Northern business pioneer remembered for impact on community

Maslack Supply employees lined up outside the landmark shop on Falconbridge Road where they bid farewell to company founder John Maslack, as a funeral procession passed through the parking lot for his "last trip to the office." Maslack passed away last week at the age of 95. (Photo courtesy of Maslack Supply/Facebook page)

SUDBURY -

Maslack employees lined up outside the landmark shop on Falconbridge Road where they bid farewell to company founder John Maslack, as a funeral procession passed through the parking lot for his "last trip to the office." Maslack passed away last week at the age of 95.

The long time Sudbury businessman was known for his dedication to the company he founded more than 60 years ago, and will be remembered for the impact he made on his community.

For Maslack Supply general manager Pino Vocaturo, the work culture his mentor forged ultimately shaped the company.

"Mr. Maslack certainly led by example. He took his business very seriously, he loved coming to work, and that positivity and drive was contagious,” said Vocaturo in an email to CTV News.

"He taught us that whatever you spend your time and resources investing in, will grow. Whether it be your business, your family or your community.”

Born in 1926, Maslack’s family settled in Vermillion Bay, Ont. where he grew up before moving to Sudbury.

In 1959, Maslack would go onto start his business at a 500 square foot facility on Barrydowne Road.  Today, that vision has evolved into a 70,000 square foot headquarters with 12 additional locations across Ontario.

"You have to enjoy your work because once you enjoy your work, everything sort of falls in place," said Maslack in a 2020 interview with CTV News.

"People want to work for you, customers want to buy from you because they see you're happy and you enjoy doing what you're doing. We weren't there just to make a dollar, we were there to give service."

Vocaturo says Maslack was also adamant about investing in the people who made up the company as well as the communities they lived in.

"His relationships with his customers, his staff and the communities he did business in were a top priority. He spent time getting to know each and every one of them and really invested in them," he said.

"A large portion of our staff have been with us for two and three decades and I think that really speaks volumes for the type of company Mr. Maslack ran. It’s a family environment and we look out for each other."

When asked about how Maslack will be remembered, Vocaturo says his teachings will live on forever.

"I was extremely lucky to have a mentor like Mr. Maslack," he adds.

"With minimal education, he taught me to work very hard in the business, to put my heart in it, and that good things would come."