Once upon a time Kamloops sisters-in-law Lisa and Leilani Reid decided to build a direct-sales company based on providing "unique and quality baby products such as wooden toys, cloth diapers and similar items". Both caring for babies of their own, they worked from home and they called their business Kidsmart. That was 2007. By the summer of 2009 and the move to Kidsmart's new office and warehouse on McGill Road, the partners were already serving more than 160 independent sales representatives across Canada with the help of seven "fantastic" employees. Instead of the original 16-hour days, the partners now work nine to five. Kidsmart signs up independent sales representatives who hold baby product parties in their homes for their customers. Orders are forwarded to Kidsmart, which packs and ships the items back to the sales reps for distribution. In addition, Kidsmart products can be ordered online at www.kidsmartshop.com or purchased from the retail facility at the company's McGill Road headquarters. Within a few months of start-up, Lisa and Leilani produced the company's first catalogue of quality children's toys and equipment and began to hold local product parties. Their first sales representative came from Fort McMurray, AB and the business "exploded from there," says Lisa. The company benefits particularly by serving smaller communities not served by big toy suppliers. Sales representatives can choose from three starter kits with a range of Kidsmart products; add a binder with a CD with their training manuals and order forms, and they're off and running. Kidsmart's entrepreneurs look for award-winning products that are non-toxic and safe for children. Leilani studies published reviews and referrals from the company's sales reps before adding new products to Kidsmart's line-up. "We try to get things that are unique and hard to find in Canada," says Lisa. "We have many suppliers." Leilani and Lisa are particularly interested in products produced by other mothers - "mompreneurs" as they call them. Lisa says: "We support mothers that are trying to make a living with their new products and those are hard to find in stores." The partners agree that Kidsmart sales representatives who have used internet sites such as Facebook to market their own operations have helped to fuel Kidsmart's rapid growth. "We do a lot of mail-outs to current customers when we get new catalogues - we haven't had to spend a lot of money on advertising," says Lisa. Kidsmart perfected its business model based on other direct-sales companies. "It's a great business model," says Lisa, "and we took the parts we liked from each one. "Community Futures has been very awesome in all the help they've given us," she says. "They've lent us money and they have a very good program for helping you to develop a business plan." "Community Futures has helped us a lot," says Leilani. "Without them we couldn't have grown as fast as we have." Today the partners are seeking long-term investment capital to help them handle the company's growth. "Starting your own business is not the easy way out," she says. "It takes a lot of determination. To have a successful business you have to work 24-7 on it." Lisa believes that listening is a vital key to success: "You have to listen people - to be open to suggestions." "Until you get really established," says Leilani, "I think Community Futures is definitely the way to go."
The Kamloops office was visited by Codie Prevost and two of his band members on July 17 on their way to the Merritt Mountain Music Festival. While Codie was quick to note that they were not playing the mainstage they were really excited about their opportunity to play before such a large audience. Codie is the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards "Entertainer of the Year". In the photo he is accompanied by Allison Tymiak, fiddle and Joey Landreth, guitar.
What was really neat was that Codie was so excited to let us know that he got his start through New Sask Community Futures Development Corporation in Tidsdale, SK. He stated that they had stopped at various CF offices in BC to let folks know how much he appreciated the help of Community Futures. He also said that he has provided the musical background to the Saskatchewan CF media campaign.
Codie, Allison and Joey entertained us for three songs and we are delighted to have met them. For more information on Codie and his award winning music click on www.codieprovost.com. Congratulations to Codie for telling everyone what good service he got from New Sask and for us to know there are champions out there on the CF Program.
