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16 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday April 4, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Couple couldn't pass up paint shop By Mandi Hargrave SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER When a long-time paint expert and his wife saw an opportunity to become entrepreneurs, they knew they couldn't pass on it. "We wanted to start our own business, but we wanted to find a niche first," says Sandra DiNicolantoni. "When we saw this opportunity, we couldn't say no." The couple has taken over Speers Paint, one of Oakville's oldest independent paint and decorating retailers. The company was part of Speers Paint and Flooring until February when it became two separate entities. With the flooring side of the business growing significantly year after year, the owners narrowed their focus to expand on that success. "With this store focusing just on paint we're hoping to get it to where it was at one point 20 years ago," says Guido. While transferring the ownership, Guido says the move didn't have any effect on customers as the move was made over the weekend. "It was a seamless transition," he says. The move wasn't that far, in fact it was literally right across the street and customers have "We are here to continue what was started and to improve it and help with (customers') decorating needs." Sandra DiNicolaton, Speers Paint co-owner DEREK WOOLLAM / OAKVILLE BEAVER READY TO PAINT: Helping to celebrate Speers Paint's grand opening are its owners, Guido and Sandra DiNicolantonio, and Ward 1 Councillor Alan Johnston. responded quite well to the change. "They're actually glad it's not too far because I mean a lot of them [customers] are still going there and then the fact that it's right across [the street], they don't have to go drive across town," says Sandra. With his many years of experience with Speers Paint and Flooring, 10 years in the manufacturing industry and the number of contacts he's made with contractors in the area, Guido says the store was a perfect fit for him. "It was a business that I'm very comfortable with and familiar with and thought that it would be a good opportunity." "The potential to grow is there," he added. Sandra is currently studying interior decorating at Sheridan College and will use this knowledge to help their company expand. Over the next year she'll be working on this aspect of the company while hiring certified decorators. But for now the pair wants to ease into the business and continue its tradition. "We're here to continue what was started and to improve it and help with [customers'] decorating needs," says Guido. "This is it for us," adds Sandra. The couple is celebrating their store's grand opening until Saturday, April 5 at 275 Speers Rd. Open house Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is hosting its annual spring Open House on Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its Oakville facility. There will be demonstrations, tours, information and a silent auction with all proceeds supporting Dog Guides. For information contact 905-8422891 or email info@dogguides.com. BERTIN STABLES Spring Lessons & Summer Camps · Weekday Lessons 4/$107 or $35/Lesson · Saturday at Farm 10am-3pm $40 (Children 5-12 yrs.) NOW BOOKING (905) 827-4678 www.bertinstables.com DENTURES COMPLETE DENTURE 349 905-842-8209 ea. $ LIMITED TIME OFFER