Dog entrepreneur walks the walk Deana Lancaster News Reporter deana@nsnews.com MARK Tincombe is a patient and steady man. You may have seen him oan North Shore hiking tails or down at the dog park ar Ambleside. He wears a harness with leashes attached, has a pocket full of doggie treats and is usually surrounded by dogs of all shapes and colors. Tincombe recently began his own business — called Walkies. And every day, rain or shine, he drives to the homes of his clients, collects his four-legged customers in his van and takes them for a walk, “It’s ‘great. I get on the trail and during the week there’s no one there ... it’s just me and the dogs,” he said. He doesn’t even mini, the_ bad weather when he heads'to Ambleside. 21 dress up in my warm clothes and put on my gortex, and we have the run of the bezch.” Although he’s been in business for only nwo months, Tincombe already has a num- ber of regular customers. He launched his business by pur- chasing a list of all the regis- tered dogs in West Vancouver from the municipality. Since then, his client base Briefs From page 16 Somani at the SOHO Business Group at 929-8250. eee . Carlyle Computer _prod- ucts, launched in 1988. by three partners including North Vancouver’s Don Schick, has been acquired by Grand and Toy (G&T). To better accommodate its purchase, G&T created Grand and Toy Technology, a new division focusing on the provi- sion of specialized services in computer supplies. Carlyle Computer Products focused on supply- ing a variety of> computer- related products such as flop- py. disks, high-tech optical CDs, ergonomic office sup- plies and printer supplies. One of the company’s most popu- lar products was a recyclable printer toner cartridge. ~ “Our strength has always been our ability to provide today’s ‘businesses with - the expertise they need to main- tain their competitive edge,” said Schick who is now G&T"s project manager. According to Schick, the majority of Carlyle’s staff was able to keep their jobs and have since taken on positions within the newly created G & T division. — Robert Galster _ Fax Business Briefs to 983- 2104, or e-mail to robert@nsnews.com has spread and he now walks dogs in North Vancouver as well, His service is popular with dog owners who are busy at work, sick, elderly or other- wise unable to give their dogs the exercise they need. “Phave one customer whe is having a baby and she has a really hyper dog — he needs to be ‘well-waikedS and that’s what I do.” He said for the most part the dogs are obedient and get along well. “EF only accept happy dogs, no aggressive dags,” he said. The first day with a new ani- mal is probation day. If the dog displays aggressive or dif ficult behavior, Tincombe won't walk it again, “Em getting to know the dogs and thewre getting to know me,” he said. Depending on where he takes them most of the dogs walk off-leash. Those that he's not sure of get attached to his harness. The 26-vear-old entrepre- neur cally himself a natural dog lover. He said he’s spent the past six vears travelling, and now he’s ready to plant roots. Catl him in the evenings at 922-9205, or e-mail him at doggywalkies@hormail.com. ...Especially, when we tell you that we're so convinced that you'll love this exciting new technology we'll give you $250 off." Come in for a free personal demonstration of digital hearing technology and hear the difference for yourself. Whether using a cellular phone or listening to a CD, digital technology has Call-for your complime itary pi eI WEEK SPECIAL. EVENT. Pacific Hearing Clinic 4 a 2 Wednesday, April 15, 1998 ~ North Shore News -- 17 NEWS photo Mike Wakefield WEST Vancouver resident Mark Tincombe relaxes at Ambieside with a few of the canine clients from his new dog-walking business, Walkies. clearly improved the quality of sound in our lives, and we want to share it with you. — In fact, at Sonus we want.to share the gift - of hearing with everybody. That’s why when you upgrade to new hearing instruments we’ll donate your old ones to a good cause. Call for your free personal demonstration today. onal demonstration today: * ~ = Offer ends, April 2271998.” Call 604-985-2501 #301-1200 Lonsdale Avenue North Vancouver, B.C.