry know what I mean.


26. Jeff Mcrae
I have been in Fernie for 13 years and involved in various aspects of the community. I announce at the Ghostrider games, coach youth soccer and lead the local beavers troop. I
am involved in The Fernie Rotary club and through it sit on the committee for Taste of Fernie and other organizations like the Rotary Park and Salvation Army van project. I
lend my MC skills whenever I can to Canada Day, the Soapbox Derby and music for local events for kids. I try to be a positive force in town, calling on my varied background to help where I can. Owning Pinnacle Ridge Property management, Aries Entertainment and the new acquisition the Fernie Shirt Company have deepened my attachment and dedication to Fernie.

What gets me up in the morning? My kids—the coffee doesn’t hurt.


27. Heather Meek

Living in a small mountain town encompasses who I am. I have two young boys who adore Fernie and get to enjoy the opportunities it possesses. I believe that it is important to be an active member in your community, and I am currently Fernie’s School Board Trustee. I hope my input within the community results in positive changes for the families who make Fernie what it is... an amazing place to live!

What gets me up in the morning?
Breathtaking views, fishing, camping, skiing and biking.


28. Lisa Mose

Having the privilege of being raised in the South Country and calling Fernie my ‘hometown’,
I made the move back to the area in 2003 and started We Connect Project Management. My passion for life comes from the place I call home, Northfork Meadows, where I manage a ranch and rental cabins. Contributing to community initiatives is very important and I do so through volunteering my time and expertise to the Canadian Cancer
Society Relay for Life, Kootenay Livestock Association, Taste of Fernie, and the Elk Valley Stewardship Centre.

What gets me up in the morning? The sunshine gets me up in the morning. I look forward to the long daylight hours of summer. You can read into this that I am not an early morning riser in the winter!


29. Kathy Murray
I have been a dedicated member of the Bear Aware program in Fernie for many years and continue to be a force for these majestic animals and all other animals in the valley. I am often found at various events to help bring awareness to people about bears and other animals and how we can interact with them in the best way. As our community grows, this cause will only continue to grow in importance.

30. Ryland Nelson

I grew up skiing in Fernie Snow Valley, and was hooked after my first face-shots on the
Deer. Racing with the Fernie Snow Valley Racers, I traveled throughout Western Canada. This helped me realize how special Fernie is (and how awesome the skiing is!) After racing, I took up coaching for FAST, and went on to coach in the summers in New Zealand. After completed training in Tourism Marketing, I began working with OurFernie co-operative. I am also active on the Board of Directors for the Fernie Mountain Bike Club, and have been helping to organize the first annual FernieFest.

What gets me up? A look into the mountains to begin planning what I am going to do in them for the day.


Back to intro | 1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-40

Key Fernie contacts
Specialty Cut Lumber For Sale!
The Tobacco Plains Sawmill caters to hobbyists and others in need of specialty cut sizes of lumber. Most of the mill's lumber is made from pine and fir. The lumber is rough cut but can be planed, if needed. The sawmill is owned and operated by the Tobacco Plains Indian Band, one of seven bands of the Ktunaza Nation, in Grassmere, B.C. Contact the band for lumber prices or for information about the band's other business ventures: the Tobacco Plains Duty Free Shop and Edwards Lake Campground


Tobacco Plains Band Sawmill
Grasmere, BC
PHONE: (250) 887-3461
WEBSITE:

We make your house a home
A family owned and operated business, the Bedroom Furniture Galleries has 20,000 square feet of unique showroom space. Whether you're searching for sofas and loveseats, tables and chairs or mattresses, dressers, lamps, mirrors and other home accents, the Bedroom Furniture Galleries has beautiful furnishings for every room in your home. We offer a 60-day home comfort guarantee on everything we sell. If you're not completely happy with your purchase let us know and we'll be glad to find you something else or refund your money.


The Bedroom Furniture Galleries
813 Baker St
Cranbrook, BC
PHONE: (250) 426-2316
WEBSITE:


The legend is real - discover it!
The Best Western Fernie Mountain Lodge, located in the heart of the East Kootenay region and set against the rugged Rocky Mountains of Southeast British Columbia, is your finest destination for adventure.

Choose your accommodation from 95 luxurious guest rooms with 19 room types, including one-bedroom suites, executive suites and six deluxe theme Jacuzzi suites. For your comfort and convenience, each guest room is furnished with the latest in technological necessities, such as free high-speed internet access, 25" colour television with full cable services and OnCommand® pay-per-view movies. Are you planning a business meeting or convention? Bring it to the Best Western Fernie Mountain Lodge. We have convention facilities for large or small gatherings.


Best Western Fernie Mtn Lodge
Po Box 2680
Fernie, BC
PHONE: (250) 423-5500
WEBSITE:


Freedom. Comfort. Peace of mind.
When was the last time you leapt a tall building in a single bound? Unless you like spandex, capes and an undisturbed moment in a phone booth, you probably need insurance. Falkins is proud to offer the same great professional service we've provided to the Kootenay region for more than 100 years. Visit us anytime to talk about your insurance needs. With or without your cape.


Falkins Insurance Group Ltd
907 Baker St.
Cranbrook, BC
PHONE: (250) 426-2205
WEBSITE:

On the forefront
Selkirk Metals owns three excellent properties (LJ, Kneb and Ghost Properties) all within a short distance of Revelstoke, B.C., just north of TeckCominco's Trail smelter. The properties are located within the productive Kootenay Arch carbonate belt of zinc-lead-silver mineralization. The proximity to the Trail zinc-lead-silver smelter complex enhances the economic potential of any discovery made within these properties.


Selkirk Metals
Suite 800 1199 West Hasting St
Vancouver, BC
PHONE: (604) 687-2038
WEBSITE:

Elk Valley Coal Corporation
Our company is a global leader in the production and sale of hard coking coal...a relatively uncommon mineral that is essential in the production of steel. With six mines in two Canadian provinces, more than 3,000 employees and a business focused on supplying world steel producers, our company is strongly positioned in a very competitive market. The Fording River operation is located in the Elk Valley region of southeastern British Columbia, 29 kilometres northeast of the town of Elkford. The minesite is comprised of 20,304 hectares of coal lands of which 3,592 hectares are currently being mined or are scheduled for mining.


Elk Valley Coal Corporation - Fording River Operations
PO Box 5000
Elkford, BC
PHONE: (250) 865-5103
WEBSITE:

You can do it. We can help.
Whether you need hardware and building supplies, kitchen cabinets, lighting fixtures, hardwood flooring, window coverings, floor coverings, appliances or equipment rental, The Home Depot has got you covered. We provide our customers with outstanding services, as well as convenience, value, quality, and product and project know-how.


The Home Depot Canada
2000 Mcphee Rd
Cranbrook, BC
PHONE: (250) 420-4250
WEBSITE:

Cummins Western Canada
Cummins products can be found in nearly every type of vehicle, from the heavy-duty diesel-powered trucks that travel the world's highways, to tractors that till the soil, large trucks that carry natural resources from the mine and vessels that travel the waterways. Cummins-built generators supply both prime and auxiliary power around the globe. Filters and related products help engines run cleaner and more efficiently. A network of distributors provide repair and maintenance service for customers worldwide.


Cummins Western Canada
Sparwood, BC
WEBSITE:

Start with a solid foundation
Specialists for residential and commercial concrete work, MDM Foundation was started in 1992 and has been growing ever since.The majority of our crews have been with us since we started and have many years of experience in the cribbing industry. MDM Foundation takes pride in its workmanship and is known for its ability to complete projects quickly. We have built our reputation on these qualities and now look forward to being of service in the Kootenay area. Remember: A solid foundation is always a good start.


MDM Foundation
8059 Coronet RD
Edmonton, AB
PHONE: (780) 466-1450
WEBSITE:

Old Tyme Spa & Flame Ltd.
Old Tyme Spa & Flame Ltd. is a specialty business located in Cranbrook, British Columbia. The focus of our company is to provide top quality gas- and wood-burning fireplaces, premium spas, one-of-a-kind pools and Bio Guard pool and spa chemicals. We are now selling hammocks from Jobek. Old Tyme Spa & Flame is growing bigger and stronger in the East Kootenay region each year—thanks to the boundless energy of sole owner Oralie Girard. Her knowledge, honesty, belief in her products, expertise in the industry and exceptional customer service are the reasons why Oralie's customers continue to come back and recommend shopping at Old Tyme.


Old Tyme Spa & Flame Ltd.
1608 Cranbrook Street North
Cranbrook, BC
PHONE: (250) 426-7093
WEBSITE:

All Weather Windows
Bay 1-8241 30 ST SE
Calgary, AB
PHONE: (403) 720-0022
WEBSITE: www.allweatherwindows.com

Build your dream home
Sitka Log Homes is able to offer the homeowner the flexibility to choose any design imaginable to match their individuality and lifestyle. Over the years, we have built everything from small vacation cabins to large resorts. We offer you our experience working with homeowners, contractors, designers and architects in Europe, Asia, Canada and the United States.You can be assured that our highly skilled craftsmen will build your log home, hybrid or timber frame home to the high expectations that you want and deserve.


Sitka Log Homes
5454 Tatton Rd
100 Mile House, BC
PHONE: (250) 791-6683
WEBSITE:

The Cat Rental Store
705 Douglas Fir Rd
Sparwood, BC
PHONE: (250) 425-2469
WEBSITE: www.catrents.ca

Pacific Coastal Airlines Ltd LogoPacific Coastal Airlines Ltd
204 - 4440 Cowley Cres
Richmond, BC
PHONE: (604) 214-2366
WEBSITE: www.pacificcoastal.com

Nohels Group Rock & Redi-Mix
Sparwood, BC
PHONE: (250) 425-2519
WEBSITE:

Can Pro Railings
Suite 440 10816 Macleod TR SE
Calgary, AB
PHONE: (403) 975-7245
WEBSITE:

Cyclonomics NA Ltd
1111 Jamieson Ave NE
Calgary, AB
PHONE: (403) 542-7650
WEBSITE: www.slokker.ca

Gracom Masonry Western
7216 Brown St
Delta, BC
PHONE: (604) 952-0222
WEBSITE: www.gracommasonry.com

ST Eugene Golf Resort & Casino
7731 Mission Rd
Cranbrook, BC
PHONE: (250) 420-2000
WEBSITE: www.steugene.ca

Can-Am Kitchen Cabinets
1-5251 48 Ave SE
Calgary, AB
PHONE: (403) 240-1075
WEBSITE: www.canamkitchens.com