For the second year in a row, a small Sooke company has won a Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island Torch Award.
Tri City Collision and Repairs beat out much larger businesses to garner the BBB’s favour, including Victoria Mitsubishi, Galaxy Motors and Alpine Auto Repair.
The Torch Awards are for businesses that go above and beyond in their commitment to ethics, trust and customer service.
“We take pride in keeping people happy,” said Jody Wilkinson, manager of Tri City Collision and Repairs.
“We’re a family business and we try to provide old-fashioned quality service.”
Tri City Collision and Repairs started in the Wilkinsons’ backyard more than 32 years ago as a home-based business. The family opened a shop in Metchosin in 1989 before moving to Sooke in 1999.
At one time, three generations of Wilkinsons were part of Tri City. Today, everyone who works for the family is a Wilkinson.
Tri City was nominated for a Torch Award while still located in Metchosin, but it wasn’t until last year when it broke through and won the award.
“We didn’t set out to win it, but we did anyway,” Wilkinson said. “We were pleasantly surprised by this year’s award.”
“I think social media helps you be nominated more. People can be more positive now on social media. I think that’s a reflection of what we’re seeing.”
Businesses are nominated for Torch Awards by customers and other businesses.
Other award winners included:
• Contractors – General: Three Guys Construction (Ladysmith)
Health & Wellness: Comfort Keepers (Victoria)
Home Improvement: Enerheat (Victoria)
• Drainage Contractors: Victoria Drain Services Ltd. (Victoria)
• Heating & Electrical Contractors: Servicexcel (Nanaimo)
Movers: On Line Moving and Delivery (Victoria)
•Cleaning Services: Balance Home Cleaning (Victoria)
• Plumbing Contractors: HomeWise Plumbing & Drainage Services Ltd. (Victoria)
• Professional Services: 4 Pillars Consulting (Victoria)
• Roofing Contractors: Oceanside Roofing Ltd. (Parksville)
• Technical Services: Mid Island Computer Enterprises Ltd. (Nanoose Bay)
• Customer Service: Kgeez Cycle (Victoria)
• Exterior Home Improvements & Services: CBS Stoneworks (Victoria)