Cristina McQuilter & Mike McQuilter

Cristina and Mike McQuilter are no strangers to the community of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. Cristina is the Business Development Manager at Keyano College, and Mike is a Senior Advisor for Suncor Energy Project Services team. They are both avid volunteers, and in addition to their day jobs, they are the owners of Encore Tents YMM. YMM: What is the most rewarding part of your career? CM: I would say that meeting new people and learning about the different cultures and businesses within the Wood Buffalo region is the most rewarding part of my job. I really enjoy building relationships within the community and volunteering with different organizations. MM: The most rewarding part of my career is the opportunity awarded to my family and me to be able to give back to the community, and to be challenged each and every day with a new lesson to learn. YMM: Tell us about your volunteer experience in the community. MM: I absolutely love to help support the community with my family and co-workers! From sitting on the Community Investment Program Approval Council (CIPAC), to helping out with Suncares (Suncor’s volunteer branch) and our own business Encore Tents we have been able to support a bunch of great programs this year. From Heritage Park clean-up days, FMGC spring cleaning days, various SPCA days and Fore the Ladies Classic we have had a blast with each and everyone! YMM: What keeps you in Fort McMurray? CM: I’ve spent my adult life here in Fort McMurray, it’s hard to consider any other place home (even back home!) I’ve built a life here with my husband and we share a crazy household with two children and three pets. Fort McMurray gives you that sense of family and community. I couldn’t imagine leaving behind my adult friends who have become family here. MM: We absolutely love the community of RMWB. We are fortunate to have all of my immediate family here now, great friends, a great sense of community, and a great place to work and build a business. From the long summer nights to the great golf down at Fort McMurray Golf Club, we have called Fort McMurray home for a long time and lots more to come! YMM: What does community mean to you? CM: Wood Buffalo is the most welcoming community I’ve ever been a part of. A lot of people would take the shirt off their back to help support someone, it’s absolutely incredible. When someone needs help, this community rallies together to support a person, family, business, or animal in need. This community means so much to me, no matter where life takes our family, Fort McMurray will forever hold a special spot in our life because of the people in this community. YMM: How have your priorities changed in the last 10 years? MM: In the last 10 years, there has been a huge shift in my focus. From chasing trips and experiences years ago, to now chasing kids and a growing business it’s been incredible. I welcome the next 10 years of changes and watching everything grow. YMM: What is one challenge you would like to tackle in 2024? CM: I would love to be more actively involved in our community with our business, Encore Tents.  We have been able to donate thousands of dollars worth of event equipment to the community and in 2024, I would like to really showcase what we’ve done. MM: We would like to expand our business yet again with another Ontario center. It will be a tough challenge, but hopefully all worth it!