Kendal Netmaker, his wife Rachel, their kids and family welcomed shoppers and friends to the new Neechie Gear location on a bustling Saturday afternoon in February. The store front on Circle Drive in Saskatoon is a big change from the action at Circle Centre Mall, but the move offers Netmaker more control of his life and business and the ability to better serve his clients.

And as much as the mall offered his store some traffic and exposure, the location did come with some drawbacks.

“Last year we were only closed for three days the entire year. The mall set the hours. We had absolutely no storage and mall people can sometimes bring their bad moods into your store,” said Netmaker.

Now he has his own place, with windows and a huge store room in back for his bulk sales, a nice office with a singed Rider helmet proudly displayed. And parking for customer’s right out front.

Kendal's success has led to him having a lot of fans.

“I am looking forward to having Sundays off finally,” added Netmaker on one of the benefits of the new location.

The hard working entrepreneur has been touring Canada doing motivational speeches and telling about his story of his life, and his brand, and being responsible for a retail store open seven days a week. The Sundays off will likely be spent with his young family.

Related:

• Neechie Gear CEO runner-up for international business award
• Neechie Gear CEO wins CCAB award
• Kendal Netmaker recognized with Indspire Youth Award