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Honouring Calgary’s Visionary Business Leaders
www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY
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2012
Honouring Calgary’s visionary business leaders
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o matter what industry, Calgary entrepreneurs are a resilient bunch. They toil in the trenches every day as they build their companies and face adversity at every turn. As Business in Calgary honours the 2012 Leaders of Tomorrow, it is a chance to meet a group of successful business owners who have overcome the odds and proven how innovation is a cornerstone of any good entrepreneur. “The overall quality of their businesses and the diversity of their businesses is the thing that impresses me the most,” says Dan Doherty, president of D3 Strategies Inc. and one of the judges for the 2012 Leaders of Tomorrow, an annual award celebrating some of the most passionate and successful entrepreneurs who also have unique links back to the community. “Every leader does it a little bit differently and I think that’s important,” he adds. This year’s selection of 20 Leaders of Tomorrow showcases a wide range of entrepreneurs in a variety of industries. “What was impressive to us … was that although we think of this as an energy town, there are IT services, digital printing, restaurants – and yes, some oil and gas – but also a crossborder tax advisory service, an interior designer, a spa,” says Dave Zimmel, with MNP LLP. “It’s a very buoyant economy, which lends itself to a number of spinoff successes.”
The evaluation criteria is simple: 50 points are awarded based on business achievement – including past performance and future potential for growth – and 10 points based on contributions to their respective industries. 40 points are awarded for the level of community involvement with charities, arts and cultural groups. The 2012 Leaders of Tomorrow must demonstrate integrity in every aspect of their lives – at home, at work and in the community. It’s a tough call for the judges. “We laboured over it,” says Zimmel. “It wasn’t easy to come up with a short list and ultimately the group that was named as winners.”
The award includes a gala ceremony at the end of June and the entire event is meant to help inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs in Calgary. There are a lot of unique and fun stories to tell when you meet the Leaders of Tomorrow, who have all shown how vital they are to the economic health of the city and province. Business in Calgary salutes the 2012 Leaders of Tomorrow and encourages all Calgarians to explore their entrepreneurial instincts. Small businesses are a vital part of the economy and, as they grow, the stories these business owners can tell will intrigue, entertain and educate.
TH HE E JU UDGES DGES
Mike Carlin
Dan Doherty
Dave Zimmel
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Leader of Tomorrow:
January McKee Company: AMGAS Services Inc. Incorporated: 1986
A
fter graduating from the University of Alberta with a bachelor of arts degree in political science, January McKee quickly rose through the ranks in the banking industry after starting out as a bank teller to manage a five-person administrative team. She has succeeded in two industries where few young women make it into the top level in management as an executive – the other being her current role in the oil and gas industry. Challenging the status quo has been a defining trait of her career as she builds strong relationships based on trust. “I value the relationships I have built over the years in this community and those relationships are a big part of why we wanted to build the business here (in Alberta),” says McKee. When she became the president of AMGAS Services Inc., McKee identified specific gaps in the markets the company serves, delivering more efficient and safer ways to treat noxious emissions. Her approach to leadership has been one of her biggest assets throughout her career. “Being an open book makes it easier for the team to emulate my decision-making strategies in their own functional areas,” says McKee. Through it all, she’s found that elusive and delicate balance between family life and career goals. Since her three children are such a huge influence in her life, she is an avid supporter of charitable organizations that cater to children and youth, including being an annual sponsor of the Alberta Children’s Hospital and the Grande Prairie Minor Hockey Association. McKee also played a pivotal role in building the Carstairs Splash Park. As the company plots its expansion into the U.S. later this year, there could be no better leader to guide the team than McKee.
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Leader of Tomorrow:
Mike Joseph Company: The Ceili’s Group Incorporated: 1999 Date leadership assumed: 2009
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he first pint at Ceili’s Irish Pub and Restaurant was poured in 1999 under the ownership of the PLE Group. The memorable Calgary institution has since evolved and grown into a truly western Canadian brand under the stewardship of Mike Joseph, former vice president of Penny Lane Entertainment. He bought the three-location pub company and formed the Ceili’s Group in 2009 with a vision to transform the original concept into a chain of progressive pubs and restaurants, while remaining true to its roots. “We are striving to build an iconic hospitality company that will still be around in 50 years,” says Joseph, who spends much of his time mentoring staff and management while working on building the Ceili’s brand. Today, the company operates six high-profile pubs: three in Calgary and three in the Greater Vancouver Area. Development plans are currently in place for three additional stores in Western Canada in the next 18 months. Joseph attributes much of his success to his own mentors, namely Glenn Fawcett (president of Black Hills Estate Winery, who gave him his first job at Bust Loose! Holidays), Paul Vickers (of Penny Lane Entertainment fame) and Brett Wilson (high-profile Calgary entrepreneur, television ‘Dragon’ and a significant shareholder in The Ceili’s Group). For Joseph, it’s all about keeping the momentum going and giving back to the community. His company is a proud supporter of the Calgary Scope Society and many other charities. He’s a firm believer in the power of his people. He’s the type of entrepreneur who places trust in every individual within his organization. “Find people that share your values and provide a framework for them to be successful,” he says. “My mentors and others believed in me and, in turn, it gave me the confidence to believe in myself.”
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Leader of Tomorrow:
Tasso Chondronikolis Company: CoreTech Staffing & Professional Services Incorporated: 2006 Date leadership assumed: 2006
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uring his 10-year tenure with a large IT staffing company, Tasso Chondronikolis was consistently ranked the top account executive in Canada. In 2006, he decided to venture out on his own and launched CoreTech Staffing and Professional Services, which today is an IT staffing, consulting and project solutions firm with 33 employees and more than 75 consultants. It offers a “best-shore” application packaging service – a key differentiator in this competitive, highly technical space. To him, success consists of being happy with whatever he’s doing (as long as he’s winning), constantly growing as a person, both personally and professionally, and contributing to other people reaching their goals. “I have very high standards and pride myself on honesty and integrity,” says Chondronikolis. “I have built a company based on trust and have nurtured longterm relationships based on these principles.” It seems to be working. His company went from a one-man operation to a thriving business that continues to grow and evolve based on his clear vision and sustainable business model. While others began offshoring IT functions, he built his customized “best-shore” solutions to differentiate the firm in a crowded global industry. Over the years, he has become a member of TEC Canada (Chief Executives Working Together), serves as vice chair for West Springs Elementary School and is the head coach of his son’s soccer team. This is in addition to being an executive board member for the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter on its fund development committee and serving on the board of Business Fore Calgary Kids – a group that raises funds for kids in need through an annual charity golf tournament. “The bottom line is that I want to make a difference in people’s lives and maintain a high level of integrity,” says Chondronikolis.
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Leader of Tomorrow:
Ranil Herath Company: DeVry Institute of Technology Incorporated: 1931 Date leadership assumed: 2009
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hen Ranil Herath assumed leadership of the Calgary-based Canadian operation of this decades-old learning institution in 2009, the DeVry Institute of Technology had a well-established reputation for working with all industry and stakeholder groups in the post-secondary field. But it was his leadership that the institution sought out to turn it around as a growth leader. Numbers and student engagement soared as he built a student-focused, engaged and highly motivated team that has become a case study for leading change within DeVry. He launched initiatives such as the Passport2College program in Calgary, which allows high school students to take post-secondary credits through DeVry at no cost to them – one of many initiatives he successfully executed for the betterment of the student population. When he took the helm at age 34, he had already been president of Everest College in Hamilton, Ont. – less than three years after immigrating to Canada from Sri Lanka. “The impact we can have in our community and economy and the lives we can change through post-secondary education rallies the team in building a shared vision and strategy to move in that direction,” says Herath. Although DeVry was originally founded in Chicago in 1931, the Calgary campus was opened in 1981. Since being appointed president, he has served as board director for the Calgary Centre for Newcomers, supports the Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council, and many other charitable or non-profit groups. He embodies the “get-it-done” attitude that has come to define Calgary and its reputation as a hotbed of entrepreneurship, inspiring the next generation of business leaders to seek the skills they need to realize their dreams.
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CONGRATULATIONS, RANIL, FOR BEING SELECTED AS
A Leader of Tomorrow FOR 2012
DeVry.ca | 403.235.3450 © 2012 DeVry Education Development Corp. All Rights Reserved.
Leader of Tomorrow:
Debra Ross Company: Gamma-Tech Inspection Ltd. Incorporated: 2002 Date leadership assumed: 2002
A
fter graduating at the top of her class in the aircraft maintenance engineering program at SAIT Polytechnic, Debra Ross became an active member of the Alberta Society of Engineering Technologists (ASET) and she’s been directly involved with industry organizations ever since. It was at SAIT that she found her passion in non-destructive testing while earning her certification as an exposure device operator. By July 2002, she founded Gamma-Tech Inspection Ltd. with a single field truck and her business model has not strayed from providing the highest level of expertise and safety ever since, although the business itself has grown exponentially. “I built this company on the premise of creating and cultivating an atmosphere where both management and the employees could flourish together in a happy, family-like environment,” says Ross. In an industry dominated by men, Ross has proven her mettle by demonstrating how competent she is – outperforming many of the men who’ve been working in the field for years. Her success has been mirrored by a strong commitment to her community. Most recently, she helped organize a fundraiser for the CIBC Walk and Run for the Cure. Kids Cure for Cancer, Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre, STARS, Business for Calgary Kids Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation have all gained tremendously from her generosity over the years. She has very high standards, but her own experiences fighting what has sometimes been an uphill battle as an entrepreneur have made her a compassionate, yet astute and savvy, businesswoman in all regards – always willing to give people a chance. “Because of my own personal journey, filled with plenty of roadblocks and speed bumps, I always lean towards giving the underdogs a chance,” says Ross.
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Leader of Tomorrow:
Darren Sartison & Morgan Arndt Groundswell Group Inc. Incorporated: 2001 Date leadership assumed: 2001
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ith no capital or clients, Morgan Arndt and Darren Sartison founded Groundswell Group Inc. in 2001 specializing in the relatively unknown “software integration market” – a term used to describe the process of connecting separate software applications so they can “talk” to each other; in other words disparate applications can be used by each other. “In running your own business, especially early on, you just have to adapt to whatever comes at you and find a way to move forward,” says Arndt. “So the negatives are just challenges to be solved.” It was lean for the first few years, complicated by several ownership changes. As the pair of remaining founding partners stuck with their instincts and original goal, they also realized transparency was critical to meeting those initial challenges. “A culture of openness (and) friendly, approachable people are key to creating a place where people want to work and be appreciated,” says Sartison. From day one, the business model remains unchanged, focused on software integration by attracting key talent with aptitude, attitude and character. They’ve formed alliances with multiple industry organizations and made a conscious effort to give back along the way as they reaped the rewards of their dogged determination to succeed, including to organizations such as the Alberta Children’s Hospital and Habitat for Humanity. Through it all, they never lost their sense of humour at any point. “Humor is very important,” says Arndt. “When challenges arise, we use humour to help us deal with them and move forward.” Platinum Partner
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FGL SPORTS
CONGRATULATES DARREN SARTISON & MORGAN ARNDT
FGL Sports congratulates its partners at Groundswell Group for their recognition as ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ by Business in Calgary magazine. Darren Sartison and Morgan Arndt are recognized for this prestigious award as a result of their ongoing commitment and dedication to delivering world class integration solutions and architecture strategy for Canadian businesses.
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Leader of Tomorrow:
Anil Datoo iSolutions Inc. Incorporated: 2007 Date leadership assumed: 2007
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nil Datoo has found his niche and it’s a lucrative space. Datoo cofounded the data management consulting firm, iSolutions Inc., which is dedicated to providing a specialized service offering by designing, implementing and supporting real-time, historian-based reporting and data integration solutions for the oil and gas, utility and manufacturing industries. The company’s offerings allow its clients to make operational decisions based on the analysis of accurate, real-time production data from field/plant control systems to optimize production performance. He has a number of undergraduate degrees, including a bachelor of science in biological sciences and one in computing science, along with 15 years of experience in project management, business analysis and production data management technology. He formed iSolutions in 2007 with three other partners, growing the firm from four consultants to more than 40 in 2012 – and more growth is planned. He’s described as a collaborative leader where all team members have input into decision-making processes with an emphasis on accountability. “I try to lead by example with a focus on hard work, value-driven service and mutual respect,” says Datoo. “This open approach allows us to maintain a team of specialized consultants that make better, more educated decisions to deliver superior technical solutions for our clients.” Datoo is as likely to be found transporting elderly members of the Ismaili community to and from religious and community events on a weekly basis as he is building relationships with clients. He is a very active community leader, fundraiser and philanthropist who has made a profound impact on both his industry and his community.
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Leader of Tomorrow:
Jerilyn Wright Jerilyn Wright & Associates Interior Design Consultants Ltd. Incorporated: 1984 Date leadership assumed: 1984
B
efore Jerilyn Wright enrolled in interior design education, she was seriously considering medical school. “I enjoy healing and helping people feel better,” she explains. “What I did was combine the two by designing health-promoting environments and (continuing) my goal of searching for ways to improve life for those who are less fortunate.” After completing her interior design education, she founded Jerilyn Wright & Associates Interior Design Consultants Ltd. in 1984 in Calgary. Her intent was to provide a service that exceeded what most people were offering on the market. “Whether it’s a healthier work environment or designing a device or system that can enable someone to live more freely of their handicap, it is important to continue to develop, explore and improve on the way we all live,” says Wright. Through the years, she has also been a champion of community causes through an annual scholarship program at Mount Royal University and assisting the Ability Society, which supports children with special needs. Wright has been proactive in her efforts by developing a modular, accessible kitchen and bath system, along with her work for Habitat for Humanity. “It is important to give back,” says Wright. “I feel we all have a sense of responsibility and should contribute to the society that defines our existence and enables our success.” Her efforts go beyond philanthropic and charity work. She is an influential voice for the entire design industry, speaking regularly at conferences, acting as the lead designer of the television series Open Homes and judging several competitions – all in addition to her direct links to many industry associations.
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Paving the road ahead
© 2011 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved. “PwC” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limite which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate legal e
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PwC’s team of professionals can help you navigate opportunities and challenges that you’ll face when growing your business. We’ll make sure you have the competitive edge you need to succeed.
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Leader of Tomorrow:
Ryan McMillan Company: McCrum’s Office Furnishings Incorporated: 1971 Date leadership assumed: 2010
F
rom his first job, Ryan McMillan has worked in every department and position that exists in the furniture business. It’s in his blood. Not just from a business perspective, but also the family and staff relationships. It’s been operating for more than 41 years under its founder Ross McMillan. “Growing the business is the easy part,” says Ryan McMillan. “It’s about how you manage, keep staff and maintain it that is the tough part. If you give good service, product selection and make it easy, customers will want to do business with you.” The office furniture business may seem like a straightforward line of business. It isn’t. “It’s an incredibly complex business,” says McMillan. Even in his spare time, he admits the business has become part of him. He could be found building things – anything – such as basic kit-of-part projects like fences, kids’ toys and furniture. He works with charities to provide furniture so they can work more effectively, and supports organizations throughout the city such as the Calgary Food Bank. McMillan is also a recent and active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and a variety of industry organizations. As the largest Teknion dealer in Canada, McCrum’s product line is Canadian-made. “We focus strictly on our core business and are continuously looking for ways to improve our ability to provide the right products and services that make us stand apart,” says McMillan.
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Teknion Altos and Optos Wall Products
We’ve seen the future.
We see it in innovators like Ryan McMillan of the McCrum’s team who, every day, finds creative ways to solve tomorrow’s business challenges. Congratulations on being named one of Calgary’s Leaders of Tomorrow.
Leader of Tomorrow:
Kim Moody Company: Moodys LLP Tax Advisors Incorporated: 2007 Date leadership assumed: 2007
K
im Moody’s main business concern is demonstrating his ethics and integrity in everything he does. It’s a cornerstone of his business philosophy. “Success means that I’ve made a difference, that I’ve been transparently honest and I’ve challenged the status quo … not accepting that things couldn’t be better,” says Moody, a chartered accountant (CA), registered trust estate practitioner and tax specialist practicing under the partnership of Moodys LLP Tax Advisors in Calgary. He helped pioneer the formation of multidisciplinary business partnerships in Alberta. He took risks – measured risks that paid off – by focusing exclusively on tax advisory services. Its thriving U.S. cross-border tax consulting service line, for example, caters to U.S. persons who are residents of Canada or Canadians who wish to invest in the United States. Overall, Moodys’ clients include accounting and law firms that need specialized tax advice, owner-managers of private corporations, executives, professional athletes and high net worth individuals. Today, he’s looking to double its size, attract even more highly skilled talent and implement his plan for strategic expansion of locations and service offerings in the next five years. Ever since earning his bachelor of management degree from the University of Lethbridge and his CA designation, Moody has been involved in numerous committees and professional organizations in Canada. He goes on to donate his expertise by speaking and lecturing extensively about charitable giving, in addition to his contributions to the Mustard Seed, Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids, Youville, the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and sponsorship of local families in need during the holiday season. He originally wanted to be a music teacher – a passion he has to this day. “When I realized my skills were more valuable in tax, I shifted gears,” he recalls. Today, that decision has evolved into a thriving tax advisory firm poised for growth. Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
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BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com
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Leader of Tomorrow:
Victor Petrovic Company: Mostar Directional Technologies Inc. Incorporated: 2004 Date leadership assumed: 2004
I
n 1968, Victor Petrovic was a lieutenant of the Yugoslavian army. The Soviets had just invaded Czechoslovakia and were stationed on the border between Hungary and Yugoslavia. “I was in the trench on the front line for over 21 days straight,” recalls Petrovic. It was a driving force behind his decision to leave the country and ultimately led to his journey to Canada, playing a major role in shaping who he is today as a successful, determined entrepreneur and the founder of Mostar Directional Technologies Inc. Since he started his first business in 1976, he was always the first to open the door each day and the last one to close up shop at night. In the meantime, he’s become a seven-time Boston Marathon runner, earned his second-degree black belt in kung fu and founded a company that has become a leader in its field, despite recent market instability – Mostar Directional Technologies. A machinist by trade, Petrovic went from humble beginnings to go on to establish and operate a highly successful business in the directional drilling industry, all the while supporting local sports teams and cultivating the entrepreneurial spirit in tomorrow’s business leaders. He has adamantly stuck to his firm policy of holding zero debt in a 100 per cent cost control environment. After gaining decades of experience in servicing and manufacturing equipment for the directional drilling industry, he was able to identify opportunities for significant cost control where other companies relied on third-party vendors. He has also developed his own in-house team of electronic, mechanical and well engineers and a host of value-added services to fuel the future growth of this truly remarkable, resilient company.
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Leader of Tomorrow:
Debi DeBelser Company: NWP Industries Inc. Incorporated: 1962 Date leadership assumed: 1994
I
n its 50-year history, NWP Industries Inc. has prospered through three major recessions, at least two major wars and the never-ending cyclical nature of the oil and gas industry. In one form or another, the company that Debi DeBelser took over as sole shareholder and president in 1994 has undergone many name and structural changes, acquisitions, divestitures and a generally storied history. Started by a small group of Calgary businessmen on September 13, 1962 as Northwest Pipe & Supply Co. Ltd., DeBelser began working for the company in 1979, after earning her bachelor of arts from the University of Calgary. Under DeBelser’s leadership, NWP was streamlined to focus on its more core services as an original equipment manufacturer of storage tanks, line heaters and separators servicing the oil and gas industry. Her core values of integrity, teamwork, hiring the best people and financial strength took her through many new chapters in the life of the business. As a strong leader, DeBelser trusts her instincts and integrity. “If you are not sure which is the right thing to do versus the wrong thing, listen to your gut,” she says. “It has always told me the truth about right and wrong.” Having operated in small towns throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan over the years, NWP’s operating companies are closely linked to their communities. The company supports local hockey teams and baseball teams, community halls and projects, the local rodeos and parades – whatever support they can give. Her vision is for growth, but her purpose is tangible and refreshingly simple. “Our purpose is to turn our hours of work into quality products for our customers to help meet the world’s demand for energy,” says DeBelser.
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BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com
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social network |Vǀ¶VKΩO QƟW¶Z UN¶| n. 1. A place to understand and share ideas, opinions, and resources 2. Programs and classes where you can meet people with similar interests 3. An exchange of opinions with others who challenge your viewpoint 4. An opportunity to expand your social circle and your mind 5. The Calgary Public Library
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Leader of Tomorrow:
Derek Doke Company: Original Joe’s (Franworks Group of Companies) Incorporated: 2000 Date leadership assumed: 2006 (Original Joe’s) and 2000 (Franworks Group of Companies)
D
erek Doke could easily be considered a serial entrepreneur. It’s been in his blood ever since he was in high school, in one way or another. By late 2000, he approached the two founders of Original Joe’s to partner with them to expand the growing business into a regional brand. He then began buying the founders out of the business and took over 100 per cent control in 2006, growing the brand from 10 to 50 stores for a current growth rate of 14 per cent. Today, the business is growing at an average rate of 10 new locations per year in Western Canada, with about one third of them franchised and the remainder corporately owned or joint ventures. He has never lost his focus – or his sense of humour. “A good laugh can help keep things in perspective,” says Doke. “I think it’s our approachable, down-to-earth service and good value that keeps our loyal customers coming back.” In keeping with his business philosophy, Doke and his entire team are part of the wider communities where they operate. Over the years, he’s supported organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area, the Kerby Centre, Canadian Armed Forces (CFB Edmonton), SSUBI Foundation, Inn from the Cold and Safe Haven. Under the broader Franworks Group of Companies (which includes Original Joe’s, State & Main, Elephant & Castle, Land and Sea and Outsourced Construction Services), he’s created a wider brand of restaurant, retail and construction firms. Doke’s entrepreneurial flair is built on inclusiveness of the entire team. He introduced an employee profit-sharing program for corporate staff, as well as a managing partner and kitchen partner equity programs for store-level managers. As he continues on his growth path, it’s clear that Doke is confident in the brand’s ability to thrive. “We are on a solid and predictable path,” he says.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Photo by Ewan Nicholson Photography Inc. Furniture provided by McCrums Office Furnishings
BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com
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Leader of Tomorrow:
Elisabeth Fayt Company: RnR Wellness Incorporated: 2003 Date leadership assumed: 2003
A
fter spending 10 years jet-setting around the world with Tim Hortons co-founder, billionaire Ron Joyce, as his private assistant, Elisabeth Fayt decided it was time to put this “think big” experience to use for herself. She launched RnR Wellness in 2003, which now owns and operates The Spa in the Fairmont Palliser Hotel, along with 16 satellite spas in many of Calgary’s finest hotels. Her greatest accomplishment was when she made a conscious decision to “live in the present moment,” she says. “It was then that I turned my attention away from the mindless wheel of accomplishment to truly savour my life and everything in it,” says Fayt. She has since created a unique business model where her business thrives by partnering with these hotels, just as the hotels benefit from providing a value-added service to their clients – a win-win outcome for both. RnR Wellness is now on the cusp of major growth and expansion, expecting to triple the firm’s mobile business and working to expand its existing footprints at other hotels. Regarded industry-wide as one of the most prominent “wellness experts,” Fayt is a bestselling author and internationally sought after as an inspirational speaker on wellness, business and leadership. She has garnered a great deal of respect, admiration and publicity for her entrepreneurial efforts, also being recognized for her vast philanthropic achievements supporting women and children in need through organizations such as Children’s Wish Foundation, along with many others. When she looks back at the numerous challenges she overcame to build a thriving wellness and spa company, she says determination, perseverance and a strong spiritual foundation helped guide her. “Our challenges really are diamonds in the rough, waiting to be discovered, if we enter them with courage and the right attitude,” says Fayt. The wellness industry is booming and it’s clear that RnR is ready to grow with it.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
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Leader of Tomorrow:
Stan Taylor Company: Run Digital Inc. Incorporated: 2005 Date leadership assumed: 2005
S
tan Taylor grew up as a quiet, shy kid in small-town Saskatchewan. His first steady job was in radio in Drumheller, AB. He credits his mentor, Monte Solberg, for understanding the power of positive thinking and how to accomplish his goals. He also mused with Solberg about owning his own business. While Solberg’s career took him into politics, Taylor ended up following his vision to become an entrepreneur and launched Run Digital Inc. with partner Sal Di Franco in 2005 after 10 years of working in the printing industry in Calgary. Over the years, the company added plenty of cutting-edge equipment; the firm now has three large flatbed presses and a host of other high-tech pieces and printers. Taylor’s approach to business is to recognize that it will have its challenges, but when faced with mistakes, rather than trying to assign blame, it is more productive to tweak the company’s systems to ensure the same mistake never happens twice. Run Digital has shown positive growth every year since opening and in 2011, sales were at record levels with a 13 per cent increase from the previous year. True to his roots, Taylor and his partner Di Franco remain committed to community. They regularly support groups such as the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and, remembering an important lesson from one of his colleagues, Jim Blundell, Taylor also stays true to a simple philosophy in both business and in his personal life: “You can’t get what you want until you help others get what they want,” says Taylor. “Anyone who makes it their goal to help other people will be successful in life.”
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Gold Partners
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Leader of Tomorrow:
Michael Sikorsky Company: Robots and Pencils Inc. Incorporated: 1997 Date leadership assumed: 2008
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eetings don’t exist at Robots and Pencils. Michael Sikorsky and his team loathe them, so they just abandoned them altogether. Instead, the staff at this leading-edge iPhone and iPad mobile app development company spends more time making things. They communicate through software when it’s needed instead of wasting time around a table. It seems to be working. In the last few years, the company Sikorsky founded has grown in leaps and bounds – the fastest year was 1,170 per cent and the slowest was 367 per cent. He’s not new to the entrepreneurial game. Sikorsky left a previous tech company he started years ago, along with some valuable lessons about business – ones he won’t forget. Today, though, he’s squarely focused on the future of Robots and Pencils. More than that, he has become a leader of the entire technology sector in Calgary and much further afield. His company has offices in Hong Kong and San Francisco and a global reach of relationships. Sikorsky is an active member of EO, Digital Alberta and works closely with the University of Alberta to bring together high-profile Alberta investors to mentor and invest in burgeoning entrepreneurial businesses developed by engineering students via the U of A engineering faculty. He also works with groups such as the Banff New Media Centre. In business, he takes humour to a new level, considering himself something of a caricature of a person. Yet, he conducts business with a precision and the clearest vision that transcends any average tech leader. “We don’t want to be vanilla ice cream in the middle,” says Sikorsky. “You either love us or you hate us. Without the hate, you don’t get the love, so it means we’re fine with both sides of the coin.”
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Photo by Ewan Nicholson Photography Inc.
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Leader of Tomorrow:
Catherine Proulx Company: Twist Marketing Inc. Incorporated: 2002 Date leadership assumed: 2002
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atherine Proulx built Twist Marketing Inc. on the foundation that inspired, participatory leadership breeds successful results. “I try to inspire team members to formulate their own solutions to problems,” says Proulx. “Success is finding that which makes you happy and keeps you productive.” This belief has also helped shape Twist’s steady growth and development. Proulx launched Twist Marketing in 2002, originally intending to focus on corporate communications for the homebuilding industry. The company rapidly evolved into a full-service marketing firm catering to mid-sized organizations, specializing in destination marketing and corporate branding. Proulx’s clientele quickly grew to include municipalities and large corporations in need of senior marketing and strategic planning expertise as well as guidance throughout the implementation process. Her business model is unique for the industry. Proulx’s company is actively involved in industry groups and regularly offers educational sessions and workshops tailored to the tourism and economic development sectors. As the Twist Marketing team grows, the more diverse the range of public speaking engagements the company is able to facilitate. “The challenge is how to find and keep great talent,” says Proulx. “We have done a good job developing a solid team over the past 10 years and we plan to leverage that success to attract more high-calibre people in the future.” She can often be found out and about in the community, educating high school students about the field of marketing and encouraging her staff to get involved in various causes. She’s trying to redefine people’s perceptions of the entire industry. “Most people seem to think of marketing as a ‘soft skill’ and don’t fully grasp the level of talent it takes to succeed in our business,” she says.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Photo by Ewan Nicholson Photography Inc.
MY BABY’S
FOR SALE
photography: Charles Hope www.hopephotography.com
1958 MGA - Frame off / ground up full rebuild. 4 years in the making, now better than new. Driven only 200 miles since completion. For a full list of work done, contact: lanny@thebeachaudio.com or call 403-237-6267.
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Leader of Tomorrow:
Regan Davis Company: STEP Energy Services Ltd. Incorporated: 2011 Date leadership assumed: 2011
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egan Davis measures the success of his business by the positive influence it has had on the people he works with and the growth they have in their careers than by the actual business accomplishments, he says. “When I focus on making my team successful, the business success is easier,” adds Davis, co-founder and CEO of STEP Energy Services Ltd., which provides purpose-built coiled tubing and fluid pumping equipment to the oil and gas sector. The name of the company sums up his core business values: Safety, Trust, Execution and Possibilities (STEP). Started with two business partners in 2011, STEP Energy Services has invested more than $40 million of capital in less than one year, grown a team of office and operations professionals to more than 80, implemented an industry-leading health, safety and environmental program and has attracted a client base of more than 30 successful firms, targeting the horizontal well market. Davis plans to continue to buy new equipment and put it to work immediately, while redefining the level of service in this field to differentiate the company from its competitors. “We see tremendous growth with this strategy over the next 36 months,” he says. Still in its infancy, STEP Energy Services has already begun to support community and charitable groups, in addition to Davis’ own contributions to the Impact Society, which works with youth to inspire confidence, develop character and build integrity. He also served as chair of the board for five years and remains involved today as a director.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Photo by Ewan Nicholson Photography Inc. Furniture provided by McCrums Office Furnishings
DO YOU KNOW THE THREE CHALLENGES EVERY LEADER MUST OVERCOME TO REACH THE TOP? IN OUR WORK COACHING THOUSANDS OF LEADERS we have discovered the three key obstacles that all leaders face. The ability to overcome these obstacles is the dierence between success and failure. To discover the three, visit awesomejourney.ca/threechallenges. Congratulations to Regan Davis, and all the other leaders honoured this evening.
AWESOME JOURNEY
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Leader of Tomorrow:
Terri Jo Lennox Company: Travel Time Inc. Incorporated: 1998 Date leadership assumed: 1998
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ased on the enthusiasm and ease with which Terri Jo Lennox travels around to various audiences promoting her travel agency, Travel Time Inc., you would never guess that she actually considers herself quite shy. “Tackling things I am most afraid of has often provided the greatest rewards,” says Lennox. “I believe we all need to challenge ourselves and do the things we are afraid of to be truly successful.” As a single mother of three sons, she moved to Calgary in 1997 and opened her agency the following year. “Failure was just not an option,” says Lennox. She also bought the former agency she managed in Fort Nelson, B.C., a second agency in Calgary and an office in Whitecourt, Alta. Today, Travel Time operates four offices with a total staff of 25 employees. While other traditional travel agencies floundered as the Internet took over a large portion of the industry, Lennox saw opportunity. She created a full-service agency that goes well beyond what online agencies can offer, with staff regularly travelling to the destinations she books for her clients to provide more personalized service. Never one to rest on her laurels, Lennox is also a year-round volunteer with the Calgary Stampede and has been involved previously with several local charities. She is also active in many industry associations as she looks ahead to a prosperous future for both herself and her company. “I am passionate about what I do and I believe if you love what you do, you will likely be better at it,” Lennox says. “It will always feel less like work and the monetary success will occur naturally.”
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Photo by Ewan Nicholson Photography Inc.
How does one become a Leader of Tomorrow? By providing “Excellence in Travel� everyday! Congratulations Terri Jo Lennox, on being named a Business Leader of Tomorrow! Your vision of what a professional travel agency is, and what it provides to clients is inspiring! Using unique travel products, with an emphasis on value and quality of service, your agencies have led the way in the travel industry and are known as specialists that deliver highly personalized travel experiences every time!
PROFILE
By Mary Savage
D
iana Liptak is the face and founder of She Devil Productions. She is accretive, attractive, smart, passionate, connected and confident. She is the “it” factor! She IS the whole package. When you meet her, you are instantly captivated by her passion for how she lives her life and what she does. She is the She Devil … an ambitious juxtaposition, witty contradiction, caring soul and all-in-all intriguing person. To know her is to love her, but to truly get to know her takes a little time…
SCENE ONE – TAKE ONE:
After graduating with an honours degree in communications and television, Liptak found herself seeking employment in the film and television industry in L.A. As an ambitious young-gun-for-hire, she put the market to work for her and hosted a ‘reverse career fair’: she invited 180 prominent industry executives to a fullysponsored event. In the days that followed, she received 16 job offers and accepted one challenging placement doing entertainment public relations out of Beverly Hills, CA. But here’s what makes her story truly unique: she was not a veteran of the industry; in fact she’d arrived in L.A. just three months prior, completing three simultaneous
She Devil
Diana Liptak
Photography by Charles Hope
PRODUCTIONS
Like nothing you’ve EVER experienced before… (THE MAKING OF A SHE DEVIL)
internships at the age of 23. And she is the kind of rare individual who raises the bar – on everything – by virtue of her approach to business and life.
SCENE TWO: Liptak’s newest venture, She Devil Productions, is a business designed to help corporations create productions, manage social media, engage public relations and build better brands. Today at 33, she has a decade of experience under her belt. Liptak has worked in the production industry from Toronto to L.A. and her background includes the Oscars,
the Emmys and all-things-Hollywood-related. She recently launched She Devil Productions because - quite simply - it was time. “I’m realizing a lifelong dream: to own a production company,” shares Liptak, the Face/CEO, She Devil Productions. “Alberta offers a resource-rich talent pool and there’s a real need to keep production in Calgary. This city offers a wealth of talent that we are not fully utilizing. Many Alberta-based companies are still outsourcing to Vancouver and Toronto, and we’re losing talented production people and jobs to those markets.”
She Devil Snapshot: Audio & Visual Productions Legendary & Commemorative orative Pieces Television & Film Editing & Post Production ion Business Profiles Radio Spots Soundtracks Voice-overs Photography by Charles Hope
Liptak’s unique approach to “branding” is much more than designing a catchy logo; branding a company involves the story behind the business. “A successful brand involves knowing the psychodynamics of branding, why we do what we do,” she adds. “It’s not enough to produce something for radio, television or the web and think the job is done. You also need public relations, social media and proper branding to support your message,” Liptak asserts. “If a commercial runs on the Internet for more than a couple of days, it becomes stale or old news. Most businesses don’t want to think about constantly updating their message ... and that’s where we come in.” She Devil Productions: a company that provides a team of experts that takes creativity and execution to a higher standard. “Business people are busy running their companies, so we manage their campaigns which frees up their time,” she says. “Many companies farm out the public relations, social media and creative – to separate businesses which dilutes the effectiveness. We look after the entire process, so the client makes one phone call and it’s done,” she comments. Although She Devil Productions offers a comprehensive package, they also specialize in legendary pieces: capturing a company’s history and heritage. “There’s a growing need to record these moments about Canada or Canadian industry: it’s celebrating our heritage and being proud – Canadians are not just about drinking beer, watching hockey and wearing toques!” she says with a grin. Born and raised in Calgary, Liptak has developed an intricate network among the city’s ‘best and brightest’ and runs her business from the same building that houses world-class production studios and post-production facilities in downtown Calgary. “Alberta offers everything we need when it comes to quality production,” remarks Liptak. “She Devil Productions
Social Media Project Management Public Relations exists to promote creativity in Alberta through audio/visual production. I’m very passionate about Alberta, our history and the people who call Calgary home.”
SCENE THREE: When Liptak isn’t sitting behind a microphone, mixing board or reviewing footage from the latest day’s shoot, you will likely find her mingling among Calgary’s movers and shakers. She has recently judged the 24-hour film race in Calgary and has been nominated for Avenue Magazine’s, Top 40 Under 40. Back in the studio, Liptak is working on a few new projects – for both corporations and to raise industry awareness. Working in conjunction with The Beach and the Academy of Production and Recording Arts (APRA), they have created a new contest for independent filmmakers. “The winner receives a $50,000 post-production audio package and it allows the winner to present their film at different festivals around the globe,” says Liptak. “And that’s one of the ways we are giving back to the community,” she adds. “I’m not afraid of anything and I’m not afraid to speak my mind,” she says. “I want to make peoples’ dreams come true and I believe together we can make anything happen!”
FADE TO BLACK… She Devil Productions Upper Level – 615 11 Avenue SE
www.shedevilproductions.com facebook: She Devil Productions Linked In: She Devil Twitter: @She_DVL
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Leader of Tomorrow:
Gerry Wood Company: Wood Automotive Group Incorporated: 1983 Date leadership assumed: 1983
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lmost 30 years ago, Gerry Wood set out with a vision to create the best in automotive sales and service in Calgary. Today, the Wood Automotive Group includes five dealerships and a collision centre located across the Calgary region. From the beginning, giving back to the community has been part of the company’s business model, supporting the SAIT automotive program, the Georgian College auto marketing program in Barrie, Ont., an annual charity golf tournament that’s raised close to $4 million, building the Woodridge Prep Centre – a school resource centre for individuals with Down Syndrome – and annual contributions to a variety of causes. “Our core business values are reputation, customers and employees,” says Wood. “Why? Because it gives us a competitive edge.” As one of Alberta’s largest automobile retailers of Ford, Lincoln, Honda, Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler models (and pre-owned models), the company continues to evolve with the times to adapt to its customers’ needs. In 2009, the company opened two ultra-modern facilities to take the art of collision repair to a new level. One of its dealerships, Woodridge Ford Lincoln, is now southern Alberta’s largest Ford dealer. The Wood Group has delivered over 100,000 vehicles since 1983. Under Wood’s leadership, this company has become ingrained into southern Alberta’s communities, whether it’s providing the products their customers want, the service they demand or giving back through initiatives such as donating to food bank drives, HandiBus, the Alberta Association of Community Living or the Salvation Army – it’s evident this company is built to last.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Photo by Ewan Nicholson Photography Inc.
2012 LEADERS OF TOMORROW
We at ARC Financial Corp congratulate each of the 2012 Leaders of Tomorrow. We are especially pleased to congratulate our partner, Regan Davis, CEO of STEP Energy Services Ltd.
Canada’s leading energy-focused private equity investor ARC FINANCIAL CORP. 4300, 400 - 3rd Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 4H2 Tel: 403.292.0680 www.arcfinancial.com