By Darren Lum

Published Sept. 11 2018

A collection of twigs is stronger than a single twig by itself. This perspective is the reality behind the latest business venture at the former Sears Haliburton location on Highway 118.

Opened Aug. 24 Stiles Marine is a partnership between the Stiles family and the Vargas family who own the building and operate the food truck Mega Munch Breakfast and Lunch.

The partnership is forged out of a desire to serve customers and work together.

“Families helping families” Adrian Vargas former Sears Haliburton operator said.

With his wife Wendy and sons Alex 14 and Matthew 13 Vargas operates the food truck in front of the building.

Stiles Marine the marine service station at 13533 Highway 118 is being run by Steve Stiles along with his wife Tanya daughter Aleasha 20 and Cole 17 a local high school student. Steve’s parents Don and Debbie will be helping with deliveries pickups and bookkeeping.

Personal service is what separates them from the competition Steve said.

“We want to offer personable service for a reasonable price. They’re dealing directly with all of us” he said.

Steve said being a family business means customers can expect accountability.

The idea to start this business was rooted in the family’s love of power sports from taking the motorboat out for family fishing trips to riding modified ice racing motocross bikes in front of their Haliburton home on Grass Lake where they’ve been the past two years.

This isn’t the first marine business for the family. They ran a marine in Port Perry for 10 years. Stiles Marine is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will close from December to February.

Repairs can be performed on all makes and models. Steve said he can get parts for anything.

Currently the marine is inviting watercraft users for winterizing and is accepting bookings for its heated indoor space and its outdoor space. Pickup and delivery service is available.

Consignment sales are available to take advantage of the ideal location with great exposure to the steady flow of traffic.

“This is a hot commodity around here. We’re already half full” he said referring to storage.

Steve said he hopes to store 500 boats and eventually open a dealership.

He promises his business will accommodate customer needs.

“We’ll do what we can to get their business” he said.