• The Greater Stouffville Chamber hosted its second annual Business Hall of Fame Induction Dinner at Station Creek Golf Club last week.
  • A permanent Hall of Fame installation is in development at Town Hall, expected to open by spring 2026.
  • This year’s inductees include David Barthau of Barthau Jewellers, Patti-Lynn Card of Patti-Lynn Interiors, and the late Ed Hakonson of Choko Motorsports and Fast Eddie Speedwear.
  • Richard, Robert, and the late Daniel Schickedanz of FarSight Homes were also honoured, as was fifth-generation farmer Harry Simpson of Simpson Family Farms.
  • Each inductee was recognized for their enduring contributions to local business, community service, and generational leadership.

 

Stouffville’s business community gathered at Station Creek Golf Club on Nov. 13 for the second annual Greater Stouffville Business Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, a sold-out event that blended celebration, community pride, and reflections on decades of local entrepreneurship. The 2025 class adds new names to a growing roster of business leaders whose influence has helped shape the town.

Greater Stouffville Chamber Executive Director Christian Buhagiar opened the evening, noting how the Hall of Fame began when he joined the organization. “When I took on [this role] almost two years ago, I had a vision—or maybe it was more of a crazy idea—that we could establish a business hall of fame for the region,” he said. “And look at us now: here we are, two sold out years later, having now immortalized 19 remarkable individuals who have made a lasting impact on the community.”

The Chamber is working with an artist to create portraits for both the 2025 and 2024 inductees. Those portraits will anchor a permanent Hall of Fame installation at the Town’s Municipal Offices building, with branding and display elements set to follow. A public unveiling is now anticipated by spring 2026.

The 2025 Greater Stouffville Business Hall of Fame Inductees include: 

David Barthau, Barthau Jewellers

A fixture in the jewellery industry for more than 55 years, Barthau thanked his family and acknowledged the staff who helped sustain the business. With his son now taking on a larger role, Barthau said he remains grateful for the community members who have supported him through generations.

He used his platform to urge Markham–Stouffville MPP and Education Minister Paul Calandra, who was seated in front of the podium, to push for universal vision and hearing screenings in local schools.

Patti-Lynn Card, Patti-Lynn Interiors

Introduced with praise for her nearly four decades in business, Card emphasized that relationships have been the core of her company’s success. She thanked her family, team, and longtime suppliers and customers. From third-generation clients to strong ties with local contractors and designers, she said the community’s support has allowed her to continue doing what she loves.

Ed Hakonson, Choko Motorsports & Fast Eddie Speedwear

Honored posthumously, Hakonson’s children accepted his award and shared stories about his resilience, competitive streak, and unwavering drive. After overcoming polio as a child, he became a force in racing. Known as Fast Eddie, he grew Choko Motorsports into a major player in motorsport apparel, established a respected NASCAR team, and invested heavily in local sports and youth programs.

Richard, Robert, and the late Daniel Schickedanz, FarSight Homes 

The late Daniel Schickedanz fled World War II and immigrated to Canada in 1950, building his first home the following year. The brothers spoke about their father’s relentless work ethic, telling attendees that he remained active at work into his mid-90s. The family’s companies continue to build homes across Canada, led by Richard and Robert, while remaining deeply connected to Stouffville through their new headquarters in Gormley.

Harry Simpson, Simpson Family Farms

The night concluded with the induction of fifth-generation farmer Harry Simpson, recognized for his lifelong contributions to agriculture and the community. Now 90, he was born and raised on the farm and grew the business alongside his son, Larry. They later launched the Farm Fresh Box program to bring local produce directly to residents and are well known for their successes growing potatoes.

Simpson’s time at the Stouffville Country Market is also well remembered, where his stories and good humour became part of the event’s character. The same qualities came forward in his acceptance speech last week, when Simpson had hundreds of attendees riveted one moment and laughing aloud the next.

Introducing him, Calandra offered a tribute that captured the room: “He is literally a legend. Faith, family, friends, community: this is what embodies who Mr. Simpson is, and he and his family are [giants] of agriculture. I’ve met presidents and prime ministers, I have had…a Guinness with Bono, and I count this as the most amazing thing that I’ve gotten to do in my entire time in elected office.”

 

Cover image taken by ​​Valeria Mitsubata Photography