8 T H
A N N U A L
2021
H A M I L T O N Presenting Sponsor
Corporate Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Best In Class
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
8 T H
A N N U A L
2021
H A M I L T O N
WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WINNERS! Goreti Agro
Rachelle Ireson
Michael Piazza
Phil Authier
Trevor Jaundoo
Shamus Van Riezen
Ammar Balika
Faizal Javer
Serena Samuel
Robert Burda
Rachel Kleiman
Sole Mio Organic Spray Tans Integrimark
Carmen’s Group
Paradigm Fleet Services
Kristen Butryn
Chunky Glitter Company
Bianca Caramento Mohawk College
McMaster University
WJ Professional Corporation Greyhill Capital Partners Hamilton Brain Injury Association
Chris Knighton
KNIGHTON Real Estate Advisors
David Leadbetter Lawrie Insurance Group
Ontario Tire and Auto Repair VR Accounting Service Inc. Kingdom Worship Center
Joseph Saputo Carstar Ancaster Group
Dennis Sousa
DESO Construction Limited
Jessica Tenente Saff by Jess
Savannah Toscani
Kristine Leadbetter-Gold
ReMax Escarpment Realty Inc. Brokerage
Michael Destro
Eugene Mauro
Titan Mortgage Group
Chiara DiClaudio
Mark McGinley
Jack Densmore Mohawk College
Rainbow Car Wash Beach Body
Gowling WLG Bell
Hamilton Tiger-Cats & Forge FC
Matthew Trombetta Thomas Trombetta Titan Mortgage Group
Mary Uttley
Daniel DiFrancesco Tarah Middleton
Mama Yolandas Gourmet Lasagna
Jamp Pharma Corporation
Childventures Early Learning Academy
Jaclyn Giesbrecht
Kris Neiser
Canopy Growth Corporation
Dr. Jenna Valleriani
Mattina Mechanical Limited
Vince Vaccarello
Tyler Gifford
Mercedes Palermo
Juliana Weber
Sharaeel Hormoz
Jay Piasky
Greenbelt Academy and Early Learning Centre Valeyo
FORTINOS
Greater Than Gifting
Hamilton Fitness Academy
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Tripemco Insurance Group CityLAB Hamilton
Rob Wieske Sandbox Software
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
JACK PEETS
VETERAN NIAGARA/HAMILTON RADIO AND TV PERSONALITY AND HOST OF THE 40U40 AWARDS SINCE 2005.
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
GORETI
PHIL
AGRO
AUTHIER
G
oreti established Sole Mio by G after being diagnosed with Vitiligo. Sole Mio by G takes pride in embracing beauty from within while providing a healthy and organic glow. In 2020 Goreti and her family established “The Vitiligo Disease Fund” through St. Joseph’s Healthcare, a fund that supports research and awareness initiatives for those with vitiligo.
COMPANY /// SOLE MIO BY G ORGANIC SPRAY TANS
AMMAR
M
y entire adult life I felt entrepreneurship was in my DNA. It wasn’t until my father, and I started working on renovating an old home my wife and I purchased that the renovator bug bit me. The rest is history. I’m now a proud husband and father. I hope one day my son and other children might choose to work in our family business. It’s a large part of my motivation to make sure our company is sustainable and thrives for years to come. If my father has taught me anything it’s that a strong foundation based on integrity and good people is essential to our success.
COMPANY /// INTEGRIMARK
ROBERT
BALIKA
BURDA
A
mmar was born and raised in Hamilton. He went to McMaster University where he graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree and is currently the Director of Business Development for Carmen’s Group. Passionate about everything Hamilton, Ammar has represented the city on the national stage and worked alongside other stakeholders to bring many noteworthy events to Hamilton, such as the JUNOs, the Canadian Country Music Awards, and the Grey Cup. His work has been recognized by the Canadian Society of Association Executives where he was bestowed the award for Emerging Talent in 2017. In addition to his business interests, Ammar is actively involved in the Hamilton community, working with many organizations, and volunteering his time to help raise funds and execute events for notable charitable organizations such as the Good Shepherd, United Way, YWCA, and Mission Services. Hamilton is certainly home for Ammar, and he wouldn’t have it any other way!
COMPANY /// CARMEN’S GROUP
M
y name is Robert Burda and I am the President & Dealer Principal of Paradigm Automotive Corporation o/a Paradigm Fleet Services. I have been in the Automotive and Leasing industry for 21 years and I am the second generation operating in Hamilton, Ontario. I am fortunate to possess extensive knowledge & a thorough understand of Leasing, Dealership Operations and Fleet Outfitting. We have added many key individuals to our operations to continue to build on the business we started in 2018. We focus on our employees and their family life to ensure the best work environment for us to grow our business and customer base. In 2020 we launched a secondary branch of our business - Paradigm Truck Rental. The services we provide in-house are unparalleled to other Commercial Leasing companies because we do all the outfitting, vehicle and equipment graphics, leasing, acquisition, and sale in-house tailored specifically to the Corporation’s wants. These key elements are part of the foundation our Corporation is built upon, and it is why we’ve gained the trust of many other large corporations under an umbrella of industries. Paradigm Fleet Services is a licensed second-stage manufacturer licensed under the National Safety Market with Transport Canada. We are family-owned and operated, and our team is the main reason for our success. Paradigm Fleet Services is here to focus on you so you can focus on your business!
COMPANY /// PARADIGM FLEET SERVICES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
KRISTEN
BIANCA
BUTRYN
CARAMENTO
K
risten Butryn is a new small business owner who opened Chunky Glitter Company, an online glitter store based in Niagara Falls in November 2020. Kristen is constantly expanding her footprint within the Canadian market. Prior to making the leap, Kristen was the Job Developer, Team Lead for the Employment Help Centre, serving West Niagara. After years of helping others realize their potential, Kristen was ready to turn her hobbies into a business, striving to bring quality glitter to local crafters, nail technicians, performing artists, etc. Chunky Glitter Company can be found on most social platforms @ chunkyglittercompany
COMPANY /// CHUNKY GLITTER COMPANY
B
ianca manages the Centre for Climate Change Management as well as the Bay Area Climate Change Council at Mohawk College, where she works to accelerate climate action in Hamilton and Burlington. A proud McMaster University alumni, Bianca also holds a master’s degree from the London School of Economics in Environmental Policy and a first degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Bianca has worked in government, both federally and provincially. In 2016, she joined the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment. She served as Manager of Policy and Government Relations at the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, where she led a project assessing waste heat diversion opportunities along Hamilton’s Bayfront to reduce industry costs and GHG emissions. Bianca also sits on the boards of YWCA Hamilton and the Sons & Daughters of Italy Housing Corporation.
COMPANY /// MOHAWK COLLEGE
MICHAEL
8 T H
A N N U A L
2021
H A M I L T O N
DESTRO
M
ichael Destro, Owner of Rainbow Car Washes. I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. My educational background is I attended STM (Saint Thomas More) and then graduated from the Commerce Program at McMaster University with an honour’s distinction. I have been an entrepreneur since I was at a young age. I had the determination to want to be my own boss and felt that I could provide a lot of value to the local community that we serve. Growing up in a family of self-employed parents, owning my own business was a natural aspiration of mine. Being from Hamilton, I am proud to give back to the community through various donations that we help directly or indirectly with.
COMPANY /// RAINBOW CAR WASHES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
CONGRATULATIONS
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
CHIARA
DICLAUDIO
C
hiara is the founder of the online health and wellness accountability group called “Do It For You”. She is a practicing dental hygienist in the Hamilton area and has been for 14 years, and in February 2020, she decided to become an online coach because of her passion for helping others. She teamed up with Beachbody to help women of all ages create their own wellness routine. Chiara has over 100 clients in her accountability group and has taken part in helping transform these women’s lives. Alongside this, she is also part owner of a balloon business called Blown Away Balloons. Chiara is eager to learn new things and is always up for a challenge. Chiara loves to help others feel good about themselves and loves to empower women to know that anything is possible!
COMPANY /// BEACH BODY
JACLYN
GIESBRECHT
J
aclyn is an Ontario Certified Teacher and Forest School Practitioner. She started working with children as a day camp instructor and program facilitator, which then led her to pursue her passion to become an educator. She has a passion for teaching outdoors, and engages with students in a genuine way while recognizing the learning opportunities that occur in such a rich and diverse setting. She hopes that Greenbelt Academy and Early Learning Centre will inspire young minds to take an avid interest in nature, which will then open up various avenues for learning and inquiry.
COMPANY /// GREENBELT ACADEMY AND EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
DANIEL
DIFRANCESCO
D
aniel has been a Territory Manager for the Jamp Pharma Group for the past 5 years. Jamp is a leading Canadian generic pharmaceutical company and continues to lead the way in generics. Daniel prides himself on his ability to adapt to any situation and always ensure he is putting his clients needs first. He is organized, hard working and extremely competitive! His competitiveness stems from his younger years where he was a nationally ranked amateur golfer, which led to a full ride golf scholarship in the US. Daniel has always had the “gift of the gab” as they say and is always the life of the party. Everything he does in business is with purpose and this is why he is always so successful in all his endeavours.
COMPANY /// JAMP PHARMA GROUP
TYLER
GIFFORD
T
yler has been an insurance professional in the region for 13+ years. His work experience includes product development, Underwriting, sales leadership, and now being a national director for global brands. Outside of work, Tyler can be found in the community with his five year old son, contributing to the Canadian Diabetes Association, or for the last 19 years singing and performing music in restaurants and bars throughout Hamilton and surrounding areas.
COMPANY /// VALEYO
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
SHARAEEL
HORMOZ
S
haraeel Hormoz joined Fortinos in 2013, working his way up to his current position of Assistant Store Manager, Fortinos Mall Road. Demonstrating a strong work ethic and a passion to succeed, Sharaeel has progressed throughout the Fortinos business as Baker, Carvery Manager, and Department Manager. Sharaeel credits strong mentors in his life that have helped him expand his knowledge and leadership skills. He embraces Fortinos’ values of support for family, staff and community as key to business success. Pre-covid, Sharaeel organized a Wednesday night inter-store soccer league, promoting teamwork, cooperation, and health and wellness outside the workplace. Knowing that empathy, listening and kindness are critical to serving the public, Sharaeel proudly espouses these attributes.
COMPANY /// FORTINOS
RACHELLE
IRESON
R
achelle is the Manager, Talent Partnerships and Employer Relations in Engineering Co-op & Career Services at McMaster University. Rachelle’s career has been focused on helping young professionals succeed through strategic employer collaborations, professional development and developing talent pipelines. Her innovative vision for University-Industry partnerships has led to several team successes, including significant increases in employer engagement, new global partnerships, and expanded student employment opportunities for McMaster students. Rachelle continually engages with the Hamilton community. Most recently she served on the Board of Directors for the Hamilton Hive, an association in the City of Hamilton focused on building a community of emerging leaders and enabling young professionals in the city to succeed.
COMPANY /// MCMASTER UNIVERSITY
TREVOR
FAIZAL
JAUNDOO
T
revor Jaundoo is the owner of diversified accounting firm WJ Professional Corporation, Chartered Professional Accountants. He holds a Bachelor of Accounting (Honors) from Brock University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Chartered Accountant. He has worked in public accounting since 2004, supporting both for profit and non-profit organizations. As a Licensed Public Accountant, he is qualified to complete assurance engagements for companies needing reviews and audits. Trevor is involved with a number of charitable organizations including Empowerment Squared, a Canadian charity empowering newcomer and marginalized youth and communities in Canada and across the world to succeed.
COMPANY /// WJ PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
JAVER
F
aizal is a serial entrepreneur, investor and mentor. He co-founded: CognoVision (sold to Intel) where he experienced the full life-cycle of a business from startup to exit, JaverGroup where he developed a luxury residential subdivision in Hamilton, and Greyhill a boutique advisory firm which owns and operates Real-Estate & Venture funds. His portfolio includes Unicorns from early-stage investment. Faizal is a graduate of Harvard Business School and actively contributes to the community. He is the founding Vice Chair of the Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs Canada and served as EIR for Ryerson’s DMZ, Chair at Entrepreneurs Organization, Mentor at OneEleven and McMaster’s The Forge.
COMPANY /// GREYHILL CAPITAL PARTNERS
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
CONGRATULATIONS
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
RACHEL
KLEIMAN
CHRIS KNIGHTON
A
“H
COMPANY /// HAMILTON BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION
COMPANY /// KNIGHTON REAL ESTATE ADVISORS
fter investing two years into the development of the organization and its mission, Rachel emerged as the Hamilton Brain Injury Association’s Executive Director. Serving as Executive Director for over two years, Rachel continued to support individuals living with the effects of acquired brain injury and played an integral role in fundraising and community leadership. Rachel is a Regional Manager and Senior Rehabilitation Therapist and enjoys spending her time giving back to the community. Rachel currently serves as a Director on the YWCA Niagara Region Board of Directors and the Hamilton Brain Injury Association Board of Directors.
DAVID
LEADBETTER
A
s President of Lawrie Insurance Group with an altruistic approach to business, David Leadbetter has redefined the essence of a prodigiously effective leader. Combining 20 years of industry expertise and a lead-with-love mentality, David mixes holistic health fundamentals and a martial arts mindset as a whole-person approach to growing organic talent while generating triple-digit increases in any sales organization. David finds his continued success through his consistent dedication to being of service while changing the face of leadership both in the insurance industry and in Hamilton’s business community as a whole.
COMPANY /// LAWRIE INSURANCE GROUP
elping others is my passion and guiding people through one of their largest decisions is an honour and a privilege. I love what I do” For over 7 years Chris stands by his commitment to helping others achieve more, everyday exemplifying what true leadership means. Building his team on culture, trust, and the Ultimate Client Experience, while giving back to the community has been the foundation to his success. “It always comes back to building trust. It is a personal mission every day to be my best self so I can show up for other people so they can live their best lives.”
KRISTINE
LEADBETTER-GOLD
M
eet Kristine Leadbetter-Gold, TV Producer and Host of “Lead Better with Kristine”, Founder & Director of the Women’s Network, and Business Development & Marketing Manager for Gowling WLG Hamilton. Kristine is passionate about connecting people to things that matter, lifelong learning, and supporting the advancement of women. Known as a rainmaker with an entrepreneurial spirit, Kristine has a keen ability to execute and curate mutually beneficial opportunities. She is an accomplished strategist with 15+ years of experience in reputation management, business development, and community stewardship. Kristine is a speaker, consultant, and published author recognized for her expertise in social capital, reputation, and women’s networks. Kristine holds a Master’s Degree in Communications Management (McMaster, Syracuse), has received a McMaster University President’s Award, and is a 3x nominee for the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women.
COMPANY /// GOWLING WLG HAMILTON
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMIL TON 40 UNDER FORT� BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT: AWARD
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
EUGENE
MAURO
I
Joined Bell in 2002 as front-line sales representative with little to no sales or business experience. I was lucky to have a great leader and peers to show me the ropes. Working with people really helped me come out of my shell to and provide exceptional client experience. Realizing early my passion to help others grow around me I was able to demonstrate people leadership. I quickly moved into Assistant Manager then Regional Manager. Helping people grow into new roles/careers within Bell helps me wake up wanting to work and contribute to Bell’s success.
COMPANY /// BELL
MARK MCGINLEY
M
ark started with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2015, specializing in Stadium Events and Operations. After a few successful seasons as the Manager of Stadium Events and Operations, he was promoted into a new position as Director of Fan Relations overseeing the Guest Experience department and the majority of Game Day staff working out of Tim Hortons Field. In this role, he implemented a new customer service plan and philosophy, and developed an internship program, which provided participants with the skills necessary to attain full-time positions in the Sports and Entertainment Industry. Many of these interns were actually able to return to full-time positions within the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Forge FC organization. With his focus predominantly being on Events, Mark believes in leading by example and confronting challenges head on. Mark has worked hard to develop a culture at the stadium that focuses on inclusion and life-long learning for staff. Mark also sits on the Board of Directors for the Community Sports Council of Ontario. Mark graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of History with a minor in Legal Studies and Criminology. He also completed his Bachelor of Education at Nipissing University.
COMPANY /// HAMILTON TIGER-CATS AND FORGE FC
TARAH
MIDDLETON
D
irector, People Success at Childventures Early Learning Academy. Over the last 15 years Tarah has grown from a teen mother to a senior business professional. As someone who has been privileged to align her personal and professional passions, she committed to making a difference in the Hamilton community. Tarah joined Childventures Early Learning Academy, a Hamilton- founded premium early childhood education provider in June this year as their Director, People Success. Prior to joining Childventures Tarah spent over 10 years working within Hamilton’s non-profit sector, providing business leadership and strategic human resources strategy within grassroots organizations which support Hamilton’s vulnerable populations.
COMPANY /// CHILDVENTURES EARLY LEARNING ACADEMY
KRIS
NEISER
K
ris started in a managerial role at the age of 18 in the hospitality sector, he later switched to the sheet metal trade in 2001 and became licensed in 2006. After only a few years in the trade he was promoted into a management role. He used his leadership skills to mentor 50 tradespeople, project coordinators and project managers while running the operations of the company. Over his tender with this organization Kris took on other roles as the company continued to flourish. Just a few included starting up a successful fabrication shop as well as Health & Safety Management. One of Kris’ biggest successes was obtaining National COR Standard Certification for his company in 2018. In 2019 an opportunity presented to join Mattina Mechanical Ltd. which led him to running his own division as the Construction Superintendent. Kris has been able to grow the company’s clientele through his integrity and respect in the industry. Kris also recently obtained his Gold Seal certification. In his hometown Kris spends immeasurable amounts of time volunteering and fundraising. He has been a hockey coach for many years, sit on community boards as well leads a memorial fundraiser that’s raised over $120,000.00 over the last 10 years.
COMPANY /// MATTINA MECHANICAL LTD.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
CONGRATULATIONS MESSAGE FORM
8 T H
A N N U A L
2021
H A M I L T O N
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
MERCEDES
PALERMO
M
JAY
PIASKY
J
ercedes founded Greater Than Gifting, an online gifting shop with a mission of giving back, in 2019. The online shop came to be after she started solely supporting small shops who were donating proceeds to Canadian children’s families to fundraise for Zolgensma. Zolgensma is known to be the world’s most expensive medication and is used to treat Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Through Greater Than Gifting, she’s able to curate impactful gifts using Canadian-made, environmentally-friendly products from small shops across the country who donate portions of proceeds to various causes. Mercedes uses her online platform to host fundraisers as well, donating regularly to McMaster Children’s Hospital and running porch-food drives for Hamilton Food Share. Outside of her small shop, Mercedes works full time as a Registered Nurse and has a heavy background in psychiatry. Understanding the human brain, she has grown to appreciate the impact of giving back and how it influences our mood. She started this business to help others, outside of nursing, with a unique and different twist.
ay Piasky is the Founder/Owner & Operator of The Hamilton Fitness Academy. Over the last 15 years he has passionately pursued a career in Health and Fitness, working his way through a variety of personal training and fitness management positions, to now owning Hamilton’s #1 private training facility. “Born and raised here in Steeltown, it’s an honor and a privilege to have a business like ours representing this beautiful, one of a kind city. When I think about what makes HFA what it is today, I think about all the people, both team and members that have turned what once was an empty building to a home full of life, laughter and prosperity. To those looking for a new home amongst all the madness, we invite you with open arms and promise to give you the experience that you both need and deserve, with a ton of laughs along the way!”
COMPANY /// GREATER THAN GIFTING
COMPANY /// HAMILTON FITNESS ACADEMY
MICHAEL
SHAMUS VAN
RIEZEN
PIAZZA
M
ichael became a liscenced technician and co-owner of Ontario Tire and Auto repair in 2008. The business has established itself as one of the most reputable automotive service centers in Hamilton. Michael gained his skill set as an automotive technician and business owner from his brother and business partner, Raffaele Piazza. Although he has many strengths and knowledge in vehicle repairs, Michael’s true passion resides in customer service. He has maintained a culturally rich environment by priding himself in making each customer feel like family, when they get their vehicles serviced. In an additional effort to make a social impact within the community, Ontario Tire and Auto has paired with high schools throughout Hamilton to train and prepare students in becoming automotive technicians.
COMPANY /// ONTARIO TIRE AND AUTO REPAIR
S
hamus Van Riezen is a Chartered Professional Accountant that specializes in providing part-time controllership services to the manufacturing and distribution sectors. He graduated in 2009 from Brock University with an Honours Bachelor of Accounting, Co-op Program degree. He has been involved in the local community through various volunteer organizations and is currently a Director of a Political Constituency Association in Central Hamilton. He strongly believes in investing both time and resources in the local community. As such, he has recently opened up an office in Downtown Hamilton in support of the downtown rejuvenation efforts.
COMPANY /// VR ACCOUNTING SERVICE INC.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
CONGRATULATIONS
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
DENNIS
JESSICA
TENENTE
SOUSA
B
J
orn in Calgary, Alberta and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. Graduate of Mohawk College in the Construction Engineering Program and a Certified Technician (C.Tech) with OACETT. Dennis founded DESO Construction Limited in 2011, acting President. After 10 years of experience in the Heavy Civil Construction Sector it was always the desire to own and operate construction company with the Sewer/Water and Road Construction sector. Now employing over 25 employees, Dennis is grateful for the efforts put forth from the employees and the support of our clients over the past 10 years. Dennis prides himself in providing a positive work environment and exceeding our client’s expectations on all of our projects and commitments we complete.
essica Tenente started Saff By Jess in September of 2019. Saff by Jess is known to be a luxury balloon business that specializes in custom balloon displays and unique gifts. Jessica is also seen collaborating with many other small businesses in the community. What started off as a “side hustle” has now blown up literally and figuratively. Jessica only plans on taking her business even further. Just recently she has expanded her business to the Saff By You line which is a balloon kit done by you guessed it! You! This has been a huge hit and another reason why Jessica’s business continues to thrive.
COMPANY /// DESO CONSTRUCTION LIMITED
COMPANY /// SAFF BY JESS
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
CONGRATULATIONS
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
SAVANNAH
TOSCANI
C
oming from a family of Developers, Savannah grew up surrounded by construction. Savannah is a Sales representative who works with ReMax Escarpment Realty Inc. Brokerage. Savannah has been in the real estate business since 2011, specializing in new homes & residential properties. Savannah recognizes and values the trust her clients give and tries every day to exceed their expectations. When it comes to the construction of homes, Savannah admires the city’s landscape and how it interacts with its architecture. Savannah has received multiple awards including Hall of Fame & President’s awards. Savannah’s passion is Real Estate & building homes to fulfill her clients’ dreams.
COMPANY /// REMAX ESCARPMENT REALTY INC. BROKERAGE
MATTHEW
TROMBETTA
M
atthew has always been surrounded by his family growing up, learning their business trades, and grasping the knowledge they had to offer. Matthew with this business knowledge started to excel at business throughout his young years. He then went on to complete 3 years at Mohawk college to receive his advanced diploma with honors, has got his director training certificate, mortgage broker license, and is currently running a Condo Corporation. Matthew is currently still expanding his business knowledge, and continues to build his career, with his family by his side.
COMPANY /// TITAN MORTGAGE GROUP
THOMAS
MARY
UTTLEY
TROMBETTA
G
rowing up I always had an affiliation with the rental properties that my father owned. This taught me the basics of property management, which ultimately led to the launch of Titan Mortgage Property Management. Starting off in my career as a Property Manager, I looked up to many influential figures that allowed me to develop and continuously enhance my business. From house rentals to small apartment complex units, I have worked my way up to managing larger buildings of 150+ units. I have built relationships with many people in the industry, including but not limited to trades professionals, to ensure that my buildings are properly maintained in a timely manner. All the things I’ve learned from the beginning of my career, I continuously put towards working on larger buildings. I thank all my employees and staff that have helped me along the way. Without great cleaners and superintendents, I don’t think it would be possible to run a great property management business.
COMPANY /// TITAN MORTGAGE GROUP
I
n 2019 Mary started her journey at Mama Yolanda’s Gourmet Lasagna as a line cook. Having recently completed studying Advertising and Marketing Communications Management at Mohawk College, she quickly rose to her current title: “Creative Specialist”. In addition to excelling at graphic design, public relations, and social media management at Mama Yolanda’s Gourmet Lasagna, Mary is also the publicist to the founder, Peter Mercanti. Mary spends her free time painting, printmaking, and doing freelance creative work for a wide range of clients, including fashion designer Raha Asadi, the St. Joseph’s Hospital Food Drive Committee, and Hamilton based metal bands.
COMPANY /// MAMA YOLANDA’S GOURMET LASAGNA
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
CONGRATULATIONS
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
DR.JENNA
VALLERIANI
D
VINCE
VACCARELLO
V
r. Jenna Valleriani is the Director of Social Impact and Advocacy at Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED), where she leads strategic social purpose and community investment activities related to social justice, medical cannabis access and responsible consumption. Dr. Valleriani’s graduate and post graduate studies focused on cannabis, and include a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, and a PhD at the University of Toronto. She is the recipient of multiple academic writing awards, and has been quoted in national and international media as an expert in the field. As a Strategic Advisor for Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy, Dr. Valleriani has testified as an expert witness to the Senate of Canada in the lead up to cannabis legalization. When she’s not “in the weeds”, you can find her exploring Hamilton’s beautiful conservation areas with her golden retriever, Frank.
ince Vaccarello is President of national insurance brokerage Tripemco Insurance Group, headquartered locally in Stoney Creek. Along with his exceptional team, Vince has led the organization to triple in size over the past decade. Proudly born and raised in Hamilton, Vince is very passionate about his work with the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), where he was once a youth attending their camps. Tripemco is now a dedicated sponsor, ensuring that the organization is supported with funding that is used to send children to camp and ensure that the accessibility and quality of CYO’s facilities are up to date.
COMPANY /// CANOPY GROWTH CORPORATION
COMPANY /// TRIPEMCO INSURANCE GROUP
JULIANA
WEBER
J
uliana has 8 years of experience in program development, and non-profit communications and outreach. She joined CityLAB Hamilton in 2020, bringing together student, academic, and civic leaders to co-create innovative solutions for the City of Hamilton. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social and Public Policy from State University of New York in 2016, studying the social and community impact of de-industrialization in Hamilton. Currently, she sits on the Board of Directors for the City of Hamilton’s Young Professional group (HYP), serving on several subcommittees. A Hamilton transplant from the Pacific Northwest, Juliana spends her free time hiking, cycling, and exploring parks and conservation areas with her family.
OUR WARMEST CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING FOUR WINNERS WHOSE BIOS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS BROCHURE
JACK DENSMORE Mohawk College
SERENA SAMUEL Kingdom Worship Center
JOSEPH SAPUTO Carstar Ancaster Group
ROB WIESKE COMPANY /// CITYLAB HAMILTON
Sandbox Software
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
CONGRATULATIONS MESSAGES FROM
The Niagara 2022 Canada Games VR Accounting Service Inc.
Rainbow Car Washes Carstar Ancaster Group
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAMILTON 40 UNDER FORTY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ... BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP WWW.BUSINESSLINKMEDIA.COM
8 T H
A N N U A L
2021
H A M I L T O N SUBSCRIBE TO
BUSINESS LINK MEDIA GROUP YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND WATCH THE LIVE BROADCAST AT
8PM EST NOVEMBER 4, 2021
@thebusinesslink