A few months ago, I wrote a blog for North York General Hospital, praising how wonderfully its employees treat patients. Today, I would like to offer the same praise to Sunnybrook Hospital.

A couple of months ago, my father got into a bad car accident. He is an older gentleman, and I was somewhat concerned about the interaction between the EMS workers and himself would be handled, as he was very upset and more worries about picking up his sister (who was waiting for him) than his own well being. Thankfully, his injuries were not serious, but given his age, he was quickly taken to the hospital for precautionary purposes.

Upon arrival he was quickly registered, to see a doctor despite it being a busy Friday evening. When it was my father’s turn to be checked out, the doctor was cool, calm, and organized. He took my father in for an examination, which was followed b some x-rays. While we waited for the x-rays, the doctor came into the waiting area to check up on us, and see how my father was handling the wait. A short time later, after by father complained about a noise in his ears, he was immediately reexamined. Again, the doctor who took a look at my father remained calm, pleasant, and perhaps most importantly…patient throughout the entire process, as he understood that my father was shook up by the car accident.

In addition to the EMS workers and doctors, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the outstanding team of nurses who work in Sunnybrook’s Emergency Department. While the Department was not as busy and chaotic as on a show such as ER, the staff are certainly busy and running around while always clearly being concerned and focussed on the well being of all patients. Whether it was a few words of encouragement for my dad, finding a chair for my aunt, putting a bandage on my dad’s arm, or assisting the needs of other patients, these nurses are quite pleasant, friendly, and clearly very caring.

Whether it’s the EMS teams who transport patients to the facility, the nurses who do a lot of the care work, or the doctors who must deal with older patients, Sunnybrook Hospital shows its sunny-side of customer service by treating each patient as an individual and treating each patient very well.

Sunnybrook Hospital
2075 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, ON M4N 3M5
416-480-6100

Please follow and like us:

Many years ago, through family connections, I got in touch with John, who is very reputable in the auto-collision business. John and his business partner Rob own a shop close to where I live, and both of them have worked with a team of on-site specialists for over 35 years. Their team has a high level of experience and are always ready to deliver professional and quality collision repairs.

Every time work needs to be done on my own, my wife’s, or my father’s car, John does an excellent job of coming up with cost-effective ways to do repairs. For example, he would use after-market parts and used parts to do the repairs rather than the more expensive OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. I recall a few years ago, when my own and my wife’s cars were damaged in the ice-storm, when John was able to do the repairs for a reasonable price by using different parts that in no way impacted the look or operation of the vehicles, while saving me considerable money.

Aside from saving money, John is one of these people in business, who truly cares about the well being of his customers. Just a few months ago, when my father got into an accident, John was able to quickly arrange a car rental and tow truck to the scene of the accident, making things a lot easier on my dad. Whether during regular business hours or in the evenings and / or weekends, John is just a phone call away, and always willing to be of assistance.

John’s business partner, Rob, is a great mechanic, which is unfortunately becoming a lost art. Rob could sit in a car, drive it around, and after hearing a certain noise, he would diagnose the specific problem and quickly get to work on fixing it. Rob too, uses good quality but reasonably priced parts, which he obtains through a trusted network of contacts and suppliers that he has built up during his years in business.

As regularly mentioned by my postings, I always do my best to support small businesses, and John, Rob, and their team are masters of their craft that deserves high praise and recognition. They are genuine, take good care of their customers, and I highly recommend them to anyone who is in need of car repairs be it body work or mechanical.

John and Rob
NorthWest Auto Collision
961 Roselawn Avenue
Toronto, ON M6B 1B6
416-246-9666
northwestcollisioncentre.com

Please follow and like us:

A few weeks ago, I was on a cruise, and one of the ports we stopped at was Falmouth, Jamaica. Since there isn’t much to do in Falmouth, itself, we had planned in advance to travel from Falmouth to Montego Bay, however we knew that it would be a 20-minute drive. Falmouth was a fairly new port, and sufficient tourist resources had not yet been built, so we didn’t know how we would get a taxi to Montego Bay.

After doing some online research, we found that a woman by the name of Patrice Bailey received many positive reviews for her small business. Her business offers driver services and tours, and the drivers will accompany you throughout the day to take you to your desired locations. From the beach to the markets, to art galleries and just local attractions, the service was said to be prompt and excellent.

After several emails with Patrice, we booked her services for the day, and much to our surprise, we were not asked for payment up front or even a deposit. When we asked how we would find her at the port, her reply was just as quick as it was friendly, and she informed us, “Everyone there knows me. Just ask for Patrice Bailey or ask to be pointed to the white tent!”

When my friends and I arrived in Falmouth, we did just as Patrice had instructed. What Patrice informed us over email was true, and more. It was clear that everyone knew her, and she was very well-respected in the community.  When we found her white tent, she greeted us with great enthusiasm… not just a business like hand shake, but hugs as we were friends or family and not merely customers. Within a few seconds she had offered us cold drinks and before we knew it she introduced us to our driver for the day.

The driver was just as friendly and knowledgeable as Patrice. Throughout the day he pointed out people and places of interest to us. Based on one of our requests, he even took us off the beaten path, to introduce us to a restaurant that served delicious patties.

As for Patrice, when we were heading out of the patty restaurant, all of a sudden we hear someone calling our names, and can’t figure out who would possible know us in a foreign country. Much to our surprise, Patrice happened to stop by to check up on us.  When she saw us, she ran up to us and asked about how we enjoyed the tour followed by our end of the day hugs and best wishes.

Although the round trip cost for a shuttle bus is approximately $20.00 per passenger, the extra $5.00 for the service provided by Patrice and her team is well worth it.  Aside from not having to wait for a schedule service, I can almost assure you that the folks on the shuttle didn’t have a great snack for receive hugs like we did.

For amazing customer service from friendly, knowledgeable, and professional people, Patrice Bailey is your #1 contact in Jamaica!

Patrice Bailey
patbailey52@yahoo.com
876-612-0120

Please follow and like us:

From time to time, I like to recommend companies and organizations that don’t often get kudos from the public. One such company is RBC Insurance, and I can recommend it in good faith due to its excellent customer service.

A few weeks ago, my father was involved in a bad car accident and therefore needed to deal with an insurance claim.

Although advertisements on television seem to indicate that insurance claim can be dealt with under 30 minutes, we had low expectations due to our experience with other companies in the past.

RBC Insurance, truly surprised us. After my father and I prepared all of the necessary information, we called RBC Insurance. During the initial call, we were asked a series of questions to which we replied, and within approximately 40 minutes everything was underway.

By the end of the call, we were given the names of two adjusters to handle the case and ensured that the information discussed over the phone and the information needed to complete the claim would be emailed to us promptly. The process was quick and without trouble. In fact, the employee even went as far was ensuring that my father was able to drive during the claim period by setting him up with a rental vehicle.

Within the next few business days, we received a couple of calls and emails about the status of the claim, and every employee who either called or emailed us was knowledgeable, professional, and very pleasant to deal with.

In addition to their customer service, I must say that RBC Insurance has been very reasonable with regards to payments including approving certain benefits which fall into the dreaded “out of the box” category.

RBC Insurance has truly put my father first, and has made his recovery…both financial and healthwise the priority in the relationship.

When you’re deciding on insurance, there are a number of factors that have an impact on what would be the right insurance company for you. RBC Insurance not only met, but greatly exceeded our expectations and I truly appreciate them putting my dad on the road to recovery.

RBC Insurance
1-877-749-7224
rbcinsurance.com

Please follow and like us:

Several months ago, I heard a noise coming from below my car. When I took my car to a reputable mechanic, they immediately showed me the problem. The flexpipe located at the front-end of the exhaust system needed a replacement. I was then given a quote of approximately $500, which would fix and replace the exhaust system and the flexpipe attached to it. Since it did not appear cost-effective at the time, I put it on my to-do list, to take care of before the cold weather.

A couple of months later, I went and got my snow tires put on at Multi Tirecraft (see one of my previous blogs), and when I mentioned to Glen, the owner, that I was looking for someone to fix the flexpipe of my car, he referred me to Selmon’s Custom Exhaust without a moment’s hesitation. Glen informed me that Selmon was not only good at his craft, but good with his customers and always looked after them. If there was a less costly solution to fixing a car problem, then Selmon would find it and honest about it.

Several days later, I scheduled an appointment with Selmon, arrived at his workshop, and he quickly went to work. He put my car up on the hoist, showed me the problem with the flexpipe, and said that instead of replacing the entire flexpipe, he could weld it. He indicated that welding the flexpipe would probably give it another year or two before it absolutely needed a replacement.  The welding procedure only took approximately 10 to 15 minutes, and was $50.

I was so happy with Selmon’s service that a couple of days later, I had my wife take her car in for repairs as well. As it turns out, a pice of the muffler, on my wife’s car had come unfastened, and Selmon ensured her that she didn’t need to replace the entire muffler, but instead only needed a section of it repaired. Again, Selmon quickly went to work and charged my wife a reasonable price.

Selmon’s expertise is not only in excellent customer service, but working with high-end cars as well. Although he usually works with regular, everyday vehicles, he also works on high-end cars such as the old Camaros,  and if you really want to get him going, just start chatting about Grand Nationals.

When it comes to exhaust systems, whether you want a regular repair or custom work done on your vehicle, Selmon is the best person to call. I highly recommend him for all your under car needs.

Selmon’s Custom Exhaust
37 Granger Avenue
Scarborough, ON M1K 3K9
(416) 805-0084

Please follow and like us:

For several years now, I have been working closely with Brian Bossin, my company’s accountant. I first heard of Brian through my lawyer, who knew about my frustrations in dealing with large accounting firms, and never feeling like a priority. In one case, an accounting firm informed me that my company was not yet big enough to require their level of services.

When I finally met with Brian, I immediately liked his approach. It was clear that he would be a good fit for a smaller business, would offer genuine accounting and business advice for my company, assist me when I had very quick questions, and only change me for the major work.

What makes Brian different from other accountants and their firms is that he is reasonable and does not nickel and dime his clients to death. Unlike calling up a big accounting firm, and being charged by the minute, Brian understands that excellent customer service goes hand in hand with building better business relationships, and that a long term relationship is more valuable and profitable.

Brian works at a small boutique organization, and specializes in a variety of industries. Whether you need someone for personal or business related accounting, Brian is your go-to person. Your business can range from small to large or from industry to industry, and he will find the best way to help you regardless. He is always a great joy with which to work, and I highly recommend contacting him…especially before the busy tax season!

Brian Bossin & George Tin Yan, CA
Bossin, Tin Yan Chartered Accountants
1210 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 200
Toronto, ON M2K 1E3
416-492-8484

Please follow and like us:

For several years now, my daughter has been excelling in track and field at school. She enjoys the competition and teamwork involved in track and field so much that she has become involved in regional meets. However, the regional meets only occur every once in a while, and my daughter wants to do track and field on a regular basis.

The Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education at the University of Toronto offers a series of programs called Junior Blues, which involve lessons for such sports as track and field, basketball, volleyball, skating, gymnastics, dance, swimming, and skating. Appropriately titled, Tracktivities, this program focuses on track and field and involves the three main areas of running, jumping and throwing. The goal of the program is to teach the proper techniques and concepts in track and field so that kids could either move on to more advanced levels of track and field or transfer those skills into other sports.

The staff members are just as amazing as the programs. They always do their best to create a supportive and inclusive environment for the kids. The support for the parents in the registration process is amazing as well. The schedules are very flexible, and the staff members do their best to find the best fit for both the kids and their parents.

Other people who are part of the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education include: Varsity coaches, Varsity staff members, people who coach as a career, and occasionally elite and Olympic athletes. Being around such professionals and athletes inspires the kids because it shows them what they can aspire to achieve and teaches them about other areas such as dedication, commitment and focus, but placing fun above all else.

Whether your child is learning the basics of a sport, or training to go beyond regionals in track and field, the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education’s Junior Blues program offers something inspiring for everyone at a reasonable price.

Athletic Centre
55 Harbord Street
Toronto, ON M5S 2W6
www.physical.utoronto.ca

Please follow and like us:

As we head into the holiday season, we will be taking a break from our regular postings, which will return the week of January 11th.

In the meantime, I wanted to thank you all for taking a few minutes out of your busy schedule, and reading about some amazing people, businesses, and organizations.

Many of you have called or written us after dining in the restaurants, shopping at the stores, or using some of the professional services and since all the comments have been positive, I guess we’re doing what we set out to do… highlight great individuals and companies.

The holidays also give us a time to reflect, and as is typically the case, over the past year, many people around the world have experienced challenges, tragedies, and natural disasters.

As has been our tradition for several years, in lieu of sending cards and gifts for the holiday season, SQM has chosen to make donations to a number of charities which we support, in the name of our clients. We also encourage our staff and field force to participate in a number of initiatives, such as our Annual Sock Drive or the recent program involving Mystery Shoppers completing inspections and donating their clothes to various organizations. As one of our Mystery Shoppers mentioned, “there are many ways to help others without having to spend a lot of time or money,” so please consider what you can do to make the world a better place.

From all of us at SQM, we wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday season, and all the best for 2016.

Please follow and like us:

Last summer, when my daughter told me that she wanted to play volleyball, the first thing I did was conduct a Google search for kids’ volleyball leagues. Unfortunately, the first websites I found were not very professional… the locations were unclear, the contact information was out of date, and information about the coaches and types of teams were unavailable. After a couple more searches, I called up the Ontario Volleyball Association, and they suggested the Leaside Volleyball Club without hesitation.

Leaside Volleyball Club’s website was user-friendly and all of their contact information was easily accessible. The site also included information about the coaches, who range from high school and university students to Olympic athletes. Impressed and confident about the information provided by the website, I signed my daughter up for their Sunday league.

As it turns out, the league is just as well-run as their website. When my daughter and I arrived for the first session, my daughter was informed about the team she would be on, asked for her shirt size, and before we knew it, everyone was already doing drills with their team. The second half of each session involves games that allowed everyone to practice what had been learned in the drills. It was a great way to build teamwork and for beginners to simply have fun together.

My daughter was so happy about her experience with the fall sessions, that she shared her experience with three friends who have all signed up for the winter period.  In fact, the club even accommodated her, by allowing her friends to be on the same team.

Overall, Leaside Volleyball Club is very well-organized, teaches co-ed volleyball in a fun and educational way, and is reasonably priced. I highly recommend it and all of its amazing coaches to anyone whose kids are interested in sports.

Leaside Volleyball Club

leasidevolleyball.com

leasidevbc@gmail.com

Please follow and like us:

Since many members of our field force are always looking for new ways of helping those in need, I would like to share a great idea which came to us through one of our Mystery Shoppers.

Whether it is supporting the influx of refugees, helping to keep the homeless warm, job seekers that need a new outfit, or assisting a variety of charities, there are many organizations that are in need of clothes… lots of them!

To maximize your charitable contributions, please consider completing one of our retail Mystery Shops, which result in you getting back half of the amount of your purchase (up to a pre-determined amount), and donate the items to charity.

For example, we have clothing store locations across the country which give you back $25.00 on a purchase of $50.00 or more. These clothes which you are basically buying for half the price can then be donated to a variety of causes, including: Dress for Success, Ve’ahavta, The Salvation Army, The Scott Mission, and the list goes on.

Not only would you be doing your part to help others, but you can do it in a cost effective manner or go all in and do multiple Mystery Shops to maximize your donations.

Please help to show that SQM Cares!

David Lipton
President
Sensors Quality Management Inc. (SQM)

Please follow and like us:

A few weeks ago, my wife, a friend, and I were given a restaurant recommendation by one of my co-workers. Being the ethnic food lovers that we are, we decided to dine at Casa Manila, a Filipino restaurant close to our office.

We did not know what to expect when we arrived at the restaurant as no reservation had been made, and the place was already packed with customers. Nonetheless, the greeter at the door gave us a warm welcome and told us that the wait would be appropriately 20 minutes. As it turns out. the wait was only about 10 minutes, as the staff were very efficient in cleaning up and setting up the tables.

After we were seated, the menus were placed in front of us by our friendly server, however, we didn’t know where to start because Filipino food was new to us, and everything looked delicious. Casa Manila had hot plates full of beef, pork, chicken, and shrimp, soups filled to the brim, tantalizing signature stews as well as appetizers, rice and noodles. Our server was very friendly and attentive even before we presented them our dilemma.Immediately, they asked if it was our first time visiting the restaurant, gave us recommendations, and described the different menu items in detail.

Our food orders arrived at the table attractively presented, hot, fresh, and very delicious. Throughout the meal, our drinks were refilled without any delays. The owner / manager of the restaurant was very pleasant as well. She was down-to-earth and genuine when she chatted with us and the other customers about their day and how they were enjoying their meals.

Near the end of the meal, we were very full. When our server offered dessert to us, we were very reluctant to decline, as the desserts looked amazing. From the Halo Halo dessert made to satisfy even the most adventurous sweet tooth to the warm and crispy Turon Banana Crepes, I’m sure that if we were not so full, we would have ordered everything off the dessert menu just to try it!

Since we were unable to try everything on the menu that evening, we plan to go back to Casa Manila on another day. I highly recommended Casa Manila for its friendly, quick, and attentive customer service coupled with hot, fresh, and delicious food at a reasonable price.

Casa Manila
879 York Mills Road
Toronto, ON M3B 1Y5
416-443-9654
www.casamanila.ca

Please follow and like us:

About seven years ago, when my family and I first moved to our current house, our front lawn was a disaster. There were weeds everywhere, and most of my summer was spent with the Fiskar lawn tool – which my back says is the greatest invention since sliced bread. Despite spending so much time getting rid of the weeds, the lawn needed constant attention.

I finally decided to call in the big guns at Weed Man Lawn Care to see if they could help me out with my lawn problems. Not only were the co-managers Shawn and Lisa polite, friendly, and a pleasure to deal with, but their employees quickly assessed my lawn and provided me with a variety of flexible lawn care program. The first program we worked out included seeding, fertilization, and weed control, and when the weeds became less and less of a problem, they changed the program to best meet my needs.

Clearly their approach worked, as by the end of the first summer people in my neighborhood commented about how my lawn went from being the worst to the best on the street!

Weed Man Lawn Care continued to show their flexibility and excellent customer service when I called them last year with a chinch bug problem. They came to my house the next day, identified the problem and immediately worked out a strategy to address these annoying bugs. While I’m not out of the woods….er…turf…just yet, I can safely say that my lawn is once again on the road to recovery.

Interestingly, Weed Man Lawn Care becomes a Christmas decorations service during the holiday season, and while I don’t personally put up any lights, I’m sure that their work with during the holiday season is just as fantastic as their work on lawns.

For fast, friendly, quick and professional service on your lawn, I highly recommend Weed Man Lawn Care.

Weed Man Lawn Care
15 Lesmill Road, Unit 5
Toronto, Ontario M3B 2T3
416-510-0777

Please follow and like us:

With our mothers meeting in pre-natal class, Mitch Rose and I joke around that we have known each other since before we were born. Since that time and throughout the years, we have remained great friends and kept in contact despite living in different areas, following different fields of study, and taking separate career paths.

When we were in university, Mitch had the ambition to study law, while I focused on business and hospitality. When we graduated from our studies, Mitch was practicing law in various areas, before focusing on litigation. Meanwhile, I got involved in several business, and went on to start Sensors Quality Management Inc.

During the first few years that Mitch practiced law, he worked on his own before joining a small law firm called Stancer Gossin LLP. Through his hard work and dedication, Mitch soon became a partner of the firm, which was renamed Stancer Gossin Rose LLP.

During the years Mitch’s work brought us together on several occasions, including: doing my will and Power of Attorney, assisting with real estate transactions, reviewing leases, and in settling business related matters. Mitch is always a pleasure to work with, because he is methodological and reasonable in his approach. He is all about what is in the best interest of his client rather than trying to punish the other guy. Being methodological and reasonable, it is no surprise that he is great with mediation, which in more recent times has become the focus of his practice. Not only has he earned the respect from his clients, but many lawyers find him reasonable and a pleasure to deal with as well.

Stancer Gossin Rose LLP has a wide range of expertise that includes, but is not limited to, corporate law, litigation, and mediation. Their fees are also reasonably priced for the excellent and professional service provided. If you are ever in need of a lawyer like Mitch, then I highly recommend reaching out to Stancer Gossin Rose LLP.

Mitchell Rose
Stancer Gossin Rose LLP
1210 Sheppard Avenue Suite 310
Toronto, ON M2K 1E3
416-224-1996

Please follow and like us:

For several years now, my good friend John Fisher has been handling my investments. I’ve always had trust and confidence in John, as he has always proven to act in my best interest. John believes that acting in a client’s best interest is the same as “eating your own cooking.” This philosophy is serving him and his clients well, as his company, Bridgeport, is steadily growing. Bridgeport now has more than $250 million under management and serves approximately 100 families inside and outside of Canada.

The philosophy of “eating your own cooking” involves investment managers who take their own advice… making the same investments for themselves, as they do for their clients. When John and I discussed more about his philosophy, I became even more confident about the effectiveness of it. This is because John views every stock investment as if he himself is acquiring full ownership of the business. To John, it isn’t about just acquiring a piece of paper for the stock exchange.

John’s philosophy on investments further helps clients like myself because with his research skills and ability to analyze investments, he is able to choose companies whose business models have less of a threat. He calls it value investing, and he’s always looking for “steady-eddie” companies with predictable earnings that will provide me with healthy profit margins, recurring revenue, and a high return on invested capital.

Overall, I highly recommend getting in contact with John for your investment needs, or any questions you may have. I guarantee that you will be very well taken care of because of his personal philosophy of “eating your own cooking.”

John Fisher
Managing Director
Bridgeport Asset Management Inc.
1255 Bay Street
Toronto, ON M5R 2A9
416 323-3241

Please follow and like us:

For several years now, I have been seeing two optometrists. They are Doctor Dale Gray and her associate Doctor Munheer Haji. For Doctor Gray specifically, I have known her for over 20 years. After all these years, Doctor Gray still takes very good care of me whenever I have issues with my eyes. Despite the fact that her office is always busy and packed with patients, she puts her undivided attention at the patient in front of her. If you call in for an emergency, all the office staff will be extremely accommodating.

I have gone to the office numerous times for minor and bigger issues. Whether an eyelash is stuck in my eye or if the outer layer of my eye is scratched, the office is always professional and obliging no matter how big or small the issue.

Along with Doctor Gray, Doctor Haji is amazing when it comes to fitting contact lenses. She has multiple options and makes sure that you are aware of them. Another particular staff member who I would like to mention is Annie, the receptionist. She knows every patient by name and adds a very personal touch to the usual military-style operation you would find in other optometrist offices.

Overall, I would highly recommend going to Doctor Gray’s office for anyone with eye care needs. You will always find a very professional and accommodating environment when you go there.

Dr. Dale Ellen Gray Hamilton
1333 Sheppard Ave,
North York, ON M2J 1V1
416 494 6155

Please follow and like us:

Several months ago, my wife had a serious problem with her back. When her problem was diagnosed and she felt excruciating pain, I knew that one of the best things to do was to put her in physiotherapy. I could have seen Chris or Shaun from Sport Medicine Clinic, but the problem was my wife’s inability to walk due to the severe pain.

Aware of this issue, my sister-in-law recommended Physio Active and Thomas Hein. Thomas then referred her to Polina Provad, a physiotherapist. First of all, Polina had squeezed my wife into her busy schedule when we almost cancelled the appointment in the beginning. My wife’s pain was so bad that we were contemplating going to a hospital instead of a physiotherapist. When I informed Polina, she offered to stay late so they could get the treatment going.

Polina is a very experienced and skilled physiotherapist. She analyzed and assessed my wife and came up with a treatment plan. She was very accommodating! When we first entered the clinic, we faced a small challenge of moving my wife to the treatment bed. To help my wife, the clinic brought a wheel chair and pushed her to the room every single time. When my wife had to go there on a daily basis in the first couple of weeks, the clinic deliberately scheduled its patients so that she could have easy access to the room in a wheelchair.

As my wife was on the road to recovery, Polina started to introduce other methods like acupuncture and massage therapy. Overall, the entire clinic and the office staff members are excellent in their field. Ashley, the office manager, was very patient and friendly whenever we saw her. Thanks to Physio Active, my wife is in much less pain and almost back to normal! A large part of that is because of their wonderful efforts.

Physio Active
1450 Clark Avenue West Unit 22
Thornhill, L4J7R5
905 695 0371

Please follow and like us: