Youth on the Move, A Business Success Story – Rob Campbell

What follows is one story – in a series of stories – that celebrates entrepreneurial success -success made possible not only by the hard work of the business owner, but also by the availability of financing made possible by the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, a program administered locally by Trenval Business Development Corporation.

Who could have known, so many summers ago, that the boy pedaling his bike from yard to yard in Brighton cutting grass would end up with a premier property maintenance company one day? Although now it’s so natural to Rob Campbell, owner of PROCUT Property Maintenance, he never realized at the time that landscaping was in his blood.

In his late teens, Rob called a local landscape company to see if they were hiring. The owner wasn’t hiring, but he was so impressed with Rob’s tenacity, that he decided to hire him anyway. The business also provided snow removal services in the off-season, so Rob soon found himself fully employed.
But, like all go-getters, Rob wanted more!

So he went off to Niagara College and graduated from the Landscape Design and Horticultural Program. With this credential in hand, he obtained a job with Sheridan Nurseries, responsible for the production of nursery products in its eight greenhouses, gaining several years of hands-on experience in the process.
But, like all go-getters, Rob wanted more!

So he approached Amber Darling at Trenval Business Development Corporation, seeking financing to start his own landscaping business. She reviewed his eligibility for financing under the Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) Start-up Program, and assisted him in completing the application process. “Amber was so easy to deal with. She tweaked my business idea, offered suggestions and was always available when I called.” Rob’s application was reviewed by Trenval’s Loans Committee and was recommended for acceptance for CYBF financing.. He now had everything he needed to open his own business!

PROCUT Property Maintenance provides expert residential, commercial and industrial landscaping, full lawn care, hedges, mulching, shrub installation and garden and flower bed maintenance. Rob has added snow removal services to his service offerings as well, to provide year-round service to his growing customer base -a customer base that is growing significantly through client referrals.

One of the key elements of the CYBF Start-up Program is the requirement for the business to have a mentor for the first two years of its life. Rob’s mentor is Rennie Hutzler. “At a nervous time of building PROCUT, Rennie gave me advice, the understanding and the foresight I needed to get through”‘ says Rob. “Her ongoing support is invaluable”.

For all your residential, commercial and industrial property maintenance needs, call Rob at PROCUT Property Maintenance (613 403-4672). You’ll receive skilled, reliable service from a hard working entrepreneur -a youth whose business is definitely on the move!

If you have a business idea and need financial support, CYBF and Trenval may be able to help. Contact Amber Darling at 613 961-7999 or email adarling@trenval.on.ca.

The Canadian Youth Business Foundation is a national organization dedicated to growing Canada’s economy one young entrepreneur at a time. The CYBF Program helps youth aged 18 -39 with pre-launch coaching, business resources, start-up financing and on-going mentoring. Visit www.cybf.ca for more information.

Northeast EMC | Trenval, Ontario