Business in Edmonton - Leaders 2022

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2022 Leaders Awards

CELEBRATING EDMONTON’S EXCEPTIONAL BUSINESS LEADERS

It was the late, beloved CEO and visionary Herb Kelleher that said of entrepreneurs, “You must be very patient, very persistent. The world isn’t going to shower gold coins on you just because you have a good idea. You’re going to have to work like crazy to bring that idea to the attention of people.” That is exactly the tenacity, drive and focus shown by this year’s Leaders. Each is a standout in their field and was selected as a Leader for their success in business, creating outstanding workplace cultures and giving back to the community while inspiring the next generation.

It takes a formidable resolve to launch, grow and run a business on any given day – it takes even more to do so in a post pandemic landscape. While the closures are over and the distancing is a thing of the past, the fallout remains.

According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) 2022 Business Barometer ®, “There’s been a slight ease on small businesses but many challenges, including inflation and labour shortages, are still holding many firms back. Skilled labour and input shortages continue to limit business growth. Additionally, fuel and energy costs, wage costs and insurance costs were the top cost constraints for small businesses in September.”

Labour shortages, shipping delays, gaps in access to raw materials – these are all challenges every one of our Leaders has faced and overcome. Some relied on strong networks built over time. Some pivoted and created new strategies and solutions. Some offered new products and services to meet changing demands.

BY MELANIE DARBYSHIRE THE JUDGES

All rose to the challenge with grace, leadership and that signature Edmonton entrepreneurial spirit.

Business in Edmonton magazine sponsors and highlights the Leaders event; however, the winners are selected by an independent panel that assesses each nominee across a broad spectrum of criteria. The judges returning for Leaders 2022 are: Dustin Sundby, MNP, managing partner – Edmonton region; Dennis Sheppard, NAIT, dean, JR Shaw School of Business; and Shawn Mevel, ATB Financial, director, sales, business and agriculture.

Each judge helped select among the nominees for Leaders that espouse the following qualities: a focus on their team and on the community, optimistic opportunity seekers that look forward instead of back, curious minds with a can-do attitude, those resilient and adaptive in the face of change and those that bring empathy and understanding to every interaction.

A repeat judge for several years, Mevel has perfectly summed up what makes a Leader, “Edmonton is full of people with ideas and drive, but it is also a city of mentors. Successful people in Edmonton are willing to give their time and experience to others to give a hand up.”

Congratulations to this year’s Leaders and to all the nominees. Edmonton thrives thanks to their business leadership. As the world keeps turning and changing, it is those that take charge in the interest of their city, teams and communities that deserve to be thanked – and recognized.

SHAWN MEVEL

Dhruv Gupta and Hersh Gupta

“We

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Dennis Kellner, Brent Macklin and Darcy Amendt

ARCTIC SPAS

The name Arctic Spa stands for decades of experience and leadership in the luxury hot tub and swim

market. Arctic is pleased to have introduce several innovations, including the first spa with a fully

enclosed base. Kellner, Macklin and Amendt embrace leading by example.

“In 2019, winning and representing Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba as one of five companies competing for Entrepreneur of the Year in all of Canada was one of our defining moments of success. As entrepreneurs, that particular recognition meant a great deal to all three of us.”

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Sarah Baptiste

TRAILER &

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Maureen Mackay

SERVICE DOGS

Clients

“My greatest

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Congratulations to this year’s Leaders Awards winners

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Darren Currie CALMONT GROUP

Focusing on a strong management team and a detailed and ongoing analysis of business operations has empowered Calmont Group to reinvent, grow and thrive. Currie demonstrates leadership by being hands-on in the business and holding himself to the same standards he desires from the team.

“In 2012 Calmont went through a 100 per cent change in ownership. I was the president and CEO and had a choice of managing the company through the change as an employee or becoming an owner. I chose ownership! We were faced with many challenges and being an owner with just two other partners, we were able to make the necessary changes to grow the company and create long-term sustainability. The greatest inspiration has been building a company from 90 employees in 2010 to 320 employees across Canada while listening and watching other great business leaders in Edmonton and learning from them.”

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has been in business for 39 years, with head office in Edmonton and expanding across Canada. The legacy company Calmont Leasing and rentals provides truck and car lease and rentals for all makes and models. We have 5 locations in Alberta, and one in each of Saskatoon and Winnipeg. Calmont has grown to also be the Volvo heavy truck dealer for Alberta, with four locations and a Bobcat construction equipment dealer with 5 locations in Alberta. These high quality dealerships operate in several industries year round. Calmont is also the owner of Carter Car and Truck rentals with 7 locations in Southern Ontario and head office in Hamilton. A well diversified group of companies operating in several industries including Oil & Gas, Government contracts, landscaping, infrastructure, transportation and construction.

As a group our goal is to always provide a high level of Customer service, through quality and integrity. Our team wants to maintain a grass roots culture that we are available to assist with all of our customer’s needs on a daily basis. We pride ourselves on being a one stop shop to cover off all of our customers transportation and equipment needs.

Yellowhead Trail, Edmonton, Alberta, T5L

at: www.calmont.ca

1-800-363-7819

Charles Wong CAREPROS

The best-in-class objectives of combining people, processes, clinical research and models of care is why CarePros is one of the fastest growing companies of its kind in Canada. Wong’s high standard has empowered faster and better care in a strictly regulated industry.

“Our defining moment at CarePros was when we pivoted to provide child intervention services to high behaviors and high trauma children and youth. This has driven our team to provide traumainformed and culturally responsive care with the ultimate goals of family reunification and supporting the successful transition of complex youth into adulthood.”

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Did you know?

NAIT

Statistic

A NAIT JR Shaw School of Business education goes beyond textbooks and the classroom.

real-world projects, co-ops and experiential learning, our students graduate with the in-demand skills to make an impact in the

world.

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will connect you with eager

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grads

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Amber Gunderson CHAMCLAD BY CHAMELEON

Aproud

of a sustainability award by BASF Canada, ChamClad by Chameleon provides Alberta-made products, some of which were essential (social distance barriers) during the pandemic. Gunderson’s team appreciates being heard and having their opinions valued, along with the leadership by example.

“The greatest inspiration in my life has been my husband. He has always supported me in all my endeavours as a partner in business and in our family. It has given me the strength, freedom and courage to move forward in my career knowing that decisions I have made are always encouraged and supported. Together we have built two companies that are very different from each other with many challenges. One of the things he has always said to me that I believe is: ”it does not matter what you do, as long as what you do, you do it well.”

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Chad Davis COMPLETE SHIPPING SOLUTIONS INC

Davis believes that perfection is unattainable, but the pursuit of perfection creates excellence. He uses this key message to pursue Complete Shipping Solutions’ #1 core value – customer service. The enviable corporate culture is a result of strong

“When you take care of your people, they will in turn take care of your customers. Our relentless dedication to customer excellence began with the focus on our team and employee morale. Investing in their growth with care and respect has directly impacted their engagement in our company’s success. Modeling the way has become one of our key values, creating accountability to each other and our customers.”

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CRANSTON HOMES LTD

Aflawless

approach to home building means coming to each sale with patience, empathy and expertise. Cranston Homes ensures every client feels like family as the team works to exceed expectations. The Dhaliwals have turned this startup into a multi-faceted corporation that includes custom home building, multifamily construction and rental properties.

“Our greatest joy comes from empowering our team. By helping them discover and develop their skills to reach their true potential. Celebrating small wins gives people the confidence to keep moving forward to achieve common goals. We are all capable of doing more and going higher than we believe we can.”

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Rob Jennings

FKA

Adaptability,

vision and initiating positive changes is how Jennings leads FKA to success. Striking out on his own and taking risks while working hard and being proactive are attributes he infuses into the brand. His ability to adapt means he does not just respond to change – he initiates it.

“We talk a lot about self-awareness and self-improvement at FKA. It’s a high performing team with high expectations of leadership – it challenges me to be a better leader and ultimately a better person. At the same time we’ve built a culture of support and empathy. We don’t let each other down.”

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LIFTBOSS MATERIALS HANDLING LIFTBOSS MATERIALS HANDLING

Thelast few years have brought some curve balls to most Alberta businesses. For Liftboss Materials Handling, an Alberta born and raised material handling and JCB equipment dealer, it also brought a long overdue move from their original Edmonton location of 16 years into a completely renovated dealership in the heart of Edmonton’s northwest industrial area. Having outgrown the previous building and yard, they were looking for a space that would allow future growth. They were able to find a large five-acre yard with a building that will allow expansion, as well enough land to incorporate a full acre on-site “proving grounds”. This demo space will allow customers to operate a number of different machines as they would in the field, ensuring they end up with the correct unit for their application.

The owner group worked very closely with JCB corporate through the whole process and were

very proud to find shortly after moving in, that the facility was selected as a Canadian dealer standard for new JCB facilities, meaning that all new JCB dealerships built will be based on the concept of what Liftboss has helped create. As a result, a JCB Canadian Dealer advisory council meeting was held at the facility the last week of July, and the staff were proud to show off their new home to a number of other JCB dealers from across the country.

With that project complete and behind them, expansion of a third facility in Grande Prairie and a similar renovation of the existing Calgary facility are next on the list, both expected to be completed into 2023. If you are in need of new or used equipment, parts, rentals or service on all makes and models reach out to the Liftboss team and they will be happy to help you.

Garrett Vogelaar G.L.V. TRAVELLERS INC

Since 1988, this family business has evolved to excel in a variety of projects including commercial and residential renovation, being a primary contractor for a playground distributor and a general contractor for park construction. After taking control of the company in 2016, Vogelaar completely revamped the brand by implementing new technologies and business practices.

“Your greatest competition is yourself. Appreciate your failures and look forward to your future successes. The moment you’re comfortable, you’re not growing so sprint towards improvement, be humble, and encourage growth in others. Success is meant to be shared. There isn’t a defining moment for me. I perpetually strive to uphold my values in my personal life, work and through leadership. My journey is far from over. I don’t think I’ll ever feel successful as I’m not driven to succeed, I’m driven to enhance the people around me.”

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Dale Monaghan

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF ALBERTA

Goodwill’s

“journey of good” has made an incredible difference for thousands of Albertans. President and CEO since 2012, Monaghan is pleased to help change lives for the better while strengthening communities and families through the power of Goodwill’s work.

“Attaining perfection is impossible, though in pursuing perfection we catch excellence,” Vince Lombardi.

“This quote defines my leadership style, and the culture I seek to develop within organizations I have the privilege of leading. No one is perfect, though working hard to be excellent is within our reach.

I am grateful for having served (and developed) under quality leaders such as Chief Archie Waquan, Pat Vincent and Stan Fisher.”

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Douglas Kinsella

IMPULSE DOWNHOLE TOOLS LTD

After innovating a new vibrational drilling tool in 2015, Impulse went fully commercial by the end of 2016 and grew to hold more than 60 per cent of market share by 2019. Under Kinsella’s leadership, the company has been awarded more than 12 patents in Canada and the United States.

“During my first eight years in business, I migrated from a technical role to managing people as the COO. After the sale of the company, I needed to understand if I could lead a corporation. My defining moment was the number of past employees who joined my new business. From a young age I was always intrigued by business, but my dreams were around design and engineering. My first business partner was an inspiration in developing my business aptitude, employee interactions, and client support. While I have created my own twist over the years, not a week passes that I don’t reflect on his ideas.”

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FOCUSED ON IMPROVING THE HORIZONTAL DRILLING PROCESS WITH LEADING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

Impulse Downhole Tools introduced remote activation vibration tools in 2016 launching a new era of drilling longer lateral sections. The addition of the Hex Motor in 2018 created a unique system of multiple vibration tools combined with a High Torque Motor achieving some of the longest horizontal wells in Canada.

Our three main areas

tool evolution to keep pace with demands of ever lengthening

Inhouse development of the Impulse fleet of tools.

sections

Reducing well bore torque through strategic placement of multiple vibration tools. The option to remotely turn on vibration tools allows them to be nested in the drill string eliminating excess trips for placement.

Offering the Hex MotorTM specifically designed with driveline to utilizes todays highest torque rated power sections. The Hex Motor reduces driveline failures and increases ROP in difficult drilling applications.

to Doug and all of the 2022 Leaders Awards Winners!

Sam Pillar JOBBER

In addition to providing a modern, tech-forward solution for small business owners, Jobber prides itself on being an empowering place for employees. Pillar is proud of the many corporate culture and Best Places to Work awards that help define their brand.

“I’m really grateful to our first customer, Graham from a company called Painters Enterprise. He spent countless hours with us helping us understand what an entrepreneur like him goes through, and why it mattered that we were trying to help. That was truly formative and inspired Forrest and I as founders in the early days. Stories from people like Graham are what continue to inspire and motivate the entire company to this day.”

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World

EDMONTON IS ESTABLISHING ITSELF AS AN INCLUSIVE GLOBAL INNOVATION CAPITAL.

EDMONTON UNLIMITED IS DEDICATED TO EMPOWERING OUR CITY’S INNOVATORS, INCLUDING THE BUSINESS LEADERS FEATURED IN THIS VERY MAGAZINE. TOGETHER, WE CAN SOLVE THE WORLD’S BIGGEST CHALLENGES.

Congratulations to this year’s Leaders Awards winners.

EDMONTONUNLIMITED.COM

Mickie Poon KARLEN GROUP

Poon encourages his team to grow, learn and better themselves personally and professionally, and he does so by leading by example. Obstacles are reframed as challenges, and solutions are always achieved through teamwork and collaboration. This is what has fueled Karlen’s growth and success for more than 50 years.

“My inspiration comes from personal relationships with who I consider Business Champions. Additionally, I’m surrounded by a team that is constantly pushing and growing beyond what they thought their limits were. They have been a constant reminder that in all facets of business and life, we can continue to grow and better ourselves.”

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Devin Formaniuk ONSITE BLAST

“I

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Bish

Todd Bish SOLUTIONS GROUP OF COMPANIES (SGC)

“There isn’t

times things

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Jessica Culo

GROUP AND EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS

An entrepreneur since her early 20s, Culo’s foresight and willingness to seize opportunities, even in the face of adversity, has earned her respect among business peers. She has pivoted and grown the company as needed, adapting to conditions every step of the way to build the brand to the success it is today.

“I think we are all faced with opportunities and challenges every day. Handling these consistently and intentionally with a combination of logic, empathy, grit and boldness has helped me, and has turned some of the best times, as well as the hardest times, into a series of defining moments for me. In reference to a famous quote from Mr. Jobs... I love to then look back and connect all those dots and I will continue to do that.”

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Mike Schoenberger

SUNCO COMMUNICATION & INSTALLATION LTD

For more than 20 years, Sunco has focused on providing quality and experience to clients. This foundation, along with the leadership of Schoenberger, has seen Sunco grow from a basement startup to a recent expansion into British Columbia.

“Since inception 22 years ago, Sunco has been focused on making business communication easier for our clients by providing VOIP/Internet/System integrations, managed services and now managed IT. I am extremely grateful and proud to lead a family-oriented company with a strong focus on our values, vision and culture.”

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Hubert Lau TRUSTBIX INC.

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“Being an entrepreneur is not easy. When

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from

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the best are driven to be be