Indigenous-owned business making a name for itself

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This article was published 11/05/2022 (324 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ST. VITAL

Brenden Merasty is taking a hands-on approach to his new business, which — as his company’s mantra states — means he’ll ‘do the work so you don’t have to.’

The 21-year-old south St. Vital resident is the owner of Macho Maintenance. According to his website, it’s an Indigenous-owned business that serves Winnipeg and its surrounding areas and offers a variety of labour-based services.

These services include junk removal, moving and hauling, lawn care and snow removal, residential landscaping, furniture assembly, and general home repairs. Merasty also offers free quotes to prospective customers.

Having previously worked as a bartender before losing his job due to the pandemic, the Glenlawn Collegiate alumnus said he’s always been one to take on odd jobs, so his new venture is a natural progression.

“Right now, I’ll primarily be doing lawn care, grass repair, and overall property maintenance,” Merasty said, noting the excessive snowfall this winter has kept him busy.

“We do everything your husband can’t do,” he added, with a laugh.

Growing up in the heart of the city’s garden centre country south of the perimeter, Merasty is no stranger to doing odd jobs and helping out with landscaping work at locations such as St. Mary’s Road Nursery & Garden Centre and Ron Paul Garden Centre. The latter location has a very personal connection to Merasty, as Ron Paul was his grandfather.

The name Macho Maintenance emanated from a family dinner and a conversation about sibling family dynamics at a restaurant one day. He said his brother, Kaeden, is thought of as the brains and while he’s considered the brawn, and the name materialized from there.

“I’ve been working similar jobs my whole life, so I thought I might as well be the boss,” he said, adding he may need to hire some helping hands as his business continues to grow.

Merasty has taken a big leap of faith finally, purchasing “a brand-new truck and lots of tools” and now he’s hoping to spread the word about the services he offers.

In terms of becoming his own boss, Merasty said he’s had some strong role models he’s looked up to growing up. As well as his grandfather, these include his father, George Merasty, and mother, Marla Paul-Merasty. His father hails from the Flying Dust First Nation in Saskatchewan, and Merasty is proud of his Indigenous heritage.

“I’ve had lots of inspiration in my lifetime. My work ethic came from my mom and dad, and my immediate family. My father, for example, came from nothing and has become very successful. I’m very proud of my heritage and where I come from, and I think I’m a face of positivity. In some small way, I hope I can be seen as a positive role model for youth. If I can do it, lots of people can,” he said.

Merasty said doesn’t add a service cost to local jobs, in areas such as St. Vital and Sage Creek, but one might apply when he has to travel further afield to help cover his gas.

Go online at machomaintenance.ca or call 204-226-0386 for more information.