Author: Darby Sutherland

Success Stories

Stoke Motor Co.: Curating unique cars in Riversdale

Date: May 17, 2021

Car lovers, we would like to introduce you to Riversdale’s newest car dealership Stoke Motor Co. Stoke Motor Co. opened in March 2020, right at the beginning of the Global Pandemic. They source interesting and unique vehicles that owner, Kelly Blanch, thinks people would appreciate. “That could be a vintage Volvo or a modern-day Porsche 911. I do it because it’s fun. I do it for myself and other car enthusiasts.” says Kelly.

Kelly Blanch worked for over 20 years in the natural gas industry and did some commercial and residential development during that time. He left the gas industry in 2018 and began working on commercial development full time. Shortly after transitioning into commercial development full time Kelly purchased the warehouse on 17th Street. He thought it would be a fun project. “I enjoy the challenge of design, renovating and building.”. He turned the warehouse into a space that now houses 4 separate businesses including his passion project, Stoke Motor Co.

A business like Stoke Motor Co. might be seen has a surprising fit to a neighbourhood like Riversdale but Kelly believes it is a natural fit. He notes how much he enjoys “the energy of the community” and loves how centrally located the business is. Just a short walk from the river, great restaurants and coffee shops!

If you love cars as much as Kelly does check out Stoke Motor Co. soon! Kelly even gave up his lifelong avoidance of social media to create an Instagram account for Stoke Motor Co. so you can keep up with the new vehicles he has coming through. “I love cars for the feeling and experience of them.”

Success Stories

Al Anderson’s Source for Sports: Over 65 Years of Sports Tradition in Riversdale

Date: March 8, 2021

Al Anderson’s Source for Sports has been in the same building since 1955. A true staple of Riversdale and Saskatoon alike. They say that they sell fun and boy, does it show in their customer service and attention to detail. 

Specializing in team sports such as baseball, hockey, lacrosse, football, ringette, soccer, and more, Al Anderson’s Source for Sports is a leading member of Canada’s largest sporting goods buying group. This affiliation allows them the purchasing strength of a national retailer while Leaving room for them to support the community. In addition to providing their customers with the best service and the best products to play the sport they love; they also offer custom apparel and custom promotional products. 

The staff and owners of Al Anderson’s find joy in being part of their customer’s lives. “Whether you’re getting your first pair of skates or glove, or you’ve been playing your whole life, being a place people can come to find what they need to do what they love is everything to us.” They understand the important role that sport plays in a community. How it brings people together and changes lives. “You never know what that glove or stick is going to do or where that customer is going to go but what we do know is that they’re going to have fun and that’s what sport is about for us.” 

Over the last 65+ years Al Anderson’s Source for Sports has had other locations around Saskatoon, but the Riversdale location has always been their home. They feel that this area is in the heart of the city, and they love being in the middle of it all. Here’s to another 60+ years in Riversdale!