After 25 years, Point West Electric’s founders are entering retirement, leaving behind a thriving business and a bright future.
When Gil and Kelly first launched Point West Electric 25 years ago, they didn’t have a building, a large crew, or even a long list of local contacts. What they did have was determination.
“I wasn’t from Portage, my wife was, so I didn’t know a lot of people when we first started,” Gil remembers. “It meant going door to door, earning trust, and proving we could deliver.”
First working out of their garage, Point West moved up in the world in 2004 when they purchased the iconic Greenberg’s Grocery building in 2004, a fact that is brought up on a regular basis by reminiscing customers.
Today, Point West has grown into one of the region’s most respected electrical companies, winning awards for Best Small Business and Best New Business along the way, and receiving a Nomination by Apprenticeship Manitoba for Employer of the YearRural Division. But for Gil and Kelly, the real rewards have always come from the people- the customers who’ve stayed with them since day one, the staff who have become like family, and the community that has supported them every step of the journey.
“Without our staff and the community, we wouldn’t be here,” Kelly says. “They’ve been the backbone of everything we’ve built.”
That commitment to community has never been one-sided. For more than 20 years, Point West donated time and expertise to Habitat for Humanity, often completing two houses a year. The company continues to give back through donations and volunteering, building community connections as strong as the electrical systems they install.
The industry itself has changed dramatically over the years. Safety standards are stricter, projects more complex, and technology increasingly advanced. Point West adapted with ISN and COR safety certification and ongoing training for its team, but the foundation of its success has stayed the same- hard work, long hours, and a dedication to doing the job right.
“We always said this wasn’t a Monday-to-Friday job,” Gil reflects. “It was twelve, fourteen-hour days, seven days a week, 24/7 on call. Many personal sacrifices, along with many rewards. But it was all worth it.”
Now, as Gil and Kelly step into retirement, they’re passing the torch to a team that’s already proven itself. Rodney Fehr, along with partners Adam Blight and Mark Jordan, have been part of Point West’s growth in recent years and are ready to carry the legacy forward.
“Gil approached me roughly 2.5 years ago and told me he was starting to think about slowing down in the next few years,” says Blight. “He mentioned that there was a chance that Rodney was thinking that he would probably need a hand with carrying this business along. I thanked him for thinking that I could possibly handle landing into a position like that. After giving it some thought for a few months, Rodney and I got chatting about the future, and we seemed to always agree on ideas and decisions that we had. Rodney and I have worked here together for about 10 years. Shortly thereafter I figured that it would be a good fit for me. So long story short I am going to give this business thing a try with Rodney and Mark!”
“I’ve been working at Point West for the past 17 years,” says Jordan. “In my opinion, Gil and Kelly have built a great reputation and the company values that are very much in line with my own. I was honoured when they asked if I would be interested in becoming a partner with Rodney and Adam. I’m looking forward to the challenges of maintain the standard for years to come.”
For Fehr, the decision to take on ownership felt like a natural progression.
“Owning a business has always been something I wanted to do. When the opportunity came up, it was impossible to pass up. The business has nearly doubled since I started ten years ago, and we’re excited to see where we can take it next.”
That future, he says, isn’t about reinventing Point West- it’s about carrying forward the same principles that made it successful: commitment to customers, dedication to staff, and deep roots in the community.
“We just want to keep building on what Gil and Kelly started,” Rodney explains.
As Point West celebrates 25 years, it’s clear the company’s story is still being written. With a new generation at the helm and the same values lighting the way, the next chapter promises to be just as strong as the last.
In parting, Gil and Kelly have penned a few words of thanks.
“We’d like to thank everyone who took a chance on us and trusted us from the very beginning, giving us the opportunity to build on a dream. To our loyal customers who have stood by us over the years, and to our new customers who continue to believe in your support has meant everything. We truly wouldn’t be where we are today without each and every one of you.
To our dedicated staff, both past and present, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude. Your hard work, commitment, and belief in our vision have been the foundation of our success.
It has been quite the journey- one filled with challenges, growth, and countless rewarding moments. Today, as we look back with pride and forward with excitement, we can say with full hearts: our dream has been accomplished.”
Stop by Point West Electric at 90 4th Street SE in Portage la Prairie, or find them online.
