Bie october 2015 lores

OCTOBER 2015 | $3.50 BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

RADHE GUPTA:

ROHIT GROUP OF COMPANIES’

INVEST

WHERE YOU (Literally) LIVE

CEO

TALKING TECH:

is Content PM41126516

DOING BUSINESS THE DIGITAL WAY

EY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2015 PRAIRIES AWARDS GALA

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EDMONTON CHAMBER SECTION

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Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time.

Volume 4 | Number 10

REGULAR COLUMNS

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Canada Connects: Alberta Enterprise Group Heading West

By AEG President Josh Bilyk

14

Urbanomics Urban Development Discussion: Sorting Out the Timing Problems

By John Hardy

CONTENTS

Edmonton Chamber of Commerce

SPECIAL SECTION

COVER FEATURE

32

127

adhe Gupta: R Rohit Group of Companies’ CEO is Content

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2015 Prairies Region

“I have achieved everything I wanted to achieve.”

By Nerissa McNaughton

Legacy Builders 2015

ON OUR COVER: ABOVE: RADHE GUPTA, CEO, ROHIT GROUP OF COMPANIES

Celebrating legacy builders in the Prairies.

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© 2015 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved.

“Entrepreneur Of The Year” is a registered trademark of EYGN Limited.

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Proudly honouring energy, passion and innovation Special supplement published by Business in Calgary and Business in Edmonton.

Š 2015 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved. ED0617

Is selling the new buying?

Find out why divestments are becoming as much of a focus for CEOs as acquisitions. ey.com/tas #BetterQuestions

STORY TITLE // SECTION

Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time.

Volume 4 | Number 10

135

THIS MONTH’S FEATURES

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CONTENTS COMPANY PROFILES

135 139 143 147

A acropolis Homes Celebrates 25 Years

NorQuest College Celebrates 50 Years

C hristenson Group of Companies

Advance Coating Solutions Inc. Celebrates 45 Years

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Eat, Drink and be Airy Ten years ago Edmonton International Airport was a gastronomic dead zone – unlike today.

By Ben Freeland

Talking Tech: Doing Business the Digital Way

By Brittany Kraus

25 28

Invest Where You (Literally) Live Three experts agree that investing in real estate continues to be one of the best choices for your financial portfolio.

By Nerissa McNaughton

We Won’t Let Oil Get Us Down Despite the slowdowns we’ve seen in the primary residential real estate market in and around Edmonton, oil prices haven’t put a damper on investment properties.

By Rechell McDonald

117

Event Planning Industry Shows No Signs of Slowing Down

By Laura Bohnert

123

nder the Magnifying U Glass: Small Business Week 2015 Discover what you are missing out on as a business, if you’ve never been to Small Business Week in Edmonton.

By Rechell McDonald

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OCTOBER 2015 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

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CANADA CONNECTS: ALBERTA ENTERPRISE GROUP HEADING WEST // ECONOMIC FACTORS

Canada Connects: Alberta Enterprise Group Heading West

BY JOSH BILYK

S

ince 2007, Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG) has executed a series of business missions, called Canada Connects, aimed at promoting trade ties around the world, learning about the challenges and prospects in other locales, and exposing AEG members to opportunities.

learn about their challenges and how they are being met, and remind the local business community that “resource development” – and that term includes LNG, mining, forestry, hydroelectric dams and oil sands – is key to our national economic future.

AEG delegations have travelled to Washington, D.C. as well as Geneva, Quebec, Ottawa and Atlantic Canada. We have also hosted delegations of business leaders and policy makers from those locations, other parts of Canada and from around the world to tell the Alberta story and introduce business leaders to the abundant opportunities in our province.

While we’re talking resource development we’re going to learn about First Nations issues by meeting with Aboriginal leaders.

We’ll learn more about BC Hydro’s historic Site C Clean Energy Project and how Alberta companies (and others from across Canada), with their wealth of major project experience, can contribute to the success of that project.

For our next destination, AEG is looking west to British Columbia where challenges and opportunity intersect. It’s no secret that one of the biggest challenges facing Alberta’s oil and gas industry is securing the “social permission” to build the pipeline infrastructure needed to get our energy products to market. Two key projects – Kinder Morgan’s TMX and Enbridge’s Northern Gateway – are proposed to bring energy to Asia via British Columbia. Both projects enjoy support in that province, but also stiff resistance.

Delegates will hear about the latest developments in environmental technology, receive briefings on what makes the B.C. economy tick and look even further west to Asia – and how trends in the world’s fastest-growing economy impacts us here in Canada.

There are 19 liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects currently proposed in B.C. representing $175 billion in total investment, with approximately $18 billion of that investment set to happen around each of the communities of Prince Rupert and Kitimat. These investments could create 23,000 permanent jobs and thousands more resulting from increased economic activity across the province.

But while LNG is the golden child in the eyes of the B.C. government, some of the same folks who oppose Northern Gateway and TMX oppose LNG projects and the pipelines that are supposed to feed them. We will go to B.C. and

We’ll top it all off with a tour of Coal Harbour and a look at Port Metro Vancouver (which in 2014 traded $187 billion in goods with more than 160 countries) and a look at Kinder Morgan’s facilities.

AEG business missions always serve two purposes. We want to introduce our members to investment and partnership opportunities to expand their businesses, but more importantly, our missions give business leaders a forum to carry the flag for Alberta, promote free trade and develop a network of support for responsible resource development across Canada.

For more information on Canada Connects: BC and learn about how you can participate, please visit www. albertaenterprise.ca.

Alberta Enterprise Group is a member-based, non-profit business advocacy organization. AEG members employ more than 150,000 Canadians in all sectors of the economy. Visit www.albertaenterprise.ca to inquire about membership in the AEG movement.

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OCTOBER 2015 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

R

Rencon Does it Your Way from Start to Finish

encon Industries Inc. does not have a showroom.

Why? “There is no showroom that is big enough to showcase the products available,” smiles Dan Adamski, founder of Rencon. “The choices you have for products and designs are just incredible – and we can do it all.”

Adamski is a man that knows the construction and renovation business inside out. In 2004 he launched Renovations

by Dan Inc. By 2011 the company had grown in size and reputation, so he rebranded to Rencon Industries Inc. He’s not joking when he says “Rencon can do it all”. The diverse range of projects in the company’s portfolio include residential renovations, liquor stores, office complexes, campgrounds, chemical plants where site-specific training is required, and more.

For Rencon, it’s not just about the job. It’s about the client.

“The faster we complete the project, the faster our clients can resume their normal schedule,” Adamski points out.

“For commercial industries, we assess if it’s more cost effective to complete the project on a weekend or for them to shut down for a few days. Is it more cost effective to renovate all the bathrooms at once and have temporary bathrooms, or do two phases? We encourage our clients to consider things like lease, rent and other aspects of their operating costs so they have a full understanding of the financial and physical scope of work.” For example, the first phase of their work in Beaumont’s town hall was completed over a long weekend so there would be no disruption of foot traffic or services during the client’s operating hours. The second phase was completed during a very tight deadline.

“We are very client focused,” explains Adamski. That’s why our slogan is “Construction Your Way – From Start to Finish”. We cater to our client’s needs.

Those needs include high-end residential renovations.

“You very rarely see the use of laminate countertops anymore,” Adamski lets us in on insider industry knowledge.

“Laminate isn’t that cheap and it comes with zero warranty.

It’s just too easy for someone to melt, burn or destroy it with the wrong cleaning products. Granite or quartz, on the other hand, has warranty and it’s tough.”

Rencon works with a designer that can help residential and commercial clients achieve their vision.

“The bottom line is, smiles Adamski, “we’ve prospered all these years by meeting – exceeding – residential and commercial clients’ expectations. We stay on budget and on schedule. We know what’s new and has value in the industry and we deliver functional solutions that

work. The focus is on the client and their needs, and that isn’t going to change anytime soon.”

It’s been more than 10 years since Adamski turned his passion into a thriving business, and he looks forward to many more years of great work for satisfied clients.

www.renconindustries.ca

OFF

THE

Exciting Changes for The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton

Michael Thompson is the new president and CEO of The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. Named to the position in August 2015 by the board of directors, Thompson replaces Ron Hutchinson, who was the executive vice president of the Association for 23 years.

thrilled to be able find someone with as much knowledge and skills as Michael. He is extremely well rounded and has extensive experience in strategic leadership and operational management. His enthusiasm and strong governance skills will be an asset to our Association and our members.”

“As the new president and CEO, I am excited to be leading an Association that has a reputation for providing outstanding service to its members. The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton is known by other real estate associations throughout North America as a forerunner in technology and advocacy,” says Thompson. “I am looking forward to building on the strong foundation already established at the Association.”

The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton has a long, proud history. Established in 1927, the Association now has over 3,200 brokers and associates that serve Edmonton and the greater Edmonton area. The affairs of the Association are governed by a board of directors, all of whom are volunteers and working realtors. Administration is handled by an executive officer and a staff of 50.

Thompson has over 20 years of experience with economic and regulatory affairs. He has served in an advisory or management capacity for several public, private and non-profit organizations. Recently, Thompson served as the senior vice president corporate affairs for Cash Store Financial, which is an Edmonton-based, publically traded national retail financial service provider. Thompson has also distinguished himself as an economic policy advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and as a policy advisor with the United States Bureau of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. He holds an LL.M. in administrative law, an M.A. in political science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in both political science and philosophy.

Geneva Tetreault, association chair of The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton, says, “It was an extensive search to find the right candidate. The board of directors was

Other exciting news for The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton is a new television spot. This short commercial outlines some of the many questions buyers and sellers have when they enter the real estate market and explains how a Realtor can help. Questions such as do you buy or sell first when you find a home you like, what is a fair price for your home or the property of your choice, how do you handle issues arising from an inspection, etc. are all questions Realtors can answer. The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton published a copy of the television ad on their YouTube channel earlier this year, where it has since garnered several hundred views.

As always, Edmonton’s Realtors and the Association are making innovative decisions to maximize opportunities for both sellers and buyers across the region. Learn more at ereb. com/REALTORSAssociationOfEdmonton.html.

ABOVE: MICHAEL THOMPSON, PRESIDENT & CEO, THE REALTORS® ASSOCIATION OF EDMONTON

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OCTOBER 2015 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

SORTING OUT THE TIMING PROBLEMS // URBANOMICS

U R B A N O M I C S | U R B A N D E V E LO P M E N T D I S C U S S I O N

Sorting Out the Timing Problems Time is money…and frustration

BY JOHN HARDY

U

ntil late this summer, the festering agree-to-disagree standoff between Edmonton and area builders and developers, mostly members of the Urban Development Institute-Edmonton Region (UDI-ER), the non-profit association representing Edmonton’s land development industry, simmered due to the vastly different needs of both parties.

shortage in many trades, they already have constraints like limited time frames to build houses, sewers, roads and other infrastructure. Since City delays often took a year or more, developers could not produce the inventory to meet Edmonton’s supply and demand and they voiced frequent concern that, ultimately, a lack of supply causes price increases for the consumer.

Although the two factions established a mutually respectful and productive rapport, one of the key triggers of the frequent back and forth were the City’s timing, delays and the dragged out procedures and processes of approvals and permits, especially engineering plans and drawings. The City’s apparent refusal to understand that, especially in the development business, time is money, aggravated developer and builder frustration.

Finally, however, UDI-ER and the City found common ground.

The City argued that with growth come increased volumes and the approval and permit submissions had become heavier than ever, but the in-place processes must run their course.

UDI-ER argued on behalf of its members that there must be a shorter turnaround time for permits and submitted plans. Developers have consistently made the point that for seasonal and other reasons, such as the festering labour

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OCTOBER 2015 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

The City showed willingness to address the timing frustrations of developers and builders and offered to streamline the process. Last fall, the City brought in Grant Thornton, one of Canada’s largest chartered accountants and management consultants, to review and examine Edmonton’s engineering review and approval process and make recommendations.

Fast forward to this July, and a much-awaited detailed 24-point recommendation report was presented to Edmonton Council.

Nancy Domijan, director of development coordination with the City of Edmonton admits that Edmonton’s positive growth, especially with development and new homes, may

SORTING OUT THE TIMING PROBLEMS // URBANOMICS

NANCY DOMIJAN, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT COORDINATION WITH THE CITY OF EDMONTON ADMITS THAT EDMONTON’S POSITIVE GROWTH, ESPECIALLY WITH DEVELOPMENT AND NEW HOMES, MAY HAVE OVERWHELMED THE APPROVAL PROCESSES AND CAUSED A BACKLOG, DELAYS AND TIMING PROBLEMS. have overwhelmed the approval processes and caused a backlog, delays and timing problems. “Yes, there were an unprecedented number of new drawing submissions from developers in 2014, making it a particularly challenging year for engineering drawing review and approvals. In fact, the City experienced a 35 per cent increase in submissions over 2013 and a 46 per cent increase in submissions over 2012.

The significant increase in development activity in Edmonton over the last several years has placed additional demands on the engineering drawing review and approval process, but the City has always been committed to continually improving the approval processes in order to meet changing demands.”

She concedes that City staff had been aware and have tried to find the causes of the timing problems.

“Several changes have been made over the past three to four years to improve the review and approval process for engineering drawings. Some of these changes included establishing clear submission criteria, creating a precirculation review group to assess quality and completeness of applications, as well as transitioning to ePlan, an electronic platform for reviewing and approving drawings.”

Domijan summarized the 24-point Grant Thornton recommendations that will make the largest impact to resolve many of the delay issues.

• Clearly defining and communicating the purpose of the engineering drawing review process, clarifying roles

and responsibilities of those involved, and formalizing the decision-making authority and escalation procedures through documented agreements among the groups.

• Enhancing relationships between reviewers and members of the development industry through greater communication, coordination, and training.

• Piloting or trialing innovative review processes, such as team-based reviews, generalist reviews, or specialist reviews.

Although UDI-ER is hopeful and encouraged by the recommendations, Edmonton area builders and developers are enthusiastic, but anxious for action.

“Edmonton is actively working to implement the recommendations from the review,” Domijan adds. “The current focus is on clarifying roles and responsibilities for all involved in the process, as well as establishing achievable and predictable timelines for applications, based on the volumes received. The City is also looking at opportunities to pilot and evaluate the benefits of possibly other, alternative review processes.”

So, despite some differences, the rapport between UDI-ER and the City may be achieving understanding after all. The ultimate end result is that the two sides stay focused on working together to achieve the common goal of developing livable and sustainable communities for all Edmontonians.

ABOVE: NANCY DOMIJAN, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT COORDINATION, CITY OF EDMONTON .

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // OCTOBER 2015

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New Estate Show Homes NOW OPEN

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EAT, DRINK AND BE AIRY // AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT - PART VI

EAT, Drink

AND BE AIRY TEN YEARS AGO EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WAS A GASTRONOMIC DEAD ZONE – UNLIKE TODAY

BY BEN FREELAND

I

t is something of a cliché about air travel that airport and airline hospitality reached its apogee in the 1950s and 1960s, and has since degenerating into purgatory with a food court. The truth of the matter is, that supposed “Golden Age” of air travel was far less golden than many people imagine (unless you could afford a first-class ticket), while modern-day air travellers have seen their food and drink options improve markedly in recent years—both on and off the ground. With airports and airlines battling for an ever-expanding customer base in an era of open sky policy and ultra-long-range aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the niceties of passenger experience are being taken more seriously than ever, and in-flight and in-transit dining options have scarcely ever been better.

In the past decade few Canadian airports have seen their dining and retail options improve as quickly and drastically as Edmonton International Airport (EIA). At the dawn of the 2000s, when EIA was at its lowest ebb in terms of passenger numbers, passengers had very few options when it came to shopping and dining. All this began to change with the opening of the airport’s new U.S. departures lounge in early 2012, and continued with its new domestic-international lounge later that year. Today, EIA boasts over 60 shopping and dining outlets, including a number of firsts in Canada.

Looking for European sophistication? The Parisian-style Brioche Dorée café has you covered, as does the trio of the Heineken Lounge, the made-in-Edmonton Caffè Sorrentino, and the Belgian Beer Café (the first Canadian location for

this international chain) clustered around Gate 64, in what some have dubbed the Latin Quarter of EIA. Looking for nononsense North American cooking? Houston Steak and Ribs delivers Texas-size steaks along with one of the best views of the airport apron. Are ultra-chic modern dishes and cocktail selfies more your style? The Halo Bar and Bistro, located at the airport’s new Renaissance Hotel, continues to earn plaudits from local food critics and bloggers more than a year after its opening in 2014.

“It’s all about more flights to more places,” explains EIA communications director Heather Hamilton. “In this market, in order to attract more flights you need a cooler airport that’s a fun place to be. As far as dining goes, we have everything from on-the-go eats for people in a hurry to some fantastic fine dining, where you can sit down a really enjoy some great cuisine.”

While the rapid expansion of food and retail options that defined the terminal expansion project has now subsided, EIA continues ABOVE: THE BELGIAN BEER CAFE IS ONE OF MANY GREAT DINING OPTIONS AT EIA. PHOTO SOURCE: EIA

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OCTOBER 2015 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

INDUSTRIAL LOTS AVAILABLE Build To Suit, Sale & Lease FORT MCMURRAY, ALBERTA

WHILE THE RAPID EXPANSION OF FOOD AND RETAIL OPTIONS THAT DEFINED THE TERMINAL EXPANSION PROJECT HAS NOW

ACHESON, ALBERTA

SUBSIDED, EIA CONTINUES TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO ITS OFFERINGS. to make improvements to its offerings. Recent changes include the new and improved A Flight of Wines & Spirits as well as renovations to the formerly cramped Tim Horton’s outlet on the arrivals level. In addition, the airport has recently expanded the seating area of its relatively new Wok Box outlet and re-opened the Euro Café in EIA’s long-neglected north wing—the primary departure point for flights to the Canadian Arctic by northern carriers First Air and Canadian North.

Another key offering ushered in by EIA’s 2012 expansion was two new airport lounges under the Plaza Premium Lounge banner. A still relatively unknown brand in North America, the Hong Kong-based company broke new ground starting in the late ’90s by offering pay-as-you-go airport lounge access to all passengers regardless of airline affiliation or class of travel, featuring all the amenities one would expect of Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges or other such airlineaffiliated facilities. Upon the opening of EIA’s two Plaza Premium locations in 2012 (one in the U.S. wing, one in the domestic-international area), Edmonton became one of only three North American locations for the chain, together with Vancouver and Toronto—although Winnipeg International Airport has since opened one of its own.

“You really can relax at the airport,” says Hamilton. “I know that seems strange to people who remember what it was like travelling 30 years ago, but now you really can. At EIA we want people to feel like they can start their vacation early when they come to the airport. You do that by making the airport a fun place to be, and I think we’ve done that here.”

EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Panattoni Development Company is the developer of Fort McMurray’s newest 90 acre industrial park, it’s second 120 acre development in Acheson and an 80 acre partnership at the Edmonton International Airport. All projects have a variety of industrial lot sizes which are serviced, zoned and permit ready for construction. With an expansive international platform, Panattoni specializes in industrial, office and build-to-suit development. Our 24 offices in the United States, Canada and Europe are responsible for development of over 200 million square feet.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

BRAD HOFFMAN AT (780) 409-1152

bhoffman@panattoni.com www.panattonicanada.com • www.panattoni.com

ABOVE: CUSTOMERS ENJOY A DRINK AT THE HEINEKEN LOUNGE BEFORE THEIR FLIGHT. PHOTO SOURCE: EIA

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // OCTOBER 2015

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TALKING TECH: DOING BUSINESS THE DIGITAL WAY // TECHNOLOGY

TALKING TECH:

Doing Business the Digital Way

BY BRITTANY KRAUS

T

here’s no doubt about it: technology has changed the way the world does business. Are those changes for the better? Is the digital handshake helping or hindering people create strong and sustainable business relationships?

Can technology help entrepreneurs do better, smarter business?

According to Andrew-David Jahchan, the director and lead developer of MADSOFT Games, technology has not only changed the way people do business, it has changed the business world forever.

ABOVE: ANDREW-DAVID JAHCHAN TESTING OUT A GAME WITH TEAM ON A TOUCH DEVICE. PHOTO SOURCE: MADSOFT GAMES

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OCTOBER 2015 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

Professional Development

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“In our estimation,” he states, “a business relationship is just as valid in 1’s and 0’s as it is in person. Those who disagree will be left in the digital dust.”

“That being said,” Jahchan adds, “context is essential. No piece of technology will be right for every situation. You’ve got to curate your technology to suit your needs and, in turn, make sure your entire team is comfortable with what they’re expected to use. E-mail is simply a terrible way to brainstorm or hold a discussion between more than two people. On the other hand, it’s a terrific way to keep everyone in the loop on project-wide changes.”

Esther Steeves, president of ADAPT MC (formerly Steeves Advisory Inc.) echoes his words. “Technology opens up so many opportunities. You can connect with cool and innovative companies across the globe, but anything that requires a sensitive or tough conversation requires meeting face to face.”

In other words, technology is useful when it’s used right and as Jahchan and Steeves suggest, using it right requires entrepreneurs and business owners to continuously exercise good judgment and strong leadership skills. The shift from physical to digital and mobile work spaces – “online offices,” as it were – still demands high levels of professionalism and interpersonal awareness. In fact, given the nature of digital information and how easily it can spread, working in a digital environment may require higher levels of professional awareness than ever before.

Ensure compliance and reduce the risk of audits and penalties with help from Professional Development seminars from Canadian Payroll Association (CPA).

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Stay Current Stay Compliant

“There’s always an awkwardness with Skype,” Steeves admits. “But it’s also a great way to make connections and talk to people across the globe. You’ve got to have a kind of emotional intelligence with this stuff.”

ABOVE: ESTHER STEEVES. PHOTO SOURCE: ADAPT MC

payroll.ca

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // OCTOBER 2015

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TALKING TECH: DOING BUSINESS THE DIGITAL WAY // TECHNOLOGY

STARTUP EDMONTON KNOWS THE VALUE OF CONNECTING ENTREPRENEURS WITH THE SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS THEY NEED TO SUCCEED. Even though Jahchan and Steeves run very different businesses – MADSOFT Games is an Edmonton-based independent game development and publishing studio, while ADAPT MC is a management-consulting firm – their perspectives on technology are strikingly similar. Both agree that the benefits of technology by far outweigh its limitations and is fundamentally changing the way the world operates.

“Tech has really created a faster, more integrated way for people to communicate, and it’s allowed the creative class to rise,” Steeves states. “It’s a huge driver of entrepreneurship.”

Indeed, Jahchan and Steeves are both members of the rising creative class that is taking the business world by storm.

Young, talented and driven, these entrepreneurs are open to new ideas and new ways of thinking about business.

“We need to stop looking at technology as digital paper,” Steeves states. “We need to move away from that mindset and explore the real power of technology.”

Jahchan lauds the way technology makes everyday tasks simpler and allows entrepreneurs more time to focus on what matters most in business: relationships.

“Menial tasks can be automated, communication is near instantaneous and scheduling conflicts have been reduced to the occasional annoyance,” he says.

Technology allows people to stay in close contact, even when they’re separated by thousands of miles. It also helps entrepreneurs and businesses stay in touch with their clients’ needs and demands.

“Today, we can review and utilize customer feedback in almost real-time on a scale that would have been unimaginable 10 or 15 years ago,” Jahchan explains.

Getting near-instant customer feedback is a definite advantage for entrepreneurs in any market, as it allows them to keep in touch with their customers, stay on top of changing styles and trends, and make changes to products or business practices based on that information.

“When you look at a small team like we have at MADSOFT Games,” Jahchan continues, “we have the freedom to experiment more regularly with our tools. When we find something that makes our lives easier, we can upgrade and change our systems very rapidly.”

Steeves believes that technology is not only making life easier, but also more cost-effective.

“Tech is integral,” Steeves states. “The digital environment is growing, and it’s having a positive and significant impact on the cost of doing business and its value.”

Startup Edmonton knows the value of connecting entrepreneurs with the support systems and networks they need to succeed. According to their website, Startup Edmonton is an “entrepreneurial campus and community hub where entrepreneurs and product builders are connected with the skills, community and space(s) they need to make their ideas become reality”.

“We support entrepreneurs as they find technological solutions to the world’s problems,” says Tiffany Linke-Boyko, COO of Startup Edmonton. “Technology is at the heart of what our member companies are working on, day in and day out.”

ABOVE: TIFFANY LINKE-BOYKO PHOTO SOURCE: STARTUP EDMONTON

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OCTOBER 2015 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

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TALKING TECH: DOING BUSINESS THE DIGITAL WAY // TECHNOLOGY

Like Jahchan and Steeves, Linke-Boyko believes that technology is opening up new possibilities of communication and global connectivity. “In my experiences, technology provides us with many different options for how we can communicate with one another. Technology provides us access to even larger networks and communities that are invested in seeing entrepreneurs succeed. We use some great tools to facilitate relationships with our members. Slack, Cobot and Envoy are just some of the products that we use to communicate and keep a busy shared space running smoothly.”

“It’s funny,” she adds, “how technology becomes such a key component of regular business that you can’t imagine doing without it.”

Linke-Boyko also cites the ways in which utilizing the “digital tools of the trade” is increasingly becoming not only a smart and effective business practice, but also culturally acceptable.

“We have companies that connect regularly with investors and mentors all over the world. Technology allows them to

experience a broader range of connections without always needing to hop on a plane. Using [digital] tools has also become a cultural norm in business and an acceptable way of interacting with broader networks.”

No matter what field, no matter what market, technology continues make an impact as it allows for new modes of communication to emerge, new opportunities to arise, and new ideas to take shape. But is technology leaving older generations and older business models “in the digital dust,” to put it in Jahchan’s words?

“We find that there is less of a generational technology gap and more of a difference in personal preference,” Linke-Boyko states. “Age isn’t a barrier to being invested in technology and using it to communicate.”

Steeves has a somewhat different perspective. “To some extent,” she says, “there is an underuse of technology in older generations and an overuse of technology in younger generations. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. My grandparents are very tech savvy!”

Jahchan does not perceive a generational gap.

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“In our field, there’s isn’t so much a generational gap as there is a company-size gap. Larger, well-established companies tend to take longer to adopt new technologies because the scope of implementing those changes is drastically larger.”

Jahchan and his international team at MADSOFT Games are working in a business sector that, less than fifty years ago, didn’t exist. His company is indicative of just how much technology has changed the business world and opened so many entrepreneurial possibilities.

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OCTOBER 2015 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

“Our company is technology,” he emphasizes. “I mean, we can’t very well make video games without the ‘video’ part!”

INVEST WHERE YOU (LITERALLY) LIVE // REAL ESTATE

INVEST WHERE YOU (Literally) LIVE THREE EXPERTS AGREE THAT INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE CONTINUES TO BE ONE OF THE BEST CHOICES FOR YOUR FINANCIAL PORTFOLIO.

BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON

“I

personally think real estate is the best investment a person can make. Houses increase in price (inflation) for the most part every year. If you look at the real estate trend, houses have always increased over time. You cannot say the same thing about my RRSPs!” That’s Ian Kondics, an outstanding realtor serving the Edmonton area.

He’s been with RE/MAX since 2009 and is one half of the dynamic real estate brand Ian And Chantel. We’re discussing real estate as an investment and with his experience in the business, he has great insights to share.

“Most people will buy three homes throughout their lifetime.

A starter home, family home and a retirement home,” informs Kondics. His advice to make sure you maximize your investment is to, “Choose the right full time realtor. Finding out the buyers’ goal is important. For example, if the plan is to buy a home now and then move to an acreage in two years, the buyer may want to look at a home that will give them the best resale potential for when they’re ready for their next move.”

That next move is very important for anyone wanting to make money, or invest wisely, by using the property ladder.

“Anytime you can own more than one property, that is a good thing,” says Kondics. “I figure if you can own 10 rental properties and have someone else pay the mortgage, by the time you retire you could have a $20,000 per month residual retirement income. Plus, you would have all that equity just sitting there waiting for you to use for more investments or traveling. Again though, it really depends on the individual and their lifestyles and goals.”

Goals are something investor Corey Young is very familiar with. Young, a co-founder of the Alberta On Fire Investor Team, decided to pursue real estate investing full time in 2004. “We (Corey and his wife Tiffany) took a long hard look at our future. We compared putting our heart and soul into our current carpet and furnace cleaning business, or to ABOVE: IAN KONDICS, RE/MAX REAL ESTATE

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // OCTOBER 2015

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INVEST WHERE YOU (LITERALLY) LIVE // REAL ESTATE

pursue our real estate investments. The decision was clear.

Our return would be far greater in real estate than it would be in our other business, so we went head- first into a very aggressive buying stage, sold our company and purchased and/or transacted on over 100 properties in the Edmonton area between 2004 and 2007.”

Young co-founded his company to help others learn the ins and outs of investing in real estate. “One of the main factors that real estate brought for us, and can for any investor, is leverage. We are making returns on the bank’s money (the mortgage). As well, we have tenants paying down the mortgages for us at the same time. Regardless of what the market dictates for price, as long as our income (rent) is higher than our expenses (mortgage, taxes, insurance), we have cash flow. We don’t need to be concerned on a daily basis on what the market conditions are like.”

Young triumphs Edmonton as a great place to buy homes.

“Edmonton has been near or at the top of the list for any city in Canada since we started investing,” he says, citing high in-migration from other provinces and low vacancy rates as key factors. “Also, Edmonton has one of the highest average wages in the country, which allows for rents and property prices to increase while still allowing people to afford their house. This means higher sale prices and gains in equity.

Also, Alberta doesn’t have a land transfer tax like Ontario and British Columbia, and our rent controls are far more in the favour of the landlord compared to other provinces.

These are all great benefits of investing in Alberta.”

That investment can yield outstanding dividends. “Your return on investment on a 20 per cent down deal is five times higher than most other types of investments. So, assuming a $300,000 property goes up in value only three

per cent in a year, your return is 15 per cent!” informs Young.

“However, in our experience this is not a get-rich-quick type of investment. Although the returns are realized regularly, if you were to sell that property in the first year, you would have realtor fees, lawyer fees, etc., which would eat up much of your gains. You also need cash flow to help build up a reserve fund in case of issues down the road. We find that in most cases investors hold a property for a minimum of five years before they will make a large profit. In fact, we tell most people to never plan to sell! Think about it, if you held the property for 30 years, had the tenants pay off the mortgage and now owned that property free and clear, you could be pocketing $2,000 -3,000 per property each month!

That is a pretty good retirement for most people.”

Andrew Barrett and Selena Cheung are licensed realtors in Edmonton with Realty Executives Progressive. Their company, Wealthyhome, provides resources for those looking for investment and revenue properties. “I have been involved with houses my whole life, says Barrett, “but it wasn’t until 2004 that I really started to invest in real estate.

After some success, many of our friends wanted us to teach them too and since real estate investing has given us time and financial freedom, we did this for a couple of years as a business. We noticed not everyone would take action, so Selena got her real estate license. She was so busy as a realtor in her first year that I got my realtor license to help her out. We owned two real estate brokerages and a property management company, but we sold these a couple of years ago so we can focus on helping real estate investors.”

Like Young, Barrett loves the real estate market in Edmonton. “Edmonton has the benefit of being the capital city and that adds stability, but the real key for Edmonton

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OCTOBER 2015 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

INVEST WHERE YOU (LITERALLY) LIVE // REAL ESTATE

THE FEAR OF DEALING WITH TENANTS AND PROPERTY ISSUES ALONG WITH LACK OF CAPITAL CAN BE DAUNTING, BUT THE EXPERTS POINT OUT THAT MAKING EDUCATED, INFORMED DECISIONS AND LEARNING ABOUT THE PROCESS BEFORE JUMPING IN CAN SIGNIFICANTLY ALLEVIATE MOST CONCERNS.

is its diversity. Edmonton is well-known for oil and gas but there are many other industries driving the economy too.

The fundamentals for Edmonton, GDP growth, job growth and spending on infrastructure, are so strong that there is still a big influx of people moving here for jobs. When people move to Edmonton, they need a place to live and this is where investors can help out by providing accommodation.”

Barrett provides some cautions for potential investors.

“Owning a vacation home is generally not considered real estate investing as there are many holding costs involved and no income coming in unless you rent it out. Owning one or more rental income properties can be a good choice, but real estate investing is not easy and not for everyone.

Both Barrett and Young cite fear as a factor that holds back potential investors. The fear of dealing with tenants and property issues along with lack of capital can be daunting, but the experts point out that making educated, informed decisions and learning about the process before jumping in can significantly alleviate most concerns.

“We work with first time home buyers, new home buyers, growing families, up-size and down-size and empty nesters,

but our speciality is working with investors. So many of our average home buyers will also buy an investment property once they have had a consultation with us,” says Barrett.

“Don’t just buy something because it’s cheap or because your relative/friend/Realtor says it’s a good deal,” adds Young.

“Make sure your Realtor and mortgage broker are investors too. The contacts you use should be very experienced in real estate investment; that way you don’t need to make needless mistakes but can learn from other people’s mistakes.”

“Having great advice is critical to the process, concludes Kondics. “Make sure you interview your realtor prior to hiring them. Great realtors will have a network of support from mortgage brokers, home inspectors and lawyers.

Getting great mortgage advice, proper inspections and having a lawyer looking out for your best needs is all part of the buying process.”

Investing in real estate is a long-term process that requires education, risk-taking and capital, but it’s also an investment that can yield high, long-term results. “‘Don’t wait to buy real estate. Buy real estate and wait’,” Barrett quotes T. Harv Eker. It’s certainly advice worth considering.

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WE WON’T LET OIL GET US DOWN // RECREATION INVESTMENTS

WE WON’T LET

Oil

GET US DOWN DESPITE THE SLOWDOWNS WE’VE SEEN IN THE PRIMARY RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET IN AND AROUND EDMONTON, OIL PRICES HAVEN’T PUT A DAMPER ON INVESTMENT PROPERTIES.

BY RECHELL MCDONALD

T

he oil situation has many people worried about the future. When will things get back to normal? How much more can we handle? While there have been many setbacks throughout 2015 as the Alberta economy has shifted to find it’s footing in this new dynamic we are experiencing, there are some things happening – perhaps a little off the radar – that indicate that the Edmonton economy has, and retains, its strong core.

What is the one thing we’ve been hearing the most about on the news in relation to ‘the big picture’ in our area? The state of real estate, right? Homes are sitting on the market too long, the market is saturated right now – too much supply, not nearly enough demand – but is it really as bad as all that?

Good question.

Business in Edmonton looked into the issue, taking the temperature of the real estate investment market, and what we found was encouraging.

“There has been a slight drop in listings and sales for this year compared to last year,” explains Caleigh Pagnucco of Kennedy Real Estate, who has listings in Alberta Beach. “We can speculate that the reasons for this drop could be related to the gas and oil prices and recent job layoffs, however, OPPOSITE PAGE: CALEIGH PAGNUCCO AND WAYNE WILLIAM HEINE

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OCTOBER 2015 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

WE WON’T LET OIL GET US DOWN // RECREATION INVESTMENTS

there are still plenty of buyers out there looking.” Pagnucco’s experience isn’t an isolated one.

Wayne William Heine (brand name Edmonton Lake Property), real estate associate of RE/MAX Excellence, says that 2015 has actually been a good year so far, with the market in the communities he serves seeing an average increase in price and sales of about 10 per cent. Heine sells in Lake Wabamun, Lac St. Anne and Lake Isle. “I exclusively sell lakefront and lake

community property within an hour drive west of Edmonton.

Lakefront is probably the safest real estate investment because it’s the last to drop and the first to rise.”

Now you could rationalize, perhaps, that these buyers are in search of a family home in an idyllic setting, but both Pagnucco and Heine confirm that a good portion of their buyers are those looking to invest in second homes and seasonal properties.

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WE WON’T LET OIL GET US DOWN // RECREATION INVESTMENTS

“I’VE SEEN A SHIFT OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, WHERE

80

%

OF THE PROPERTIES WERE SEASONAL INVESTMENTS

and now it’s closer to 65 . %

IT’S INTERESTING.”

“Most of the buyers I deal with are from the Edmonton area, with a smaller percentage coming from Calgary and other parts of the province,” says Heine. “I’ve seen a shift over the last few years, where 80 per cent of the properties were seasonal investments and now it’s closer to 65 per cent. It’s interesting.”

The real estate market will always see that give and take, however. Things will swing from one side to the other over the years, and at times you may think the reasons are clear, but sometimes there is less correlation than we think – or a separate reason entirely. As Heine pointed out, he began noticing a shift even before oil prices decreased, but there can be no doubt that they did play some role in those percentages this year.

30

of the wealthy are important for the general economy, and particularly the economies of small outlying communities like Alberta Beach and Wabamun. While your average citizen may not be running out to buy a vacation home in the area at this moment, the real estate investment market is still fluid. What’s most important about this is that people are still investing here.

Edmontonians, and Albertans at large, have always had a wonderful track record for bolstering their own economy before anyone else’s, and it’s encouraging to see that those behaviours have not changed much.

In Alberta Beach, Pagnucco indicates that her personal success this past year for selling properties has been all about the right price point. Although there are buyers looking to pick up investment properties and vacation homes, they are sitting in the driver’s seat because they know they are in a position to demand – or at least hold out – for a good price tag. “I find listings will usually sit for one whole selling season, which is March to October, and then sell the next year once the seller is more flexible on the price, unless they are aggressively priced right off the top.”

Now we know vacation properties and similar investment activity hasn’t bottomed out the way we had feared, what can be said for the city? It’s not doing so bad either, according to AirBnb.ca, a site that features rental listings all across the country. What is unique about it? It’s the world’s leading community-driven hospitality business, and Edmonton has over 400 properties listed on this site. That is 400+ investment properties that cater to people traveling to Edmonton – whether it be for a vacation or just passing through, a conference, or a semester at college. This year has been a good year for Edmonton properties listed on AirBnb, with swarms of users and glowing reviews.

When it comes to those buyers in search of second homes or seasonal properties, you are typically talking about those least affected by the constraints oil has put on the province – the wealthy. But the buying and selling activities

The interesting thing about this website is that you can turn your primary residence into an investment property, depending on your circumstances. If you are traveling abroad for a portion of the year, you could turn your condo into an

OCTOBER 2015 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

AirBnb investment fairly easily. If you are lucky enough to own a place in a prime location – such as Jasper Avenue or Whyte Avenue – you could see a high volume of short term renters. The site is wildly popular, and it’s not just Canadians taking advantage of it.

“In the past year, Airbnb hosts in Canada have hosted more than 627,000 guests from across Canada and around the world,” reports AirBnb in a July 2015 news release. “Travelers who use Airbnb enjoy longer stays and spend more money in the community where they stay. Guests who travel with Airbnb are also more likely to stay in areas outside of typical tourist zones, frequenting local businesses and contributing to neighbourhood economies.”

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The Edmonton AirBnb site shows the majority of listings at the city’s core, but there is a good selection of outliers in Sherwood Park, south Edmonton and even in the north of the city – all at price points less than the average hotel. This online, community-driven, hospitality business has offered up the opportunity for any property owner to convert their property to an investment– even if it’s only a part time one – and that’s pretty amazing.

If you have a home that you must sell now, you may take a hit on the list price – equity isn’t what is was at this time last year; but if you can afford to wait for the turn around, you could make out just fine. The best news is that people are still seeing the region as a good investment, and there are opportunities to be had if you can stave off the doom and gloom long enough to see them.

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RADHE GUPTA: ROHIT GROUP OF COMPANIES’ CEO IS CONTENT // COVER

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OCTOBER 2015 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

RADHE GUPTA: ROHIT GROUP OF COMPANIES’ CEO IS CONTENT // COVER

Radhe Gupta: ROHIT GROUP OF COMPANIES’ CEO IS

BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON

Content

“I have achieved everything I wanted to achieve.”

R

adhe Gupta has always been an entrepreneur.

When he was in India in university, he was part of a bookstore venture. “I was a full-time student and it was a mom and pop operation,” he smiles as he remembers his first company. “But it was so successful that we were known throughout the region in three or four short years.” Gupta’s early success as an entrepreneur was just foreshadowing for what was to come. Now, as CEO of Rohit Group of Companies, he has grown from a small, local homebuilder to one of the most recognized names in real estate in western Canada.

“I don’t see myself as a home builder,” Gupta points out.

“I see myself as a businessman and an entrepreneur.” This is evident in the diversification of Rohit Group. Rohit Capital launched in 2008 to provide functional capital and leveraging opportunities for borrowers. Rohit Communities has been a leading force in Edmonton and Fort McMurray’s homebuilding industry since 1986. Rohit Land Development is committed to creating sustainable communities, complete with multi-generational neighbourhoods and green spaces.

Rohit Commercial plans, designs, builds, leases, manages and acquires revenue properties. Every step of the way, the Group achieves its fundamental mandate to give back to the community with financial and volunteer support.

“Giving is the only way of receiving,” Gupta says, “When people perceive you as a giver, they work with you and want to be with you. If anyone is the beneficiary of a charity, it is the giver.”

The list of charities Rohit Group supports is vast. The Neal Gupta Award, Homeward Trust, Habitat for Humanity, the Mental Health Foundation, Little Warriors, WIN House, Junior Achievement of Northern Alberta & NWT – these are just some of the charities where Rohit demonstrates their passion for giving. Radhe and his wife Krishna also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2011, raising $50,000 for the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. “My staff,” laughs Gupta, “they are always creating opportunity (for giving) and getting involved in so many different causes. We have no choice but to help them!” He’s joking. His staff are following their leader, learning that one of the most important lessons in life is to give back.

But giving back is not just restricted to charitable work.

Rohit Group believes in creating opportunities for Albertans, whether they are investors, home owners, students or other entrepreneurs. How do they do this? By providing access to capital, investment opportunities, beautiful spaces to live and affordable housing options.

OPPOSITE PAGE: RADHE GUPTA PHOTO SOURCE: EPIC PHOTOGRAPHY INC.

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // OCTOBER 2015

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RADHE GUPTA: ROHIT GROUP OF COMPANIES’ CEO IS CONTENT // COVER

“We made sure multi-family housing was a desirable option for the Edmonton area,” says Gupta.

“Before we entered the business, condos were not the best option.

We were part of revolutionizing the condo market.”

“Life is good as long as you are surrounded by good people,” Gupta smiles about why he decided to settle in Edmonton. “It’s been 38 years since I came to Edmonton. There is so much wealth in Edmonton, but when you meet the people of the city, they are humble – and that makes life simple. This city has so much strength.

Everywhere we go people are talking about giving and being nice to each other. At the same time, Edmontonians have kept the balance of life. This is a homogenous community.

Everyone feels like they belong. That is what I love the most about Edmonton.”

For most, being a prestigious home builder in a city where housing prices are largely tied to the highs and lows of oil and gas would present challenges; but Gupta has discovered a key way to mitigate risk.

“Our challenges have not been many,” he confides. “Through treating our peers, trades and suppliers with fairness and honesty, and by fulfilling our obligations, we have minimized our challenges. There were ups and downs in the company but we manage them well.”

The rewards of doing business this way have culminated in one important word for Gupta – reputation. “From the very beginning I knew we would be known by the company we kept. I wanted to ensure that I created ethical relationships with the best people. Now we are known and respected in the community. That is the biggest reward. We are perceived as a balanced company.

Numerous organizations back this up by showering the Rohit Group with awards. In 2011, Rohit Group was on the Alberta Venture Fast Growth 50 and the Private 50 lists.

The CHBA - Edmonton Awards of Excellence in Housing recognized Rohit consistently from 2010 – 2015 for many successes, including leadership, marketing, design excellence

ROHIT GROUP HAS ALSO BEEN NAMED TO CANADA’S TOP 100 SMALL & MEDIUM EMPLOYERS LIST TWO YEARS IN A ROW AND IS A CURRENT FINALIST FOR ALBERTA’S BEST WORKPLACES. and the prestigious Builder of the Year. Rohit Group has also been named to Canada’s Top 100 Small & Medium Employers list two years in a row and is a current finalist for Alberta’s Best Workplaces.

In 2010, Rohit Group was a finalist in EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year Prairies Region in the Real Estate and Construction category. In 2014, they won.

“Entrepreneur Of The Year. That is an award I never thought we would win,” Gupta says, still amazed at coming out ahead of the many other wonderful companies he’s worked beside in the region. “It’s a prestigious award and EY does a great job of organizing it. I’m proud of our staff, our peers – everybody!”

Since the company’s launch in 1986, Rohit has built thousands of high quality dwellings and while Gupta is proud to say that the majority all of Rohit’s projects were successful, Heritage at Parsons Creek stands out. Gupta explains, “Our biggest land development, the Parsons Creek project, started in Fort McMurray in 2011. The energy boom started in Fort McMurray and things were going well.

There was a large demand for housing and the province ABOVE: ROHIT REVOLUTIONIZED THE CONDO INDUSTRY WITH ELEGANT OPTIONS AND DESIGNS. PHOTO SOURCE: ROHIT COMMUNITIES

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OCTOBER 2015 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

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RADHE GUPTA: ROHIT GROUP OF COMPANIES’ CEO IS CONTENT // COVER

“A leader has to surround themselves with smart, intelligent people. Leaders of companies are as good as the weakest link.

The leader’s job is to keep their eyes on the chain and make sure every link is sound and he or she is supporting and providing solutions. Leaders have to be mentors.”

Gupta goes on to provide insight into things leaders and entrepreneurs should focus on. “The money and finances are the most important thing for the business. So, make sure that you manage the finances very well and buy smart. If you don’t control costs, things can go out of control. The second most important is your staff and senior management. If you don’t have good staff and support systems, you cannot survive.”

owned the land. The requirement for lots and housing was so big and when the province released the land in 2011, we developed over 600 lots in three years. It was a $180 million project – the biggest and fastest one we ever developed!

In this industry, it’s not easy to achieve these figures in such a short period of time. It was a very unique situation; not many believed we could pull it off. The province, staff, city developers – we all worked together to create a win-win situation for everyone. Fort McMurray has been instrumental to the growth of our company.”

While Gupta looks forward to continuing in his CEO role for several more years, he rests easy knowing he has a capable successor and looks forward to seeing Rohit Group carry on under the leadership of his son. Rohit Gupta (for whom the company was named) is the current president of the Group and following in his father’s footsteps, he will embody all the positive things the family and Group’s patriarch has built so far.

“In my opinion, entrepreneurship is everywhere,” Gupta says thoughtfully. “Entrepreneurship is thinking ahead, taking risks, trying new things and always being prepared for the next set of circumstances. Once you plan ahead, you are an entrepreneur.

“Entrepreneurs have to be fair, no, they have to be more than fair. You must always deliver on your promises. All you have is your word. If you don’t fulfill your promises, you will be discounted throughout your journey.

Gupta is thankful to everyone that believed in and worked with Rohit Group; all the stakeholders, homeowners and staff. He is especially thankful for Canadian Western Bank.

With them from the very beginning, Gupta credits this bank as a big part of the company’s success.

When it comes to the one person that Gupta believes truly holds the company together, he credits his wife, Krishna.

“She has been the backbone of the company and works from behind the scenes. She has excellent attention to detail.

As the company faces challenges, you need somebody to stand firm and provide support. My wife has been – more than once – the person that stood there and made sure that she is able to solve the issues and take care of them in any department. She is responsible for the success and strength of the company.”

Gupta is proud of Rohit Group’s achievements, his staff and the way his company operates. “I have achieved everything that I wanted to achieve,” he says with perfect contentment. I created a balanced company. My staff is the best of the best. The biggest wealth I have created is my staff and my people. We have created a very financially stable and forward-looking company. We are really very, very far from the current challenges and downturn in Alberta; in fact, we are looking to expand our company during this time by expanding into Calgary and Regina. We will continue to grow in the coming years.”

Radhe Gupta is in the enviable position of being able to look back on his life knowing he did what he wanted to do, changed many lives for the better, and created an enduring legacy. He is, deservedly, a content, satisfied man.

ABOVE: FORM, FUNCTION AND SERENITY ARE BUILT INTO THESE STYLISH HOMES. PHOTO SOURCE: ROHIT COMMUNITIES

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OCTOBER 2015 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

Legacy Builders 2015

Celebrating legacy builders in the Prairies.

© 2015 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved.

“Entrepreneur Of The Year” is a registered trademark of EYGN Limited.

Proudly honouring energy, passion and innovation Special supplement published by Business in Calgary and Business in Edmonton.

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Celebrating Canada’s entrepreneurial stars Canada’s top entrepreneurs truly are stars of the business world. They burn brightly and light the way for others. They soar across the landscape, each one unique. They shine with an intensity unmatched by others, in an environment where the sky is no limit.

Everyone looks up to the brightest entrepreneurial stars.

That’s why EY is proud to support and guide Canada’s best and brightest entrepreneurs.

For over 20 years, we’ve honoured their achievements with the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® Awards.

The legacies these men and women are creating stand as inspiration to future generations of entrepreneurs, just as they’ve been driven to succeed by the innovators of the past. They’re always searching for better — probing paths less travelled and transforming the world with new ideas, products, services and ways of doing business.

Storytelling is a powerful thing. I encourage you to read the stories in these pages of this year’s award finalists. I have no doubt you’ll be inspired by their passion and energy.

These stars are certainly worth looking up to.

Great stars need a supporting cast. We’re thankful to the sponsors who have joined us to shine the spotlight on the legacy builders. This year’s national program sponsors are TEC Canada, La Presse, RDI, TMX, Merrill DataSite, Kira Talent, Air Canada and The Printing House Limited. Our regional sponsor is Business in Calgary and Business in Edmonton magazine.

I invite you to join us to celebrate entrepreneurial success at the Prairies awards gala in Calgary on 15 October 2015. For tickets and more information, contact Louise Hyland at louise.hyland@ca.ey.com.

Rob Jolley Prairies Director, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year

Table of Contents Manufacturing Shaun Semple - Brandt Group of Companies - page 8 | David Welsh - priMED Medical Products Inc. - page 10 | Gary Haley - Vantage Foods Inc. - page 12 | Peter Dueck, Sid Dueck - Vidir Machine Inc. - page 14

Real Estate and Construction Bert DeBruin, Jeanette DeBruin - AltaPro Electric Ltd. - page 15 | Brian Halina - Chemco Electrical Contractors Ltd. - page 16 | Bob Dhillon - Mainstreet Equity Corp. - page 18

Energy Services Scott Dodds - High Mark Crane Ltd. - page 20 | Mike Schnell, Chris Challis - Maverick Oilfield Services Ltd. - page 22 | Troy Ferguson - Redrock Camps Inc. - page 24 | Ashley Godwin, Kyle Melnyk - TAHK Projects Ltd. - page 26

Agricultural and Environmental Innovation Dr. Jianhua Zhu - BioNeutra Global Corporation - page 28 | Darryl Nelson, Warren Nelson - Nelson Environmental Remediation Ltd. - page 30 | Norbert Beaujot - SeedMaster Manufacturing Ltd. - page 32 | Shane Olson - Shercom Industries Inc. - page 34

Special Citation – Social Entrepreneur Alfred Nikolai - Habitat for Humanity Edmonton - page 36

Emerging Entrepreneur Dale Kearns - BrightPath Early Learning Inc. - page 38 | Jeremy Leonard - Canada Pump and Power Corporation - page 40 | John Stevens - ENTREC Corporation - page 42 | Todd Van Vliet - Frac Shack International Inc. - page 44

Business-to-Consumer Products and Services Patrick Priestner - AutoCanada Inc. - page 46 | Louis Stack - Fitter International Inc. - page 48 | Milt Reimer - FXR Factory Racing Inc. - page 50 | Greg Stahl - New West Truck Centres - page 52

Technology and Communications Geoff Lyon - CoolIT Systems Inc. - page 54 | Alex Webb - F12 Networks - page 55 | Lindsay Dodd - Savvia Inc. - page 56 | Geoffrey Thompson - Vintri Technologies Inc. - page 57

EY Family Business Award of Excellence James Richardson & Sons, Limited - page 58

Oil and Gas Pat Wilson - Camex Equipment Sales & Rentals Inc. - page 60 | Liam Balfour - New Wave Energy Services Group Ltd. - page 62 | Pat Carlson - Seven Generations Energy Ltd. - page 64 | Josh Thompson - WISE Intervention Services Inc. - page 66

Professional and Financial Services Shannon Bowen-Smed - BOWEN - page 68 | Fayaz Chunara - FC Telec Consultants Ltd. - page 70 | Vivian Manasc - Manasc Isaac Architects - page 71 | Melanie Wildman - WLF Medical - page 72

Business-to-Business Products and Services Joe Sunner, Harry Sunner - Durabuilt Windows & Doors Inc. - page 74 | Christopher Micetich - NAEJA Pharmaceuticals / Fedora Pharmaceuticals - page 76 | Jack Tremain - Pumps & Pressure Inc. - page 78 Published by O.T. Communications | www.otcommunications.com | Canadian publications mail sales product agreement No. 41126516 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to circulation deptartment: 1025 101 6th Ave. SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3P4 | info@businessincalgary.com

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

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To judge talent, you need lots of it.

It takes talent to know talent. We couldn’t celebrate the Prairie’s brightest entrepreneurs without the powerful insights of our judges. We’re truly grateful.

Saurabh Agarwal

Prabha Vaidyanathan

Allison Grafton

Dale Wishewan

Steve King

Anita Wortzman

Principal, Warburg Pincus

Founder and Partner, Rockwood Custom Homes

President & CEO, Alaris Royalty Corp.

Ashif Mawji

President, Trust Science

CEO, Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.

President & CEO, Booster Juice

CEO, Acumen Corporate Development

Meet our Prairies leadership team Saskatoon Rob Jolley

Evan Shoforost

Program Director, Entrepreneur Of The Year

Managing Partner 306 934 8000 evan.shoforost@ca.ey.com

780 638 6656 rob.m.jolley@ca.ey.com

Louise Hyland

Greg Keller

Program Specialist, Entrepreneur Of The Year

Office Leader, Entrepreneur Of The Year

403 206 5372 louise.hyland@ca.ey.com

306 649 8218 greg.keller@ca.ey.com

Calgary

Winnipeg Kent Kaufield

Joe Healey

Managing Partner

Managing Partner

403 206 5100 kent.d.kaufield@ca.ey.com

204 954 5568 joe.a.healey@ca.ey.com

Dean Radomsky Office Leader, Entrepreneur Of The Year 403 206 5180 dean.w.radomsky@ca.ey.com

Edmonton Ross Haffie Managing Partner 780 423 5811 ross.m.haffie@ca.ey.com

Industry Manufacturing

Shaun Semple Brandt Group of Companies Regina

S

haun Semple is President and CEO of the Brandt Group of Companies. Founded in 1932, the company that delivers innovative equipment solutions and started with 60 employees has now grown into a multinational company, employing more than 1,900 people and servicing markets in more than 20 countries on six continents.

When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur at an early age. I always dreamed about working at Brandt because that is where my father worked.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

You need to be able to do three things: build relationships, have the vision to see what things can be and take risks.

How are you reshaping the world?

We’re bringing down the myth that in order to be a large company you need to be in a major centre, and that in order to grow to a significant size you must go public.

What’s your legacy? “ “We took a small, legacy Regina-based “ company and grew it into a multinational company — and we kept it local.“

What’s the one thing that you cannot live without?

Family. Close family ties are what keeps us grounded and based in Regina.

To what do you attribute your success?

I owe my success to my family, and specifically to my father, who always believed in me.

What motivates you?

I am motivated by building. I love dreaming, seeing something that no one else sees or believes is possible, developing and seeing a plan through to the end and watching the new project thrive.

My best advice for entrepreneurs is to follow these three rules: do what’s right, do your best and treat others as you would want to be treated.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

BLOOD, SWEAT & GEARS. It is humbling and gratifying to be acknowledged as an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year finalist. Our success as a company is due to the tireless efforts of an outstanding team, and for me, sharing this success with them is the best reward of all.

Thank you.

brandt.ca

Manufacturing

David Welsh priMED Medical Products Inc. Edmonton

T

he business’s motto really says it all: “manufacture, deliver, protect.” In order to successfully achieve this hard and fast standard, priMed has ensured that its employees are integral, contributing members of the greater team, because their mission is an important one: protect those on either side of the health-care desk.

David Welsh is the catalyst of the company, always encouraging innovation, ingenuity and community.

Are entrepreneurs born or made?

Both — innate skills like leadership, confidence and salesmanship are necessary, but so are things like experience, mentorship and exposure to other entrepreneurs.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Confidence, vision, the courage to take a calculated risk and the ability to problem solve with creativity.

What’s unique about your business?

Our business model is unique and innovative in itself, and we’re always looking to change and grow as a business.

What sets Canadian entrepreneurs apart on the world stage?

We have a unique balance of innovation, family values and social corporate responsibility.

What have you done to ensure your company remains innovative and entrepreneurial?

We’ve developed a work culture that is engaged and committed and that inspires teamwork.

What’s your legacy?

“To improve the safety and protection for clinicians, patients and the public through our high-quality products; to be identifiable as a high-quality employer. “

To what do you attribute your success?

My great team of passionate and committed people.

How do you define success?

Achieving a balanced life between work and family, and having the desire and excitement to go to work each day.

My best advice for entrepreneurs is start now. Don’t be afraid. If a disaster happens, chances are it can be turned into something great.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

Manufacturing

Gary Haley Vantage Foods Inc. Calgary

F

ounded in 1997 by CEO Gary Haley, Vantage Foods Inc. is a private label manufacturer of retail-ready fresh meat products. Now operating four modern facilities in Canada and the U.S., and with 1,300 employees, Vantage supplies major chain supermarkets with merchandising programs designed to increase consumer satisfaction and deliver superior retail meat department performance.

When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Because I was born into an entrepreneurial family, finding my own entrepreneurial path was instinctive.

Are entrepreneurs born or made?

Entrepreneurship can be learned — however, entrepreneurship hardwired into their DNA.

What’s your legacy? the

ultra-successful

have

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

A healthy dissatisfaction with the status quo, relentless focus on customer needs, a dedicated team, innovation and integrity — and a little luck doesn’t hurt!

What sets Canadian entrepreneurs apart on the world stage?

Internationally, Canadian entrepreneurs are perceived as fair and polite, trustworthy and reliable.

To what do you attribute your success?

We live and breathe our core values as the essence of our culture and a key source of our competitive advantage. We surround ourselves with great customers and outstanding employees, and it is our stated priority to look after them in every way.

How do you define success?

Integrity, defined as daily delivery of our Brand Promise to customers, and relationships as measured by the exceptional calibre of our retail partners, suppliers and employees.

My advice to entrepreneurs is to find a business you’re passionate about.

Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle, a choice that is demanding but very rewarding. Surround yourself with great people. Look after your customers and employees and the business will largely look after itself.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

“To leave a culture of excellence and integrity and to serve as a role model for my children, employees and aspiring entrepreneurs and personally to make meaningful financial contributions to children’s charities.“

1300 People Created This Masterpiece

Each one is integral to the integrity of our Brand Promise.

Hats off to our employees—the champions who come through for Vantage every day.

And thank you to our retail partners.

Together we are a winning team.

vantagefoods.net

Manufacturing

Peter Dueck, Sid Dueck Vidir Machine Inc. Arborg

I

nnovative storage solutions are what put Co-Presidents Sid and Peter Dueck’s company on the radar, but it has been the business’s ongoing success that has solidified their place in the entrepreneurial world.

Are entrepreneurs born or made?

Sid: Both. Establishing a business is hard and you learn from your mistakes, but it is how you react to those mistakes that defines you as an entrepreneur.

Peter: Made. The key ingredients are opportunity and a mentor.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Sid: Leadership and vision.

Peter: Resilience, passion and relationships.

What would winning Entrepreneur Of The Year mean to you?

Sid: It would be an honour to be recognized for what our team has been able to achieve over the last 30 years.

Peter: It would be an affirmation of the value of community and teamwork. Every associate contributed to the collective success, and I owe gratitude to each of our staff.

Looking back, what’s one thing that you would do differently, professionally speaking?

Sid: I wished I’d pursued more university training in business.

Peter: Make difficult decisions sooner.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

Sid: A commercial pilot flying international routes.

Peter: A cowboy.

What’s your legacy?

Peter: “The golden rule: treat people the way you want to be treated.”

Sid: “I want to be viewed as a man who gives back to make our community and the global community a better place.“

To what do you attribute your success?

Sid: My upbringing. Family, community and God were very important.

Peter: Our emotional quotient (EQ). Learning not to give up or fly off the handle keeps us in the game. EQ is a combination of genetics, family and faith.

Our best advice for other entrepreneurs is to surround yourself with loyal, dependable people and work hard to create a positive culture within your business.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

Real Estate and Construction

Bert DeBruin and Jeanette DeBruin AltaPro Electric Ltd. Edmonton

H

ubert (Bert) and Jeanette DeBruin have been working side by side since the inception of AltaPro Electric in 1987. Starting with smaller residential projects, the company has since evolved to include multi-family, commercial and industrial projects throughout the Edmonton and surrounding areas.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Bert: Determination, the ability to adapt to an ever-changing market and innovation.

Jeanette: The ability to create a healthy culture and be real. Continuous learning, and always continuing to develop your business.

What’s unique about your business?

Bert: We develop people and career hire. In the trades, this is uncommon.

Jeanette: We have our own training and mentoring program.

How are you accelerating growth in Canada?

Bert: Our in-house training facility of a miniature building allows people to have supervised training.

Jeanette: We designed our prefabrication shop inside our warehouse so that young workers can be developed to reach their full potential.

What’s your legacy?

“The intentional development of leaders in order to set them up for success now and in the future. “

What have you done to ensure your company remains innovative and entrepreneurial?

Bert: We’ve designed our own software that’s ideal for electrical projects and business management.

Jeanette: We adopt the latest technology, which engages all levels, from field to office, collaborating with labour, material and project management requirements.

What’s your passion other than entrepreneurship?

Bert: Working with people and developing them to their highest potential.

Jeanette: We enjoy seeing how each person is designed for greatness.

How do you define success?

Bert: A healthy culture where people enjoy their career.

Jeanette: A workplace where people feel valued and appreciated.

Our best advice for entrepreneurs is make sure you own your goals and know your vision. You need perseverance, and you need to take naysayers with a grain of salt.

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

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Real Estate and Construction

Brian Halina Chemco Electrical Contractors Edmonton

B

rian Halina, President and CEO of Chemco Electrical Contractors, believes in taking care of people. His former business partners describe him as “the best business partner you could hope for, a man of integrity, honesty and respect and an employer who always felt a responsibility to his employees.”

What’s unique about your business?

Chemco is the largest non-publicly traded employeeowned electrical and instrumentation company in Canada.

What’s your legacy?

What’s next for the business?

We will continue to expand across Canada and build strong joint-venture partnerships with Aboriginal communities.

How are you reshaping the world?

By building a company that maintains a strong sense of humanity.

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

My family.

What was your first job?

Filling in trenches and laying grass sod for a company called Doug Smith Electric.

Bob Reid, the manager at the time, hired me after calling my uncle to see if he knew anyone looking for work. Eventually, he and I became partners, and in 1976 we acquired the company, renaming it to Chemco Electrical Contractors in 1978. The rest is history.

“Building a company that is founded on family values.

The company is based on community and the philosophy that ‘we all pull together,’ no matter what.“

What was your most difficult career experience and what did you learn from it?

On January 2, 1996, I had to tell my employees the company was in trouble and that I had no work for them. The employees rallied together, and we navigated through that storm. I learned that a big part of entrepreneurial success is to surround yourself with people who have a “can-do no matter what” attitude.

My best advice for other entrepreneurs is to always take full responsibility for your actions. Treat people with respect, and dare to dream big.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

We Build Industry

“It’s a tremendous honour to be nominated for this award and a true reflection of everyone’s dedication in the Chemco family. It is through the combined effort and talents of our team, clients and our suppliers that we have been able to build and grow our organization.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey for over 50 years.”

Brian Halina President & CEO

Committed to providing the energy industry with construction solutions. From engineering through to commissioning we have the experience and expertise to bring our clients projects in on time and on budget.

www.chemco.com

780.436.9570

Real Estate and Construction

Bob Dhillon Mainstreet Equity Corp.

Calgary | TSX:MEQ

S

ince 2000, Mainstreet Equity Corporation has grown its portfolio from 272 units with approximately $17 million in market value, to 9,159 units (YTD) with approximately $1.3 billion in market value. The Founder and largest shareholder, Bob Dhillon, started his career in his teens and continued to evolve the size and scope of his investments while earning an MBA. Today, Dhillon is involved in several ventures including overseas property development.

What makes you stand out from others?

Taking risks while being innovative and creative, and swimming upstream.

How are you reshaping the world?

I am using my intellectual capital, as well as lessons I learn being on the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation board, to help teach the world how to provide affordable housing in emerging markets.

What’s your legacy?

“To be the world’s best capital allocator in real estate. “

To what do you attribute your success?

Never giving up, working hard, taking big chances and educating myself at every possible opportunity.

What funding methods have you used over the years?

Internal cash flow from my business, as well as flipping and reselling real estate. Also the capital, debt and mortgage banking markets.

Where do you want to be in the next 10 years?

I would like to teach the world about being an entrepreneur and all the skills I have learned in real estate, and to mentor all those who want to learn.

How do you define success?

Internal happiness, freedom, the ability to give and the ability to do whatever you want to do whenever you want to.

The best advice I have for entrepreneurs is to always take advice from people who have achieved some level of success. Generally speaking, people taking advice from relatives and friends are people who are not successful.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

Can you keep moving forward without getting stuck?

Let’s talk about how EY can help you find new ways to thrive. ey.com/ca

© 2015 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved. 1634611

Energy Services

Scott Dodds High Mark Crane Ltd. Edmonton

H

igh Mark Crane & Rigging provides “more than a lift.” The company offers a wide range of lifting, raising and transportation services for oil, gas and construction companies across Alberta. Founder Scott Dodds leads by example and tenacity, challenging his team to excel daily and providing each client with the quality equipment and service they deserve. High Mark’s expansion into the United States earlier this year marks another milestone for the uplifting company.

When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

In Grade 3, I wrote down three things I would do.

The first was to be a millionaire by 40, the second was to be a business owner and the third was to write a book. So far, I haven’t written that book.

Are entrepreneurs born or made?

Entrepreneurs are created. You become what you think about, read about and listen to.

What’s your legacy?

“I made use of very little to do a lot — with the help of many people. “

What are common misconceptions about your business and/or entrepreneurship in general?

A common misconception about entrepreneurship is that success is overnight.

This usually is not the case.

How can Canada support a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem?

By having other entrepreneurs teach our kids in the school system about entrepreneurship and how to handle money.

What funding methods have you used over the years?

RPOs (rental purchase options) and traditional lease and bank financing.

To what do you attribute your success?

Winston Churchill’s quote: “Never, never, never give up.”

What was your most difficult career experience and what did you learn from it?

Nearly going broke. I learned very quickly about fiduciary responsibility.

My best advice for other entrepreneurs echoes the words of Churchill. Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

MORE THAN A LIFT

THANK YOU The strength of our company is that of our employees.

Thank you for your hard work, commitment and accountability you bring with you to work every day.

Working in partnership with our clients we strive to provide excellence and pride in the work that we do. Thank you to you for your loyalty and belief in us.

I am proud and honoured to share this recognition with my valued team, as well as our clients. Their shared dedication and belief in High Mark Crane & Rigging has led us to where we are as a company today.

-Scott Dodds

1320 77 Ave NW, Edmonton AB | Ph. 780-450-2188| highmarkcrane.com

Energy Services

Mike Schnell and Chris Challis Maverick Oilfield Services Ltd. Calgary

W

hen asked what business they’re in, Mike Schnell and Chris Challis both reply, “The people-building business.” After 37 years in business, the entrepreneurs of Maverick Oilfield Services Ltd. attribute their success to putting people before the bottom line.

When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Chris: I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so it was kind of a natural progression.

Mike: I had to be an entrepreneur. There were no jobs where I grew up. From early on, I knew I had to carve out my own path.

What’s unique about your business?

Chris: We put people first — always.

Mike: Our apprenticeship program. We’ve helped produce three of the top pipefitters in all of Alberta. We’re very proud of this.

What sets Canadians apart on the world stage?

Chris: We take more risks.

Mike: The four seasons. Canadians have to be ready for everything.

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

Chris: Honesty and integrity.

Mike: Same thing. Without that, you’ve got nothing.

What’s your legacy?

Chris: “Leaving people better off than they were before they met me.“ Mike: “I want people to say, “If you want to get the job done and done right, phone Mike.“

What’s your passion other than entrepreneurship?

Chris: Seeing my kids succeed.

Mike: Seeing my grandkids succeed.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?

Chris: My dad. He led by example.

Mike: My dad. He told me, “You can do that,” and so I did.

[Regarding plans for future growth], while the cornerstone of our business is oil and gas services, we are looking to diversify into other market opportunities and energy sectors. There’s so much economic and political change right now, but we aren’t going to get caught in a downdraught. Where there is change, there is opportunity.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

THANK YOU Entrepreneurs are critical for economic development and innovation and it is an honour to be included in this group of exceptional finalists. Mike and I come from very diverse backgrounds but have very similar values, one of which is caring for our people. We know that our success depends very heavily on the people we have around us. Only by having the right people in place are we able to be a part of the 2015 Entrepreneur Of The Year group.

We would like to especially thank all those who have been with Maverick for well over 25 years and those who have recently joined the team. Without you we could not have the company we have today or be even considered as Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists. Thanks to the entire team at Maverick and affiliated companies, Latigo Trucking Ltd. and Legion Rig Services LLC. This honour we share with you.

-Chris Challis CEO

Pipeline Installation

Transportation

Facility Construction

320, 15 ROYAL VISTAPLACE NW CALGARY, AB 403.234.8822 |MAVOIL.COM

Energy Services

Troy Ferguson Redrock Camps Inc. Calgary

T

roy Ferguson, Founder and CEO of Redrock Camps, is leading one of today’s premier Canadian camp companies in providing turnkey hospitality and modular workforce accommodation solutions. Founded in 2006, Redrock has grown exponentially. Ferguson credits the company’s success to high principles, collaboration and value creation for all stakeholders.

Are entrepreneurs born or made?

I think entrepreneurial spirit comes from within but has to be unlocked for most. Experience, selfawareness and someone who believes in what you have to offer are key ingredients.

What’s next for the business?

Redrock is a remote logistics business that just happens to provide camps. As we reach further for our resources and continue on the path of appreciation for Canada’s First Nations peoples, I see my company helping to create and sustain communities.

What would winning Entrepreneur Of The Year mean to you?

It would mean so many positive things, but the most noteworthy would be gaining the added confidence to share what I’ve learned with our future Canadian entrepreneurs.

What have you done to ensure your company remains innovative and entrepreneurial?

I’ve created a place where people are allowed to imagine. Letting people put their imaginations to work ultimately results in innovation.

What’s your passion other than entrepreneurship?

All things aviation. I fly for fun every chance I get.

What’s your legacy?

“If I can look in my rear-view mirror and know that I helped one kid unleash the entrepreneur within, and that they, in turn, create jobs and value for others to help their families get a chance, I’ll be the happiest old guy around.“

Who has been your greatest inspiration?

My mother doesn’t realize it, but she’s a brilliant lady. She taught me everything I’ve needed without even knowing it.

My best advice for other entrepreneurs is that everything you do is important and will shape your strength as a leader.

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Taking Care of Workers on the Resource Frontier Remote Camp Hospitality Customized Modular Workforce Accommodation Attract and retain skilled labour with Redrock.

Redrock offers heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has contributed to our success. Without you, we would not be the company we are today.

Corporate Head Office Suite 1500, 340 - 12th Ave SW Calgary, AB T2R 1L5 Tel 403.264.7610 | www.redrockcamps.com

Operations Centre Unit 16, 12808 – 170 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5V 0A6

Energy Services

Ashley Godwin, Kyle Melnyk TAHK Projects Ltd. Sherwood Park

R

aising safety and quality standards in the oilfield industry: that was the challenge, but it didn’t take long for a mental exercise to turn into a successful business innovation for Ashley Godwin and Kyle Melnyk, Founders of TAHK Projects Ltd. What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Ashley: You need to be driven, dedicated, have wit and a sense of humour.

Kyle: Flexibility.

What’s unique about your business?

Ashley: We have a pipeline and facility division.

Kyle: We focus on what we know best; and are able to offer our clients the best in both areas.

Common misconceptions about your business/entrepreneurship in general?

Ashley: In the beginning everyone thought we were making lots of money and keeping it to ourselves.

Kyle: We were working 20 hours a day to make the business successful, some people thought it came easy.

What’s your legacy?

“Inspiring people to do better, be better and reach higher.“

How can Canada support a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem?

Ashley: Greater government consideration should be given for new and established companies.

Kyle: Providing financial breaks and subsidies for training of both owners and employees.

What’s the toughest feedback you’ve ever received and how did you learn from it?

Ashley: Someone we respected once said we needed to focus more on project control.

Kyle: We didn’t give project control much thought then, but now it’s one of our best strengths.

How do you define success?

Ashley: Quality of life.

Kyle: Family, health and wealth.

Our best advice for other entrepreneurs is not to expect rewards in the beginning. Focus on being dedicated and work hard. Support your business and it will support you.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

Agricultural and Environmental Innovation

Dr. Jianhua Zhu BioNeutra Global Corporation Edmonton | CNSX: BGA

B

ioNeutra Global Corporation is an Edmontonbased success story. The company specializes in the research, development and production of food ingredients for nutraceutical foods. Founder, President and CEO Dr. Jianhua Zhu patented BioNeutra technology, which naturally transforms starch molecules from local agriculture cereal crops (such as corn, wheat, barley and potato) into functional health molecules. BioNeutra produces VitaFiber™, which is a popular dietary fibre, prebiotic and a low-caloric nutritive sweetener.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

It’s important to have innovative and creative ideas, but entrepreneurs must be organized and work as a member of a team.

What’s unique about your business?

Agriculture isn’t traditionally considered a business, but it is. We provide valueadded services for the business of agriculture.

What’s your legacy?

“Developing health concepts that improve the quality of life.“

What sets Canadian entrepreneurs apart on the world stage?

Canadian entrepreneurs tend to be more collaborative and open-minded.

What’s the one thing that you cannot live without?

I cannot live without my family.

What funding methods have you used over the years?

I’ve sourced funding from friends as well as individual and professional investors.

How do you define success?

Working hard and achieving health aspects that help make life better.

Entrepreneurs should know this about working with others — it’s all about collaboration and teamwork. That’s the catalyst for being effective in whatever you do and for professional and personal success.

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What transforms around the corner to around the world?

Through our global Entrepreneur Of The YearTM program, EY has helped thousands of companies grow from local to global. ey.com/acceleratinggrowth #BetterQuestions

Agricultural and Environmental Innovation

Darryl Nelson, Warren Nelson Nelson Environmental Remediation Ltd. Spruce Grove

D

arryl and Warren Nelson are, first and foremost, farm boys. In 1992, they founded Nelson Environmental Remediation Ltd. (NER) in an effort to diversify their family’s construction company. Today, NER delivers effective and certain thermal soil remediation under extreme conditions.

The brothers are proud to call themselves the first generation of “dirt cleaners” in a family line of “dirt farmers” and “dirt movers” (road cleaners).

When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Darryl: I grew up in an entrepreneurial family. It’s the only thing I’ve ever known.

Warren: Probably the day my father died. I was 13. I knew then that it was time to roll up my sleeves and get busy working.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Darryl: Strategist, ambassador, inventor, investor, coach, student, visionary.

Warren: Courage, tenacity, fairness, level-headedness and the ability to listen and take good advice.

What would winning Entrepreneur Of The Year mean to you?

Darryl and Warren: Recognition of a unique company and a lifetime of work.

What’s the one thing that you cannot live without?

Darryl: The feeling of making a difference.

Warren: Mother Nature.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

Darryl: A successful entrepreneur.

Warren: A farmer.

What’s your legacy?

Darryl: “Creating the only company capable of delivering thermal soil remediation under the conditions we operate in.“ Warren: “Helping Mother Nature by cleaning contaminated soil and contributing to a healthier earth.“

What’s your passion other than entrepreneurship?

Darryl: Coaching and mentoring younger people.

Warren: Farming, my dog and antique equipment.

Our best advice for entrepreneurs is to not get discouraged when things don’t come as easily or quickly as you want them to. Stick to it, and don’t let immediate problems get in the way of future goals.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

Nelson Environmental Remediation Ltd.

» Global Customers

» Onsite Service

» Guranteed Results » Cradle to Grave Site Management

» Liability Elimination

Nelson Environmental Remediation is an Alberta based environmental solutions corporation. Our Thermal Desorption technology is an innovative ex-situ process for remediation of contaminated soils, sediments and sludges. Thermal desorption safely recycles contaminated soil from liability to valuable asset for reuse. Soil is preserved while eliminating liabilities of transportation, long term disposal and backfill importation.

» Full service, turnkey operations for excavation, remediation and reclamation. » Over 40 years of earth moving, soil handling and environmental construction, reclamation and remediation experience.

Call to discuss our “Clean Dirt, No Doubt!” guarantee Phone: 1-888-960-8222 Web: www.NERglobal.com

Agricultural and Environmental Innovation

Norbert Beaujot SeedMaster Manufacturing Ltd. Emerald Park

S

eedMaster Manufacturing Ltd. President Norbert Beaujot is passionate about seeding and the technology that can be used and innovated to increase the world’s food production.

SeedMaster’s equipment is recognized as leading agricultural technology, and the team’s innovations are helping to conquer world hunger.

What’s unique about your business?

We manufacture high-tech equipment for farmers, and that includes computerized functions and automation. Some of our automations include auto steering, auto calibration and auto packing.

Common misconceptions about your business/ entrepreneurship in general?

Where farmers are in terms of technology. Our customers run multimilliondollar operations, which is now the norm in western Canada.

What’s your legacy?

“Advancements in seeding and food production.“

How are you reshaping the world?

We’re significantly adding efficiency to food production, which, in turn, helps reduce world hunger. The more efficient farmers can be, the greater the crop yield.

To what do you attribute your success?

We are entirely focused on an industry that we feel passionate about and have a very deep understanding of the problems involved with seeding.

What’s your passion other than entrepreneurship?

Innovating seed systems and patenting new ideas. At the end of the day, it is all about providing farmers with the tools to grow more food.

What motivates you?

I am motivated by problems, imperfections and the core belief that I can make things better for myself and other people.

We will grow substantially in the next 10 years. We filed for a lot of new patents and with our added production capabilities and projects, we plan to double our present production sales.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

CELEBRATING OUR PAST. INNOVATING FOR THE FUTURE. SeedMaster’s award-winning designs have changed an industry, by improving best farming practices and constantly striving to find a way to do things better, we help progressive farmers continue to increase efficiencies, profitability, and to meet the ever-increasing demands of feeding the world.

SeedMaster’s real strength however, is the long-term commitment and loyalty of our farmers, our network of dealers and suppliers and our staff. We wouldn’t be the company we are today, without the thousands of people that are behind us every step of the way—the pride and glory of being nominated for Entrepreneur Of The Year, belongs to all of them as well.

Thank you for your support.

SeedMaster President & CEO

Norbert Beaujot

www.seedmaster.ca

Agricultural and Environmental Innovation

Shane Olson Shercom Industries Inc. Saskatoon

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hercom Industries Inc. recycles rubber products. Over the course of 23 years, President Shane Olson has converted millions of pounds of scrap tires into valuable products and continues to put them to beneficial use while reducing the impact on the planet.

Are entrepreneurs born or made?

Both. Entrepreneurial strength lies in being born with instincts and courage, made through finding solutions to adversity.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Courage, kindness and perseverance.

How are you reshaping the world?

Shercom is keeping 40–50 million pounds a year out of the landfills and turning it back into usable, long-lasting products.

What have you done to ensure your company remains innovative and entrepreneurial?

New ideas require energy and courage, both of which dwindle as we get older.

Empower young staff to swing away!

What was your most difficult career experience and what did you learn from it?

After an initially difficult career experience, I learned three facts: the buck stops here and I am responsible for the choices I made, be thankful for the jobs I did not aspire to and if change is a possibility, then we have hope.

What book are you reading now?

A biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

My advice for entrepreneurs is to walk away from successes, not failures. Your best is all you can give, and that is good enough to find contentment. The long-term reward of success is measured by making the world a better place where customers are better off and friends and family relationships remain intact.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

What’s your legacy?

“To provide an example to my kids and the business community of building a business by serving others, offering respect to competitors and staff, and to learn contentment in whatever happens on a given day.“

Shane Olson, Founder & President

turn scrap scrap tires tires into into amazing: WeWe turn amazing: I want to thank EY for acknowledging us as a leader in the recycling industry.

It is an honour and privilege to be part of this award.

I am grateful to our staff, my family, and our business community for their generous support and the belief that we can make a difference. I particularly want to recognize and thank our customers. Shercom gets credit for recycling - we change the shape of tires - our customers are the true recyclers when they choose to invest in Shercom products. Thank you.

I want to thank EY for acknowledging us as a leader in the recycling industry.

ItShane is an honour and privilege to be part of this award.

Olson, Founder & President

I am grateful to our staff, my family, and our business community for their generous support and the belief that we can make a difference. I particularly want to recognize and thank our customers. Shercom gets credit for recycling - we Rubber Playground Pour-In-Place change the shape of tires - our customers are the true recyclers when they choose to invest in Shercom products. Thank you.

Landscapes Surfaces Traffic Shane Olson, Founder & President

Rubber Playground Pour-In-Place

Landscapes

Traffic

Surfaces

Rubber Mulch - Bark

Curb Ramps

Residential Rubber Paving

Rubber Mulch - Bark

Curb Ramps

Residential Rubber Paving

www.shercomindustries.com www.shercomindustries.com 1.888.SHERCOM 1.888.SHERCOM

Special Citation Social Entrepreneur

Alfred Nikolai Habitat for Humanity Edmonton Edmonton

F

ounded in 1991, Habitat for Humanity Edmonton Society (HFHE) has served more families than any other affiliate in Canada.

Since his appointment in 2005, Alfred Nikolai has increased the average families served from 4.6% per year to an astounding 33.3% annually.

Nikolai pioneered bringing the HFHE model to Métis settlements across Alberta and holds an unwavering belief that everybody in the world deserves a safe family home to call their own.

Are entrepreneurs born or made?

Both. Some folks look at a new idea and right away they figure out why or how it won’t work. Others visualize a new idea and see how they can make it work.

What is unique about your business?

We are non-profit but operate like a business. We run a medium-size construction, banking, retail and social service organization.

How are you reshaping the world?

Habitat believes everyone in the world needs a safe home. Each home we build creates a funding source to build another home. It’s a sustainable model, locally and globally.

What’s your legacy?

“Our legacy is linked to every child we help get out of the cycle of poverty. “

What is your dream vacation?

Going to a developing nation to build a home in a foreign country for Habitat for Humanity.

Where do you want to be in the next 10 years?

Still involved with Habitat in some way.

What motivates you?

Witnessing the transformation of every Habitat family and working with our volunteers.

In 10 years, Habitat hopes to add at least 10 more communities to our program and to see our building and funding model become viable and sustainable in Aboriginal communities. We also aim to eventually be completely selfsufficient as a charity.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

AWARD-WINNING CONCEPT-TO-COMPLETION PRODUCTION HOUSE FOR WEB, FILM & TV Directors, Writers, Producers, Director of Photography, Film Editor

CORPORATE REELS, COMMERCIAL SPOTS, IN-HOUSE VISUALS, AND PRETTY MUCH ANY OTHER FORMAT ON THE PLANET

YOUR REEL, YOUR WAY © 2015 C.J.S. PRODUCTIONS INC. Calgary . Toronto . New York . Los Angeles

Email/Call us, let’s do it.

hello@LnCStyle.com

587.700.7744

Emerging Entrepreneur

Dale Kearns BrightPath Early Learning Inc. Calgary | TSXVE: BPE:BENTURE

B

rightPath Early Learning is dedicated to providing a learning environment that offers children a complete early learning and care package. BrightPath targets curriculum alongside nutrition, care and programming, and introduces children to technology. Dale Kearns, President of BrightPath, sees this business as the business to be in.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Leadership, perseverance, knowing your strengths and weaknesses and complementing yourself with the right team.

What’s unique about your business?

Many businesses cater to children; we have over 4,500 children every day whose minds and bodies we care for and develop. We can’t think of another business that offers as much reward, and affects families in such a profound way.

What’s next for the business?

Apart from innovation of child development programs, we want to evolve to be more family centric by providing parents with a broader offering of support for their children.

What sets Canadian entrepreneurs apart on the world stage?

We think Canadians hold special value when it comes to social responsibility, and this manifests itself in business dealings in global markets.

If you weren’t in your current leadership position, what would you be doing?

Giving something to others, possibly teaching.

What’s your legacy?

“We hope to have created broadbased innovative childcare in Canada where child development has evolved to include measurable outcomes that are way, way past the concept of daycare. “

What motivates you?

Emerging opportunities in the Canadian market that require multifaceted perspectives in order to pursue. Building something and making it successful.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?

My greatest inspiration is my wife, Maria, who has considerable experience in this field and the credentials to back it up.

My best advice for other entrepreneurs is to surround yourself with the best team of people, offer great leadership and take risks.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

Unlocking your growth potential Whatever your growth aspirations — whether it’s to grow from local to global, from private to public, from challenger to leader, or from millions to billions — we can help you achieve your goals.

We asked entrepreneurs from startup to standout what they needed to accelerate growth. We’ve developed the 7 drivers of growth to help companies align their capabilities with their growth strategy.

Written by: Colleen McMorrow National Director, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year, Canadian Leader, Strategic Growth Markets, EY

1

Customer

2

From the outset, leading companies make customers their focal point. They understand that by putting customers’ needs and desires first, they can achieve a competitive advantage.

Even after becoming market leaders, these companies are constantly thinking about how to keep engaging and delighting their customers in all of their markets.

People, behaviour and culture

3

To win the war for talent, leading businesses build an environment that values diversity and attracts and retains the right people to help grow their businesses — not just great people, but people who share the company’s vision and fit its culture. Leading businesses provide strong leadership and create an inclusive environment where differences are valued and people can innovate to drive the business forward.

Digital, technology and analytics

4

Information is power. It can help business leaders make better, quicker and smarter decisions that improve business performance and manage risk.

Digital technologies — including social media, the cloud, data analytics and mobile — are having a profound impact on businesses across all sectors. They are fundamentally changing consumer interactions while also opening up new business models. The digital enterprise presents the opportunity for CIOs to have a bigger and more influential role in the business.

5

Funding and finance

6

How a business manages its money — and its new investors — will determine its course for the future. Leading companies determine the best financial solution, or mix of solutions, for their business and derive maximum benefits from their management of available funds. To achieve this, CFOs and the finance function have to act more strategically and more commercially.

Transactions and alliances

7

Market-leading companies rarely evolve by organic growth alone. To rise to the top, they seek successful partnerships and strategic acquisitions capable of enhancing their growth, competitiveness and profitability. Leading businesses appreciate that landing the right deal is not about luck.

They make a concerted effort to remain alert, to build profile in their markets and to ensure they’re well positioned to seize an opportunity as soon as it arises.

Risk

To succeed in today’s fast-moving climate, senior executives must have a strategic approach to risk management.

Regardless of a company’s stage of growth, the ability to identify and manage risk stands out as a vital element of success. Companies that aim to become market leaders should not fear risk. They should approach it intelligently to reap its rewards and accelerate their growth.

Market leadership

Operations

Your operating model is the link between your strategic intent and the ability of your organization to deliver on that intent. Having a clear approach that aligns your operations with your strategy will increase your ability to succeed.

Leading companies leave nothing to chance. Instead, they take control by analyzing their operations and ensuring that all parts remain at their most effective at all times, making changes when needed.

Accelerated growth

People, behaviours and culture

Risk

Digital technology and analytics

Transactions and alliances

Operations

Customer

Funding and finance

The EY 7 Drivers of Growth

Emerging Entrepreneur

Jeremy Leonard Canada Pump and Power Corporation Ardrossan

C

anada Pump and Power Corporation (CPP) innovates solutions for industrial marine services and produces specialized pumping systems for harsh environments. CEO Jeremy Leonard leads CPP with integrity and determination.

What’s next for the business?

CPP is still in its infancy but is maturing quickly. The experience of our people is making our company grow up.

What makes you stand out from others?

We safely and effectively solve marine industrial problems with innovative equipment and experienced, qualified and committed staff. CPP also stands out because we assist foster children, sponsor youth sports and act as a corporate citizen who cares about the environment.

How are you reshaping the world?

In Grade 11, I said I wanted to earn enough money to support my family, and then I would try to alleviate poverty in the world. I hope to achieve that.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

I wanted to be a secret agent when I was eight. I still want to be a secret agent.

What’s your legacy?

“To instil the desire to improve the human condition in my children and others who listen to my message.“

What have you done to ensure your company remains innovative and entrepreneurial?

We have a fully engaged research and development group, along with two U.S. patents and two Canadian patents for our Mighty Dredge (an underwater dredge driven solely by computer).

What was your first job?

I used to cut lawns in Milk River, AB for my neighbours.

My advice for entrepreneurs is to plan your life and live your plan. Say what you are going to do, do what you said you would do, and check to make sure that you did it.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

CANADA PUMP AND POWER: Western Canada’s Premier Marine Industrial Equipment and Services Provider

WHO WE ARE:

Engineers, Tradesmen, Supervisors, Operators and Certified Safety Officers

WHAT WE DO:

Our operations group provides marine services to a select group of clients. Our production group manufactures pumping systems, dredges and modular barge units.

HOW WE DO BUSINESS: We say what we are going to do.

We do what we said we would do.

We check to make sure that we did it.

CANADA

PUMP AND POWER

DIVE | PUMP | BARGE | DREDGE

www.canadapumpandpower.com | 1-780-922-1178 | sales@mightypumps.com

Emerging Entrepreneur

John Stevens ENTREC Corporation Acheson | TSX:ENT

E

xperience, integrity and a strong work ethic are three things John Stevens, President and CEO of ENTREC Corporation, attributes to this company’s success. Founded in 2011, the employee-owned, integrated crane solutions provider to the oil and natural gas, construction, petrochemical, mining and power generation industries operates in 13 locations. They employ a diverse team of talent across western Canada and North Dakota.

Are entrepreneurs born or made?

Entrepreneurs are born, not made.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

In order to be successful, entrepreneurs need to have passion and be risk takers, in addition to having financial literacy skills.

How can Canada support a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem?

Federal and provincial corporate tax policy is very important to ensuring a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem.

What was your first job?

After working on the farm, my first job was driving a fertilizer truck.

What’s your legacy?

“Creating a company where employees are proud to work, and giving back to the communities where we do business.“

What’s your passion other than entrepreneurship?

Apart from entrepreneurship, my passions include two things: cooking and NFL football.

What book are you reading now?

Marcus Buckingham and Jim Collins are my favourite authors. Right now I’m reading Buckingham’s StandOut 2.0.

My advice for other entrepreneurs is to find your passion. Take risks, engage your employees, deliver unbelievable customer service and manage your balance sheet!

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

Congratulates all EY Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists and award recipients!

Emerging Entrepreneur

Todd Van Vliet Frac Shack International Inc. Acheson

F

rac Shack International Inc. designed, manufactured and patented the Frac Shack™ fuel delivery system that significantly reduces risks to health, safety, the environment, equipment and projects. Todd Van Vliet is the inventor, a Founder and the President of this innovative company. He credits his team, their integrity and constant improvement as essential elements in Frac Shack’s success.

Are entrepreneurs born or made?

Both. I think there is a certain drive and even underlying desperation that entrepreneurs have. It pushes them to go out and get something done the way they believe it needs to be done. Entrepreneurs see and appreciate things others don’t, and they actually take action. On the nurture side, entrepreneurs need to learn many skills that are not natural to them.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

You must be part inventor and part leader, but also a mentor and — most humbling of all — a really good learner.

What’s your legacy?

“I want the people who work with me and for me to feel that they are better people for it.“

How are you accelerating growth in Canada?

I push suppliers to create things that have not been made before and to think of doing things in ways that go against the norm.

What’s the one thing that you cannot live without?

I can’t live without exercise! I need to get out and get the blood flowing.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

I really wanted to be an inventor.

What’s your passion other than entrepreneurship?

Rugby. I love the intensity, physicality, discipline and teamwork of the game.

My best advice for entrepreneurs is always to approach the world with a sense of wonder.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

“Ideas are worth nothing without action, and action needs people. Good people are the backbone of our business, and always will be.�

- Todd Van Vliet

Working to make Re-fuelling Safer and more Environmentally Responsible.

International Inc.

145, 26229 Twp Rd 531A Acheson, AB T7X 5A4 | 1.844.296.3744| www.fracshack.com

Business-to-Consumer Products and Services

Patrick Priestner AutoCanada Inc. Edmonton | TSX:ACQ

W

hen he was just 17, Patrick Priestner began his career by working at Chinook Chrysler in Calgary, AB. By the time he was 19, Priestner was the number one salesperson in Alberta. Today, Priestner is the Founder and Executive Chairman of AutoCanada. True to his teenage goal, Priestner grew up to be his own boss.

When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

When I was a teenager, I watched how my dad was treated very poorly in the auto business. That’s when I realized I never wanted to work for anyone.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Drive, the ability to bounce back from setbacks and failures, and leadership skills.

How are you reshaping the world?

We encourage all of our dealerships to contribute to their communities. We’ve also implemented the Chairman’s Scholarship Program, which provides eligible dependants of dealership employees with financial assistance to pursue postsecondary studies.

What have you done to ensure your company remains innovative and entrepreneurial?

We strive to hire people with diverse and varied skills, particularly from different age groups.

What was your most difficult career experience and what did you learn from it?

Navigating the financial turmoil of 2008. We also faced a lot of opposition from manufacturers that resisted public ownership structures. Over the years we’ve learned that no matter how big or small, problems are solved one step at a time.

What book are you reading right now?

On the Path to Enlightenment by Matthieu Ricard.

What would I be doing if I wasn’t doing this? I would be a professor of philosophy.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

What’s your legacy?

“We are one of the first auto companies to push consolidation from single-point dealers and family-owned businesses to dealer groups.

We are also the first publicly traded auto group in Canada.“

Business-to-Consumer Products and Services

Louis Stack Fitter International Inc. Calgary

F

itter International Inc. supplies innovative fitness equipment designed to promote physical balance, help people get the most out of life and master the art of aging gracefully.

President and Founder Louis Stack credits the company’s success to perseverance and his ability to overcome challenges.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

A good eye for industry trends, a vision of how things can be better and the persistence to keep marching forward.

What’s unique about your business?

There weren’t any businesses focused on balance when we launched in 1985.

Fitter is a trailblazer for injury prevention, training and athletics, family fitness and active office.

How are you reshaping the world?

As a population, we take balance and mobility for granted. We help people incorporate balance and core stability on a daily basis.

What’s the one thing that you cannot live without?

Integrity. Do what is right all the time. It makes life much simpler!

What’s your legacy?

“To see society benefit from getting balance and core stability products into every home, office and learning institution in North America.“

To what do you attribute your success?

I always strive to make the world a better place to live. My many past injuries and a passion for sport form the backbone for my experience, the tools and an understanding of how to change our everyday lives.

How do you define success?

Living with health, happiness and peacefulness and always giving back.

My advice for entrepreneurs is if you have a strong belief in yourself and your cause and are prepared to always give 110%, then there is not a more rewarding way to make a living and a life than being an entrepreneur.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

ACTIVE OFFICE

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100s of Great Active Office & Balance Products

Standing Platforms Add movement and cushioning to a standing desk

www.fitter1.com 1-800-fitter1

Business-to-Consumer Products and Services

Milt Reimer FXR Factory Racing Inc. Oak Bluff

F

XR is the largest snowmobile apparel manufacturer in the world, making significant gains in the outdoor and motocross markets.

Owner Milt Reimer is passionate about what the company does, where it’s going and being right in the middle of everything that happens.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be an entrepreneur?

Keen intuition of the customer’s wants, a relentless effort to study and improve products and the business savvy to put the people and systems in place to make it profitable.

What’s unique about your business?

We are always reinventing ourselves to stay relevant. We do things to strengthen the FXR brand that may not be traditionally advised in the business world, like selling online, running our own retail stores and doing retail trade shows all at the same time.

How are you accelerating growth in Canada?

Through a strong dealer network, diversification and strategic partnerships like our FXR outdoor collection for Cabela’s Canada. Our three Adrenaline Unlimited retail stores have also really ignited the FXR brand.

What’s the one thing you cannot live without?

Family, friends, great employees, horsepower and speed.

What’s your legacy?

“FXR has created a strong global brand that will outlive me, which is extremely challenging to do in the apparel industry.“

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

A professional motocross racer.

Looking back, what is one thing that you would do differently, professionally speaking?

I would have built a better, more reliable management team earlier to offset my lack of formal business training.

Our plans for future growth involve launching three new companies (this year) that will work in harmony with us and this industry. These companies will also bring in new, great people and build a talent pool to draw on to stabilize growth.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

Business-to-Consumer Products and Services

Greg Stahl New West Truck Centres Calgary

N

ew West Truck Centres is a heavy-duty truck company that has expanded both where it operates and what it offers in order to provide leading service in the industry.

Encouraging a team environment and positive attitudes is just one of the ways CEO Greg Stahl has made this company a success.

When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

My school sold spices door-to-door for fundraising and I enjoyed it. I broke the top-tier selling goal too.

I was 10!

What’s next for the business?

Introduction to the United States market through our newest location in Portland, Oregon.

How can Canada support a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem?

Lower taxes for startups and developing better educational information for entrepreneurs at a younger age. There should be more awareness and support in schools for this career path.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

A heavy duty mechanic. On career day in Grade 2, I brought coveralls and wrenches.

What’s your legacy?

“A strong, vibrant, growing organization that will flourish beyond one individual because it’s truly team based.“

To what do you attribute your success?

The great people on our team who understand the value of teamwork and dedication to achieving common goals.

Looking back, what is one thing that you would do differently, professionally speaking?

I would have become an entrepreneur earlier in my career.

My best advice for other entrepreneurs is stop with the “could have, would have” game. Jump in with both feet, don’t wait. Put aside the reasons for why you can’t do it, and just go for it.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

Technology and Communications

Geoff Lyon CoolIT Systems Inc. Calgary

C

oolIT Systems Inc. is a leader in Direct Contact Liquid Cooling (DCLC™) for the data centre and desktop markets. Under the leadership of CEO and CTO Geoff Lyon, CoolIT has 50 patents and more than 1.75 million liquid cooling units deployed around the world.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Salesmanship — whether it’s stock, products or the dream, the ability to close the deal must be a part of the DNA. Also, clear communication to employees, shareholders, customers and your family.

What are common misconceptions about your business/entrepreneurship in general?

Too often, people have a sense that a startup business is either a runaway success or a failure. It’s somewhere in between. There are many highs and lows.

You must learn from the lows and strive for the highs.

What sets Canadian entrepreneurs apart on the world stage?

We’re polite, smart, diplomatic and perhaps not as aggressive as we should be.

What’s your legacy?

“I am certainly proud of what CoolIT has accomplished, and I expect great things going forward.“

What funding methods have you used over the years?

All of them! From savings, friends and family to credit lines, banks, debentures and mezzanine debt.

To what do you attribute your success?

Our company culture focuses on customer problems. We’re curious and constantly challenging ourselves to build elegant, intelligent products.

What motivates you?

It’s a romantic notion that what we do today can have a lasting effect on the world. Building a company that provides rewarding careers in our community is a thrill.

My advice for entrepreneurs is to choose your key people carefully. Don’t just hire based on skills. The emotional fit has to be there. It will define your culture as the company grows.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

Technology and Communications

Alex Webb F12 Networks Edmonton

F

12 Networks is committed to being proactive computer and technology consultants by solving and preventing issues. From an early start, CEO Alex Webb realized that the future is all about solutions, not problems; he carries this philosophy into F12’s daily operations.

When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I had my first job in Grade 9 and knew I wanted to be a business owner. In Grade 11, I started an electronics repair operation in a friend’s basement.

What’s your legacy?

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Business skills to move away from things that no longer work.

How can Canada support a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem?

Encourage business development earlier in our education system. The system is now wired to create workers more than entrepreneurs. That combined with the responsible Canadian culture should create a great result.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

A pilot.

Looking back, what is one thing that you would do differently, professionally speaking?

I would have gone to university. The additional self-educational load on top of building a business was harder than it had to be.

“To build a company that lives beyond myself and to be part of the creation of responsible capitalism where hard-working people get rewarded like they deserve.“

What funding methods have you used over the years?

Friends, family, credit cards, customers, vendors… anywhere I could get it. You never know when you will need capital, and the best way is to show opportunity, constantly demonstrate ROI and pay your bills.

My advice for other entrepreneurs is: success is an accumulation of thousands of small things done well. Do everything as well as can be done.

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

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Technology and Communications

Lindsay Dodd Savvia Inc. Edmonton

F

or Lindsay Dodd, CEO of the technology advisory company Savvia Inc., entrepreneurship is fundamentally synonymous with community.

Dodd and his team at Savvia believe that businesses are responsible to the people they serve, and this leadership model has resulted in rapid company growth.

When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

There wasn’t a specific moment in time when I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. It was more of a gradual immersion into a way of thinking and a way of life.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Curiosity, courage and, of course, passion. Entrepreneurs need to be passionate about their ventures, or they will not succeed.

What makes you stand out from others?

My commitment to community. I believe that business leaders must take an active role in their communities.

What would winning Entrepreneur Of The Year mean to you?

It would validate my belief that entrepreneurs have a great deal of power to help better the lives of others.

What’s the one thing you cannot live without?

My family — they are my source of inspiration, courage, conviction, humility, empathy and energy.

What’s your passion other than entrepreneurship?

Creating a better life for children. So many kids grow up without the basics of food, shelter, health, etc. As community leaders, we need to make sure that the next generation has a chance of living rewarding and fulfilling lives.

My best advice for entrepreneurs is to create a compelling vision. After that, find the right people to help you make that vision a reality, and always support others along the way.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

What’s your legacy?

“To show others that passionate entrepreneurs can do great things for a community. I hope to inspire my children, my staff and other entrepreneurs by demonstrating that a powerful combination of vision, talent and resources can create amazing outcomes for the entire community.“

Technology and Communications

Geoffrey Thompson Vintri Technologies Inc. Calgary

V

intri Technologies is focused on solving material traceability and providing electronic supply chain data to pipeline, supply and service companies. President Geoffrey Thompson’s vision and design was to create and provide clients with pipeline supply chain data that offers 100% data integrity — and he succeeded.

When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I have had an entrepreneur mentality since a paper route at age 12. After working for a multinational technology and consulting corporation, I knew I wanted to lead and build companies, rather than being a part of a large organization.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

I go by this statement by Wayne Gretzky: “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.” It’s important to move toward where the market is going, not where the market may be at the moment.

How are you reshaping the world?

Vintri is changing the way pipelines and their service sectors operate.

What have you done to ensure your company remains innovative and entrepreneurial?

We hired the best people who bring talent and dedication to the company, established a culture of innovation and constantly challenged the status quo.

What’s your legacy?

“To have successfully built four worldclass technology companies and have helped develop talented people who lead successful careers based on the mentorship and leadership provided.“

What’s the toughest feedback you’ve ever received and how did you learn from it?

I received advice to change my management approach to work within a knowledgebased industry. I took an executive coaching program and transformed from commander-in-chief to leading and mentoring.

What motivates you?

Building world-class companies and working with great teams of people.

My advice for entrepreneurs is to never settle. Always continue to achieve your vision and the rewards will be worth it.

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

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By Joe Healey Winnipeg Managing Partner

James Richardson & Sons, Limited

EY Family Business Award of Excellence Legacy is in an entrepreneur’s blood. It’s the inevitable product of a lifetime of building and growing a business. And in the case of a family business, the legacy grows stronger with each generation.

That’s why we’re so proud to present the EY Family Business Award of Excellence. This special award recognizes leaders of outstanding entrepreneurial families with a culture and tradition of successfully balancing business and family life, growing the business through innovation, and contributing through philanthropic or social engagement. The families support these traditions with sustainable, long-term strategies that include effective and transparent corporate governance.

This year, for the first time in the Prairies, we proudly present the Prairies regional Family Business Award of Excellence to the Richardson family.

In 1857, fully 10 years before Confederation, James Richardson established a one-man grain merchandising business. From humble beginnings, James Richardson & Sons, Limited has always been propelled by its pioneering spirit and visionary leadership. The organization today is an international corporation with wide-ranging operations in the worldwide grain trade and agrifoods business, energy, real estate, financial services and investments.

Now under its fifth generation of family leadership, the company continues to break new ground. Richardson International Limited is now Canada’s largest agribusiness and the seventh-largest agriculture and

food processing company in the world. Tundra Oil & Gas Limited ranks among the top 20 oil companies in Canada. Richardson GMP has the distinction of being the country’s largest independent wealth management organization.

Guided by the principles of integrity, trust and hard work, James Richardson & Sons, Limited maintains a longstanding tradition of giving back to the communities in which it operates. Through the Richardson Foundation, it supports registered Canadian charitable organizations in the visual and performing arts, education, youth initiatives and the environment.

As a Winnipegger, I see first-hand the diverse and iconic international corporation the Richardson family has built while still maintaining proud Winnipeg roots that weave through all facets of our local community.

Their contribution to the business and social fabric of Winnipeg and the Prairies is evident to all. From their head office in the Richardson Building at the corner of Portage and Main in Winnipeg, to grain terminals towering above the Prairie landscape or anchoring our ports, to lines of business across Canada and around the world, I can think of no better recipient of the inaugural Prairies regional Family Business Award of Excellence.

A legacy is not about looking back, but envisioning the future. The Richardson family will undoubtedly continue to be an inspiration to entrepreneurs for generations to come.

For further information on James Richardson & Sons, Limited visit http://www.jrsl.ca

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

MOVING. PICTURES.

MEET He’ll tell your story. Seriously.

After more than a decade of creating truly moving pictures, Ewan has evolved. Sure, he can cover all your stills and video needs, but there’s just so much more.

He goes beyond the image to reveal the essence of the person and the heart of the brand. His passion and versatility drive and inform every phase of the project.

From initial concept to final edit, Ewan has got you covered – all to create emotionally moving images and to tell the ultimate story.

So get your story straight.

It just makes sense. hireewan.ca

PHOTOVIDEO

Oil and Gas

Pat Wilson Camex Equipment Sales & Rentals Inc. Nisku

P

at Wilson launched Camex modestly in 1992, working from the back of his pickup truck.

Today the company supplies high-quality new and used transportation equipment to western Canada, the United States and wordwide. Camex has one of the most comprehensive lines of oilfield and construction equipment in western Canada and also manufactures customized oilfield trucks and trailers. Now with five locations, Camex boasts an inventory of over 1,500 pieces of new, used and refurbished equipment.

When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Right from high school, when I first started working.

What’s next for the business?

Expansion — a new manufacturing facility coming on stream, a new sales, rental and maintenance facility and new product lines.

How are you accelerating growth in Canada?

Diversification of product lines, new facilities to increase manufacturing capability and efficiency, streamlining infrastructure and investing in new hires to accommodate new business and future growth.

What have you done to ensure your company remains innovative and entrepreneurial?

Expanded product lines, let employees be leaders and strived for perfection.

What’s the toughest feedback you’ve ever received and how did you learn from it?

Low oil prices. Our philosophy is to retain our greatest resource — our employees — though the downturns. Also, properly managing your inventory is critical so you have product on hand when the market turns around.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?

My mentor Mike Myshak from Myshak Sales & Rentals Ltd. He’s the reason I’m here today.

My best advice for other entrepreneurs is this: don’t be afraid to lead by example.

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What’s your legacy?

“To be the world’s largest rig moving, vacuum and fluid handling equipment sales and rental business, supported by top-notch employees and discerning customers.“

Success is attributed to the people you surround yourself with and the people you interact with on a regular basis. In this case it’s the dedicated employees of Camex, who have become leaders in the industry and the discerning customers that seek out our company when it comes to their equipment purchases, rentals and special build requests. Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement.

Pat Wilson CEO

CAMEX Equipment Sales & Rentals Inc.

1511 Sparrow Drive, Nisku, Alberta, Canada T9E 8H9 Tel: 780.955.2770 Toll Free: 1.877.955.2770 www.camex.com BED TRUCKS WINCH TRACTORS PICKER TRUCKS VACUUM TRUCKS WATER TRUCKS FUEL/LUBE TRUCKS HEAVY HAUL TRAILERS CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW & USED SALES

RENTALS

SERVICE

PARTS

RIG-UP MANUFACTURING

FINANCING

Oil and Gas

Liam Balfour New Wave Energy Services Group Ltd. Calgary

L

iam Balfour, CEO of New Wave Energy Services Group Ltd., attributes focus, a strong team and aggressive marketing to the company’s growth and success. Founded in 2011, the private company now has customers established in all key North American oil resource plays. Today, New Wave is one of few North America-wide, full water management companies.

When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

In my prior career, I was involved in raising capital for entrepreneurs in the oil and gas sector. Through watching and helping them build those companies, I knew that this is what I wanted to become.

What’s next for the business?

Continued market share growth, both organically or by acquisition, and team strengthening during the current oil and gas market downturn.

How can Canada support a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem?

Canada can support its entrepreneurial ecosystem by making core growth capital available to small and mid-market private companies.

What funding methods have you used over the years?

We’ve utilized common equity to raise cash capital, common equity by way of share exchange for acquisitions, cash flow and conventional debt.

What’s your legacy?

“New Wave’s plan to follow through on becoming the premier frac water management company in North America.“

What’s your passion other than entrepreneurship?

Family is, first and foremost, my passion. Other than that, skiing and golfing.

What motivates you?

I’m motivated by my desire to make New Wave a tremendous success for all of our shareholders.

My best advice for other entrepreneurs is to stay focused on your goals, trust yourself and seek the counsel of respected others when you are stepping outside of your knowledge or experience base.

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ENERGY SERVICES GROUP

ENERGY SERVICES GROUP

Hardworking dedicated

Creative Hardworking Talented dedicated

“New Wave Energy’s continued success is based upon teamwork, drive and the attention to detail by all of our employees. I am honoured to be a finalist in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year and would like to share this recognition with our valued customers, employees and shareholders."

Creative

“New Wave Energy’s continued success is based upon Thank you. teamwork, drive and the attention to detail by all of our employees. I am honoured to be a finalist in the EY Liam Balfour Entrepreneur Of The Year and would like to share this Chief Executive Officer recognition with our valued customers, employees and shareholders."

Thank you.

Liam Balfour Chief Executive Officer

New Wave Energy Services #1955 - 140 4th Avenue S.W. Calgary, AB T2P 3N3 403.453.2925

www.newwavees.com

New Wave Energy Services #1955 - 140 4th Avenue S.W. Calgary, AB T2P 3N3 403.453.2925

www.newwavees.com

Talented

Oil and Gas

Pat Carlson Seven Generations Energy Ltd. Calgary | TSX:VII

P

at Carlson, CEO of Seven Generations Energy, focuses on the acquisition, development and value optimization of high-quality tight and shale hydrocarbon resource plays. Founded in 2008, the independent petroleum company has experienced strong growth despite an oversupplied energy market, more than doubling production in the past year.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Diligence, commitment, passion, insight, imagination and opportunism. These personal attributes, rather than highly specialized and technical skills, are what entrepreneurs need to be successful.

What makes you stand out from others?

Seven Generations is set apart by the high quality of its resources, its ideal location, its high degree of autonomy in the control and development of its assets and its level of expertise.

What would winning Entrepreneur Of The Year mean to you?

It would bring me great pleasure to have the people who believed in the company, those who provided seed financing, those who directed and built the company and those who dedicated their resources to the company’s success acknowledged for their amazing collective achievement.

To what do you attribute your success?

I attribute my success to my ability to engage a team of creative and diligent company adventurers.

What was your most difficult career experience and what did you learn from it?

I was terminated from my second executive job, one with a large multinational resource company. The experience led me to build my first highly successful resource company. I discovered my entrepreneurial identity as a result.

What book are you reading now?

Right now I’m reading The Will to Lead by Marvin Bower.

My best advice for entrepreneurs is to maintain perseverance no matter what.

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What’s your legacy?

“Bringing together a team of young, eager entrepreneurs who are able to build a strong, competitive and successful enterprise that is able to compete in the oversupplied North American natural gas market.“

BUILDING AND OPERATING A COMPANY TO LAST FOR GENERATIONS

SEVEN GENERATIONS ENERGY LTD W

e believe that companies have only the rights given to them by society.

While people have a natural entitlement to basic rights, corporations are an instrument created by society to provide its needs and ought to have no expectation of basic entitlements other than equitable rights with other corporations.

We recognize that rights, sufficient to build and operate an energy project, can be granted and taken away by society.

Over the longer term, companies can only expect to thrive if they serve the needs of society in which they exist. To thrive, companies must differentiate, rise above the pack, standout as being among the best with all of their stakeholders.

We accept from our stakeholders a duty to thrive and an understanding of the need to differentiate.

We know energy is necessary, and while its development impacts our environment, our goal is to reduce our footprint by employing responsible and sustainable practices.

We apply innovative technologies to minimize our impact and create future economic benefits for Albertans.

We see ourselves as being in the service business, serving the needs of our stakeholders.

We seek satisfaction for all stakeholders.

Differentiation is imperative.

www.7genergy.com

Oil and Gas

Josh Thompson WISE Intervention Services Inc. Calgary

J

osh Thompson built a company that caters to the many needs of the oil well industry.

No matter what the challenge, from simple to complex, WISE Intervention Services can design the solution. WISE puts high value on community, the environment, the people it works with and safety. It’s a winning mix of quality, experience and leadership that put WISE, and Thompson, on top.

Are entrepreneurs born or made?

Born. I have always sought challenges and been the one to challenge the status quo. I have tried to guide people over the years in entrepreneurship, and it is not a trainable competency.

What’s next for the business?

Adding strategic means of creating value for our customers. This includes additional entities that contribute to the revenue stream and supply chain of the company.

How are you accelerating growth in Canada?

We are creating a synthetic market interface to assist E&Ps to connect with technology, whereby the customers’ businesses are then enhanced, grown and stabilized in the variety of market conditions we are faced with in the oil and gas sector.

What’s your legacy?

“My legacy will be my tremendous level of commitment, loyalty and integrity to the ventures that I am engaged in. “

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

A farmer.

What’s your passion other than entrepreneurship?

My family. Being a father and a partner.

What motivates you?

The sense of achievement.

My best advice for entrepreneurs is to never give up and always persevere in the face of the challenge before you.

Recognize that change is a must and embrace it often.

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COMPANY PROFILE

WISE INTERVENTION SERVIC Your wise choice for well interventions

“W

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wellbores. WISE’s ability to offer Intervention Services is driving It isISE a great honour to be Inc. a finalist for thechallenging 2015 downhole products, integrated with high capto be the company that clients turn to There for Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards. is a acity coiled tubing conveyance solutions, handling their downhole wellbore challenges. tremendous amount of effort and work that supports a more efficient well intervention A high performance, results-driven well goes into what is before me every day, this operation. intervention services provider to the oil and effort does not only come from me, it comes WISE’s supply chain and industry network gas industry in western Canada and northfrom my colleagues and partners, my friends creates a collaborative partnership that eastern U.S., WISE provides comprehensive and most importantly my family. I am truly extends outside of WISE itself and supports well intervention service solutions designed blessed to have support from you all. Thank you the company in its drive to deliver fit-forto improve well intervention operations and dearly for your dedication to our success together. purpose solutions to the market. WISE’s optimize reservoir performance. WISE specialrevolutionary high capacity coiled tubing izes in providing well/downhole service soluYours truly, equipment—which has been designed to tions by developing products, processes and service today’s deeper, more complex wellservices to work within the various stages of Josh Thompson bore designs—enables this, with capabilities a well’s life cycle. of up to 25,000' (7,600m) of 2" tubing, and WISE’s multiple small, highly experienced 20,500' (6,200m) of 2 3/8" tubing. It comes and specialized teams bring to the table the with conventional unit configuration for expertise that’s needed to effectively analyze, diverse operating functionality, and HR680 prepare and execute successful well interand HR6100 injector heads for reliability, vention service applications. WISE develops wiseisi.com high-performance operations and extended products, processes and services to further 1-403-340-8205 reach applications. advance well intervention, offering operators 950-540 5th Ave SW Calgary, AB, T2P 0M2 WISE’s technological focus will yield new fit-for-purpose downhole solutions that serve opportunities for E&P companies, allowas a toolbox for today’s complex wellbore inter-

Well

Intervention Service

Coiled Tubing Stimulation DownHole

to se Ame ing fo the N activ of th CEO “W ing p clien there have and ships

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Professional and Financial Services

Shannon Bowen-Smed BOWEN Calgary

B

OWEN has been in the recruiting business for 40 years. Shannon Bowen-Smed has been with the company for 31 of those years, 19 as CEO. Inspired by her mother, the founder, Bowen-Smed employs compassion, integrity and innovation to triumph in the marketplace.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

We need to be fair, open and a good listener. I also learned that it really helps if you apply common sense and humility to all that you do.

What’s next for the business?

We are focusing on becoming the Canadian leader in the provision of contractor management services.

What would winning Entrepreneur Of The Year mean to you?

I’ve been blessed in that I’ve won a variety of awards, but many of them revolved around me as a female leader in business. Though biases may persist, pure business is a genderless activity and this award would be a testament to that.

What’s the one thing that you cannot live without?

My BlackBerry and a hug from my kids. (Trust me, they go together as one.)

What’s your legacy?

“Playing a key role in changing how contractors are engaged.

Not only do they deserve that change, industry will benefit from it, too.“

What have you done to ensure your company remains innovative and entrepreneurial?

We use outside consultants and advisory councils to ensure we retain an objective and unbiased eye in regards to our business. We refuse to accept the comfort of tunnel vision.

What’s your dream vacation?

I love to explore the world with my kids. Meeting new people and experiencing new cultures are high on my to-do list, and a great beach definitely helps.

My best advice for entrepreneurs is that you can go fast alone or you can go far together. Surround yourself with great folks and enjoy the ride.

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Catch and

release?

The flexible workforce is the norm in Alberta.

The demand for contractors and contract

It can help them weather market swings.

workers has become a well-established

And with the right balance, they can

phenomenon of Alberta’s labour market.

maintain their competitive edge.

The surprising thing is that it’s no longer

limited to big companies.

And since they tend to run lean, they like getting us to handle the management

Smaller firms have long appreciated the

details. They like that we build a complete

benefits of a contingent workforce. Now,

package around competent workers who

a number of them are adopting a balanced

are ready to get to work, immediately.

strategy, with a mix of flexible and

permanent workers.

We currently manage several thousand

contract workers. They’re comfortable with

They’re putting the fixed-cost, fixed-period

us. We’re experienced at what needs to be

advantages of contract staff to good use.

done. And our clients trust us to do it well.

Catch and release? Yes, it’s the sustainable Alberta strategy that might just help us all get ahead.

bowenworks.ca

1 866 MY BOWEN

403 262 1156

Professional and Financial Services

Fayaz Chunara FC Telec Consultants Ltd. Edmonton

F

ayaz Chunara, Principal of FC Telec Consultants Ltd., provides engineering consulting, project and construction management services for the wireless telecommunication infrastructure industry in Edmonton. Founded in 1997, FC Telec has grown to provide support in specifying and procuring products for specialized applications.

When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Shortly after my second job in 1997. I thought changing jobs would provide a sense of accomplishment, but there was still something missing; it lacked the flexibility to be innovative and creative and the opportunity to try something not “standardized.”

What’s unique about your business?

We accept challenges. We don’t turn away a project just because it wasn’t done before or there is no expertise in-house. We’ve made great alliances by outsourcing.

What’s your legacy?

“My legacy is building alliances, professionally and personally.“

What would winning Entrepreneur Of The Year mean to you?

It would be a great honour to me and the company, but also to the employees who made it happen and the clients who have supported the company.

What have you done to ensure your company remains innovative and entrepreneurial?

I encourage employees to be creative, to come up with new ideas and to explore opportunities outside the normal course of business for future ventures.

To what do you attribute your success?

I attribute my success to being in the company of other entrepreneurs who think outside the box, as well as to great employees, good alliances and loyal clients.

If you weren’t in your current leadership position, what would you be doing?

Travelling to underprivileged countries to help with development projects.

My best advice for other entrepreneurs is if you fail, try again. Learn from previous failures and repeat until you succeed.

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Professional and Financial Services

Vivian Manasc Manasc Isaac Architects Edmonton

V

ivian Manasc, Architect at Manasc Isaac Architects, founded the company in 1997, with the understanding that green building would positively impact the environment as well as the occupants. The firm sets standards in the field of green building design. One of the company’s passions is to transform aging buildings into healthy, beautiful and financially viable assets.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Entrepreneurs need to have passion, persistence, curiosity, teamwork and vision.

What’s next for the business?

Our focus on sustainable buildings includes leadership in reimagining existing buildings, interior design and new infill building design. We continue to lead in planning and design with Aboriginal communities, and we are opening a studio in Bucharest in the spring of 2016.

How can Canada support a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem?

Eliminate inter-provincial trade barriers including professional licensure.

Increase funding for technology commercialization.

What’s your passion other than entrepreneurship?

Architecture and engaging people in the design process. Teaching and learning.

What’s your legacy?

“We are catalysts for the design of great buildings that are sustainable, beautiful and healthy for both people and our planet.“

What book are you reading now?

The Comeback by John Ralston Saul.

What motivates you?

I am motivated by growing a team and co-creating great buildings.

Our plans for the next 10 years include expanding into Europe and training others in our unique style of architectural and design practice.

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Professional and Financial Services

Melanie Wildman WLF Medical Saskatoon

W

LF Medical is the result of CEO Melanie Wildman’s inspiring personal journey.

Following complications from her bariatric surgery, Wildman was determined to educate and support others — and to change perceptions about obesity and body image.

When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I started a free support group for other bariatric patients, who, like me, did not have access to follow-up. It became clear people were faced with unsafe choices, so I created WLF to provide safe and effective bariatric treatment for Canadians.

What are common misconceptions about your business/entrepreneurship in general?

Obesity is often misunderstood as simple math — expend more calories than you take in — but if that worked, no one would be obese. Also, as an entrepreneur, if your mission is to change lives, you have to have a single-minded focus that permeates everything in your life.

How are you reshaping the world?

WLF is changing the way we view obesity and revolutionizing effective treatment. Bariatric surgery is the only proven effective long-term solution to obesity, but surgery alone is not enough. Ongoing support doubles weight loss outcomes and changes the lives of patients, families and communities.

What’s your legacy?

“Fundamentally changing how obesity is perceived in Canada and throughout the world. “

What’s the one thing that you cannot live without?

My iPhone!

To what do you attribute your success?

Determination and old-fashioned hard work, and a willingness to take on huge risks.

What’s your passion other than entrepreneurship?

I am also an artist, so I feel grounded when painting and sketching.

My best advice for other entrepreneurs: build a team you can put your trust in, then lead by supporting them. Like all entrepreneurs, you start out wearing all the hats, but as you grow, you must transition from being a doer to a leader.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015

Business-to-Business Products and Services

Joe Sunner, Harry Sunner Durabuilt Windows & Doors Inc. Edmonton

C

EO Joe Sunner and President Harry Sunner purchased Durabuilt Windows & Doors in the early 1990s. Durabuilt has now grown to include more than 400 talented employees serving the new construction, renovation and commercial markets in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

What’s unique about your business?

Joe: Our unique personal connection and daily involvement in the business makes us leading edge.

Harry: Our relationship with our customers indisputably takes precedence.

What makes you stand out from others?

Joe: Our business culture, keeping our promises and our people.

Harry: Our commitment to continual learning to be industry experts in windows and doors.

How are you accelerating growth in Canada?

Joe: We’ve grown from 10 staff to 400 plus.

Harry: We’ve provided careers in the manufacturing sector.

What have you done to ensure your company remains innovative and entrepreneurial?

Joe: We scour the world for the newest products with the highest environmental standards.

Harry: My teams then improve upon them to produce cutting-edge creations.

To what do you attribute your success?

Joe: The people who believed in us helped accelerate our vision.

Harry: Purpose, intention and tenacity.

What was your most difficult career experience and what did you learn from it?

Joe: It has not been easy for Durabuilt. In the beginning, we experienced many hurdles financially, in finding and retaining loyal staff and learning the business simultaneously.

Harry: We learned to be mentally tough and thick-skinned. Through hard work, honesty and integrity, we seized the moment and won.

Our advice to entrepreneurs is to know your objective and your company’s vision and be resilient. Fulfil the demands of the community without sacrificing the quality of what you deliver, and learn everything you can about your business.

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What’s your legacy?

Harry: “My focus has shifted from my own growth and success to my children. My legacy is helping them realize their own potential while remaining humble and always open to learning from others.“ Joe: “People need to appreciate every moment life offers and never let their heritage and roots be forgotten. My legacy is teaching goodwill, honesty and integrity.“

Business-to-Business Products and Services

Christopher Micetich NAEJA Pharmaceuticals / Fedora Pharmaceuticals Edmonton

N

AEJA/Fedora Pharmaceuticals’ discoveries and inventions are vital and life-altering.

For more than 20 years, CEO Christopher Micetich and his team have excelled as a Canadian pharmaceutical contract research organization with a distinguished reputation for drug discoveries.

More than 100 companies, from small biotech to large pharma, have used NAEJA expertise to deliver, patent and market their next generation of drugs.

Are entrepreneurs born or made?

Absolutely born, but they require tools to succeed.

Education, mentorship, opportunity and hardship are very strong tools that bring out the entrepreneur.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Courage, perseverance, fear of failure… and undying stubbornness.

How are you reshaping the world?

We have discovered and pushed forward what will be the first-choice drug for use in hospitals around the world to treat the most difficult infections. It will save millions of lives!

What funding methods have you used over the years?

Mainly all self-generated income, a few government grants and angel investment in Fedora.

What’s your legacy?

“To both shine a bright light on the Micetich name and to continue the family’s tradition by discovering and seeing to market a drug that will significantly impact the world.“

To what do you attribute your success?

Recognizing and focusing on strengths. Accepting that being a great leader does not mean being great at everything and knowing that people are my greatest asset. The older I get, the more I accept how little I know.

What motivates you?

Challenges and being able and willing to overcome all obstacles that prevent others from even trying motivates me.

My advice for other entrepreneurs is to visualize. Believe in yourself. Go for it. And most importantly, love every minute of the entire journey.

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Š 2015 Ernst & Youngl LLP. All Rights Reserved. ED0617

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Sustainable growth?

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Unique insights to help you grow from challenger to leader. ey.com/acceleratinggrowth #BetterQuestions

Business-to-Business Products and Services

Jack Tremain Pumps & Pressure Inc. Red Deer

W

hen Jack Tremain launched Pumps & Pressure Inc. in 1984, he had only $275.

“The sign cost $200,” he reminisces, “and the desk and chair another $75.” From these very modest beginnings, Tremain built a multimilliondollar enterprise. His philosophy of business is simple: service, competitive prices, product quality and customer satisfaction.

What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

A strong work ethic and the ability to communicate well. Successful entrepreneurs are sponges for advice; they listen to all the advice they can get and then use what works for them.

What’s unique about your business?

Our company offers an extensive range of related products to a wide range of industries. We have something for almost every business or individual.

What would winning Entrepreneur Of The Year mean to you?

Just being named as a finalist is a great honour. Winning Entrepreneur Of The Year would be tremendous for my wife and me.

To what do you attribute your success?

Our people. We have a very dedicated and knowledgeable workforce that ensures our customers’ needs are met at a fair price.

What’s your legacy?

“Our legacy, and the key to our success is building and maintaining solid business relationships.“ Brandon

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My family — I have six grandchildren!

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Where do you want to be in the next 10 years?

I hope to be semi-retired. Two of my sons-in-law are on our management team, and I am confident they will be able to continue on the path I have laid out for them.

My best advice for other entrepreneurs is to never lose sight of your dream, and remember that everything in business is negotiable.

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EVENT PLANNING INDUSTRY SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN // EVENT PLANNING & CATERING

EVENT

PLANNING INDUSTRY

BY LAURA BOHNERT

SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN

A

lberta may be in a bit of an economic downturn, but that certainly isn’t slowing down the conference and event planning industry. Edmonton is still proving to be a hot spot venue for events, from weddings to international conferences and concerts, and its draw is creating a strong boost for a wide-ranging sector of Edmonton’s economy.

guests each year. Those guests in turn generate $50 million in spending across the province annually.”

As Imran Gill, manager of marketing and communications at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, reports, “Our number one mandate is to generate a strong economic impact for the city of Edmonton. The conferences themselves generate significant economic impact, but this translates into restaurants, hotels, tourism, etc. The impact is felt across the entire city—not just at the Conference Centre itself.”

Built in 1983, the venue has held a complete variety of events, explains Gill. “We just hosted a Federation of Canadian Municipalities convention. More than 1,700 municipal leaders from across the country visited Edmonton from June 4 - 8. Our Botany 2015 convention brought over 2,000 academic and industry attendees to Edmonton to share research and explore topics that focused on highly diverse, recent discoveries in the plant sciences. Similarly, in February the Shaw Conference Centre hosted the international World Heavy Oil Congress, where the world heavy oil community shared knowledge and expertise while building valuable relationships.”

“The Shaw Conference Centre,” says Gill, “which is owned by the City of Edmonton and managed by Edmonton Economic Development, is a top contributor to the meetings, conventions, and special event business in greater Edmonton, hosting about 700 events and half a million

Gill continues. “At the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians National Conference we welcomed over 850 delegates over four days from May 30 to June 3. Some of our upcoming major conferences and conventions will include the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees Provincial

ABOVE: EAST ANGLE EXTERIOR SHOT OF THE SHAW CONFERENCE CENTRE. PHOTO SOURCE: SHAW CONFERENCE CENTRE

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EVENT PLANNING INDUSTRY SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN // EVENT PLANNING & CATERING

Convention from October 21 to 24, the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties Provincial Convention from November 16 to 19, the 2015 BCN - AI Bio Conference (Bioindustrial Innovations: Unlocking Value and Tackling Climate Change) from November 22 to 25, and one of the largest helicopter conferences, the Helicopter Association of Canada (HAC)’s 2016 Western Conference,” informs Gill.

According to Gill, conferences, conventions, and event bookings have yet to experience any form of economic downturn. “We haven’t felt the downturn yet. In fact, a lot of our business has remained steady.”

While the fact that many of the larger conventions must book their venues one or two years in advance due to planning and logistics may play a factor, smaller events and weddings are booked much closer to the actual date. Further, a substantial part of Edmonton’s draw involves the work of Edmonton tourism. “We are partnered and managed with the Edmonton Economic Development Association, and Edmonton tourism does a lot of great work seeking out conferences from around the world,” Gill explains.

“Large conventions traditionally move around and select locations years in advance, and the work they do helps to sell Edmonton as a venue.”

ACCORDING TO GILL, CONFERENCES, CONVENTIONS, AND EVENT BOOKINGS HAVE YET TO EXPERIENCE ANY FORM OF ECONOMIC DOWNTURN. “Conferences and conventions are an important economic and cultural driver for the city,” continues Gill. “They are vital for sustaining the economy, and they definitely help drive the economy in so many different ways.”

Christine Dimler, conference director at the Oasis Centre in Edmonton, agrees in the importance of conference and event bookings for the city of Edmonton: “Conference and event bookings benefit the culture and economy of Edmonton and make it a vibrant place to live, work and play,” explains Dimler.

“It helps the city to flourish and enrich its reputation.”

“Edmonton is a happening place!” Dimler continues. “It has the advantage of having a very diversified economy with lower costs comparable to other cities. The added benefit of the quality of life with the River Valley, festivals and ABOVE: SHOT OF SHAW CONFERENCE CENTRE’S JASPER LEVEL LOBBY. PHOTO SOURCE: SHAW CONFERENCE CENTRE

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EVENT PLANNING INDUSTRY SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN // EVENT PLANNING & CATERING

exciting cultural community makes Edmonton an excellent destination as well a great place to live.

“With world-class events and conferences being hosted in the city, attracting guests from out of town and internationally, Edmonton’s profile as an exciting and progressive city is raised. Guests coming for the first time to Edmonton are astonished and surprised by the beautiful River Valley and vibrant city culture.”

The Oasis Centre was established in Edmonton in 2006.

Since then it has hosted educational conferences, seminars, award ceremonies, high-end weddings, AGM’s, luncheons, financial seminars, exams, fund raising events, galas, Christmas parties, and concerts. “We host over 100 events annually,” states Dimler, “and a single event can range from one day to two weeks.”

The Oasis Centre is looking forward to its upcoming events as well. “In October we start with the first of a series of big band concerts which is quite exciting for us. November and December mark a busy corporate events season. We have a

few award ceremonies and graduation dinners, and then in December we are well booked with Christmas parties. Of course, our weddings are consistent bookings throughout the whole year.”

According to Dimler, the Oasis Centre has experienced a slight decline in corporate bookings recently; however, this decline has been cushioned by an increase in social events, like weddings.

“Social events, especially weddings, book far in advance, usually up to two years,” explains Dimler. “We have already had requests for 2018. Advanced bookings help us to plan ahead and see if there is a demand to expand in the future.

Corporate events have on average two to three month’s lead time. We also have many repeat clients who value our services and come back year after year; those clients book far in advance.”

“Currently, we are happy with the booking volume,” smiles Dimler. “If it stays as it is now, the economic downturn will not have had much impact, although there is always room ABOVE: OASIS CENTRE GRAND HALL. INSET: OASIS CENTRE GRAND HALL SEATING. PHOTO SOURCE: OASIS CENTRE

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OCTOBER 2015 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

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EDMONTON’S MENTION IN THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC THIS YEAR HAS ALSO PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN ATTRACTING MORE CONFERENCE AND EVENT TOURISM. for more growth. We also find that thinking outside the box, such as opening up more social events for weekdays, for example, a Thursday wedding, appeals to those who want a quality event at an affordable price, making it a win-win for everyone.”

Edmonton’s mention in the National Geographic this year has also played a significant role in attracting more conference and event tourism.

exciting and notable that the article has chosen Edmonton to be among the world’s best summer trips.”

“Edmonton’s hidden gem is finally coming to light!” Dimler concludes.

“Any time we get international recognition it results in a huge benefit for the city,” Gill explains. “It helps to attract more investment in the city, resulting in more conventions, conferences, and other events. It helps to sell Edmonton. Not necessarily right away, but in the long term it helps attract large conventions and events to the city of Edmonton.”

As both Dimler and Gill reveal, Edmonton’s vibrant culture and location are proving to be its powerful new economic resources. Conference and event planning represent a promising industry for Edmonton, an industry that contains an abundant potential for growth.

“We have noticed more international guests attending events here in Edmonton,” Dimler agrees. “I am not sure if this is a direct effect of the National Geographic article; however, it is

ABOVE: THE REDBULL CRASHED ICE EVENT, HOSTED BY THE SHAW CONFERENCE CENTRE.

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PHOTO SOURCE: SHAW CONFERENCE CENTRE

UNDER THE MAGNIFYING GLASS // SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

UNDER THE

Magnifying GLASS DISCOVER WHAT YOU ARE MISSING OUT ON AS A BUSINESS, IF YOU’VE NEVER BEEN TO SMALL BUSINESS WEEK IN EDMONTON.

BY RECHELL MCDONALD

S

Week in Edmonton each year. “There is a lot of relevant and useful information available at these events, and we encourage our members, as well as everyone else, to take advantage of it.”

“We focus on providing needed opportunities for learning, networking and mentoring.” Explains the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, who organizes Small Business

One of the must-attend events this year, according to the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, is the keynote luncheon “Small Business, Big Vision,” with Justin Lussier, CEO and co-owner of Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria. Justin will divulge his experience of growing a small pizzeria business into a countrywide phenomenon over the course of the luncheon, touch on how he made it happen, and how you can too.

mall Business Week is all about helping small businesses connect with their community in valuable ways that can culminate in improving a business, or even how business is done. Edmonton is a small business powerhouse, and 95 per cent of businesses in Alberta fall under the small business category (according to the 2013 Alberta Small Business Profile), so why not take advantage of some of the amazing things you can take away from this event?

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // OCTOBER 2015

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UNDER THE MAGNIFYING GLASS // SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

WHILE THIS LUNCHEON WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BE FASCINATING FOR EVERYONE, IT MAY BE OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE TO ANYONE LOOKING TO GROW THEIR BRAND OR THEIR BUSINESS ON A SIMILAR SCALE. YOU CAN CATCH LUSSIER ON OCTOBER 20TH, FROM 11:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M. AT THE LUNCHEON. While this luncheon will undoubtedly be fascinating for everyone, it may be of particular importance to anyone looking to grow their brand or their business on a similar scale. You can catch Lussier on October 20th, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the luncheon.

Another event highlighted by the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is the intriguing panelist session “Building a Company from the Inside Out.” This session will feature three local business professionals who run companies that are not only successful, but that have exposed them to the ups and downs of business and allowed them to face and tackle just about every challenge you can think of. This year’s panelist will be Robert King, director, Small Business, Intuit Canada; Tom Redl, president and CEO, Chandos Construction Ltd.; and Teresa Spinelli, president, Italian Centre Shop Ltd. The one thing that always comes up when doing business or trying to build a business, is networking. Business networking is about making contact with other business owners who may have some wisdom to impart, or to whom you may be able to offer guidance. It’s about learning new ways to approach problems and adapting personal philosophies for the betterment of your business plan, and ultimately your end game. Networking is critical. Aside from these things, it can also help drive business your way because no one can buy your product or use your services if they don’t know you exist.

Tom Redl, one of the panelists that will be speaking at the “Building a Company from the Inside Out” discussion this

year, also believes in the impact that networking can have on a small business.

“Entrepreneurs and small business owners often become so focused and absorbed in running the day to day of their business that they can miss trends, thought leadership and new opportunities in their market. Developing and maintaining a network is critical for an informed perspective of our rapidly changing business environment.”

He also explained that, yes, networking is challenging, but it’s definitely worth the extra effort.

“Like anything important, a network requires time and attention. There has to be give and take. To nurture your network, it is important to invest in it and the best way to do that is to look for opportunities where you can be of service to others and contribute to their success. Time, of course, is always hard to find. That is why events such as small business week present excellent opportunities to get to know more people and as your connections grow it is amazing to see the interconnectedness of the business community in Edmonton.”

As a businessman with plenty of experience under his belt and some undoubtedly refined networking skills of his own, he let us in on his top tip for making the most out of the time you do have to network. “The best tip I can give to build your network is to not migrate to only those groups of people you already know. Ask people to introduce you to someone you don’t know, and go out of your way to introduce yourself to someone you haven’t met yet. If you ABOVE: JUSTIN LUSSIER, CEO, FAMOSO NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA.

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125

UNDER THE MAGNIFYING GLASS // SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

“THE BEST TIP I CAN GIVE TO BUILD YOUR NETWORK IS TO NOT MIGRATE TO ONLY THOSE GROUPS OF PEOPLE YOU ALREADY KNOW.” ~ TOM REDL are at the same event as them, chances are you will have something in common to talk about.”

This is a particularly pertinent point for Small Business Week. Despite all the organized events, discussions, information sessions and the like, that’s not all you should be taking away from it. There will be a lot of useful information and new skills that you can pick up by attending the events, and it’s those interim times you have to capitalize on. There are going to be a lot of highly relevant people there, all of whom own or operate a small business, and each one is an untapped well of potential that you can’t even begin to hypothesize about. What you can do, however, is go over and introduce yourself. Take an interest. Get involved.

Networking is such an important part of being a small business in Edmonton, particularly because of the familylike nature it creates. It’s a unique thing, being part of the Edmonton business-scape – but as we all know, business isn’t all chit-chat; in fact, there is a lot of elbow grease that goes into it too.

One such aspect is, what may seem like the never-ending responsibility of recruiting the right people for the right jobs.

Let’s face it, some people just aren’t a good fit. On top of this are yet more serious issues like fraud. How do you prevent it? What’s the most common type of fraud in your industry?

All these things and more can be learned about at this year’s Small Business Week info sessions, which are designed to give you a solid foundation in the fundamental areas of business so that you can grow a healthy company from the ground up.

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce offers up a new combination of business professionals, a fresh keynote speaker, and a handful of on-point information sessions, all geared toward helping you develop your business, every year. Already have a hugely successful business? That’s

okay! The market is always changing, there is always a new angle to master, a new danger to avoid and as your business continues to grow, so will your audience.

Regardless of your success levels, Small Business Week will help keep you in tune with your consumers and keep you ahead of the curve. Alberta’s small businesses have a knack for surviving economically difficult times, like the one we are in the midst of right now. Keeping your network strong, supporting local businesses just like yours, and participating in important business events like this one is not just a good way to weather a storm, but a great way to grow during one.

Small Business Week in Edmonton runs from October 19th to October 23rd, 2015. Make sure you get tickets for the events you are interested in advance.

ABOVE: TOM REDL, PRESIDENT, CHANDOS

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2015 Board of Directors

Expectations of the New Alberta Budget

Executive

Chair: Jerri Cairns, Partner, Parlee McLaws LLP Past Chair: Simon O’Byrne, Vice President, Practice Leader, Stantec Vice Chair: Bill Blais, Vice President, Land Development, Maclab Enterprises Treasurer: James Merkosky, Partner, Tax Services, Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP

Directors

Andrea Mondor, Principal, Andrea Mondor Management Consulting Ltd. Alyson Hodson, President & CEO, zag creative Christopher Bruce, Vice President, Commercial Banking, Scotiabank Dr. Glenn Feltham, President & CEO, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Crystal Graham, Partner & Licensed Interior Designer, Kasian Architecture Interior Design & Planning Ltd. Dawn Harsch, Owner, Exquisicare Inc. Scott McEachern, Vice President, Engineering & Projects, Enbridge Pipelines Inc. Len Rhodes, President & CEO, Edmonton Eskimo Football Club Jim Webb, President, Urbanlife Properties Ltd. Janet Riopel, President & CEO, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce

Contact

Edmonton Chamber of Commerce #600 – 9990 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 1P7 T: 780.426.4620 F: 780.424.7946

By Janet M. Riopel, President & CEO

A

lberta’s first-ever NDP budget will be tabled this month, presenting our business leaders with sought-after details of the Province’s fiscal plan. Alberta is facing increasingly tough times and there’s no denying our economic outlook. In this climate, the business community needs certainty. Certainty will provide confidence for investment decisions and ensure that we remain competitive within Canada and throughout the world.

Finance Minister Joe Ceci addressed members of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce in August, seeking the business community’s input on what should be included in the budget. Our message was that Alberta needs strong, informed decisions on an appropriate mix of revenue tools and a sustainable program of expenditures. This budget needs to maintain a level of fiscal discipline that will allow businesses to confidently plan for the future. It needs to give priority to the drivers of our economy – including measures that will improve access to markets, increase diversification, stabilize revenues and provide critical infrastructure funding.

We know that we have a critical infrastructure deficit. The Edmonton Chamber encourages the Province to work with other orders of government to create the much needed infrastructure that will facilitate the efficient movement of goods between jurisdictions. We seek multiuse corridors to carry our products, natural resources and energy in an efficient manner to tidewater and into the United States. We need the Province’s commitment to get our products to market, and we expect to see that planning and support reflected in the budget.

We told the Minister that we believe the budget must be free of any further tax increases or unsupported spending programs that will sink the province further into debt. We spoke of our need to remain competitive and to maintain investor confidence, especially during difficult times. What the Edmonton Chamber presented to the Minister reflects what we hear from our more than 2,400 members, many of them small business owners who, along with their 150,000 employees, are keen to know that their voices are being heard during these challenging times.

To ensure Alberta remains a preferred destination for business investment and human capital, the government must establish fiscal priorities that will rekindle economic momentum and lead to long-term economic stability. Thoughtful research of all options, considered by the Province and the business community working together, is the only approach that will lead to success for all.

We’re eager to hear what you need to see addressed in this provincial budget. I encourage and appreciate you forwarding your thoughts and comments to policy@edmontonchamber.com.

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // OCTOBER 2015

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Connecting Business Finance Minister Joe Ceci met with senior officials from the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce as part of his pre-budget consultations. Ceci says the budget will be a reflection of the NDP platform from the spring election campaign. The Minister says all departments are attempting to “find efficiencies” and he’s predicting a balanced budget within four years.

Jerri Cairns, Minister Joe Ceci and Janet M. Riopel.

Minister Ceci addresses the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

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OCTOBER 2015 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

Members share their questions and concerns with Minister Ceci.

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Create Long-Term Opportunities for Your Business by Selling to Government & the Public Sector

By Warren Singh, Director of Policy

T

he red tape and paperwork involved in preparing a bid to sell goods or services to governments and the public sector makes some business owners wonder whether it’s worth all the trouble. But the rewards can seem like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

Selling to the public sector can create longterm opportunities for your company and provide a more diversified stream of revenues.

It also keeps your business competitive at a time when the economy is slowing and new revenue sources are getting harder to find.

The bidding process often starts with a request for proposal (RFP) or request for information (RFI), which measures your company’s capabilities. Preparing these documents can be time consuming and expensive, especially for a small business.

The first proposal is often the hardest and the amount of detail required can be daunting, especially when the task falls to a business owner who may already be overwhelmed with paperwork and other duties.

A successful bid often depends on taking time to carefully select which bids to make and some expert advice may be needed to avoid wasting time and money.

A successful bid often depends on taking time to carefully select which bids to make and some expert advice may be needed to avoid wasting time and money.

But, the rewards can be well worth the effort. The public sector includes all levels of government, as well as related agencies. This includes goods and services used by schools, hospitals, universities, transportation agencies, recreation facilities and parks.

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As an example, the City of Edmonton spends more than $1 billion annually on goods, services and construction. Local businesses provide many of these supplies and services, as well as the workforce needed to maintain facilities, roads and public buildings.

The City works with more than 5,000 contractors and suppliers to maintain 5,000 kilometres of roadways and alleys, 10,000 hectares of parkland and 300,000 trees.

The first major step to entering this market is writing a high-quality proposal and becoming familiar with public tendering, trade agreements and the methods used by the public sector to make contracts.

The City, as well as the provincial government and many other public organizations, post their tendering opportunities on the Alberta Purchasing Connection website (www.

PurchasingConnection.ca). This website includes details of the tender as well as bidding instructions.

The City’s high-value purchases are guided by trade agreements, but for products and services that are below the threshold for trade agreements, City staff are encouraged to make purchases from local businesses. More information on this can be found at www.edmonton.ca/sellingtothecity.

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is holding a seminar this month featuring public sector experts who will offer advice and guidance on how to wade through the required paperwork involved in selling to government and the public sector.

The full-day seminar, which sold out last year, is being held on October 21 at World Trade Centre Edmonton.

The Edmonton Chamber encourages businesses to learn more about bidding on public sector supply contracts. We’d also like to hear from you on this subject if you’d like to share your experiences by emailing us at policy@edmontonchamber.com.

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Entering the Golden Age of Business Co-operation

By Lee Ferris, Marketing & Digital Communications Manager

T

here’s something undeniable happening in Edmonton these days, something that is the culmination of many years of dedication and diligent work from Edmonton’s business leaders.

A tangible sense of co-operation has emerged throughout the business community, empowered both by joint initiatives designed to specifically encourage partnership and ever evolving technologies that easily facilitate big project interaction.

From the successful attraction and execution of international sporting events to the redevelopment and revitalization of the city core, there’s demonstrable evidence that Edmonton businesses are working together alongside government and citizen groups to achieve truly monumental goals.

Better still, the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ and Ice District Project are just the tip of the iceberg – no pun intended!

Small Business Week, Capital Ideas, TEC Edmonton, Business Link, Make Something Edmonton, Interchange, Business Revitalization Zones, Young Builders Association, and the list goes on.

The goals for these joint business initiatives may vary, but the approaches have much in common. Our small city with the big heart has brought those attributes to its business community and the results speak for themselves. Edmonton companies are competing favorably on the global stage and they’re doing it within a culture of partner empowerment and co-operation.

A classic example is construction leader, PCL, a company intrinsically aware of the benefits of partner co-operation. “While we pride ourselves on the depth of our internal resources, we use partnerships all the time to ensure success for PCL and our clients,” says Dave Filipchuk, president and COO, Canadian and Australian Operations.

“We maintain strong relationships not only with our clients but importantly with the best trades and suppliers, the best financial

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partners, the best surety and insurance, and the best maintenance providers in executing all project types across the spectrum from traditional bid projects to Public Private Partnerships. It all is part of our PCL bestin-class model, and it hinges on co-operation and teamwork.”

Remember the old days when the big companies erected impenetrable silos to protect their privacy, their patents, their people and their processes? Now, no one is suggesting that we’ve reached the land of total transparency, nor are we suggesting that as a utopian goal. Too much time and effort is expended creating valuable intellectual property and competitive advantages to simply fritter it away imprudently. But isn’t it refreshing to realize that, in fact, doorways into these silos have been opened?

Empowered and encouraged by the evolution of peer-to-peer business in the Internet age, and increasingly staffed by younger employees weaned on tools to promote social sharing, the walls have indeed ‘come tumbling down.’ No thanks to John Cougar Mellencamp.

Shawn Parkinson, Marketing/IT Manager of Madill, The Office Company, emphasizes the impact the new paradigm has had on his business. “In five years we have shifted 70 per cent of our sales to our website. It has increased our efficiency significantly helping our bottom line. We expect in the next five years to reach 90 per cent of our sales online.

Without a doubt ecommerce is here to stay and is becoming more important as the younger, tech savvy, generation takes over purchasing decisions.”

Just as the Internet has made our world a smaller place, the same can be said for the business world.

Co-operation between allies and yes, even competitors, was once the exclusive domain of the small business community. After all, if the small fish didn’t gather in schools, what hope did they have against the Apex Predator?

But now the big companies are rubbing shoulders with the little ones and, not only that, they’re finding that each has lessons to learn from the other.

The clearest evidence of this is the schedule of events for this year’s Small Business Week 2015.* Within the space of one whirlwind week, Edmonton’s business leaders will gather to discuss everything from best practices for hiring and retaining staff, to protecting their businesses from fraud, to growing their company from a local going concern to a national powerhouse. And, if they’re curious how to best secure government contracts following recent changes in the political landscape, experts will be on hand to guide them through the necessary municipal, provincial and federal processes.

The content for Small Business Week 2015 is noteworthy.

It’s topical and insightful. It originates from industry leaders who are subject matter experts in their respective fields, and it delivers real word value to business leaders keen to grow their businesses in ever shifting economic conditions.

But, what’s equally noteworthy are the participants. Yes, Edmonton’s most dynamic small business leaders are coming, but so too are the larger companies. ATB Business, WestJet, AMA, BDC, MNP, Diversified Staffing Services.

ATB Business is proud to partner with the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce for Small Business Week.

“I encourage all Edmontonians to come out to the events this year and visit local businesses in your community,” says Wellington Holbrook, executive vice president ATB Business & Agriculture. “Without small business, Edmonton would not be the city that it is today, as these businesses are vital to the success of the local economy.”

As the skyscrapers go up around us, as we attend events that leave us feeling enriched and engaged, as we retweet those 140 character pearls of wisdom that encourage and inspire, it’s hard not to arrive at an inescapable conclusion.

We are entering the golden age of business co-operation. It’s a great time to be alive and doing business in Edmonton.

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM *BDC Small Business Week is a trademark of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

// BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // OCTOBER 2015

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Look What’s New at The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce New opportunities to get input and insight on the issues impacting your business.

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A Domed Roof Compliments A Stunning Living room

Aacropolis Homes INSPIRATION. INNOVATION. INTEGRITY. Celebrating 25 years in Edmonton, Aacropolis Homes continues their tradition of quality and service for a new generation of discerning clientele.

by Nerissa McNaughton

T

here are houses in Edmonton that invite attention, causing passersby to stop and take note. There is something different about these houses – something truly unique. From the first glance you can see the quality and thought that has gone into every detail, from the design to the choice of materials. Upon closer inspection, the subtle play with geometrical shapes and the seamless merging of colour, pattern and texture emerge. These houses are warm and inviting, yet at the same time, striking and impressive. They are Aacropolis Homes and each one is built on a foundation of inspiration, innovation and integrity.

Founded by Gerry Wakefield in 1990, Aacropolis Homes has blended luxury, style and craftsmanship for 25 years.

The name brings to mind the Acropolis of Athens, because these homes, like that majestic structure,

have stood the test of time and are synonymous with outstanding design, lasting quality and impressive stature.

“I was a manager representing another company,” remembers Wakefield. “I left to pursue other opportunities and contemplate my future. I thought, ‘why don’t I have my own company? I have the experience and the know-how to do things right’. So I started out by buying land and building a couple of houses on spec that I had designed from the ground up. They sold right away.

I got in with a developer on the south side of Edmonton.

I built my first show homes and was later approached by another developer, from there we were on our way.”

As Wakefield reflects on the past quarter century, he fondly remembers some of his early notable projects. “My first big break was in a subdivision in the Terwillegar area.

Aacropolis Homes | 25 Years | 1 135

Right: Vaulted Ceilings Accompany This Thoughtfully Designed Living Space Kevin Kentel and Gerry Wakefield

Then we had some special homes in Blackburn Creek, and after that there was our Sherwood Park Nottingham project. That basically established us.” Wakefield has enjoyed the unique design challenges of all Aacropolis’ custom projects, including a 7,000 square foot home with an indoor pool in Windsor Park estates.

Those early days saw another member of the Aacropolis management team hard at work on various company projects...after school and on weekends, that is. Kevin Kentel is now Aacropolis’ vice president of operations, but he didn’t start there. His first part time employment, at age 12, was working at Aacropolis homes cleaning and doing odd jobs.

“I grew up around the business,” says Kentel. “Weekend jobs at Aacropolis Homes turned into a summer job and I worked my way up the ladder. I was in the field, on the job sites and I learned the construction aspects.

After high school I studied business management at

“Personally working harder for you!”

Congratulations Aacropolis Homes!

Lee Bourgeois • Direct: 780.909.1600 Aacropolis Homes | 25 Years | 2

university before returning to the company. By 2006, I had transitioned into more of a managerial role. It’s been a consistent growth for me from the time I was just a kid.

Now I handle the day-to-day operations, while still being able to call upon Gerry’s expertise and experience when I need to. It’s a wonderful business to be in. I really love it. We take pride in what we do and in building lasting personal relationships.”

For Kentel, his most recent memorable project is in the lakeside community of Summerside. “We’ve taken one of our long term best-selling models that we have modified and updated over the years. We’ve brought it up to what our clientele desires today. There are a bunch of great features and details throughout the home,” he says with excitement. “There are 20 foot ceilings, a great room, open circular stairs and custom finishing details. We just had the grand opening of the show home in September.

I’m excited for people to see it!”

“Because of my design background and attention to detail we have a unique style,” Wakefield points out.

“People can always tell an Aacropolis home because of that leading edge style and quality.”

It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home.

Congrats Aacropolis Homes on 25 years!

Author Unknown

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Aacropolis Homes are seen throughout Edmonton and area, including acreages and infills.

Kentel explains. “Because we are a smaller custom home builder, we build strong relationships with our clients. We really like to design our homes around their preferences, and we keep their lifestyle in mind. We create a perfect home for that client.

We pride ourselves on creating a home that is unique to each individual.” The relationships built

by Aacropolis Homes are like their houses. They last for decades.

Above::An Aacropolis

During his long career, Wakefield Custom Home has learned many things, including the key to job satisfaction and happiness. “I didn’t want to go into business saying ‘how much can I make’. I wanted satisfaction with a completed project and what I could do with a custom build. I was getting into this not just for the financial reimbursement, but for the job satisfaction.”

It’s a lesson that Kentel takes with him as he helps move the company into the future. “I was able to mentor under Gerry who built this established company based on quality of work and caring for everything that went into it. I was taught how to have a keen eye and what to look for. Being out in the field for a number of years, learning along with our tradespeople and seeing what was happening, really helped me along to where I am today.

With Gerry’s mentorship and my hands-on experience, I set expectations and make sure everything is rolling the way it should. Gerry has helped me in the process

by building me up and taking me to development meetings, teaching me how to handle suppliers and contractors, etc. Basically, he taught me the business.

I’m thankful for the mentorship and the experience.”

With Aacropolis’ legacy established and its present secure, Wakefield and Kentel turn their attention to the future.

Their focus is on building homes that represent the best in design, technology and craftsmanship, all fine tuned to the unique needs of their clients. Creating the perfect mix of beauty and function remains the ultimate goal.

“We are comfortable doing what we are doing,” adds Wakefield. “We are not trying to be the biggest company out there. We are trying to be the best.”

Aacropolis Homes, a company inspired by the beauty and longevity of designs from antiquity is building modern homes of exquisite form and seamless function – and like their inspiration from Athens, these homes will continue to impress far into the future.

Exciting New Showhomes in Keswick and Lake Summerside

Office: (780) 434-3275 SH Keswick: (587) 337-6353 cheryl@aacropolishomes.com SH Lake Summerside: (780) 988-6655 trudi@aacropolishomes.com

Aacropolis Homes | 25 Years | 4

www.aacropolishomes.com

Notable NorQuest

AT 50, NORQUEST COLLEGE REDEFINES THE BOUNDARIES OF EDUCATION.

by Nerissa McNaughton

N

orQuest College was founded by the Alberta Government in 1965 to provide educational opportunities based on foundational learning. In 1971, the college moved its location from a makeshift campus in the Tower Building at NAIT to its present eight-storey main campus in downtown Edmonton on 108 Street. Two years ago, following a 10-year conversation with the Government of Alberta, funding was announced for a new building directly north of the current downtown main campus. The Singhmar Centre for Learning will consolidate all of the college’s Edmonton campuses, providing a better student experience and increased learning opportunities. NorQuest’s president and CEO, Jodi Abbott, couldn’t be happier.

“We have grown considerably,” Abbott points out. “We are very disbursed with five campuses throughout Edmonton. Our infrastructure is not ideal and, for example, we can’t afford to put a library and restaurant facilities in each location. We need to consolidate. NorQuest’s Singhmar Centre for Learning is really about coming into the modern era of student expectations.”

The government funding is a $170 million grant. The cost of the new building is $192 million.

“We have a $20 million dollar fundraising campaign,” assures Abbott. “It’s called Maximizing Opportunities. We are raising $15 million for capital infrastructure and $5 million for student bursaries, scholarships and programming. The campaign launched last November and we are almost half way there.”

To hear Abbott tell it, raising $20 million in support of the Singhmar Centre for Learning and for student funding is as natural as getting your morning cup of coffee – and that’s because at NorQuest, the constant, never-ending focus is on the needs of the students.

When NorQuest opened it was proud to have seven students. Today more than 10,000 enroll each year. Seventy-one per cent are female and 450 students have disabilities. “We have expertise with disabled students to ensure they are successful,” notes Abbott.

Seventy-five per cent of the student body are from the Edmonton region. The remaining are from Alberta, the rest of Canada, and around the world. NorQuest’s global reach attracts new Canadians, and an increasingly-growing number of international students who hail from countries such as Jamaica, the Philippines, India, China and Korea.

Dr. Jodi Abbott, President and CEO

Another driving factor in the college’s accomplishments is the outstanding post-graduation success rate. As of 2013, 95 per cent of NorQuest graduates found employment or continued their post-secondary education. It’s not hard to see why the success rate is approaching 100 per cent.

Abbott explains: “One of the things we did three years ago was tie every program to workforce relevance. We created a Workforce Advisory Council consisting of leaders in the construction, manufacturing, healthcare, banking and hospitality industries. It’s created NorQuest College | 50 Years | Page 1 139

new programs for us. From the construction perspective, we know that there has been a real labour gap. We also know that we have certain populations that are underrepresented, such as the Aboriginal population. In talking to the construction industry, they cited a lack of trained labourers for entry level jobs. This gave rise to our Alberta Aboriginal Construction Careers Centre, which has been designed to connect prospective Aboriginal workers with employers recruiting for construction related careers “What this council has done is pushed us to think differently as a post-secondary educator,” smiles Abbott. “We are creating opportunities for our students that will create employment.”

NorQuest College has one of the largest Practical Nurse programs in the country, and to date, it has educated over 70 per cent of all the health care aides in Alberta. It also has strong ESL, social work, and business programming. As Edmonton, and the world changes, NorQuest keeps pace every step of the way.

“Post-secondary institutions have to pay more attention to the expectations of students,” says Abbott of another deciding factor driving the college’s agile decisions and programs. “Think of the student as a customer. That term can rub people the wrong way, but the reality is, students can identify what services they want. Our students are very driven to be contributors to economy. It is time for post-secondary institutions to be relevant to industry, bring students in, match their goals and get them educated and working.

“Institutions must also be more innovative in terms of revenue generation and managing funding. We have seen tremendous growth in the Alberta population and the reality is, government funding cannot keep pace. Because of this, institutions are having to be creative and say, ‘how can we bring in more revenue?’”

In fact, Abbott says the main challenge facing NorQuest is the same one that affects every post-secondary institution: funding; but she doesn’t let that slow the college down.

“The current funding model was developed for a certain point in

time, but learner expectations have changed,” she notes. “It’s an appropriate time for the Alberta government to look at the funding model, and for institutions to look for additional sources of funding.

The government does its best, but we are never going to have enough money if we are only government funded. We have to think outside the box.”

Outside the box is how NorQuest operates, as evidenced by the 1000 Women Child Care Centre. To understand the centre and its impact, you have to know the origins of the 1000 Women: A Million Possibilities movement.

Top: A diverse, multicultural student population enjoys a variety of activities on and off campus. Bottom: One of the first graduating classes in the ’60s.

Congratulations on 50 Years of Success!

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NorQuest College | 50 Years | Page 2

Five years ago a group of prominent Edmonton women decided to raise a million dollars so students would have an emergency fund for everything from meals to bus passes. They raised the money in two years and decided to continue making a difference. NorQuest had plans to build a child care centre on campus. The 1000 Women group decided to raise $1 million for the centre; $750,000 for infrastructure and the rest in bursaries for childcare subsidies.

have research, training and business opportunities in our Clean Energy and Technology Centre in Drayton Valley. Our Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program will continue to grow. We are working on a global business management certificate that is attractive to students that want to work in a global marketplace. In partnership with the University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services, we plan to build a teaching and research centre for continuing care.”

“There are not enough child care spots in Edmonton, especially in the downtown core,” says Abbott, “and most of our students are women with children. We have stories of students getting up at 4 a.m. to get kids to daycare then get here for class. It makes a big difference when you can take your child to the daycare centre in your school. The childcare centre will offer 56 spaces. NorQuest has a daycare provider and an early learning and childcare program. We will combine the training component with hands-on learning in the daycare.”

Abbott has heartfelt thanks for the students, the Workforce Advisory Council, the provincial and federal government, all the donors, stakeholders, Board of Governors, and employees.

NorQuest College has pushed – and exceeded – the boundaries of traditional education. From addressing barriers to education such as disabilities and childcare to actively involving the industries they serve, it’s no wonder NorQuest’s enrollment continues to rise.

This year the college turns 50. Amidst the milestone anniversary celebrations, NorQuest does what it does best – looks and pushes forward.

“Our new strategic plan focuses on workforce relevance and our unique market position,” says Abbott about the college’s future. “We

NorQuest College is out to change the world, and they are succeeding.

“You need to think – always – that anything is possible,” laughs Abbott. So, what does she think about being the president and CEO of an institution that is a game changer in the world of employment, inclusion and education?

“I love it!” she confirms; and it shows in the face of every student that comes to NorQuest and leaves with an enriched life, the workforce that receives skilled labourers and the employees that come to work each day to give Abbott and NorQuest their personal best.

11140 131 St NW, Edmonton, AB 780-644-6700 • www.norquest.ca

NorQuest College | 50 Years | Page 3

The Chinese Freemasons Society would like to congratulate Norquest College on their 50th Anniversary.

We are very proud to support you on this half century of educational excellence in Edmonton.

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PCL Construction congratulates NorQuest College on 50 years of education and innovation. PCL is proud to be building the next step in NorQuest’s history with construction of the Singhmar Centre for Learning.

Watch us build at PCL.com NorQuest College | 50 Years | Page 4

Christenson Group of Companies: Community Builders

By Nerissa McNaughton

For more than 35 years this company has been changing lives, one community at a time.

L

loyd Christenson, founder of Christenson Developments, was a man with a far reaching vision, seeing a future where Edmonton had expertly built custom homes and apartments. Today his legacy lives on through his son, Greg Christenson, and partner, Peter Dirksen.

CONGRATULATIONS to Christenson Developments!

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Christenson Group of Companies | 1

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A visionary, like his father, Christenson continued to develop custom housing, but when he partnered with Dirksen, they turned their attention to active adult living spaces.

“We are an Edmonton business focused on adult housing and community building,” says Christenson with pride. “We have a long-term perspective and get involved with industry associations, charities and partnerships. Our mission statement mandates that we build lasting relationships.”

“Winning numerous awards through the Canadian Home Builders Association – Alberta and awards for home builder of the year has helped us build our reputation in the industry,” adds Dirksen.

The awards are very well deserved as the energetic company focuses on not just building homes, but building stronger communities by addressing a very prevalent need – senior’s housing.

Christenson explains, “The reality is that the older population is growing and that growth is going to be rampant.

If we, as a society, don’t come up with models to give consumers options, we will create a society that is all about healthcare. Care and services are the way of the future.

Institutions like hospitals are costing taxpayers between

143

$2 million - $4 million a bed; but if you give someone the home they want, they are willing pay for those amenities and services. If they don’t have the means, then we must put support in place for them, and then add care. They may not need care now but potentially will in the future. Our model is to have the attractive home they want and have services available when they need them. Using this model, we have also developed not-for-profit seniors housing.

Right now there are simply not enough resources to put everyone in hospitals and nursing homes, so our model is the way of the future.”

Christenson Group’s urban villages sometimes back onto ravines or parks and feature many amenities such as large balconies and movie and exercise rooms. These are not your standard adult bungalows or condos, but villages for likeminded people in a particular demographic to age gracefully while thriving in a healthy, active, social environment.

“Shared resources,” Dirksen points out about how they encourage downsizing without the loss of important amenities. “Two of our developing projects will pilot a shared car program, for example. Shared resources help active adults maintain their independence.”

Of course, that independence can only be enjoyed through good health, and that is something the progressive developers strongly encourage through their wellness principles. “Physical, mental and spiritual needs, along with lifetime learning, are part of the wellness principles built into each community,” says Christenson.

Christenson, Dirksen and their teams are changing and challenging the way Albertans view active adult housing, and their success came through a few challenges of their own. The province-wide recession of the ’80s was a pivotal point for the company’s future.

“When Peter and I formed the partnership in 1989, our careers were both suffering from the recession. We were looking for something more stable and predictable than interest rates and oil pricing,” Christenson admits. “From 1983 to 1990, no rental houses were built because of overbuilding followed by the recession. The impressive fact is, zero is a hard number to deal with, but there was nothing! I remember sitting in my

Greg Christenson and Peter Dirksen, Owners, Christenson Developments.

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

office looking at the permits going through, wondering when rental builds would start up again.”

Sometimes life happens to people, and sometimes people happen to life. The latter is the route the two entrepreneurs took. Ignoring the local recession, they knocked on the door of a company established in eastern Canada – and found work.

“We built a 30 unit townhouse project, a 74 unit apartment and a 148 unit apartment between 1990 and 1994,” Dirksen smiles.

Today, Christenson Group has more than 10 full-scale projects in development and a staff of 80. Their developments

Christenson Group of Companies | 2

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boast 250 care workers. Each department, from administration to field crew to care workers, has employees that value family, a good work ethic and attention to detail. “We are very proud to have a large number of long term employees. Our staff sets our company apart in this industry,” affirms Dirksen.

Christenson nods in agreement. “A wise man once told me there are 1.5 million decisions in development. Peter and I don’t make all those! All day, our staff are making decisions and doing things, knowing that we empower them through a strong work environment and high expectations.”

As the company celebrates more than two decades of hard-won success, they reflect on the values that brought them to this point, and share their advice with other aspiring entrepreneurs.

“Planning is very important,” Dirksen points out. “You have to be sensitive to the market. If you have a plan, the world strives to help you achieve it.”

“Have an agenda. Have a purpose,” Christenson encourages. “It doesn’t matter that you might change it. Take ownership of your agenda and push it into the marketplace. The marketplace is a cruel but effective teacher. Nobody can help you, assist you or buy your product unless you put yourself out there. Measure your results over time.

You can fail, fail, fail, fail, fail and still win the war. Most Serving Edmonton and Surrounding Area for 45 years

Congrats to Christenson!

Proud to be part of the team for over 30 years.

people get discouraged with setbacks, but those can really position you for the future.”

Every day, every team member at Christenson Group lives, abides and embodies the company’s mission and value statements. The mission is to build lasting relationships. The values are to do so through trust, respect, communication, accountability, networking, quality of life and sustainability.

“As you get more experienced, you understand all the interactive connections a community has,” says Christenson.

“We have always been community developers, but you must integrate your community onto the larger community. That is the key – building communities at the grass roots level by partnering with charities and post-secondary institutions.

To be successful in business, you have to create successful communities.” This is something Christenson promotes daily through his website, albertacommunitybuilders.com.

The future of active adult housing is changing, and so is Christenson Group. Always agile to the needs of an aging population, the men have a plan for the future of the company. Dirksen is phasing into retirement and has two nephews and a daughter following his legacy in the company.

Christenson will shift his focus to senior care, moving that division forward. As a company, they will continue to branch into other communities, such as Calgary, Rocky Mountain House and Whitecourt.

A company founded on a legacy, 35 years of success and plans to radically and positively change the future of active adult living – it’s been a long and winding road, but a journey both men wouldn’t trade for anything.

“It’s been wonderful,” both men conclude with huge grins. Then the interview wraps up and they leave the room to continue changing the world, one community at a time.

5410 97 Street NW Tel: 780-436-2980 www.cdlhomes.com 4527 - 101 Street • Tel: 780.436.5680 • Fax: 780.437.5160

Christenson Group of Companies | 3

Congratulations Christenson Developments for the many years in business! We are proud to be part of your team.

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Advance Coating Solutions Continues to Evolve

By Nerissa McNaughton

A

dvance Coating Solutions Inc. provides abrasive blasting and protective coating services in Western Canada’s energy sector. The company specializes in pipelines, storage tanks and secondary containment liners. As a family business, Advance Coating Solutions is run by brothers Chris and Mark Repchinsky.

Their sons, Greg and Garrett, are also part of the company.

“My father always instilled in us to work for yourself, not someone else,” explains Mark, of the decision to follow his own father’s entrepreneurial footsteps. He goes on to cite resiliency, focus, managerial skills, innovation, adaptability, risk taking, and communication as some of the skills and values that have made Advance Coating Solutions a success.

Advance Coating Solutions | 45 Years | 1

Chris and Mark Repchinsky

147

The shop is impressive. Strategically located on 8.8 acres which include production facilities in Edmonton’s Refinery Row, Advance Coating Solutions is ideally situated on the material transport line. The heated paint shops and separate blasting area boasts four large overhead cranes ranging from 6.3 to 10 tonnes. Custom-designed equipment, such as truck-mounted, and state-of-the-art spray units and skid-style blasting units are used by a highly skilled and experienced team.

Advance Coating does not limit their capabilities to the shop, however. A large fleet consisting of 100 units, including a wide range of trucks, compressors, generators, blast units, coating units, vacuum units, heaters, trailers and handling equipment allow the agile company to take work directly on client’s sites.

“Advance has found success specializing in abrasive blasting, painting and coating for large-scale construction sites, painting and specialized coatings for such areas as tank farms, refineries, containment areas, and process plants,” says Mark with pride. “Our attention to detail, in-depth understanding of various application requirements, quick response time, reliability, and high-quality deliverables continually inspires customer confidence.”

Internal lining of a 220’ tank.

Advance Coating is not comfortable resting on their current success. Pushing the envelope and constantly delving into new technologies in their industry is their mandate. ®

®

AkzoNobel congratulates Advance Coating Solutions on 45 years of quality corrosion control and is proud to be a partner in their ongoing success.

“We firmly believe in being an industry leader by conducting constant research and development (R&D)” says Mark.

“This keeps us informed of the highest quality of products and the most advanced technology available.” Advance Coating collaborates R&D with major brands, such as AkzoNobel and HDIM Coatings, to ensure each new product exceeds expectations in practical application. It is this forward-thinking initiative that sees the company as an approved applicator for KEMA Coatings Ltd., 3M, Denso, and Specialty Polymer Coatings, to name a few.

It has been our privilege to work with Advance Coating Solutions for the past 17 years.

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www.krpgroup.com Advance Coating Solutions | 45 Years | 2

Success is not limited to only pleasing clients, however.

Advance Coating is devoted to its staff, ensuring that safety is the number one priority. The goal is to have zero loss time incidents. Mark explains, “Management always strives to eliminate any foreseeable hazards to our people, property and the environment.”

Using the acronym SAFE, Advance Coating encourages all team members to Spot the hazard, Assess the risks, Find a safer way, Everyday – and empowers the staff to do so through training, an understanding of environmental concerns and constant reinforcement of the safe work policy. “This is our major focus,” stresses Mark.

Advance Coating’s dedication to safety has earned the company membership with Canadian Health & Safety Environment (COR), ISNetworld and PICS Auditing Complyworks.

Those are not their only memberships and associations that prove Advance Coating’s leadership in the industry.

“We are in compliance with the quality program requirements of ISO 9001:1994,” says Mark. The company also has membership with the Society for Protective Coat-

Congratulations

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Congratulations Advance Coating Solutions!

Here’s to 45 more years of continued success.

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ings (SSPC) and the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE).

The Repchinsky brothers, when not focused on their company, enjoy spending time with their family. “Family is not only important in business, but a strong home life as well,” Mark confesses. However, in or out of the shop, his mind is always on moving the business forward. “I like the challenges in business. It’s never the same thing twice! It’s exciting!”

This year marks 45 years since the doors to Advance Coating opened, but the family-led business has no plans to slow down anytime soon. Plans are underway for expansion of shop space, which included an additional 3.3 acres to the existing facility, improvements to field equipment, and increases in specialized personnel training.

10130 24 St. Edmonton, AB T6P 1W9 780-449-1700 www.advancecoating.com

Enviroloc secondary containment spray system.

Manufacturers of

Congratulations!

Quality Blast Cleaning Equipment

Congratulations Advance Coating Solutions on 45 years in Business!

1-800-661-3842

The whole Team from Nordic is very proud to congratulate their friends over at Advance Coating Solutions on 45 years of excellence and innovation!

4143 – 78 Avenue T: 780.469.7799 • F: 780.469.1568 www.nordicsystems.ca

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Advance Coating Solutions | 45 Years | 4

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