Karina and John McFarland are no strangers to business ownership. In 1989, they founded Concept Land Design, a landscape construction, design and build company. In 1992, they recognized a greater need for these services in St. Thomas and Elgin County as the industrial area was looking promising with new small and medium sized factories popping up.

They presented a plan to the Elgin Business Resource Centre for a business loan that would allow them to expand their equipment to include additional trucks, trailers, and snowplows to service the small and medium size factories with year-round grounds maintenance and snow removal services. With financing, they were able to expand to offer year-round commercial maintenance services in addition to their design/build services. In 1999, the Community Futures Ontario recognized them as Entrepreneur of the Year.

By 2008, the recession had a substantial impact on the region and many of Concept Land Design’s contracts were cancelled. This had a significant impact on their winter income and made it difficult to carry their large fleet of heavy equipment and trucks and they had to make the difficult decision to close Concept Land Design in 2011.

Karina and John believe strongly in entrepreneurial spirit, and that the success of small businesses and entrepreneurs in our region helps the economy grow and thrive. Business ownership has many ups and downs, but they felt their skills from previously owning a business put them in a good position to start a new adventure. Pondvalley Manor was born in 2013. This did not come without challenges as the property was not zoned appropriately for their new venture. With hard work and determination, and working with the municipality, the property was rezoned in March of 2014.

Pondvalley Manor is a beautiful property on Centennial Road in Central Elgin that specializes in weddings and life events. Pondvalley Manor offers signature Weekend Wedding packages, Elopement Packages, and hosts Bridal Showers, Wedding Showers and Anniversary Packages. Events can be DIY with the help of family members and friends with Pondvalley Manor supplying connections to their many local vendors, or a hybrid of DIY and help with decorating and day of coordinating, to fully serviced events. It is based on the style and budget of each client.

Using John’s artistic vision, they designed a breathtaking space that reuses pieces from a historic farmhouse that was being demolished. The barn also has lights from the front of the Timken factory. John is always on the lookout for unique historical items to save and incorporate into the property. The Bridal Staging Chapel is built from hand-hewn barn beams that came from one of the oldest barns in the area, circa 1812. The large door is from the iconic 7 Dwarfs Restaurant. John has planted over 2500 trees and shrubs on the property, many native to the property.

There was no way to plan for the next challenge that entrepreneurship was going to present them with. Significant health issues and Covid greatly impacted their business, and this resulted in 50% less revenue in 2020 and 2021. 2022 and 2023 continued to be catch-up years.

Pondvalley Manor was able to count on their 30+ year relationship with the Elgin Business Resource Centre to assist with funding to help them through and ride the storm. EBRC was always ready with new ideas and encouragement.

What advice would Karina and John give to other business owners going through tough times?

• Business ownership is hard. Consider what contingency plans you have in place.
• Take pride in your vision and what you wish to bring to your customer base.
• The customer experience takes priority and will build lasting relationships.
• Forge great business relationships: join associations, network, reach out and talk to local businesses that could enhance your customer experience.
• Refer business to other business owners, promote them verbally and online.
• Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. The Elgin Business Resource Centre is not only a resource for financing, but also business planning, improving social media, encouragement, and an ear to hear what you are facing, allowing brainstorming that results in a renewed sense of hope and motivation when times are tough.
• Take the time to step back, appreciate what you have accomplished and be grateful.

Check out more details about Pondvalley Manor at pondvalleymanor.com or on social media at www.facebook.com/pondvalleymanor.

In a place where community and business go together, EBRC is more than a place for advice.

Whether you’re just starting or have been in business for years, EBRC is ready to help you take the next step.