INSIDE THE INDUSTRY » PINE FALLS, MANITOBA Continuing the commitment Brother and sister are carrying on the St. Croix Cycle & Marine legacy by SANDRA ALBERS
THE SHOP THAT SERVICE BUILT: St. Croix Cycle & Marine staff take time out for a photo: (L to R) Rene St. Croix, Lucille St. Croix, Reg Templeton and Lindsay Carlson. —photo courtesy Louise Templeton
Name: Rene St. Croix
Position/company: President of St. Croix Cycle & Marine in Pine Falls, Manitoba
Products and services: We’re the exclusive Honda motorcycle, ATV and power equipment dealer. We sell up to 15-horsepower Honda outboards. We’re also a Jonsered chainsaw dealer.
Past lives: I was a technician for many years in Manitoba and Alberta. I started working for Polaris in 1995 as a service and warranty analyst, and later worked for the same company in corporate sales. I left Polaris last November. Dad (Louis St. Croix) and I had talked about joining forces, then he passed away last January, and here I am. My sister (Louise Templeton) and I are in the process of taking over the business.
What is the shop like? It’s an older shop—Dad started the business in 1965—and it has a well-established client base. We cater to the outdoor enthusiast, whether they are motorcyclists, boaters or quadders. Dad’s slogan was “the shop that service built.” We intend to carry that on.
Describe an average day for you: In August it was kind of slow, then the fall hunting and fishing season kicked in, so it’s pretty busy. I’m looking at hiring another technician. My brother-in-law, Reg Templeton, works here also as parts and service manager. My mother (Lucille) does the bookwork.
What do you like most about your job? It would be the look on customers’ faces when they drive away; keeping them happy and coming back.
What do you like to do away from work? I’m a motorcycle enthusiast; I ride all over Manitoba and into B.C. and the U.S. That’s my passion.
Do you compete? No, but the shop sponsors my nephew, Luc St. Croix, who competes in motocross races.
Describe your community: There are actually three towns on the same stretch: Pine Falls, Powerview and St. Georges. Pine Falls is the biggest. We’re right between Powerview and St. Georges. Tembec is the main employer in the area. We’re along the Winnipeg River—cottage country—and we do a lot of lawnmower repairs for the cottagers.
