Leaders Awards - November 2021 by Business in Edmonton Magazine

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Dr. Hasmukh Patel

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2021 Leaders Awards

Honouring Edmonton’s Great - and Resilient - Business Leaders BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON

here was a gap between the 2019 and 2021 Leaders event due to the pandemic, but that didn’t mean those at the helm of our local business were on hiatus. On the contrary, our Leaders were working harder than ever before – running their companies while navigating the incredibly challenging pandemic landscape. Every moment of their working life our Leaders face the risks of entrepreneurship, but also focus on creating jobs, creating outstanding workplace cultures, and being a responsible environment and community partner. These goals were not dismissed through the many months of closures, restrictions and adaptations.

The Judges

DUSTIN SUNDBY

Some of our Leaders are in the hospitality industry, which was among the hardest hit by the pandemic. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), at one point only “only six per cent of Alberta restaurants, hotels and caterers [were] open and 57 per cent [were] at risk of closing permanently.” While the hospitality industry suffered the brunt of pandemic’s blow, no business was immune. Even those with pandemic-advantaged products and services faced issues with staffing, broken supply chains, and mandatory work-from-home orders. CFIB’s monthly dashboard shows the impact this has had across Canada. In October only 45 per cent of the nation’s small businesses were fully staffed, and normal sales were sitting at 40 per cent. Comparatively, in Alberta, despite 81 per cent of businesses being fully open, just 42 per cent were running at full staff and 33 per cent were at or above normal revenue levels.

adapting to the tools and procedures that kept their teams and customers/clients safe to adapting their products and services on the fly, the way our Leaders handled the last year and a half is a true testament to the spirt of Edmonton’s entrepreneurs. While Business in Edmonton sponsors and highlights the Leaders events, the winners are selected by an independent panel that assesses each nominee across a broad spectrum of criteria. The judges for 2021 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. These judges return from the 2019 event. In the past they had this to say about the Leaders: • “A great business leader is one who, first and foremost, is focused on people. A great leader is also one who spends more time looking to the future for opportunities than to the past for what could have been.” – Sheppard.

DENNIS SHEPPARD

• “A leader is an individual who is balanced, curious, and has a tenacious can-do attitude. “Albertans are adaptive and accepting to change, but Edmontonians are even more so, which is a must for entrepreneurs to have success.” – Sundby • “A great leader brings empathy, understanding, and an ability to synthesize and communicate a vision for their business. 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.” – Mevel

SHAWN MEVEL Our Leaders have been challenged in ways Congratulations to the nominees and Leaders nobody saw coming. Yet they faced each wave, for their many contributions to Edmonton’s each new round of restrictions, and each new business and community landscape, and their challenge with the same positivity, drive, passion, and creativity tenacity and drive before, during, and after the challenging that made them successful in the first place. From rapidly pandemic conditions.

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Jan van Bruggen Barricades & Signs Ltd

arricades and Signs Ltd. is a traffic control company that provides customer-driven products, rentals, and services in Western Canada. Since 2004 they’ve experienced sustainable growth, expanding into new markets, and now have offices in Calgary and Vancouver. “At one point in our early years, we were close to losing it all. I felt completely alone. Realizing this, I wanted to lead in a way that ensured no one felt that way at Barricades and Signs Ltd. again. I set out to create an environment where others could feel supported while challenging them to be the best version of themselves. We are committed to providing traffic safety solutions and the best value for our clients while respecting and supporting our vendors and team members.”

Industry Sector COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Manufacturing/ Infrastructure

70+ employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

Years in Business

Prowse Chowne LLP For sixty years Prowse Chowne has built a reputation for excellence and leadership in the law. A trusted name in the community.

Areas of Practice Include: Corporate and Commercial Law Civil Litigation Construction Employment Patent & Trademark Registration Patent Commercialization Intellectual Property Litigation Wills and Estates Expropriation Law

#1300, THE PHIPPS-MCKINNON BUILDING 10020 101A Avenue, Edmonton AB T5J 3G2 780-439-7171 | 1-888-801-5304 | www.prowsechowne.com

Kerry Tham Blu’s Womens Wear

ince the late 1970s, Blu’s has been styling women across Western Canada. From their first formal to their first interview suit, from casual wear to office wear and everything in between, thousands of women rely on Blu’s. The store keeps pace with changing times and now includes an online, as well as in-store, component. “I am inspired by the women that we work with, the clients that walk through our door, the female designers that drive our industry, the women visionaries that came before me, and my contemporaries that are constantly pivoting, innovating and rising to the challenge.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Retail

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

Years in Business

DEGREES

DIPLOMAS

C E R T I F I C AT E S

WE ARE

READY Connect with tomorrow’s business leaders with our Business Co-operative Education Program Whether you have a project, idea or challenge you want to tackle, partner with one of Canada’s leading polytechnics. Our co-op program will connect you with eager and bright students who are ready to apply their classroom knowledge to real workplaces.

Bennett Crothers BBA Marketing Graduate, Class of 2020. Completed work-integrated learning with Troubled Monk Brewery.

nait.ca/co-op Connect with our program coordinator at busexperience@nait.ca

JR SHAW

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Sylvia Cheverie Chartier Restaurants Ltd

hartier is a restaurant in Beaumont that helps celebrate and showcase the town’s identity and French-Canadian roots. When Chartier opened in 2016, it was an immediate success. It was named best new restaurant and best French restaurant by Avenue Magazine during the first year of operations. It was then listed as one of the top 10 new restaurants in Alberta by Globe and Mail. “I am inspired by the team that I have the honour of working with every day. I am determined to be the best leader they’ve had so far, so one day they can become a better leader than I ever will be.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Hospitality

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

Years in Business

INSURANCE, BENEFITS, PENSIONS & INVESTMENTS Financial peace of mind is something we all can benefit from. Vanta Group was built on this fundamental notion. Vanta’s inhouse team offers a full suite of services to clients, allowing us to create dynamic, bespoke solutions suited to your business needs. We’re invested in the prosperity of entrepreneurs, business owners, executives and professionals across Canada. Adept, aware and responsive, Vanta stands alongside clients, enhancing their advantage.

T: 780 - 423 - 2702 E: info@vanta.ca

EDMONTON 1900, 10104 103 Ave NW Edmonton, AB T5J 0H8

CALGARY 3430, 400 - 3 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 4H2

Haydar Al Dahhan Design Works Engineering

esign Works Engineering is a worldwide venture based in Canada, operating from eight offices globally. Using integrated technology, each custom design is holistic, costconscious and human-centric. The company’s leadership team has endeavored to create a unique brand of engineering services that evolve with changing cultural, economic, and technological needs. Design Works has grown by 10 per cent during each year of operation. “It is my responsibility to set high standards, navigate solutions and lead my staff with confidence. Each member of our team contributes to making positive changes in the community. I am responsible for the wellbeing of my team and for providing guidance so each member can achieve their professional goals and dreams.”

Engineering Consulting Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

Years in Business

iftboss Inc. was established in May 2006 by four partners John and Andre Gagnon, Dale Beatty and Marc Tougas to be a one stop shop dealership for all material handling needs. Having worked in the industry before, the four partners, pooled all there resources, previous experience together and designed a new business model to fill iftboss Materials Handling congratulates the much needed niche that the industry needed. year’s owned nominations for Business Liftboss Inc.all is this an Alberta and operated in Edmonton and Business in Calgary dealership, offering new and used equipment sales, As one offorklift our principles had a totalLeaders. parts department, rentals, forklift the honorand of receiving the Leader of training, trained certified mechanics to perform invehicles 2013, we all repairsTomorrow in shop andaward service torecognize handle on site repairs.the Liftboss Inc. prides self on quick response nominees. Theyit’s contribute greatly to time toour customer’s breakdowns. communities and should be recognized

for their personal integrity, values, business

adding JCB construction equipment in 2017 has been a great addition, and has made Liftboss Inc. even more visible in the heavy equipment industry in Alberta. They will always stay true to their material handling roots, but having an established and well respected construction line has solidified the fact that Liftboss Inc. is here for the long haul and ready to compete.

presented some challenges, but has also proven how amazing and a rental, Whether you are lookingour for staff a neware, machine, shown the strengths in our team and service or parts on an existing unit, or simply want Material handling give and them forklifts aprocesses. second option on something, a call and were, and to be,you a huge they will be continue happy to point in thepart rightof direction. what Liftboss Inc. has grown butbased As a group, Liftboss Inc. do whatfrom, they do on four core values: doconstruction what you say line you has will in a welcoming the JCB timely manner;strengthened be open and honest; do whatever it only further the company. takes; and serviceto the customer above all else. As We are excited move into our new each department grows, each team member location on the NW side of Edmonton, is held accountable to those principles, their focus where renovations are almost complete, is to be a quality company that people and to open a third branch in 2022 to are proud to work for. service Grande Prairie and surrounding area. Having an established and well-respected construction line has solidified the fact that Liftboss Inc. is here for the long haul and ready to compete.

Customer service community was the reason the company initiatives, involvement, was born, and has captured an impressive share innovation and philanthropy. Congratulations of business for Liftboss. In the past 3 years, the to you all. downturn in the Alberta economy has definitely affected the sales activity, but comparatively Liftboss established in May 2006 the service and Inc. partswas business has bysubstantial four partners to be a one-stop shop noticed growth. The dealership for all material handling needs. sales team builds portfolios for Havingneeds worked the industry before, the each client’s and in service preferences; this way,pooled they canallhave four partners their resources and a conversation withtogether a client instead the future of construction equipment. experience andIntroducing designed a new Whether you are looking for a new machine, of simply walking them around themuch-needed business model to fill the a rental, service or parts on existing The new JCB Hydradig is the world’s first wheeled excavatoranand showroom. Their clients niche. appreciate service focused Liftboss Inc. is an unit, or simply want a second option on tool carrier designed for purpose and built without compromise. the attention and reward them with Alberta owned and operated dealership, something, give us a call and we will be Travel to—and around—work sites faster than ever, maneuver into repeat business and referrals.

offering new and used material handling happy to point you in the right direction. As tight spaces with greater safety, and apply the right attachments and construction equipment sales, a total a group, Liftboss Inc. is based on four core Material handling and forklifts werewhere and continue to be they’re needed. parts department, forklift rentals, forklift values: do what you say you will in a timely a huge part of what Liftboss Inc. has grown from, but Contact Liftboss JCB formanner; more information. training, trained and certified mechanics be open and honest; do whatever to perform repairs in shop and service it takes; and service the customer above vehicles to handle on site repairs. Liftboss all else. As each department grows, each Inc. prides itself on quick response time to team member is held accountable to those customers’ breakdowns. principles providing everyone opportunity to continually grow within the company. Our The recent downturns in the economy focus is to be a quality company that people and facing the pandemic have definitely are proud to work for.

EDMONTON BRANCH 7912 Yellowhead Trail Edmonton, AB (780) 474-9900

CALGARY BRANCH 8010 40 Street SE Calgary, AB (403) 301-0041

LiftbossJCB.com

Dr. Marcia Hartt Dr. Marcia Hartt Medical Aesthetics

r. Marcia Hartt helps clients look years younger and feel more confident about their appearance through a range of highly effective dermatology treatment options that enhance and compliment natural beauty, without surgery or down time. “Entrepreneurship is hard, with new challenges daily, but I love what I do and am continually inspired by my team to grow the business bigger and better. These women fuel me with their fresh ideas, loyalty, commitment and unwavering support. With them by my side, the possibilities are endless.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Medical Spa

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

Years in Business

Memberships that help your business. It’s what we do.

As a member of one of the largest chambers in Canada, you have access to a wide range of resources, contacts, policy representation, events, networking opportunities, discounts, and brand exposure that will help support and grow your business. Learn more at edmontonchamber.com and start leveraging your membership.

Don Lucas Encore Trucking & Transport Ltd

ncore Trucking & Transport Ltd. is a crane, picker truck and transport company that has serviced Western Canada for over 40 years. Their certified boom truck operators bring a wide expanse of lifting, hauling and rigging experience, and specialized heavy and challenging hoist work to their customers. “From day one we set our standards high. That’s the easy part; the real work is keeping them there. Now, over 40 years later, our clients and acquaintances know our reputation for honesty and integrity. It is one of our most prized possessions and we intend to keep it that way.”

Industry Sector

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Transportation & Crane

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

Years in Business

DISCOVER

SUBLIME SKIN

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Congratulations to the 2021 Business In Edmonton Leaders nominees and winners! Exclusive offer for Business In Edmonton supporters: enter code BIE20 to receive 20% off your first online purchase at comfortzoneskincare.ca. Offer valid until December 31, 2021.

Hani Barzagar & Moe Barzagar HIBCO Construction and First General Restoration

IBCO offers full-service construction for residential and commercial projects. First General Edmonton offers specialized property restoration. “We wanted to ensure that no matter how much we grew, we always maintained our close-knit culture. This sense of community has been instilled in us because growing up, the community supported us when we didn’t have anything. Now we have a team that supports each other and also thrives on the services that we provide to our community. Through HIBCO we assist our clients with renovations and new construction in the residential and commercial industry, with a focus on community development. Through First General Restoration we assist when people need us the most.”

Industry Sector Construction/ Restoration

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Years in Business

112 employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

12/25

HANI BARZAGAR

PRESIDENT

780 - 463 - 4040

JOHN ADDISON

GENERAL MANAGER 780 - 463 - 4040

TOM BELL

OPERATIONS MANAGER 780 - 905 - 5842

MOE BARZAGAR PARTNER

780 - 903 - 0402

KATHERINE CHANG

JON LEIGHTON

PROJECT MANAGER

780 - 463 - 4040

NICK CAPPELLA

EVAN BUNKER

JASON FLEMING

RANDY GILES

TERRY LEAMAN

MATT DAIGLE

PROJECT MANAGER

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

MITIGATION MANAGER

780 - 463 - 4040

TEFANNY HONCULADA

CHRISTINE NATURKACH

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

COMPLIANCE MANAGER

EMMANUEL CABALLES

780 780 -- 463 463 -- 4040 4040

NINA BARNES

LENNEA BUNKER

CONTENTS MANAGER

HR & SAFETY MANAGER

CINDY LY FINANCIAL ADVISOR

780 - 463 - 4040

ANYA KENNERD

TAYLOR SHERBA

DAMIE DACOSTA

JORDYNN RICHARDSON

PROJECT COORDINATOR

RECEPTIONIST

780 - 463 - 4040

MARKETING COORDINATOR

780 - 463 - 4040

Property Restoration Specialists

Water Damage

Fire & Smoke Damage

Storm Damage

Mould & Asbestos Remediation

Biohazard/Trauma Cleanup

Construction Services

Gerry Gilroy Independent Jewellers

or more than 40 years, Independent Jewellers has been Canada’s premier diamond and jewellery retailer. The Independent Jewellers Center in Edmonton is the largest jewellery and watch centre in Canada. Outstanding customer service has won the company thousands of repeat clients as well as 18 consecutive Consumer Choice Awards. “Never settling for the status quo, I was constantly looking for business growth opportunities. I was determined to make a difference. My vision of providing a superior business model with the highest level of customer service including unforeseen on-site repair services, product values and building a team that would feel like family, continues to motivate me to where I am today.”

Industry Sector Jewellery Retail

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

Years in Business

Surprise her with a gift that says it all shop now at independentjewellers.net Free Gift Wrapping and Note Card

Canada’s Largest Jewellery Store

Darryl Wiebe Kerr Interior Systems Ltd

ERR started as an acoustic ceiling subcontractor and evolved into demountable partitions, drywall and steel stud. Today drywall and steel stud are the majority of their business in the commercial sector, along with acoustic ceilings and specialty acoustics products. “My greatest inspiration has been my father, who helped start the company. He taught me a great work ethic, integrity and how to treat people fairly. Without the people at KERR, we would not have the great company we do today. What really defined our current success was when we identified and verbalized our core values to our staff.”

Industry Sector Construction

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

160 employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

Years in Business

ARE YOU READY FOR WINTER?

Come to Above & Beyond Promotions Ltd. for all your outdoor promotional needs! Put your logo on: Toques & Hats, Cozy Blankets, Hoodies, Warm Socks, Insulated Mugs and more!

OTHER UNIQUE ITEMS FROM ABOVE & BEYOND INCLUDE: • Alcohol breathalyzers • Custom bobble heads • Apparel • School gear • Tote bags • Breast cancer awareness items • Banking items • Custom socks • Awards • Signs • Candy and treats • Computer gadgets • Drinkware • Desk accessories • Backpacks • Flashlights • Wristbands • Medical apparel • Towels • Trade show gear • Watches • Umbrellas

And so much more!

Serving Edmonton for 15 Years To learn more about how you can promote your brand while receiving an incredible ROI contact: 52, 9703-41 Ave Edmonton, AB T6E 6M9 Phone: (780) 637-0776 info@abpromo.ca • www.abpromo.ca

Stephen Moore Orion Plastics Inc

rion Plastics manufactures custom extruded plastic sheet products for the heavy gauge vacuum forming industry, and melt blown polypropylene non-woven fabric to produce a variety of products and PPE for the medical industry. “The most rewarding thing for me about Orion Plastics, is that I started my career as a plastics engineering technologist, but throughout my career I have had the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, learn new things and create that opportunity as well for the employees and families of the team at Orion Plastics.”

Industry Sector Manufacturing

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

Years in Business

Oscar Mauricio Lopez Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse

ampa Brazilian Steakhouse combines authentic Brazilian flavours with a highly interactive and engaging tableside service experience that is unlike anything most restaurant patrons have seen in Western Canada. “Hardly a day goes by that doesn’t present a challenge or obstacle. It is important that I keep focused and have a clear path of action as to how I am going to solve each challenge. Composure is key. Continual self-reminders of my long term goals help me to objectively tackle our daily challenges.”

Industry Sector Hospitality

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

Years in Business

Vivian Manasc Reimagine Architects

eimagine works collaboratively to help design and construct healthy, sustainable, adaptive buildings and communities. The company reimagines architecture from offices in Edmonton, Calgary, and a satellite location in Romania. Reimagine is proud to have designed the first Green Certified buildings in Alberta and the first LEED Gold building north of the 60th parallel. “I am deeply invested in the concept of a collaborative creative genius, rather than a solo enterprise. I view architecture as an opportunity by which the voices of a community, innovative technologies and the natural environment intersect and converse.”

Industry Sector Architecture and Design

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

Years in Business

Mandee Takhar Rockland

ockland was launched in 2004 to fill the need for a landscape supply company in St. Albert. In 2010 the decision was made to transition to a year-round operation and to add the commercial snow division. Evolving the company in this way presented risks and challenges, but ultimately was the right decision. Today, Rockland continues to grow and thrive. “My greatest inspiration has been my goals. Life is way bigger than we are, but I have been taught to dream big and it’s amazing what you can achieve when you believe in yourself and work hard. Once you reach one goal, then you have the formula to repeat.”

Industry Sector Landscaping retail and service

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

Years in Business

Rockland has been serving the area since 2004. As a locally owned and operating company we take pride in providing great products and services, competitive pricing and exceptional service.

Rock Solid Service Landscape Supplies & Commercial Services St. Albert 25422 Villeneuve Rd. (780) 239-7625

Edmonton 1304 103A St. SW (780) 660-9391

www.rocklandsupplies.com

Keegan Andreas Seasonal Impact

easonal Impact is a unique employer in the landscaping industry, providing a culture of development and growth where people are encouraged, supported and unified towards one purpose - To Reach Your Potential. With locations in Edmonton and Calgary, Seasonal Impact serves clients province wide, providing comprehensive landscape services to customers in the municipality, oil/gas and commercial sectors. “My greatest inspiration in business has always revolved around helping people reach their potential. It’s why Seasonal Impact exists in the first place. Being part of a team where everyone is on that journey is tremendously exciting. I welcome anyone that is ready to follow this path.”

Industry Sector Landscaping

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

110 employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by V Strategies Inc.

Years in Business

Clarence Shields Shieldco Group of Companies

hieldco started with one A&W in Fort McMurray and grew to include a variety of businesses and real estate interests across a variety of sectors. The company has survived multiple economic downturns by facing obstacles head on and communicating clearly and honestly with the team, banks and suppliers. “My father, Jack Shields, was my business partner for 35 years. Together we experienced the highs and lows of operating a business. Dad had 1,000 oneliners but one that stuck was ‘The value of a person is not what they take from a community, but what they give back.’”

Industry Sector Hospitality

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

110 employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

Years in Business

Jeremy Hayward solūt

olūt is a comprehensive IT management and consulting firm, providing creative IT solutions to meet the needs of clients throughout Edmonton and Calgary. solūt builds and believes in long-lasting relationships, innovative solutions and making a valued difference in the businesses they serve. “I am passionate about connecting people and empowering others to reach their full potential to drive solūt’s vision, mission and core purpose. solūt has grown to a fully employee-owned company; a fact that makes us a differentiator in today’s market.”

Industry Sector IT & Technology

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

Years in Business

Brham Trim The Gentlemen Pros

rham Trim launched The Gentlemen Plumbers at age 22 to show clients and the industry itself that plumbers did not need to be inappropriate on site or opportunistic with clients. As the company evolved into The Gentlemen Pros with plumbing, heating and electrical over the years, the same core values and principles guide the way. “For me there has never been a ‘defining moment’ to bring me to where I am right now. It has been many small learning moments that have progressed me along the way, and then what I have done with that moment after that makes a difference.”

Industry Sector Plumbing

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

Years in Business

Kurt R. Feigel Universe Machine Corporation

niverse Machine Corporation has been trusted since 1965 to manufacture, modify and repair metal products for the energy and heavy industries. The Edmonton founded company provides a wide range of specialized products and services, and is known as a reliable manufacturer, an innovator and a wonderful place to work. “I worked part time in the family business starting when I was 14, and loved the mechanical aspect of using machines and manufacturing things. My job for about six years was to keep the shop clean. I learned responsibility early on, and this work experience pushed me to further my education in engineering and management, which paved the way for advancement into the office and future opportunities.”

Industry Sector Manufacturing

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

100 employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

Years in Business

Congratulations to Kurt and all of the 2021 Leaders Awards Winners!

VALVE MODIFICATIONS

TO INDUSTRY

STANDARDS OR NOT DONE AT ALL

WE SPECIALIZE IN VALVE SERVICE, REPAIR, MODIFICATION & MANUFACTURING

BIGGER THAN EVER LARGE CAPACITY MACHINING, WELDING, FABRICATING, MILLWRIGHTING, LASER-PTA HEAT TREATING & CLADDING SERVICES ISO 9001-2015 & ABSA CERTIFICATION

5545 – 91 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6E 6K4 Ph. 780-468-5211 | Fax 780-468-5430 | Email: sales@umcorp.com www.umcorp.com

Ralph Vandenberg Vandenbergs Jewellers

amily-owned and operated for over 45 years, Vandenbergs prides itself on being an old-school, full service fine jeweller. Unique in Canada, it’s on-site factory, leading inventory, and educational no pressure/no commission approach are just some of the things that make the Vandenbergs experience like no other. “‘Why not me?’ Too often we get an idea and think ‘someone should do that’ and it dies there. I think the defining moments in my career have been the times I asked myself ‘why not me?’ and went for it. Succeed or fail, I always learned something.”

Industry Sector Retail Jewellery

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

Years in Business

The Vandenbergs experience is like no other in the jewellery industry. Our store has to be seen to be believed. With perhaps the finest inventory of fine Gemstone and Diamond jewellery on display, to the state of the art factory behind floor to ceiling class. With our no commission no pressure approach and the fact that everyone at Vandenbergs is an expert in their field. Talk with any of our Gemologists, designers, CAD specialists and Goldsmiths about your creation. We believe in our clients being part of the process.

Named one of Instore magazines coolest jewellery stores in north america for 2020.

Vandenbergs, making dreams reality for over 45 years, downtown, Manulife place #210, 10180 – 101 Street, Edmonton, Alberta Canada, T5J 3S4 Ph: 780 423-0890 /concierge@vandenbergsjewellers.com

vandenbergsjewellers.com

Ashley Wolfe Wolfe Automotive Group

olfe is proud to be present in Alberta for Cadillac; and Buick, GMC and Chevrolet in Edmonton, Calgary and Canmore. The family business is celebrating over 100 years of service, never failing to execute on the vision of being the best dealer group in Canada for sales, service and customer satisfaction. Expectations are exceeded through a relentless drive of integrity, teamwork and innovation. “It is important for us to be involved in our community and make a difference in the lives of others. Being a positive impact and helping others is what is important to our team for our community.”

Industry Sector Automotive

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Years in Business

400 employees

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.

100

“Congratulations

Ashley Wolfe

President, Wolfe Automotive Group

on your

Business In Edmonton Leaders Award” WOLFE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

“Ashley, your ongoing vision and positive reinforcement to our team and community makes us all extremely proud of you.” - Harrison Wolfe & the Wolfe Automotive Group Team

APRIL 22-24, 2022 Edmonton, Alberta

IT’S BEEN A WHILE AND WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN 2022 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! www.alzheimersfaceoff.ca

Congratulations to the Leaders of 2021 Join us in celebrating Edmonton’s leaders at our 8th Annual Awards Gala. We will be honouring 20 individuals for their business acumen, contribution to community and their industry. These are the people who are making Edmonton a great place to live and work. Tickets Individual ticket - $150 or Table of 10 - $1500 To purchase tickets please contact Natasha at 587-774-2354 or natasha@businessinedmonton.com

Save the Date Wednesday, November 17th | 6pm | JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

2019

true entrepreneurial success story, Edmonton’s Preferred Client Services Group Ltd. has been providing exceptional bookkeeping services in the local business community for over two decades. The unstoppable Barb Steckly, award-winning president of this premiere firm, credits her rural upbringing with instilling in her the basic principles that continue to ensure her venture’s success: strength of purpose, wisdom and experience, accountability, and the value of teamwork to get the job done well and on time. Happily, the firm’s rapid growth through referrals motivated Barb to create an inventive production order system that made internal processes much more efficient. With continuous improvement being a core value, this effective innovation, refined over the years, continues to give Preferred the depth and organized efficiency for which the firm is renowned today. Preferred has successfully evolved by facing every problem with an ingenious and resourceful solution. The challenges of the recent past were no exception. When beleaguered small businesses were bogged down with employee-related paperwork, struggling to keep their operations afloat, the Preferred team was always there to give support. Viewing her firm’s services as essential, and rightfully so, Barb was adamant about carrying on undaunted, no matter what lay ahead. Thanks to her unwavering conviction and inspired leadership, not to mention the extreme dedication of so many of her key staff members who continually went the extra mile, the company remained open, and, to this date, the firm has never missed a day of work. Talk about a select emergency response team! Yet another initiative to motivate employees, at Preferred Client Services, S.W.A.T. stands for strength, wisdom, accountability, and teamwork. The staff even sport purple camouflage jackets when they head out to save the day at a clients’ office. While other businesses are paring down their human resources, Preferred has increased their staff, prompting their recent tagline, “More People, More Purple”. Colour aside, it really IS all about people at Preferred Client Services. People are paramount when you’re doing business from the heart. When Barb received the Business in Edmonton Leaders Award for Excellence, recognized not just for being a champion of education, inclusion, and teamwork but for her ongoing philanthropic contributions to the community as well, she spoke glowingly of her firm’s success being a team effort. “I accepted the award, acknowledging my amazing team of bookkeeping experts and all our valued clients who are truly the reason Preferred Client Services is the thriving enterprise that it is today. We just try our best every day to make a positive impact, simply ‘counting the beans’.”

How Can We Make Your Day Better? 780-439-9457 or 780-469-5856 • info@preferredclientservices.ca www.preferredclientservices.ca

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Not just shares, shared values. For us, doing business is about being there for you long after the deal is done and the ink has dried.

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Even the best are driven to be better Leadership is about staying ahead. It’s defined by the ability to anticipate and adapt to change – to improve, refine and keep moving forward, challenging your team, and business to be better everyday. MNP proudly congratulates the Business in Edmonton 2021 Leaders. As an entrepreneurial firm built by entrepreneurs, we commend your achievements and commitment to community.

Dustin Sundby, Regional Managing Partner | 780.451.4406 | dustin.sundby@mnp.ca MNP.ca