Spencer Harrison (right) of Big Country Equipment Repair Ltd. received the Enterprise of the Year award, from Eric Ledding of Pushor Mitchell LLP Thursday night at the Coast Capri Hotel. Photo credits: primelightmedia.ca
KELOWNA – Big Country Equipment Repair Ltd. of Kamloops was named the Enterprise of the Year at the Pushor Mitchell LLP Thompson Okanagan Business Excellence Awards Thursday night at the Coast Capri Hotel.
Big Country Equipment Repair won the category for companies with over $10 million in annual revenue at the packed gala, which celebrates the best of the best in businesses in 17 different categories from Osoyoos to Kamloops over the last calendar year.
BCER is a company started by current CEO Spencer Harrison that started out as a one man show in a service truck offering mechanical and welding services to forestry, construction and mining customers at the start of 2017. As industries changed the company evolved into working for pipelining operations and different mining operations across BC, Yukon and Alberta. As opportunities grew they started hiring people and adding trucks to the fleet and now currently are right across Canada and growing.
The event, produced by Business Examiner News Group, included Gold Sponsors MBA Chartered Professional Accountants and Snap Printing, and Category Sponsors Hero Security, TRS Building Envelope, Amanda Westrheim Personal Real Estate Corporation, BC Spray, Big Country Equipment, Fifth Avenue Homes, Inland Comfort, Kandor Management Corporation, Nexus Impacts, Sandman Hotel Group, Vigilante Marketing and Wells Gray Tours. Poplar Grove Winery was the Engagement Sponsor.
“This was the biggest Business Excellence Awards event we’ve held yet, and it was amazing to see all the great companies throughout the Thompson Okanagan region and hear what they’ve been doing,” says Business Examiner President John MacDonald. “The private sector is the backbone of the economy, and the stories that come with the entries are truly inspiring and are a clear demonstration of the owners’ courage and commitment to excellence.”
Other award winners were:
Steven DeBoer of Salmon Arm-based 4AG Robotics received the Big Business of the Year (Between $5-10 million revenue) presented by Peter McFadden of sponsor MBA CPA.
Big Business of the Year (Between $5-10 million revenue): 4AG Robotics of Salmon Arm.
4AG Robotics builds robots that pick mushrooms. They are live on two commercial farms in Canada, one in Australia, and one in Ireland with two more farms to go live by the end of the year in the US and Ireland respectively. Their robots save the standard farm 8.4M of Kgs of CO2 emissions annually. They’re the only company in the world that has commercialized in this space.
Canada West Garage Door of Kelowna (Between $1-5 million revenue) won the Medium Business of the Year sponsored by Sandman Hotel Group.
Medium Business of the Year (Between $1-5 million revenue): Canada West Garage Door of Kelowna.
Canada West Garage Doors is a leading provider of residential, commercial, and industrial garage door solutions in the Okanagan Valley. Established in 2019, the company has rapidly grown to become one of the region’s most trusted garage door specialists. In April 2021, it was acquired by Dakwakada Capital Investments LP, making it a 100% First Nations-owned business under the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. Canada West Garage Doors offers a comprehensive range of products and services, including the supply, installation, maintenance, and repair of garage doors, openers, and gates.
Small Business of the Year (Less than $1 million revenue): Teal Diamond Contracting of Kelowna.
Teal Diamond Contracting Ltd. is the first sole woman owned and operated Mechanical Insulation company in Canada and possibly North America. Owner Lauren Bath fell into the trade while taking a break from university 20 years ago. She had a spark ignited by her big brother who brought her into the skilled trade and was equally as passionate. Founded in 2021,in Kelowna, with a goal to provide safe and respectful employment while providing dependable quality materials and craftmanship to contractors. Working on both commercial and industrial style projects, new builds, renovations and retrofits throughout the Okanagan. Installation of sophisticated commercial and industrial insulation to equipment, pipes, ductwork and other mechanical systems, demonstrates measurable energy conservation, reduced greenhouse gases, leaving a lighter carbon footprint and providing a safer environment.
Automotive Business of the Year: Swagman of Penticton.
Swagman is a pioneering company in the world of bike racks, known for its innovative designs and commitment to enabling outdoor adventures. Founded in Penticton, Swagman has been a trusted name in the industry for decades. The company was one of the first worldwide to design and market hitch-style bike racks, revolutionizing the way cyclists transport their bikes. Swagman offers a diverse range of products, including hitch-mounted, roof-mounted, and RV-approved bike racks, catering to various needs and vehicle types.
Construction & Development (Developers & General Contractors): Lake Valley Homes of West Kelowna.
Lake Valley Homes is a premier custom home builder proudly serving the Okanagan region. Founded in 2021 by brothers Lance and Chase Beaudoin, the company has quickly earned a reputation for excellence in high-end residential construction. With decades of combined experience and a passion for quality, Lake Valley Homes is dedicated to delivering best-in-class craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and an exceptional client experience. Notable achievements include the completion of a 10-unit multifamily project and the construction of an award-winning custom home that earned “Home of the Year” in 2024.
Construction Trades (Journeyman): Adera Windows & Doors of Kelowna.
Founded in 2014 as a family-run boutique business, Adera Windows & Doors has grown into a trusted household name for homeowners across the Okanagan. Their commitment to honest service, dependable craftsmanship, and personalized solutions has earned them a reputation for excellence in the local community. They proudly serve homeowners, builders, and property managers with tailored window and door solutions for projects of all sizes.
Construction Trades (Enterprise): Littco Enterprises of Kelowna.
Littco Enterprises has been providing Kelowna and the Thompson, Okanagan Valley incomparable service and craftsmanship in commercial wall and ceilings systems, since 1995. They specialize in: Commercial drywall installation, steel stud framing, acoustic ceiling application and acoustical wall panels.
Environmental Sustainability Business of the Year: Trak International Green Energy Resources of Kelowna.
Founded in 1991, TRAK International Green Energy Resources Inc. has spent the past 34 years engineering, designing, building, and manufacturing cutting-edge, sustainable Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC/R) Smart Energy Systems (SES). Their mission is to help industrial, commercial, institutional, and recreational property owners worldwide enhance climate and environmental control while dramatically improving energy efficiency.
Hospitality & Tourism: Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport of Kelowna.
Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport aims to make visits to Kelowna as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, which is why so many guests continue to come back year after year.
Industrial Manufacturer (Journeyman): Always On UPS Systems Canada of Kelowna.
Always On UPS Systems Canada Inc. is a 100% Canadian owned and operated company that designs and manufactures reliable backup power solutions to protect critical infrastructure across Canada and beyond. Specializing in industrial-grade Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems and emergency lighting inverters, they support clients across sectors including marine, transportation, defense, and commercial facilities.
Industrial Manufacturer (Enterprise): Northside Industries of West Kelowna.
Northside Industries Inc. (NSI) is a long-established (1967) steel fabrication company with two facilities providing more than 70k sq/ft. of manufacturing capacity. Their capabilities are supported by engineering, laser cutting, brake press forming, welding, roll forming, coating and finishing of stainless and carbon steel and aluminum.
Non-Profit Organization of the Year: Project Literacy Central Okanagan Society of Kelowna.
Project Literacy is a Canadian Registered Charity, providing literacy support services to the Central Okanagan. They were founded in 1986 and have been operating continuously for the past 39 years. They provide several ongoing literacy programs to the community. Their largest Program is the One-to-One Adult Tutoring Program.
Professional Services Business of the Year: Urban Matters of Kelowna.
Urban Matters is a consulting team that works alongside communities to advance social well-being. Since 2014, they have been working with local governments, Indigenous communities, non-profits, and grassroots groups to take on some tough issues. Whether it’s developing a new housing strategy, designing a pilot project to support youth wellness, or walking alongside Indigenous community to advance truth and reconciliation, they offer the space, support, and strategy to help communities move from possibility to progress.
Retail (Brick & Mortar/E-Commerce): Connects Wireless of Kelowna.
Connects Wireless is a Bell Authorized Dealer, and is the largest Bell Dealer in BC with 8 locations in the province, operating for 10-plus years. They have Locations in Kelowna, Salmon Arm, Langley, Squamish, Quesnel, Williams Lake, Nelson, Castlegar.
Technology & Innovation Business of the Year: Innov8 Digital Solutions of Kelowna.
Innov8 Digital Solutions is a Canadian-owned business technology company with over 13 years of experience serving clients across BC, Alberta and Ontario. With their head office in Kelowna and branch offices strategically located in key markets, they specialize in delivering tailored technology solutions to small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), which make up over 85% of their client base. Their core offerings include copiers and multi-function devices, business printers, wide-format printers, and digital production print solutions.
Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries: Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery of Vernon.
Founded in 2004, Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery is Western Canada’s original craft distillery, setting the standard for authentic, internationally awarded Canadian spirits. Proudly family-owned and operated, they are committed to crafting premium-quality spirits using 100% British Columbia-grown grain and fruit, supporting local farmers and ensuring a true grain-to-glass experience. Their diverse, award-winning portfolio includes expertly crafted Whiskies, Gins, Vodkas, Brandies, Natural Fruit Liqueurs, Aquavit, and Canada’s first genuine Absinthe—each capturing the unique terroir of BC., with distilleries located in Vernon and Kelowna.
To view the official souvenir book for the event, visit https://www.calameo.com/read/006885517797a9acbb39e
