As we step into our 20th anniversary year, we want to pause and reflect on what truly built Blacks Creek and Black Horse over the last two decades — the customers who put our equipment to work every single day. February is about appreciation, shared stories, and celebrating the real-world operations behind the machines we build.

For 20 years, you’ve trusted us to design and manufacture equipment that works hard, lasts longer, and stands up to the demands of forestry and firewood production. That trust means everything to us, and this month, we want to say thank you by highlighting the people and businesses who rely on our equipment.

The women helping shape Blacks Creek & Black Horse — and the next generation of skilled trades.

At Blacks Creek and Black Horse, strength isn’t just built into our equipment — it’s built into the people behind it. This March, for every processor or trailer sold, we’re donating $200 to support a local woman pursuing a skilled trade.

Stephanie 

Stephanie believed in the vision of Blacks Creek long before it became what it is today. Twenty years ago, when the company was still a budding dream, she stepped in wherever she was needed and helped lay the groundwork for what would grow into two strong Canadian manufacturing companies. Today, she remains a steadying force behind the continued growth of both Blacks Creek and Black Horse, providing the structure, stability, and commitment that allow the businesses to move forward with confidence. As the Foundation behind the build, Stephanie helps keep everything grounded. She manages the day-to-day details that keep the companies running while offering
trusted insight and support to Sheldon and the team. Beyond the business, Stephanie has a heart for those who are less fortunate, particularly the vulnerable and displaced, and she is deeply involved in supporting young girls from Ukraine. Her compassion, dedication, and quiet strength remind us that strong companies are built on solid foundations — and Stephanie is exactly that.

Richinda

Richinda leads Black Horse with relentless focus, clarity, and drive. Focused, decisive, and uncompromising when it comes to results, she is truly a force behind the build. Leading with the mindset of an owner rather than an employee, she pushes the business forward with determination and high expectations. As the backbone of our sales team, Richinda keeps everyone aligned, accountable, and moving forward, ensuring operations run efficiently while delivering exceptional service to our customers. Strong leadership doesn’t mean losing heart, and Richinda proves that every day. She balances intensity with humor, grace, and a positive energy that lifts the entire team. Beyond the business, she is a wife and a proud mom to two beautiful girls. She also has a deep heart for Ukraine and has “adopted” a Ukrainian woman as her own daughter, offering love, support, and family across borders. In addition, Richinda is a talented photographer who runs a photography company alongside her brother, a videographer, creating much of the visual content seen across our website and publications. Her drive, compassion, creativity, and leadership leave a mark on everything she touches — in the shop, in the office, and far beyond.

Joy

Joy brings balance, discipline, and alignment to both Blacks Creek and Black Horse. As CFO for both companies, she is the steady hand behind our financial stability. With sharp attention to detail and years of business experience, Joy keeps budgets, bookkeeping, and financial strategy on track, ensuring the companies remain structured, focused, and growing in the right direction. But balance isn’t just about numbers. Joy brings wisdom, steadiness, and perspective to everything she does. Outside of the office, she owns and operates a local print company that produces all of our labels and publications, proudly working alongside her son. Guided by a deep faith and a genuine heart for the vulnerable, Joy leads with compassion as much as precision. Behind every strong operation is someone ensuring everything stays aligned — and Joy is the balance that keeps it all steady.

Know someone working hard to build a future in the trades? We want to hear her story.

Submit a nomination below and help us support the next generation of skilled workers.