When it's Better than Good it's R.A.D.D. ENTERPRISES GORDON Driver has turned a summer jo) into a successful small busi- ness that may be xbout to take on a newera ay path. NEWS photo Pau! McGrath igh school job set jandscaper for ii By Deana Lancaster Contrignting Writer Asummer job in high school became the driving force that shaped Gordon Drivex’s future. He was in Grade 10 at Handsworth sec- ondary school when the school counsellor asked him if he'd like to try for a summer job at Capilano Nurseries. He got it, and worked fuli-sme in the summer and part time throughout the rest of his school vears. “[ really absorbed inyself in it,” says Driver. “S always wanted to help the cus- comers but I didn’t know the answers. I used ro take books home from the store and study them.” His diligence paid off. Eleven years “later, Driver owns his own business, Nature By Design. The 26-year-old ‘employs ‘three other full-timers (including his dad, Mike, who takes care of the paper work}, eight to 12 summer employees and runs three trucks out to North Shore customers. In January, the company was voted one of the top landscaping companies this side uf the infer by News readers in our Best of the North Shore contest. The recognition is appreciated. “!'m concentrating on North and West Vancouver as the market T want to work in,” he says. “And I ilding up my business to Bt looks. be here for the long term.” In that spirit, he’s taken his time learning the trade “because P never wanted ro do any- thing wrong.” This year, he’s hoping to include a few more ercative landscapes and do work on some water features. “People love water, it’s soothing. You can put in inexpensive water features and get rons of enjoyment. If vou’re thinking about a pond or water- fall in your backyard, you have some choices wo make, says Driver. @ Whar kind of a water feature? Choices range from a shallow stream to a deep pond. Or “if you're on a slope, that" 's great, you can create a waterfall quite casi B Do you want fish? Go! both popular choice BW What kind of rock de you want to use? B The plants are au important aspect of your water feature. Driver suggests transplanring from areas that are | of afccus. “We try 10 what's already in your yard as much as ” ish and Coi are also a kev element, ® Groundcover is or Periwinkle looks “Something hike Ivy great,” says Driver. Learning i life-tong endeavor, as Driver (perience becomes §im- ply warer und: Nature By Design is currently exhibiting at the Park Royai Home Show. Buy it for life. ® Appearance and Performance the MOEN Tradition « Limited lifetime warranty ,° Troubie-free washerless Cartridge system % * Many different styles & finishes d See em today at the North Shore's Only Plumbing Wholesale Warehouse Showroom bartie & gibson co. Itd. WHOLESALE PLUMBING AND HEATING SUPPLY 1159 W. 16th. St., N. Van 988-4141 © HIGH RISE APARTMENTS | © PATIOS/ECKSANIDING * UNDERGROUND PARKING {covTeasnons Pres (\Q + OIL-GAS/GRAFFITI REMOVAL 87-8587 ‘ow * Store closures * Bankruptcy sales Cancelled retail orders * Disaster liquidations *« Failed new products * Low cash flow * This means BIG SAVINGS FOR YOU!! OPENING SOON!! | « Nanaimo - Harbour Park Mall *Port Alberni - The Mall e Plumbing faucets @ Fashions « New furniture © Luggage & sports bags * Freezer goods, pizza, chicken & ice cream © Paint & stain © Bedding * Food © Mattresses : SMALL 1] APPLIAN * Toasters * Blenders « Food Processors * Coffee makers, Irons 4 Slice Toaster * Pack of 20 * Strong 26” x 36” * Assorted ELECTRIC BROOMS ¢ Famous Brand names * Refurbished (ges Low Foods Rrocer , Selection: varies: from 43 BIG LOC ATION