That’s because Twin Rivers Properties, owned and operated by Blair and Tony van Veld in Pictou, almost topped the list of Atlantic Canada’s fastest-growing companies.
The business magazine ranked the real estate company No. 2 of 40 on its annual list. Now in its 15th year, the ranking incorporates businesses that have seen the most significant increase in revenues over the past three years.
“We knew we had some great numbers but we were certainly surprised that we were number two,” said Blair van Veld. “There are some great companies in our region with stellar growth so we’re definitely surprised.”
According to Progress, based on information provided by Twin Rivers Properties, the business has seen 331 per cent increase in revenue in the last three years.
“I heard last month that we made the list,” van Veld said. “We’re very excited and a little surprised considering all the other great businesses in Atlantic Canada.”
The magazine compiles the list based on information voluntarily provided by participating companies.
Twin Rivers has a variety of rentals and apartments in the towns of Stellarton and Pictou, as well as a variety of manufactured home (Mini Home) communities throughout Pictou County and one location in Miramichi.
“We’ve just had some great acquisitions that have allowed us to grow,” said van Veld. “We have looked outside and grown inside Pictou County.”
Future growth in 2015 is forecast to come from properties purchased late this year 2014. These purchases include a 59-unit community in Bridgewater and a 33-unit property in Westville. They’re also in the midst of Phase One of a 56-unit expansion at High Street Estates in New Glasgow.
Altogether, Twin Rivers will have over 500 units under management and has its sight on other properties in the Atlantic region.
Van Veld said the business looks for discouraged properties to renovate and build a sense of community.
“We aspire to create communities that residents are proud of and this shows in how they start or continue to upkeep their home. We believe this hands-on approach has gotten us to where we are today.”
Progress Publisher Neville Gilfoy noted that the companies on their list come from a wide array of sectors.
“Even companies that are experiencing 40 per cent growth are showing us that a spike in sales is possible, even in challenging markets,” he said. “A combination of innovation, talented people, marketing, and new product and export development are key factors, of course.”
The Stellarton-based Empire Company Limited also made the list at No. 36 with 29 per cent growth over a three-year period. Empire annually tops the list of Progress Magazine’s Top 101 Companies in Atlantic Canada, with tens of billions in revenue and assets and a workforce of 125,000.
ON THE MAP: LOCATIONS OWNED BY TWIN RIVERS PROPERTIES:
Westville: Westville Mobile Home Park
Westville: Wadden's Court
Riverton: Riverton Park
Abercrombie: Country Villa Estates
Plymouth: Hemlock Hill Mini Home
Stellarton: Twin Rivers Park
New Glasgow: High Street Estates Expansion Phase 1
Miramachi: Kerr Estates
Bridgewater: Eisnor Park
TOP TEN FASTEST GROWING COMPANIES:
Rank: Name: Growth Rate:
1 Skinfix Inc 4848%
2 Twin Rivers Park Limited 331%
3 Wired Flare Inc. 295%
4 Vigilant Management 253%
5 STI Technologies Limited 142%
6 ICS Creative Agency 137%
7 Talon Energy Services 134%
8 eyecandy SIGNS INC. 120%
9 Coach Atlantic Group 114%
10 Aspin Kemp & Associates 113%
