Peter Blake is the owner and operator of Peadar Jim’s Property Maintenance.
Having recently won Best Start-Up Business for 2016 in the Letterkenny Chamber Awards, things have been going fantastically for this Letterkenny entrepreneur.
Peter also gives back to charities such as St. Vincent de Paul whenever he can, having recently hosted a live auction of a renovated bicycle which went for a staggering €550.
This is Peter’s Donegal…
(1) What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
Has to be Rathmullen beach I love taking my dog Rascal, girlfriend Terry and her daughter Amy down there in all weather’s lovely place very relaxing.
(2) If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
The weather is a big one, I work outside mostly in all sorts of weather it never stops me but it’s always a pleasure when it’s a sunny day. There’s no place like Donegal on a bright sunny day, that’s for sure. I always say it.
(3) Who is the one person that you look up to and why?
Two people for this, my Mum and Dad they’ve sacrificed everything for me on so many occasions, wanted for nothing as a child and always stood by me in the tough times no matter what. I’m blessed to have them.
(4) What’s your happiest memory in Donegal?
Playing football morning to night in the famous Blue Dust football field beside my house in Gartan Ave. There was some battles on that pitch craic was good. We played in the dark as well as long as we could. Next goal the winner would go on for ever no one wanted to loose.
(5) What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
Personally I think Letterkenny Tidy Towns winning tidiest town in Ireland last year was absolutely amazing. The work and effort put in by Anne McGowan and team was top class. Donegal County Council helped so much as well, I was delighted to play my small part also I’ve cleaned and painted countless homes, shops and pubs all over Letterkenny and everyone comes together and does their bit to help tidy Letterkenny. Real community spirit it really was a fantastic achievement.
(6) If you found a magic wand that allowed you to grant one wish, what would it be?
To build two things ……An addiction treatment centre in Letterkenny, something similar to White Oaks they help so many people who pass through the doors, the demand for such a place in Letterkenny is badly needed. And a Dog Sanctuary with miles of open fields for them to run about in, too many dogs now not getting enough help it’s ridiculous because the pounds etc are all jammed. All deserve a good life.
(7) What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Football Special there’s nothing like it
(8) Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Has to be Daniel O Donnell he promotes Donegal where ever he goes great ambassador for the county.
(9) What has been the biggest compliment you’ve ever received?
When I was a finalist last year at the Donegal Business Awards we had a work shop with world Famous Entrepreneur Padraig O Ceidigh after the awards we got a photo and he grabbed my hand and shook it and said “Peter you’re an Inspiration to me and you will go far keep the vision stay focused.” Coming from a man of his stature that was unbelievable and he meant every word. Proud moment.
(10) Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Has to be Michael Murphy lifting the All Ireland in 2012 at such a young age sows his leadership qualities. He’s got everything fantastic player and hope can lift a few more in the future.
(11) What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
Belle’s Kitchen in Rathmullen owned by my cousin Ronnie Blake the food in there is absolutely out of this world and a lovely atmosphere simply can’t be beat. Ronnie’s a credit to Rathmullen.
(12) What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
“Jesus I’m foundered”
(13) What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
Employment but I’m a firm believer if you want work go out and get it, you’ll not get it straight away but you will get it eventually if you keep knocking on the door. Keep her lit till you get work and you will.
(14) What is your favourite food that you associate with Donegal?
Hard to beat the spuds in fairness
(15) Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
I’ll be honest here, growing up if I seen a person I knew with a new fancy car, big house, good job etc I would think who do they think they are, but now I see the world in a totally different view from my life experiences to date, that same person deserves the fancy car, house and good job because they worked very hard to get it in the first place so fair play to each and everyone of them. My whole mindset has changed thank God.
(16) Do you have a favourite local band?
For Foresters these guys are class not being biased as my cousin Gabriel Blake fronts them, they are expanding at a explosive rate their music really is top class worth a listen for sure.
(17) If you had a million euro to improve something in Donegal what would it be?
That’s easy the road infrastructure in Letterkenny it’s an ongoing problem and the increasing population we need to accommodate such high volumes of traffic.
(18) Where’s the most unusual place you’ve logged on to Donegal Daily?
Alaska! However that happened! think it was an article on polar bears last year, I was sitting in front of the fire at the time so I managed well.
(19) What is the most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur?
Watching my business grow is the big one, I started out with all goals and different targets with complete vision, it’s a blessing I could see everything from day 1 clear as day I just had to work towards it one by one bit by bit as you accomplish them and progress through them and build on after them there’s no feeling like.
I’ll be two years in business in a few weeks and I wanted to build a solid foundation in those two years and I have now and sets me up for phase two. I just stay very much focused because every days a learning day I take nothing for granted.
(20) Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
I’m proud of our town Letterkenny I must say, my heart’s in Letterkenny and I love everything and everyone in it. So many people come here from all over the world it’s a really special place. It’s a credit to the county and country.
To learn more about what Peter does you can visit his website and Facebook page.
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