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36 SPRING 2018 << CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS Brandonites. Past winners of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce's Best New Business Award and the Brandon Sun's Community Builder Award, they have become two of the city's biggest boosters. "It's funny, because when we moved here we thought we would put in our time and then move back to Winnipeg because that's where our network of friends and family is based," Robyn says. "But we have really fallen in love with the lifestyle here. We live right downtown, and it only takes two minutes to get to where we need to go. It's like you get bonus hours in your day living here. You don't waste time sitting in traffic. People ask how we manage to do all the things we do and that's one of the reasons why we can." Considering all the things they are involved in as business partners, one might wonder what impact it's had on their personal relationship. While they both have strong opinions when it comes to business, Robyn says the key has been their willingness to compromise. "We take turns compromising on things," she says, laughing. "Because we love what we do so much it's just kind of our world. It works for us, but I don't know if it would work for everybody." Robyn acknowledges that doing business in Brandon is different than in larger urban centres like Winnipeg. Because it has a significantly smaller population, it sometimes means having to create a market for your product or services. Conversely, it's much easier being first to market, and the level of support is "incredibly positive," she adds. That includes government support. The non-profit Brandon Downtown Development Corp., which is funded by the City of Brandon and the province, offers a rent abatement program aimed at encouraging businesses to locate downtown. The program provides businesses with up to 10 months of free rent on a five-year lease and has been instrumental in attracting new businesses downtown. "I always say Brandon is such a great city for entrepreneurs," Robyn says. "The real estate is affordable; the community is so receptive. We're surprised more people, especially in Winnipeg, don't see that opportunity." Even though they already have plenty of projects on the go, the Sneaths have no intention of slowing down. They recently began work on transforming another old character building into an apartment block. Their construction company has also begun working on upgrading the second and third floors above their clinic and coffee shop for a spa — a luxury Robyn hopes will convince Winnipeggers to consider Brandon when it comes to planning a weekend getaway. ■ SNEATH GROUP

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