The newest owner, Drew Wilkinson, was raised on a farm northeast of Melita. He graduated from Melita School, followed by an agriculture degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2009. He started working in the oilfield as an environmental consultant following graduation from university.
“I have spent the past 10+ years working in southeast Saskatchewan and southwest Manitoba doing environmental work focusing primarily on emergency spill response, and clean up activities. As well, we have always been actively involved in the family farm operations and hope to continue on with it in the future,” said Wilkinson.
“I have always wanted to own and operate a business that we could call our own. It’s a great feeling waking up and going to work every day, knowing you are working for yourself,” he said.
Call it fate or serendipity or whatever, Wilkinson said he had just started to toss the idea around in his head to look for potential business ventures when he was introduced to the Brigdens though a mutual friend in 2021.
“I would be lying if I said I had my heart set on a specific business at that time but after our first meeting with Kevin and Colleen, I knew this was the one that I wanted to be a part of,” he added.
They have been working towards the acquisition over the past year.
The same lines and brands of furniture and appliances that could be found at Circle M for the past 50 years will continue to be available. There are no plans to make changes in the near future other than some changes to the showroom to give it a fresh look.
“Kevin and Colleen have run a very successful business over the years, but have done so for 31 years with very little computer power or technology. Let’s just say, the paper shredder has its work cut out for it.”
“The best way to put it would be that we are upgrading, not changing. We have plans to create a digital inventory database, which will eventually be available online through our website for purchasing.”
The staff will be retained as the new owners transition. Wilkinson said the staff has been great and he hopes they can add more people to the team as the business grows.
The Wilkinson’s are community-minded, always trying to support the small towns and surrounding area. They realize businesses such as Circle M are at the heart of the small community atmosphere.
“One of the first things I told the staff was that if we need anything for the store, I want them to head for the nearest business in Melita, or any of the surrounding communities to continue the support for the area,” said Wilkinson.
“If we lose any community businesses they don’t come back, unfortunately. My wife Jamie works in Lab and X-ray at the Melita Health Centre and has done so ever since we moved back to Melita in 2010. We have three children and have always wanted to raise our family in a small town.”
“We have big plans and big dreams, and hopefully 30 more years of business to make them happen. We are excited about our new venture and look forward to the challenge ahead.”

by JUDY WELLS, Recorder staff