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Brooks Bergreen Age
37
Founder and CEO, HIT Technologies Inc.
W
hether he was setting up satellite communications in wartorn countries, creating his own film on Canada’s role in Afghanistan or designing and producing sophisticated protective casings for iPhones, Brooks Bergreen has constantly craved challenge. “You learn the most about yourself when you’re being challenged to your absolute maximum,” Bergreen said in an interview. “That’s the thing that really helps you grow as a person.” At the age of 21, Bergreen, who grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan, found himself in war-torn Kosovo setting up satellite communications systems for a non-governmental organization. At 24, he carried his work in satellite communications farther afield to Afghanistan, where he oversaw military projects valued at $40 million that were commissioned by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Canadian Department of National Defence, other NATO countries and NGO and media outlets. Attesting to his diverse talents, his resumé also includes the making of a film entitled Waging Peace: Canada in Afghanistan. Bergreen said he felt compelled to make the film to ensure that Canada’s role in this perilous country wasn’t misunderstood. He bypassed traditional media by making it available online and licensing it as an educational tool used by dozens of school boards across the country. Marriage to CBC journalist Sarah Galashan and the birth of their first child have kept Bergreen mostly on the ground in Vancouver. In 2012, he became founder and CEO of HIT Technologies, makers of a case for iPhones called the Hitcase, which protects the device while still
Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta, but home is our family farm in Bracken, Saskatchewan Where you live now: Burnaby. I like the parks Highest level of education: High school. Tried auditing a few university classes but it was too slow for me Current reading: The Golden Spruce by John Vaillant. I’m reading it for the second time. He’s a local Vancouver author
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allowing customers to use functions such as shooting video. The business has grown from just a few employees to more than 20, and Bergreen recently listed the company on the Toronto Stock Exchange with a valuation of $25 million. He got the inspiration for the product while joining Galashan when she was Whistler CTV bureau chief during the 2010 Olympics. He thought an iPhone, with better protection from the elements, would be ideal for shooting action videos while skiing or hiking. While his 40th birthday is still several years off, Bergreen has accomplished a lot in his life. And, constantly craving challenge, he says he looks forward to accomplishing a lot more in the coming decades.
You learn the most about yourself when you’re being challenged to your absolute maximum
and this is an incredible story written about B.C.
Earth from space, so I’ll say astronaut
Currently listening to: A local Vancouver DJ called Neon Steve. He’s on SoundCloud. You should check him out
Toughest business or professional decision: In some of the countries I’ve worked in, I had to put employees in harm’s way in order for us to do our jobs. They knew the risks and loved it as I did but it was tough every time we walked out the door. I always made sure to ask myself in the context of the mission if I could live with myself if one of
When you were a kid, what you wanted to be when you grew up: I’m going to be an architect when I grow up. Maybe in my 60s Profession you would most like to try: I really want to see the
them died, and promised if the answer to that was ever no, I’d quit. Eventually I did Advice you would give the younger you: Don’t worry. Be happy What’s left to do: There are lots of great stories out there I’m still waiting to build and tell. I’ve got a young son named Bowe now and I can’t wait to start exploring the world with him. I can tell already that he’s ready for adventure
2015-11-18 11:53 AM