If you’re old enough to remember Red River Service, then you know how long the Suttie name has been associated with engines.

Tom Suttie’s father opened and ran the operation until he retired. Tom worked there into his early 30s, learning the trade as well as the business side of things. When the family business changed ownership, Tom found his calling as an entrepreneur. Northern Turf Equipment is the result, selling chainsaws, trimmers, water pumps, lawn mowers and tractors, snow throwers, utility trailers, and more since 1984.

The operation is still in the original location on Simpson Street where Tom has expanded the business in both property size and product volume. Northern Turf began as a one-person operation, but now employs a staff of twelve.

“We pride ourselves on being a local, independent, small-engine equipment dealer and will continue to provide the level of quality product offerings and service that our customers have become accustomed to,” Tom says.

Northern Turf Equipment’s main focus is on post-sales service: “something consumers will not find at a big box store,” he advises.

Over time there has been a big shift towards mass-market products, but in recent years Tom has noticed a shift back to supporting small businesses and sustaining the local business community.

His business knowledge comes from years of practical on-the-job training.

Most of his formal education is on the technical side, beginning with an automotive motorcycle mechanic licence. While running Northern Turf, Tom has attended small engine factory training courses and achieved technical designations as a Briggs & Stratton Master Technician, Kohler Master Technician, and Stihl Master Technician.

“Achieving the Master Technician designations increases both the knowledge base within the company in terms of staff training and our ability to provide superior service to our customers,” Tom says.

Running a business takes a lot of work to build it up and keep it going year in and year out.

“I did originally start Northern Turf more or less on my own, but it wouldn’t have grown into the viable business it is today without the continuous support of immediate family, dedicated staff and close friends,” says Tom.

Every day, month and year is a new challenge, he adds.

“The products we offer are from suppliers that we have dealt with for years, but those companies change things up by introducing new products or discontinuing old ones, so you always have to be ready for what’s next,” he explains.

He likens running a business to undergoing “a constant reinvention.” Technology keeps changing and a business owner has to be ready to adapt.

“Your core values as a company and your general business practices more or less remain constant,” Tom says, “and you have to balance history with the future.”

Tom views Thunder Bay as great place to live and do business. As a business owner in Thunder Bay, you are providing goods and/or services to both the local and regional market.

“The community really encompasses all of Northwestern Ontario, with Thunder Bay being the hub,” he says. “It has always been a pleasure to serve and interact with our customers who have made our business what it is today.”