Please join us in congratulating Don Shimek on an incredible milestone—35 years as a UFA Petroleum Agent!
For Don, the journey feels like it started just yesterday. "I was working on the drilling rigs, gone most of the time from my young family, and I knew I wanted something different—something closer to home," he recalls. "I saw an ad in the local paper for a UFA Petroleum Agent in Picture Butte and thought, what the heck, I'll give it a shot."
That leap of faith changed everything. After several interviews, Don was offered the role—and his first day on the job happened to be the day after his youngest son Spencer's first birthday. At the time, he and his high school sweetheart, Colleen, were raising three young children: Scott, Stacey, and Spencer.
Over the years, Don found the perfect balance—growing a career while staying rooted in his community. "Working with UFA has allowed me to come home every day, be part of my kids' lives, and farm in the place where I was raised. Colleen and I both graduated here, and so did our children. This community means everything to us."
What has made the journey even more meaningful? The customers. "Many of them are friends. I feel lucky to help them get the job done—it's busy here in the Picture Butte area. Later, I took over the Nobleford Petroleum Agency too, and it's been an honour to serve both areas year-round. And I still love it."
Don credits much of his success to his incredible team. "I couldn't do it without them. They treat the business like it's their own, and they're more than staff—they're family. After all these years, what stands out most is how our rural communities continue to thrive. The world changes, but the strength of community support doesn't."
To mark his anniversary, Don is giving back in a way that reflects his values—donating to both the North Country Interfaith Food Bank and the Nobleford Food Bank. "Strong communities are built on generosity and looking out for one another," he says. "This is my way of saying thank you—to those who've supported me, and to the next generation of ag families who keep our rural roots strong."
Don closes with heartfelt gratitude:
"Thank you to the communities we serve—your loyalty hasn't gone unnoticed. And to my family and my team: thank you for your unwavering support. They say time flies when you're having fun, and we must be having a great time—because 35 years have gone by in the blink of an eye." Congratulations, Don Shimek, and thank you for 35 outstanding years of service!
