7 HE SAID/SHE SAID: The news and views of area executives on pertinent business issues of the day.
16 CORPORATISM: Jim Blasingame asks if an entrepreneur is an employee, or self-employed contractor.
2 AT A GLANCE
A look at the views of people around the world on the morality of their fellow citizens.
2 CROSSWORD
Take a coffee break from work and challenge yourself with our crossword.
3 ESSEX ECONOMICS
A series of guest columns by business executives on various trends in the region.
8 PRIME PROPERTY
A look at recent commercial property transfers in the city of Windsor .
12 BUILDING PERMITS
A compilation of construction activity in the Windsor and area market.
15 START UPS
Newly incorporated firms launched in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.
omething entirely new in the world of desserts has opened in Windsor. Custard & Co. is the brainchild of Moe Saleh, a Windsor resident, who has long had a dream for a unique type of cinnamon roll, far from what you get at the mall.
There are two delicacies on hand: Cinnamon Rolls and Crumbles, another unique concept to the area.
Saleh said the cinnamon rolls come in flavors alternating weekly. The crumbles might not be exactly what you’re thinking – they don’t crumble in your hand, for example. These are cups of fruit puree (alternating with seasonal flavors such as
on page 4
AT A GLANCE
JUST THE FACTS:
• A recent survey of 25 countries ranks the share of respondents who view people in their countries as moral.
• Canada and Indonesia top the ranking, with 92 percent of respondents each viewing their fellow citizens positively.
• Indonesia and India (88 percent) are highly diverse societies, yet they rank alongside more homogeneous countries like Japan (83 percent) and Hungary (68 percent).
• Meanwhile, the relatively equal responses between countries like Canada and Indonesia, or India and Sweden (both eight percent), also dispel notions about the distinguishing factor being tied to the economic development level of the country.
• In contrast to their northern neighbors in Canada, a whopping 53 percent of respondents in the U.S. said they believe their fellow citizens are immoral. This is the only country where a positive social opinion was the minority.
• While the U.S. is the only country where most respondents declared their fellow citizens immoral, other countries do also reflect relatively divided views of their national citizenry.
• This trend can be found not only in large developing countries like Brazil and Türkiye (both at 51 percent), but also established Western democracies like France at 55 percent, and Italy at 59 percent.
BY JOVE, I THINK WE'VE STUMBLED ONTO THE FABLED "ANTIQUE TOAD SHOW!"
BUSINESS BOOST
“Experts advise business operators to give lavishly in order to get noticed. Some recommend they build their business by showering patrons with service, going overboard and making a big splash. I call this the avalanche approach.
“I believe in giving more than your client or customer expects, but not going overboard. Always do the best job possible and provide something more than you’re obligated to give, but don’t go wild. When you’re starting a business, you may have to extend yourself to open those initial doors. However, continuously overdoing is rarely cost-effective in light of the effort you must make.
“Like an avalanche, going overboard can set loose forces you can’t contain. It can overwhelm you and set a standard that is difficult or impossible to keep meeting. If you begin a relationship by giving so much, your clients or customers will expect you to continue providing at that level.
“If your efforts fall below that standard even once, they will notice and may feel shortchanged, and feel they’re not getting their money’s worth.”
Jill Lublin in Get Noticed, Get Referrals, McGraw-Hill.
VOLUME 30, ISSUE 1 • MAY 2026
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nadia H. Shousher
ART DIRECTOR David Cowx
CONTRIBUTORS Jim Blasingame, Dan Chase, Mike Chase, Dale Dauten, Paul March, Devan Mighton, J.T. O’Donnell, Ron Stang, Joe Symchyshyn
Windsor Business is published monthly by The Page Publishing Corp. and is distributed through Canada Post to every business address in Windsor and Essex County and Chatham-Kent. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. Copyright The Page Publishing Corp., 2026.
THE PAGE PUBLISHING CORP. 552 PITT STREET WEST, SUITE 101
Lately, I’ve been suffering these debilitating headaches that miraculously start when I go out into the world, then just as miraculously disappear the minute I step into the oasis that is my home. Why is that, I wonder?
My first instinct is it’s psychosomatic – the physical incorporation or result of emotional or mental stimuli. In other words, it’s literally all in my head!
But I’m more inclined to say this recent headache headache is that phenom I call “verbal volume,” the increasingly loud pitch with which people now communicate. It’s as if these conversational “yellers” believe the louder they are, the more attention, respect or credibility they’ll get from the audience. Here’s a tip: they won’t.
Verbal volume is a bad habit that is a poor relation of other communication no-no’s: interrupting, talking over someone else, not making eye contact during a face-to-face conversation. And it is a bad neighbor to all those other annoying tics indicative of someone not paying attention: toe tapping, pen clicking, finger drumming, lip smacking et cetera, et al., ad nauseum.
And don’t make me mention coffee slurping; I have a weak stomach.
As time goes on and technology more complex and intrusive, our communication skills are getting worse. How ironic. We let an over-dependence on technology do our thinking, speaking and relating for us. We now have a shortened attention span due to it being “dumbed down” by the mass media and entertainment industries, and we boast an overall self-absorption in today’s “me first, me only, me all” society.
I’ve noticed lately that the louder the people around me become, the quieter I get. And I’m Lebanese! We yell for fun: we kiss loudly, we talk loudly, we laugh loudly. We don’t cry; we wail. We don’t tip toe when we traverse the earth; we stomp and clomp and generally take possession of the little bit of earth we own.
And yet my Lebanese ears are too sensitive for the general verbal volume of today’s business environment. Doors slamming. People screeching. Office machines and cell phones at the highest (loudest) settings, radios playing at decibels reserved for outdoor rock concerts.
Turn it down! I cannot understand your message when it is mired in a high-pitched shriek. I am sitting right across from you, trying to parse your words out of all the distracting noise. The yelling, spittle spewing and wild hand gesticulations are unnecessary. They just start the headache to throbbing, while my eyes desperately search for an escape from the pain this “conversation” has become.
Please. Just turn it down.
Nadia H. Shousher is Editor-in-Chief of Windsor Business, a division of The Page Publishing Corp.
ESSEX ECONOMICS
KATE ZABRISKIE
Biases that
sabotage your thinking
Ever feel like you’re stuck pushing the same rock uphill, only to watch it roll back down? Maybe it’s that failing project you just can’t abandon, or the trendy initiative you pursued without question. These struggles often stem from cognitive biases – mental shortcuts that skew our thinking and keep us clinging to flawed decisions.
With a little awareness and some simple strategies, you can spot the traps, sidestep the pitfalls and sharpen your choices. Here are some:
Sunk Cost Bias: Why Am I Still Doing This? You’ve put a lot into something: a project, relationship, a subscription you never use. Even though it’s no longer working, you double down because of what you’ve already invested. This is sunk cost bias in action.
The Scenario: You’ve poured six months and thousands of dollars into a marketing campaign, but the data shows it’s a flop. Instead of cutting your losses, you push forward, hoping it’ll somehow turn around. Spoiler: it won’t.
The Fix: Ask yourself, “If I hadn’t already invested in this, would I choose it today?” Focus on future value, not past effort. Let data drive your next steps instead of emotion. And perhaps bring in a neutral third party to review the situation.
Confirmation Bias: Seeing Only What You Want to See. Once we form an opinion, we tend to cherry-pick evidence that supports it and ignore anything that contradicts it. This bias is a productivity killer, especially in problem-solving.
The Scenario: You’re convinced a new team workflow is a game-changer. You highlight the one project it helped move faster, while ignoring feedback that it’s slowing everyone else down.
The Fix: Actively seek out opposing perspectives. Ask, “What might I be wrong about?” Assign someone to play devil’s advocate in meetings, and use open-ended questions to challenge assumptions.
Bandwagon Effect: Following the Crowd Without Question. When everyone else is jumping on a trend, it’s tempting to join them, even if it’s not the right move for you or your team.
The Scenario: Your competitors are pouring resources into a new technology. You invest heavily to keep up, even though your customers don’t need it and your infrastructure can’t support it.
The Fix: Ask, “Does this align with our goals, or are we just following the herd?” Evaluate decisions independently from what others are doing, and prioritize what brings the most value to your organization. By learning to spot these biases and applying strategies to counteract them, you can make sharper, more deliberate decisions. Remember, better thinking isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being aware and intentional. And that’s what separates great leaders from the rest.
Kate Zabriskie is the president of
Independent bakery brings unique spin on traditional cinnamon rolls
Continued from page 1 pumpkin) with crushed shortbread crumble topped with hot custard. “It’s something that doesn’t really exist here.”
The cinnamon rolls are entirely different as well. They’re pretty big,” Saleh said. “Everything’s a new concept to Windsor.” They’re layered and topped with sauce.
All the baking is done in house, in the plaza at 6030 Tecumseh Road East at Jefferson.
“It’s a busy location, especially with Costco opening up near there soon,” Saleh said.
Saleh has long had a background in hospitality, working at various pizzerias – “almost any pizza place you can think of.” He then became a teacher and principal of LouiseCharron school. He’s currently on a leave of absence.
Saleh admitted the Crumbles concept is “hard to explain – it’s not even a concept that’s in Canada,” but more in England. The custard is “the most important part. Most custard in Windsor is pre-store bought. We’re doing it right from scratch with eggs and everything else.”
Other toppings are meringue and whipped cream.
Another novel business which opened in 2022, and broke the donut mold, is Torus Doughnuts on Dougall Avenue, owned by Jenna Simms and her dad Paul Gelinas.
“Our plans were to make fresh quality doughnuts from scratch every day,” Simms said. “We don’t use a mix; we use raw ingredients, which really stands us apart from everyone else.”
She decided on the concept after going to school in Toronto and seeing such shops there. “And when I
moved back to Windsor, I realized we had nothing like that. So, I created it because I missed it.”
The menu features signature and deluxe styles. Each month features as many as a dozen different types with flavors you won’t find in chain restaurants. These include Caramel Macchiato, Lotus Brown Butter, English Toffee Apple Fritter and Carrot Cake.
The store, which is take-out only, hopes to begin serving beverages this summer.
BY RON STANG
Landmark Kingsville office/warehouse sales
Kingsville Town Square, the modern multi-storey red brick stacked office building at the corner of Main and Division Streets, has been sold.
The building, which contains a number of white collar firms and at one time the Town of Kingsville municipal offices, sold for $5.1 million in March by a Mississauga company to David Barry of Windsor.
According to the Step Back in Time: The Kingsville Story website, the building last year celebrated 40 years since it was built and, “like a fine wine,” is aging well. “Some buildings need to mature to be fully appreciated.”
“Completed in 1985, the ‘Motorco Mall’ had replaced the historic Wigle Block which had been destroyed by fire four years earlier,” wrote historian Veronica Brown, with Kingsville Archives “It was a bold design and she cost over twice the original estimate, but this Postmodern grande dame is turning 40 next year and she is done apologizing!”
The buyer didn’t respond to follow up questions from Windsor Business
Meanwhile, in neighboring
Leamington a warehouse complex, formerly owned by Nassif Holdings, has been purchased by Kingsville’s CF Group , a major greenhouse operator. The sale price was $6.7 million.
CF Group is a multi-faceted business that grew out of CF Greenhouses, founded by Floyd Cacciavillani in Leamington in 1953. It’s now co-managed by Floyd’s son, Cole Cacciavillani, and consists of five businesses providing industrial, energy and real estate “opportunities for local, national and multinational organizations,” its website said. Third-generation family member Cory, with the same last name, of CRC Oak Ltd. – the buyer associated with CF – was named in the sales information. He did not respond to requests for comment. Nassif Holdings apparently temporarily closed and could not be reached.
Christian school buys former Kingsville site
The South Shore Christian School has purchased the former Jack Miner public school in Kingsville.
Jack Miner was among three schools in the town that closed in 2024, part of school consolidation into the new Erie Migration District School. The Christian school picked up the property in February for $2 million.
This marks the second building the Leamington-based Christian school owns. It has been at the former Mill Street public school in Leamington for the past four years, but that building is “bursting out of the seams,” said board chair Julie Schmitt. The school has been in existence for 20 years.
Schmitt said her board will make a final decision on just how the former Jack Miner school will be used when it meets this spring.
“The board is discussing the different opportunities and our goals,” she said. She said the board may decide to keep both properties, or “transfer the entire” school to Kingsville. The square footage is double that of Mill Street’s.
“IT STEMS FROM PARENTS LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO BE ABLE TO INSTILL HIGH ACADEMICS (WITH) THEIR FAITH, SO THAT CHURCH, FAMILY AND SCHOOL COULD PARTNER TOGETHER TO RAISE CHILDREN.”
The Christian school is entirely privately-funded through tuition and donations. “We get no government funding at all,” Schmitt said.
Schmitt, who has been with the school from the beginning, said South Shore originally started with just 20 students, “and it kind of progressed and got bigger over the years.”
South Shore is a non-denominational religious school. “We’re combined with over 21 different affiliated churches” including Mennonite, Protestant and Catholic. It has 260 students.
The school follows the standard provincial government curriculum, “but we combine that by giving an actual Biblical perspective to all aspects, whether it comes from math to science,” Schmitt said.
She said the school’s popularity has grown because “it stems from parents looking for opportunities to
be able to instill high academics (with) their faith, so that church, family and school could partner together to raise children” in an environment associated with “the Gospel.”
She said parents choose the private school rather than those in the public system’s public and religious boards – even in the Catholic board – because it offers further Christian perspective.
BY RON STANG
Boat dealer land sold for road project
The County of Essex has purchased a key piece of Tecumseh real estate for a road widening project. But, it’s uncertain where the business that occupies the land will go.
“The County of Essex has purchased property in the area of County Road 19 and County Road 22 for roadway expansion, intersection improvements and a stormwater solution to facilitate growth and development in alignment with the approved Environ-
mental Assessment for that corridor,” replied the County in response to a query.
County Road 19 is Manning Road, and County Road 22 is the continuation of the E.C. Row Expressway.
The County also wants to improve that area because of increasing commuter traffic to the NextStar Energy battery plant, upcoming Sandwich South residential development, and the adjacent upcoming new area hospital.
What will happen with the business that has occupied the land is uncertain. Sync Energy of Mississauga, which sold the land, could not be located. It sold the property, more than two acres, to the county for $4 million in April. It has been home to Windsor Yamaha and 401 Auto Financing, which sells power sport vehicles and watercraft. A local staffer referred media requests to the firm’s headquarters in Cambridge, but messages left there were not returned.
Jayson Bastien CFP™, CPA™ and CIM™ Financial Advisor 519-979-7334
jayson.bastien@edwardjones.com Tecumseh
Jennifer Johnson Financial Advisor 519-969-1419
Jennifer.Johnson@edwardjones.com South Windsor
Univsersity Avenue building sold
Along-time office building at the corner of University Avenue West and Caron Avenue has changed hands again.
For years, the building was home to the University of Windsor’s Institute for Diagnostic Imaging Research. It closed two years ago with the retirement of the director.
The building was also previously home to Mayhew, an office furniture outlet.
The more than 10,000-square-
foot building was sold in February by Ivilla Homes of Windsor, to a numbered company associated with Basman Kokah. Neither party could be reached.
It was advertised at $1.5 million in November 2024, and sold in February for $1.2 million.
The property had been hard to sell, with one potential buyer pulling out in 2024 because the site was subject to environmental remediation. A gas station at one time had been located there, when
the street was known as London Road before it became University Avenue.
“There used to be a service garage, which had gas bars right in front of the window, and there was a long history of known environmentals,” said realtor Mark Bloomfield of Royal LePage, who at one time handled the property but wasn’t involved in this sale.
A current realtor could not be found, but the seller may have sold privately off MLS
BY RON STANG
Paris-style bakery opening soon in Windsor RETAIL
Achain Paris-style patisserie, or bakery, is coming to Windsor, and it should transform the bakery “fast casual” take-out and dine-in light meal market.
Paris Baguette, a South Korean and New Jersey-based chain, has targeted 100 store openings in Canada, and Windsor will be among the first. Paris Baguette already has three stories in metro Detroit.
A local site has not yet been selected.
from King Cream to Strawberry Mochi, and savories from Hash Brown Bread with Ham and Crab Meat Croquettes.
There are many cold and hot drinks also made with Nutella, as well as various lemonades.
The firm’s chief development officer, Nick Scaccio, said the store will seat 40.
“We’re French-inspired, South Korean-born and expanding globally, with a twist,” he said. Approximately 150 products are offered. Scaccio said its offerings are “incredibly eclectic” and have “a very whimsical nature – almost like the Disneyland of bakeries.” The goal, he said, is to “re-establish the neighborhood café or bakery as the heart of the community.”
Each shop employs 40 and all products are made daily on-site.
To enter the business, a franchisee has to ante up $1.2 million for pre-opening costs and an initial is $40,000 fee. The firm is still scouting a local partner.
The concept is highly specialized cakes and breads, as if you are visiting an independent bakery. There are numerous varieties of cakes, pastries and donuts, many made with fan favorite Nutella. There are wraps and sandwiches, and Korean-inspired items such as Pizzettas, Korea Grilled Cheese and salads.
There are voluminous pastries including Portuguese Pastel De Natas and Tiramisu Tarts. Breads can be sweet or savory from Butter to Walnut Cream, donuts
Restaurant analyst Jeff Dover of Toronto-based fs STRATEGY Inc. called the chain’s quality “quite good. The concept is similar to Panera Bread, which has reduced the number of outlets in Canada.”
U.S. analyst Darren Tristano of Foodservice Results said Paris Baguette “will be competing with the beloved Tim Hortons chain.” Yet it will be “positioned as a healthier alternative” to competitors, resonating with Canada’s French influence with its Paris theme.
QUESTION: What changes, if any, have you made in your business to accommodate higher gas prices?
“My day-to-day job has not changed, but the pressure on clients’ operations has. Higher fuel costs can change how businesses drive, deliver and maintain equipment. So with rising fuel costs, I’m reviewing with business owners insurance and risk, before those changes turn into claims.”
Kristy Sauve, Account Executive, My Insurance Broker.
“Rising fuel costs have led us to adopt a remote-first support model, optimize driving routes, and bundle on-site visits. We’ve increased proactive monitoring, allowing us to maintain efficiency, reduce travel and continue delivering high-quality service without major client impact.”
Dusan Vaskovic, Managed Service Provider, Owner.
“We haven’t made major changes in response to higher gas prices. Our focus remains on consistent service and growth, while leveraging virtual meetings where appropriate to maintain efficiency and flexibility. All without compromising the client experience.”
Michael Tehan, Senior Benefits Consultant, The MultiCare Group of Companies.
“In construction, fuel and delivery surcharges have been passed down to us from our suppliers. To accommodate these changes, we have focused on consolidating orders and site visits and, of course, placing larger bulk material orders for cost effectiveness.”
Lena Bidawid, Vice-President of Operations, Troup Group of Companies.
“With three vehicles on the road, we try to schedule appointments in the same area on the same day, wherever possible. We also fill up on gas at Caldwell First Nation gas station, whenever we are in Leamington.”
& Drapery.
Mark Dudfield, Co-Owner, Better Blinds
THE FOLLOWING, PROVIDED BY REALTRACK.COM, REPRESENT SOME OF THE TOP COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TRANSFERS IN THE WINDSOR AREA:
SOLD
Address: 670 Cameron Ave.
Selling Price: $2.255 million
Vendor: Ontario Superior Court of Justice
Purchaser: Imperial Lifestyle
Management
SOLD
Address: 375 Giles Blvd.
Selling Price: $1.12 million
Vendor: 2284735 Ontario Ltd.
Purchaser: Ancala Inc.
SOLD
Address: 881-885 Erie St. E.
Selling Price: $830,000
Vendor: 2744382 Ontario Inc.
Purchaser: 100457303 Ontario Inc.
SOLD
Address: 1720 Walker Rd.
Selling Price: $2.4 million
Vendor: BDPE Enterprises Inc.
Purchaser: 1001437602 Ontario Corp.
SOLD
Address: 3298 Marentette Ave.
Selling Price: $2.1 million
Vendor: Stan Myers Service Ltd.
Purchaser: Dimaholdco Inc.
SOLD
Address: 2437 Central Ave.
Selling Price: $2.8 million
Vendor: 2437 Central Inc.
Purchaser: Treeline Capital Holdings Ltd.
SOLD
Address: 3405 Rhodes Dr.
Selling Price: $2.425 million
Vendor: RB Sorensen Medicine Professional Corp.
Purchaser: Arlen Tool
SOLD
Address: 6500 Cantelon Dr.
Selling Price: $29,999,301
Vendor: Ontario Superior Court of Justice
Purchaser: 6500 Cantelon Dr. Inc.
Small Business Program
PRIME PROPERTY
THE FOLLOWING, PROVIDED BY REALTRACK.COM, REPRESENT SOME OF THE TOP COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TRANSFERS IN THE ESSEX & CHATHAM-KENT AREAS:
SOLD
Address: 13300 Desro Dr., Tecumseh
Selling Price: $4 million
Vendor: Sync Synergy Inc.
Purchaser: The Corporation of the County of Essex
SOLD
Address: 14194 Tecumseh Rd., Tecumseh
Selling Price: $2.5 million
Vendor: Greater Essex County District School Board
Purchaser: Fortis Group
SOLD
Address: 304 Arnold St., Chatham-Kent
SOLD
Address: 7th Line W., 8th Line, Chatham-Kent
Selling Price: $2.2 million
Vendor: 1001531220 Ontario Inc.
Purchaser: 2572733 Ontario Inc.
Selling Price: $2.358 million
Vendor: Gerald Lozon Trucking Ltd.
Purchaser: Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
SOLD
Address: 70 Main St. E., Kingsville
Selling Price: $7.5 million
Vendor: Greater Essex County District School Board
Purchaser: 1001543743 Ontario Inc.
SOLD
Address: 1680 Heritage Rd., Kingsville Selling
Vendor: Named Individuals Purchaser: 17033359 Ontario Inc.
Address: 55 Erie St., Leamington
Selling Price: $948,000
Vendor: Realty House Sun Parlour Inc.
Purchaser: Shirdi Sai Baba Drug Mart Inc.
SOLD
Address: 24 Oak St. E., Leamington
Selling Price: $1,612,500
Vendor: Neumar Corp.
Purchaser: Neumar Property Group Ltd.
Size: 88’ x irr.
PRIME HOME SALES
SOLD
Where: 89 Lacasse Blvd., Tecumseh
Property Size: 65’ x 224’
# Bedrooms: 3
# Bathrooms: 2
Taxes: $3,200
Listed For: $589,000
Sold For: $558,000
SOLD
Where: 12470 Little River Blvd., Tecumseh
Property Size: 56’ x 131’
# Bedrooms: 3 + 1
# Bathrooms: 2
Taxes: $3,866
Listed For: $689,900
Sold For: $650,000
SOLD
Where: 112 Windsor Ave., Colchester
Property Size: 100’ x 78’
# Bedrooms: 1
SOLD
Where: 6061 Pike Rd., Amherstburg
Property Size: 180’ x irr.
# Bedrooms: 5
# Bathrooms: 3
Taxes: $13,400
Listed For: $1,399,900
Sold For: $1,350,000
SOLD
Where: 114 Main St. S., Amherstburg
Property Size: 67’ x irr.
# Bedrooms: 3 + 2
# Bathrooms: 2
Taxes: $3,613
Listed For: $479,888
Sold For: $500,000
SOLD
Where: 64 Wiltshire Dr., Chatham
Property Size: 50’ x N/A
# Bedrooms: 2
# Bathrooms: 1
Taxes: $3,499
Listed For: $429,000
Sold For: $400,000
# Bathrooms: 1
Taxes: $3,327
Listed For: $379,900
Sold For: $340,000
SOLD
Where: 1696 Mucci Dr., Kingsville
Property Size: 54’ x 142’
# Bedrooms: 2 + 3
# Bathrooms: 1
Taxes: $5,846
Listed For: $799,900
Sold For: $774,900
SOLD
Where: 212 Erie St. N., Leamington
Property Size: 40’ x 120’
# Bedrooms: 2
# Bathrooms: 1
Taxes: $2,665
Listed For: $299,000
Sold For: $210,000
TOWN OF ESSEX COMMERCIAL:
• Wincon Construction is erecting three commercial buildings on South Talbot Rd. Values of construction: $2 million each.
• Sammour Holding Inc. is building an accessory structure for an agricultural business on 4th Concession Rd. Value of construction: $145,000.
• Hearn Industrial is building an accessory structure on 6th Concession Rd. Value of construction: $760,000.
TOWN OF ESSEX RESIDENTIAL:
• Individuals are building a Detached Additional Dwelling Unit on Fairview Ave. W. Value of construction: $345,000.
• Green Light General Contracting is building an Attached Additional Dwelling Unit on Edward St. Value of construction: $220,000.
• Individuals are building a singlefamily residence on Adelaide St. Value of construction: $760,000.
• BK Cornerstone Design is building two single-family residences on McKenzie St. Values of construction: $450,000 each.
• Individuals are building a Detached Additional Dwelling Unit on Alice St. N. Value of construction: $265,000.
• Individuals are building a singlefamily home on County Rd. 8. Value of construction: $490,000.
TOWN OF LASALLE COMMERCIAL:
• Contractors are doing an interior
fit up to a café on Sandwich W. Pkwy. Value of construction: $30,000.
TOWN OF LASALLE RESIDENTIAL:
• Contractors are building a singlefamily home on Huron Church Line. Value of construction: $682,870.
• Individuals are renovating a single-family residence on Disputed Rd. Value of construction: $200,000.
• Individuals are building a singlefamily home on Whispering Pines Cr. Value of construction: $1,002,690.
• Contractors are building a singlefamily residence on Oke Dr. Value of construction: $867,720.
• Individuals are building a singlefamily residence on Oke Dr.
CUSTOMIZED COMMERCIAL COVERAGE
Value of construction: $747,770.
• Contractors are building two units of a semi-detached dwelling on Angelo Ave. Values of construction: $421,710 each.
• Individuals are building an Accessory Dwelling Unit to a residence on Terra Bella Dr. Value of construction: $300,000.
• Individuals are building an Accessory Dwelling Unit to a residence on Broderick Rd. Value of construction: $247,500.
MUNICIPALITY OF LEAMINGTON COMMERCIAL:
• Contractors are building an addition to a commercial building on Highway 77. Value of construction: $150,000.
• A church is building an addition to an institutional building on Deer Run Rd. Value of construction: $5 million.
• An agricultural business is building a barn on Mersea Rd. 10. Value of construction: $120,000.
• An agricultural business is building a bunkhouse on Mersea Rd. 4. Value of construction: $80,000.
MUNICIPALITY OF LEAMINGTON RESIDENTIAL:
• Individuals are renovating a semi-detached residence on Satinwood Cr. Value of construction: $40,000.
• Contractors are building a singlefamily residence on Pebble Beach Crt. Value of construction: $750,000.
• Contractors have started construction on a townhouse dwelling on Cheyenne Crt. Value of construction: $20,000.
• Contractors are building a singlefamily residence on Sunningdale Dr. Value of construction: $650,000.
• Contractors are building apartments on Seacliff Dr. W. Value of construction: $16 million.
• Individuals are building a singlefamily home on Mersea Rd. 10. Value of construction: $525,325.
• Individuals are building an addition to a single-family residence on Mersea Rd. 10. Value of construction: $65,000.
MUNICPALITY OF CHATHAM-KENT COMMERCIAL:
• Lambton Kent District School Board is building an addition to a school on Crystal Dr. Value of construction: $1.42 million.
• Pure Flavor Farms is building a new dorm on Talbot Trail. Value of construction: $2 million.
• A numbered company is renovating offices on St. Clair St. Value of construction: $250,000.
• Kent-Erie Glass & Lock Inc. is building a new manufacturing plant on Junction Ave. Value of construction: $2.26 million.
• The Municipality of ChathamKent is building a new club house on Bear Line Rd. Value of construction: $250,000.
• Lambton Kent District School Board is doing renovations to a secondary school on McNaughton Ave. E. Value of construction: $1.55 million.
• Greenfield Global Inc. is building a new plant to a facility on Bloomfield Rd. Value of construction: $250,000.
• Century 21 Tilbury is doing renovations to offices on Queen St. Value of construction: $250,000.
MUNICIPALITY OF CHATHAM-KENT RESIDENTIAL:
• Affinity Elite Homes is building a new single-family residence on Fenceline Dr. Value of construction: $315,000.
• Individuals are building a singlefamily home on Hawthorne Cr. Value of construction: $700,000.
Continued on page 13
BY JEANINE “J.T.” O’DONNELL
Since salary ranges are posted now, does that kill negotiation?
Dear J.T.: More and more job postings list salary ranges. On one hand, I appreciate the transparency. On the other hand, I feel boxed in. If the range is already published, is there even room to negotiate anymore? And how do I avoid pricing myself out or underselling myself?
—Wondering About the Wiggle Room
Dear Wondering: Pay transparency has changed the conversation around compensation, but it has not eliminated negotiation. It has simply shifted what and how you negotiate.
In the past, candidates often walked into salary discussions with limited information. You might guess a number, worry you aimed too high, and hope you did not anchor too low.
Published ranges reduce some of that uncertainty. They also create a new challenge. Where do you fit within the band? Here is what many professionals misunderstand. A posted range is not a fixed offer. It is a framework. Companies typically define a minimum, midpoint and maximum based on internal equity, budget constraints and market data. Your job is to influence where you land inside that framework. Think of it less as negotiating the existence of the range, and more as negotiating your placement within it.
The first step is preparation. Before any compensation conversation, be clear on the value you bring relative to the role’s expectations. Review the job description carefully. Identify the core competencies and success metrics.
Then assess your experience honestly. Are you meeting the baseline requirements, or do you exceed them? Do you bring specialized expertise, certifications or a track record that reduces risk for the employer?
When asked about compensation expectations, avoid giving a rigid number immediately. Instead, ac-
knowledge the range and position yourself thoughtfully. You might say, “I have reviewed the posted range, and based on my experience leading similar initiatives and delivering measurable results, I would be targeting the upper portion of that range. Of course, I would like to understand the full scope of responsibilities before finalizing expectations.”
This response accomplishes three things. It signals that you are informed. It anchors you higher within the band. It leaves room for discussion. If the employer asks directly where you see yourself in the range, tie your answer to impact.
For example, “Given my background in scaling operations and the fact I have already managed projects of comparable size, I believe I would ramp quickly and contribute at a high level. That is why I would look toward the top third of the range.” Notice that the reasoning centers on value, not personal need.
There is also more to negotiate than base salary. Transparent ranges often apply only to salary, but total compensation can include bonuses, equity, signing incentives, additional paid time off, professional development funds, flexible scheduling or an accelerated performance review cycle.
If the employer cannot move significantly on base pay, you can explore these adjacent levers.
You might ask, “If the base salary is fixed at this level, is there flexibility around a signing bonus or an earlier performance review tied to defined goals?” Framing your request around mutual benefit keeps the tone collaborative rather than adversarial. It is also important to read the size of the range. If the gap between minimum and maximum is wide, ask clarifying questions. “What differentiates someone at the midpoint from someone at the top of the range?”
The answer often reveals how
the organization defines experience, scope and performance. That insight allows you to tailor your case. If the range is narrow, it may reflect tight internal equity constraints. In that scenario, pushing aggressively on salary could stall negotiations. Instead, consider focusing on growth trajectory. Ask how compensation progresses over time and what metrics influence increases.
Transparency has removed some of the mystery from salary discussions. It has not removed your agency. In fact, it places greater responsibility on you to articulate why you deserve a specific position within the band.
Approach the conversation with research, clarity and confidence. Anchor your requests in results. Be open to creative solutions. A posted range does not close the door; it simply defines the room. Your task is to show why you belong at the higher end of it.
J.T. O’Donnell is the founder and CEO of the job search career coaching platform Work It Daily. Visit workitdaily.com to submit your questions.
Continued from page 12
• Ewald Homes is building a duplex on King St. E. Value of construction: $300,000.
• A numbered company is converting a nursing home to a multifamily apartment building on Park St. Value of construction: $610,000.
• Individuals are building a singlefamily residence on King St. W. Value of construction: $800,000.
• Individuals are building a singlefamily residence on Park St. Value of construction: $600,000.
• Rumble Homes Ltd. is building a single-family residence on Bloomington Way. Value of construction: $800,000.
• Ewald Homes is renovating a single-family residence on Paxton Dr. Value of construction: $80,000.
• JLS Building Inc. is renovating a single-family home on Kerr Ave. Value of construction: $70,000.
• WPM Kent Holdings is building a single-family residence on Charing Cross Rd. Value of construction: $700,000.
• Brombow Developments is building a single-family residence on Cabot Trail. Value of construction: $300,000.
• Individuals are building a singlefamily residence on Elizabeth St. Value of construction: $350,000.
• Individuals are building a singlefamily residence on Fenceline Dr. Value of construction: $325,000.
• Park Hill Custom Homes is building a single-family residence on Bloomington Way. Value of construction: $600,000.
• CKSL Development is building a single-family residence on Dundee Dr. Value of construction: $750,000.
• Timbertec is building a singlefamily home on Rosewood Cr. Value of construction: $700,000.
• Individuals are building a singlefamily residence on Pantry School Rd. Value of construction: $265,000.
• Multi-Construction is building a single-family residence on Mackenzie. Value of construction: $400,000.
• Demall Group is building a singlefamily home on Henson St. Value of construction: $580,000.
• Top Quality Rentals is converting a residence to include two Additional Dwelling Units. Value of construction: $300,000.
TOWN OF KINGSVILLE COMMERCIAL:
• The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville is constructing a new institutional building on Kratz Sdrd. Value of construction: $20,000.
In a reversal, area doctors are having difficulty finding new patients
For the longest time, it was difficult for patients in Windsor-Essex to find a doctor. Now the tables have turned, and doctors are having trouble finding patients.
GP Dr. Bart Kaczmarek said he has brought over a couple of doctors from Britain, “but they are about maybe 30 percent full.” They have been advertising ”actively” through Facebook ads, flyers and through medical facilities including ERs and urgent care clinics, but it has proved difficult.
“I’ve Emailed all my colleagues and said ‘Hey, we’re accepting new patients, send patients my way.’ I’ve blastEmailed to all my patient population of about 4,000 to say ‘If you know anyone who needs a family doctor, click the link. It will be easy to register.’ The results are minimal.”
He’s even passed out leaflets at immigrant centers, and has put out a video about the issue on his YouTube channel.
The new doctors are Edwin Poku and Kolawole Adeniran, who arrived in March.
Kaczmarek opened his new HopeHealth multi-disciplinary
clinic on Ouellette Avenue just over a year ago, and has an office on Tecumseh Road East, where the two new docs are located.
Kaczmarek said until recently he was getting as many as 40 people a day looking for a doctor.
“Now, there are like two, three or zero ... it’s incredible.”
He has contacted doctors out of province, “and half of them are reporting what I’m noticing in different pockets” of Ontario. “It’s definitely a trend, not just me.”
Kaczmarek thinks what happened is a “lot of dams opened at the same time.” These include
easier credentialing for docs from the UK, more doctor training, more funded nurse practitioner clinics, and easier access for doctors with U.S. training to practice in Canada.
The good news, by contrast, is that the changes mean “it looks like it’s working for the patients.” Now doctors might have to do some marketing and be “customer forward” to keep their patients.
In April, the Essex County Medical Society website showed 24 doctors accepting new patients. No one there could be reached for a comment.
BY RON STANG
Doctor’s firm buys unique building on Giles RETAIL
The former home of Mission Thrift Store has been sold to a firm associated with a local respirologist.
The one-floor rounded building at the corner of Giles Boulevard East at Mercer has the look of a fast-food restaurant, but was home to the non-denominational charity. The charity moved more than three years ago to the Roundhouse Centre.
The purchaser was Ancala Inc., associated with Dr. Joel Liem of Windsor Allergy Asthma Associates. He did not return a request for comment.
Mission Thrift is a secondhand retail store which takes donations and resells them.
“We have community relationships, where we work with organizations to help those in need and give employment experience to at-risk people and newcomers to the country,” said manager Ellen VeltKamp. Mission will do placements for those people who have traditionally had difficulty finding work.
Mission Thrift started in British Columbia 35 years ago, and has numerous stores across the country.
It was originally volunteer
driven, and the majority of workers still are volunteers and the organization non-profit, with funds donated to the Bible League Canada. It has a prison ministry, donates bibles and has literacy programs around the world.
Realtor David Binder, who handled the building sale, said there were several parties interested in the offbeat building. “Zoning allowed for a lot of different permitted uses,” he said. A couple of churches looked at it, but the prospective buyers were “mostly office and medical.” It had many uses over the years including as a medical equipment store.
Meanwhile, another doctor has purchased a commercial building. Dr. Chad Denomme purchased Countryside Plaza in south Windsor for $7.6 million. He did not respond to comment requests.
Realtor Russell Lalovich handled the sale. The plaza has 10 units and was built in stages. “It’s very great front roll and very diversified,” including a bank and medical offices, he said. “It’s a good little commercial corridor” near Cabana Road.
Denomme is the owner of Tilbury Dental Care
WB
• 2way Automotive (2026) Amherstburg Inc.
• 2way Automotive (2026) Harrow Inc.
• AB Homes And Constructions Inc.
• Apex Core & Construction Inc.
• Ashleigh Delisle Speech Language Pathologist Professional Corp.
• Atel Investment Holdings Corp.
• Atlantis Services Inc.
• Avishkar Infosys Testing Centre Corp.
• AZ Move Logistics Inc.
• Barcelona Hair Studio Inc.
• BR Leamington Inc.
• Brookstone Blue Farm Inc.
• Burning Beneath Initiative
• Business Integrated Technology Solutions Inc.
• Canada International Trading Co. Ltd.
• Casakibo Realty Inc.
• Chatham Fine Cars Inc.
• Chatham Kent Rafts Inc.
• Community Care Holdings Inc.
• Complete Services Group Inc.
• Constructiondads Inc.
• CR Excavating And Property Maintenance Inc.
• David Robins Law Professional Corp.
• Diffuse Digital Marketing Inc.
• Doublecent Ltd.
• Dr KK Handa Dental Professional Corp.
• Easy Rent Windsor Inc.
• Enduring Essex Epoxy + Inc.
• Epoxy Hobby Shop Art Studio Inc.
• Excelsior Auto Detailing Ltd.
• F2 Sales Agency Inc.
• Father And Sons Landscaping Inc.
• Floorlogiq Corp.
• Fuelside Auto Inc.
• Gereige Electric Inc.
• Ground Effects Ltd.
• Harjit Truckfreight Ltd.
• Honey-Bee Ham Co. Inc.
• Hoover Hills Home Rental & Management Company Inc.
• Indigo Surge Trade Ltd.
• JA Classic Electric Inc.
• Jack Quimby Legal Professional Corp.
• JD Empire Properties Ltd.
• JNS Global Media Group Inc.
• KB Contracting Inc.
• La Productions Ltd.
• Lakewood Common Inc.
• LaSalle Clean Inc.
• Legacy Nex-Gen Homes Inc.
• Legacy Trade & International Group Ltd.
• Level One Restaurants Inc.
• Litt Wheels Logistics Inc.
• LNZ Immigration And Citizenship Services Inc.
• LR Health Services Inc.
• Maplenorth Aviation Inc.
• Mavi Truck Repair Ltd.
• More Media Llc Inc.
• Ms One Construction Corp.
• Nelkor Heartland Holdings Inc.
• Next Lifecycle Management Inc.
• Nikology Bookkeeping Inc.
• Ontario Power Engineering Solutions Inc.
• Oscar Construction Company Ltd.
• Pallet Master - Packaging Solutions Ltd.
• Pamal Truck Repair Services Inc.
• Par24 Indoor Golf LaSalle Inc.
• Pat's Mobile Services Inc.
• Patty Theory Eats Co. Inc.
• PCC Property Care Corp. Ltd
• Phatty’s Earth Moving Service Inc.
• Podium Tooling Inc.
• Premier Development Management Inc.
• Pro Trades Home Services Inc.
• RBL Property Corp.
• Revive 365 Health Inc.
• Roses Angels Healthcare Group Inc.
• Sentinel North Safety Group Inc.
• Serenity Woods Estates Homeowners Association
• Sila HVAC Canada Inc.
• Sila HVAC Canada Investments Inc.
• Smart Blinds & Shades Corp.
• Snapper Lawn Care & Landscaping Ltd.
• Sottozero Inc.
• T&T Tools Technologies Inc.
• Tecumseh Deli Ltd.
• The Fairway Collection Inc.
• This Rough Magic Productions Inc.
• True North Property Maintenance & Services Inc.
• Twin Sisters Automobile Ltd.
• Upscale Automation Inc.
• Villanova Festival Theatre Inc.
• Walkerville Bar & Grill Inc.
• Wayneb Homecare Solutions Ltd.
• Windsor Table Tennis Club
• Windsor Talented Chefs Ltd.
If necessity is the mother of invention, a pink slip is the nagging parent of a great deal of entrepreneurialism. And even though there are many different paths to small business ownership, millions have been thrust into this independent state as a result of some form of cessation of employment.
The good news is, many of those who find themselves unemployed decide to fend for themselves by starting a small business. The bad news is, some of them don’t know
that. How is that? It’s because they hired themselves out as an independent contractor, possibly to their last employer.
Not to take anything away from all these entrepreneurial accomplishments, but for many who have been fired, sacked, canned, downsized, right-sized and consolidated, there often are only three choices: Either stay unemployed and ultimately become homeless; be underemployed; or start working for themselves.
Having been one of the sacked back in the late 1980s, I decided I didn’t need any help messing up my life, so I headed out on my own and started my own small consulting firm. For a few years I was my company’s only employee. My products were my time, advice and personal service. My slogan was, “I’m a vice-president you can rent.”
And even though I considered myself a business owner, technically speaking, until my company was incorporated I was an inde-
pendent contractor. Does anyone care whether you’re an employee, business owner or independent contractor? You bet your sweet assets someone cares. The government cares. A lot! If you’re selling your time as a consultant, you may think of yourself as a contractor or a business owner, but you may actually be an employee by definition. Do you know who is responsible for paying and remitting the payroll taxes on your income? Is that even being done?
If your business is using the services of people you consider to be independent contractors, will the CRA agree with you? Do you know how many clients your “consultants” have? If you are their only –or most significant – client, and they are not reporting and remitting their payroll taxes, you may be in the queue for a visit from the CRA. Here are some guidelines to determine if the relationship in question is employment or contract. Please note that paraphrasing is used to illustrate the concept:
• Instructions: If a worker must comply with when, where and how to conduct the work, that is usually an employee.
• Training: If the worker has to be trained by the company, that is usually seen as an employment relationship.
• Continuing relationship: The continuity of the relationship between the hiring company or individual and the provider of services may indicate an employment relationship, rather than a contract relationship.
• Set hours of work: This indicates an act of control. Control is typically seen as a function of an employer.
• Payment by hour/week/month: How a worker is paid can indicate the nature of the relationship, employment or contract.
• Location: Employees usually do all work on the premises of the receiver of services.
• Tools and material: Employers typically provide tools and materials to employees, while contractors often provide their own.
• Working for more than one firm: A worker who delivers significant services to more than one unrelated firm or person in the same period is typically not seen as an employee.
• Right to discharge: The ability to fire a worker is seen as an employment relationship.
Write this on a rock: Not that the CRA isn’t motivated to collect all taxes, but they are especially vigilant about collecting payroll taxes. And if that isn’t bad enough, there are also those two abiding companions of most delinquent tax bills: interest and penalties.
Jim Blasingame is the author of The 3rd Ingredient, the Journey of Analog Ethics into the World of Digital Fear and Greed. Visit jimblasingame.com.
Lori Seguin (Client Service Associate), Mark Abraham (Senior Investment Advisor), Tori Forsey (Client Service Associate), James Labiak (Associate Investment Advisor)
