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Profile of a Business
MANITOBA CORPORATION
Name: Manitoba Corporation
Owner: Richard Shine
Location: Lancaster, NY
Four generations and 91 years ago, Manitoba Corporation was born when a young immigrant came to the United States with the hope and promise of a better life. He found himself in Buffalo, NY unable to secure work. However his resolve for success overcame all odds and he made ends meet by recycling.
He collected items from streets and area homes, and he was able to scrape together a living. Slowly, as he worked long hours day in and day out, he was able to earn a living, and then a profit, which he then channeled right back into the business.
Today, what started as garbage recycling on foot, has developed into a 4th generation scrap metal recycling business with 60 employees, utilizing both a fleet of trucks and an airplane. “We have a Mitsubishi MU-2, a twin engine turboprop, that we use to reach new business areas. Without our airplane we wouldn’t have grown as much as we have or even lasted this long in this business,” says Richard Shine, 3rd generation owner.
40 years ago, scrap metal was plentiful in western New York, and Manitoba had several competitors. Travel another 15 years down the road to the early 90’s, and the competition and most local suppliers were gone. “By flying our small aircraft across the county meeting new suppliers and drumming up business, Manitoba has sustained, survived, and thrived.”
In 1971, when Richard and his father made their first flight in search of new business neither realized that this was the beginning of what would keep the business alive. Since then Richard has flown all across the country, from New York to Missouri, Florida, and even Utah.
Richard hopes that he will be able to pass the Manitoba Corporation down to the 5th generation and beyond. However there may be a slight kink in that plan, due to the new FAA tax proposal. The current proposal to raise the fuel tax on general aviation aircraft, like the Mitsubishi MU-2 Shine uses, would severely impair his business.
“Most of our growth depends on our ability to reach clients and meet their needs, and for that we use our plane. Right now fuel prices are at an all time high and it’s our largest expense in operating the aircraft. If the user-fee proposal goes through, it will severely limit our ability to reach potential new customers and potential new markets because we won’t be able to afford to fly as often or maybe even at all.”
Not only has Manitoba been a great business for the family, but also for the environment. Metal can be recycled at 1/6 the cost it would take to produce pure metal from ore, saving both money and natural resources.
“My son has been working with me for over 20 years now, and he’ll take over when I retire,” says Richard Shine, the 3rd generation owner. “Maybe a few years down the line, my 15 year-old grandson will walk the family line and take over the business. I hope it’s still around so he has that opportunity.”
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