Sisson Auto Finance and Sales recently opened in Brandon at 1625 Parker Blvd. The dealership was started by the father-son duo of Jason and Jaydan Sisson. The two have a combined 34 years in the automotive industry, including 26 for Jason and 8 for Jaydan. Jason tells bdnmb.ca that they decided to branch out on their own for a number of reasons. "While there were certainly lots of great personal opportunities available in a large auto group and we seriously considered offers to move to other cities and provinces, in the end Brandon is our home and we're committed to this city.  Starting a business from the ground up gives you an enormous amount of flexibility and creativity to really create a new buying experience for the people of Westman." "A big part of our decision to open was the location.  Parker Boulevard has really become a vehicle power centre.  We have Giant Car Wash on one side of us, Brandon Radiator and Auto Service directly across the street, Resurrection Paint Correction and Auto Detailing around the corner, a MPI broker at CAA two doors down and Husky and Co-op Gas bars at the end of the street." The location can fit about 8 vehicles indoors and roughly 30 outside if they park them just right. The dealership will mostly stock a mix of cars, trucks, vans and SUV's from about $10,000 to $30,000. "But we are also really good at finding that specific vehicle a customer might be looking for," added Jason. "Our Vehicle Locating Service has become a cornerstone of our business." On why you should shop at Sisson Auto Finance and Sales, Jason shared, "Our processes.  We designed the business from the ground up to be an easy, comfortable and fast experience.  Our website was built so you can purchase a vehicle completely on-line if you choose.  Even before all the current events, we were structured for a zero contact purchase.  We offer a 3 day full refund, 30 day exchange option and minimum warranty plans with roadside assistance with every purchase." The dealership will also offer pre-approvals and credit score consultations. Their consignment program is also unique to Brandon.  They can sell your car safely for you rather than trying to sell privately.  For a small fee they will include a CarFax report, professional photos, description and advertising on 6 Major automotive websites, display, storage on their lot, insurance, and regular cleanings.  They also have access to financing and can take a trade-in which is usually an issue for private sellers. Sisson Auto Finance and Sales are currently open by appointment for private vehicle viewings and credit consultations. Jason encourages people to check out their website and to feel free to reach out to them with questions or for advice without feeling any obligation to purchase.

While many Brandonites begin the arduous tasks of spring cleaning and yardwork, the crew at Livingstone Landscaping has been scurrying to get moved into their new location at 1610 Byng Avenue. “We have been looking for a larger property for a few years,” said Business Manager Michelle Berg. “We had outgrown our past property. We needed a larger facility and yard to offer our services to our customers.” The location features over six acres of space, plus bigger offices, and garages. The larger workspace has allowed the company to launch “Livingstone Outdoor,” a new sister company that will offer sales, service, products, and expertise for contractors and DIY installers in Westman. “The new space allows us to expand on the products and services we were already offering,” added Berg. “This allows us to be more organized and customer friendly.” Berg adds that a handful of new faces have joined the staff, and the company is working with the current health climate of the world, offering curbside pickup and deliveries. “We are excited about our central location in Brandon. We have put so much work into everything we have done, and many have commented on the visual improvements we have made… but there is more to come; we are landscapers after all!” Livingstone Landscaping is now officially open for the summer and Livingstone Outdoor is set for a soft launch in May.

As of today at 5pm, Pizza Express is going to be delivering an assortment of beer, wine and other mixed drinks in accordance with the newly passed MB liquor laws. "We’re very excited about providing our customers this additional service as it is something that has been requested regularly by our fans over the years." As always, To order/view the menu visit their website www.pizzaexpress.biz or call 204.727.2727. Pizza Express joins a growing list of restaurants in the city who announced a liquor delivery service with food orders including Joe Beeverz, Sabor Latino and Boston Pizza.

Heritage Co-op has acquired Westman Aerial Spraying Ltd. The announcement was made earlier today on the company's website. Heritage Co-Op had previously purchased a crop input business from Westman Aerial Spraying in 2015. From today's release "“We are pleased with the support from our members since we acquired the ag input business in 2015,” said Zacharias. “We are privileged to continue working with Jon Bagley and the team at Westman Aerial Spraying, and we look forward to a smooth transition.” The release also stated that all previous staff, pilots and aircraft will remain the same during the transition. Jon Bagley, who initially started Westman Aerial Spraying Ltd 30-years ago, will continue to manage the aerial application business. "With this acquisition, Heritage Co-op is the first co-op within the Co-operative Retailing System (CRS) to offer aerial spraying services to its farm customers."

Former Wheat King Mark Derlago and his wife Jenna have come up with a business venture that hits close to home for the couple. Billy's Beef is a 5th Generation farm bringing hormone and antibiotic free beef to your door. The company has a number of different steak and multi-pack options to select from including ground beef, ribeye, New York, sirloin, beef roasts, cross rib roasts and more. BDNMB.CA had the opportunity to reach out to Mark today to discuss his decision to enter the beef business. BDNMB.CA: Explain to our readers how this business came about...and other than Jenna & yourself, who is operating Billy's Beef? Derlago – I have been married to Jenna for 9 years and her family farms just outside of Hartney.   We have always had a home in Brandon and lived there but we spend a majority of the time at the farm.   My in-laws really enjoy hosting parties and dinners and the conversation always tends to revolve around how good the meat or burgers steaks etc are.   So we thought lets share this and market it and let everyone experience it.   Myself and Jenna are the marketing and sales part of the business and Mike Morrison is out at the farm and raises the animals. BDNMB – I have known you for about 20 years, been your hockey agent in Europe and Japan, and I have never seen this entrepreneurial side of you, so what happened? Derlago –  Hockey is my passion and I love it and love being part of the Wheat Kings coaching staff and I plan on continuing that career for as long as I can,  but we thought it was a great time and opportunity to start marketing this beef. BDNMB – Why is buying direct from you better than Safeway etc? Derlago – Our beef has never been treated with antibiotics and hormones, it is aged 21 days which is unique and will enhance the tenderness.  It is truly farm to table plus we truly enjoy what we do. BDNMB – How can people order and see your prices? Derlago – We are on Instagram at billys.beef and on Twitter at @billysbeef and Email is billysbeef20@gmail.com  Our website will be launched in a few weeks. Congrats to Mark and Jenna on this new enterprise.