Great News for 2009!

Dear Friends;

Change can happen in the blink of an eye – or in my case, with P’lovers, with the ring of the telephone.

As many of you know, P’lovers in Port Perry has been for sale for several months – since April of last year to be exact. This decision was always my personal choice – a chance to change direction in my career path.

P’lovers has a tremendous business model, a great history, wonderful customers, dozens, if not hundreds of great suppliers, and products that really matter, today more than ever. In my perfect world, I was really hoping to pass the business to a new like-minded owner who could nurture it and take it to the next level.

Despite dozens of quality conversations with many great people, this did not seem to be happening and I had all but given up on the prospect. Timing is everything in business, like it is in life and, unfortunately, that perfect person did not appear to be stepping forward.

Until the phone rang a couple of days before Christmas, that is!

I am truly delighted to announce, that, after 9 days of great discussions (with maybe a day off for Christmas), I have reached an agreement with the people who will take over P’lovers – the little business I started 7 years ago!

While at this precise moment, I cannot divulge the identity of the new owners, I can say that they are both established business owners and significant members of the Port Perry community. To say I was surprised when I got the phone call would be an understatement, but knowing them both as I do, they will do wonderfully in their new business venture. They will bring the type of energy, enthusiasm, experience, and new point-of-view so crucial to the success of any business, regardless of how established.

My last day at P’lovers is the end of this month, Saturday, January 31st. Many of you reading this letter have played a tremendous part in making my time at P’lovers so wonderful over the years. Liz Crocker and Ann Caverzan in Nova Scotia came up with this brilliant P’lovers idea almost 17 years ago! I’m so grateful that they took a chance on me, giving me the opportunity to bring P’lovers to Port Perry. I’m especially thrilled for them that their concept will continue in our community.

A ‘good day’ for me in the store was one where I could re-connect, ever so briefly, with one of our many regular customers. Recently, a woman and her two daughters reminded me of my very first day in business in our little store down the street — when I didn’t know how to use my own cash register! That brief, rather unexpected memory simply made my day!

I am absolutely convinced that the most interesting people in the world are regular P’lovers customers and I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to meet so many of you throughout the years. I’ve been doubly blessed to have turned many of these passing acquaintances into some true, lasting friendships.

If we don’t happen to see each other between now and the 31st, it is quite likely you may still see me from time to time in the great little community of Port Perry. If you see me walking the kids to and from school; taking the golden doodle to the dog park; shopping our unique little downtown – and most specifically, my favourite store, it is my hope that you will take a moment and say hello. Until then, be well.

Peace,
Steve