Eye on Business

After 65 years in the East End, Orthopedic Appliance Research has closed its doors. Founded by Hugh Harold Doyle in 1947, the business has passed on through Harold’s son, Hugh Frederick, to his sons, Sean and Kelly. Initially established to assist victims of polio, its primary service has been to create custom orthotic devices for the physically disabled.
“Medicine has changed,” said Sean Doyle. “More people are able to recover from serious conditions such as a stroke, and don’t need braces like they once did.”
Doyle also said that all of Orthopedic Appliance Research referrals come  via prescriptions through a physician, and that many physicians and hospitals are fitting for medical devices in-house. “The business has been slowly declining for the past 20 years.”
The Doyles own both buildings at 2189 and 2191 Gerrard St. E. – both buildings are in the process of being sold.
When the business closed on Sept. 28, Sean moved to Huntsville where he runs Algonquin Orthopedic, a satellite clinic he opened 15 years ago to better serve the more northern Ontario market. Kelly will be staying in Toronto with his family.
“We had a good run,” said Sean. “We’re looking forward to the future.”
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Martina Rowley is an environmental communicator, someone who writes about ‘green’ issues. She is also opening a new business venture in the Beach that will provide environmentally sound, collaborative meeting and office spaces. It’s called Beach Business Hub, and it will be a ‘co-working space’ where small business owners, artists, entrepreneurs, etc. can rent a semi-private desk on a monthly basis – or even drop in to use a ‘hot desk’ with WiFi on an hourly basis.
“I’ve always liked the idea of telecommuting centres that offer a workplace closer to home and cut down on commuting,” Rowley said. The biggest advantage  she sees is the networking of Beachers, and it’s a healthy office space.
“I’ve incorporated zero-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, recycled carpet flooring with harmless adhesives, and a ‘living wall’ with plants that act as air purifiers.”
Other amenities such as a board room/meeting space, reception services and even a kitchen can be added on to the regular charge.
There will be a public open house Nov. 3 from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m., at 2181 Queen St. E., Suite 301.  Call Rowley at 647-208-1810, or visit beachbusinesshub.ca.
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The Bank of Montreal celebrated the opening of its newest branch in the community at the corner of Danforth and Woodbine on Sept. 16. The new branch will be open seven days a week to better serve its customers. Along with the new extended hours, the branch offers a coin kiosk that will count loose change, services in five languages, two ATMs and barrier-free access.
“We are excited to be opening the doors to our new Danforth and Woodbine branch,” said Troy Jalovec, Branch Manager. “We encourage new and existing members of the community to come in and speak with our team about all their personal finance and investment needs.” Find out more at bmo.com.
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Two life-long Beach friends have teamed up to start a business to help students in university business programs with their assignments. David Burrell went through Ryerson University’s Business Program, and spent time as an accounting tutor.
“After tutoring I could see there was a lot of demand for accounting help,” Burrell said. “I decided to think of a way to reach more students through a better medium.”
That medium is, of course, the internet. Burrell contacted his high school friend Sam Brennand, who was studying marketing and brand communications at Wilfrid Laurier University. The two have set up NinjaNotes.ca, a website that will be dedicated to expanding the tutorial videos now uploaded to YouTube.
“Expanding from YouTube to our own domain will allow us to provide our viewers with an all-in-one experience,” said Brennand. The site features live online help, forums to connect and engage with other students, and access to resources based on student-driven insight.
“What sets NinjaNotes’ videos apart is the interactive and graphic nature of our videos,” said Burrell. “We’re continuously generating new content, from videos to interviews and study tips, and look forward to creating a successful community and resource for university students.”
Find out more about NinjaNotes by visiting the site at ninjanotes.ca.
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Margarita Tsopotos and her partner Albert Pavilonis decided, after working at another local hair salon for five years, to venture into their own business, and opened Maral Salon, 936 Queen St. E., between Logan and Carlaw. Collectively the pair have more than 20 years experience in the hair styling, cutting and colouring business.
“We love what we do,” said Tsopotos. “We believe that everyone’s hair needs are unique, and we take pride in creating a custom look for every client.”
Tsopotos reports that former clients are finding out about their new space, and that they have been made very welcome in the area. Book an appointment by calling Maral Salon at 647-352-3336.
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The RBC Royal Bank branch at 2175 Queen St. E., at Lee Ave., is celebrating  its 50th anniversary this year. There was a community open house on Oct. 4.
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Quillsoft is a local company owned by Beach resident Dr. Fraser Shein that researches and develops software to assist struggling writers, and readers of all ages, including those who suffer from dyslexia, other learning disabilities, or may be learning English as a second language. The company recently expanded its operations, and moved from its former location on Queen Street, to Berkley Castle on the Esplanade.
With its main software products, Word Q and Speak Q, Quillsoft reaches international markets in New Zealand, the U.S., U.K., and Belgium. Recently it partnered with Apple to offer iWordQ, an app for the Apple iPad. iWordQ is a practical tool to help students succeed in reading and writing. And, thanks to the Ontario Ministry of Education recognizing that literacy is vital to Ontario students, Quillsoft is now licensed for use by all schools in the province.
Dr. Shein was a research scientist at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital for 31 years before venturing into research on reading and writing, and developing the Quillsoft program. For more information, visit goQsoftware.com.
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KIA Canada broke ground on Sept. 25 for its newest dealership, Toronto KIA, at 2222 Danforth Ave., scheduled to open in early 2013. Brothers Stacey and Jordan Ison were excited to be on hand for the ground-breaking, and to discuss the new dealership.
“Our KIA Danforth location will service the downtown core and East Toronto, making it a landmark downtown dealership in Toronto – and for all of Canada,” they said. The new design will feature an all-glass exterior and a rooftop lot that will allow space for 30 cars. Visitors to the second floor showroom will be able to look directly through the glass into the service area. For more information visit facebook.com/torontokia.
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Norma’s Therapeutic Massage Clinic is moving. After 17 years in its previous location on Queen Street East, Norma Outtrim is relocating her clinic to 579 Kingston Rd., Suite 101, in the McArthur Business Centre.
“My decision to relocate comes with mixed emotions as I leave one neighbourhood of 17 years for another. I look forward to seeing you in my new digs!,” said Outtrim. “Oh yeah, it will be a lot easier to find available parking.”
For more information, or to arrange an appointment, call Norma’s Therapeutic Massage Clinic at 416-698-2977.

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