Duane Hicks
Jason Supinski was among the 200-plus local mill workers who lost their jobs back in February, 2013.
But as the saying goes, when a door closes, a window opens and Supinski started his own business—opening Jay’s Auto Repair and Cool Air Mechanical in December of that year.
Then last July, life-long friend Travis Chabot opened Chabot’s All-Season Repair Service at the same location (858 Sixth St. W.) and the two have been busy ever since.
Supinski does auto repair work and mobile air conditioning while Chabot handles small engine repairs, such as snowmachines, motorcycles, outboard motors, snowblowers, and the like.
Both have plenty of expertise and experience behind them. Supinski started working at MacDonald Motors in 1991 as a co-op student, working his way up to apprentice and then mechanic.
He worked there until 2007.
He then went to work at the pulp and paper mills here, where stayed for five-and-a-half years until being let go two years ago.
He worked at Badiuk Equipment for about four months, then took over a mobile air conditioning business.
When air conditioning season was over, he opened the auto repair shop.
Chabot, meanwhile, worked at Badiuk Equipment for 11-and-a-half years, and before that 10 years with Kim Roy at Roy’s Repair.
But both are first-time business owners. And while it’s not easy to take the plunge, it’s been worth the blood, sweat, and tears they’ve put into it.
“I got some pointers from friends who had their own businesses,” noted Supinski.
“I’ve worked in sales and mechanics, and have been around businesses.
“And I have an accountant friend, and she helped me get started with all my paperwork and stuff,” he added, noting that since he’s opened his doors, business has been steady.
“It’s been good,” Supinski remarked.
“I can’t honestly believe it’s been so good for the short time I’ve been open.”
Chabot is the only small engine repair shop in town since both Mark Kerber and Pat Langtry, who had done small engine repair, got out of the business recently.
“I decided it was time to give it a try,” reasoned Chabot, adding Supinski helped him make the leap he had been wanting to take.
Chabot admitted it was very stressful starting out.
“To start a business on your own, now you’re making money for yourself,” he explained.
“You don’t have that 9-to-5 wage kind of thing.
“It’s a lot more work but it’s well worth it,” he added.
“I can’t believe the residents of Fort Frances have given me the work.”
Chabot said that over the years, he’s been able to build a good reputation in town as a small engine repairman. And when he opened his business, the customers started to coming to him, which he greatly appreciated.
“It helped me get over that first hump of being a business owner,” he remarked.
“It took off like an airplane and it hasn’t landed yet,” added Chabot.
“It’s great.”
While their businesses are individually-owned, there’s an advantage to being situated in the same building.
“Sometimes, he needs a hand or sometimes I need a hand, or sometimes you just need that extra mind around to help you out,” Chabot reasoned.
“Give you a fresh look at the situation,” echoed Supinski.
There’s also a bit of cross-over between customers—after all, it is a one-stop repair shop.
“You can get everything done here,” said Supinski.
“We get lots of people who drop off their snowblowers and say, ‘While I’m here, change the oil in my truck,’ or ‘How much is it for this?’” agreed Chabot.
“We’re forever passing out [business] cards.”
“The thing is, a lot of times a guy will come in to get his truck, pay me, and then he’s driving the truck around back here to pay Trav and get his stuff, and then he’s out the door,” chuckled Supinski.
Both Supinski and Chabot said they would love to see more small businesses open up in Fort Frances—and gave future entrepreneurs some advice.
“Keep a positive attitude—no matter what—because it does get tough,” Supinski warned.
“Work hard and enjoy what you do because that’s what makes you come back to your job every day,” said Chabot.
“And stay small off the start. Take one job at a time,” he stressed.
“Don’t stack it all on yourself.”
