ENTERPRISE - A year ago, Glen Klassen launched a new business in Enterprise.

Klassen Homes, which he co-owns with his son, is an agent for manufactured houses from Triple M Homes of Lethbridge, Alta.

Along with selling the homes in the NWT, Klassen installs them for customers.

Glen Klassen, the co-owner of Klassen Homes in Enterprise, works on a home in Hay River. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

"I really enjoy what I do," he said.

Klassen, 48, was born in Saskatchewan and grew up mostly in Alberta.

He has lived in Enterprise for about 15 years, having first come to the community to build and operate a Cash and Carry store. During this time,

He also began selling manufactured homes.

After about eight he sold the Cash and Carry because it was too busy and difficult to find employees.

"I absolutely could not keep up," he said.

After that, he worked at various construction jobs.

Several years ago, he challenged the exam to become a certified home maintainer. A home maintainer can work on just about anything in a house, including carpentry, electrical work and furnaces.

Klassen explained he didn't attend school to earn the certification, but passed the test with knowledge learned on the job.

Afterwards, he formed Klassen Contracting, which later became Klassen Homes.

Klassen sold the Cash and Carry to slow down a bit, but he now finds he is just as busy with his new business, working six days a week and 10 to 14 hours a day.

"The reason I like this business instead of the store is, if I want a day off, I take it," he said, adding it allows him time to go hunting and fishing.

Despite being so busy, he considers himself semi-retired.

Klassen said he chose to become an agent for Triple M Homes because he found them to have the best quality after working on a variety of manufactured homes in the past.

"They are the best built for the North," he said, adding they require less maintenance.

Installing the homes for buyers includes placing them on lots, and sometimes adding skirtings, decks and steps as customers require.

Klassen aims to sell 26 homes a year, and as of the end of June, had delivered eight.

"I try to deliver them only in the summer," he said. "It's the best for lots."

The homes have been sold in communities including Hay River, Fort Simpson, Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Fort Providence and Behchoko.

Klassen Homes also sells some turnkey homes, which include both the house and the land.

The business is also involved in building walking trails for communities, a bobcat service and contracting for decks and various home maintenance and repairs.

Klassen says he enjoys living in and operating a business in Enterprise, which is a community of about 90 people south of Hay River.

"I believe in time we will grow," he said.

Enterprise is also a great place to advertise his business, Klassen said, noting anyone driving along the highway passes right by his office.