The Story Behind the Name VMAG
The name “VMAG” is an acronym created from Vuu, Marple, Gelinas – the three parts of my family that each owned and operated a family business. Growing up I had the privilege of learning valuable lessons about life and business around the dinner table. In gratitude for the dedication they showed to both their customers and their family, I want to continuing their legacy with VMAG.
Vuu
The Business
Grandpa Vuu (Yeh Yeh) started a tea factory in My Tho, Vietnam, located 75 km south of Saigon. Tea leaves were brought from the fields to the factory, where they were dried, packaged, and sold to customers. Before the Vietnam War, My Tho was home to a thriving Cantonese community, of which he was a part. Being a man who valued both giving back and education, supporting the local Cantonese school naturally became one of his passions.
Education doesn’t just help a business thrive, it helps a community thrive
Impact on VMAG values
Whether through mentoring, collaboration, or formal training, knowledge sharing will always be one of the core services I offer.
Marple
The Business
Grandpa and Grandma Marple started a small store serving the people of Canoe Lake, SK, in 1962. Over time, it grew to include cabins and boat rentals. Grandma, a small but caring woman, was widowed at age 45. Yet, beneath her gentle exterior was a giant of integrity, determination, and fairness. With her family by her side, the business continued until she retired in 2001. Great fishing, and family bonds continue to bringing the Marples back to Canoe Lake to this day.
Your word is your bond
Impact on VMAG values
If our relationship is just beginning, I aim to earn your trust. If our relationship goes back many years, I am committed to honoring the trust we have built together.
Gelinas
The Business
Grandpa and Grandma Gelinas were the most extroverted couple I ever met, so the hospitality business came naturally to them. In 1968 they bought the Vawn Hotel, and in 1985 the Northern 3 Hotel in Fairholme. The hotel was the social hub of small town Saskatchewan at that time. Whether it was hosting a fall supper, or featuring a live ol’ time country band, the hotel lived up to it’s moto “where friends meet”. Somehow despite owning two hotels I can’t remember my grandparents missing a special family event because of business.
THE NORTHERN 3 HOTEL – WHERE FRIENDS MEET
Impact on VMAG values
We spend many hours working together to produce great results. I strive to be a teammate who is enjoyable to work with, and a father who knows his priorities.