The West Wind Hardwood Team
Jan Nielsen
is the son, of the father-son partnership that began in 1978. Born into a family of craftsmen, he inherited his family's appreciation and skill with wood. Born in Denmark, Jan has lived on the Saanich Peninsula since 1974, and intends to call North Saanich home; not withstanding the frequent trips to Mexico and abroad.
Lars Nielsen
is Jan's brother and born in Quebec; raised on the BC coast where he acquired a great appreciation of the sea while living on a boat with his parents. Boats have factored largely throughout Lars' life, as even his marriage took place aboard his 1947 Chris Craft. Lars is committed to his family; his newest project - another boat, and sustained personal growth.
Shelley Nielsen
is Jan's wife. A true BC'er born and bred, Shelley has been part of the West Wind team since 1978. A true family business, their daughters Olivia and Anna have occasionally lent a hand. Shelley thrives with West Wind's successes and sees no early retirement.....perhaps just a few more extended holidays with Jan. Those many hours of Spanish lessons and homework will not be in vain!!
Joel Radford
is our wood-flooring expert becoming the icon of West Wind's flooring expansion. He is thoroughly knowledgeable with all aspects of our brand name and custom floors. Joel started some years ago as a part-time student coming highly recommended by his woodworking teacher at Parkland Secondary.
John Wrobel
a little long in the tooth BUT ‘young at heart’! He brings a long association with building supply stores with him. John likes to be known as a true Westerner – having lived in our four Western provinces – he has settled in North Saanich with his wife of many years. In his spare time, he can be found tending his small garden and orchard.
Danny Schaftlein
is our school rep and custom floor machinist. He has been with us "a sliver short of" three years; coming highly recommended by his woodworking teacher at Stelly's Secondary. He enjoys the feeling that learning new skills brings; his hobbies are his best friend. They include: cars (driving and repairing), camping, canoeing & kayaking, photography & Nature. Blending them together is the ultimate!
danny@westwindhardwood.com
Britney King
hailing from the bustling metropolis of Vancouver. Now she is enjoying the simple, newlywed life on the ranch with her husband. She has a background in fashion and is excited to bring in a bit of style to the website and marketing materials. Being a talented seamstress, Britney creates bridal and other attire in her spare time.
britney@westwindhardwood.com
Dominic Loiacono
came to us through the University Of Victoria Business Co-op Program in January 2005. He has since completed his MBA, as well as two degrees in Commerce and Arts (Italian Studies). He has managed multiple trips to Europe incorporating side trips to Russia and Egypt. He is a true Renaissance man. He’s gone again, but not necessarily for good. We hope not but only time will tell.
Ethan Tarr
is Parkland grad...of course. He has developed a passion for woodwork and design. Ultimately, his goal is to become an architect. In the meantime, he likes long bike rides on and off roading; loves photography and capturing cinematic beauties. His current fav wood is American black walnut.
Reggie Parkin
Reggie recently moved to Sidney from Powell River. He has always had a passion for media and design, and look forward to pursuing a career in digital media. In his spare time, he enjoys working out at the gym, playing paintball and video games; and of course, working at West Wind is a new, fun experience giving him a great learning opportunity.