We just wanted to get out and start a new life

Rusty Joerin is a supply management consultant who provides procurement and supply management services to clients across Canada. He runs his business, Woodsgift Enterprises, from his home office in Qualicum Beach.“I was a young 24-year-old traveling around with my wife and we just liked this area. We were living in downtown Vancouver and really just wanted to get out and start a life.”

Rusty likes the personal touch of doing business in the Parksville-Qualicum Beach region. “More often than not you’re dealing with the owner - the person who is invested in the business. That’s a really big positive.”

Rusty, who sometimes travels to work with clients, says the Qualicum Beach airport is a little-known gem for ensuring quick access to major markets. “You can live here and be anywhere in downtown Vancouver in under two hours. I can fly in, attend a meeting, and return home the same day.”