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10 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday September 30, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com World traveller settles downtown Oakville By Melanie Cummings SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER When Harold Lenfesty, 53, decided that his next career move would require his feet stay put on the ground, he planted them firmly in downtown Oakville. He has spent his adult working life traveling in planes, trains and automobiles across Canada, the U.S., Europe and the Far East. But Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which was finally diagnosed in 2003 after years of feeling unwell, forced Lenfesty to land. And he has happily found his retail Shangri-La at Garvey's Fine Men's Wear. It's a story of the customer becoming the owner and the world traveler now living and working in the same place. (Lenfesty has been an Oakville resident since 1998.) While shopping for a new suit, Lenfesty was told that the business' founder, Sean Garvey, 71, was looking for a buyer. "The employees there suggested I buy it, which spoke volumes to me," said Lenfesty. It's long been his philosophy that product doesn't make a business successful, people do. BARRIE ERSKINE/ OAKVILLE BEAVER PLANTED IN REALITY: Harold Lenfesty, new owner of Garvey's Men's Wear, at home in his shop. After 45 years, Sean Garvey transferred ownership of his shop to Lenfesty. The deal was finalized last February. "It's a wonderful opportunity and great responsibility," said Lenfesty. Garvey still works in the shop, as does the tailor who has been with him throughout, Mario Pettinato. Several other equally valued employees have remained in the fold, too. "The business can't be dependent on me. There has to be an interdependence between me and staff to make this shop continue to work well," added Lenfesty. The unpredictability of Multiple Sclerosis requires this symbiotic relationship. Good days and bad days ebb and flow without advance notice, said Lenfesty. It's an experience he shares with 60,000 other Canadians who suffer from the disease. There is no cure, yet, for MS, which attacks the central nervous system, but treatments help lessen the impacts of it. He manages to work six of the seven days in a week that the store is open and puts in about five hours each day. Keeping his MS in check is a test of finding the right work-life balance. In the time Lenfesty has taken over, renovations have been undertaken, an additional fulltime employee added and two new clothing lines added. In May, Garvey's kicked off a fundraising campaign to support Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital's cardiac rehabilitation program, with a $10,000 donation. It's an extension of the responsibility Lenfesty gladly shoulders in growing the legacy of Garvey's and for the community that is now the centre of his world. "If my feet have to be on the ground, this is where I want to be," he added. We believe in living well. after Delmanor Glen Abbey is Oakville's premier retirement residence for active adults. We emphasize independence and individuality in a community environment that promotes an active mind and a sound body. In short, we believe in LivingWell and l we'd like you to join us. If you would like to join us at one of these events or to book a tour, just call Margaret Milley 905-469-3232. before We can transform your existing cabinets with new doors and laminate in your choice of style & colour. Select complimentary hardware & have the kitchen of your dreams. TM 1459 Nottinghill Gate just south of Upper Middle, west of Dorval 905.469.3232 www.delmanor.com