Local businesswoman soars to success
Passion and persistence have brought Jamie Long to where she is today
Erfolg Contracting Inc. offers a variety of services to clients in commercial, industrial and residential settings. Specializing in metal, the Truro-based business offers new metal installation, roof repairs, corrosion prevention and a variety of protective coatings and applications.
Envisioned and planned by a local businesswoman, Erfolg Contracting Inc. is progressing nicely and entering its ninth year.
“The perspective I had for my business was to focus on safety culture,” said Jamie Long, originally from Onslow Mountain and now a Truro resident.
“I wanted a business that created security and that there was a demand for. We all need a roof over our heads, there’s always going to be a demand.”
Part of Long’s focus was building a business that could move and adapt into the future.
“My work often requires working at heights, on structures, roofs, towers and silos, but is not limited to these. Every site requires surface preparation to various extents. I have several techniques I use to achieve this, depending on the surface’s condition.”
Recent jobs completed by Long’s business include a Lunenburg water tower, tanks for bulk plants, fuel and propane facilities as well as roofs with new metal installation, repairs and protective coating applications.
“I employ from two to six workers depending on the size of the project. The summer months are the busiest and provide the longest days for production.”
People often ask the question what is Erfolg?
“I get this all the time,” she said. “I chose the name for a couple of reasons, one being the intrigue it causes and the underlying meaning – what I envisioned was a successful company. Erfolg is German and when translated, means success.”
According to Long, other factors contributed to her success.
“My father, Jim Long, and my mother, Betty Otterson, installed a strong work ethic and integrity into where I am now. When I decided to start my business, I went to my father and he gave me encouragement and support from day one.
“And this support continues; it was my father who helped me get past many barriers.
“Mom has shown me the strength a woman can have in a man’s world. I most certainly have some of both mom’s and dad’s personality. They both have very commendable qualities which I admire. I try to emulate their great qualities every day. I want to take things I learned from my father and mother and move forward.”
Long explained a good start in business was also a factor.
“I was fortunate in the beginning to be blessed with some decent scale projects, this got me up and running and showed me there was a necessity for what I was offering. You can’t count your chickens before they hatch but I feel my positive nature will get me through any challenge delivered on any day. I have certainly had learning experiences during these years in business; I’m thankful for them, experience is knowledge.”
In recalling her youth, Long first attended North River Elementary School at a young age she took dance and ballet. Later she became involved with violin, piano and skiing at Ski Wentworth.
“I had a variety pack of hobbies,” Long told me. “I thank my parents for providing me with a lovely, rounded childhood.”
While attending Onslow Junior High, Long was also involved in 4H.
“My first job was when I was 12 years old; I worked on a dairy farm in Onslow.”
At age 16 she worked part time for Mcdonald’s Restaurant. Attending Cobequid Educational Centre, Long graduated at age 17.
“When I think back to my schooling, I took an extended core French program from grade 7 through grade 12,” Long recalled. “I’m grateful that I had all kinds of opportunities to explore anything I was interested in during my youth. I feel fortunate to be passionate about what I do. I look forward to what’s to come for Erfolg.”
Without question, I was impressed with the Truro businesswoman and how intelligently she handled the interview. As we were parting company I wished her good luck with her business venture.
Thoughtfully, quick thinking and in a genuine way, Jamie likewise wished me good luck in writing future newspaper columns.