Northern entrepreneur receives key to the city

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Mickey Demers was presented with a key to the city from Fort McMurray's mayor Doug Faulkner on Oct. 22.

But for Demers, the door to opportunity had already been opened in 1996.

It was on this date that he took the big step into the world of business by creating Demers Contracting Services Ltd.

Five years later, the success of his hard work and dedication was recognized at the Excellence in Business Awards.

In front of nearly 200 fellow entrepreneurs at the Sawridge Hotel, Demers was presented with an ice crystal trophy, framed certificates from the Alberta Legislative Assembly and the symbolic city key, as a result of being selected as the Chamber of Commerce's Business of the Year.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Diane Slater said that Demers, 45, was an "excellent representative" for the inaugural award.

"In past years it (awards banquet) was just the small business award (open to businesses with fewer than 20 employees). We realized that we promote growth in business and we were leaving out groups that had grown, like Demers.

"For this new award there was . . . such things as commitment to the business community, growth (more than 20 employees) and where they started and where they are today.

"We are delighted for Mickey. I think for any organization like us, it is wonderful to see a business, period, Aboriginal or any other ethnicity, to be successful."

Success did not come easy for Demers, a Metis who was born in Fort McMurray and who has family roots in the region dating back to 1903 and his grandparents, William and Agatha Loutitt. Agatha was Cree.

"For the first couple of years my wife was paying the mortgage bills," recalls the affable Demers, of his wife Susan who is an accountant with Syncrude Canada Ltd. "It was a little tough starting out."

Demers had worked 20 years in the oil sands industry. At age 40 his wife and sister persuaded Demers to go out on his own.

"They said that instead of working so many hours for someone else, you should get out an do it for yourself," said Demers.

He started with two other employees; his brother Bill and Rob Lacroix.

One of their first major investments was a bobcat for $35,000.

Now six years later, Demers has 30 full-time employees and 29 pieces of heavy equipment, including three D-6 Bulldozers that cost $450,000 each.

"A person has to be prepared to commit themselves on a long-term basis," said Demers, of the key ingredient to his success, "You can not be a fly-by-night operation. For most businesses, the first three to four years will be tough. We became established and acquired good clients. Having good people-make that great people-behind you is also the key to success."

Demers said 50 per cent of his work force, which includes two Metis nieces, is Aboriginal. "All of my workers are quality people."

Of the Chamber of Commerce award, Demers said, "It means that all the hard work that we have done is well-deserved."

Demers has two of his sons following in his footsteps: Colin, a heavy duty mechanic, and Graeme, a heavy equipment operator.

An avid golfer and curler, Demers looks forward to the day he breaks the 72-par at MacDonald Island Golf Course. His best score to date is only two strokes off at 74.

Demers also has ownership or part ownership in several other companies including DCL Construction Inc., Premium Meats and Demers Contracting Ltd., which was founded by his father Ernest and uncle Hector in 1938.

Of his future, Demers predicts "I was born and raised here and I will retire here," says Demers. "This is home."