By: Debbie Mishibinijima
An unstoppable entrepreneurial drive has earned M’Chigeeng First Nation member, Rodney Corbiere of Corbiere Enterprises, the ‘Business Achievement’ award from the Waubetek Business Development Corporation.
On winning the award, Rodney said, “It is very humbling, and it does give me a sense of achievement being shown appreciation and recognition for all the years I have put into my work. It certainly is a nice feeling, and brings a smile to my face.”
It was back in 1990 when Rodney first donned his entrepreneurial hat. He slowly built up his enterprise. There are now several divisions, including: residential excavation and construction, residential readymix concrete, waste management services, school bus transportation, commercial vehicle automobile repairs; and a budding camping resort scheduled to open in 2018.
“We certainly have a lot of irons in the fire here; but we are able to somehow get through the day-to-day operation.”
“I feel as a business person, it is important to diversify; especially when you are in a smaller community. It is pretty hard to sustain a single business. I just felt, in my case, it was best to survive in the business world that I am in,” Rodney said.
To last in business for that length of time, Rodney attributes his success due to the honesty and quality workmanship he brings to his customers. He also has unwavering family and community support, particularly when times get tough.
Throughout his life path, Rodney credits the Waubetek Business Development Corporation with assisting him in getting his ventures off the ground. “I am very grateful for that, and I still deal with Waubetek to this day,” said Rodney.
It is no small feat running multiple businesses, but Rodney has twelve employees working alongside him to keep things going.
If given the chance, would Rodney do it all again? “One hundred percent, I would do it all again. I love it. There is also lots of hardships in the past 27 years, but that is what makes you a true business person and it makes you stronger.”
Looking down the road ten years from now, Rodney is looking to slow down. He will focus on his new trailer park, North Channelview Trailer Resorts. He calls it his ‘retirement fund’.
Rodney is anticipating that his son, Nicholas, will fill his shoes. “I can be there for him and give him some advice. He is a young entrepreneur already running a landscaping business. He has the mindset for it,” Rodney said.
He also looks forward to travelling in the wintertime. Rodney said, “It is tough to get away when you own a business. I hope to enjoy some of the hard work that I have put in.”
Lastly, Rodney affirmed, “I want to give a shout out to all the entrepreneurs out there. Keep your head up, stay determined, and Waubetek will be there for you. If you are determined and committed, there will always be someone there to help you start a business, whether you are a youth or an elder.”
Contact Information:
Corbiere Enterprises Phone Number: 705-377- 5824;
Email: corbiereenterprises@amtelecom.net.
Hours of Business: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 5785-C Highway 540, M’Chigeeng, Ontario
