Curious what Canucks legend Trevor Linden has been up to? So were we — so we invited him into the studio for a candid conversation about leadership, life after hockey, and building a business around fitness. Turn to page 16 for the full story. ANDY WHITE
In Vancouver, excellence tends to speak quietly. You see it in the small details — a business that goes the extra step, a team that cares deeply about what they do, a sense of purpose that reaches beyond the bottom line. It’s what happens when people love this city enough to keep making it better.
This year’s Profiles of Excellence highlights a few of those people. Trevor Linden, whose leadership and community work continue to shape Vancouver long after his playing days. Nonfiction, a startup built on the simple idea that nutrition should be clean, sustainable, and made for real life in this city. And Odlum Brown, a firm that backs its financial expertise with a genuine commitment to giving back through sponsorships that lift up local culture, sport, and community. And they’re just a few among many more Vancouverites and businesses whose dedication quietly strengthens the city every day.
These aren’t just businesses; they’re reflections of Vancouver itself — creative, grounded, and ambitious.
We’re proud to celebrate the entrepreneurs and innovators who keep this city moving forward, one idea, one conversation, and one act of care at a time. Because here, excellence isn’t about standing apart — it’s about being part of something bigger. 2026 EDITION
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
– attributed to Thomas A. Edison
Michelle Yu Personal Real Estate Corporation
Land assembly, done right: How Vancouver’s leading realtor is turning complexity into confidence
Selling a home is one of life’s biggest financial – and emotional – decisions. But when that sale involves a land assembly, or combining multiple neighbouring properties to sell together for redevelopment, the process becomes far more complex.
“Selling as part of a land assembly goes far beyond a typical home sale,” says Michelle Yu PREC*, a Vancouver realtor with more than three decades of experience. “It’s not just about listing your property and attracting buyers — it involves coordinating with neighbours, understanding redevelopment potential and working through planning and policy considerations that shape the value of your land. It can feel overwhelming, and that’s where we come in.”
MORE THAN REALTORS: TRUSTED GUIDES AND ADVISORS
Yu and her team do far more than simply handle transactions — they act as trusted advisors throughout the redevelopment journey. Their work extends beyond marketing a property to helping homeowners understand every stage of the process.
“Many homeowners are hearing these terms for the first time,” Yu explains. “They want to know how land value is determined, whether they’re underselling or if joining an assembly is even the right move for them. We break it all down clearly — how developers evaluate potential, and how changes like transit expansions or new zoning can influence pricing. Once people understand the ‘why,’ they feel empowered to make informed decisions.”
GUIDING HOMEOWNERS TOWARD CONFIDENT DECISIONS
For Yu, expertise is at the heart of every successful assembly. “Our job is to provide information and support, so homeowners can make the right decisions with confidence, and without feeling pressured.”
Land assembly isn’t always the right path for every homeowner. “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution,” Yu says. “Every family has different plans, priorities and timelines. Sometimes, after reviewing all the details, a homeowner decides
it’s better to wait or sell as a single residential property.”
Yu and her team focus on presenting a complete picture, helping clients understand all their options so they can make informed choices that best serve their future.
BALANCING GROWTH AND HUMANITY
Vancouver’s growth has made land assemblies common, particularly around transit corridors and rezoned areas. While they help shape the city’s future, Yu believes it’s just as important to support the people involved in the process.
“Yes, development is necessary,” she says. “But behind every property is a family, a history and a sense of home. Our role is to support each family through the process by providing guidance, helping them plan their next steps and ensuring the transition is smooth and well-informed.”
THE QUIET WORK BEHIND THE SCENES
Successful land assemblies rely on clear communication, strategic coordination and a foundation of integrity. When every homeowner understands how the process unfolds and how decisions are made, the group can move forward with clarity and shared confidence.
“The process often takes time and careful management,” Yu says. “It requires consistent follow-up, attention to detail and a steady hand to guide everyone through unexpected challenges.”
This structured, professional approach ensures progress remains steady and the experience as seamless as possible.
CONFIDENCE ABOVE ALL
At the end of every land assembly, what matters most to Yu is seeing homeowners move ahead with certainty and peace of mind.
“Every situation is unique,” she reflects. “Our job is simply to ensure people have the knowledge and support they need to make the choice that feels right for them.”
For Yu, confidence isn’t just a goal — it’s the lasting outcome of a process built on trust, understanding and thoughtful guidance. For more information, visit michelleyu.com. •
Michelle Yu PREC* and her team are committed to providing the very best service by paying attention to the details while striving to exceed client’s expectations.
*PREC represents Personal Real Estate Corporation
Our job is simply to ensure people have the knowledge and support they need to make the choice that feels right for them
Michelle Yu Personal Real Estate Corporation
RE/MAX Real Estate Services
3548 West 41st Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6N 3E6
Team: 604-329-8228
Office: 604-263-2823
michelleyu.com
MICHELLE YU, PREC* BROKER OWNER
Kim Dewar
Dewar Wealth Management Group at Odlum Brown
Odlum Brown offers financial guidance for every stage of life
Whether it’s helping a young family build their nest egg, offering peace of mind in retirement or receiving photos of a new grandchild, Kim Dewar is walking alongside her clients through every chapter of life. As Director and Portfolio Manager with the Dewar Wealth Management Group at Odlum Brown, she helps clients across British Columbia, and globally, plan, adapt and thrive.
“It’s an incredibly rewarding career,” Dewar says. “We feel like one big family, and our clients really value that sense of connection.”
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Backed by over six decades of combined experience, the Dewar Wealth Management Group offers comprehensive financial guidance tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals.
Services include:
• Investment strategy and portfolio management
• Retirement and income planning
• Wealth preservation and risk management*
• Tax-efficient investing
• Trust, estate and philanthropic planning
The team – rounded out by Michelle Sullivan, Dylan Ross and Hannah Dujmovic – takes a planning-first approach. By understanding each client’s life stage, goals and risk tolerance, they build customized, goals-based portfolios designed to grow and adapt over time.
BUILDING LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS
The client journey begins with a detailed discovery process, an in-depth conversation about personal goals, timelines, financial context and more. From there, the team creates a clear financial snapshot and projects a future roadmap to guide long-term decisions.
“We take the time to get to know our clients and their lives,” says Dewar. “This isn’t a
one-time conversation. We revisit and update plans every few years, or whenever something meaningful changes.”
Seasonal financial planning is also part of the process. In the fall and winter, many clients focus on education expenses, moving funds out of corporations, family gifting, or charitable giving.
This boutique, client-first model allows Dewar’s team to remain highly responsive and collaborative, often coordinating with lawyers, accountants, insurance professionals and other specialists when needed.
CLEAR COMMUNICATION, CONFIDENT DECISIONS
In today’s unpredictable economic climate, Dewar believes trust and transparency are more important than ever. That’s why her team emphasizes proactive communication, helping clients stay informed and empowered to make sound financial decisions.
Clients benefit from regular check-ins and tailored updates, as well as insights from Odlum Brown’s in-house Research and Financial Planning teams, delivered through newsletters, market reports and podcasts.
“The most valuable thing we can do is stay in close contact,” says Dewar. “If something changes – renovations, school plans, needing a lump sum – we want to know right away so we can help clients adjust quickly and efficiently.”
HELPING CLIENTS LIVE THEIR BEST LIVES
Above all, Dewar is passionate about helping clients live fully and spend confidently, whether it’s taking the trip of a lifetime, supporting family, or giving back to causes they care about.
“Sometimes, we’re telling clients they can afford to do more than they think—like flying business class instead of economy,” Dewar says. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to help people reach their dreams.”
To learn more or to start planning your financial future, contact Kim Dewar and her team at Odlum Brown by visiting odlumbrown.com/kdewar.•
For more than a century, Canadian families have trusted Odlum Brown to guide their wealth management needs with care and expertise. Odlum Brown is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.
We feel like one big family, and our clients really value that sense of connection
Suite 1100-250 Howe Street Vancouver BC V6C 3S9 604-844-5466
kdewar@odlumbrown.com odlumbrown.com/kdewar
Arbutus Laser
Local laser clinic helps highlight natural beauty
Arbutus Laser has a legacy of pioneering aesthetic medicine in Vancouver, introducing innovations like the first vascular laser, hair removal laser, IPL and CoolSculpting. Photo via Arbutus Laser
Do you choose a carpenter just because he has an expensive saw or do you choose them based on their skill and quality of work? The same concept applies when choosing a laser treatment professional.
After all, a device is only as good as the operator behind it.
With decades of experience in aesthetic medicine, the highly skilled professionals at Arbutus
Laser have remained at the forefront of Vancouver’s scene with comprehensive consultations and by pioneering new technologies. They introduced the city to the first-ever vascular laser, the first permanent hair removal laser, the first IPL and the first CoolSculpting device, to name just a few.
“Our team continues to break ground in techniques and methods of using our devices in new and more effective ways, always trying to serve our patients better, “ says Juli Johnson, managing director at Arbutus Laser. “When you come to our office for a consultation, you’re seeing someone capable of doing the work for you. You’re seeing one of our technical staff, not a salesperson.”
CLIENTS FIRST
Johnson describes the current industry as a highly competitive sales environment, where the focus on community has generally degraded.
“At the heart of our core values, we’re committed to fostering a strong, supportive community, prioritizing the greater good over self-interest,” she explains. “By nurturing meaningful relationships and giving back, we ensure our community remains at the heart of everything we do.”
The centre prioritizes detailed consultations to ensure the right approach for each concern. With a wide range of services including skin rejuvenation, resurfacing, injectables, tattoo and hair removal, and face and leg vein treatments, patients have multiple options to achieve their goals.
This approach allows multiple treatments in a single visit, with many patients combining Emface, Exion and injectables for an efficient process few practices match.
ONGOING PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
In the fast-growing field of aesthetic medicine, training and education are essential. With the rise of laser therapy driven by new technologies and more practitioners, ongoing learning is vital.
Dr. Donald Mintz, with Arbutus Laser since 1993 and pictured on the left, highlights the practice’s commitment to innovation. “We strive to stay current by attending the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery and other specialized workshops.
“Unfortunately, the pace of industry growth can sometimes outstrip the challenges for many practitioners,” says Johnson. “We are a collection of professionals with diverse backgrounds, committed to ongoing education, training, safety and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of our patients and industry standards.”
The team at Arbutus Laser Centre comprises multiple areas of expertise, with many remaining actively engaged in public and family medicine, a testament to their commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in what they do
The Arbutus Laser team brings diverse expertise and a commitment to lifelong learning through continued work in public and family medicine. Photo via Arbutus Laser
With a clear focus on healthy skin rather than beauty trends, their mission is well defined. Dr. Nicolas Eichhorst, medical director, pictured on the right, says “Every patient is unique and requires a custom approach to their needs. Our extensive experience and full suite of services allow us to deliver on that.
“We’re not here to push treatments,” Johnson says. “We’re a busy, well-established, small business where most of our clientele comes from patient and industry referrals. For anyone who has suffered from acne scarring, unwanted hair, regrettable tattoos, bad varicose veins or simply wants to age gracefully, we are here to help.”
For more information and to book a consultation, visit arbutuslaser.com or call 604-731-5512. •
Independent, locally-owned Arbutus Laser was one of the first facilities of its kind in Canada. It maintained accreditation by the BC College of Physicians and Surgeons as a Non-Hospital Surgical Facility from 1992–2018; all related surgical procedures are now performed at VGH ‘s Diamond Centre.
Unfortunately, the pace of industry growth can sometimes outstrip the challenges for many practitioners
Arbutus Laser
100 - 2025 west Broadway Vancouver BC 604-731-5512
info@arbutuslaser.com arbutuslaser.com
myORTHODONTIST
Compassionate orthodontic care that transforms not just smiles, but lives
Outstanding oral care is about so much more than simply the colour or alignment of your teeth.
And when the process results in a beaming smile, it sends a profound message:
“This is who I am, I’m proud of myself and I’m ready to take on the world.”
The team at myORTHODONTIST strives to bring that passion and confidence to its patients across all ages and care needs.
myORTHODONTIST is a network of specialty orthodontic offices serving families Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Surrey and Langley for close to 20 years.
“Each office is locally based and communityoriented, while also benefiting from the shared expertise, advanced technology and collaborative knowledge of our network of board-certified orthodontists,” says Dr. Aly Kanani myORTHODONTIST owner and managing orthodontist. Kanani is supported by a team of progressive, academicallyoriented orthodontist specialists, many of whom teach at the University of British Columbia.
myORTHODONTIST combines advanced orthodontic care with a holistic approach to health and wellness. Beyond straightening teeth, Kanani’s team focuses on how the airway, bite and facial development impact long-term health, breathing and sleep.
As Kanani notes, a well-aligned bite not only improves appearance but also reduces strain on the jaw, helps prevent uneven tooth wear, supports better chewing and digestion and lowers the risk of future dental problems.
“Families choose us because we don’t just create beautiful smiles — we create healthier, more confident patients who can keep their teeth longer and enjoy lifelong oral health,” Kanani says.
This commitment to well-being ideally starts at the age of seven. It’s at this stage where myORTHODONTIST specialists can detect whether jaws are developing properly, if there’s enough space for permanent teeth or if the airway is unrestricted.
Gentle and early intervention can often simplify or shorten future treatment — and support healthy facial and airway development during key growth years.
The process begins with a complimentary consultation designed to be informative and comfortable, covering off on diagnostic photos, X-ray work and 3D scans and a thorough orthodontic and airway assessment.
Kanani’s team is committed to reviewing a patient’s goals and concerns, while offering personalized treatment options with timelines and flexible payment plans.
A digital smile simulation is also offered so patients can preview their potential results.
“Families leave with clarity, confidence, and a full understanding of how orthodontic care can benefit both appearance and health,” Kanani says.
What binds all myORTHODONTIST locations together is a steadfast commitment to what’s referred to as an “airway-centred philosophy.”
The process evaluates how the upper and lower jaws, tongue posture and airway space interact with breathing and sleep quality. By identifying and addressing those issues early, chronic conditions linked to poor breathing patterns can be avoided.
“In both children and adults, this approach in our opinion leads to better health, better sleep, and better smiles. It’s orthodontics with a purpose — creating lasting wellness, not just aesthetics,” Kanani says.
None of this is to suggest the myORTHODONTIST care model is confined to kids, as adults often seek treatment for both aesthetic and functional reasons.
“With advanced technologies like Invisalign and clear braces, treatment is discreet, efficient, and highly customizable — making it easier than ever for adults to invest in their oral health and longevity,” Kanani says.
For more information, visit www.myortho.ca. •
Families leave with clarity, confidence, and a full understanding of how orthodontic care can benefit both appearance and health
DR ALY KANANI ORTHODONTIST
Della Optique
Seeing is believing: Kitsilano optical boutique offers exams, eyewear and more
Kitsilano’s premier destination for comprehensive eye care and designer eyewear, award-winning optical store and optometrists
It was her poor vision as a child, when she couldn’t read the blackboard or make out the big E on the eye chart, that began Dr. Della Chow’s connection with optometry.
“I didn’t get my first pair of glasses until I was in Grade 3. I didn’t even know I wasn’t seeing well,” she recalls. “After that, I used to see my family optometrist annually. When I got to Grade 12, I didn’t know what career path to pursue and he suggested I become an optometrist and is still a mentor to me today.”
Growing up in her family’s restaurant, Dr. Chow opened Della Optique in Kitsilano in 2000 with a goal to provide exceptional service and personal connections, just like her parents.
“When you grow up in a family restaurant, it’s all about service,” she says.
Before opening Della Optique, Dr. Chow worked at practices in Toronto, Vancouver and Prince George, including alongside her own family optometrist—a full-circle moment.
Today, she runs her practice with her longtime associate Dr. Oliver Chong, who, like Dr. Chow, has over 25 years of experience. “He’s passionate about always providing the very best care to all of his patients,” she describes. “He developed his knowledge and skills through previous work in both senior and pediatric specialty practices,” which explains why Dr. Chow refers to him as ‘the kid whisperer.’
“We’re family eye doctors who are interested in your vision, any changes and the health for the life of your eyes,” Dr. Chow explains. “I’m seeing a new generation, children of patients I treated years ago, now in their thirties. Even living elsewhere, they still come to Kitsilano to see me every year.”
Thanks to their collaboration, the two doctors can offer eye exams six days a week. “We take care of every patient like they’re our own
family and advise them on what they need,” she describes. “After 40, regular eye exams are important to catch glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration early. Like your annual physical, these checkups help prevent problems through early detection.”
Dr. Chow also advises the importance of early eye exams for children, noting how they’re seeing an increase in children who use iPads and cell phones too frequently and too close up, causing their vision to deteriorate at a much younger age.
Early detection cannot be understated, even if you have 100% healthy eyes. “When I asked my parents why they didn’t get my eyes checked earlier when my vision was so poor, they said it was because I didn’t say anything!” Dr. Chow laughs.
It’s the screen time and digital devices alone that are causing eye problems in children who have no family history of vision problems. “Their vision is going to get worse as they grow older unless they’re educated; however, there are also new treatments available that can slow down some of the problems,” Dr. Chow explains.
Whether you need an eye exam or looking for prescription eyeglasses, Della Optique’s store experience is welcoming and inviting. “We ensure your vision is checked, your glasses fit correctly, the lenses are made properly and that you’re going to see well,” she says.
“We carry premium, world-renowned brands, with frame styling and custom-fitting services available.”
Della Optique team members are happy to help you choose the right glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses or progressive lenses to suit your lifestyle and needs.
To book an eye exam, call 604-742-3937 or for more information, visit dellaoptique.com. •
We’re family eye doctors who are interested in your vision, any changes and the health for the life of your eyes
DR. DELLA CHOW OWNER AND OPTOMETRIST
2589 W Broadway Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9 604-742-3937
Operating for over 25 years, Della Optique Optometry & Eyewear is a family-oriented vision care provider in Kitsilano. Their experienced optometrists are passionate about helping patients achieve better vision and eye health with the highest level of care and guidance. Eyewear specialists are in-store for frame fitting with designer eyewear.
Life After Hockey
Trevor Linden says his focus is now fully on business, family and life beyond professional ice time
WORDS: GLEN KORSTROM // IMAGES: ANDY WHITE
Trevor Linden has never been more active at his eponymous fitness club.
The former Vancouver Canucks captain and president of hockey operations sees life in hockey as behind him, and he has a renewed passion for his 17-location gym chain, Club16 Trevor Linden Fitness.
That business has borne his name since he co-founded the venture with Chuck Lawson in 2010, but Linden was never the driving force. Lawson was what Linden called “the hands-on guy.”
Linden’s role was mostly to be the face of the brand.
It was a natural place for him given his strong name recognition in Vancouver, thanks to playing 19 seasons in the National Hockey League. That includes 1,140 of his 1,382 games for the Vancouver Canucks — more than any other player, except for Henrik and Daniel Sedin.
Respect for him among skaters saw him serve as the president of the NHL Players’ Association between 1998 and 2006 — a stint that included the 2004-05 NHL lockout.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Life After Hockey
After retiring in 2008, he rejoined the Canucks in 2014 and served a little more than four years as the team’s president of hockey operations.
Linden’s passion for men’s health has led him to volunteer with the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, advocating for men’s physical and mental health.
Much of his time, however, is spent with wife Cristina Giusti and eightyear-old son Roman Matthias Linden.
“It’s been the greatest gift,” he says of fatherhood.
“It’s been amazing — really, really cool.”
Part of his role, he says, is to ensure that he instils in Roman how fortunate he is — not just to be born in Canada but to be able to live in a nice home on the Vancouver’s West Side.
“The rest of the world does not live like this,” Linden says he tells his son.
Meanwhile, Linden’s role at Club16 recently changed after Lawson passed away following a short battle with cancer late last year.
“I said, ‘Listen, I want to jump in here and support the team, and try to take on a lot of Chuck’s responsibilities,’” Linden recalls about a conversation he had with Lawson’s son, Carl Ulmer, who is a longtime Club16 shareholder and the company’s COO.
Ulmer represents the Lawson family, which combines to own a majority stake in the company.
Linden says his ownership stake is somewhere between 40 and 49 per cent.
“I’m not the new CEO,” Linden stresses. “I am just a partner that is supporting the team.”
He says that his role includes working closely with facilities and maintenance teams as well as working with landlords and “looking for new
opportunities.”
While Linden’s attention to the Club16 business has grown “considerably,” some relief is that management had been trying to systematize operations starting about a year-and-a-half before Lawson’s death.
They brought in a consultant to help improve the company’s working environment and to structure it better operationally, Linden says.
He says he told Lawson in early 2023 that Lawson should be able to go to Hawaii for six months, if he wanted to, and have the business basically run by itself.
That work was underway when Lawson passed.
“I was really, really scared of, obviously losing a friend, but also my business partner,” Linden said. “What happens to the business?”
The good news was that Linden soon realized how strong the company was set up operationally, with Ulmer as COO and other executives, such as Radha Johal as CMO and Lucie Seba as its longtime CFO, also top performers, he says.
He calls it a “very strong” business that is profitable.
“I love being more involved with the team,” Linden added.
All of the chain’s locations are in the Lower Mainland, with 14 branded as Club16 Trevor Linden Fitness, with She’s Fit locations inside. There are also three standalone She’s Fit locations.
There was a time in 2016 when Linden, Lawson and Ulmer had wanted to diversify their holdings and sell much of their Club16 business.
Linden and Lawson owned the same stake of the business at the time, with Ulmer owning a smaller stake.
Plenty of interested investors competed with multiple bids to buy
into the business, Linden said at the time.
Calgary-based Founders Advantage Capital Corp. earned the nod and paid $20 million to buy a 60 per cent stake in Club16 in a transaction that closed in December 2016.
Linden and Lawson had bought Lower Mainland master franchise rights to Orangetheory Fitness in late 2016, around the time they were flush with cash from selling their stake in Club16.
They grew the Orangetheory Fitness business to 10 locations before selling it in 2021 to David Hardy, who also owns Orangetheory Fitness master franchise rights in Edmonton, Linden says.
No sale price was made public.
Beyond those business ventures, Linden’s family keeps him busy.
They visited Sri Lanka last Christmas as well as places he describes as being “off the beaten track.”
Giusti is involved in UNICEF and has gone on missions to countries such as Bangladesh and Ghana, Linden says.
About the only social media Linden uses is Instagram, and he adds that he does not do it very well.
He stays active by skiing, cycling, hiking and he says that in the past few years he has started backpacking in the mountains and carrying a portable tent to sleep in.
One thing is certain, he adds.
He is not looking to get back into a role in professional hockey.
“My son was born in 2017 and he turned one in 2018, when I left, so the timing was good,” Linden says.
“I’m glad I did it but I don’t have any thoughts of being involved in the game in any capacity moving forward.”
I’m not the new CEO, I am a partner that is supporting the team.
TREVOR LINDEN
Thai Away
Vancouver’s Thai favourite opens new Kitsilano location
Like a sharp three-piece suit, a comfy pair of slippers or that perfect nook on the couch for binge watching, comfort and excellence never go out of style.
And so it stands to reason that Thai Away Home has outlasted the Keto craze and Atkins diet fads and has resisted catering to whatever flavour-of-the-moment trends emerge in the restaurant world.
It’s a secret sauce that now has co-owners Mike Hariwongsanupap and Pim Panyathara celebrating 30 years of running a thriving business amid Vancouver’s crowded foodie scene.
But as Hariwongsanupap suggests, that secret sauce isn’t so secret.
“We like to keep things simple,” Hariwongsanupap says. “We treat everybody the way we’d want to be treated and we always put ourselves in the customers’ shoes to understand the kind of value they’re getting when they visit us.”
AWARD-WINNING THAI FAVOURITE
Thai Away Home has won multiple awards, including 2024 and 2025 Stars of Vancouver accolades and garnered a loyal following backed by consistent five-star reviews. This is the epitome of Thai cuisine that’s always generous, fast and satisfying.
And with multiple locations already dotted across Vancouver, Hariwongsanupap and Panyathara are ushering in their third decade in business with the recently opened Thailicious by Thai Away Home at Kits Beach.
Located at 1943 Cornwall Ave., picture Thailicious as a unique spin-off on Thai food with a focus on street food and creative twists on tradition.
Thailicious by Thai Away Home brings a fresh twist to a beloved Vancouver brand, now open at Kits Beach. Photo via Thai Away
INSPIRED BY THAILAND’S STREETS
The inspiration for Thailicious is largely derived from Panyathara’s annual travels to her native country, where she seeks out culinary inspiration while walking the streets of Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
To that end, Hariwongsanupap and Panyathara’s contemporary menu options include: braised duck noodles; egg-wrapped pad thai with shrimp; crispy eggplant fries;
None of this is to suggest that Thai Away Home is all meat, all the time. Vegan and vegetarian offerings dot the menu at every turn—think Pad See Ew or tofu ginger stirfry— and meals can be fully customized to cater to every palate and dietary preference.
“People know of our other locations, where the emphasis is on classic, Thai comfort food,” Panyathara says. “With Thailicious we are offering more flavours, more spices and more variety.
“Our street food menu is totally different from what you’d find in traditional, mainstream Thai restaurants in Vancouver,” Hariwongsanupap adds. “It’s all about bold flavours, exciting variety and an experience that brings Thai street food to life, at a price everyone can enjoy.”
A large part of the Thai Away Home allure is the portions – these are meals that are easily shareable with generous serving sizes, minus any MSG. The focus here is always on fresh, quality ingredients.
“Our food really does cater to everyone— from kids all the way up to elders—because our menu is designed to be flexible and inclusive, with something for everyone,” Hariwongsanupap says.
And speaking of catering, Thai Away Home offers catering options for offices, events and private gatherings — from small groups to parties of up to 200 guests. To book, email catering@thaiaway.com or order online at thaiaway.com.
Beyond the new dine-in and take-out space in Kitsilano, five other Thai Away Home locations are dotted across Vancouver.
• Cambie at 17th – 3315 Cambie St.
• Downtown Granville – 1081 Granville St.
• City Square – 555 W 12th Ave #28
• Yaletown @ Club Kitchen – 988 Expo Blvd
• Hastings-Sunrise – 2404 E Hastings St.
Whether you’re dining in for a flavour-packed meal or enjoying takeout at home, Thai Away Home is ready to serve, visit thaiaway.com or thailicious.food to order from any location. •
Since 1995, Thai Away Home has been a Vancouver favourite for flavourful Thai cuisine, served in a modern and welcoming setting, with new street food-inspired offerings now available at Thailicious.
People know of our other locations, where the emphasis is on classic, Thai comfort food
Thai Licious
1943 Cornwall Ave 604-622-4444 thaiaway.com
PIM PANYATHARA CO-OWNER
Trail Appliances
Trail Appliances’ generational appeal stretches into its fifth decade
From modest roots to a trusted neighbour, the B.C.-based and family-owned home appliance retailer celebrates a historic milestone
The numbers roll off the page and almost singlehandedly illustrate the resilience and staying power of a unique, madein-B.C. success story.
Ninety-two per cent customer satisfaction rating, 600 employees contributing to the betterment of their communities, and more than a half-century in business.
As one of B.C.’s most beloved brands, Trail Appliances is closing out its first 50 years of operation and is now looking ahead to the next 50 years.
Trail Appliances extensive inventory includes the largest appliance selection in Western Canada, offering more than 60 respected brands, ranging from cost-friendly brands like LG, Samsung and Whirlpool, through to ultra-premium brands like La Cornue, Pitt Cooking and more.
“As a family-owned business of more than 50 years in operation and humble beginnings, we pride ourselves on doing what’s right in service to our community,” says Trail Appliances president James Reynolds. “We are proud of our team who go above and beyond every day to help make everyday life better in British Columbia.”
The Trail Appliances origin story dates back to 1974 when Jackson Broderick founded the company on Macleod Trail in Calgary. The company’s presence expanded to Richmond in 1980, where the second generation, Mike and Pete Broderick, would serve clients by day and then personally deliver appliances after closing time to ensure customers received their appliances with the utmost care and attention.
Trail Appliances now employs more than 1,000 team members across Western Canada, including 600 in British Columbia, and continues to keep its operations in-house with 19 showrooms – 12 of them in the province.
Trail’s footprint across the province is perhaps
the key differentiator separating it from the hollow, sometimes impersonal, multinational operations.
That presence includes more than 200,000 square feet of inspirational showrooms from Vancouver Island to the Okanagan, including 125 beautifully designed and award-winning display kitchens to help British Columbians imagine possibilities for their homes. Trail’s 260,000 square feet of distribution space in B.C. ensures products are cared for, managed with precision and available when customers need them.
And with 40-plus in-house delivery trucks driven by local teams, Trail proudly delivers more than 50,000 appliances into British Columbian homes each year with specialized expertise and exceptional attention to detail.
“Trail Appliances is able to provide a more caring, personalized experience because we’re not a big-box store,” says Trail Appliances CEO Jason Broderick. “As a local, family-owned business, we take the time to understand our customers’ needs and bring specialized expertise to every interaction. We’re not just delivering appliances — we’re helping create meaningful moments at home, built on trust and long-term relationships.”
It’s precisely those relationships that have helped Trail achieve a 92 per cent customer satisfaction rating. As Jason Broderick notes, customers consistently tell his team that they appreciate Trail’s best-in-class delivery experience, vast product availability, and the experienced and knowledgeable staff who are solutions-focused and low-pressure.
“Whether it’s helping someone find the perfect $499 dishwasher or a 12-piece appliance package for their dream home, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers are happy,” he says.
For more information, visit www. trailappliances.com. •
JASON BRODERICK. CEO
Atlas Animal Hospital
A veterinarian’s fight for fairness and hope
Atlas Animal Hospital celebrates 30 years of veterinary excellence
Where others would have stepped back in the face of adversity, folded under the strain of anxiety, enormous financial burdens or reputational concerns, Dr. Hakam Singh Bhullar stood firm on his principles.
30 years later, Dr. Bhullar’s perseverance and conviction cemented his reputation as a dedicated caregiver and community advocate, embodying values of resilience and service.
Dr. Bhullar opened Vancouver’s Atlas Animal Hospital in 1995 with a mission to provide compassionate, affordable veterinary care and to support new Indo-Canadian veterinarians entering the profession.
It had always been a dream for Dr. Bhullar to make low-cost, affordable veterinary care available to all communities and their animals. But it was during this pursuit that he encountered the fight of his life. In 2004, the BC vet association introduced spoken language requirements, which set a tougher language standard than those used in some other professions. He and others lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal, setting in motion the lengthy legal battle
Over the course of more than a decade, he found himself navigating a lengthy and financially draining legal process, spanning 356 hearing days and placing immense pressure on both his career and personal life. The experience, which cost him nearly two million dollars, became a defining chapter in his journey, one he recounts with both honesty and hope in his memoir.
“I remember sitting in the courtroom and
thinking ‘God gave me this job and I have to do it,” Dr. Bhullar says. “I had to fight for other people and for the coming generations.”
His story is now chronicled in his Amazon bestselling memoir, Underdog: A Veterinarian’s Fight Against Racism and Injustice which traces his journey through hardship, determination and eventual vindication. More than a recounting of events, the book offers a testament to the power of truth and the importance of standing up for what’s right, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Dr. Bhullar’s fight led to a resolution in 2017, with a public acknowledgement and apology from the regulatory body, a moment that not only restored his name but also sparked deeper conversations about fairness within the profession.
His story is also captured in the documentary Gone are the Days, directed by R. Paul Dhillon, bringing his journey from the courtroom to the screen. The impact of his work has even reached parliament, where MP Sukh Dhaliwal highlighted Dr. Bhullar’s commitment to justice and accessibility in veterinary care.
Today, Dr. Bhullar continues to lead with compassion. At Atlas Animal Hospital, the founding principles remain strong: Fair pricing, equal opportunity and unwavering care for every animal that walks through the doors.
To learn more about Dr. Bhullar and Atlas Animal Hospital, visit atlasvetsinvancouver. com. •
For three decades, Atlas Animal Hospital has stood as a symbol of compassion, resilience and equal opportunity in veterinary care. Under Dr. Bhullar’s leadership, the clinic continues to honour its founding vision, providing affordable care for every pet and a welcoming path for every aspiring veterinarian.
I
remember sitting in the
courtroom
and thinking
‘God gave me this job and I have to do it
DR. HAKAM SINGH BHULLAR OWNER AND VETERINARIAN
5696 Fraser st Vancouver, BC V5W 2Z4 (604) 301-0300
Atlas Animal Hospital
Jetson Home
This Vancouver start-up is powering homes with clean heat at a lower cost
Jetson Home offers smart heat pumps at a fraction of the cost of its competitors
The benefits easily jump off the page and are immediately quantifiable for homeowners across Metro Vancouver.
A 50% drop in greenhouse gas emissions, up to 40% reduction in utility bills, enough heat to warm a home even in -30 C conditions, and 1,000 properties across North America that have switched from inefficient gas furnaces to clean electric heat pumps.
And it’s all done at a cost between 30% and 50% less than competitors.
Jetson Home is a Vancouver-based heat pump start-up that’s radically changing the energy marketplace by way of a direct-to-consumer business model that reduces the costs and questions behind installing heat pumps in single-family homes and townhouses. Their recognition is growing too: TIME magazine just named Jetson’s heat pumps as one of its Best Inventions of 2025, highlighting the company’s innovative approach to clean and efficient home heating. Co-founder and CEO Stephen Lake also earned a spot on the TIME100 Climate 2025 list under the Innovators category for his leadership in advancing clean energy solutions.
“The reason we started Jetson in the first place was that residential heating and cooling is actually by far one of the single biggest chunks of carbon emissions out there,” explains Jetson Home Co-founder and CEO Stephen Lake. “About 15% of end energy use goes to that category, which puts it on the same order of magnitude as passenger transport. It’s a huge problem, but it’s also a huge opportunity.”
Jetson’s ace in the hole is its exclusivity, as it is the only local company that designs, sells and installs its own smart heat pump platform. The company is vertically-integrated to handle system design, engineering, rebates, permitting and installation all in-house. Others in the heat pump space often deal in additional layers – manufacturers, distributors and contractors – that will inevitably mark the price up across each phase.
Jetson passes on factory-direct pricing, has fewer installation errors and is the only operation regionally that empowers homeowners with a system that gets smarter over time.
While some traditional HVAC contractors rely on ductless mini-splits, Jetson Home specializes in centrally ducted, whole-home systems for families who want to fully replace furnaces and air conditioners.
Lake suggests the typical quote for heat pump installations across Metro Vancouver ranges between $25,000 and $30,000. Jetson’s price point hovers between $5,000 and $15,000 depending on available government incentives.
“The core reason we’re able to be so inexpensive is because we are a direct-toconsumer brand,” Lake says. “You’ve got four layers of inflation stacking up, whereas we sell our own product directly and are able to cut all of that out.”
Another facet of the Jetson Home advantage is the speed and ease that’s central to the whole process. The company offers instant online pricing, one-day installation and a smart app that monitors energy use and air quality to provide homeowners with comfort, savings and peace of mind.
The smart system behind each heat pump is exceedingly intuitive and fully monitors air quality around particulate matter, CO2 levels and more. These systems also comprehensively monitor any maintenance or performance issues in real-time to get ahead of costly upkeep.
“Across North America there are 100 million homes that, over the next 10 to 15 years, need to be converted away from fossil fuels to heat pumps,” Lake says. “There is a huge plus side for homeowners in doing that – the value and comfort in their home, but also to actually get rid of the pollution that exists today.”
Get an instant online estimate today and explore Jetson Home’s smart heat pump systems at jetsonhome.com. •
Jetson Home is transforming how families heat and cool their homes with smart, factory-direct heat pump systems. Based in Vancouver, the company designs, engineers and installs its own technology to deliver comfort, lower costs and reduced emissions. By making clean energy accessible and affordable, Jetson Home helps households across North America take steps toward a more sustainable future.
The core reason we’re able to be so inexpensive is because we are a direct-toconsumer brand
STEPHEN LAKE CO-FOUNDER AND CEO
Cleanrific
This Metro Vancouver cleaning company helps residents reclaim their space and peace of mind
Cleanrific offers home cleaning services in Vancouver, New West, Burnaby, Surrey and Richmond
The single-parent juggling two kids alongside the rigours of the 9-to-5 grind.
The grandmother in her 70s who’s downsizing and doesn’t know where to begin.
The college student whose semester is done and can’t wait to get out of dodge for the summer.
None of them have the time, or perhaps the requisite elbow grease, required for a comprehensive cleaning of their living space.
But it matters not – and that’s because the team at Cleanrific will do it for you.
Co-owned by husband-wife team Brian Jensen and Tanya Schwaerzle, Cleanrific is a new, comprehensive cleaning service offered to households spanning Vancouver, New West, Burnaby, Surrey and Richmond.
“I had a lot of stuff growing up and lived in a very messy house, so I saw first-hand how that can affect everything around your life,” Schwaerzle says. “Now I’m a minimalist who owns a cleaning business, so I’ve kind of come full circle.”
Cleanrific’s expertise is found in a handful of distinct areas: Downsizing, de-cluttering and the cleaning of apartments, single-family homes or Airbnbs.
It’s in the downsizing and decluttering spaces in particular where the co-owners walk the walk and talk the talk.
Both come from large, multi-generational families who have, or are currently facing, the prospect of purging.
Schwaerzle comes from three generations of dairy farmers, and as she puts it: “Ask any farmer, and they will tell you they have a ton of stuff.”
“Many families today simply don’t have the time to visit their grandparents’ homes to help sort or organize belongings,” Jensen explains. “That’s where we come in.”
Cleanrific’s services are offered across three categories: Regular, deep or moving cleaning
services.
The regular category promises a spotless home as part of a plan that’s fully customizable. Regular upkeep, including laundry service, caters to clients’ needs on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis.
Deep cleaning services cover everything from scrubbing ovens to preparing for landlord inspections, ensuring every nook and cranny sings.
Moving cleaning services are offered with optional oven cleaning and attention to landlord requirements to make your transition smooth and worry-free.
And when it comes to the nitty gritty, Cleanrific’s team of professionals are more than just cleaners – they are partners in maintaining an impeccable environment. This is a team that possesses a meticulous attention to detail and friendly service, making cleanliness effortless.
And while Cleanrific cleaners will tackle just about anything, there are two areas that fall out of their service offerings: Excessive mold buildup or hoarding situations where health hazards may be present.
Getting the Cleanrific team to work can start within 60 seconds. Prospective clients log on to cleanrific.ca, select the option best suited for the job and a cleaning team is usually dispatched within 24 to 48 hours.
The whole process can be done via text, or by phone, and first-time clients get a 15%discount. All deep-and move-out cleans come with a free re-clean guarantee for peace of mind.
“I know the transformation that can take place with your mental health and how a clean space can clear your mind,” Schwaerzle says. “I think that’s the biggest thing that we offer people – clarity and freedom so you can pursue your hobbies or do other things.”
To learn more about Cleanrific and their services, visit cleanrific.ca.
Serving Vancouver, New West, Burnaby, Surrey and Richmond, Cleanrific provides professional cleaning, decluttering and downsizing services designed to simplify daily life. With customizable cleaning plans and a commitment to quality and care, the team helps clients create calm, organized spaces they can truly enjoy.
Many families today simply don’t have the time to visit their grandparents’ homes to help sort or organize belongings
BRIAN JENSEN CO-OWNER
Nonfiction ProteinTM
All-natural protein bars on a mission.
Real ingredients and real results: Vancouver’s new protein bar for active lifestyles
Nonfiction™ Bars are a healthy alternative in a world chock full of additives and shortcuts
Having grown up on the North Shore as an active athlete — and teaching LSAT prep as a pre-law student — Jeremy Kim knows there’s no cutting corners in the pursuit of excellence. It’s the same mentality he brings to Nonfiction™ Protein, the newest line of protein bars to hit the Canadian market.
“Nonfiction is about cutting through the noise of healthy marketing claims and bringing truth back to nutrition,” Kim says. “90% of protein bars on the market today are full of additives that would require a warning label in most of the world. For example, sugar alcohols such as maltitol and erythritol can be found in many “low-sugar” protein bars. However, erythritol raises your blood sugar and is considered a carb, and has been linked to cardiovascular diseases.”
“In other continents, a warning label is required for sugar alcohols for their laxative effects. In North America, no such label is required, though some protein bar companies don’t recommend eating more than 2 per day, to avoid gastrointestinal distress,” adds Kim. “Many bars also contain fibre syrups that wreak havoc on your gut — people would be surprised to know soluble corn fibre is made from corn starch, the same ingredient used in dynamite and adhesives.”
“In pursuit of better macros, many protein bars leave the taste and quality of ingredients as an afterthought,” Kim continues.
“Artificial additives can leave a bitter, metallic aftertaste, or they would be slathered in palm oil-laden chocolate to mask the chalky texture and taste. We offer a simple, minimalist protein bar made with ingredients that you can find in your own pantry without any weird aftertaste.”
To that end, Nonfiction bars are made with clean, simple and honest ingredients that are easy to digest and make consumers energized. As Kim explains, almonds are the mainstay and star of the brand — each bar is over 50% almonds by weight and provides a full daily recommended serving.
Almonds were chosen as the core ingredient since they are a powerhouse of natural protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. “Almonds are not only good for your health, but the vitamins help with protein absorption as well,” Kim says.
Paired with honey, whey protein isolate, and never any artificial additives or preservatives, these bars fuel the body with long and sustained energy while keeping you feeling full, without any gut discomfort.
Right by Kim’s side is his wife, Safaa Massaadi. The pair were wed just a few months after launching the company earlier this year. Massaadi, who currently leads advertising and marketing, was instrumental in formulating the bars. “In Italy, where I was born and raised, simplicity and having just a few fresh, quality ingredients are the key principles and approach of food — and the same concept applies to Nonfiction,” she says. As for the bars themselves, each contains 15 grams of protein and 4 grams of natural dietary fibre (and not prebiotic fibre). Their lineup caters to a range of tastes — from fruit and chocolate to coffee — with flavours such as Mint Chocolate, Blueberry Almond, Espresso Chocolate and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip. “We have some new flavours in R&D that we’re launching in 2026, so I’m very excited about that,” Kim adds.
“We offer a transparent, wholesome and natural protein bar without advertising any half-truths to manipulate the macros,” Kim says. “For Nonfiction, keeping it real means keeping it simple: no fake promises, no labmade ingredients, no substitutes. We want people to make better choices and realize that not all protein bars are created equal.”
When bought online, customers get 20% off their first purchase, along with free shipping across Canada on all orders.
If you’re interested in carrying Nonfiction™ Protein Bars for your store or business, please contact Nationwide Natural Foods at 604-9524696 or email sales@nonfictionbar.com. For more information, visit nonfictionbar.com. •
Nonfiction Bars are proudly made in Canada with the highest quality ingredients, minus any cheap substitutes.
For Nonfiction, keeping it real means keeping it simple: no fake promises, no lab-made ingredients, no substitutes.
JEREMY KIM OWNER
Nonfiction Bars
Available at select retailers throughout British Columbia 604-952-4696
