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NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
INNOVATIVE
BUSINESS IN HALIBURTON SELLS “PEACE OF MIND” TO COTTAGE OWNERS.
HALIBURTON,
ONTARIO
November 18, 2003
As
a former cottager who experienced vandalism at his own cottage, Mr. Garfield
Munshaw recognized the need for a security service that would give cottagers
some peace of mind during the off-season. GSM Cottage Watch Services visits
clients’ cottages in Haliburton and the Kawarthas at regular intervals to
check for signs of break in, weather or animal damage and even snow load.
“Some of my clients live in the United
States
and it is impossible for them to visit their cottages regularly during the
winter months. The services Cottage Watch provides gives them the
confidence that their cottage is safe,” states Mr. Munshaw.
Mr.
Munshaw now resides in Haliburton year-round and has been providing cottage
watch services through his company GSM Cottage Watch Services for several
years now. “When I was cottaging here, our cottage was broken into.
Luckily nothing was stolen but our cottage was left a mess and who knows how
long the door was left open,” remembers Mr. Munshaw. “It was then when the
idea for GSM Cottage Watch Services was born; I realized what a convenience
it would be if someone could check in on my cottage when I wasn’t able to be
there.”
The
basic cottage watch service consists of a visit every two weeks although Mr.
Munshaw will tailor service to suit an individuals needs. “I recently had a
client that found that her insurance company is requiring that someone be at
her cottage as often as every 72 hours. We were able to set up a schedule
that was specific to her situation. My main job is to meet my clients’ needs
and if that means more frequent visits or being an alarm contact then so be
It.,” explains Mr. Munshaw. Mr. Munshaw has found that many cottagers are
installing alarm systems in their cottages. “The problem is that if there
is an alarm call and you live in
Toronto
it is not exactly convenient to drop by to assess the situation. GSM
Cottage Watch Services will act as a local contact for the alarm company on
the clients’ behalf,” mentions Mr. Munshaw.
While
GSM Cottage Watch Services primarily provides off-season security, the
business also branched out to include maintenance and repairs, general
contracting, and even cottage cleaning. “I have found my clients have needs
that extend beyond simple cottage watch. With cottage watch, I developed
trusting relationships and my clients value my opinion and often turn to me
when they need repairs or other cottage related services. If I can’t
perform the service myself I am able to contract it out on their behalf,”
remarks Mr. Munshaw. “I even have clients who call for weather updates or to
ask me to turn on their heat so their cottage is warmed up when they arrive
later in the day.”
GSM
Cottage Watch Services is gaining quite a reputation in the Haliburton area,
particularly around Drag Lake.
Recently a break in at a Cottage on Drag Lake
had Mr. Munshaw’s phone ringing off the hook, with people inquiring about
Cottage Watch Services. Of course, the break in did not occur at a cottage
enrolled with GSM Cottage Watch Services. “Cottages are a huge investment
and cottagers owe it to themselves to ensure that their cottages are looked
after when they can’t be there. Everybody deserves peace of mind.”
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Butch (Garfield) Munshaw
GSM Cottage Watch Services
705-457-9445
www.haliburtoncottagewatch.com
email:
mrhandyman@sympatico.ca
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