Willows Christopher directs CanMark Industries (also known as Canadian Marking Systems), a Winnipeg institution that’s been manufacturing wood-mounted and self-inking rubber stamps plus custom engraving since 1911, back when the burgeoning city looked vastly different but needed the same essential business supplies. Operating from the Sargent Park neighbourhood at 1211 Richard Ave, the company has spent 115 years solving the same fundamental problem: helping businesses run more efficiently to keep building the city they love.
What is your business called and what does it do?
CanMark Industries, also known as Canadian Marking Systems. We are a manufacturer of rubber stamps, both wood-mounted and self-inking, as well as a custom engraver. Founded in 1911, we have been operating faithfully in Winnipeg for over 100 years.
What made you want to do this work?
We got into this work in 1911 when the city of Winnipeg looked a lot different than it does now. The burgeoning city needed businesses, and the businesses needed supplies like rubber stamps and engraving.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
115 years later, we are still solving the same problems. Helping businesses run more efficiently to keep building the city we love so much.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
We sell to all sorts of businesses in Winnipeg, like banks and insurance brokers. Our clientele also includes many government agencies, like Manitoba Health and Winnipeg Police Service. We also do all the engraving for schools, teacher nameplates and nametags. We also sell a lot of stamps to individuals for maybe stamping their envelopes, doing crafts, or branding themselves at a farmers’ market.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
Our clientele usually order via our website or over email and pay us for the custom work we do.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We are located in Winnipeg’s Sargent Park neighbourhood at 1211 Richard Ave.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Why would I buy from CanMark and not Staples or Vistaprint?
Besides supporting local businesses? We are able to provide a level of personal service that is unmatched by the bigger companies. We talk with every single customer over email or the phone and work out a product to solve their specific problem. We make proofs for your products and make sure it looks and functions exactly how you want. We’re real humans, doing real human business.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is being able to solve problems for our customers and use our creativity to do that. The worst part is the long nights trying to get everything done by hand.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
We don’t joke, we take Rubber Stamps very seriously. (Get it? That was the joke)
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Our friends at Maple Leaf Rubber Stamp – been working with them for almost 100 years.
