Jamison Mechanical – Jamison Sheppard, Meadow Lake
By: Cassi Smith
At just 31 years old, Jamison Sheppard, owner of Jamison Mechanical, is shaping the plumbing and HVAC industry in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan. His story is one of hard work, persistence, and the importance of taking a leap of faith when opportunity knocks.
Jamison’s journey into entrepreneurship started when he purchased the assets of an existing plumbing business in 2022, launching Jamison Mechanical. With the financial backing and support from CCDF, he was able to successfully make the transition from employee to business owner. In his first year, Jamison Mechanical exceeded revenue projections by 14%, showcasing Jamison’s determination and business acumen.
Reflecting on his decision to take the leap into ownership, Jamison shares, “Over the years, my boss consistently encouraged me to take over the business… I was hesitant about becoming a business owner, as I had never envisioned myself in that role. It’s ironic, considering my parents have been successful business owners their entire lives and have always urged me to follow a similar path. At that point, I figured it might be time to give it a try, and in many ways, it felt like fate.”
With CCDF’s help, Jamison was able to secure the financing to purchase the business and begin operations. Although it demanded a significant amount of hard work, Jamison was determined to succeed. “I reminded myself that with hard work, success would follow,” he says. “I haven’t regretted it for a moment.”
Jamison’s connection with CCDF played a crucial role in his business success. In addition to helping him purchase the business assets, CCDF provided guidance that was vital to his growth. “What they offer is invaluable, particularly for anyone looking to start their own business,” says Jamison. “They take the time to carefully review your business plan, ensuring it’s the right move, and they support you every step of the way.”
His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. In 2024, Jamison returned to CCDF to take another significant step: purchasing the building his business operated from. This acquisition allowed him to expand Jamison Mechanical’s services with a retail storefront and additional space for future growth. The new building also includes leasable bays, adding another revenue stream to the business.
Running a growing business comes with its challenges, especially when balancing a busy schedule with unexpected service calls. “Managing time is the hardest part – ensuring I get to everyone promptly while juggling the unexpected situations that often arise,” he explains. “The key is learning to accept that not everything will go according to plan.”
Jamison credits his former boss and a long-time colleague for his smooth transition to becoming an owner. “Without their support, the weight of running the business on my own would have been overwhelming,” he shares. “Their advice and hard work have been invaluable, and knowing I had them to rely on from the start helped ease the stress.”
Despite the challenges, Jamison finds fulfillment in helping others through his work. “Seeing the joy on a homeowner’s face after completing their dream home or the gratitude of a family whose furnace went out in -40°C weather, knowing you were able to help them in a critical moment, makes it all worth it.”
Looking ahead, Jamison has big plans for the future of Jamison Mechanical. “I hope to expand my current business and start another,” he shares. “My long-term goal is to build a bigger team, each working in different areas of the business. I’m excited to face the challenges and see where the future takes me.” When asked what advice he has for other entrepreneurs facing similar challenges, Jamison says, “Work hard, don’t be afraid to fail, trust your skills, and always follow your gut instincts.”