EY Entrepreneur of the Year - Prairies 2013

20 years of inspiration

Entrepreneurs turn us on.

20 years of recognizing bright ideas Prairies 2013

© 2013 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved.

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

Special supplement published by Business in Calgary and Business in Edmonton.

Confidential Group / One-to-one Mentorship / Business Thought Leadership / Global Membership /

tec-canada.com

Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.

–T.S. Eliot

TEC Canada salutes the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists and award recipients – and all those who dream bigger, reach further and soar higher. We help good leaders become great CEOs. It’s where senior executives, business owners and entrepreneurs come together to discover how far they can go.

A million thanks for 20 great years.

September 2013 has marked 20 years of business for FirstEnergy Capital. For two decades we have been making waves in the energy investment banking sector with companies, investors and the communities in which we do business.

Our focus on providing clients with the most innovative and dynamic approach to investment banking is stronger than ever. We look forward to doing business over the next decade and beyond.

To thank our clients and our community, and to celebrate the occasion of our 20th year in business, FirstEnergy donated a total of $1 million to 10 local charities at an anniversary gala on September 21.

Please visit www.firstenergy.com to learn more.

A new decade. A fresh look. Still making waves.

FirstEnergy Capital Corp. is a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and IIROC.

Entrepreneurs turn us on...

To new ideas, new ways of thinking and new possibilities. At EY, we’re big believers in the transformational power of Canada’s entrepreneurs to build a better working world.

That’s why we’ve proudly celebrated their achievements for 20 years. And we’re just getting started.

Entrepreneurs are the best hope of creating sustainable economic growth — in the Prairies, across Canada and around the world. They constantly use their fresh thinking and hard work to create positive change, bringing new concepts and products to market, and creating jobs and wealth that benefit their local communities and the broader economy. At EY, we share that desire. We’re committed to creating a better working world in large measure by harnessing the power of entrepreneurship and supporting the incredible men and women who have the vision, passion and determination to spark their ideas to life.

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The award finalists you’ll read about in these pages show that our Prairies region is home to some of the most dynamic innovators in the world. We’re proud to share their success stories with you, and I hope you’ll be as inspired as I am by their stories.

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Entrepreneur Of The Year — and look ahead to the next 20 years — we continue to look to Canada’s entrepreneurs for the ingenuity, innovation and inspiration that will build confidence, communities and economies — and a better working world for us all.

Rob Jolley Partner, EY Prairies Director, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year

20 years of inspiration 4

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

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Table of Contents Manufacturing Thane Russell - Absolute Completion Technologies Ltd. - page 12 | Joe Makowecki - Heritage Frozen Foods Ltd. page 14 | Mike Fata - Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods - page 16

Cleantech Mogens Smed - DIRTT Environmental Solutions - page 18 | Graham Illingworth - Genalta Power Inc. - page 20 | Mark Chisick - Urbanmine Inc. - page 22

Energy services Russ Hebblethwaite - Enviro Vault Canada Ltd. - page 24 | Merv Pidherney - M. Pidherney’s Trucking Ltd. - page 26 | Don Sutherland - Studon Electric & Controls - page 28

Emerging entrepreneur John Stevens - ENTREC Corporation - page 30 | Dallas Lenius, Dean Hall - Force Pile Driving - page 32 | Dr. Dennis Filips - Innovative Trauma Care - page 34 | Gregory Hartman, Dan Smith, Darrell Boulter, Paul Smith RIDE Inc. - page 36

Business-to-consumer products and services Dale Wishewan - Booster Juice - page 38 | Susan Brattberg, Elmer Brattberg, Audrey Brattberg, Holly Brattberg - The Brattberg Group - page 40 | Rick Brink - Weddingstar Inc. - page 42

Real estate and construction Jerry Naqvi - Cameron Development Corporation - page 44 | Reza Nasseri - Landmark Group of Builders Ltd. - page 46 | Allison Grafton - Rockwood Custom Homes- page 48 | Sean Rayner - Vets Sheet Metal Ltd. - page 50

Celebrating 20 years of great Prairies entrepreneurs – page 52 Technology and communications Craig Mackenzie - Ontracks Consulting - page 54 | Michael Sikorsky - Robots and Pencils Inc. - page 56 | Tara Kelly - SPLICE Software Inc. - page 58

Professional and financial services Steve King - Alaris Royalty Corp. - page 60 | Jean-Pierre Parenty - Parenty Reitmeier Translation Services - page 62 | Stanford Orme Asher - S.O. Asher Consultants Ltd. - page 63

Oil and gas Nicole Bourque-Bouchier, David Bouchier - The Bouchier Group - page 64 | Menno Admiraal - Western Camp Services Ltd. - page 66 | Dale Tremblay, Alex MacAusland, Jeffrey Bowers - Western Energy Services Corp. - page 68

Business-to-business products and services Darcy Tofin - Central Water & Equipment Services Ltd. - page 70 | Kyle Powell - SureHire Occupational Testing - page 72 | Jeff Polovick - The Driving Force Inc. - page 74 | Geoff Gyles, Kerry Green - Wolf Trax, Inc. - page 76

Published by Business in Calgary & Business In Edmonton magazines | www.businessincalgary.com • www.businessinedmonton.com Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to circulation dept. • 1025 101 6th Ave. SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3P4 6

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

To judge brilliance, you need lots of it.

We couldn’t celebrate the Prairies brightest entrepreneurs without the powerful insights of our judges. We’re truly grateful.

Tony Franceschini

Curt Vossen

Linda Hohol

Stephanie Yong

Retired President and CEO, Stantec Inc.

Corporate Director currently sitting on a number of boards

President, Richardson International

Director, W. Brett Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence

Kelley Smith

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

© 2013 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved.

Consultant and former Vice President, Corporate Development, Viterra

For women entrepreneurs, there’s no such thing as being out of your depth.

If you’re a woman entrepreneur committed to thinking big to grow your company, we can help you take it to the next level — and beyond. Apply today for the Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ program.

This elite business network offers the resources and support to help you expand your horizons. Learn more at ey.com/ca/EntrepreneurialWinningWomen.

© 2013 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved.

And follow us on Twitter @EYCanada #WinningWomen.

Meet our Prairies leadership team Winnipeg Rob Jolley

Craig Roskos

Program Director, Entrepreneur Of The Year

Managing Partner 204 947 6519 craig.m.roskos@ca.ey.com

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

Louise Hyland

Joe Healey

Program Coordinator, Entrepreneur Of The Year

Office Leader, Entrepreneur Of The Year

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

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

Calgary

Saskatoon Kent Kaufield

Evan Shoforost

Managing Partner

Managing Partner

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

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

Dean Radomsky

Greg Keller

Office Leader, Entrepreneur Of The Year

Office Leader, Entrepreneur Of The Year

403 206 5180 dean.w.radomsky@ca.ey.com

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

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

20 years of inspiration 10

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

Š 2013 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved. ED0514

Ross Haffie

From here to where you want to go. We’ll help.

Learn how our private mid-market team can help you take your company to new places at ey.com/ca/focusonprivatebusiness.

Š 2013 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved. ED0514

ey.com

MANUFACTURING

Thane Russell

Absolute Completion Technologies Ltd.

S

taying on top of an ever-changing field is not easy, but Thane Russell is up to the challenge. As the founder of Absolute Completion Technologies, he taps into 25 years of engineering experience, unique insight, and creative and unusual approaches to problem solving to continue to innovate down hole sand and flow control technologies.

“You have to have a passion for business, and a passion for creating,” he says. “You need to give 100 per cent to it and be willing to put it all out there.”

Russell has been “putting it all out there” as an entrepreneur since 1995 when he, along with several terrific partners, founded Stellarton Energy. He founded Absolute after Stellarton was sold in 2000. He says that an entrepreneur must know him or herself well to succeed.

“You must be brutally honest with yourself about what your unique strengths are and what they are not,” he says. “Focus on what you are good at and either delegate, or find partners to handle the rest. Your team needs to take care of all of the things you are not good at and those things have to be their passion.”

Using this collaborative approach, Russell and the Absolute team have built a company that has multiple, patented, game-changing technologies and a suite of related products that are used to complete wells in 35 countries.

“I am very proud to see that technologies we have developed in Canada have been adopted around the world,” he says. “Especially to see that the products that we designed and developed work very well – it is just a thrill.”

The thrill is paying off. Absolute saw sales increase 233 per cent between 2010 and 2012 and plans to grow market share to eight to 10 per cent of the global sand control products market within five years.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

I want to share the honour of being an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year finalist with Absolute’s management team, employees, partners, and our valued clients. Thank you, to each of you, for your skills, efforts, encouragement and support.

Thane Russell, VP Business Development and Technology

CALGARY

EDMONTON

SINGAPORE

INNOVATIONS THAT ALLOW INDUSTRY TO BUILD BETTER WELLS

Sand Control | Flow Control | Erosion Control www.absolutect.com

403.266.5027

info@absolutect.com

ManufacturinG

Joe Makowecki Heritage Frozen Foods Ltd.

I

f you’re eating a frozen perogy, there’s a good chance Heritage Frozen Foods made it. Between its own CHEEMO brand, storebrand private labels and food service industry sales, Heritage has cornered the Canadian market on this traditional Ukrainian food and competes internationally against multinational giants.

Not bad for a family-run business in Edmonton, Alberta.

“Being a Canadian, family-owned business that competes and wins on a daily basis against the major multi-national food companies is a major achievement,” says president and CEO Joe Makowecki. “We are a rarity in this country and are proud to show that Canadians can compete – and win – in the food industry.”

Founded in 1972 by Makowecki’s father, Walter, Heritage Frozen Foods’ first mission was to convince Canadians that perogies didn’t just belong on Ukrainian tables. The family sold perogies out of trailers and kiosks travelling from one Alberta fair to the next in the family station wagon. Heritage got its first big order for packaged perogies from Edmonton’s Woodward’s and IGA stores – families of all cultures and creeds loved them and the company has never looked back.

“In the beginning, it was difficult to convince our customers that the perogy would become Canada’s national food,” he says.

“Over a number of decades we continued to build the business and made believers out of all of them.”

Makowecki took over from his father in 1997 and today produces more than 500 million perogies a year using locally-sourced ingredients. Thanks to Heritage’s efforts, nearly all major grocery stores have a prominent perogy category in their frozen food section.

“We have a great profitable company and we will continue to build on the strengths and principles that have served us well over the last number of decades,” says Makowecki.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

Thank you “

Being recognized as a Prairies Finalist in the 2013 EY Entrepreneur Of The Y Year initiative is an honour.

This achievement was truly a team effort fffort by our dedicated employees and industry partners.

Each day our employees put their hearts, souls and hard work into manufacturing three million CHEEMO perogies for Canadian families.

This recognition also highlights the commendable involvement of our many partners –the farmers who grow the crops and provide our raw materials, the transportation companies we rely on, the food brokers who represent our products, the retailers, the food service sector and ultimately the consumer who makes all this possible by purchasing CHEEMO products week in and week out.

On behalf of everyone at Heritage Frozen Foods, thank you again for the honour you have bestowed on me and our company.

Joe Makowecki, President & CEO Heritage Frozen Foods Ltd. www.cheemo.com

”

ManufacturinG

Mike Fata

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods

F

rom a 300-pound teenager to a lean certified health coach running Canada’s first hemp food company, Mike Fata knows a thing or two about overcoming obstacles.

“I think that the two things that make for a successful entrepreneur is passion for the project or business and a good gut feel for making decisions,” he says. “Passion is key, as when obstacles look insurmountable, it is pure passion that will drive someone to not quit and get past the obstacle. A good gut feel for making decisions is also key in startups and rapid growth businesses as one does not always have access to the information and many times you need to make a gut-feel decision.”

So far, it seems Fata’s gut has been right. Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods has not had an easy go of it as Fata and his team have fought perception and politics to build a successful company in the pioneering field of hemp food. He didn’t just build a company, he helped create an industry.

“When we started in 1998, there was no industry,” he explains.

“We had to lobby the Canadian government to legalize hemp, fight the U.S. DEA when they tried to ban hemp foods in the U.S., and we’re constantly educating consumers that hemp is different from its different cousin and is a healthy food product they want to feed their family.” His activism won him the Organic Leadership Award from the Canadian Health Food Association in 2010.

Fata’s passion, persistence and courage has allowed him to build one of the country’s leading health food manufacturing companies with retailers like Costco, Loblaws, Kroger, Safeway and Whole Foods Market on board.

“With current distribution in 3,000 retail locations and over 30,000 potential retail partners in North America alone, we have many years of tremendous growth ahead of us.”

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

cleantecH

Mogens Smed

DIRTT Environmental Solutions

F

rom sorting nails and screws at his father’s side at five years old, to skipping classes at university to network with other students, to a stint in Scandinavia, a bankrupt venture, a triumphant return followed by a hostile takeover, Mogens Smed’s career path has been nothing short of dizzying. But every twist and turn and lesson learned has led here: DIRTT Environmental Solutions – North America’s largest and best-known manufacturer of environmentally friendly modular wall systems.

“A successful entrepreneur gets the most job satisfaction from predicting, navigating and surmounting obstacles on the way to the goal,” says Smed.

Smed’s passion for people and purpose has driven him to jump many hurdles and create a company where nearly 800 people work towards making offices across the continent greener places.

Using the company’s proprietary software platform, DIRTT was able to decentralize with factories in Calgary, Kelowna, Phoenix and Savannah – significantly reducing its carbon footprint and bringing jobs to areas that needed them.

Since founding DIRTT with two partners in 2004, Smed has worked tirelessly to prove that a company can be green and profitable.

“Our greatest challenge is to get people to let go of last-century ideas that no longer work in today’s technological age,” he says.

“We have been able to prove our critics wrong by appealing to today’s demand for custom solutions and strong service.”

With this ability to customize to each individual client’s needs, DIRTT has found traction in the health-care and education sectors as well. Next up: residential.

“We are innovating all the time and exploring new markets,” he says. “Our nose is always pointed where we’re going. We know there will be challenges and it’s how we respond to them that makes the difference.”

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

CLEANTECH

Graham Illingworth Genalta Power Inc.

G

raham Illingworth is an expert in turning flaws into fortes.

From taking his first venture from bankruptcy to rapid growth, to buying a company crippled by lawsuits and turning it into one of the fastest growing companies, Illingworth knows what it takes to turn wasted energy into gold.

“A successful entrepreneur is an individual who can adapt by changing weakness into an advantage while not losing sight of their strengths,” he says.

So, perhaps it’s fitting that Illingworth’s first “from scratch” venture, Genalta Power Inc., takes wasted energy and turns it into usable electricity for resale.

Founded in 2008, Genalta’s success is built on innovation, cuttingedge technology and a distinctive business model. This 21st century approach is complemented by Illingworth’s good old-fashioned values of hard work, integrity and honesty.

“I often say I was born 100 years too late,” he says. “My greatest challenge has been in maintaining my resolve to my belief system as we are not always immersed in such a culture.”

The company invested more than 100,000 hours of engineering to design effective technologies and computer modelling to convert waste energy into power while maintaining value for the client and financial returns for the investors.

“I believe green ventures should be viable in the long term without government subsidies,” he says. “And Genalta is proving that’s possible.”

Having achieved its five-year goal of a $100 million equity valuation in just three years, Genalta is well poised for the future.

“Both myself and Genalta Power are hoping to continue to grow and develop,” he says. “I look forward to growing who I am as a person and giving back as much as life has given me. Genalta will continue to grow through geographic expansion, horizontal and vertical market development and through further development and deployment of leading-edge technology.”

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

2013 Finalist 20 years of inspiration

Thank You

Genalta Power Employees, Investors and Clients

At Genalta Power Inc. our successes have come from our exceptional employees, our committed Board and our loyal Clients. As a result of the creative thinking and dedication of each and every employee, Genalta Power has been able to experience outstanding growth. Through these efforts, Genalta Power is able to provide solutions tailored to meet the specific and unique needs of our Clients, while generating clean energy that is improving the environment that we all live in.

I sincerely appreciate and thank everyone who has touched Genalta Power in aiding our growth and achievement. ~ Graham Illingworth, CEO

600, 505 – 8th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 1G2 (403) 237-9740 | www.genaltapower.com The GenalT enalTa Ta Power GrouP of ComPanies P Panies inClude: GPI EnGInEErInG Inc. | GPI SErvIcES Inc. | GEnalta nalta PowEr Inc.

cleantecH

Mark Chisick Urbanmine Inc.

W

hen Urbanmine was just 10 months old, president Mark Chisick committed to growth with the purchase of five acres of property, a 35,000-square-foot building, and several pieces of heavy equipment to develop a new facility. The financial crisis and subsequent recession hit two months later, in the fall of 2008 – just prior to the company taking possession.

“When we moved into our new plant in March of 2009 demand for the commodities we sell had plummeted and sales were down 50 per cent from the year before,” says Chisick. “Business was bleak yet we had no choice but to absorb all the associated costs and overhead of the new facility, and staff it. I told the team that we were not going to participate in the recession. It was an enormous challenge, but we managed to regain the lost sales and then double that number in the next year.”

And that, according to Chisick, is how successful entrepreneurs roll.

“You need a clear vision; it’s the fastest route to success,” he says. “Articulate that vision, surround yourself with the best people to accomplish the objective, and allow the team to do their job without interference.”

Chisick’s vision was to build a modern and sophisticated scrap metal facility. Urbanmine is the result of that vision.

“My proudest accomplishment is looking at Urbanmine today and seeing that our 2007 vision to redefine metal recycling has developed into a vibrant corporation that is doing exactly that,” he says. “We set out to create the company of choice for employees, suppliers and consumers. Our mission was to become a full-service recycling company that equally values integrity, reliability and profitability. We are living that dream and I couldn’t be more proud.”

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

Urbanminers welcome here Urbanmine is changing the way the urban environment is mined for scrap metal. With decades of experience in the scrap industry Urbanmine’s team has come together with a shared vision to redefine metal recycling. Their commitment to treating customers with integrity is at the cornerstone of that promise. Whether you’re a large-scale industrial manufacturer or a neighbour down the street who needs to safely dispose of home electronics – the Urbanmine staff makes sure you’re treated with the respect and courtesy all Urbanminers deserve.

Welcome to the future of urbanmining

www.urbanmine.ca

Winnipeg, Manitoba

204.774.0192

peeD D gnidnatsrednU U enerGY services

Russ Hebblethwaite .rosivda laicnan euqinu a si laicnaniF llerroS Enviro Vault Canada evisnLtd. etxe ruo htiw egdelwonk peed dnelb eW .esitrepxe laicnan dna xat noitacilppa luflliks eht ni seil ecnereffid ruO snoitulos ecnarusni dengised motsuc ruo fo .seigetarts xat dna laicnan dilos htiw denibmoc eht ot gnirb ew nalp laudividni yreve dna hcaE .ecneirepxe fo sraey sulp ytriht ruo morf st eneb elbat

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hree parts hard work, two parts risk, one active imagination and one natural tendency to swim against ...repthe eed oG current: mix together with an unwavering belief in what you do and a tenacity to keep going no matter what, then top with great staff and supportive family.

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“Our greatest competition is tradition,” says Hebblethwaite.

“Trying to break people out of the ‘we’ve always done it this way’ mentality is a challenge.”

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But 17 years and 26,000 vaults later, the company has enjoyed tremendous growth – particularly in the last three years – thanks to Hebblethwaite’s tenacity and instinct for hiring the right people. He oversees a management team of seven people in Calgary and nine people at the fabrication/assembly plant in Edmonton.

Two of those top-notch people are his children.

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to laihave cnan my ynson a rofand redro nI eriuproudest qer thgir accomplishments ti gnitteG nopu dna ,denetsil g“It nivaisHone of smy playing meaningful roles dnuos edivhe orpsays. ot rosivda llerroS tA .noitcee er in the company,” ew od neht ylno ,noitmy ceedaughter er fo psarg mr a ,ecivda dna hcae ,laicnaniF ruO .ecivda ruo reffo Having team, si Hebblethwaite secnatsmucric ruoy seviaecwinning er tneilcmanagement yreve era snoitadnemm ocer assembled hguorohT .laitnesse ruo fo isnopoised itnettafor llugrowth. f eht ezimitpo ot densays gisedthe company ylno si gnidnatsrednu .slanoisseforp fo maet eveihca ,t eneb tneilc “We plan to construct a new manufacturing facility to further gninetsil hguorht deniatta ylsselmaes dna ycneic fe xat .sroto sivour da dstrict na stndesign eilc htob ot llarevo eht htiw etatighten rgetni our quality control and adherence standards,” he says.

“And we’ll continue focusing si tneilcour laudenergy ividni hcaE si ecivda ruO .nalp laicnan into the U.S. as well as into eother taicerindustries ppa ot dnausing ,tnereffid dna detacinummoc yon lraeexpansion lc storage tanks.” .yltnetni netsil ew ,secnaun eht deliated sedabove-ground ivorp .snoitca dednemmocer 24

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This is Russ Hebblethwaite’s recipe for successful entrepreneurship and, as the man behind Enviro Vault Canada Ltd., he’s cooked up a pretty successful run.

Founded in 1996, Enviro Vault offers those storing petroleum products a clean, safe alternative tank design that prevents frozen valves, reduces contamination from valve leaks or spillage during handling, enhances operator safety and saves time and money. Of course, when an out-of-the-box (or insidethe-tank) thinker presents something new to the industry, there are always a few obstacles to overcome.

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So We tax

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

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enerGY services

Merv Pidherney M. Pidherney’s Trucking Ltd.

T

here’s nothing like a good old-fashioned success story, and Merv Pidherney offers just that. Having been told by a high school teacher that he’d never amount to anything, Pidherney’s fire was lit and he set himself on a course that would find him leading more than 500 employees in one of the region’s top civil construction and hauling businesses.

It was almost 50 years ago that Pidherney combined his passion for trucks and his tireless work ethic to launch Pidherney’s Trucking, hauling gravel and sand to Husky’s Ram River gas plant.

“I only had two trucks and some other equipment when I said I could get the job done,” he says. “But I was determined to deliver on my promise, so I bought equipment and hired people as I needed to and was able to build my business as I went.”

A firm believer in the sacred bond of a handshake, Pidherney has built his business on word of mouth and customer referrals. He’s translated his natural leadership abilities and a keen eye for opportunity into a thriving business that serves clients like the Province of Alberta and numerous municipalities across the province. He has diversified by opening the Redi-Mix plant in Rocky Mountain House in 1979 and the civil construction division in 1994.

Pidherney has been a strong supporter of the communities in which his company works in and is a major sponsor of the local hospital gala fundraiser, the Primary Care Network, Rocky Kinsmen, sports teams, music events and, often, individuals in need.

He regularly donates manpower and equipment to causes like the Red Deer Ronald McDonald House and the Red Deer Curling Centre, which was renamed the Pidherney Centre in April 2013.

“I have been so fortunate to work with some great people for some great clients,” he says. “Entrepreneurship has been a very rewarding experience.”

26

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

Rocky Mountain House Office

Blackfalds Office

Thank you In 2014 Pidherney’s will celebrate 50 years in business. Mervyn and Earlyne would like to recognize and thank both past and present employees for helping them achieve this milestone.

Rocky Mountain House Office 403.845.3072 | Blackfalds Office 403.885.9101 Toll Free: 800.558.9033 www.pidherneys.com

enerGY services

Don Sutherland Studon Electric & Controls

I

t seems fitting that Don Sutherland’s entrepreneurial flame was lit during a campfire conversation with a group of business people.

“It was after a client’s golf tournament 23 years ago when I was working as a project foreman,” he says. “These entrepreneurs were sharing stories of the perils, pitfalls and triumphs of business and it was a pivotal moment for me – I knew I wanted to start my own company.”

A few years later, Sutherland was in the midst of a successful career as a master electrician when he took the plunge and co-founded Studon in 1995. He started Studon with a handful of employees, a few clients and a vision to build his company around “people, pride and service.”

“I was building a young company while raising a young family,” he explains. “Every day was full of risk and reward as we learned how to compete, grow and prosper.”

Sutherland and his brand new company fought to compete against much larger companies, including his former employer, so he and his staff focused on delivering the quality standards that were the trademark of his career as a journeyman electrician.

“With each job we proved ourselves and built our reputation and our customer base allowing us to grow strategically with a focus on our people, pride of workmanship and service to our clients,” states Sutherland.

Today, Studon employs nearly 1,000 people serving the energy, commercial, industrial and forestry sectors.

“Growing a company from a dream to nearly 1,000 employees through people, pride and service is something I’m very proud of,” he concludes. “The evolution of our company and our people has allowed Studon to make a difference in many lives – and that’s what really matters.”

28

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

“Success in a company isn’t measured by the efforts of one individual but that of a great team. I would like to thank the entire team at Studon Electric & Controls for turning a dream into reality as one of the premier electrical/instrumentation contractors in the energy industry in western Canada.”

Donald Sutherland Chief Executive Officer

www.studon.com

eMerGinG entrePreneur

John Stevens ENTREC Corporation

P

erhaps it’s his roots as an Alberta farm boy that gives John Stevens an innate ability to make things grow.

Combine that with an early passion for business (he was reading the Financial Post at age 12), and he had the makings of a successful career focused on growing businesses.

“My grandfather passed away when I was only seven,” he says.

“But he left me with one piece of advice that has stuck with me through my entire career: remember you only have your name and your reputation.”

Having studied agricultural engineering technology, business and accounting, Stevens began building a reputation early as he was recruited by Nilsson Bros. before he even finished articling and worked up through the ranks to a leadership position. As the company’s CFO, Stevens led Nilsson Bros. through a period of incredible growth through acquisitions – but not without learning a few lessons.

“I made my biggest mistake early on in my career,” he explains.

“After closing a deal, I learned the company had inflated earnings and it turned out to be a bad deal – but we didn’t let that set us back. I learned a valuable lesson in due diligence.”

Now considered an expert in due diligence, Stevens takes a very hands-on approach and is often considered ‘one of the guys’ with the shop and field staff as president and COO of ENTREC Corporation – a leading provider of heavy-haul transportation, crane services, engineering and support services for the energy, construction and infrastructure industries.

ENTREC achieved 309 per cent growth in 2012 through acquisitions and organic growth. Stevens says he owes ENTREC’s success to the management team who are “natural leaders, strong communicators, receptive to growth and accepting of taking risks.”

What’s next?

“We want to continue to grow and be the number-one heavy-haul and heavy-lift company in the markets we serve,” says Stevens.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

C

O

R

P

O

R

A

T

I

O

N

“I

am honored to be recognized as an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Finalist.

ENTREC’s success is driven by our people.

We recognize that our people are our most valued assets. Our success is dependent upon the collective energy and intelligence of all our team members. We strive to create a work environment where motivated team members can flourish and succeed to their highest potential. I would like to thank all of the people at ENTREC for their effort to date. We could not be as successful as we are without each and every member of our team. –Thank you!”

~ John Stevens, President and Chief Operating Officer

www.entrec.com |

1.888.962.1600

John Stevens (left) and staff at ENTREC

Lifting and moving safety to new heights

eMerGinG entrePreneur

Dallas Lenius, Dean Hall Force Pile Driving

I

n many ways, Force Pile Driving co-founders Dallas Lenius and Dean Hall couldn’t be more different. But it’s the common vision that keeps these two entrepreneurs on a path of growth and success.

“Our vision is to perform to our maximum potential and to excel at providing our customers with alternatives and value-added options,” says Lenius.

Founded in 2009 – right in the middle of the economic downturn – Force Pile Driving grew quickly thanks to the team’s understanding of, and diverse experience in, the pile-driving industry. Lenius’ expertise lay in finance, marketing and commercial banking, while Hall brought field experience as a journeyman welder and senior manager in a pile-driving company. This complementary experience allowed them to move quickly and adapt to a dynamic marketplace.

“Working for all sorts of oil and gas companies along with large contractors to build foundations for bridges and other infrastructure has significant challenges,” says Lenius. “We have to be flexible to work with so many different customers with different schedules and standard practices.”

A conservative business model allows Force to keep overhead low which translates to savings for their clients; while maintaining the highest levels of service allowing them to compete – and win – against the big players that traditionally dominate the industry.

This success has allowed Lenius and Hall to give back to the community through sponsorship of sports teams and organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Red Deer.

Currently, Force is building a new state-of-the-art shop and office space where the team can continue to grow and thrive.

“We’re poised for vertical and geographical expansion and organic growth in the coming years,” says Lenius. “We’re very much looking forward to adding to our team and continuing to find new ways to build the business and serve our customers.”

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

BREAKING GROUND. BUILDING FUTURES. Pile Driving Installation Pre-Drill Services Pipe Sales Welding Services Heavy Hauling Design-Build Engineering Services

FORCEPILEDRIVING.COM | 1.888.277.2133

eMerGinG entrePreneur

Dr. Dennis Filips Innovative Trauma Care

A

s a doctor with 20 years of service with the Canadian Forces, Dennis Filips has seen his share of battle trauma.

After five tours of duty in war-torn regions around the world, he saw that most deaths in the field are the result of excessive blood loss. He began to wonder: If all soldiers were also surgeons, imagine the lives that could be saved. And so was born the iTClamp™: a device that mimics the arc of a suture needle to close wounds and stop severe bleeding.

“My vision was to ultimately transform the suturing skills of a surgeon into a product that could be used by anyone at any time,” says Filips. “The iTClamp can be activated and in place in three seconds.”

Filips incorporated iTraumaCare in Edmonton in 2010 and has faced numerous battles bringing his idea to life.

“We were overcoming obstacles at each stage of the process about how this idea won’t work,” he says. “It was too difficult to make, there were product development challenges, initial prototype testing problems, commercial viability and so on. But a successful entrepreneur is someone who takes their vision to do something radically different and sacrifices everything to overcome all obstacles to see it come to fruition.”

Since those challenging early days, iTraumaCare has caught the attention of the science and tech world winning a number of awards, opening a global commercialization centre in Texas, getting regulatory approvals in the U.S. and Europe and, most importantly, saving lives in the field.

“Changing the way trauma care is delivered by making it accessible to lay users is one of my greatest passions,” says Filips. “It translates directly into lives saved and that is my life’s work.”

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

eMerGinG entrePreneur

Gregory Hartman, Dan Smith, Darrell Boulter, Paul Smith RIDE Inc.

I

t was a life-threatening close call for a friend and colleague that finally convinced Paul Smith and Darrell Boulter it was time for a change on the oil derricks. The 60-year-old Geronimo system of emergency escape from a derrick had become antiquated and unsafe and the two veterans knew they could do better. So, partnering with manufacturing experts Greg Hartman and Dan Smith, they developed the RIDE Emergency Egress System which revolutionizes derrick safety by eliminating the deficiencies and confusion of the previous system and gets workers safely to the ground in 30 seconds or less.

“Combining Paul and Darrell’s industry experience and connections with Dan’s and my experience in oilfield manufacturing made us the ideal team to create this new product,” says Hartman. “To be able to identify an industry need and then pool our resources and expertise to fill that need and better the industry has been key to our success.”

After a few attempts at different designs, the RIDE team settled on an egress system which has not only impacted the companies using the new tool, but has prompted widespread industry change as WorkSafeBC and Alberta Occupational Health and Safety have implemented new industry safety regulations based on RIDE’s success.

“We now have clients in North America, Mexico and the Middle East with planned expansion into North Africa,” says Hartman.

Now in its fourth year of operation, RIDE holds four patents with applications in on two more. It continues gaining momentum with 300 per cent growth in revenue in 2012 over 2011 achieving its first profitable year.

“We are now seeing our product put into use in day-to-day operations,” says Hartman. “Knowing we’re contributing to the safety and well-being of oilfield workers all over the world is so gratifying.”

36

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

THANK YOU

FOR BEING A PART OF RIDE INC’S ONGOING GROWTH AND SUCCESS.

ON BEHALF OF EVERYONE AT RIDE INC, WE GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR TIME AND COMMITMENT TO OUR PROJECT.

PHONE: 780-621-1570 WWW.RIDEINC.COM 5524 - 53 AVENUE, PO BOX 6213 DRAYTON VALLEY, ALBERTA T7A 1S4

A TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN EGRESS WHICH GREATLY SIMPLIFIES THE EVACUATION PROCESS

Business-to-consuMer Products and services

Dale Wishewan Booster Juice

T

he odds were certainly stacked against him. He had no experience in the food and beverage industry, or in franchising and success rates in the field are low.

He had a great deal of difficulty getting prime locations for his stores and was far from the retail power centre of Toronto. He had trouble even getting in to meet retail lessors in Edmonton. But as one of his college baseball coaches said, Dale Wishewan “knows how to win.”

In two years, Wishewan opened 50 Booster Juice locations – still a Canadian record. Fourteen years and 300 stores later, this Edmonton-based franchisor is the number one smoothie and juice bar in Canada.

“Being an Edmonton-based franchisor of over 300 locations is a proud accomplishment and something of a rarity,” says Wishewan.

Wishewan has been named EY’s Emerging Entrepreneur Of The Year in 2005 and was recently named the 27th recipient of the Dr. Charles Allard Chair in Business honorary teaching position at MacEwan University School of Business.

All the while, he has managed to find balance. In addition to playing competitive baseball and curling, Wishewan is dedicated to his wife and kids.

“My family is something that is extremely important to me,” he says. “I made sure to devote the time to ensure that my kids never grew up not knowing who their dad was because of not being around.”

And he’s not done yet. Having conquered the Canadian market, which is growing by eight to 10 per cent per year, Wishewan has opened franchises in India, Brazil, Mexico, the Netherlands and the U.S. Next up is the United Kingdom in 2014.

“The goal is to have 450 to 500 stores and to continue to be the number one smoothie and juice bar in Canada and the world.”

38

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

BOOST YOUR LIFE!

SMOOTHIES | FRESH SQUEEZED JUICES | HOT FOOD | SNACKS

Booster Juice is Canada’s Premium Smoothie & Juice Company Thank you to all Booster Juice staff and Franchise Partners for believing in, and helping grow the brand.

In 14 short years we have been able to accomplish more than most people thought possible.

I look forward to working with our talented team to continue to grow the Booster Juice brand in the coming years.

DALE S. WISHEWAN

President & CEO – Booster Juice

BoosterJuice.com

Business-to-consuMer Products and services

Susan Brattberg, Elmer Brattberg, Audrey Brattberg, Holly Brattberg The Brattberg Group

T

he Brattberg Group began as a labour of love. After decades of honing their entrepreneurial skills as farmers and Audrey’s 30 years as an educator, Elmer and Audrey Brattberg decided to combine the two passions to join the Academy of Learning in 1996. Over the next decade, they built their learning empire from one campus to seven and acquired Digital School. After their daughters, Susan and Holly, finished university and ran their own successful business, they too joined the Brattberg Group as partners and the company became a true family affair.

“Each member of our family recognizes our own strengths and weaknesses,” says Audrey. “Where one member will struggle, the other will be able to assist.”

This complementary working style has allowed the Brattberg Group to grow and thrive in the private education space with their Academy of Learning campuses, Digital School, Complete Corporate Training and Global eTraining. But it hasn’t always come easy.

“We have overcome many obstacles including the booms and busts of the vocational business which are counter cyclical to the economy,” says Audrey. “You have to have vision and drive and the willingness to experiment and try new ideas.”

According to Audrey, their key measurement of success is the impact they have in peoples’ lives. And they walk the walk by standing by their product. The company employs about 100 full-time staff – 75 per cent of whom are graduates of a Brattberg program.

Through hundreds of partnerships with companies, government, other education institutions and community organizations, the Brattberg Group provides educational opportunities to individual and corporate learners all over the province, the country and internationally.

Their vision statement sums up the ultimate goal: To be a global leader in delivering skills training by leveraging partnerships and technology. This is what they are doing every day, and is how the business is growing internationally. The Brattberg Group is passionate about running businesses that genuinely help people.

“We truly have a passion for education and lifelong learning, knowing that we can help to change people’s lives,” says Audrey.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

Congratulations

The Brattberg Group wishes to congratulate all EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Finalists, and to thank all of our staff members and graduates of our many programs for helping us achieve our vision of being a leader in delivering skills training locally and globally.

One Vision One Family One Hundred Staff Thousands and thousands of graduates

www.academyoflearning.ab.ca

www.digitalschool.ca

www.globaletraining.ca

www.completecorporatetraining.com

Business-to-consuMer Products and services

Rick Brink Weddingstar Inc.

W

hat do pop cans, broken hockey sticks and hand-painted porcelain wedding cake toppers all have in common?

They’re all ways born-entrepreneur Rick Brink has found to make a living.

It may come as a surprise that a company whose mission statement is “to put the WOW into each and every bride’s wedding experience” was founded by a European pro hockey player, but Brink says the two aren’t all that different.

“Being an entrepreneur means having a never-give-up philosophy,” he says. “Like playing a professional sport, it is very competitive, and the game plan can change from week to week, and strategy plays a big part in being successful – and it’s the same in business.”

From a briefcase full of Christmas decorations brought back from Denmark where he played hockey in 1984 to more than 3,000 products, 100 employees and sales in over 90 countries around the world, Brink has translated his skills and experience into a unique niche company that designs, manufactures and sells custom wedding products directly to the bride through partners around the world at weddingstar.com. Developing more than 200 new products a year, Weddingstar has offered more than 6,000 different items for sale in its nearly 40 years in operation. And, just like hockey, success is found in teamwork.

“We have a strong culture of continuous improvement,” says Brink. “Our employees are recognized and rewarded for making improvements and we’re always implementing our team’s ideas to improve the company’s overall performance.”

Over the next five years, Brink says he hopes to continue expansion into global markets building on the establishment of Weddingstar Australia and a partnership in Russia, along with its most recent acquisition in Great Britain, a U.K.-based company called Confetti that specializes in the online wedding market.

“It is gratifying to know that there is someone in almost every country in the world who knows Weddingstar and what we are about,” he says.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

Ca

OUR TEAM LOVES TO PUT THE

Cake Toppers

Personalized Invitations

Bridal Accessories

Wow

Unique Favours

INTO WEDDINGS.

Finishing Touches

BE INSPIRED and SHOP | DESIGNER of WEDDING ACCESSORIES

www.weddingstar.com

Stationery

REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION

Jerry Naqvi

Cameron Development Corporation

J

erry Naqvi was an aspiring engineer when he set off on his adventure in 1964. Leaving his family and his native Pakistan behind for a scholarship to the University of Alberta, Naqvi could never have predicted that he would end up being one of Edmonton’s pre-eminent commercial land developers – but life has a funny way of unmaking best-laid plans.

Struggling to find an engineering job after university, Naqvi fell into a job as a residential real estate agent. He built a reputation for honesty and integrity – qualities that quickly made him the organization’s top salesperson. But his career truly took off in 1973 when he landed a job alongside legendary businessman Dr. Charles Allard who, in Naqvi’s words, taught him everything he knows about real estate.

By 1980, Naqvi had saved enough money to venture out on his own. Today, Naqvi’s Cameron Developments, is a regional leader in real estate development and investment incorporating some of Alberta’s largest big-box retail outlets. Naqvi says the right people are the key to any business’ success.

“There are a multitude of attributes which go into making an entrepreneur,” he says. “Ability, experience, integrity, resources, luck – but I believe one of the most important is to surround yourself with the right people.”

That includes his children – something that brings Naqvi a great deal of satisfaction.

“Aside from seeing some of our larger projects come to fruition and be successful, I would have to say my proudest accomplishment is seeing all three of my children become integral parts of our business,” he says. “Each brings their own individual strengths and abilities, and collectively they work towards the overall good of the company, its employees and its future.”

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

Creating beautiful, healthy smiles is what we do!

Five full-time hygienists Entire family all in one hour Call today for your FREE consultation and your start to a more beautiful smile.

An amazingly convenient location you can walk to from your urban home or office saving you valuable time and money. If you choose to drive, dedicated parking is available!

DOWNTOWN DENTIST • Cosmetic Dentistry • Emphasis on Prevention • General Dentistry • Tooth Whitening • New Patients & Emergencies Welcome • Direct Billing of Insurance Plans

Conveniently located under the Calgary Tower, 430 Tower Centre, 131-9 Avenue SW

403-265-3146 | www.drgalan.com

real estate and construction

Reza Nasseri

Landmark Group of Builders Ltd.

H

aving arrived in Canada with $75 in his pocket and an entrepreneurial dream in his heart, Reza Nasseri has built a company that has grown into one of the largest and most innovative homebuilders in Western Canada.

After navigating the challenges of making a living as a newcomer to Canada and weathering the recession as a homebuilder in the early ’80s, Nasseri has landed on a technology and a business model that has distinguished him as a true innovator.

Landmark Group of Builders’ Precision Building System sets new standards for construction efficiency, housing energy efficiency and new home sustainability. By taking home construction out of the field and into a state-of-the-art production facility in Edmonton, Landmark significantly reduces human error and waste – all working towards the corporate goal of building net-zero energy homes by 2015.

“I have a passion for making things better and to leave the world a little better than when I came into it,” says Nasseri.

And that passion doesn’t stop with environmental sustainability.

Nasseri is well known for his contributions to the community and has been awarded the Peter Lougheed Award of Achievement for Advancement of Health Services, the Alberta Centennial Medal, and the Alberta Order of Excellence.

While Nasseri has beaten the odds by creating a business model that is both environmentally and financially sustainable, he has a bigger goal in mind for the industry as a whole.

“We will be bringing the industrialization of housing construction to North America,” explains Nasseri. “While doing all of this we want to help and inspire others to change the industry and adopt the net-zero energy standard.”

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

FAMILY COMES FIRST

LAndMARk BuILdIng SOLuTIOnS – nORTh AMERICA’S OnLY STATE-OF-ThE-ART hOME MAnuFACTuRIng FACILITY (EdMOnTOn, AB).

I’m honoured to be recognized as a finalist for this award, however, this evening is about our family of employees who challenge themselves, and each other, to make a difference every day. Our journey to revolutionize the home building industry has been a roller coaster ride, filled with emotional highs and lows, praise and rejection, and many learning moments and challenges – but anything that’s worthwhile doesn’t come easy. Today, I can say the entire 11-year journey has been absolutely meaningful and worthy. The more we learn, the more we realize there is to learn. To our committed employees who believe in it, I extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation.

Reza Nasseri FOUNDER & CEO LANDMARK GROUP OF BUILDERS

EDMONTON • RED DEER • CALGARY

real estate and construction

Allison Grafton Rockwood Custom Homes

L

aunching an exclusive, boutique custom home renovation and construction company during one of Canada’s biggest economic downturns is a testament to Allison Grafton’s faith in her team and herself.

“In 2009, I took immense personal risk. I left a successful investment banking career to pursue my passion,” she says. “It was a significant challenge at the outset. Despite my personal history with homebuilding and an accomplished career, Rockwood had no credit history and no one would give us credit.”

During her career in banking, Grafton had built 10 luxury homes in her “spare time,” but, as many entrepreneurs will tell you, there comes a time when the dream can no longer wait.

“I saw a real niche in the marketplace,” she explains. “The attention to financial detail required as an investment banker combined with my passion for designing and building is a unique combination that no other builder has. Customers like the peace of mind knowing that one of the biggest financial decisions they will make in their lives is given that level of dedication.”

Together with her business partner, Grainger Nimmo, Grafton and her team have built stunning homes and a business that focuses on quality and financial management as opposed to massive growth. While the size of the builds are increasing, Grafton intends to keep the number to 10 to 12 annually to maintain quality and service.

“We are the architect, the builder and the designer on every project. Accountability rests solely with Rockwood,” she says.

“Word-of-mouth has built our company because of this.”

“At the end of the day, I am unabashedly optimistic and that optimism has allowed me to pursue my life’s course.”

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

“We couldn’t have done it without you!”

ROCKWOOD CUSTOM HOMES PRESIDENT ALLISON GRAFTON GIVES THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE HELPED HER ACHIEVE.

“Going through the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year process has really allowed me to reflect. I’ve had to think about what success means to me and consider all of those who have helped me along the way, most notably my partner Grainger Nimmo and our Rockwood staff—you are the most devoted, hard working, passionate bunch of individuals I could have ever hoped to work with. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. My success is your success—we couldn’t have done it without you.”

Allison Grafton

President, Rockwood Custom Homes

Photo: Allison Grafton (fourth from left) and Grainger Nimmo (fifth from left) pose with their Rockwood Custom Homes team.

ROCKWOOD CUSTOM HOMES is an exclusive, boutique custom home construction and renovation company that provides a full suite of architectural design, construction and interior design services to a discriminating client-base.

For more information about ROCKWOOD CUSTOM HOMES or to see our portfolio, please visit www.rockwoodcustomhomes.com.

Phone: 403-608-3000 Email: info@rockwoodcustomhomes.com

real estate and construction

Sean Rayner Vets Sheet Metal Ltd

S

ean Rayner sat nervously with his sister Erin in the living room of their Toronto apartment. On a particularly cold fall day, the phone rang, and the news changed everything. “Your dad has cancer,” his mom squeaked out. “It doesn’t look good.”

They packed a suitcase each and caught the first flight to Edmonton not knowing whether they would ever see David Rayner again. Sean was only 22.

David survived and would be out of the game recovering for over a year. However, the family business, Vets Sheet Metal, needed attention – someone to take over the day-to-day. Sean decided to drop his career in telecom sales to hold together a business that was reeling from change.

The 82-year-old HVAC company had been complacent for years.

It was time for change. “Building a company whose staff and culture had been in place and growing since well before my birth presented some challenges,” he says. He recognized early on it was important to learn from those who had more experience.

Ten years later, Vets Sheet Metal has dramatically changed. The shrinking custom fabrication division was traded in for a booming ventilation market. Sean humbly passes the credit on to his new management team and the mix of new blood and seasoned veterans.

“I’m most proud of overcoming the ‘old guard’ who were not on board with where we were going. It was hard to come into work every day and deal with some of the attitudes and personalities.

But as the momentum took over and the people who did support what I was trying to accomplish got on board, the old guard diminished and we’re a stronger team than ever.”

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

"Great partnerships are built on shared visions, cemented with mutual respect and trust" - W. Brett Wilson

Thank you to our hardworking team & loyal customers as greatness can only be achieved together.

Sean D. Rayner President, VETS Sheet Metal

www.vetssheetmetal.com T: @Vetssince1921 E: info@vetssheetmetal.com P: 780.434.7476

Celebrating 20 years of great Prairies entrepreneurs Dr. Alan Ulsifer, FYidoctors 2012 Dan Themig, Ken Paltzat, Peter Krabben, Packers Plus Energy Services Inc. 2009 David Werklund, CCS Income Trust 2005 Bill Comrie, The Brick Warehouse Corporation 2004 David Robson, Veritas DGC Inc. 2002 Clive Beddoe, Don Bell, Mark Hill, Tim Morgan, WestJet Airlines Ltd. 2000

2000 James Kinnear, Pengrowth Energy Trust, 2001 David Robson, Veritas (DGC) Inc. 2002 Jose Correia and Brian Gingras, Bee-Clean Building Maintenance Inc. 2003 Bill Comrie, The Brick Warehouse Corporation 2004 David Werklund, CCS Income Trust 2005 Timothy Melton, Melcor Developments Ltd. 2006 Louie Tolaini, TransX Group of Companies, 2007

Rod McPike, Propak Systems Ltd. 1996

Ven Cote, ZCL Composites Inc. 2008

Prairies regional winners, 1994–2012

Dan Themig, Ken Paltzat, Peter Krabben, Packers Plus Energy Services Inc. 2009

J.R. (Bud) McCaig, Trimac Ltd. 1994

William Elkington, JV Driver Group 2010

Ed McNally, Big Rock Brewery Ltd. 1995

Mac Van Wielingen, ARC Financial Corp.

2011

Rod McPike, Propak Systems Ltd. 1996

Dr. Alan Ulsifer, FYidoctors 2012

Marcel Tremblay, The Enerplus Group 1997

Lifetime Achievement recipients

John Komarnicki, Hurricane Hydrocarbons Ltd. 1998

Jim Gray, Canadian Hunter Exploration Ltd. 2000

John Forzani, The Forzani Group Ltd. 1999

JR Shaw, Shaw Communications Inc. 2002

Clive Beddoe, Don Bell, Mark Hill, Tim Morgan, WestJet Airlines Ltd.

Clayton Ridell, Paramount Resources Ltd. 2008

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Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013 20EYyears of inspiration

© 2013 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved. ED1013

Canada’s Entrepreneurs Of The Year from Prairies

Your growth journey is all about many small steps.

We’re with you all the way.

© 2013 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved. ED1013

Entrepreneurs, let’s explore how we can help you take your company where you want to go. ey.com/ca/Entrepreneurs

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

53

tecHnoloGY and coMMunications

Craig Mackenzie Ontracks Consulting

S

ome people might think that all an entrepreneur needs is a great idea and an opportunity to bring it to market. But Ontracks Consulting founder Craig Mackenzie says there’s far more to it than that.

“Being able to identify an opportunity is certainly a critical component,” he says. “But the necessary drive and focus to convert this from an idea to a viable business is what really defines success.”

Mackenzie has been defining success since leaving his career in IT consulting and co-founding Ontracks in 2007. Since then, Ontracks has become a multimillion-dollar company serving a niche market in IT and management consulting in the oil and gas sector. He says that while his business is focused on technology, its success lies with its people.

“We’ve been very fortunate in having the best people in our space, but as we continue to grow, finding the best people will ultimately define our future,” he says. “Whether we’re looking to increase sales, deliver value on our projects or tackle complex business problems for our clients, we ultimately rely on highly skilled team members.”

Having started with just two people, Ontracks has grown to more than 50 and today has four partners. The continuous growth year-over-year shows Mackenzie and his team that they’re doing all the right things.

“Over 90 per cent of our business over the last six years has been from word of mouth,” he says. “The continued growth and referrals really makes you feel proud about what you’re delivering and gives you real affirmation that you have something that is different.”

That difference, according to Mackenzie, is a personal touch in a technological space. A commitment to service and quality work has earned the company the title of one of IBM’s top premium partners in Canada.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

I am honored to be recognized as a finalist in the Prairies region for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year award. The staff of Ontracks Consulting’s willingness to go above and beyond is well known to us, and clearly the word has spread! I would like to extend my congratulations on this very well-deserved recognition to our entire team, we are very proud of this achievement. I would also like to thank our clients for giving us the opportunity to work collaboratively with you on a daily basis. ~ Craig Mackenzie

Ontracks Consulting is a leading implementer of IBM Maximo and operational improvement firm, working with clients

around the world to improve their operational performance. Ontracks focuses on delivering enterprise implementations and helping our clients realize tangible and sustainable operational improvements.

We are successful because of the passion we have for our business, the industries we serve, and our clients. ALL of our employees from senior management to our consultants interact on a daily basis with our clients, working collaboratively to deliver real, longterm, and sustainable benefits. We truly understand the challenges our clients face.

Our commitment is to delivering on our promises and ensuring client satisfaction. We are extremely proud of the fact that over 80% of our new business is from existing clients and the large majority of new business is from word of mouth.

Maximo Asset Management Solutions Ontracks specializes in asset management system implementations, best practice consulting and training. Our proven implementation methodology and experienced consultants create powerful opportunities for our clients to fulfill their visions and goals.

www.ontracksconsulting.com Audits and Assessments | Training and Workshops | Maximo Implementation Services Maximo Upgrade Services | Business Process Improvement

tecHnoloGY and coMMunications

Michael Sikorsky Robots and Pencils Inc.

M

ichael Sikorsky is a robot. His wife and business partner, Camille, is a pencil. Not literally of course, but the software engineer and the artist/designer created the company and its philosophy: solid science complemented by beautiful design makes for a successful mobile product.

Having formed the year after the iPhone was born in 2007, Robots and Pencils – a company that creates iPhone and iPad apps – had a major challenge ahead of it.

“The world was stuck in a morass of PC nothingness when we started,” explains Sikorsky. “We had to convince the world to believe in mobile.”

And convince they did.

“When Robots and Pencils started, it was two people in Calgary – we’ve grown to be a global team,” says Sikorsky. “Now we have clients around the world from the Fortune 500 and the FTSE 100. More than 10 million people have used our apps in over 20 countries.”

And the success has been dramatic. In 2012, the company’s Spy vs Spy app hit number one globally – an impressive feat by any measuring stick.

“It was a huge accomplishment we are very proud of,” says Sikorsky.

Robots and Pencils is also committed to contributing to the community by way of annual scholarships (one to a robot and one to a pencil). Sikorsky also runs “Start-up School” at the University of Alberta where he gives budding entrepreneurs insight into what it takes to start, build and run a company – taken from the valuable lessons he’s learned.

“From the outside, it always looks so fast and easy,” he says. “It never is. But, when you look back, it is surprising how far you can get.”

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

PUTTING CALGARY ON THE MAPP

WE MAKE APPS.

robotsandpencils.com Now in the Beltline – Call or email for an appointment 1507 – 14th Ave SW

403·775·4681

hello@robotsandpencils.com

tecHnoloGY and coMMunications

Tara Kelly SPLICE Software Inc.

T

ara Kelly is all about making connections. Whether it’s forging bonds between her clients and their customers, creating strong relationships between herself and her team, or aligning her company with international partners, it’s the synchronicity of life and business that gets her excited.

As the founder of SPLICE Software, Kelly specializes in helping her clients communicate with their customers in new and unique ways. SPLICE utilizes all communication channels from mobile phones to email, video and website communications to maximize the connection between a company and its clients helping with retention rates, loyalty, accounts receivable and more.

“I love the fact that we’re able to provide a human feel to interactions in an increasingly automated world,” she says. “It is not all about making money, it is about making things better. I passionately believe if you work hard to make things better and create value, there is a natural monetary reward. We need to stop talking about feature sheets and technical specs, and invest in helping people connect to all that is possible.”

Somewhat of a serial entrepreneur, Kelly has founded three companies and developed her first software program at age nine. She says her passion for technology lies in its ability to make life better.

“I love technology, it is changing the world,” she says. “With cloud computing and crowdsourcing and open-source software, amazing things are possible. Simple things are possible too, like having your communications personalized and relevant; yes, it is possible, and I think we all should demand it.”

Set to launch a new product this fall, Kelly says her greatest satisfaction has been developing the company and its products with her team.

“I think our story at SPLICE is really one about good people who won’t quit trying to make things a little better.”

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

C C C

Communications  Personalized  Human Voice  Enterprise  Omnichannel  Market Manage Measure  Dialog Suite Communications  Personalized  Human Voice  Enterprise  Omnichannel  Market Manage Measure  Dialog Suite Communications  Personalized  Human Voice  Enterprise  Omnichannel  Market Manage Measure  Dialog Suite Communications  Personalized  Human Voice  Enterprise  Omnichannel  Market Manage Measure  Dialog Suite

Dear family, friends, clients, partners, and my fellow SPLICEer’s, Dear family, friends, clients, partners, and my fellow SPLICEer’s, Dear family, friends, clients, partners, and my Dear family, friends, clients, my for Being recognized as a partners, Prairie and Finalist fellow SPLICEer’s, fellow SPLICEer’s, Entrepreneur Of The Year® is a true honour, and Being recognized a for Prairie Finalist for I am deeply gratefulas to EY empowering Being recognized as a® isPrairie Finalist and for Entrepreneur Of Thethe Year a true honour, innovators around world. recognized as Finalist and for IBeing am deeply grateful EYa®for empowering Entrepreneur Of Theto Year isPrairie a true honour, Entrepreneur Of The Year ® is a true honour, and Iinnovators am gratefulthe to world.

EY for truly empowering My deeply fellow around SPLICEer’s, I am blessed to have Iinnovators am deeply gratefulthe to world.

EY for empowering around the opportunity to know each of you and to work innovators around the world.

My fellow SPLICEer’s, am for truly blessed haveof alongside you. Thank Iyou bringing sotomuch My fellow SPLICEer’s, I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to know each of you and work who you SPLICEer’s, are to work Ievery day,blessed for making your My fellow am to have alongside you.

Thank you fortruly bringing so much of a the opportunity to know each of you and to work mark on this company and for helping create the opportunity to know each of you and to work alongside you.toIThank you forday, bringing so much of who you are work every for making your culture that am so very proud of—may we alongside you.to Thank you forday, bringing socreate much of mark on are this company and for helping aa who you workone every for making your forever challenge another to make things who you are worksoevery for of—may making your culture that am very proud we mark on thisinIto company and day, for helping create a little better all we do! mark this Icompany and for helping create a cultureonchallenge that amone so another very proud of—may forever to make thingswe a culture that I am so very proud of—may we little better in all we do! forever challenge one another to make things a To my challenge clients, thank you for allowing us things the chance forever to make a little betterwith in allyou weone do!aanother to work as partner to create better communication experiences for your customers! Thank you for little better in all we do!

To my clients, thankand youvision for allowing the chanceand allowing us to be a small part of making it happen—working sharing the goals of your us organization to work with as a partner to create better experiences for your customers! Thank you for To my clients, thank you for is allowing us the chance for you and you with you, truly our pleasure.

Wecommunication appreciate our seat at your table.

To my clients, thank for allowing us the chance to work withgoals you as you avision partner to create better communication your customers!

Thank you for sharing the and of your organization and allowing usexperiences to be a smallfor part of making it happen—working to work withgoals youyou, as atruly partner topleasure. create better communication experiences for your customers!

Thank you for for you and with is our We appreciate our seat at your table. sharing the and vision of your organization and allowing us to be a small part of making it happen—working To my the partners, birdsvision of a feather do flock together…

So all us I want toaknow is how Imaking got so itlucky to be in a flock sharing goals and of your organization and allowing to be small part of happen—working for yousuch and an withamazing you, truly is our You pleasure.

We the appreciate our seatI at your table. with bunch? truly are mosaic of who am!

Thank you for the unconditional love and for you and with birds you, truly our pleasure. appreciate ourI want seat at To my partners, of a is feather do flock We together…

So all to your knowtable. is how I got so lucky to be in a flock support. with such an amazing bunch?

Youdotruly are the mosaic I am!

Thankisyou theso unconditional love and To my partners, birds of a feather flock together…

Soofallwho I want to know howfor I got lucky to be in a flock To my partners, birds of a feather flock together…

Soofallwho I want to know howfor I got lucky to be in a flock with such an amazing bunch?

Youdotruly are the mosaic I am!

Thankisyou theso unconditional love and support.

And to my boys, Raymond and Samuel, you inspire me every with such an amazing bunch? You truly are the mosaic of who I am! Thank you for the unconditional love and support. day, to reach higher, to try harder, to love deeper and to create support.

And to my boys, Raymond youperson. inspire me every value.

You make me wantand to Samuel, be a better There is a day, reach higher, to try harder, to love deeper and to create And to my boys, Raymond and Samuel, you inspire me every great big beautiful world out there, go forward, add value and And to my boys, Raymond and Samuel, inspire me every value. make to be a person.

There is a day, to You reach higher, towant try harder, to better love you deeper and to create always believe inme your dreams! day, to reach higher, to try harder, to love deeper and to create value.big You make me want be ago better person. is a great beautiful world outtothere, forward, addThere value and value.

You make me want be ago better person. is a always believe in your dreams! great big beautiful world outtothere, forward, addThere value and great big beautiful world out there, go forward, add value and always believe in your My name is Tara Kellydreams! and I believe it can be better! always believe in your dreams!

My name is Tara Kelly and I believe it can be better!

My name is Tara Kelly and I believe it can be better!

My name is Tara Kelly and I believe it can be better!

Tara Kelly President & CEO Tara Kelly SPLICE Software Inc. President & Kelly CEO Tara Tara President & Kelly CEO SPLICE Software Inc. President & CEO SPLICE Software Inc. SPLICE Software Inc.

SPLICE Software Incorporated  1-855-677-5423  WWW.SPLICESOFTWARE.COM SPLICE Software Incorporated  1-855-677-5423  WWW.SPLICESOFTWARE.COM SPLICE Software Incorporated  1-855-677-5423  WWW.SPLICESOFTWARE.COM SPLICE Software Incorporated  1-855-677-5423  WWW.SPLICESOFTWARE.COM

Professional and financial services

Steve King Alaris Royalty Corp

S

ometimes it takes something drastic to shake us out of complacency. For Steve King, it was his sister’s battle with cancer that snapped his life into sharp focus.

“As she fought cancer, things became very clear for her,” he says.

“She urged me to be true to myself. Life’s too short to wait for things to happen.” And with that, King left his successful career in investment banking to invest in his own dream.

The Alaris Royalty Corp. model is unique. Alaris provides entrepreneurs of already successful businesses with capital while allowing them to maintain control of their companies by giving Alaris passive, non-voting equity with a synthetic royalty paid on pre-tax revenue or gross margin. King’s idea was something that hadn’t been seen before – so it was a risk. But hailing from a family of entrepreneurs, King had faith.

“There are obviously many things that go into making entrepreneurs successful but first and foremost is belief,” he says. “You need to have an unshakable belief in yourself, your business plan and the people around you in order to succeed because all businesses go through difficult times.”

And his belief was contagious as he brought on Clay Riddell, one of Canada’s great entrepreneurs and the founder of Paramount Resources, and launched Alaris in 2004. And he’s never looked back.

“I have the honour of dealing with some of the great success stories in North America,” he says. “These are people who have worked hard and have built incredible businesses. I think I’ve got the best job in the world.”

Having gone public in 2008, King’s company has grown to $1 billion in market capitalization and is now on the radar of more U.S. advisers.

“I see the next five years as a time for increasing growth and opportunity,” he says. “I hope to be doing what I’m doing for many years to come.”

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A Sincere ThAnk You To our Team aT alaris for their unquestionable united value and the vital role they individually play in our success.

DirecTors for their genuine support and experienced insight. auDiTors, lawyers, anD aDvisors for their contributions that surpass duty. enTrepreneurs for inspiring us to do what we do. Alaris is proud to call you a Partner.

232, 2031 33rd Avenue S.W. Calgary, AB T2T 1Z5 Ph. 403-221-7304 F. 403-228-0906

www.alarisroyalty.com

Professional and financial services

Jean-Pierre Parenty Parenty Reitmeier Translation Services

J

ean-Pierre Parenty says good morning 75 times in 20 different languages each and every day as he passes through the offices of Parenty-Reitmeier Translation Services in Winnipeg. This dedication to maintaining a family culture through tremendous growth is just one of the things that defines him as an entrepreneur.

Now celebrating 20 years in business, Parenty says determination, confidence and a “let’s shoot the puck” attitude are what he believes has made his firm a global leader in the translation of owner and repair manuals for the mechanical field.

Having launched his business with a single, $1,300 translation job for a friend, Parenty turned his bilingualism – and his natural leadership abilities – into a business that provides translation services in over 100 languages through 400 employee and contract translators globally.

Of course, no entrepreneurial success story would be complete without a struggle or two.

“I worked a number of jobs before becoming an entrepreneur and I always left by choice – their choice,” he laughs. Early on, Parenty was forced to claim bankruptcy due to poor bookkeeping. “It was a big lesson for me,” he says. “And it was one I learned from.”

Today, Parenty is a fanatic about bookkeeping and accounting and can always tell you exactly what his company’s financial position is at any given time.

And it’s a good position to be in. Parenty-Reitmeier experienced 34 per cent sales growth in 2012 and is targeting 20 per cent in 2013. He was able to grow his business significantly during the financial crisis as clients like Harley Davidson, Polaris and Honda expanded into new markets – and new languages.

With a goal of doubling his business in the next five years, Parenty’s ambition is obvious – as is his dedication to his community. He has personally raised more than $500,000 for the St. Amant Foundation in Winnipeg as well as travelling to Rwanda to coach budding entrepreneurs.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

Professional and financial services

Stanford Orme Asher S.O. Asher Consultants Ltd

M

any parents may have cringed when their 16-year-old son announced he was quitting school to earn money in the workforce. But S. Orme Asher’s dad knew his son better than that. He had three words for him: “Go for it” – and he did.

After more than a decade of work experience and honed interpersonal skills, Asher embarked on his first entrepreneurial venture. Within six months of starting Asher Real Estate Brokers, he grew from a three-person operation to selling more listings than any other brokerage in his native Saskatoon. From there, he built a successful river cruise business that stimulated Saskatoon’s tourism industry. But it was his next venture that defined his career as an entrepreneur.

“I come from a family whose achievements were earned through honest hard work. I can be described as somewhat of a dreamer,” he says. “I had a unique idea, believed in it and was determined to succeed.”

That idea was the Hospital Home Lottery. What is now a household term began as a radical new concept in 1978 when Asher developed the first ‘$100 ticket Home Lottery’ as a fundraiser for the Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon. The unprecedented success of the first Kinsmen Home Lotteries caught the attention of the Royal University Hospital. Asher then applied his successful business model when he designed the Hospital Home Lottery, and the program sold out in a matter of days.

S.O. Asher Consultants Ltd. was formed and today operates with 22 employees (including his wife and son) in 10 major cities across Canada and in Australia.

“Together we have raised net proceeds of more than $650 million for our clients,” says Asher. “And we will continue to find innovative ways to deliver increased net profits to our existing valued clients.”

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

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oil and Gas

Nicole Bourque-Bouchier, David Bouchier The Bouchier Group

B

uilding a company worth tens of millions of dollars is an impressive feat for any entrepreneur – but when you consider Dave Bouchier lost his father at age 12 and left school after Grade 9, the achievement is especially poignant.

Of course, when you have partner who shares your passions and commitment in life and business, anything is possible.

Taking his experience in heavy equipment and hers in stakeholder and aboriginal relations, Dave and his wife, Nicole Bourque-Bouchier, started Bouchier Contracting in the fall of 2004 with 10 people and one project working on a temporary access road for CNRL. As a small company competing with giants in the oilsands of northern Alberta, Nicole says she and Dave had to show great fortitude in the early days.

“You must enter into entrepreneurship with an entrepreneurial spirit,” she says. “I think this is something you have within you and not everyone has this quality. This ensures your passion and commitment to everything you do within your business and will continually drive you forward, even during the tough patches.”

In 2009, the Bouchiers added Bouchier Site Services to their road maintenance business and brought medical, janitorial and security services to a number of oilsands sites.

Today, The Bouchier Group employs 500 people year round and recently Carillion Canada joining on as a minority partner in 2012 has given the now-branded Bouchier Group the capacity and resources to grow the business even more. All the while, the two have remained committed to giving back to the communities that have supported them along the way.

“Philanthropy has always been a passion of ours and one area that we are giving more and more time to these days,” says Nicole. “Of course we both have a real passion for our work and furthering the awareness of aboriginal businesses and women in business.”

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

info@thebouchiergroup.com 780.790.1682 www.thebouchiergroup.com

“The Bouchier Group is honored to be chosen as a finalist in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Program 2013. David and I would like to express our sincere appreciation to our team members for your continued dedication. The Bouchier Group’s success is measured by your continued support.

To our stakeholders, thank you for your continued patronage of our business. We are always looking for new ways to serve our clients more effectively and efficiently.” ~ Nicole & David Bouchier

oil and Gas

Menno Admiraal Western Camp Services Ltd

W

hen Menno Admiraal’s business partner was suddenly diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2008 and left the business the next day, he was faced with the biggest challenge of his life. How to continue to run and build their successful business while dealing with the grief of losing his partner and friend? The answer came in the form of his team. Empowering, developing and trusting his people would be the only way for Admiraal’s Western Camp Services to succeed and thrive.

“The old adage that you’re only as strong as the team behind you is so true,” he says. “As an entrepreneur, you need to move from ‘big I and small We’ to ‘small I and big We’ quickly and seamlessly as your company grows and matures. You need to have faith and trust in your team if you want to continue to grow.”

And grow it did. With a world-class culinary team and a dynamic leadership team, the company provides accommodation services all over the region to companies like Nexen and Penn West. The company achieved record revenues in 2012.

“There have been many great points in the life of Western, many awards, great contracts, great profits, etc.,” says Admiraal. “But for me, the greatest accomplishment has been the evolution of our world-class corporate culture. Western truly is a place where great people work. We spend an immense amount of time developing, leading and preaching our culture.”

What’s next? More of the same.

“Western will continue to grow and our plan is to double our revenue and profit over the next three years. We will continue to strengthen our systems and grow and preach our culture,” says Admiraal. “No matter how large we get, Western will always be a fun place to work where everyone knows your name.”

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

7668 69 Street Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2J7 Phone: 780.468.1568 Fax: 780.468.1948 Email: info@westerncampservices.com www.westerncampservices.com

We succeed by having a “Nothing is Impossible” attitude.

Better is our Standard Working in isolated locations, your staff needs accommodations that are well maintained and comfortable.

“I am honored to be chosen as a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013. This achievement is only possible through the superior teamwork, commitment and dedication of Western Camp Services employees. Thank you to my team for your belief and support.”

~ Menno Admiraal

Providing services to the natural resource industry, our camp facilities for 20 to 1000 men include lodging, meals, kitchen and housekeeping personnel. Hours away from major centres, you need to know you can count on a company that provides high quality accommodations and hospitality – from the essentials down to the smallest details. At Western Camp Services, we offer a variety of custom options for your camp and catering needs.

• Make reservations at one of our established Open Camps • Rent the equipment and facilities you need through our Fleet Rentals division • Or contact one of our knowledgeable sales staff to customize a solution that meets your accommodations, catering and management needs Our top of the line facilities can include executive and VIP suites, recreation equipment, and of course, quality nutritional products that exceed industry standards.

oil and Gas

Dale Tremblay, Alex MacAusland, Jeffrey Bowers Western Energy Services Corp

W

hen Dale Tremblay, Alex MacAusland and Jeffery Bowers acquired Western Energy Services in 2009, the pumping company was in a bit of a mess. With no working capital and millions of dollars in debt, it would take a great deal of work and personal investment to bring Western back to the black. Fortunately, the partnership brought exactly what the company needed to succeed: a common vision, complementary strengths and a commitment to quality in both their people and their equipment.

“We all agree on the fundamentals of how to do business,” says Tremblay, the company’s chairman and CEO. “Everything is straight up; no cutting corners. People are our most valuable assets, we’re focused on safety and we run highquality equipment in all our business lines.”

After just two years, the team was able to sell the pumping business at three times what they paid for it and turned Western into a contract drilling business. With a focus on growth, the team acquired a number of service companies and has been successful in integrating these operations. Today, Western has the sixth largest drilling fleet in Canada, five rigs in the U.S., the seventh largest fleet of service rigs as well as a profitable equipment rental business.

“We’re proud of the fact that we’ve delivered what we told the investment community we would,” says Tremblay.

“We’ve grown, we’re profitable and our customers continuously recognize our quality equipment, people and service.”

The dream team of Tremblay, MacAusland (president and COO) and Bowers (SVP finance and CFO) will continue to leverage their unique partnership to build Western’s future. Says Tremblay: “We all focus on our areas of expertise but all have experience in our business lines. We all give our input to work toward the best outcome.”

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

Voice & Data Cabling Phone Systems Paging Systems Voip Services

Moving or Expanding?

We can help.

Ask about how we can

save you money on your phone bill!

Bay B - 5815, 36th Street S.E. Calgary, Alberta T2C 2J1 Phone: 403.921.9889 | Fax: 888.341.0565

www.coretelecom.ca

Business-to-Business Products and services

Darcy Tofin

Central Water & Equipment Services Ltd.

D

arcy Tofin has been pumping water as long as he can remember. Working alongside his father in the family irrigation business in rural Saskatchewan, Tofin learned the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. And so the seeds were planted for Tofin’s own enterprise. But making the leap from a declining irrigation industry to a major industrial service supplier has taken 12 years, a lot of hard work and intestinal fortitude.

In fact, Central Water’s first job in 2001 was not for the faint of heart – an eight-kilometre water transfer … in west-central Alberta … in the dead of winter.

“We had pumps and heaters we hoped would be sufficient,” says Tofin. “But as we started the system, the expected -27C quickly dropped to -43C and stayed over the next two-week period. The stress level was high, but we managed to pull it off.”

Thanks to that success and others that followed, Central developed a reputation for delivering results on challenging projects where other companies wouldn’t take the risk.

Together with his brother Perry, Darcy and their team have built a successful company moving water. From mining and forestry to industrial and oilfield, Tofin has innovated to find new ways of meeting the challenges their customers present.

“The growth of our company is very important to me, along with our equipment and service capabilities we have established,” he says.

Central Water is growing again with the construction of new facilities in Sherwood Park, outside of Edmonton. Tofin says the new space will allow the company to expand service to its current clients as well as grow its customer base significantly in the years to come.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

A strong team spells success!

“

“

Myself and everyone at Central Water appreciates the recognition of this nomination. I would like to thank Greg Keller and the group at EY, RBC, and our many suppliers and customers we have had over the years. I also wish to recognize my brother and partner Perry, our families, and of course our employees. All of those involved have made the company a success and we look forward to working with each and everyone in the years to come.

~Darcy Tofin

Central Water & Equipment Services Ltd. 302 Gladstone Crescent, Saskatoon, SK S7P 0C7

PH:306-975-1999 FX: 306-975-7175 www.centralwater.net

Business-to-Business Products and services

Kyle Powell

SureHire Occupational Testing

T

he SureHire story is one that defines entrepreneurship: two individuals recognized a market need and set about finding a way to satisfy that need. In this case, the need was for a full-service occupational testing company offering expertise in drug and alcohol, fitness-to-work, audiometric, lung health programs and other specialized services that allow employers to get the full picture of their workforce.

Kyle Powell is an experienced physiotherapist with an entrepreneurial bent. He always felt the desire to create something of his own, but it wasn’t until he was working as a physiotherapist that he realized he could put his unique skill set to help industry. Of course, as many entrepreneurs will attest, there were naysayers.

“Since starting this journey in 2005 I forget the number of times I have been told that you can’t do that, you won’t be successful, or simply you will fail,” he says. “With a personal attitude of perseverance, negative comments become motivational and not believable.”

Eight years later, Powell and his partner, John Hawes, run a service-oriented firm that has provided more than 750,000 individual occupational tests as of 2013. Powell says one of the biggest challenges has been educating industry on the importance of fitness-to-work testing for companies striving to meet stringent safety and productivity standards in the workplace.

“We’re proud of creating an industry understanding and acceptance of the importance of our fitness-to-work protocol which tests the abilities of an applicant against the demands of the job they are applying for,” he says. “Proper occupational testing programs help employers get the full picture of their workforce which is so important in today’s zero incident safety culture.”

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

Drug & Alcohol Program

Audiometric Program

EXPERTS IN OCCUPATIONAL TESTING

Drug & Alcohol Program

Drug & Alcohol Program

Audiometric Program

Audiometric Program

Lung Health Program

Audiometric Program

Lung Health Program

Lung Health Program

Fitness-To-Work Program

Fitness-To-Work Program

Specialized Services

Lung Health Program

Fitness-To-Work Program

Lung Health Program

Fitness-To-Work Program

Specialized Services

SureHire is an expert in occupational testing. We offer consistent and convenient tests that enable our clients to place the right person in the right Specialized Services job, increase worker productivity, and reduce WCB claims and onsite incidents. We have our results analyzing process down to an exact science and our online booking and results system is the fastest in the industry.

And, we customize our services to fit our client’s needs.

Canada’s Largest Exclusive Occupational Testing Network Fitness-To-Work Program

Specialized Services

“I would like to sincerely thank each of our employees, clients and advisors for this honor as a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year award. I am truly honored and privileged to share this recognition with you.”

- Specialized Kyle Powell Services

SureHire Corporate Office | 1205 - 7th St. Nisku, AB T9E 7P8 T: 1-866-944-4473 | E: info@surehire.ca | www.surehire.ca

Business-to-Business Products and services

Jeff Polovick The Driving Force Inc.

J

eff Polovick began his entrepreneurial career selling seeds door-to-door in Saskatchewan. Thirty-five years later, he’s gone from seeds to sedans and runs one of Canada’s largest automotive companies with a fleet of more than 9,500 vehicles and a force of more than 425 employees.

DRIVING FORCE is a unique three-pillar model focused on offering vehicle rental, sales and leasing and more recently fleet management services in Western Canada and the Arctic. Built primarily on hard work and a commitment to integrity in an industry plagued with the “used-car-salesman” image problem, Polovick’s DRIVING FORCE is an example of entrepreneurship at its finest.

“Probably the most important quality a successful entrepreneur requires is an active imagination coupled with a quest for learning,” says Polovick. “Basic values of integrity, respect, commitment and passion are also essential for execution of the business plan.”

Over his more than three decades in business, Polovick has repeatedly demonstrated his gift for viewing challenge as opportunity and encourages his employees to do the same. Through green-fielding and acquisitions, Polovick has grown the business to 23 locations across Western Canada and the Arctic including three HINO dealerships, a GM dealership and a non-prime retail outlet.

“By diversifying our three lines of business and further diversifying geographically, we were able to weather the storms of business cycles and market conditions creating additional growth while others struggled to remain viable,” he says.

But Polovick isn’t finished yet. Consistently recognized as a leader in the industry, The Driving Force Inc. is poised to capitalize on its stellar team and grow again.

“We’re on a metaphorical trip to Mars with our business,” says Polovick. “We have come a long way and we look forward to expanding our geographic footprint in other areas of Canada that will support our business model. I also look forward to helping our team members meet new challenges and develop their personal skills.”

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

It is a great honour to be named an award finalist for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year.

This nomination wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated staff and loyal customers. Thank you to our amazing team and customers for making DRIVING FORCE the success it is today.

- Jeff Polovick

President

DRIVING FORCE is your source for vehicle rentals, sales, leasing and fleet management services in Canada with 18 locations throughout Western Canada and the Arctic, including Edmonton, Calgary, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Saskatoon, Fort St. John, Langley (Vancouver), Whitehorse, Terrace, Inuvik and Iqaluit.

DRIVING FORCE has been in the automotive business for over 35 years and has been a leader in the industry.

From work trucks to commercial vans, DRIVING FORCE is driven to deliver… anything you want!

We rent, sell and lease...

ALL MAKES AND MODELS 18 locations across Canada Edmonton • Leduc/Int. Airport • Fort Saskatchewan Calgary • Fort McMurray • Grande Prairie • Saskatoon Vancouver • Fort St. John • Terrace • Iqaluit Whitehorse • Inuvik

1•800•936•9353

www.drivingforce.ca

Business-to-business products and services

Geoff Gyles, Kerry Green Wolf Trax, Inc

W

olf Trax took root in Winnipeg in 1998 when coworkers Geoff Gyles and Kerry Green saw that the science of fertilizing plants was growing stagnant and they had a great idea for innovation.

First to market was a family of six Dry Dispersible Powder (DDP) micronutrient fertilizers that addressed weaknesses in traditional micronutrients in that they offered plants micronutrients in two phases through the patented Dual Action™ concept. The company’s second patented innovation was developing a seed-applied fertilizer product designed to improve seedling growth in a wide range of crops, soil types and growing conditions.

“We are providing science-based technology to growers around the world, helping them be profitable and at the same time helping to feed a growing population in the most (from a plant nutrient perspective) healthy and sustainable manner possible,” says Green.

In addition to having overcome the obstacles facing many first-time entrepreneurs, like access to capital from conservative financial institutions, Gyles and Green were also up against a traditional industry that is not always open to new ideas.

“Changing and challenging conventional wisdom in a very conservative industry has been a hurdle,” says Gyles.

But when a product works, selling a new concept becomes a lot easier. And Wolf Trax’s products do work.

The team has achieved significant brand awareness and market share in Canada and the U.S. “We are a small plant nutrition company based in Winnipeg competing head to head with some of the largest companies in the world,” says Green. Gyles adds, “The fact that we are a Manitobabased company with Manitoba-based science selling innovative fertilizers in all parts of the world makes me particularly proud.”

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013

In a whole different ball park.

Fertilizer technology so advanced, there’s no comparison.

855.237.9653 • wolftrax.com

Wolf Trax® is a registered trademark of Wolf Trax, Inc. ©2013. 21061 BIC

Header Entrepreneurs take centre stage

The EY G20 Entrepreneurship Barometer 2013: Canada

Name

E

ntrepreneurs are key to building a better working world, and Canadian entrepreneurs have much to be Company thankful for. They operate in an environment that’s highly supportive of their activities. The cost of starting a business in the country is among the lowest in the G20, while entrepreneurs spend fewer hours on their tax affairs than their peers in most other nations, enjoy lower labour costs and benefit from better access to funding. As a result, levels of new business activity and startups are well above the G20 average.

Those are some of the findings of the EY G20 Entrepreneurship Barometer 2013. Our survey found that Canada is one of the top performers in the world, scoring consistently high in nearly all categories of the entrepreneurial environment.

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ody than might be expected. For example, 73 per cent Canadian entrepreneurs, however, are notably less positive say access to funding remains difficult, greater than the G20 average as a whole. Similarly, while Canada has the lowest insolvency costs in the G20, 36 per cent of local entrepreneurs say business failure is a barrier to future business ventures, also above the overall average.

This mismatch may reflect Canadian entrepreneurs’ higher expectations. In a generally conducive environment, they may expect greater levels of assistance and support and could be prone to disappointment during tougher times. Nevertheless, these concerns will need to be met in order to encourage entrepreneurship in the country.

Looking ahead, all these strengths should support growing levels of new business creation, with one report predicting the net creation of 150,000 new businesses in the coming decade — a resounding endorsement for Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.1 To learn more, visit us at www.ey.com/G20Canada.

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. B. Tal, Start-ups — Present and Future (CIBC World Markets Inc., 2012).

EY EY Entrepreneur Entrepreneur Of Of The The Year Year 2013 2013

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