Trusted Tips and Resources

Trusted Tips & Resources

Trusted Saskatoon Brags about Epic Auto & Driveline Your Trusted Saskatoon Auto Repair , Service & Tire shop

The Trusted Saskatoon Team is delighted to welcome our newest Trusted Saskatoon Partner, Epic Automotive and Driveline to the Saskatoon Tire and the Saskatoon Auto Repair & Service Categories. Epic Auto and Repair Service is your go-to Trusted Saskatoon Tire and Auto Repair shop. They are waiting to help you with tires, maintenance auto repair services on all make and models of vehicles. Get to know all they do and meet the people behind the business in our latest Trusted Saskatoon article welcoming a new partner to our Saskatoon community of locally owned businesses operated with integrity!



Meet Epic Automotive & Driveline

Bob Harder and Shelly McConnell-Harder have nearly 4 decades in the automotive industry. They are Co-owners of Epic Auto and they're using their experiences to operate this exceptional local business. They found a great partner and general manager in Mitch Quesnel, a colleague from Bob’s days in the industry at Ens. 


“Having the good and bad has afforded me the insight to ensure Epic will be a company that focuses on creating and sustaining a strong relationship with my customers.”- said Bob Harder 

Walking into Epic for the very first time, we were greeted with an authentic and warm welcome. We noticed immediately how fresh, bright and sparkling clean the reception area was. This speaks volumes, especially to both of us women, as the auto industry has a reputation as one of the  ‘least trustworthy categories ‘. How often do you walk into an auto or tire shop and feel overwhelmed by bad smells, dirty coffeemakers, and piles of clutter? This is not at all what you will experience at Epic. What that indicated to us, is that they are organized, that they prioritize safety, and that they are ready to help. Clearly, they care about the first impression they are making and we know that first impressions mean a lot. Epic Auto is clearly prepared and ready to help with all and any of your Auto Repair and Tire issues.


The goal at Epic is to have the quickest turnaround time possible, this is especially important for their commercial clients. They understand that when a vehicle is in the shop it’s not making the company any money. They are committed to trying their hardest to make sure that their customers leave with a smile and share that they had a positive experience with friends and family. 


When asked by a reporter at the StarPhoenix in a recent article about how Epic got its name, Bob replied,   

“We agonized over the name, to tell you the truth. How it came about, we finally said, we think we have the chance to create something epic, we just need to come up with a good name. Suddenly it was like, Oh, maybe ‘Epic’ is a good name!”

Picture: Saskatoon Star Phoenix.- New Faces New Places 


We asked  Mitch Quesnel to share the career journey that led him to be the Managing Partner at Epic. 

I started in the Automotive industry in 2007 working as a lot attendant, ironicly it was Bob that hired me for that first job! After a while I was given the opportunity to move into the shipping and receiving department, which I did  for a couple of years, then I moved into a parts advisor role, a position I stayed in for 15 years. When Bob and Shelley gave me the opportunity to work with them as a Managing Partner At Epic Automotive & Driveline I was excited and I started at Epic Automotive & Driveline at the end of Aug 2022.  I am inspired by taking on new challenges and I enjoy putting in the hard work!!  .


How Does Trusted select Trusted Saskatoon businesses to partner with? 

  • We look for locally accountable businesses with a reputation for quality-driven excellence in the Saskatoon market.

  • Customers, clients, and suppliers nominate businesses they are impressed with. 

  • We personally surveyed a number of their past customers.

  • We check the business's online reputation, and we speak to business references 

  • All past customers we speak to are surveyed - it is a pass or a fail! 

  • We ensure any required licenses, qualifications, WCB, and insurances are valid and up to date.



What Did Epic's Customers Say About Their Experience? 


“I’ve had a great experience with Epic. My company uses them for our fleet vehicles. They are very accommodating, especially getting us in on the short notice. The vehicle is out as soon as they can. I’ve also taken my personal vehicle there a few times. They caught a lot of stuff that the dealership I go to was sloughing off. ‘Oh, everything looks good. Jordan- Saskatoon  


“I know the owner, Bob Harder. They have a really good knowledgeable crew. We have our corporate vehicles serviced there and the pricing has been so good. It’s not like other garages. The customer service is fantastic and they haven't charged me a nickel more. - Office Solutions, Mark


We encourage you to visit Epic Auto’s Trusted Saskatoon listings to read more customer reviews, see their full range of services, and, if you want more information or to book, check out their website.
They are here to help, and all of their clients shared that they are professional and invested in customer satisfaction- they are Saskatoon automotive experts you can trust! 


Epic Automotive and Driveline is a Trusted Saskatoon Auto Repair and Service Shop
AND Epic is a Trusted Saskatoon Tire Shop


Congratulations Bateman Jewellers Recognized As Your Trusted Saskatoon Jewellery Store For 10 years

TRUSTED SASKATOON RECOGNIZES OUR PARTNERS WHO HAVE BEEN TRUSTED FOR OVER 10 YEARS!



In this series of articles, we continue to shine a spotlight on the businesses that have been partners for over 10 years. This year we recognize the Trusted Saskatoon Partners that joined us in 2012. We want to thank them for TRUSTING our team, and we are identifying each of them individually for providing 10 years of OUTSTANDING service to the citizens of Saskatoon and the surrounding area! This latest article celebrates and recognizes Cam and the talented team at Bateman Jewellers. 


“Your Jewellery Is A Lifetime Investment...Buy It From A Lifetime Friend"


A History To Be Proud Of


George Bateman opened G.W. Bateman Jewellers in October of 1945 at 122 20th Street East. George had recently returned home from overseas after serving six years in the Canadian Armed Forces during World War II as an instrument technician.


In 1948 after working at Bateman’s  Jewellery Store Millie married George and  In 1954 George opened a second store in the Senator Hotel on 21st street. In 1981 he opened a third location in Melfort. Bateman Jewellers reputation became the store with the largest assortment of diamonds and watches in Saskatoon and boasted the most up-to-date repair departments. 


Fast forward to  1992 when George's daughter Marilynand her husband Ken, purchased Bateman’s from her father George. In 1995 the store moved to its current location on  2nd Avenue South. This gave them more space and they owned the building.

In February 2004 While travelling to a jewellery show in Edmonton with a coworker, Marilyn was involved in a serious car accident. Although she continued to work during her recovery, she found it difficult. Which led to them making the decision to sell the store with the intent to retire in B.C


Cam Kripki, the current owner,  had been working for Bateman’s since 1991. Cam was eager to purchase the store from Marilyn given his education in gemology and watch repair. He appreciated the history, the legacy and the reputation Batemans had built over it’s long history. In mid 2004, Cam and his long time customer & private supplier for Bateman Jewllers, John Scarfe, started conversations about a partnership to buy the store. John also has a gemology background, he believed in the potential of Bateman’s and its good reputation.


In March 2005, Cam, his wife Janice, his business  partner John Scarfe and his wife Laurie became business partners, then in January 2016 John sold his shares  to Cam and Janice Kripki who are now the sole proprietors and continue to operate the store with integrity and care.  You may recognize Cam’s voice from his long running  ‘ Legend Of The Rock ‘ radio ads.



 

Over the years Bateman’s offerings have expanded to include high quality giftware, including quality fashion jewellery,  fine glassware, jewellery boxes, Maison Bergers  and beautifully designed household items. They hold a huge sale every year in October to commemorate their anniversary,  the deals available are awesome and definitely worth checking out!!





Trusted Sara and Batemans


“ I have known Cam and Janice since 2008,  and they have been my family's  jeweller ever since. When I was developing the concept for Trusted Saskatoon they were the kind of company and owners I was looking to partner with. The TrustedSaskatoon community is composed of local businesses who are true experts in their industries. In addition, they are huge supporters of the wider  Saskatoon community. Bateman Jewellers is a fine example of local supporting local and they are built on a foundation of giving back going back decades.  Jewellery is a special gift to give and I have been so happy with Cam’s help over the years  picking out Graduation, milestone anniversary &  birthday  gifts for my family and friends.  When I have been searching for the perfect gift for a valued person in my life I know I can rely on him to work with me to  provide a great option within my budget. I have also been impressed by how much Batemans gives back to the community , as a volunteer, sponsor  and prize sponsor of so many charity and fundraising events. Cam and the team are humble and rarely promote all the amazing community work they do, so I am glad Trusted can spread the word! “ - Sara Wheelwright - Trusted Founder.     

Can't find what you’re looking for? Bateman’s offers a custom jewellery design service . For example they can 3D design a ring specifically for you using professional CAD software, so you can get your perfect, special piece designed from scratch using GemVision's Matrix software.  

For an easier process, they use Countersketch Studio to edit adjustable templates to work together on a design that you will love for years to come.

 

Contact Cam or visit them in-store for more information.


The Trusted Saskatoon team guarantees when you choose Bateman’s as your family jewellers  you will receive outstanding value and attentive personal service from a local family owned business that truly cares and is there for you before, during and after your purchase! 

 

Thank you for TRUSTING us Cam, Janice and the Bateman’s team. You have  provided 10 years of AMAZING service to the people of Saskatoon  as our Trusted Saskatoon Jewellery store. Bateman Jewellers continues to be a wonderful legacy in our city, that has always provided personal and outstanding service to Saskatoon and area for nearly 80years!


We are proud to support then and to share that they upheld the 5 TRUSTED GUARANTEES of service long before we came along.


Bateman Jewellers   - Your Trusted Saskatoon Jewellers for over 10 years. 




When the Trusted Saskatoon team gives a business the 'Thumbs Up' it really means something!! So continue to use and recommend TrustedSaskatoon.com to FIND GREAT LOCAL BUSINESSES YOU CAN TRUST like Bateman Jewellers


Congratulations to Imagery Photography Recognized as Trusted Saskatoon Photographers For Over 10 Years

TRUSTED SASKATOON RECOGNIZES OUR PARTNERS WHO HAVE BEEN TRUSTED FOR OVER 10 YEARS!

In this series of articles, we continue to shine a spotlight on the businesses that have been partners for over 10 years. This year we recognize the Trusted Saskatoon Partners that joined us in 2012. We want to thank them for TRUSTING our team, and we are identifying each of them individually for providing 10 years of OUTSTANDING service to the citizens of Saskatoon and the surrounding area! This latest article celebrates and recognizes Milton Taylor and the ladies at Imagery Photography. 

Milton B. Taylor, MPA  founded Imagery Photography in 1977. Milton has had an illustrious and lengthy photographic career. He is a multi-award-winning photographer, whose skills are still very much in demand

 

When we presented Milton with his Trusted Saskatoon 10-Year Award, we asked him about advice he would give others in business and why he has been so successful over so many years. He replied simply and predictably…


"TREASURE LIFE."


“Treasure Life” has been Milton’s motto for many years. “We all get opportunities to do something in life. We have to seize those opportunities and make them count.” He hopes that we can all look back in years to come and recall how wonderful and treasured those opportunities are and that we always treasure life. 



Trusted Sara and Milton


“ I have known Milton since meeting him at a breakfast networking event in 2011,  and he has been my photographer ever since. Over the years he has visually documented my life with cherished family photos, passport photos, Trusted event photos and all of our Trusted team and website photos. I have always loved the results and have no hesitation in recommending Milt to anyone looking for a talented and trustworthy photographer in Saskatoon
In 2021 Milton agreed to collaborate with me to raise money for local charities. I roped him into volunteering as my partner and we stepped up a team for the Saskatoon Progress Club’s Celebrity Challenge -which promotes local restaurants and raises money for local charities. We represented Team HomeQuarter and together we sold over $6000 of gift cards and promoted the event far and wide. All in all the event raised over $80,000 for local non-profits, including one close to his heart, Care and Share Saskatoon.  I was thrilled to witness him accepting the prestigious Professional Photographers of Canada: Saskatchewan Fellowship Award. in 2017, which is the highest honour which can be bestowed upon a member. I am so grateful to be able to promote him as .a client, a Trusted partner and to also call him a valued friend."  - Sara Wheelwright - Trusted Saskatoon  Founder.   
Milton is also community driven and is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards including but not limited to:
 
  • SABEX Community Leadership Award 
  • 2015 B’nai Brith ‘We’re Proud Of You Award. 
  • 2017 NSBA Shirley Ryan Lifetime Achievement Award 
  • 2017 Professional Photographers of Canada: Saskatchewan Fellowship Award



Community Support Is At The Foundation Of Imagery Photography


As passionate about volunteering as he is about photography, Milton devotes countless hours to many community organizations, projects and programs. He has been and continues to be, involved with many community and business organizations. If you visit his studio it is impossible to miss all of the awards crowding the window sills and shelves. Most recently, he was Chair of the NSBA board of directors. One of Milton’s greatest passions is his involvement with Care and Share Saskatoon.

Care and Share is a non-profit organization devoted to the needs of Saskatoon’s inner-city schools. Care and Share’s mission is to ensure all children have an opportunity to develop all of their potential: in sports, in school, in culture and in recreation. Milton strongly believes that education is the only way to break the cycle and that the longer children can stay in school, the better their chances of success. Milton volunteers and has served on the board for over 15  years

We guarantee when you choose Imagery Photography as your photographer for family, commercial or professional pictures, you will receive fantastic pictures at a fair price from a local family-owned business that cares!



Thank you for TRUSTING us Milton, Betty & Brenda, and thank you for providing 10 years of AMAZING service to the people of Saskatoon. Imagery Photography continues to be a well-respected and valued company in  Saskatoon and the area and they have always upheld our 5 TRUSTED GUARANTEES of service.


Imagery Photography - Your Trusted Saskatoon Photographers for over 10 years  



When the Trusted Saskatoon team gives a business the 'Thumbs Up' it really means something!! So continue to use and recommend TrustedSaskatoon.com to FIND GREAT LOCAL BUSINESSES YOU CAN TRUST like Imagery Photography. 


Kitchen & Bath Classics, Your Trusted Saskatoon Bathroom Experts Share 5 Tips to Surviving a Renovation

Whether you are building a new home or remodelling a single room, Kitchen & Bath Classics Saskatoon, a Trusted SASKATOON BATHROOM EXPERT, offers you one of the largest selections of plumbing fixtures, faucets, and accessories from quality names, displaying the latest trends and cutting-edge styles. The showroom consultants offer the best expertise in the business as they understand the building process, working with you to ensure that your project stays within budget and that the right products are delivered on time.

5 Tips for Surviving a Renovation:

Living through a renovation can be stressful, but there are five tips you can consider that will help the process go smoothly.

1. Set a realistic budget. 

The most common mistake homeowners make is operating at their maximum budget allowance and not saving extra for those unexpected costs or splurge items. A realistic budget should be 80% of what you can actually afford, leaving 10% for surprises (even the best contractors can’t know what hides behind walls), and 10% for decorating once the project is completed.

2. Determine your desired timeline for completion.

Keep in mind that delays often happen, regardless of how well you have planned. Materials get back-ordered, bad weather can delay exterior work, and tradespeople may get sick or require extra time to make sure the job is done properly.


3. Hire construction experts for anything you are unsure of. 

It is always best to hire licensed professionals because they are bonded and insured. You want to hire someone who works with a formal contract and can provide references. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Select someone with whom you can communicate clearly about all aspects of the project. Write down a list of questions as you think of them, such as, ‘What payments do I have to make and when? Am I coordinating the trades, or will they be your responsibility?' Contact local associations for referrals if you do not know where to start.

4. Be realistic about living through a renovation.

Can you segregate yourself to another area and be comfortable? Do you need to move out for a little while? Keep in mind that most contractors and trades keep construction hours from 7 am to 3 or 4 pm. Will this be disruptive to you or your family members?

Also consider the levels of dust and how they affect those children, pets, and those afflicted with respiratory difficulties. Moving out during a renovation is often a good idea. It also means the job site can operate more efficiently if you and your family are not in the way.


5. The design aspects of your project.

Are you creating something that will look dated in five years, or can it be easily adapted to current trends as they change? This is where hiring professional interior designers, decorators and architects is a good investment. Not only can they help you define your style, but they can also mediate between you and the contractor and trades, which will alleviate a lot of the renovation stress. These professionals typically cost approximately 5% of your renovation budget, and they make sure that your vision for your renovation becomes a reality.




The Trusted Saskatoon team brag about Panko Collaborative Law & Mediation

Panko Collaborative Law & Mediation is a settlement firm focusing on family law and offering a supportive environment for families in transition or conflict. Using a holistic approach, the team at Panko Collaborative Law and Mediation walks with their clients through whatever legal issue they are involved in, empowering them to problem solve out of court. Panko Collaborative Law & Mediation is a Trusted Saskatoon Law Firm Specializing in Family Law! 

A Fresh Perspective On Dispute Resolution from The Trusted Team at Panko Collaborative Law & Mediation  

It is safe to say that not many lawyers specialize in alternative dispute resolution and mediation when it comes to resolving client disputes. What the team at Panko Collaborative Law & Mediation offers is certainly different,  and we are eager to share what they do, why they get the thumbs up from Trusted Saskatoon and what makes them stand apart from the crowd!  



The first thing to note is that the goal at Panko is NOT to go to court! 


This is a rather surprising goal for a law firm, so to understand why it helps to learn how the company came to be in the first place. We sat down with Dominique Panko, a mediator at the company, to find out more about the history, the people and the philosophy of the firm. 

Dominique's mother, Charmaine Panko is the founder and principal lawyer at the firm. To say Charmaine is a trailblazer is an understatement. She was invited to study law at the University Of Saskatchewan and eagerly commenced her studies in 2000. Charmaine was a mature student and she had already started her family. Understandably she found the workload combined with mothering nine children intense, so she petitioned the University to allow her ( and other mothers) to study part-time. They agreed, and in 2005 Charmaine graduated with a Batchelor of Law (with distinction). After law school, she joined Miller Thomson, where she was a collaborative lawyer, mediator, arbitrator, and trainer, before leaving to start her own company, Panko Collaborative Law & Mediation in 2015.

When Dominique was sharing her mother's story,  it became clear that Charmaine has a talent for problem-solving,  and that she actively seeks out unique ways to overcome objections and tackle roadblocks encountered. Now a mother of 11, Charmaine is an entrepreneur overseeing a successful family-owned and operated Saskatoon law and meditation firm, where Dominique and 3 of her other children also work.   

A Commitment To Doing Things Differently 


"We will not go to court- there are ways to go your own way that aren't so hard and ways that don't have to be a road to misery. Our goal is to get former adversaries to work together" - Dominique Panko
When asked what being trusted means to the team at Panko, Dominique replied that confidentiality was paramount, clients have to be able to trust them and they must trust the process - to do that they need to feel safe. 
The process is very different from what people are used to when struggling with disputes in the emotional areas they deal with. They specialize in mediating family law, divorce and separation, wills and estate disputes. They offer holistic support and their team is invested in finding a way to an amicable resolution for their clients. Hear what their peers have to say...

" As a fellow attorney, I'm scrupulous about who I send my friends and family to. Charmaine is a seasoned attorney who works to achieve the very best results without destroying families. Charmaine's training in mediation and collaborative divorce help her to guide families through the transitions of separation and divorce without the high cost (and emotional toll) of litigation." Carrie Luelling

Panko Collaborative Law & Mediation has several pathways to achieve a successful outcome, including:

Collaborative Law
In this process, each person involved has their own specially trained lawyer. Both lawyers commit to resolving all matters between the people involved without fighting in court. Sometimes in this process, the lawyers might suggest the inclusion of other collaborative team members such as separation coaches, child consultants, or divorce financial experts. The video below explains the process in detail. 


" Collaborative Law was able to work around my busy schedule while guiding me on the proper sequence of everything involved in a separation. There were quick responses to any and all of my questions. When it came time to have a face-to-face meeting, I found it to be a comfortable experience. Which was nice, as I was nervous about mediation, to begin with. I found everyone in the office to be very professional." A Harrison


Mediation
A process using a neutral third party to facilitate negotiations and conversation for people in disagreement to reach a mutually satisfactory solution.


Kitchen Table
Working through the agreements that need to be made in an informal way, perhaps through conversations at your kitchen table.

Do It Yourself Separation / Divorce
They can teach you the steps to ensure your separation story is a successful one by taking the CommonSense Separation Course

" We refresh our mission statement every year to ensure it remains relevant. Our role is to empower people through difficult transitions - we go where ever there is conflict and we approach challenges with a fresh perspective. We give our clients tools that they can use for the rest of their lives" - Dominique Panko, Mediator

The team at Trusted Saskatoon is extremely proud to promote and support the wonderful team at Panko Collaborative Law & Mediation. It is clear that they are passionate about helping people find a better way. The situations they are involved with are amongst the most painful, emotional and challenging times in their clients' lives. Charmaine, Dominique and the Panko team authentically care, they are actively involved in offering new ways and they are passionate about petitioning for much-needed change in family law and the justice system so it works better for all involved, but especially for the children! 

Panko Collaborative Law & Mediation Is A Trusted Saskatoon Law Firm Specializing in Family Law and Mediation 




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