Annapolis Valley Register

Finding his calling, here at home

Dip in oil prices sends Kentville man home to establish new business

- BY CHRIS SAULNIER KINGSCOUNT­YNEWS.CA Chris.saulnier@kingscount­ynews.ca

A Kentville man is putting a stamp on printing in the Annapolis Valley.

New Level FX, based in Kentville, offers the community a variety of services such as

But, it’s not where owner Jesse Macinnis imagined he’d be five years ago.

At 20 years old, the Kentville native sold everything he owned for enough money to buy a plane ticket to Edmonton, pay the first month’s rent at a boarding house and have $200 to spare.

Now, after spending five years out West, initially working within the automotive industry and then transition­ing into the oil industry, the 26-year-old Macinnis has finally found his calling -right here at home.

Macinnis opted for a change of atmosphere after taking a year off to decide what his next steps would be following a drop in the price of oil.

Having always been an active member of the car community, Macinnis decided to invest in some low-level equipment and started making decals and Tshirts An example of vehicle graphics offered by New Level FX in Kentville.

for his friends and different car clubs.

Eventually, on top of car clubs, different businesses and organizati­ons began approachin­g Macinnis looking for more commercial things like storefront signs, window

graphics, etc., so Macinnis rented a house in Port Williams with two 16x16 sunrooms to use as his studios.

As demand for his services increased, and his house became too small, Macinnis said the decision to upgrade his equipment and rent a commercial, more permanent, space on Leverett Avenue in Kentville seemed like the next logical step. Macinnis moved his shop to Kentville in December 2017 and discontinu­ed the apparel

aspect of the business.

So far, New Level FX has had the opportunit­y to do commercial work for businesses such as Halimac Axe Throwing Kentville, Jessy’s Pizza New Minas, Phantom Effects Kentville and others.

Macinnis says he’s just happy to be able to work for himself doing something he enjoys.

“I find the work very fulfilling,” said Macinnis. “We love seeing all the work people have put into their vehicles to modify and make them stand out, and we love offering a service that can help our customers make that vehicle just a little bit more unique.”

 ?? CHRIS SAULNIER ??
CHRIS SAULNIER

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