There is not too many days that go by in Squamish where you don’t meet someone new or interesting, whether tourist or local. All walks of life, in many different areas of interest inhabit this unique community fortunately situated north of Vancouver and south of Whistler on banks of the Howe Sound. Squamish is an attractive place to let your mind wonder and the ideas generate. The possibilities are limitless and the business ideas are never considered to far-fetched. Take Trevor Bergstrom for example.

Trevor, a lifelong resident of Squamish, employed for a good many years in the forest industry, took the opportunity to redirect his energy to successfully dream-up, create and launch a very distinctive Board game now available for sale around the world. Though still employed in the forestry industry, Trevor’s game is finding its way into living rooms around the globe while putting Squamish on the map.

We spent some time talking with Trevor about his Company and doing business in Squamish.

Your Companies name?
“Gypo Logging” the Board Game Sales

What do you make/produce/or service does your business provide?
A fun and challenging board game!

How long have you been in operation?
The game concept was first incepted in 1991 but the game was not played on a prototype until June 15, 2002. The feedback from this first game was very encouraging. More refinements were made after this and then 30 prototype games were made locally here in Squamish. These were produced with some willing sponsorship of 10 local forestry related businesses. Each sponsor received one of the prototypes and the other 20 were distributed to various locations in BC for testing and more feedback.

The eventual plan is to make town/area specific Gypo Logging board games and a sample game for Squamish is being developed now at InBiz that has Squamish forestry related businesses right in the game. “Gypo Logging” business was not actually registered until April 2005.

What makes your Company unique to other businesses in Squamish?
The product I’ve created and have had produced is based mainly on work experience I’ve had while logging in the Squamish area as I have worked in the forest industry since graduating from HSSS in 1977.

My biggest goal in making the game was that people would have fun playing it. There have been many discouraging times trying to market this game however when I watch people or play the game myself, I feel it has been totally worthwhile. It is neat to see a group of six people laughing, yelling and being kind of crazy for 3-4 hours straight. Board games are a great social time – if they are good. The game is not exclusive to loggers, anyone can play well and it’s quite educational about the forest industry.

How long have you lived in Squamish?
I was born in Squamish, as a matter of fact local Dr. Kindree delivered me just about 49 years ago. I was absent from Squamish for about 12 of my early years so I’ve been here about 38 years now.

Tell me, in detail, about your product? Who is it geared to? How much does it cost?
The game, being about forestry, the primary audience is people who work within it or have in the past. The game is very appealing to the eye and has a homegrown feel to it. While the game is fun to play it is also challenging and educational. Even though the primary target audience is forest industry people, other people whom have played catch on fast and enjoy the game. I’ve had players as young as 11years and they play very well and enjoy the game. The game retails for $39.95 + taxes.

About your history, have you always done what you do now? If not, what did you do before?
As stated above, I’ve been in the forest industry since 1977 and I still am in logging for Sladey Timber Ltd at Jervis Inlet. I’ve done a variety of job functions such as; Chokerman, Chaser, Rigging Slinger, Spar Hooktender, 2nd Loader, Grapple-Yarder Hooktender, Chaser & Operator and even extensively as an Environmental/Safety Coordinator and Trainer.

Has your product(s) or service won any national/international acclaim? If so, what?
No – but I hope it will for providing ‘Stress Relief”

Where do we go to find out more information on your Company/product/service?
I have a company website that my sister Heidi has developed for me as well as doing the graphic design for the game. www.gypologging.com

Is there anyone in Squamish that you would like to thank for helping launch your product? Any organization(s) that helped you achieve your current goals (ie: Chamber, District, Rotary, BIA)?
In particular I would like to thank two businesses in Squamish that helped very much in the production phase of the 31 protype games. Angela & Dallas at Century Signs provided some great ideas, enthusiasm as well as patience and were one of my original sponsors. Sheri Lee at InBiz (originally Howe Sound Business Center) has helped so much along the way and still is – I wouldn’t know to even begin to thank her. Shanine, an employee of hers has been instrumental in keeping Gypo on track. I thank them all wholeheartedly.

Tell me something about living/working in Squamish that you feel is an asset? Why are you 'lucky' to live/work in Squamish?
Squamish is a unique location – whenever I’m away and I’m returning, I can’t wait to get going down the hill from Murrin Lake and see the Chief and Garibaldi at the same time. It sounds stupid but I find it reassuring that they are still there. Squamish still has a small town feel to it although it’s growing so fast it’s still a great place to live and there are a lot of talented and interesting people here.

What don't you like about operating a business in Squamish? Where can the business community improve?
I find that people are hesitant or afraid to embrace or try new opportunities; we seem to be shy of blowing our own horn.

Where do you see opportunity for business development in Squamish? What sectors should we, as a community, be going after?
I would like to see forestry activities included more in tourism as education as well as fun tourist excursions. In other words, tours of active logging operations could generate tourism dollars while better educating tourists about forestry and of course they would be fun and exciting outings.

For more information or to order your very own copy of the game visit Trevor’s website at: www.gypologging.com