For Jay and Sam Robinson, the local Credit
Union helped them realize their dream. Over twenty-five years ago, Jay and Sam
wanted to start their own business, but major financial institutions were not
interested in funding them. The local Wainwright Credit Union, now Encompass
Credit Union, took a chance on the entrepreneurs, and lent them the start-up capital
and ongoing funds to keep the very fluid liquor business… flowing.
After the Alberta government privatized liquor distribution, the Credit Union
was there for the Robinsons to start Wainwright Liquor and Cold Beer. “Within
two days, we had the loan to start the company up,” said Jay. “It was a whole
new industry, but the Credit Union took a chance on us.
“As the business developed and grew, there were, and are, unique pressures of
the liquor business,” he said. “We need to pay in advance for orders, and the
Credit Union was always there to work with us to secure our inventory during
peak seasons.
“They’ve always had a solution for us, and our Business Account Manager really
understood what we do, and why we need capital for shorts amounts of time,” said
Jay. “They’ve really impressed me with their service.”
Sam, who comes into the branch to do frequent deposits, is pleased with the
exceptional service she receives. “I’m treated very well, they are so nice, and
they respect how limited my time is,” she said.
Now, Wainwright Liquor and Cold Beer is a thriving business winning multiple
awards within the liquor industry as well as Wainwright Chamber of Commerce’s
Business of the Year.
“A few years ago, one of the major banks came knocking,” Jay explained. “They
weren’t interested in us all those years ago, so I was happy to tell them,
‘there’s the door’.”
