CARLYLE - The Tourand family name has long been associated with quality workwear in the Carlyle community, thanks to the hard work of Ron Tourand, who owned and operated Ron’s Workwear with his family for over 40 years.
When Ron and his family decided to close his beloved store, it marked the end of an era for many customers who had come to rely on Ron’s expertise and commitment to quality.
But now, the family legacy is alive once again, thanks to Ron's son Mike Tourand, who has returned to Carlyle after living in Vancouver for several years as a successful travel agent and working in the film industry. The cost of living was beginning to add up, so he returned to his roots in Saskatchewan.
His wife Melissa Johnson-Kurtz was raised in Carlyle and 16 months ago they had a baby boy named Bennett. They have made Carlyle their home and wish to remain here for family and friends. Tourand has also served on the Carlyle Fire Department for the past 10 years.
With the family business closing its doors, Tourand needed to find work and it was then he realized that he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps with opening his own business, Moose Mountain Workwear.
The company aims to uphold the same values of quality and service that Ron’s Workwear was known for. Moose Mountain Workwear is located in the old building, but the inside has had a facelift, and there is a new bright sign on the exterior with a fresh logo.
Tourand will be keeping all the popular brands that his father had, but he will be expanding his line of workwear to meet modern demands and offer a fresh approach to serving the communities' workwear needs.
Alongside Tourand will be his brother Steve, who has worked in the family business for years, and Steve will be his brother's right-hand man, as Tourand said this is a joint venture.
He will carry a full line of winter gear, coveralls, fire-rated clothing and safety apparel. They will offer knowledgeable experience on the products they sell.
Tourand said their customer service will go above and beyond.
“If someone is working out in the oilpatch and gets to town late and needs a pair of boots, all they need to do is call and we will arrange to go to the store,” said Tourand.
He realizes that not everyone works a 9-5 job, and at times it is impossible for people to get to the store within the hours that it will be open, so customer service is most important.
Moose Mountain Workwear hopes to be more than just a place to shop, but a place were costumers feel connected to a family that understands the importance of hard work.
The store will be open six days a week from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
With Moose Mountain Workwear, Tourand is not just carrying on his father’s legacy, he is building a brand that honours the past while embracing the future, to become a trusted name within his community for years to come.
