For Blair and Deb Andrew, entrepreneurship has never been just about business—it’s about purpose, relationships, and creating meaningful impact.
After 31 years in a family business, Blair made the life-changing decision in June 2017 to step away from stability and pursue a passion for helping organizations focus on people and culture. Together, Blair and Deb embraced the uncertainty, beginning a journey that—nine years later—has grown into four thriving and interconnected ventures.
Their story is rooted in a shared love of flying and a 35-acre property that continues to evolve. What started with a large hangar and cold storage for a hay farming venture has since transformed into a diverse and dynamic hub of activity.
Their first business, A Second Family Dog Lodge, launched in December 2018 just outside of Carlyle, SK. With support from Community Futures Sunrise - including an expansion loan in 2019 and guidance through the challenges of COVID-19 in 2020; Blair and Deb were able to navigate uncertainty and continue growing. That partnership remains an important part of their journey.
In December 2020, Living Skies Lodge opened its doors to guests from around the world. Built from the ground up beginning in 2018, the lodge became a welcoming retreat space, with Airbnb helping connect them to travelers even during the pandemic.
Their passion for helping others led to the creation of Altruistic Coach Ltd., offering both business consulting and wellness coaching. This venture reflects their commitment to helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential.
Most recently, Blair and Deb expanded their vision even further with retreat experiences like Grounded Wellness Weekends and Women in Business Weekends. These offerings bring together physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, giving participants the opportunity to design a life they love. A year-round greenhouse adds a unique touch; providing warmth and connection to nature, even during Saskatchewan’s harsh winters.
What sets Blair and Deb apart is their focus on authentic relationships and their ability to thoughtfully diversify while keeping everything connected in one beautiful location. Saskatchewan’s supportive environment and strong sense of community helped inspire their journey and opened the door to new possibilities.
Like many entrepreneurs, they’ve faced challenges - particularly managing cash flow during growth and navigating partnerships. Their approach has been to lean into trusted relationships, stay grounded in shared values, and remain authentic in every interaction.
Their advice to others? Don’t try to do it alone. Reach out, ask for help, and connect with organizations like Community Futures Sunrise. What began as a “cry for help” became a lasting and meaningful partnership.
Through it all, Blair and Deb continue to stay grounded in their “why”—a clear mission and vision that keeps them moving forward, even on the toughest days. By focusing on relationships, adding value, and surrounding themselves with like-minded people, they are building not just businesses—but a lasting legacy.
Connect With Blair & Deb’s businesses:
- A Second Family Dog Lodge:
- Living Skies Lodge:
- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088046446316
- https://www.airbnb.com/ (search “Living Skies Lodge Saskatchewan”)
- Altruistic Coach Ltd.:
