ATMs Lead to Cows, Farming & Community Service for Canadian Operator

Entering the ATM industry was a bit of an accident for Mack Erno of Jade Cash ATM, Inc. The Teepee Creek, Alberta resident was at the University of Lethbridge studying agriculture when he landed some part time work servicing and operating ATMs at nearby Lethbridge Community College. While the position helped him with expenses, he eventually earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Studies with a concentration in Ag Business. After graduation, he stopped servicing ATMs to work within his field for Farm Credit Canada.

But the ATM business wasn’t finished with Mack. Just a few years later Jade Cash offered him the rare opportunity to become a partner with the company.

Today, the Alberta-based company has been in business more than 18 years servicing Western Canada including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Northern Territories. They are currently a mid-sized operation with roughly 800 ATMs. But what sets Jade Cash apart, other than a hands-on team and top quality service, is their penchant for agriculture and community.

“My partners farm and operate a grain operation of about 7,000 acres,” said Mack. “I own about 800 acres of farm land myself. We are in the process of fencing right now but plan to run beef cattle, around 200 yearlings annually. And we have a small herd of horses.”

When he’s not building and fixing fences, grazing cows, or roping cattle, Mack is heavily involved in community organizations including the Teepee Creek Stampede Association and Huntington Society of Canada. Mack has volunteered for the Stampede Association for the last 12 years and served as both President and Vice President for the group, and helped with fundraising and new construction to build the Teepee Creek Ag events Centre. His service has gained him recognition as “Committee Person of the Year” for the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association in 2012.

He is currently the President of the local Chapter for the Huntington Society of Canada and also sits on the National Board for the Society.  Mack also lead the charge to start a fundraiser called the HD Ride 4 a Cure which takes place annually in August. The fundraiser has raised more than $600,000 for Huntington Disease research to date.

Mack’s heavy community involvement has also earned him recognition as winner of the UFA (United Farmers of Alberta) “Small Town Heroes” contest. Winning Teepee Creek a $10,000 cash prize for local organizations as well as a special concert for the community featuring popular artist Paul Brandt, raising another $40,000 for the two organizations Mack is most involved with. 

Mack and his partners have also brought their love of community into their ATM business. As part of the ATM industry, Mack sits on the ATM Industry Association (ATMIA) Canada Board. In addition to ATMIA membership, Jade Cash is also a regular contributor to the ATMIA Canada Advocacy Fund.

“The plan was never to be in the ATM business,” said Mack, “but life has a way of changing things and here we are 13 years later.”

Help ATMIA celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ATM and the 20th anniversary of the association by sharing your stories. Contact Sharon Lane, ATMIA Global Director of Member Services, at +001-605-271-7371.