Revelstoke Chamber under-35 leaders series: Nathan Weston

The Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce and the Revelstoke Mountaineer are partnering to share our new Young Professionals Series in late May and June. We’ll be profiling select under-35 Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce members to highlight the dynamic new wave of chamber membership and their contributions to local commerce and the community of Revelstoke. The weekly series culminates in a workshop and social event on June 23, featuring displays on small business technology innovations and a networking event. Here is part III in our ongoing series:

Nathan Weston

Owner, Weston Construction Management Carpenter, Urban Enterprises Corp

What does your company do, and what do you do for the company?

I have been fortunate to have a varied experience as a Red Seal Carpenter. The local projects I have been a part of included the Revelstoke Mountain Resort condos, Best Western Plus, and the Revelstoke schools. I have also worked on projects in northern Alberta, and most recently, overseas in Africa as a construction supervisor. However, I have returned to Revelstoke to begin establishing Weston Construction Management locally. I completed the Applied Project Management Certificate from SAIT and am in the process of obtaining my CAPM certification. It is my goal to provide construction management services to a broad range of clients to help them achieve their project goals. I am currently working as carpenter for Urban Enterprises Corp building a large home at RMR.

What’s your advice to an ambitious newcomer to the Revelstoke private sector who’s looking to move up?

There is nothing that will replace hard work and honesty. Those that don’t see the potential of our city have famously dubbed Revelstoke “Revelstuck.” I tend to disagree because there are more opportunities to become involved with the city that can have a direct impact on others in the community. It is also good to remember that Revelstoke is small, so word of mouth can be your greatest tool for success. Find community organizations, committees, and boards that you are passionate about and you will discover many networking connections.

Nathan at work on a cold construction site. Photo: Contributed by Nathan Weston

Through your professional involvement in Revelstoke, what positive benefits do you deliver to the community?

It is rewarding to see a construction project through from start to finish and helping the team deliver a quality product to the client. As a carpenter, I believe that quality is more important than quantity, and it should be reflected in the projects.

More than anyone, what individual (outside of your family) inspires you the most?

My inspiration comes from those that love what they do. I look to people that have vision for the future and are able to create buy in from their team to achieve that goal. The best role models are individuals that help stir up vision in young people that don’t’ have a vision for their life. I have had the privilege of mentors that helped me and I believe that we must pay it forward.

What’s your biggest accomplishment in your professional career?

Our family acquired the Little Caesars Pizza franchise in Revelstoke when I was 19 years old. We operated the restaurant for seven years until 2013. I had thought about going to business school instead, but being in business, especially at a young age is the best business education. It is also, the hardest education you will encounter. The experience taught me many principles and life lessons that are not possible to duplicate in a classroom.

Share a secret with our readers about doing business in Revelstoke.

Quality over quantity and integrity, the rest will sort itself out. Our small town is amazing, and everyone knows everyone. The best referrals come from happy customers that appreciate the care and integrity that you put into your work.

What are some passion projects you’re involved with outside of work?

I am actively engaged with the City of Revelstoke and have a desire to learn more about how our city operates. I served on the Finance Focus group for two years, and hope to do so again. I think it is important that citizens, young people especially, are actively involved in politics. This results in educated decision making and voting by the population.

My brother and I would like to build a house, so house plan drawings are always littering my desk.

Due to my overseas work, I have begun helping with a project to send humanitarian aid to Africa.

Work overseas in Africa (pictured) led to involvement in humanitarian work. Photo: Contributed by Nathan Weston

I had the privilege of teaching a Junior Achiever of BC course at Revelstoke Secondary School this year. It was rewarding to be able to share my life experiences with the students to help prepare them for the future. I plan to continue with JABC in the next school year. I have had the opportunity to help young entrepreneurs start their own business, which is great to see the next generation of young business people taking the first steps.

Why do you choose to be a member of the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce?

I was not actively involved with the chamber until I served as a director for two years. I felt that I could contribute value to the board as a young person. The chamber provided me an opportunity to be involved in local business issues on a level that could create change in the city. The chamber is an advocate for business, so I encourage businesses to join and to be actively involved with the membership.

What’s your go-to saying?

Work smarter, not harder.

When I’m not at work I’m:

I am most likely at a city committee meeting or riding the Revy Riders motorbike trails. Otherwise, I am probably travelling.

How can Revelstoke Mountaineer readers connect with you?

Twitter: @nathanweston

Phone: 250-837-1322

Email: [email protected]