Rankin Inlet (Nov 08/06) - It's been quite a ride from washing dishes and waiting tables to owning her own business for Rankin Inlet entrepreneur Lynn Rudd.

Lynn and her husband, Chris, own Ikkayuqtauvik Business Services Ltd. in Rankin.

Chris and Lynn Rudd are becoming an official Rankin Inlet success story as they continue to grow their company, Ikkayuqtauvik Business Services Ltd. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Chris started the business in late 1999, working from home with a couple of bookkeeping clients.

Lynn was working full-time and would help out when needed during the evenings and weekends.

The business began to grow and, once it reached the point Chris could no longer run it alone, Lynn left her job at the Nunavut Planning Commission to devote herself to the company.

They haven't looked back since.

Ikkayuqtauvik is really two businesses in one, offering tax preparation, bookkeeping, Simply Accounting training, property managing and financial consulting.

The company now has three additional employees, including two female beneficiaries hired a year ago on a training program.

Chris said today, Tiffany Irwin and Mandy Uluadluak do bookkeeping and assist in property management.

"They've gone from knowing a bit about Excel to having full knowledge of Simply Accounting and working with clients," said Chris.

"They have turned out to be fantastic employees.

"We then hired Gabe Karlik as operations manager to oversee the daily bookkeeping and act as a go between for the girls and us.

"They couldn't get the attention from us they needed to move forward while we managed the construction of our building on top of our other responsibilities."

The company survived six months in the Rudd family home while the building which houses their offices was being renovated.

The next move is to expand into Accpac.

Chris and Karlik recently completed the first of two week-long classroom sessions to become officially certified to use the program.

Looking back, Lynn said it was scary to leave a secure job to give all her attention to their own business.

"If we didn't produce what was expected of us, we didn't get paid," said Lynn.

"We have two girls and it was all on us to be successful enough to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table.

"But, Chris and I have always had a good working relationship because we recognize each other's strengths and weaknesses."

When Lynn decided to run for secretary-treasurer at the Kivalliq Inuit Association, Chris gave her his full support.

She said it's been a real learning experience to be on the KIA board, run her own business and be involved with buying three office buildings.

"The past year was a roller-coaster ride with the stress of the business and losing my mother.

"I don't know how we managed, but we're here and going strong because Chris and I have been able to work together so closely."