Montana

Great Falls business owner faces uncertain future after devastating fire

Posted: Oct 30, 2012 10:17 AM by MTN News

GREAT FALLS - Raymond Rioux, the owner of Falls Windows & Doors, spent three and half years building up his business, but Monday's devastating fire reduced it to ashes and rubble.

Throughout the years Rioux says he's fought a hard battle to establish his company, from buying it from another owner, to having his business vandalized after he moved in.

He says all he wanted was to provide great customer service to his clients: "It wasn't all about the money all the time. Going out of your way for a little old lady that has no one to help her and showing up to help her. She asked what you owed her. 'Nothing, just have a nice day,' things like that, that's what I really liked about it. I really strived on customer service being there for her."

Rioux says the toll on his family is going to be rough; he was told his business was "way underinsured," and he's not sure he's going to be able to rebuild.

He said, "There's probably about a million dollars worth of stuff between vans, inventories, my whole showroom is gone, computers, all the tools, clients, windows, just everything."

Great Falls Fire Rescue says it's doing all it can to sift through the remains of all the businesses to find any valuables.

Randy McCamley, Great Falls Fire Rescue Chief, said, "Lot of the stuff is going to be damaged by the fire, by the smoke, by the water, but if we can help get these businesses back up and running again we're going to attempt to do that."

And although Rioux says hope for rebuilding is dim, he's going to do all he can so hopefully one day his 12 and 13 year-old stepsons can take over, stating, "We're strong people. We will make it."