small business

Penny MacWhirter, LJI Journalist

 HOPE TOWN: On November 26 the Avignon and Bonaventure MRCs presented the Baie-des-Chaleurs Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 15th Gala of Appreciation in Carleton. Hilltop Creations won the Best Small Business in the service category. 

The Gala reflects the economic vitality and talent in the Bay of Chaleur area, highlighting businesses and organizations that have distinguished themselves over the past year. 

Hilltop Creations was founded by Trevor Buttle of New Carlisle in 2011. Much of Trevor’s success has to do with his amicable personality. This was apparent when SPEC asked Trevor to talk about his company’s growth over the years. 

“Well, it all started when I was sent to town with my cow to trade it for bread and along the way I met up with a guy who said he would trade my cow for three magic beans,” Trevor joked. 

He then went on to explain that in April 2011, he purchased his first machine for cutting because he was always changing his vehicle and liked them to be different from the others. 

“It was for my personal use and was never intended to become my living. It was just always a passion and a way to be creative. A way I could express myself in art,” explained Trevor. 

However, when his friends found out he could make custom stickers, they started asking him to make some for them. He quickly realized there was a market and a need for custom material. “As a child, our first reward for doing something good is we all get a sticker. So, who doesn’t like a sticker? It’s embedded in us that a sticker equals good and brings happiness,” says Trevor. 

As time went on Trevor purchased more equipment to be able to do more things beyond just stickers, thus opening more doors. At first, Trevor had other employment, in addition to Hilltop Creations. However, he has since made his business a full-time career. “I knew that the business was working well but how well we could do I had no idea until I jumped both feet in to see what its true potential could be,” explains Trevor. 

Currently, Hilltop Creations employs Trevor and two part-time employees: Trevor’s girlfriend, Melissa Belanger, and Patrick Benoit. 

The company recently acquired a $25,000 printer, which has upped their game significantly. Trevor has big goals for his business. Together with his girlfriend, they purchased a new property in Hope, where they will be building a much larger workshop. With a 50’ by 80’ workshop, they will be able to install graphics on much larger vehicles. “And have more comfortable working conditions. I’ll be living my dream every day. To wake up and be creative, seeing the mark I leave on this big planet,” says Trevor. 

SPEC asked Trevor for a rundown of the products offered by Hilltop Creations. “We are the Vistaprint of New Carlisle with service!” was his quick response. 

More specifically the com products and services, such as banner roll-ups, window tinting on homes and buses, clothing designs and custom mugs. “Basically, anything you can imagine seeing your vision or logo on, we can do it. That includes plexiglass and aluminum. There’s no limit,” Trevor adds. 

The company has a growing clientele reaching as far as India and relies heavily on word of mouth. 

Trevor wants his clients to know how much he appreciates their support. Adding “Behind every good man, there’s a better woman… Because it’s true Melissa is my rock on good and bad days.” 

You can reach Trevor by visiting the Lettrage Hilltop Creations page on facebook or visiting the shop at 206 Church Street in New Carlisle. But it’s not unusual for future clients to approach him in unexpected places. “Pulling me by the ear at IGA,” smirks Trevor.