Business Spotlight - Western Shore Express

For the owner of the Western Shore Express, community and connection matters most. John Wallace has made it his mission to serve others. Born in India, John was adopted to a Canadian family in 1975 at the age of 11. He studied business administration, computer science and piano. He enjoyed a long career in the software engineering sector. Now he runs the Western Shore Express, which is more than just a store.

John’s motto is community and this is reflected in everything he does – providing welcoming postal services, an affordable general store, and volunteering wherever he can. One of his main goals is to be a bridge between new and existing community members.

When did you open the Western Shore Express?

I moved in December 2018. Before that I was trying retirement.

What inspired you to move to Western Shore?

A friend informed me of the business opportunity. I wanted to try something completely different from my previous career in software engineering. After going through all the necessary steps, I was able to purchase the business and moved to Western Shore from Halifax. I didn’t feel like I was done and felt I could still contribute.

From post office services to ice cream in the summer, your store offers a little bit of everything—what do you enjoy most about being more than just a store?

I enjoy the people and community, everything community related. I keep margins small to serve the community. I’m probably not the best businessperson in that respect.

When COVID hit, people commented that they could not get what they needed close to home. There was a need for a general store in the community. The business adapted to fill that gap. I also work to compliment the other businesses in the community.

You’re deeply involved in local events like the music jamboree and Canada Day BBQ—why are these gatherings so important to you?

I love community events. The community is my driver. When I first moved in, I was not well received. I was seen as an outsider moving into a small community. It took awhile, but I was able to break the ice through my community involvement. I get involved all the time with the Fire Department, the Legion hosting the monthly music jamboree, and the New Hope Community Church teaching music.

Just because you are retired does not mean it’s over. It might be the start of a new chapter.

You’ve said you hope to help bridge ‘old’ and ‘new’ community members—what does that vision look like?

When I first came here, the community was largely made up of long-time residents. Since COVID and post-COVID, there has been a big surge in immigration. Western Shore began to grow. Now we have a lot of new residents. Now we have a mix, but it is still quite siloed. I’m trying to bring a unity through community events; the garden party, Canada day celebration, any way to connect people and break the ice. I know people on both sides. It’s good as a community to feel there is a purpose for this place.

What is a favourite moment or success from your business?

The general store side of the businesses has been a great addition for the community along with the ice cream and convenience ATM. Serving the community is my main success.

What has been a challenge in running a year-round business?

In this business, uncertainty around Canada Post services has been a challenge for future plans. The community is worried as well.

What advice would you share with other aspiring entrepreneurs?

For me personally, it never feels like work. I enjoy it. If it is something you enjoy and are passionate about just follow it. Focus on your customers and people first before the bottom line. Do what you enjoy doing and success will follow.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for Western Shore Express and your role in the community?

In the near future, I’m planning on adding outdoor seating where people can enjoy an ice cream over the summer and connect with each other.

Looking ahead I will have to plan for changes with Canada Post and how the store may be able to function or change.

Western Shore Express
6480 Highway 3