Profiles of Excellence - Burnaby 2019

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE BURNABY • 2019 Burnaby Hospital Foundation

GKS Law Firm

MGM Financial

Real Eyes Optometry

Casa Madera Hardwood Floors Inc.

Foodies On Board

Simply Wellness Dental Burnaby

Centaur Products Inc.

Remedi Wellness & Spa

CEFA Early Learning

ProRise Painting

WINGS Restaurant & Pubs

Haus of Cars

Tuesday’s Drycleaners

Pacific Blue Cross

Progressive Housing Society

HUB International sponsored content

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE

W

elcome to our seventh edition of the Burnaby Profiles of Excellence, a very special annual publication of the Burnaby Now. The men and women profiled in the following pages come from a wide variety of backgrounds, education, experience and expertise, but they all share something in common: a commitment to excellence that is second to none.

Their dedication and passion in both professional and personal endeavours have bred success on all levels, making them leaders not just in their respective fields but in the community as well. The awards and recognition these business and community leaders have earned are evidence of the truest hallmark of success: the loyalty and respect of customers, and a reputation here in Burnaby and beyond.

We have collected their stories here to share a taste of what they do and why they do it, and most of all, to recognize their commitment to excellence. We are excited to give our readers a glimpse into the lives of these entrepreneurs and professionals, who call Burnaby their home. – Lara Graham, Publisher - Burnaby Now

BUSINESS PROFILES n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Burnaby Hospital Foundation GKS Law Firm MGM Financial Real Eyes Optometry Casa Madera Hardwood Floors Inc. Foodies On Board Simply Wellness Dental Burnaby Centaur Products Inc. Remedi Wellness & Spa CEFA Early Learning ProRise Painting WINGS Restaurant & Pubs Haus of Cars Tuesday’s Drycleaners Pacific Blue Cross Progressive Housing Society HUB International Our Team! sponsored content

CONTRIBUTORS I

Project Coordinator: Aislinn Carey I Writer: Christina Myers I Design & Production: Gary Slavin I Photography: Lisa King & Kevin Hill

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE F O U ND AT I ON

Burnaby Hospital Foundation

T

he Burnaby Hospital Foundation is all about people.

Though its mission is to provide state-of-theart medical equipment and new technology into the local hospital facility, the heart of this organization is people: the volunteers and staff who help make it all happen, and the patients who are helped through their efforts.

The foundation is currently in the midst of a multimillion dollar campaign to bring an urgently needed second CT scanner, along with other vital medical imaging equipment, to Burnaby Hospital. Since CT scanners are the “workhorses” of the emergency department, having a second unit will have an immense impact on patients.

To make it happen requires a lot of caring volunteers and their time, effort and energy. Last year, the foundation formed the Fundraising Cabinet – a team made up of prominent business leaders, doctors, and philanthropists – to help build relationships with prospective donors who have the interest and capacity to support major equipment and program needs at the hospital. The members are people who have lived or worked in Burnaby their whole lives, have helped to build and grow the city, and, in many cases, have seen firsthand the impact the hospital has had

on their own lives or the lives of their families and friends.

“We have brought together a very strong and motivated group of community leaders,” said cabinet chair William McCarthy, founder and president of W.P.J. McCarthy and Company. “Every individual serving as a member of this cabinet has a passion for this city and a strong desire to give back.”

For co-chair Pat Delesalle, president of Delesalle Holdings Ltd., the cabinet is supporting a vital need in the city not just today but for the future.

“Everyone deserves effective and efficient health care and I believe that supporting our only community hospital is the best way to ensure high quality care in Burnaby, now and for generations to come.”

The cabinet couldn’t have asked for better leadership: both McCarthy and Delesalle have been past board trustees of Burnaby Hospital Foundation (serving as chair and vice-chair, respectively) and both have been

‘‘

Now is when the real work begins for us.

It’s going to be very exciting.

awarded the Foundation’s Keith and Betty Beedie Leadership in Philanthropy Award, as well as being major personal benefactors to the foundation. The pair also led the foundation’s first major capital campaign two decades ago.

The cabinet currently includes Dr. Chris Bozek, Jeff Clark, Christopher Davies, Kristy James, Dr. David Jones, Dr. Nirmal Kang, Dr. Susan Kwan, Dr. David Lough, Roni Martin, John McCarthy, Steve McKoen, Bill Mitchell, Dave Rennie, Eugene Tseng, Chad Turpin, and Sylvia Zylla.

The team is already making plans for ways to help support the upcoming $1.3 billion redevelopment of Burnaby Hospital.

“That’s the announcement we were really waiting

‘‘

L to R: Fundraising Cabinet Vice-Chair, Pat Delesalle with Chair, William McCarthy and Burnaby Hospital Foundation CEO, Kristy James

for,” said McCarthy. “Now is when the real work begins for us. It’s going to be very exciting.”

They are hopeful the tremendous support from the community that has helped make Burnaby Hospital Foundation so successful in the past, will continue to grow in the coming months and years.

“Supporting community health is the best way to make a direct impact for hundreds of thousands of people every year,” said Delesalle.

“I encourage everyone who can to get involved as we upgrade Burnaby Hospital.” Those interested in learning more can explore bhfoundation.ca/ ways-to-give online. The hospital currently serves around 500,000 people, and has one of the busiest emergency departments in all of B.C. sponsored content

604-431-2881 I 3935 Kincaid Street, Burnaby, BC I www.bhfoundation.ca

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE L E G A L SER V I CES

GKS Law Firm

T

‘‘

I love that we are helping people.

technology and the ability to represent people that aren’t able to come to our offices,” she said.

The focus, at every step, is being unmatched in the degree of service and quality for each and every client.

“For us, excellence means doing first class work,” she said. “To reach such a level means putting it all out there and pouring your heart and soul into your work. This is why our lawyers are

‘‘

he field of law can have a reputation for being impersonal or even intimidating. But for Gail Sharma, principal lawyer at GKS Law Firm, the approach is the exact opposite: ensuring each client feels comfortable, safe, and well cared for, and then providing them with the best legal representation possible.

“I chose law because I wanted to help those who couldn’t help themselves,” she says. “I knew my strength was advocacy for others and I wanted to use that to help others. I love that we are helping people.”

GKS focuses on representing people who have been injured at work and are seeking Workers’ Compensation benefits.

“Our focus is solely WCB law,” she said. “This gives us an edge compared to someone that has never gone through this process before and enables us to adapt quickly to changes in the system.”

The team there – including Sharma and associate lawyers Pamela M. Young and Jesse Guenther, along with legal assistant Raveena Dhindsa – have a combined 20-plus years experience in this area of law.

Perhaps more importantly, they’re all uniquely dedicated to these types of cases.

“I created this firm in order to bring together lawyers that were interested in this unique area of law and wanted to help injured workers,” she said.

“We have three lawyers who are passionate about their work and trying to get justice for our clients, and our assistant really connects with our Gail Sharma, Principal Lawyer clients on a personal basis.”

Sharma says one of her key goals was to build a strong reputation for this area of law so that clients would be able to find them easily and would know they were well taken care of.

“This is often a very difficult time in their lives so we want to reduce the stress related to having to figure out whether they are being fairly compensated and, if not, what to do about it,” she said. “These individuals’ lives have changed and they are expected to not only try to heal from their injuries but know their rights and figure out how to go about getting what they are entitled to by way of compensation. I love that I am able to help relieve the stress and allow our clients to focus on healing.”

While based in Burnaby, the firm also has a location in Surrey and are able to work with clients from throughout the region and province.

“Our clients come from all over BC, thanks to

committed to this area of law and making entire careers out of it. It’s not a job for us. It simply means being the best.”

The firm offers free consultations for people to determine if retaining a lawyer is the best choice.

“We want people to know we are here for them.

If they are dealing with WCB, they don’t have to do it alone.”

sponsored content

604-327-9882 I 7364 Market Crossing, Burnaby, BC I www.gkslawfirm.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE F I N A NC I A L P L A NN I N G

MGM Financial

W

hen it comes to money, how we feel about it is as important as what we do with it.

For Mike Mollica, the founder of MGM Financial Group, making sure clients have good advice that helps them reach their goals is only part of the picture.

“We want our clients and their families to be able to focus on what’s important to them, knowing they can entrust us with taking care of their financial affairs,” he said. “We offer advice, but more importantly, peace of mind.”

The independent financial advisory firm focuses on wealth management strategies for business owners, professionals, and families, and can help people with investments, insurance, benefits, cash flow planning, tax planning, estate planning, and corporate/business tax planning.

Mollica has been in the financial services industry for 17 years. He started out in banking, completed his education in corporate finance at BCIT, then joined one of the most well respected wealth management firms in BC. “This is where my passion for numbers and finance met with the desire to help people achieve their financial and life goals, whatever they may be,” he said. “I worked there for a few years before deciding to venture out on my own.

I truly enjoy that I can be an integral part of helping people achieve their personal and financial goals.”

The decision to create his own path has been a resounding success. MGM Financial has continued to grow with sterling recommendations from clients, and the team now includes a second advisor, Steven Kanjer, along with two office administrators.

Together, they help a wide variety of clients – with an equally wide variety of goals and needs – by making sure that each person has a personalized plan.

“A phrase that has continued to resonate with me over the years is that a goal without a plan is only a wish,” he said. “I truly believe that if you have a goal without a plan, the goal will be very hard to achieve regardless of what it is.”

Creating that plan and putting it into action is where Mollica and his team excel.

“For me, excellence is determined by what I’d expect if the roles were reversed,” he said. “If I was a client, what

‘‘

We offer advice, but more importantly, peace of mind.

would I want from an advisor in my role. We listen to what’s important to our clients and lay out a plan to help them achieve that. We always go above and beyond to make sure that the true reason for why we’re meeting is addressed.”

Sometimes, the first step of that process is simply helping people feel comfortable.

“I want people to know that it’s not as scary and complex as they think,” he said. “With some proper guidance and advice, we can simplify the scary or complex to help them come up with a plan that

‘‘

L to R: Steven Kanjer, Dipl. T, RRC - Advisor Mike Mollica, CFP, CLU, CIM, FEA - Founder

works for them.”

As someone who was born and raised in Burnaby and still lives here today, it was an easy decision to base his business in the Burnaby Heights neighbourhood.

“This area continues to grow and draw people, and my clients love it because I’m centrally located,” he said. “The Heights is one of the best business communities in the Lower Mainland and I am very happy to be part of this family.”

sponsored content

604-646-4065 I 4561 Hastings Street, Burnaby, BC I www.mgmfinancial.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE OPTO M ETR Y

Real Eyes Optometry

S

ome seeds are planted early in life, and then grow into beautiful blooms when the time is right.

For Dr. Shaun Pati, an experience in his childhood led unexpectedly to a career that he loves – and that has now brought him full circle back to Burnaby.

He was just six years old when his mother was in a car accident that left her with eye injuries from broken glass.

Shaun accompanied his mother to countless visits to a local optometrist, Dr. Tony Wang, who helped her fully regain her eyesight. The family continued with Dr. Wang as patients in the coming years.

The experience left him with a fascination for the science of sight and the medicine of optometry.

“It really changed me, and I became so interested in how the eye worked, how optometry helped people,” he said. “We were patients of his for a long time – he even gave me my first eye glasses.”

Shaun later moved to the US to study at a university in Oregon, where he met his future wife, and became a Doctor of Optometry in 2015. The next year, by sheer chance, he bumped into Dr. Wang at a conference in Vancouver.

“We started talking and catching up and fast forward one year, we teamed up and I bought his practice and moved here,” he said.

Dr. Wang continues to work part time with Shaun, along with a growing team of doctors and staff, now under the name Real Eyes Optometry.

“We have a wonderful group here, honest and trustworthy and always putting the practice first – this team is really like part of the family,” he said.

Everyone at the clinic has a focus on not just providing top-notch patient care but also education and customer service.

“We want everyone who comes here to feel well informed and educated, that the whole experience was positive and informative, and well taken care of,” he said.

“Excellence means that a patient here knows they’ve been treated with respect, they understand what’s happening, and if they need to get glasses or other items that they can get them with a fair price and helpful service.”

‘‘

We want people to know we are here for them.

Shaun says his focus on education includes both in-person – talking to patients when they are in the office – but also offering resources and information online through his website.

“That digital transformation is important in this field too, so we’re creating ways for people to learn more online,” he said. “People can connect with us online, make appointments and get information and education there, too.”

Located in Metrotown, the office is a central location for patients in Burnaby and beyond, with a full spectrum of services from eye exams through eyeglass and contact sales. Shaun says many new patients find them through the

‘‘

L to R: Dr. Shaun Pati, Dr. Amit Sahota, Alison Kruizenga and Christina Nan

recommendation of family and friends, and it’s always rewarding to hear that their reputation is growing. “We have many loyal patients who we see regularly but we love to see new patients and we encourage people to come to us when they have anything going on with their eyes at all,” he said. All too often, people will attend a family physician first for eye conditions, only to be referred back to an optometrist. “That’s what we’re here for, whether it’s redness or an infection or any other thing going on with your eyes, we hold our medical eye care to an extremely high standard, and we want people to know we are here for them.” sponsored content

604-433-4280 I 474-4800 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC I www.realeyesoptometry.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE F L OOR I N G

Casa Madera Hardwood Flooring Inc.

C

‘‘

I’m happy if I know that a customer is happy.

service they got, the installers who performed the work, everything.” The flooring industry has changed a lot in recent years, and many people are surprised by the spectrum of choices available to them. For example, hardwood flooring comes in a much larger array of colours nowadays, and there’s an ever-growing interest in products like luxury vinyl tile. Peter says it’s a rewarding part of his business to be able to help educate a customer on what’s available and lead them to the best choices for their lifestyle, space, and needs.

‘‘

asa Madera Hardwood Floors has built a reputation for excellence since it first opened its doors more than 15 years ago – thanks in large part to their unique approach of balancing modern products with old-school service.

Peter and Marijana Pocrnic work one-on-one with customers to help them choose the best flooring options for their needs from a wide selection of new and traditional products sourced from top-notch suppliers.

“We’re small and that allows us to give people a different level of service. We’re able to give each customer that personal attention, working together with them,” he said. “We also do a lot of custom work, manufacturing our own mouldings, for example, and that makes us stand out.”

Their Burnaby Heights showroom is open on Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm, or Monday to Friday by appointment between 9 am and 5 pm. They also make house calls, bringing samples along to help customers get a sense of what might work best in their homes, whether it’s for something being built new or a home renovation or upgrade.

“We do it all.

People can come Peter Pocrnic, Owner in here and take a look around, get some ideas, or we can come to them,” he said. “There’s so many options, and we carry a really wide variety of choices. There’s a lot more available today than there was before.”

Peter got his start in the flooring industry by working in sales for one of Canada’s largest distributors. After spending so much time in flooring stores, and seeing the business from the distributor end, he decided to go out on his own.

“I was going into a lot of businesses and over time I thought this is something I can really see myself doing,” he said. “We started from scratch, and we’re really happy with how we’ve grown.”

Many new customers come to Casa Madera through recommendations from previous customers.

“We love to hear that, it’s a great feeling to know someone suggested us,” he said. “I’m happy if I know that a customer is happy not just with their floors, but with the

The business is part of the Burnaby Heights business district right with a storefront right on Hastings Street.

“We live in Burnaby and this is such a close-knit community in the Heights. But it’s also close to the north shore, and it’s bordering Vancouver. It’s central, so that’s great for our customers.” They are also active members of the Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN) which allows them to connect to other businesses in the field and to stay abreast of industry changes.

sponsored content

604-294-9663 I 3744 Hastings Street, Burnaby, BC I www.casamaderafloors.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE C ATER I N G

Foodies On Board

C

reating good food is a balance of art and science: one has to consider the way a dish will taste, look, and smell but also the balance of ingredients, nutrition, and value.

For husband-and-wife team Ken and Yvenna Ou at Foodies on Board, it’s a challenge they’re passionate about. The company has two primary arms: a restaurant with dine-in or online order and delivery options, and a catering side that focuses on corporate events, weddings, parties, on-location film sites, and other businesses, as well as packaged meals for school or home. On both sides, the focus is on using the best quality ingredients at an affordable price point, to provide food that is not just incredibly tasty but also nutritious, drawing on inspiration from both local foods and international flavours.

“We spare no effort in ensuring that the best, healthiest, meals are prepared here,” said Ken, noting that they work with local farmers and farm cooperatives in sourcing ingredients. “We leave nothing to chance when selecting quality products, and a great amount of effort and research has gone into ensuring our menu is full of nourishing foods. We use whole, natural organic

ingredients as well as non-medicated meats, such as freerange eggs and chicken. We believe food shouldn’t just taste good, but also make you feel good.”

The business grew out of Ken’s 25-year career in the food industry and inspiration from his own family. When heading out for a meal, he found they often wanted different types of food – some focused on a category of flavour and others seeking healthy choices.

“I think this happens often when friends or family go out together. So we came up with the idea of creating a restaurant that provides a little bit of everything most customers want. This was the inspiration that brought Foodies on Board to life.”

So far, it’s been a winning combination. In fact, the company was voted #1 caterer in Burnaby this year.

“We are a made-from-scratch kitchen,” he said. “We even make our own bacon the old-school way. It’s time consuming but there’s no added chemicals so it tastes better and is healthier for your body. We also offer a variety of dishes to meet different types of diets, such

‘‘

We believe food shouldn’t just taste good, but also make you feel good.

as gluten-free, vegan, keto, and paleo. We also offer freshly prepared meal plans for busy families or office workers that deliver to their house or office. The meal plans are designed to be both nutritionally balance and incredibly delicious. Our goal is to not only save you time but also make eating healthy an enjoyable experience.”

The pair opened the doors to Foodies on Board in 2017 and have been growing ever since.

They’re expanding into a second bigger location in Olympic Village in 2020, as well as a franchise

‘‘

Ken Ou, Owner

express location on Broadway in Vancouver in December.

The goal is to be the industry leader for fast, healthy food choices in the local community, and in corporate and special event catering, hot lunches for schools, and more.

With the reputation they’ve already built, and their focus on constant innovation and improvement, it’s not hard to imagine that Foodies on Board will be serving up excellence for a long time to come. sponsored content

778-682-0388 I 3290A Production Way, Burnaby, BC I www.foodiesonboard.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE DENT I STR Y

Simply Wellness Dental Burnaby

T

‘‘

I always dreamed of coming home to Burnaby and giving back to the community here.

two assistants, a hygienist, a receptionist and an office manager.

“We are a tight-knit, friendly, diverse, energetic group,” he says of his team.

Sharma says he’s excited to see what the future holds.

“I see Simply Wellness Dental being a pillar in the Burnaby community where all are welcome,” he said, saying he hopes to build up strong relationships with his patients and the surrounding

‘‘

here’s no place like home.

For Dr. Vik Sharma, Burnaby isn’t just the community he grew up in – it’s also now the homebase for his practice, Simply Wellness Dental Burnaby. And he’s ecstatic to be back.

“I was born and raised here. This has always been home and always will be,” he said. His roots go deep: his education started in a local preschool, took him through Lochdale Elementary and Burnaby North Secondary, and eventually to Simon Fraser University on Burnaby Mountain. He later graduated from dentistry at UBC – and then left BC for a while.

“I went to Yellowknife, in the Northwest Territories, to work as a dentist for five years. Being able to give back to a marginalized community within our own country was a very humbling experience,” he recalls. “I always dreamed of coming home to Burnaby and giving back to the community here. It’s truly a blessing for me to be able to return the favour to everyone who helped or contributed in raising me when I was younger in this community – from volunteers to city workers.

This is a great place to live.”

Simply Wellness Dental Burnaby is the culmination of that dream: a dental practice that focuses on quality care, education, and treating each patient as an individual.

“We are focused on the complete systemic dental health care. What that means is that we assess, diagnose and treat the mouth in relation to the entire body,” he said.

“Your mouth has direct correlations to heart, brain, immune and pregnancy health. Our goal is to educate our patients on Back L to R: Riza Gumpac, prevention and treat people Chelsey Leclerc, Lindsey so that they can live a Frankson, Brittany Karlee healthy lifestyle.”

Front L to R: Vik Sharma, They provide all aspects Sim Matharu of dental care from family dentistry, to cosmetic crown and veneer work, invisalign, implants, botox, wisdom teeth removal, sedation and dental care for children, all with the latest in cutting edge technology and highly trained staff.

And though they’re one of the newest clinics in town, they’ve already earned a sterling reputation that is drawing in new patients all the time thanks to their unique approach.

“We often have people tell us ‘Wow, I’ve never been so educated and cared for at a dental clinic before.’ Patients are blown away with the care and comfort that they’re receiving,” he said.

In fact, they’ve garnered more five-star google reviews than any other dental clinic in Vancouver and Burnaby, and have already extended their hours to seven days a week to serve their growing patient base. The team now includes

community.

At the end of the day, the primary goal is, and will always continue to be, providing top-notch care to those who come through the doors.

“Excellence to me means truly making a difference. Striving for that high level of attention and care that I give my patients truly is the road to excellence for me,” he said. “I treat my patients the way that I would expect to be treated, with empathy, respect and kindness.”

sponsored content

604-423-3737 I 488 Gamma Avenue, Burnaby, BC I www.simplywellnessdental.ca

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE SPORT CONTR A CT I N G

Centaur Products Inc.

T

o be successful in a niche market is a challenge; to become a leader in it, even more difficult.

Centaur Products has managed to do both, making a name for themselves not just here at home in BC, but across the country.

Its success and reputation has garnered a number of accolades over the years, most recently being named Business of the Year (Under 50 Employees) at the 2019 Burnaby Business Excellence Awards gala hosted by the Burnaby Board of Trade.

That’s a reflection of the organization’s tireless commitment to excellence in all facets of its operation.

“Our mission is to enhance athletic performance and spectator experience by providing high-quality products and installation services in the construction of sports facilities and entertainment venues,” explains owner Dave Wilson. “We provide our clients with an all-in-one, turn-key solution involving a comprehensive package of services.”

That includes helping customers in the planning, design and construction of a successful sport facility or entertainment venue project, for clients as diverse as major universities, school districts, municipal recreation facilities, and professional sports venues and performing arts

theatres. This may mean everything from turf installation, track construction, seating, flooring, scoreboards, and more, with seamless in-house planning and organization that allows the team to provide the most efficient services that are responsive to each unique project’s framework. In other words, the entire process – from initial consultations to final installations – all happen under the Centaur Products banner.

The company has been in operation for 46 years, having first opened its doors in 1973, and is now Canada’s largest sports specialty contractor. With headquarters in Burnaby and offices in Calgary, Guelph and Halifax, they’ve been able to lead the national market in their industry.

In all, Wilson says they’ve worked on thousands of facilities over their four decades and now have nearly 50 staff members nationally, including members of the management team, sales, project managers, and installation technicians. He’s proud of where they’ve come from, the growth they’ve already experienced, and says he’s excited to see what will come in the future.

“I came from the sporting goods business and I wanted

‘‘

We have an unwavering commitment to improve the quality of sporting venues and facilities across Canada.

to specialize in quality equipment products,” Wilson recalls. They began with specialized flooring products, bringing in unique and innovative products from Europe to the North American market for the first time. From there, they continued to add new and diverse products and services, growing with the needs of the industry and staying on top of new developments worldwide, an approach they plan to continue in the coming years “There is some exciting new technology just around the corner in the sports and entertainment venue market,” he said. “New innovations in synthetic turf fields, advancements in LED video display technology and improvements in the performance of sports surfaces.” Through it all, the focus is

‘‘

Dave Wilson, Owner

always on the client, and ensuring that Centaur staff at all stages of a project have delivered both great customer service and the highest quality products.

“We have an unwavering commitment to improve the quality of sporting venues and facilities across Canada, to enhance the athlete and spectator experience and to help create a happier, healthier world by inspiring people to incorporate sports into their lives,” he said.

The company is also committed to ensuring high standards of environmental protection by seeking options with minimal impacts, through responsibly sourcing materials, reducing waste, incorporating recycled materials and providing green building solutions to customers and communities. sponsored content

604-430-3088 I 3145 Thunderbird Crescent, Burnaby, BC I www.centaurproducts.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE M ED I C A L SP A

Remedi Wellness & Spa Tranquility. Good health. Balance. Energy. Joy. Peace.

Those are just a few of the things to be found behind the doors at Remedi Wellness & Spa. Walaa Zeidan, founder and owner of Remedi, set out to create a place where people could step away from the everyday stresses of the world to focus on self-care – and she has succeeded, in spades.

The medical spa offers a spectrum of services and treatments that go far beyond the surface including a team of medical doctors, naturopaths, medical estheticians and more.

“I have a strong belief that everything that happens in the body is connected, so we’re not just treating symptoms but root causes,” she said. “Skin conditions, hormone issues, female and male health, we look at a person from that holistic perspective, to find out what’s going on. One of my favourite parts is when we sit down and have a consultation and talk about what are some things that are going well and where are some areas you could use some support and help?”

Zeidan notes that Remedi has the most medical devices of any spa in Western Canada, all cutting-edge technology

that lead the industry standard.

“We follow a medical model here, across the board, no matter what the service is,” she said. “We’re very serious about what we do, we ensure that everything we have is the absolute best quality, that our products are medical grade, that our staff are the best at what they do and that we ourselves never stop learning through education.”

This attention to quality and excellence goes beyond the treatments and technology. The space itself is designed in every way to be welcoming, and allow people to relax, feel comfortable, and enjoy a quiet moment in their busy lives.

Zeidan’s background in management consulting with a focus on feng shui and energy work helped her bring her vision and dream for Remedi to life.

“I really wanted a sense of harmony and well being for everyone who comes into contact with Remedi, with me and with my staff,” she said. “I wanted a hidden oasis here right in the heart of Burnaby. It’s not flashy and dramatic from the outside but when you come in you feel that five-

‘‘

I want to see a change and make a difference in people’s lives.

star touch. We have thought of everything, heated floors, slippers to wear while visiting here, a builtin alkaline water machine.”

The facility also includes a beautiful 600-squarefoot enclosed patio – an oasis inside an oasis – with a firepit and loungers, for clients to relax or meditate.

“It was important to me that the space makes people feel as good as the services they receive,” she said. “It’s really about the art of self-care. I want to teach people that self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. The most important relationship you have is the one with yourself.”

‘‘

Walaa Zeidan, Founder and Owner

Her efforts have paid off: Remedi’s reputation has grown by leaps and bounds, with new clients coming through the door all the time. And while the growth and success is a positive sign for any business, it’s not the priority for Zeidan.

“It’s not about volume, about being busy – I want to see a change and make a difference in people’s lives,” she said. “Excellence is really about consistency, caring, taking pride in your work and everything you do. It’s about doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do, and to be the best possible versions of ourselves.”

sponsored content

604-918-9899 I 4472 Dawson Street, Burnaby, BC I www.remediwellness.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE E A R LY ED U C AT I ON

CEFA Early Learning

T

here’s a special sort of magic in the way that children learn, explore, and grow. Their natural curiosity about the world around them – when fostered in a safe, caring environment filled with toys, books, and learning tools – gives them a seemingly endless capacity for learning.

At CEFA Early Learning, teachers help children tap into this energy and sense of wonder about the world, helping children from the ages of one to five learn about everything from math to music, language and culture.

“I chose this field because ever since I was little, I loved small children. I was fascinated by what they had to say and how they could learn so quickly,” explains Karen Chan, who co-owns five CEFA locations in Burnaby and Vancouver with her business partner Christine Yang.

“I enjoy being around children and love the idea of contributing to their learning and early years.”

Chan was previously a teacher at CEFA West Vancouver, which is where she crossed paths with Yang, whose eldest daughter attended the school there. For Chan, the idea to open her own CEFA was a natural extension of her love for the work she did, and Yang had seen – as a parent searching for quality care and education – that there were limited choices available.

“That’s how we started this journey together,” said Yang.

And what a journey it has been. They opened their first location in Burnaby in 2005 on Canada Way, and have opened four more locations since then: one on Kingsway in Burnaby and another on Lougheed in the Brentwood neighbourhood, with two more in Vancouver on Cambie and Commercial Drive. They are part of the larger CEFA family which includes about 19 locations in all, and more coming soon.

Chan explains that CEFA is a unique private school for children ages 1 to 5, with four levels: a baby program for children who are one, and then three successive levels of junior kindergarten (one, two, and three) for children at each subsequent age, until they are old enough to begin kindergarten. It’s an all day program, complete with educational opportunities that cross the spectrum of possibilities.

“We have a curriculum that includes areas such as reading, writing, math, science, music, language, drama,

‘‘

It was our goal to create a magical place where children learn and grow.

visual arts, yoga, dance, outdoor play, cultural immersion, and we have fun field trips and traditional winter shows for the families,” said Yang.

In all, Chan and Yang have a team of more than 100 employees over the five schools.

“Our team of principals and teachers is amazing,” said Chan. “They dedicate so much of themselves to teach and grow with our students.

They truly love the children as if they were their own. We choose teachers who are passionate about their work with children.”

The CEFA concept was founded by Natacha Beim, who opened the first location in West

‘‘

L to R: Karen Chan and Christine Yang

Vancouver. As an early childhood educator deeply knowledgeable on the research in the field, Beim knew she wanted to create a program where children could thrive, learn and explore.

The concept quickly caught with families who were keen to find quality education and care for their young children. ““We are so grateful to Burnaby for welcoming us into this community. We hope that our schools are as special to our families as they are to us when we create them,” said Chan. “It was our goal to create a magical place where the children want to come to every day, to learn and grow.”

sponsored content

604-299-2373 I Burnaby & Vancouver, BC I www.cefa.ca

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE pAIntInG

ProRise Painting

I

n business, there’s certain truths that are at the foundation of every successful venture: find a need and fill it, focus on excellence, always put the customer first, and be true to your word in everything you do.

For Joseph Halfar, these have all been integral to his approach since he opened the doors at Prorise Painting more than a decade ago.

The locally owned and operated company provides interior and exterior painting and other services such as light carpentry and texture ceiling and drywall repair, for residential, commercial, and strata buildings.

“Our goal is to provide quality work at a reasonable price and for it to be delivered in a professional manner with no surprises along with complete transparency for our customers,” he said.

Halfar explains that his approach has been guided by what he saw in the industry and his desire to provide a better alternative.

“I saw a lack of professionalism in the painting industry.

I would hear friends and family complain about the lack of transparency and attention to detail they endured with their previous painting contractors, so I wanted change the industry by providing what was lacking,” he said. “At Prorise Painting, we truly care about each of our customers and strive to always be as transparent and detailed as possible from the moment we step into your home or office to the end of the job. A huge majority of our clients are repeat clients, and that speaks volumes on how we do business. We like to leave a positive lasting impression so that customers think of us time and time again when they think or hear of a painting project.”

Part of that success, he says, is due to the fact that they don’t cut corners, and go the extra mile to ensure that the work is done to exacting standards, including all the preparation in advance. As a result, the finished product will last much longer than work done by other contractors.

“We always do things right the first time by following proper application protocols and using premium grade painting products,” he said. “What has been the most rewarding is ‘wow-ing’ our customers and hearing their positive feedback. I also love revisiting projects we have worked on and seeing that our product is still bringing our customers joy and that it’s protecting their homes and office spaces so many years later.”

Halfar credits his “wonderful team” – which includes an office team as well as painters, drywall specialists, and carpenters - for their hard work and commitment.

‘‘

Excellence is instilled in the values of our company.

“We work together and each person plays an integral role in keeping things running smoothly around here,” he said.

The proof of their dedication is in the reviews and customer feedback, as well as in the awards they’ve accrued. The company has hundreds of positive reviews online and have received the HomeStars Contractor of the Year, BBB People’s Choice Award, and Houzz Service Award, to name a few. “Excellence is instilled in the values of our

‘‘

Photo at right – Agnes Kwan, Communications Manager and Joseph Halfar, Owner

company – it is the ability to have all members on our team deliver exceptional experiences from start to finish. It means to provide top notch service, produce quality workmanship, and provide a higher level of warranty to our customers compared to our competitors.”

Halfar says he’s thrilled to be based here in Burnaby, where he grew up and continues to call home today, and he’s looking forward to continuing to grow in the coming years.

sponsored content

604-338-4817 I Burnaby, BC I www.prorisepainting.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE RESTA U R A NT & P U B

WINGS Restaurants & Pubs Take equal parts great food and incredible service, mix in a double batch of fun, then add a big dose of communityminded generosity and a strong vision for the future.

That’s the recipe that’s made WINGS a stand-out success in the restaurant industry in recent years, no small feat in a field known for being highly competitive, ever-changing and fast-paced.

WINGS currently has 13 locations, including its headquarters here in Burnaby and a restaurant on Kingsway, with an eye to opening more throughout Western Canada in the near future.

“The WINGS concept is unique,” said Jeff Perham, director of marketing and business development. “We are more of a family-friendly sports bar and we really encourage all locations to create an atmosphere where everyone is welcome.”

Their menu is known for their trademark wings available in 27 flavours as diverse as Bangkok Chili and Lime, New York Dill Pickle, Cairo Kicker, Canadian Maple Bourbon, to name just a few. But their offerings go far beyond the wings menu, with salads, sandwiches and plenty more.

“Many people think WINGS is a regular wing joint, but we have a large variety of offerings besides wings – great pastas, vegetarian options such as cauliflower wings for

example, a kids menu and a really awesome happy hour.”

No matter the location or the customer, the goal is always the same: to give each person that comes through the door a great experience with fantastic food and topnotch service. In fact, their motto is “Absolutely is the Only Answer.”

“We want a guest to have fun while at a WINGS restaurant,” he said. “Each guest that comes into WINGS is treated like family and our staff go the extra mile to ensure that a guest feels special and leaves wanting to come back the next day.”

Perham notes that their menu is known for its quality and quantity while also being competitively and affordably priced, and that they are always looking for new ways to innovate and offer the best options for customers.

“We want to focus on what we do really well and continue to keep up with trends,” he said. “We want to be

‘‘

Each guest that comes into WINGS is treated like family.

leaders, so our teams are always looking for, and predicting, what may be the next hot thing down the road.”

Perham notes that they don’t want to just be known as a great destination for food and fun – but also as an integral part of each city they’re in.

“We really have a focus on helping our communities,” he said.

This has included running an annual BCSPCA fundraiser, the Say it with WINGS partnership with the the Amanda Todd Legacy, a Free Lunch for Veterans program, ongoing support to the

‘‘

L to R: Armine Evangelista, Kitchen Manager & Corporate Trainer, Jeff Perham, Director of Marketing & Business Development, and Raymond Lee, Restaurant Manager (WINGS Burnaby)

BC Children’s Hospital and a variety of other sponsorships.

“We are always looking for ways to give back to the community and to be able to give back.”

Perham says its an exciting time for the organization as they look at expanding, both in terms of being able to offer their unique offerings to more customers but also about bringing on new team members across all levels of the organization.

“WINGS is all about family, which includes the head office teams, our staff, managers, operators and of course, our guests.” sponsored content

604-525-7414 I 6879 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC I www.greatwings.ca

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE A U TO M OT I V E

Haus Of Cars

D

o what you love – with passion and integrity – and success will follow.

That’s the philosophy that Joseph Hays and his business partner Simon So have taken with their Burnaby-based auto repair and detailing business Haus of Cars, and so far, it’s proving to be true.

“It might sound simple but really our goal, truly, is to be outstanding, in every way,” said Hays. “We strive to do that in every single interaction with a customer, whether it’s on the front end in our customer service, the way we work with each customer, or the back end with the quality of the work we’re doing. We really do take pride in everything we do, and it’s something we are always looking at, talking about, and finding ways to do even better.”

Haus of Cars is an independent auto shop offering a one-stop destination for anything a car may need.

“Our niche is really that we do it all,” said Hays.

From sourcing out a specific vehicle a customer is searching for, organizing purchase and financing, repairs and proactive maintenance, and body and paint restorations. Hays started out in the sales side at a dealership, and quickly found that he loved what he did – especially as he moved into independently importing unique vehicles from Japan - but also quickly realized that in today’s busy world, customers could be better served

by having access to a wider spectrum of services in one place.

“That’s really our specialty: the ability to take care of all your vehicle needs under one roof,” he said. “We have a lot of expertise in our own staff but if something is outside our scope, we have trusted shops that we work with to make that happen, so that a customer isn’t having to go from place to place to get what they need.”

Hays opened the shop in early 2015 and later joined forces with So as partners in the business. So’s decadelong experience working in the mechanical side of the auto industry was a perfect match for Hays’ background in sales.

But the magic that has made the difference is their mutual love of cars.

“I was always the kid geeking out on the cars and the specs and what’s new and hot, and I just loved everything about it,” he said. “It was the same for Simon. This isn’t just a business for us, it’s what we do and what we love.

‘‘

Our niche is really that we do it all.

We both have a deep passion for motorsports and when the day ends here at the shop, we are still talking cars at night.”

Hays says the pair also believe that success is a byproduct of good business, not the primary goal.

“If we give our customers the best service, if they trust us, and come back to us and recommend us to others, if we do the best we can for every person through our door, and build those relationships and that reputation, then really the growth comes out of that, not the other way around,” he said. And it shows, as their customer

‘‘

L to R: Simon So and Joseph Hays

reviews are nearly all 5-star reviews.

Being situated in the heart of Burnaby is ideal as it provides a central hub for both customers and for other vendors they may work with.

“We love it here. I grew up here and it’s a unique community that’s in the middle of everything,” he said. “It’s an ideal homebase for us.”

Hays says he’s excited to see what the future brings and is already brewing ideas around how to incorporate education and teaching, perhaps via video and in-person workshops covering a variety of topics. sponsored content

604-549-4949 I 7386 6th Street, Burnaby, BC I www.hausofcars.ca

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE DR Y C L E A N I N G

Tuesday’s Drycleaners

T

here are certain truths in business, no matter the industry.

Be the best at what you do, work hard, and above all, treat every customer with honesty and respect. Without all of those characteristics, it’s hard – even impossible – to succeed.

At Tuesday’s Drycleaners on Kingsway, it’s these traits that have helped them carve out a growing reputation and a loyal customer base here in Burnaby over the last few years.

“We are known for our great customer service and knowledge, and for our fast service and presentation of the item once the order is completed,” said Kulwaranjit Atwal, who owns Tuesday’s Drycleaners. “We have specialty expertise in stain removal, wedding gown cleaning, and household items such as duvets and curtains, as well as steaming.”

But their services cover a broad range, including altering and tailoring services.

“If there’s a rip or a tear that seems non-fixable, we can give them suggestions on what one can do to fix it, especially for items that are particularly important to a person,” she said.

Atwal notes that they use a special process that is ecofriendly, which is available at only a few drycleaners in the region.

“This is very important to us. We use a solvent that is friendly for the environment and for ourselves and the cleaning agents are not as strong and harsh compared to regular dry-cleaning services elsewhere,” she said.

“We are one of only a few drycleaners with this option currently.”

Though there are businesses in Vancouver with the same name, Atwal says that their location is not connected to their independently operated business.

“My husband and I own this business,” she said. “We have a staff of employees that help out with pressing, cleaning and cashier services,” she said. “I handle the cleaning services myself because I have 20-plus years of experience in this industry and knowledge of the materials,” she said. “This really is a family business and I have tremendous support from my children and husband.”

They have been in operation since 2017, and thanks

‘‘

Excellence is exhibited through honesty and trust.

to Atwal’s background and business savvy, the business has continued to grow ever since.

“We love being in Burnaby – there’s so many businesses and it’s so convenient for working people to come by and drop their items off here before or after work” she said, noting that their location on Kingsway near Metrotown is central and easy to access.

The response from customers has been fantastic.

She says many new customers find them through their high google reviews, but also through current customers offering recommendations to friends and family.

For Atwal, hearing that someone has

‘‘

Mr. & Mrs. Atwal

appreciated and recognized their quality and services, and given their name to someone else, is rewarding – and a sign that their approach is a positive one, with a large focus on integrity and value.

“Excellence is exhibited through honesty and trust, by the services you provide to your community,” she said. “My philosophy is to be honest and loyal and my motto is that we treat clothes like our own.”

With such a strong start over the last few years, it’s not hard to imagine that they’ll reach their goal of opening another location in the city. sponsored content

604-433-1534 I 5109 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE H E A LT H B ENE F I TS

Pacific Blue Cross

W

hat can I do to make a difference?

It’s a question that Leza Muir, senior vicepresident and chief operating officer at Pacific Blue Cross, says has been a personal mantra in her work. But it’s also a reflection of an approach and philosophy that extends throughout the organization.

“When I think about why Pacific Blue Cross has been successful, it’s because we’re really helping people,” she said. “Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of British Columbians. We always have an eye to whether our products and services are going to make a difference in somebody’s health overall.”

The not-for-profit health benefits society provides health, dental, life and disability products for employers, as well as health, dental and travel insurance for individuals, along with newly emerging products such as critical illness insurance.

Pacific Blue Cross was formed by the merger of two notfor-profit health benefits societies in 1997 that had long been in operation in BC. “We were often competitors, and we thought we’d be a stronger organization if we joined forces,” she said.

It was a good decision: Pacific Blue Cross has thrived, growing over the years, and continuing to serve local companies, families and individuals. Their long history in this province gives them an edge in understanding how changes in health care will impact residents here.

“That’s what I think makes Pacific Blue Cross distinct: we are here in BC and really understand the BC health landscape, and as such we integrate very closely with government programs.”

Being able to streamline services with government programs and health care providers has allowed Pacific Blue Cross to offer more efficient assistance to its members. And when there are changes to drug policies or health care legislation, they respond by being fully knowledgeable and proactive because of their close relationship with local agencies.

“We’ve been able to work in partnership and in tandem with the provincial government to introduce certain services to our members that are unique,” she said. But

‘‘

Excellence is about giving back to people.

it’s a constant process of evolution, always looking for new and innovative ways to provide top-notch service, across all aspects of the organization.

“Excellence to me personally is about giving back to people, and excellence at Pacific Blue Cross is the same: it’s about how we hear and listen to our members, showing empathy and being respectful in every interaction,” says Muir, who just won the Burnaby Board of Trade’s Business Person of the Year award.

‘‘

Leza Muir, Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer

She credits the team of staff – about 750 total at the Burnaby headquarters – for being the vital piece that makes it all possible.

“We have amazing people here,” she said. “Our team is committed to doing what’s important to our members, making sure that they are looked after. I am very proud of our staff and how they interact with our members – I think the extra steps and time they take to understand our members is one of the most important aspects of our work.” sponsored content

604-419-2000 I 4250 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC I www.pac.bluecross.ca

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE NOT- F OR - PRO F I T

Progressive Housing Society

W

ithout a solid foundation, it’s difficult to continue building and impossible to feel safe and secure. That’s true whether you’re talking about construction – or about life itself.

Progressive Housing Society has been helping people find their own foundation – both symbolically and literally – for almost 40 years now.

The non-profit organization supports individuals in the community who are living with severe and persistent mental illness, and vulnerable and disenfranchised individuals experiencing homelessness, or those at risk of homelessness.

“We believe in a Housing First philosophy which basically says that everyone needs to be, and is entitled to housing – it is a basic need that everyone should have access to,” said Jaye Treit, the executive director of the society. “For those struggling with personal barriers or health issues, without housing first, they can’t really properly begin to address or remedy those issues.”

Once people are housed, the organization helps them with individual, client-centred support services through a variety of programs.

“We don’t exclude anyone. Access to some of our programs does require meeting some eligibility criteria, but

we try to find creative solutions so that we don’t have to turn anyone away,” said Treit. “We provide housing assistance in a variety of ways through our community outreach teams and our mental health programs. We can offer rental assistance and emergency housing funds based on eligibility and availability.”

With a lack of safe and affordable housing in this city and throughout the region, the team at Progressive have their work cut out for them. But Treit says all of the staff are passionate about the work they do there because of the huge impact it has on individual lives.

“We really believe in helping people at whatever point they are in their life, and helping them navigate and encourage them in their journey. I think our staff are simply remarkable and go above and beyond all the time, every single day, advocating and supporting,” she said.

Treit says that being based in this community and working alongside other groups with parallel goals has helped them immensely.

“We couldn’t do our job without the support of other

‘‘

We really believe in helping people at whatever point they are in their life.

organizations who provide important services that many of our clients need that we don’t provide,” she noted. “Building relationships and fostering a community of care that has evolved and developed over the years is critical to the success of any social service program. We help and support each other because sometimes and too often the needs of one individual or family is so great that it really takes a team to make a difference.”

The society first formed in 1981 and has been growing and expanding ever since, building a reputation in BC as a leader in this field.

‘‘

Photo at right: Jaye Treit, Executive Director

“Excellence for us is about not just saying what we do, but doing what we say,” she said. “We want to take on challenges when the path is not so clear, and to always focus on the difference we are making in the community. That’s what it’s all about: making an impact, saving lives, and never giving up.”

For Treit, all of that is part of making sure that each client’s needs are met, in an atmosphere of compassion and respect. “We try very hard to not just do the work that meets our mandate goals, but to go above and beyond to make someone’s life better and to give them hope.”

sponsored content

604-522-9669 I 7836 6th Street, Burnaby, BC I www.progressivehousing.net

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE I NS U R A NCE B RO K ERS

HUB International

T

here’s no replacing the fundamentals when it comes to excellence in business: putting the client front and centre, creating a strong team, and operating with integrity in all ways.

Considering their focus on all three of these areas, it comes as no surprise that HUB International has built an incredible reputation over the years, including being awarded the 2019 Business of the Year by the Burnaby Board of Trade.

HUB is a full-service insurance brokerage offering coverage and protection for businesses and individuals, from liability and property coverage, to home, auto, travel, marine, life, employee benefits, and risk services.

With more than 400 offices across the US and Canada, HUB’s local region is headquartered here in Burnaby and covers 13 offices in Richmond, Surrey, Abbotsford, Aldergrove, Maple Ridge, Coquitlam, Burnaby, and Vancouver.

Dave Terry, the president of HUB International Canada West, says the company’s extensive network, structured around regional hubs and satellite offices across the continent, is part of what gives them an edge in helping customers by pairing the resources and influence of a global broker with the personalized expertise of a local provider.

“Most of our clients come to us for liability and property coverage for their businesses, followed by home and auto coverage for individuals, and employee benefits coverage for a variety of organizations,” he said. “We believe most HUB customers want complete, convenient insurance protection under one roof. Our clients are looking for options and alternatives, and trust us to make informed recommendations for them.”

He adds that a large part of their success has stemmed from developing “specialty practices” in which specialists in a variety of sectors can offer unique expertise for a variety of needs.

It’s all part of a consistent focus on providing top-notch customer service.

“Excellence for us means to operate with the utmost integrity, leading and conducting one’s self in a manner that exemplifies this trait,” said Terry. “Clients trust us to find the right insurance solutions for their particular needs, and when they’re served by a HUB insurance advisor, they know they’re dealing with knowledgeable insurance

‘‘

We’re passionate about what’s important to our clients.

experts.” As their reputation has grown, so too has the organization itself both through new clients and adding local offices to the HUB network.

“When it comes to expanding our business through acquisitions, we are highly strategic; ensuring a new broker partner is a good fit for our corporate culture and has the same client focus as HUB is key,” he said. “Our customers recognize great service and the word-of-mouth advertising we get from our clients has been a tremendous help within the communities we operate in. I believe our entrepreneurial spirit, something we look for in all our employees, has been a driving

‘‘

Photo at right – Dave Terry, President HUB International Canada

force that allows us to stand out amongst our competitors.” As well, they continue to grow their areas of specialty as needs change and evolve – while also keeping an eye on the fundamentals.

“One of the most exciting things is that we’re involved in every industry – many of our employees are specialists in areas like real estate and property management, transportation, cross border and multinational companies, employee benefits, and emerging risks such as cannabis. We’re passionate about what’s important to our clients,” he said.

“It is of utmost importance to us at HUB that we deliver on our promises to our clients.” sponsored content

604-269-1000 I 400-4350 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, BC I www.hubinternational.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE O U R TE A M

Christina Myers Writer

Christina Myers is a long-time journalist, writer, and editor. She worked as a full-time newspaper reporter for nearly 13 years before moving into freelance, literary and creative writing. Her work has appeared in magazines, anthologies, journals, and online, and she has two book projects forthcoming in 2020/2021, including her first novel.

She is a fan of dresses with pockets, vintage kitchen collectibles, and overflowing book shelves. She balances creative work and parenting from her home in Surrey.

Find her online at www.cmyers.ca.

Gary Slavin Creative Designer

Gary Slavin has worked as a graphic designer in the lower mainland for community newspapers for over two decades, with the majority of those years at the New Westminster Record and sister paper Burnaby Now. He continues to work as a freelance creative designer for various newspapers and local businesses. He has many design awards over the years presented by British Columbia Yukon Community Newspaper Association (BCYCNA), Canadian Community Newspaper Association (CCNA) and the Suburban Newspaper Association (SNA).

He grew up in North Burnaby and is a father of two amazing sons. He now resides in Blaine, Washington, with his wife, Kristen. Outside of work, he volunteers in the sport of ball hockey at national and international levels.

Lisa King Photographer

Lisa King is one half of the team behind TwinLens Photography, along with partner Kevin Hill. The pair work collaboratively in shooting for editorial, corporate, and commercial clients, as well as special events and weddings, with more than 25 years in combined experience as professional photographers.

The duo met while studying photojournalism at Loyalist College in Ontario, and now call the Lower Mainland home. King enjoys travelling, team sports and scuba diving, to name a few of her hobbies.

Find her online at www.twinlens.ca.

Kevin Hill Photographer

Kevin Hill is one half of the team behind TwinLens Photography, along with partner Lisa King. The pair work collaboratively in shooting for editorial, corporate, and commercial clients, as well as special events and weddings, with more than 25 years in combined experience as professional photographers.

The duo met while studying photojournalism at Loyalist College in Ontario, and now call the Lower Mainland home. In his downtime, Hill enjoys outdoor recreation – including skiing, backpacking and target shooting – and motorcycle adventures.

Find him online at www.twinlens.ca.

sponsored content

FULL PAGE AD from newspaper