Donald Teuma-Castelletti
SHAWVILLE April 25, 2018
April 25 is a day to celebrate the frontline face of all businesses across Canada: the person running the front desk, managing several tasks at once, remembering every name while learning new ones on the fly, and all the while keeping their bosses, and customers, happy.
Administrative Professionals’ Day happens around this time every year and is meant to shine a light on a position in nearly every business that rarely receives their due praise.
This year, one business owner in Shawville wanted to highlight the excellent work their woman on the front line does – with the occasion all the more special considering she’s also his daughter.
Sylvio Richard, owner of Magnalum Inc., runs his steel fabrication shop on Hwy. 148 in town with the help of a few family members, but he wanted to thank his daughter for the years of work she’s put into the business.

Richard has had his daughter, Keri-Ann Richard, working at the front desk of the family business for over 10 years and knows she’s integral to the day-to-day operations.
“She does all the book work and takes care of some of the bidding,” said Sylvio.
However, that’s not the only family member he has helping within the administrative role, as his daughter-in-law gives a hand with some of the work, as well.
“Megan [Tubman] does some of the secretary work, and she’s my daughter-in-law, so they work together as a team,” he continued. “Keri does more of the office work and that stuff, while Megan does more of the bidding.”
Between the two of them, Sylvio is able to breathe easy, knowing the work is in good hands. He sees it as integral to their success as a family business to have that level of trust across the board, so having Keri-Ann within an important, day-to-day role makes him feel that much more comfortable.
Especially since it means there’s one less position for Sylvio to fill, as he’s had to wear multiple hats before reeling in the help of the family.
“It used to be all my job at one time and years ago my wife used to do some,” said Sylvio. “Then Keri came in and Megan came in working for me on the floor and everything, so they all blended right in.”
Still, beyond the trust factor, at the end of the day having family in the office makes all the difference for this business.
“They’re two very fun people to work with and it’s fun [having] the whole family work well together,” said Sylvio. “We’re always together, even on the weekends we’re always coming around, so things are going well.”