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“If there comes a time when it’s the best choice for
everyone in the business, then that’s what we will do,”
says Deanna.
“It would be a discussion that would involve all of us, not
just one person.”
Until any such time, it’s business as usual at Cambridge
Tap & Die as the family continues to work hard and give
back to their community.
“I guess we’ve been brough up as a very community
minded,” says Deanna, who is the current co-chair of the
Cambridge Celebrate Canada Day committee.

The family also has a long history of community
service and were involved with the local Kin
Canada organization for many years. At one time
three generations were members.
Deanna is still an active member of the Preston Kin Club.
Her father, Don, was a lifetime member of the Kinsmen
Club and was known for his memorable performances as
Paul Stanley from Kiss and rock legend Jerry Lee Louis in
the club’s Rock Kin Roll Revival fundraiser.
“Working for a family business gives you the freedom to be
involved in community organizations,” says Deanna.
Cambridge Tap & Die Limited is located a 1195 Franklin
Blvd. For information, call 519-623-1234, or visit www.
cambridgetap.com.
“This gave us time to try and get a foot in the door and increase our
customer base,” she says, noting Cambridge Tap & Die was able to stay
open after being deemed an essential service. “Some of the companies
we supplied to were making essential products.”
Deanna says Cambridge itself has become more manufacturing based
as smaller companies grow larger, some being taken over by even
larger companies. Dianne agrees.
“It’s amazing how things have grown,” she says, recalling what Franklin
Boulevard looked like when they moved into their current location
near Sheldon Drive. “It was just fields back then behind this building.
There’s lots of sprawl.”
But what hasn’t changed is the importance of working as a family,
something Deanna says is the best part of the business which she
joined full time 28 years ago. Her brother, Derek, came to work in the
business from high school over 30 years ago. “I had another job but
would come in here on my lunch hour and do the filing, and help do
the paperwork,” says Deanna. “In 1996, I approached my mom and dad
and said if you want me to come work full time, here’s my offer.”
“And they are still here,” laughs Dianne.
Deanna jokes that getting the opportunity to work with her parents
daily, and now her son, makes her feel spoiled. But she’s quick to
point out there must be a separation to ensure this kind of family work
arrangement remains successful.
“You learn at a very young age that this is business, and you take your
hat off when you get home,” she says. “You can complain about the
day, but you don’t really talk shop. But it’s still a family when we go
home.”
And as a family, Dianne says decision making about the business is a PHOTOS BY BRIAN RODNICK
joint effort, especially when it pertains to any future plans regarding
such things as selling the company or retirement.

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