| Two weddings and a generator |
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| Written by KayCie Gravelle | |
| Thursday, 08 December 2011 | |
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For two profs, teaching and business can mix
For Michael Wood and Peter Gilroy it’s almost an extreme sport. The two Algonquin professors not only spend part of an average week teaching in the music industry arts and introduction to music industry arts programs but also running their business, Ottawa Special events (OSE). Wood and Gilroy have been friends for most of their lives. They’ve stuck by each other through multiple professional changes from making music together to managing talent. However, with Ottawa Special Events they aren’t providing entertainment, just the tools necessary to get the party started. The business started with a phone call from an organizer with Ottawa’s gay-pride planning team: they needed a generator and Wood and Gilroy were glad to help. They incorporated in 2010 and their clients now include Starbucks, US homeland security, Bell Canada and Norad. “We started with no stock,” Wood explains. “A year and a half later and we have a quarter-of-a-million dollars worth of equipment in a warehouse.” Their work varies. “It can be anything from Nanny’s 90th birthday,” says Wood. They provide everything from audio systems, translation systems for interpreters, tables and linens for trade shows and everything in between. “Whatever you need to make it happen,” Wood says. OSE is only one aspect of what Wood and Gilroy do. “Ottawa Special Events is the umbrella that everything grows under,” said Wood. Besides OSE the duo also operates Wedding Rentals Ottawa, Ottawa Audio Visual and Party Rentals Ottawa. Their work is being recognized; last month they were honoured with the title of “Best New Business” by the Nepean Chamber of Commerce and they are finalists in the same category at the Ottawa Business Awards. While the amount of work they do leaves little time for other things, they’re loving it. “No two days are the same,” Wood says. |
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