This is part of a year-long ‘Love for Local’ series called NB365: portraits of New Brunswick entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations. Huddle is a media partner with Love for Local. Today we feature Jeff Leblanc of Cottage to Castle Home Inspection Services, in Moncton.

AS THEY SAY, BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR IS IN MY GENES; ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF MY GRANDFATHER’S FAMILY (10 OF US) HAVE OWNED BUSINESSES.

I have always dreamed of owning my own business one day.

I had just left a successful career as a real estate agent in Moncton and I was looking for a new adventure. My favourite home inspector had stopped working as he was ill and I decided to start my own inspection company. Dan allowed me to use his company’s name, Cottage to Castle, once he had passed away.

I am a teacher and a server at heart. When I am able to do one or both of these things it makes me very happy. All of my companies have the same theme: we are all customer service companies first, then we specialize in our fields.

Cottage to Castle has grown to be the most reviewed home inspection company in Atlantic Canada, Radon Repair is saving lives one house at a time by reducing harmful indoor Radon levels, and Window World’s motto of “we Install quality” means quality customer service.

When we love what we do, it doesn’t feel like work anymore. My genes and my drive got me here but my love of people and being able to positively affect their lives will keep me an entrepreneur forever.

I love that there is a new focus is on supporting local. There has been a big push and awareness out there that we should all be supporting local and supporting our neighbours.

Being a local small business owner, I understand how important it is that we support our neighbours. As our local small businesses grow, we employ more people who, in turn, spend their money locally to support others like us.

I enjoy finding out who the owner of a business is and I love hearing their story. There is usually a great story behind most entrepreneurs. I am proud to be a small, local business owner.