A Helping of Hamish

Ask any business person what is the key to running a successful operation and they will quickly point out that it’s their staff. Forty three years ago, the late Creighton Jewkes made one of his most astute hires.

Meet Hamish MacGillivray.

The young 18 year old lad began his working career at the 5¢ to $1.00 in 1973. And in the natural course of things, this is where he will end it. But don’t hold your breath. When asked what he might do at the age of 65, Hamish replied, “ I’ll probably keep working.”

Good thing. According to one of the owners of the business, Hamish is “the heartbeat of the operation. The store is very quiet on the days that Hamish doesn’t work.”

On warm summer days, Hamish can be seen driving in from “The Point” on his motorized scooter. This is his pride and joy. And when the winter winds howl and his bike is grounded, neighbors and friends drive him back and forth between work and home.

Hamish is passionate about Chinese food, Daryl MacLean’s “Beach Party” on Friendly 58 and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is not 100% sure why he keeps cheering for the Leafs!

Asked what he likes most about his job, he quickly points out that helping customers is the thing that is most important to him.

One could easily argue that Hamish embodies both the heart and soul of a business that has served the community for a long time.