Hard work has come into focus for Irwin Films, having won the 2024 SCBEX Small Business Award.
Being recognized for doing big things from a small start is great Validation for Irwin Films founder and owner Adler Irwin. Before launching the company, he was working in the oil patch. Now, he travels all over Canada and the world, working on film consultations and video shoots for commercial and private projects.
Accepting this award from his hometown, Irwin is grateful for just how well this venture has gone.
"It's great to have an opportunity where I am able to share what I do with the world," said Irwin. "It's nice to have Swift Current see the value in what I provide for our community and beyond our borders. I'm very appreciative and thankful for that."
Before founding the company, Irwin was making comfortable living in the oil patch. It wasn't until he began having issues with seeing his family that he decided to make the leap to film.
His 7-year-old son, Axel Irwin, was the entire inspiration for the career switch. Being able to see him more and be there for him more often is the key reason why Irwin Films began rolling.
"He's just been a tremendous source of inspiration for me and my business," said Irwin. "I was just having a really tough time with the hours and balancing that with the family life. He was the big push I needed to to start something that I had more control over, and if it wasn't for him, I probably would just be sitting comfortably in some form of oil field job right now, instead of taking a risk to do something that lets me be at home."
Irwin Films does everything video production-related. They have worked with southwest locals, and even with people as far away as Germany. Whether you need a commercial or aerial video/photography, Irwin Films has you covered. He has even worked with musicians like the Hunter Brothers and High Valley on music videos.
"We've worked closely with a few different music artists that are celebrated here within Canada," said Irwin. "All the way down to some more creative work, whether they're short films or documentaries or music videos."
When Irwin accepted the award, or rather, when he accompanied Axel as he accepted the award on Irwin Films' behalf, he found confirmation that he was on the right path for business practices.
"I'm just gonna keep doing what I'm doing," said Irwin. "I'm just honoured to have the recognition from the community and the business community here in Swift Current."
Should Axel choose to take over the family business someday, it would make Irwin not only happy but proud.
"I hope one day if he's still inclined to continue it on, then I'd be honoured," said Irwin. "But if the world and his future have other things in store, that's great too."