large company, but found the atmosphere too confining." After six months he returned to the freedom and make-or-break hustle more suited to his nature.

    Gord and Garry had turned down previous opportunities to acquire the Four Seasons franchise, but just as they were thinking of hanging up their tool belts for good it arose once more, and they have taken up the reins with renewed vigor and enthusiasm. Since 1986 they had been installing the product as the franchise weathered a succession of owners. From the outset they performed so well that they were sent to other sites to troubleshoot projects that Four Seasons was unhappy with. This gave them an insight into what was needed to complete a quality installation. "I've worked extensively with architects," Garry notes, "that taught me to look at the finer details. These sunrooms are high-end and require exacting construction." The brothers' years of experience equipped them well for their new undertaking, which was a logical next step in their careers.

     The addition of a sunroom to a home increases living space and value, but as with any renovation it can be a very personal and emotional investment, and sensitivity to client needs is paramount to the Tiemstras. "We work with them on a personal basis," Garry points out, "It's a big investment. You're a stranger coming into their home and you have to make them feel special," adding, "even if it's a small job their getting the same people who build quarter million dollar projects." As spokesman for the duo, Garry is obviously passionate about the team's responsibility to its clients and the need to make every one of them feel important. "The customer is buying a superior product and has to be shown the value - their trust is important to us," adding, "a lot of people worry that sunrooms and conservatories are drafty in winter or over heated in warm weather. We go out of our way to demonstrate that with today's glass technology, this is no longer a concern."

     In less than two years the joint efforts of Gord and Garry have taken the Four Seasons franchise to new levels of excellence. Their 2002 Consumer's Choice Award is proudly displayed in the Coquitlam showroom, a singular achievement that speaks well of their commitment and drive.

     With an exclusive territory covering all of B.C., Four Seasons has become a major force in the sunroom industry. And as a team the brothers mesh well, each settling into his area of responsibility. Garry looks after the sales and administration sides of the operation. "I was very familiar with the product and knew its value," he says, "but you do have to sell it." His duties keep him on the road constantly while Gord supervises the installation crews ensuring that high standards are maintained. Growth tends to walk hand in hand with success and the burgeoning volume has spurred them to engage a qualified sub-contractor to relieve some of the pressure.

     The franchise fits well with Garry's family-oriented lifestyle. A resident of Maple ridge and father of two sons aged 12 and 14, he spends most of his free time actively involved in their various athletic pursuits. With his wife Ginette at his side the family spends summer weekends enjoying the bounty of BCs natural wonders - boating and fishing both close to home and in the interior. Gord, along with his wife, Noelle, and young son and daughter live in Mission and enjoy similar pursuits. This family approach applies to their business relationships as well. Garry believes that the customers are part of his extended family. "Although I'm independent by nature, I'm also very family oriented, which has helped me in the contracting business," he explains. "When I do a job for someone I like to have a rapport with them. I still keep in touch with people I worked for 25 years ago," - an example being their new sub-contractor, as his sunroom was their first installation in 1986. A desire to be the best at what they do motivates the Tiemstra team to keep its edge. They stay on top of changes and developments in their industry and Gord attends regular technical courses offered by the head office of the Four Seasons group in New York state.

     The entrepreneurial spirit and sense of commitment demonstrated by Gord and Garry are the backbone of their success. Those values are an essential part of any venture and can be an inspiration to others. By taking on a new challenge they have shown a spirit and resolve to succeed that bodes well for the future of Four Seasons Sunrooms. With their personal touch and dedication, Garry and Gord Tiemstra can throw a little sunshine into your life.

     The Four Seasons showroom is at #801 - 115 Schoolhouse Rd., Coquitlam, BC. - Tel. 604-526-2699 or visit them at www.four-seasons-sunrooms.com.