If you have a taste for speed, or something sweeter, Mike Helfrick and Melissa Yarmoloy should have you covered.
This summer, the entrepreneurial couple began two separate businesses in town, Helfrick with Reds Rentals and Yarmoloy with Sicamous Treats. The former deals primarily in the rental of pontoon boats and Sea-Doos, while the latter offers a range of sweet sensations including D Dutchman ice cream and cinnamon buns baked fresh daily. Sicamous Treats also has a selection of cruiser bikes available to rent for anyone wanting to explore the town.
Helfrick is in the process of moving to Sicamous from Calgary; however, he says he’s been working on Shuswap Lake for most of his life. For the past eight years Helfrick managed watercraft rentals for another local business, and it was time to branch out on his own.
“I decided this was the year to try and move in town and Melissa wanted to start up this place, the ice cream shop,” said Helfrick.
Having recently received a degree in commerce, and with the commercial building already owned by her family, Yarmoloy said it seemed like a great year to start up the ice cream shop.
Both say they experienced some challenges in getting started, including the weather, but overall the community has been very welcoming.
More information about Reds Rentals can be found at www.redsrentals.ca. Sicamous Treats is open seven days a week during the summer at 302 Finlayson.