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Cranbrook has five major transportation terminals.

Success story: Cranbrook’s Domino’s Pizza

When Louis Nelson first came to Cranbrook in 2016, he didn’t intend to stay longer than the summer. But the self-proclaimed foodie and fan of such things as skiing, golfing and hiking quickly became attached to the city, its location and strong sense of community. So, when the opportunity to become manager of Cranbrook’s Domino’s Pizza franchise arose, he seized it.

Louis Nelson, Owner and Manager of Domino’s Pizza in Cranbrook, B.C.

Since then, Nelson—who is also now owner of the franchise—has moved it to a new, more visible location on Cranbrook’s busy strip. Weekly sales in the last three years have nearly quadrupled and an additional 13 staff members have been hired.

The success hasn’t gone unnoticed.

This year, Nelson was one of only four managers (out of 500) across Canada to be nominated for Domino’s Pizza’s prestigious Manager of the Year Award. This award recognizes exceptional store managers who live by the company’s mission and guiding principles.

Offering a great product and providing excellent customer service are vital to Nelson. He is also a firm believer in giving back to the community.

“Our store has a ‘We Feed Volunteers’ policy, which means we will help just about anyone,” said Nelson. “We’ve helped seven or eight tournaments this year and every Friday, we give the Salvation Army 12 pizzas to feed the homeless.”

Nelson was impressed early on how generous the Cranbrook business community really is, as well as how welcoming other business owners have been.

“When we moved the store, almost all of the business owners around us came over to say ‘Hi’ and introduce themselves,” he said. “I got a chance to meet some of the titans in the Cranbrook business community.”

Nelson has obviously made an impression on his peers and the community. Kootenay Business magazine recently featured him on its Top 40 Under 40 list of Rising Stars of 2019.

Both nominations came as a surprise to Nelson, who is honoured and looking forward to building on the momentum.

“It is an honour for myself and my team to receive recognition within the Cranbrook community and the Domino’s community,” he said. “Their efforts to provide excellent customer service and a great product have made our collective success possible.”

Nelson is but one of many entrepreneurs seizing the opportunities that exist within what is the largest urban centre in the region.

“People from communities throughout the East Kootenay come regularly to Cranbrook to work, play and do their shopping, so it’s a great place for franchises,” said Darren Brewer, Business Development Coordinator for the City of Cranbrook. “We’ve got a good location, a stable economy and a welcoming business environment.”