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Home My WebLink AboutTimes Advocate, 1991-08-14, Page 5IT'S YC)1JR RLJS[WFISS Times -Advocate, August 14, 1991 Pape 5 Dynamic milling company lands in Huron Park axlatlal./ NM MS MI NO INN t•Efs--.4- sstilr.101'MOW MUNI AMMO= w.1 0Ia sNaai rlESEsNO INN r• al By Ray Lewis In the business world, sometimes having the right attitude can make or break a company. If everyone had the same outlook as Tony Oosterman, maybe the reces- sion would draw to a close. "Sometimes you've got to take risks", said Oosterman. "You can't just sit back and watch." During what for most has been an economic slow -down, Ooster- man has brought Advanced Mill- work and Contracting to Huron Park in search of expansion. Taking risks has become some- what of a passion with Oosterman. In 1978 he purchased a troubled solarium company and promptly turned it around. "It was a lot of work and gave me a lot of grey hair," laughed Oosterman. "But it was a challenge and I love the risk." The company was lacking the quality workmanship Oostennan felt imperative to its success. He boarded a sinking ship, plugged all of the holes and bailed it out. Un- der Oostennan's fust year of lead- ership, the company showed its first profit. Since that time, Admillco has seen many changes. Solariums have gone by the wayside as the market diminished. Nowadays, Advanced Millwork and Contract- ing handles large projects of archi- tectural millwork, manufacturing cabinets, baseboards, railings and many other specialty items. To date, projects have included Masonville and the London Aquat- ic Centre. Because they are strictly commercial, Oosterman felt a move was necessary to permit them to be- come more competitive. "We weren't as efficient as we wanted because we lacked the space," said Oostennan. "Now we have more room and it's a lot quiet- er out here." The company had been located on Exeter Road in London, and made the move in July of this year. Everything at Admillco involves custom work, and they avoid pro- duction line millwork because they aren't set up for it. According to manager John Crackett, they like it that way and it pays dividends. This past spring, the recession caused soft prices, which brought more competition from smaller businesses. Companies involved in work such as kitchen refinishing, tried entering the market to bide their time until their own markets strengthened. Because of the in- crease in competition, many went under. "That was fortunate for us," said Crockett. "But certainly not for them." Many attempted to cut corners by substituting materials, but found they couldn't because the quality control is so very strict. Admillco products are solid, usually oak or maple. One their latest projects was a circular information desk for a library, made of two-inch solid oak. After one of their tenders is ac- cepted, plans are given to the six employees at Admillco, and the project is hand -made on the spot. "People -wise, I've been very lucky in getting excellent crafts- men." said Oosterman. "And I like a small company because you're still in contact with everybody." Currently, Admillco serves south- ern Ontano from Windsor to To- ronto, but has worked as far as Sud- bury. They have estimators and installers on the road at all times, and last month priced out over two million dollars worth of business. -Of these estimates, the company usually inherits about 3-5 percent, which gives them about $100,000 worth of business per month. Throughout the winter, Admillco was busy seven days a week, and now is even busier because of reno- vations and additions to schools. Makin' It work - Admillco manager John Croy ett (left), and owner Tony Oosterman look oY blueprints for one of their upcoming projects.'' "We would like to gradually ex- pand to handle more," said Ooster- man. "We think it's possible and that's why we moved." Last Year Admillco showed a marked increase despite the slump- ing economy. Given a healthy one, there is no telling what they're ca- pable of. Prices are only now be- ginning to firm up, a sign which the owner hopes will see the contract- ing end of business explode over the next three months. Oosterman expects things to real- ly pick up, which would allow him to return to his fust love, a con- struction company which he also operates as part of T. Oosterman Inc. It's a far cry from his initial ca- reer choice, but one that seems to have kept him both successful and content. Originally, he started out • as an accountant. "They don't like you taking too many risks in that trade," laughed Oostennan. "I guess I should have become a broker." BEST RATES on your G.I.C. Exeter 235-2420 Galser-Kneale Grand Bend 238-8484 A 23ualn-DAT @c CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Council agrees. toll-free London dialing a benefit EXETER - Toll-free dialing between Exeter and London may be available by 1994, but Bell Canada are first surveying customers to see if demand for such service exists. Town council discussed the possibility of extended service at last Tuesday's meeting. In order to compensate for the loss of long distance charges, basic ser- vice rates will increase $2.50 for individual residential lines, and an individual business line will cost another $15.95 a month. Councillor Dave Urlin called the rate increase a bargain, given the additional service. However, the toll-free service will be to London only, not to Ailsa Craig or Ilderton exchang- es. "I personally think it's a great thing," said councillor Harry Klungel, who had long cam- paigned for improved telephone service in the town. "Every time you call it pretty well costs two and a half dollars." "So you guys are saying Lon- don today, Holland tomorrow," teased mayor Bruce Shaw. "It will never happen," laughed Klungel, but insisted that it was about time direct dialing came to Exacter consid- ering that the " Try of Zurich" al- ready has direct connection to overseas long distance service. Letter to Editor To the Editor: If Dave O'Brien is such an ex- pert on golf and well he should be he will know that a child of 5 years of age would have no way to protect him or herself from a stray ball if one came their way. Andy De Boer 130 Gidley St., Exeter Dear Sir. On Friday, July 26 and Satur- day, July 27, 1991 the Lions Club of Exeter held a barbeque at the premises of A & H (EMA) Food Market. Almost $700.00 was raised for Lion's community pro- jects. Such success could not have been possible without the supportt of the staff and tors of $ Iii Food Market who1111) generously donated the food and beverages for this Project. The Exeter Lions Club wish to express their sincere gratitude to everyone at A & H Food Market for their gracious assistance. Yours truly, B*Cter Lions Club Top quality - Todd McLeod takes his time in constructing a cabinet during a typical day at Admillco. HURON COUNTY LANDOWNERS BID DFAbLINE: SEPT. 27, 1991 $ 225,000 AVAILABLE TO HURON COUNTY LANDOWNERS FOR SOIL AND WATER PROJECTS 1+1 Agriculture Canada NATIONAL SOIL CONSERVATION PROGRAM (NSCP) Purpose: - Protect through permanent cover - Retire from agriculturer,--fraglielafids which ere subject to erosion - Protect lands adjacent to streams or open ditches from intensive agricultural practices $10,000 MAXIMUM GRANT THERE WILL BE TWO INFORMATION -WORKSHOP MEETINGS FOR HURON COUNTY. FARMERS August 28 - 8:00 p.m. September 11 - 8:00 p.m. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Clinton, Boardroom For a Bid Package and/or to Register for one of the Information -Workshop Meetings, CaII the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Clinton, at (519)482-3428 OR 1-800-265-5170 SPONSORED BY THE HURON SOIL AND CROP IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION ... so. iJ<.fl. Kime, Mills, Dunlop. Chartered Accountants Danlel B. Daum, B.A., M.Acc., C.A. Manager 412 Main St., P.O. Box 2405 Exeter, - Ontarlo NOM 1S7 (519) 235-0345 Fax: (519) 235-3235 John A.M. Norris CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT 497 Main Street South, Exeter, Ontario NOM ISI Tel: (519) 235-3240 Fax: (519)235.3246 AUCTIONEERS FILSON & ROBSON The Experienced Auctioneers that Guarantee You More SS Considering A Sale or Need an Appraisal 666-0833 666-1967 Call Correct Supplying You with 30 Yrs. 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