St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador — On Oct. 29, the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE) hosted its 22nd annual Entrepreneur of the Year awards, dedicated to celebrating local businesswomen. This year, NLOWE honoured seven Newfoundland and Labrador business owners, including Michelle Melendy, CEO of the Western Group of Companies.
Melendy, who owns and operates six local automotive businesses in Corner Brook, N.L., took home the pinnacle Entrepreneurial Excellence Award. Sponsored by RBC Royal Bank, the award recognizes a long-time entrepreneur who has made a significant impact on the economy, and whose success is an inspiration for other businesswomen.
“For me, being in a male-dominated industry, often when I talk to my colleagues across the country the approaches they would take are not what I would do,” said Melendy. “But that’s okay because everybody’s different, and it goes back to what your values are and you need to trust your instincts. I think that, for women, in particular, that’s really important.”
Western Group of Companies is a family-owned business consisting of Western Collision, an autobody repair shop; several automotive dealerships, including Western Toyota, Western Kia and Western Mazda; Western Motorsports, a recreational dealership; as well as Western Glass, a commercial glass, door, fabrication and installation service.
Melendy grew up in the family business but originally opted for a career in social work. In 2001, when her father approached her about working the family business, Melendy took a leave from her position as regional director of mental health. Before the year was over, she resigned fully and embraced the family business under her father’s direction.
Western Group of Companies remains active in the local community and even hosted a concert and classic car show this past July.
Despite the success of her businesses, Melendy credits her team for all their hard work.
“I think the key to your success is your people,” said Melendy. “I don’t feel that I’m totally responsible for our success in the last ten years. I think it’s the team, our leaders and our employees working together that has got us where we are today.”
NLOWE’s awards ceremony, now in its 22nd year, is supported by the federal government through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
