Canadian Solar’s First Solar Power Project of 68 MWp in Mexico Started Commercial Operations Page 39
CANADIAN BUSINESS Awards 2019 Also in this Issue: British Airways Adds Electric London Taxis To Its Premium Transfer Fleet
Best Oilfield Construction & Services Company 2019 We profile it to learn more about how it integrates each of these factors into every aspect of its work and how this unique approach has helped guide it to the success it enjoys today.
Welcome to the 2019 Canadian Business Awards Corporate Vision Magazine looks to praise the highly developed, mixed economy of the Great White North with our Canadian Business Awards. Recovering from the oil price scares of 2017, Canada rebounded with an enviable economic growth of 3.1%. Thanks to the grit and determination of the workforce from coast-tocoast and across all sectors. With a thriving labour market and increases in goods export, Canadian companies and entrepreneurs alike have a great deal to celebrate.So why not celebrate in style in with.
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Corporate Vision Magazine and the Canadian Business Awards? Our awards program is the perfect platform for you to showcase your success, including your ability to overcome adversity, to those who matter most. Regardless if your clientele is just down the road, or across the oceans, the Canadian Business Awards can assist you in distinguishing yourself from the competition.
2 Corporate Vision 2019 Canadian Business Awards
Contents 4.
Fort McKay Group of Companies LP: Best Oilfield Construction & Services Company 2019
27. David Sklar & Associates Inc: Licensed Insolvency Trustee of the Year 2019
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Arctic Range Adventure: Best Wildlife Adventure Tour Operator - Northern Canada & Award for Excellence in Aura Viewing Holidays 2019
28. Martech Polar Consulting Ltd: Best Polar Ice Navigation & Pilotage Specialists 2019
8. La Prep & Chaska: Best Quick Service Restaurant Franchise - Central Canada 10. GetBOLD – T-Shirt Printing & Embroidery: Best Custom T-Shirt Printing Company 2019
30. Librestream Technologies Inc: Best Augmented Realty Asset Management Solutions Company 2019 31. Brick Warehouse Corporation: Best Retail Furniture Business 2019 - New Brunswick
11. Dkstudio: Best International Luxury Retail Design Firm 2019
32. Enigma Escapes: Most Pioneering Escape Room Operator 2019 & Award for Excellence in Team Building Events 2018
12. Urban Windows: Industry Leader in Door & Window Installation - Northern Ontario
34. Defence Unlimited International Corp: Best Military Asset Brokers 2019
13. Accessible Daily Living: Best Accessible Contracting/Consultant Company
35. Eurowood Carpentry 2000 Inc: Best Custom Home Framing Specialists – GTA
14. The GM’s Perspective: Baseball Business Consultant of the Year 2019
36. ASAP Rent Software Inc: Best Car Rental Software Provider 2019
15. Munn Insurance: Most Innovative Independent Insurance Broker 2019 - Atlantic Canada
37. Rothenberg Capital Management: Best Independent Financial Services Brokers 2019 – Canada
16. NIUCOCO: Best Organic Hair Care Products 2019 18. Matrix Production Services Ltd: Best Film Production Equipment Provider - British Columbia 20. Calhoun Super Structure: Best Fabric Building Engineering & Installations Firm 2019 21. Lewis Birnberg Hanet, LLP: Media & Entertainment Law Firm of the Year 2019 22. Angels of Flight Canada Inc: Best Medical Air Transport Company 2019 24. HR Accounting Professional Corporation: Best Full-Service Tax & Accountancy Firm – Toronto 25. Marberg Staffing: Best Temporary & Permanent Employment Agency – Toronto 26. Nightingale Corp: Office Seating Manufacturer of the Year 2019
38. RYU Launches New Website To Evolve Digital Experience 39. Canadian Solar’s First Solar Power Project of 68 MWp in Mexico Started Commercial Operations
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Dec18197
Fort McKay Group of Companies LP
Best Oilfield Construction & Services Company 2019 Fort McKay Group of Companies (FMGOC) is a multi-million-dollar oilfield construction and services company employing over 1,000 workers with offices located in Edmonton and Fort McKay, Alberta. Having recognised the group in this year’s Canadian Business Awards for its innovative approach, client focus and commitment to supporting the local community, we profile it to learn more about how it integrates each of these factors into every aspect of its work and how this unique approach has helped guide it to the phenomenal success it enjoys today. Fully owned by the Fort McKay First Nation Band, FMGOC began in 1986 with six employees and a single janitorial contract. Since then the group has aggressively taken advantage of its close proximity to the oil sands to establish a selection of innovative companies that provide both revenue and opportunity to the local community. With a strong commitment and priority focus on quality, cost,
and safety, FMGOC has grown into a multi-million-dollar oilfield construction and services company, grossing over $170 million annually with approximately 1300 employees and offices located in Edmonton and theFort McKay Industrial Park Today, as when it was established, the group’s mission remains to provide a range of diverse services and products to reputable customers and clients in its traditional territory for the betterment and prosperity of the local community. In seeking
to achieve this, the group has become known for achieving success through proper structures and processes. Over the years, FMGOC has become known for being a family orientated company that strives to meet and exceed the demands of its valued clients. The group has the advantage that it is in the same area as the Alberta oil sands, and as such can deliver materials to its clients in a timely and professional manner. FMGOC is an aboriginal company that has been setting
the standard for Indigenous business success in Canada. Fort McKay Logistics is a key division within the FMGOC, which has contributed to building the foundations on which the Nation’s future is built. As such, by choosing FMGOC for your service company, not only are clients supporting this dynamic and innovative business, but they are also supporting their community of its parent organization, Fort McKay First Nation. Profits made by Fort McKay Group of Companies go back into their community of Fort McKay to support community centres such as the Heath Care Centre, Youth Centre, Radio Station, and the brand new, state of the art Riverside/Sonisipihk/ Des k’e gah Care Facility. As part of its commitment to ensuring that clients receive the support and service they need, FMGOC uses the innovative Track and Trace solution. This customized software creates a medium for all clients to view real-time data related to their shipments and products, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Clients receive real-time visibility into all touchpoints, via scans and confirmations, from pickup to delivery throughout the Fort McKay Logistics distribution channels. Track and Trace is a web-based data warehouse, reporting, and analytics platform catered to Fort
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McKay Logistics supply chain services. From order input to final delivery, Track and Trace provides the users with a comprehensive end to end visibility of the packages they transport. The solution not only provides visibility, but also accuracy, flexibility and increased efficiencies as the data is used to increase operational efficiencies. The solution includes order scheduling, pickup and delivery operations through the use of a mobile devices, cross dock operations, and line haul operations. Every time a package is processed through the system, whether to change an attribute or to pick up or deliver, it is scanned, and information is recorded, ensuring that at any time, the system knows where the package is, who performed the action, and when the action was performed. This creative solution ensures that FMGOC is able to provide its clients with cutting-edge support that they can rely on. Recently, FMGOC announced the launch of its new mobile-friendly website. Using any smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop, customers can now browse
Fort McKay Group of Companies LP
informative new content regarding the FMGOC’s companies and their respective areas of focus. A number of the divisions’ pages feature a portfolio of projects to allow clients to see these in detail. Clients can also watch the new site for breaking news articles about the companies’ activities, achievements, industry happenings, and joint ventures. This technological development offers FMGOC many exciting avenues. For example, FMGOC finds strength in the diversity of its team, so it’s new careers section will make it much easier for applicants to respond to job postings, while strengthening the human resources team’s ability to select the right candidate for every position. Thanks to its strong leadership team, FMGOC continues to channel its profits into their community to support housing, infrastructure, health, recreation and community programs. Looking ahead, the team are continually seeking opportunities for new ventures, growth, and prosperity so that they can remain a local leader and support their community and customers alike. This will remain the group’s ongoing focus as it looks towards a bright and prosperous future.
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: Fort McKay Group of Companies LP Address: PO Box 5360, Fort McMurray AB, T9H3G4 Telephone Number: 7807883150 Web Address: www.fortmckaygroup.com Email: communications@fortmckaygroup.com
Nov18987
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Arctic Range Adventure
Best Wildlife Adventure Tour Operator Northern Canada & Award for Excellence in Aura Viewing Holidays 2019 Arctic Range Adventure offers a unique range of exceptional experiences with-in the Arctic region, Yukon and Alaska, and across the Arctic Circle. As part of our overview of a selection of our deserving winners from the 2019 Canadian Business Awards we profile the firm to find out more. Home to the smallest population of any of Canada’s provinces and territories, the Yukon is vast, sparse, and houses the kind of wild and untamed beauty that can only be appreciated when fully immersed in it. Arctic Range Adventure, based in the Yukon’s capital of Whitehorse, offers guests unique and breathtaking tours across the Yukon wilderness, Alaska, and deep into the Arctic Circle. These unforgettable excursions include once-in-a-lifetime activities such as driving ice roads, experiencing First Nation culture, dog sledding, canoeing, hiking, wildlife viewing, snowmobiling and the chance to see the Aurora Borealis electrify the starry night sky. The firm’s guests are experiential travellers with a keen eye for unforgettable memories. Throughout Arctic Range Adventure’s programs and packages the experienced team ensure the highest standard of guest service, personal attention and individual experiences that every guest has a truly phenomenal experience they will remember forever.
This includes the chance to experience the firm’s unique and exclusive AuroraCentre, where guests can experience the magic of watching the Aurora Borealis in style and comfort under the open sky of the North. As being the only tour operator in the Yukon committed to offer Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French and Germanspeaking guiding services yearround, Arctic Range Adventure offers a truly unique service offering, and is able to welcome explorers from around the world. Ultimately, from driving on the Arctic ice road, experiencing first nation culture, canoeing, hiking, wildlife viewing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing and watching the Aurora Borealis dance among the star-filled Arctic sky, Arctic Range Adventure offers a full plethora of adventures to suit every client. Looking ahead, the team looks forward to welcoming even more explorers and showcasing the glories of this stunning landscape to them.
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Arctic Range Adventure
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: Arctic Range Adventure Name: Felix Geithner Address: PO Box 30140, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada Telephone Number: 1-867-667-2209 Web Address: www.arcticrange.com
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Jan19006
La Prep & Chaska
Best Quick Service Restaurant Franchise - Central Canada With locations across Canada, La Prep is an upscale bistro-style quick-service restaurant franchise specializing in providing freshly prepared innovative sandwiches, salads, baked goods and specialty coffees. Having recognised the franchise for its fresh approach to food and dedication to quality we profile it to show why it is deserving of one of our prestigious Canadian Business Awards for 2019. From humble beginnings, La Prep has flourished into a nationally renowned chain of Canadian eateries specialising in providing fresh, delicious food quickly and efficiently. Central to the chain’s offering are quick, fresh meals such as sandwiches, salads and soups. La Prep’s menu seeks to delight the palate while easing the conscience with its wholesome yet tasty offerings. Thanks to the breakfast, lunch and snack options to suit a variety of tastes and dietary requirements, the amount
of choice keeps customers coming back and kitchen operations flowing smoothly. Additionally, in line with the growing focus on artisan coffee, La Prep also offers a range of signature blends, all of which are 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified™, thereby encouraging sustainable farming practices, socially responsible labour practices whilst protecting the environment. Over the years, La Prep’s European-style restaurant designs, decorative metal fixtures and colourful menus have come to
evoke quality and freshness, a place to eat well and to live well. Although each franchisee puts their own stamp on the template, La Prep’s clean, contemporary look has all the hallmarks of a premium food service destination. As part of its focus on client satisfaction, the team at La Prep pay great attention to the style and flow of every restaurant. Even just casting their eye over a La Prep restaurant passers-by are immediately drawn to the fresh, tempting offerings and clean, natural aesthetic that characterises this renowned chain. Fundamentally, the success of the La Prep franchise is built upon simplicity; it requires only
8 Corporate Vision 2019 Canadian Business Awards
bake ovens, as opposed to other eateries which require specialist equipment such as deep fryers and grills as well as professional cooks to operate them. Ultimately, La Prep’s unique combination of fast-food and healthy eating has tapped into two key trends in the restaurant industry, neither of which show any sign of slowing down. As such, the chain has many exciting opportunities to grow even further over the years ahead and moving forward the team at La Prep will continue to work with new franchisees to drive greater brand awareness and establish its place as a go-to for healthy, fresh and delicious food.
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CONTACT DETAILS: Company: La Prep & Chaska | Contact: Julie Hamada Website: http://www.laprep.com/
La Prep & Chaska
Dec18015
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GetBOLD – T-Shirt Printing & Embroidery
Best Custom T-Shirt Printing Company 2019 GetBOLD is a dedicated clothing decorator, providing screen printing and embroidery to clients across Canada requiring uniforms, corporate wear and personalised clothing. As part of our overview of a selection of this year’s Canadian Business Award winners, we have invited Matthew Pierrot to provide us with an insight into the firm and how it provides its clients with creative, quality solutions that will meet their needs. GetBOLD fulfils the various wishes of its corporate and commercial clients, with t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, bags and much more on offer. Here is the owner, Matthew, to explain how GetBOLD works with every client to ensure they get the best possible outcome with their product.
“All of our artists and customer service representatives have a firm understanding of what works and what doesn’t with screen printing and embroidery. When you understand your medium, you can properly assemble the best artistic outcome. Often, our clients are designing on their computer and they assume that because it looks good on the screen, it should look good on the shirt, however, this is not always the case. “Drawing on our expertise, we work alongside our clients to
help them better understand the capabilities of their art. If the art doesn’t translate well to print, we explain why and find an alternative solution. This way the client receives the product they want, and we continue to produce top quality prints and embroidery.” The firm’s clients receive a truly unique service that cannot be found elsewhere. Of course, none of this would be possible without a dedicated team of visionary, experienced staff. As such, Matthew is understandably keen to highlight how his company works to ensure staff always feel safe and supported so that they are motivated to give customers amazing service.
“As a business, GetBOLD works hard to create an environment where our team members have opportunities to grow and feel welcomed, safe, and valued. A large percentage of our workers are immigrants, and their
arrival to a new country can be alienating and finding meaningful work can be difficult. We try to give them a stable place where they can flourish and, ultimately, we benefit from their talents. “To offer them the support they need, we spend a lot of time training people and we almost always promote from within. We participate in trade shows annually, sending a delegation of GetBOLD team members to learn and research the latest trends. We have developed systems, training manuals, and written procedures to help our team remain at the forefront of emerging market developments. These tools also ensure that we can provide our clients with the best support and highest possible standard of service.” Seeking to build upon its already impressive success, GetBOLD has exciting plans for the future, some of which are already in
motion, as Matthew highlights in his concluding comments.
“Recently, GetBOLD has launched a store program for schools and groups on our website. We create a specific store with clothing for a school or event where attendees can shop online for a designated time period, depending on the customers’ intended due date. Once their store closes, we create the items. The items are then delivered, organized, and bagged by individual customer order. “This unique system makes the organization of the event much easier for whomever is responsible. This solves a problem we see in our office all the time, of mis-ordered items when dealing with large groups. We are excited to be showcasing this to our valued customers and hope they embrace it. We are always looking to create new innovations for our customers today and for years to come.”
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: GetBOLD – T-Shirt Printing & Embroidery Address: 109-2433 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver, BC, V7H 0A1 Telephone Number: 1-866-333-2653 Website: https://www.getbold.com/
10 Corporate Vision 2019 Canadian Business Awards
Dec18013
, dkstudio architects inc.
Best International Luxury Retail Design Firm 2019 Drawing on the expertise of its Founders and dedicated team, dkstudio architects inc. is a premier international design company supporting clients internationally to create truly spectacular solutions. We profile the firm to find out more and explore the secrets behind its success. Founded in 2007 by principals Dmytriy Pereklita and Karen Mak, dkstudio has since flourished. Today the firm has offices in Toronto, Vancouver, and Hong Kong, allowing it to provide its award-winning design services to a wide range of discerning clients around the world. Built on a distinguished portfolio of luxury retail projects, the firm’s ability to collaborate with a wide spectrum of professionals and trades allows for holistic delivery of comprehensive projects that balance design, budget, and
execution through every stage of the architectural process. In the residential, corporate, and master planning sectors of the office, an invigorating approach is taken towards the adaptation of new technology to create rich and thoughtful projects through an economy of means.
is in line with the increasing consumer focus on sustainability and helps dkstudio to showcase its passion for design that has both form and function. Seeking to remain ahead of the speed and complexity of this contemporary life, dkstudio
continues to strive for the dynamic synergy between the time-honoured tradition of fine craftsmanship and a passion for the ever-changing flux of architecture and technology in the 21st century, and this will remain its ongoing focus over the coming years.
Supporting both it’s residential and commercial clients on a wide variety of projects, the firm incorporates a variety of environmental and social initiatives into its work to give back to its service users and clients, as well as the environment in which they all live and work. This approach
Dolce & Gabbana, Toronto, Facade design concept by dkstudio ©
© dkstudio © dkstudio B-Hemmings, Toronto, design & execution by dkstudio ©
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: dkstudio architects inc. Contact: Dmytriy Pereklita & Karen Mak Website: https://www.dkstudio.ca/
FUME Scent Lounge, Toronto, ON, Client Coty - Luxury Retail by dkstudio ©
Dec18031
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Urban Windows
Industry Leader in Door & Window Installation - Northern Ontario Thanks to the industry experience of its Founders, Urban Windows is a unique window and door installation company based in Ontario and dedicated to offering a truly innovative service. Having recognized the firm previously, we were keen to catch-up with this dynamic company and explore how far it has come. The result of many years’ experience in the window and door installation market, Urban draws on the experience of its Founders to offer spectacular level of service its clients cannot find elsewhere.
markets from the south were designing and supplying better looking and better-quality products than what was available in their region. In their quest to bring these brand name product lines to the North, they were met with the traditional office politics.
It all started when, having served as sales and management for a number of other local window and door providers, Founders Claude Paquette and Don Simoneau strongly felt that the members of the Northern Ontario communities were not being offered the quality solutions they needed. Bigger
It was then they decided to venture out and start their own window and door retail operation. Seeking to be completely different from their former employers, their mission would not be to just sell the second-tier quality products with first-tier marketing like their former
employers, who were now their competition. They would bring in nothing but the industry’s highest rated products and back them with expert installation and service. As such, in 2006 Urban first opened its doors with an experienced team comprised of industry veterans from the Sudbury area. Over the years, Claude and Don have continued to surround themselves with quality people. Together, they strive to stay ahead of trends and new products for their esteemed clientele. Today, Urban stands apart from the rest of their competitors by offering a unique service that will meet the needs of every client. From the beginning, their objective was to ensure that when clients could finally decide to chose a windows supplier for a new project or to redo their windows and doors they will only have to do it once in their lifetime. With exceptional workmanship and a quality after-sales service,
Urban has managed to achieve its objective and remain as far removed from its competitors as possible. An expert team has allowed the company to offer a one-stop-shop for all its customers’ window and door installation needs. This dedication to excellence has become increasingly important, as over the past decade the internet has given rise to more particular customers who are better educated on what is on offer in the window and door installation market. As such, firms can no longer be complacent, and Urban is proud to be able to say that, from the beginning, it has always worked hard to offer clients a superior level of service that will meet their ever-rising expectations. Ultimately, having achieved 13 years of success, the future looks bright for Urban, with the team keen to enhance their already impressive portfolio of satisfied clients and completed projects over the years to come.
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: Urban Windows Name: Claude Paquette / Don Simoneau Address: 1955 Lasalle Blv. Sudbury, Ontario. P3A-2A3 Telephone Number: 705-673-5285 Web Address: www.urbanwindows.ca
12 Corporate Vision 2019 Canadian Business Awards
Dec18047
, Accessible Daily Living
Best Accessible Contracting/ Consultant Company Accessible Daily Living (ADL) are accessibility consultants and contractors that specialize in home, and workplace modification solutions, in order to improve the quality of life, while creating ‘barrier-free’ living. To celebrate the firm’s win in this year’s Canadian Business Awards we profile it to find out more about the vital services it offers. Since its foundation in 2011, ADL has been committed to home and workplace and support to improve quality of life for those who are differently able.
initiate and finalize each and every project. The team truly understand the importance of their work, and collaborate closely with their clients to ensure that they receive the solutions they need to live as independently as possible.
Collectively, ADL has over 25 years of experience directly related to construction, design, restoration, project management, catastrophic loss, rehabilitation, case management, insurance claims, personal injury, training and consulting.
Being based in Ontario, the entire team at ADL is proud to be Canadian owned and operated, as they believe the Canadian public are quite versed and educated on disabilities, and as such they are able to integrate their solutions easily into the infrastructure of their clients’ life.
Unlike other disability consultants, ADL’s professional and dedicated associates understand the complete process required to
facing disabled people. Currently, there is a push for more aesthetically pleasing products and implementation of smart home technology. With the boom of smart home products, tablets and smartphones, incorporating this technology to support a person with a visible or non-visible disability have become part of the conversation when modifying a residential or commercial property. As a professional in this field, ADL is excited that an increasing number of Canadian understand accessibility and its importance
in supporting an inclusive society, and works closely with clients to ensure that they receive cuttingedge support and solutions they can rely on. Moving forward, ADL has exciting plans to enhance its already copious success and grow its brand to support an even wider array of clients. With such growth comes recognition and hard work, and the team are spurred on by the knowledge that their support and solutions help change people’s lives for the better.
Within the industry, there is a definite growth in understanding on disabilities and the challenges
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: Accessible Daily Living Contact: John Groe Website: https://www.accessibledailyliving.com/
Dec18069
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The GM’s Perspective
Baseball Business Consultant of the Year 2019 Drawing on the experience of Founder Devon Teeple, the GM’s Perspective is a dedicated consultancy that offers expert advice and support to businesses operating within the baseball sector. We invited Devon himself to tell us more about the firm and the services it has to offer. The GM’s Perspective is specifically designed to give any fan of baseball, the business of baseball or both, an insider’s point of view; a view of someone who has played the game in an amateur and professional setting. Devon discusses how the company came about and the reason he is so passionate about giving back to the baseball community.
“Over the years, baseball has been a big part of my life. It has allowed to me to become the person I am today through teamwork and the drive to succeed. I have been fortunate enough to learn the game from very talented coaches and hone my skills through years of practice. Since my days of competing at a collegiate and professional level are behind me, I now have the time and opportunity to teach the
game through coaching, clinics, and my writing. Through the GM’s Perspective, I want to enlighten my readers with my articles, give back to the community with my lifetime knowledge of the game, and continue to grow my audience through the gift and enhancements of this new and unlimited age of multi-media.” When working on any project, be it an interview or a game analysis, Devon is committed to providing his readers with the most up-to-the-minute, expert advice and insight possible, as he is eager to highlight.
“Every project I undertake I aim to ensure benefits both my readers and the members of the baseball community I collaborate with. When I work with an athlete or personality, it serves us both well to know what we both want to accomplish and what message we are trying to portray. From coordinating the dates and times
of the interviews with their agents or marketing team, complete transparency is required. I always give them an overview of what my interview will focus on, and I will not publish until a review is complete by the athlete and their team. Until I get the final go ahead, nothing is published, and when it is, I promote the interview throughout social media, and send all appropriate links to all required parties. “Additionally, when I am providing in-depth analysis of the game from all levels I can offer expertise as both a player and as a business professional. Fundamentally, I take great pride in my work. I take great pride in interviewing athletes, current and/or retired and letting my readers know that it is not only just about what goes on between the lines, it is how the person carries themselves off the field and how they become leaders and role models away from the game.” Having achieved incredible success through the GM’s
Perspective, Devon is keen to continue to support the baseball market, and as such, moving forward he will be establishing an exciting new venture, as he is proud to conclude.
“Ultimately, I am very motivated to give back to the community and to share what the game of baseball and what sports has done for me. As such, I am currently in the preliminary stages of creating a non-profit: IGNITE CHANGE. The main activity will be running clinics focused on playing baseball the right way, but with a component on leadership, attitude, and behaviors. It elaborates on ideas from Schea Cotton’s basketball camp and Chris Herren’s basketball camp, both truly amazing individuals who have overcome personal struggles to make a difference in their communities and beyond. This exciting new development will help me to support the baseball community even more and provide valuable services where they are most needed.”
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: The GM’s Perspective Name: Devon Teeple Address: 57 Belleview Cres., North Bay, ON, Canada P1B 8V2 Telephone Number: 905-353-4929 Web Address: http://thegmsperspective.com/
14 Corporate Vision 2019 Canadian Business Awards
Dec18065
, Munn Insurance
Most Innovative Independent Insurance Broker 2019 - Atlantic Canada Munn Insurance has been a leading insurance provider for well over 100 years. As part of our overview of a selection of the winners of this year’s Canadian Business Awards we spoke to CJ Nolan, president and CEO, to find out more about the firm and the range of services it provides. Originally founded in 1904 and incorporated in 1949, over the years Munn Insurance has evolved significantly, and in particular over the past number of years, becoming a full digital enterprise and now looks little like those traditional brokers that are struggling in this changing industry. CJ explores this digital revolution in more detail to showcase how his company has flourished into a leading insurance broker.
“Here at Munn, we have invested steadily in IT to deliver a better customer experience and are today one of the most progressive brokers in Canada. We provide home, auto, group, business insurance in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Munn’s focus on Customers and People has helped us grow in this challenging market. Our customer focus has been part of our DNA from our early beginnings and continues to guide the business to this day. We are committed as well to making Munn a fun place to work
and ensuring we are providing an engaging culture where are people love to come and create. “Today, we are one of the largest and most progressive independent insurance brokers within Atlantic Canada, with more than 80 employees across four offices in Atlantic Canada, providing expert advice and services to over 30,000 customers. Customers are our top priority. It trumps everything else. We strive to be known for going above and beyond and for providing world class service to our customers. We will do whatever is necessary to deliver for our customers, and as part of our supportive internal culture we encourage and reward our people for doing just that.” Supporting such a wide range of clients and providing them with award-winning service, Munn tackles every initiative and decision with the customer at the forefront to ensure we are delivering the value that our customers desire and deserve, as CJ is eager to showcase.
“As a business we keep the customer at the center of every single decision we make. For example, when on-boarding new customer-facing technology to enhance service delivery and the overall user experience, we employ a proven approach to project management which ensures success for the customer. Working within cross functional teams with a dedicated
project champion, we ensure that we know the customer needs and that there is a clearly defined project plan with key deliverables, milestones and KPI’s identified and documented. Regular touch points to ensure the entire team is on task are required. We ask lots of questions from providers and partners who have been on similar paths. We avail of external expertise if needed. We adjust on the file and are nimble enough to make changes as necessary. “Then we collect as much data as is necessary, often from customers directly, careful to not overload the process. We measure and refine as necessary. Perfection is not required, and as such Munn would much rather start and fail than over-engineer and never get moving. Our customers demand progress so we make sure we are on the front foot all the time. At the completion of the project,
a thorough debrief, and review allows us to learn from mistakes and adjust for future projects. All of our recent IT projects are completed on time and on budget with maximum benefit for the customer and the business.” Going forward, Munn has many exciting projects lined up to ensure its ongoing success, as CJ is proud to conclude.
“Looking to the future, we have a number of special projects planned for 2019. Our focus is on the customer which will lead to growth and expansion. Each project delivers on three important benefits which are driving value for customers, improving data and analytics, and delivering profitable growth. These projects will ensure that Munn is driving value for customers and will remain a key player in today’s ever-evolving insurance market.”
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: Munn Insurance Name: Brian King Address: 121 Kelsey Drive, Suite 100, St. John’s, NL, A1B 0L2 Telephone Number: 709-685-5534 Web Address: www.munninsurance.com
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Dec18211
NIUCOCO
Best Organic Hair Care Products 2019 NIUCOCO creates specially formulated hair care products that are optimised for safe and regular use, while consistently maintaining the beneficial properties of 100% certified pure, extra virgin coconut oil. To showcase the firm’s success in this year’s Canadian Business Awards, we profile it and explore how its innovative product range is making waves in the competitive hair care market. Established in 2014, NIUCOCO is a Canadian-based brand that makes all-natural hair care products with a unique form of coconut oil. From the beginning, NIUCOCO has focused on two key fundamentals: effectiveness of its products and maintaining best practices in their formulation. By laying down these two simple rules, the company has been able to build a comprehensive product line that caters to a growing audience in the natural personal care products space. With consumers increasingly focused on the benefits that their beauty regime can give both to them and the environment, the company caters to health-
conscious clients who are looking for products that do not compromise on quality and effectiveness. In line with customer requirements, NIUCOCO products are sulphate, paraben, and phthalate free and formulated with no mineral oil, PEGs, MEA, DEA, TEA, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, or animal-derived ingredients. Additionally, they are also gluten-free, 100% vegan, and are not tested on animals. NIUCOCO is constantly seeking to adapt around changing consumer trends in the health and beauty market to ensure that its solutions are always ahead of its competitors’ and exceed customers’ ever-evolving expectations. Since the beginning, the firm has worked tirelessly to conduct careful and conscientious research to
combine all-natural, non-toxic ingredients with the magic of coconut oil and has now achieved this with innovative formulas that integrate all the ingredients in a truly unique way. Coconut oil is the only oil that has empirical data showing that it helps to nourish hair and as such, NIUCOCO is dedicated to showing its clients the benefits of this natural product, offering them solutions that will harness its unique powers, nourishing hair and enhancing its natural beauty. Seeking to use only the highest possible quality coconut oil in its products, NIUCOCO is the only company in the global hair care industry that uses coconut oil in its most natural state. The coconut oil that the company has selected is in its purest form and involves a raw, cold-pressed approach, a process that is patented in over 90 countries around the world. As NIUCOCO is based in Canada, this offers the firm many exciting opportunities. Canadian manufacturing standards are considered a reference around the world, having strict rules on how products are made. The regulations help with the confidence level the world has when they see the maple leaf. One of NIUCOCO’s biggest clients in Asia buys from the firm specifically because its products are made in Canada and they view this as a mark of quality.
16 Corporate Vision 2019 Canadian Business Awards
As such, NIUCOCO is proud to be a Canadian company and is committed to upholding the standards of quality for which its country is renowned. Being based in the country also helps NIUCOCO to remain ahead of emerging industry trends, as Canada is one of the most consumer-educated countries when it comes to hair care, and clients are constantly looking for better products. NIUCOCO was ahead of its time in this respect, and over the coming years will continue to work on staying at the forefront of market developments. Looking to the future, NIUCOCO will be expanding its already impressive product offering and continue to offer premium personal care products under the NIUCOCO brand. As consumers grow to appreciate the benefits of coconut oil in their beauty products, the firm expects to build upon its current success and share its luxury products with even more discerning clients.
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NIUCOCO CONTACT DETAILS: Contact: Yasmine Ishmael Email: info@niucoco.com Web: NIUCOCO.com
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Dec18291
Matrix Production Services Ltd.
Best Film Production Equipment Provider British Columbia Matrix Production Services Ltd is a unique family-owned and environmentally friendly business which provides location equipment such as environmental products, heaters, cones, tents, safety vests, carpets and expendables to the film and events industry. We invited John Franco Braico to tell us more about this dynamic and innovative company and how it supports its wide range of entertainment clients. Since its inception in 2002, Matrix has been dedicated to serving its customers and giving them the opportunity for success in whatever they are trying to achieve. Today the company works alongside a wide variety of clients, ranging from a film set crew, through to individuals running an event. John explains how Matrix is focused on supporting its clients and providing them with a first-class service from the beginning of every project.
“Here at Matrix, our mission is to enhance our clientele’s success while offering the best products and sustainable options. We continuously update our inventory lists and seek new and more beneficial products. We stand firm on protecting our environment and look to collaborate with other organizations and businesses who also create change. “Working towards this mission, as a business we exist solely for our customers. As the last locally owned locations shop in Vancouver, we know how to best serve our customers and continuously seek to do the unimaginable for them, because that is who we are and that is what we can do. We continually
seek new products that will benefit our clients, find environmental products that will help shape the industry and help create a positive impact. If we cannot find something, we will make it for them. This level of commitment cannot be found elsewhere, and is what draws our clients to work alongside us.” This client focus extends to the firm’s internal culture, which is focused on support and collaboration, as John is keen to showcase.
“Internally, our culture is a combination of collaboration and family. We ensure that all staff members are equipped with the right tools in order to provide the best service to our customers while also working in a collaborative environment. Our employees are encouraged to bring up ideas about new products, are asked about their thoughts and suggestions for how we operate and discuss the best way to ensure our customers are getting the best service possible.” Being based in Vancouver offers Matrix many exciting opportunities, as the region is a key destination for anyone seeking a stunning, welcoming region to film in. John shares an insight into the developments he has noticed in
18 Corporate Vision 2019 Canadian Business Awards
the region and the filmmaking industry in particular recently and how his firm is continuously adapting around them.
“Over the past few years Vancouver has become the hub for filmmaking in North America. With amazing and experienced crew members who are hungry to make great content, gorgeous landscapes, and tax benefits, BC, and the lower mainland in particular, is continuously growing at rapid rates. We are fortunate to be able to work alongside numerous productions that give our local communities ample business and support our local habitants. Other trends that we have been experiencing in the Film Industry is the consciousness for our environment. There is a plethora of individuals who are pushing for change and seeking companies and products that are in support of sustaining and improving our environment. “Fundamentally, Canada has become a huge asset for content that is created for screens. Not only is Canada’s physical geography diverse, but we have knowledgeable and talented crew members who are experienced in their field and who know all the ins and outs of production. With lots of shows being funded by American Companies, Canada
offers the talent, landscapes and tax credits that any producer seeks, and we happen to be right at the forefront, servicing any production that needs our help and who wants to make positive environmental impacts.” Looking to the future, supporting the region’s flourishing filmmaking market will remain Matrix’s ongoing focus, as John is proud to conclude.
“Within the wider Canadian corporate landscape, developments within environmental practices and their implementation and regulations through either local, provincial or federal governments are being more active. As we continue each and every day, there is a higher demand to protect the environment and resources we are harnessing from the earth. Environmental sustainability is about everyone making a change and to adapt to this change we are working hard here at Matrix to be able to provide our customers with the necessary products to make a change. We are at the forefront of helping them be environmentally conscious, and provide them with sustainable options. “As part of this focus, looking ahead our dedicated team at Matrix are always trying to find new products or re-create products to be more environmentally friendly. Our big pushes are to help crews be environmentally friendly without having to do a million extra tasks to get something working for them; we want to be able to provide them with the right tools to continue to work how they normally do, just with better and more sustainable equipment. This will remain our ongoing focus as we look towards a bright and exciting future.”
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Matrix Production Services Ltd.
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: Matrix Production Services Ltd. Name: John Franco Braico Address: #2 525 North Skeena Street, Vancouver BC, Canada Telephone Number: 6044213535 Web Address: https://www.matrixproductionservices.com
Dec18323
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Calhoun Super Structure
Best Fabric Building Engineering & Installations Firm 2019 Drawing on its vast experience in the industry, Calhoun Super Structure designs, engineers, and manufactures fabric structures for any industry and application up to 250 feet wide and for any length. Deanna Hope, Marketing Manager, talks us through the firm and provides us with an insight into their range of services and how they benefit their customers. With an extensive dealer network across North America, Calhoun Super Structure has the representation and support to locally serve its valued customers in key industries like mining, fertilizer, salt and sand, waste and recycling, oil and gas, sports and recreation, equestrian, agriculture, warehousing, and much more. The firm’s dedicated team of expert engineers applies its unique 3D Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis to customengineer their structures, and hot-dip galvanize their steel framework to protect their fabric structures from corrosion. Deanna discusses this process in greater detail to showcase how it sets Calhoun Super Structure apart from its competitors and marks it out as the best possible option for customers.
“Every building produced by Calhoun Super Structure undergoes a vigorous sitespecific review. We believe this is the only way to ensure our customers receive the most efficient and reliable structure on the market. For example, careful review of the building usage is needed to ensure the correct application-related parameters are selected for the design. Buildings in low hazard applications are not required to have the same reliability as buildings occupied by people.
“In assessing loads, our engineers consider the probability of the roof becoming sheltered by adjacent structures or trees. Such changes could cause either higher-average loads or drift loads. Wind effects in built-up urban environments require detailed review by experienced engineers to ensure they are correctly evaluated. The enclosure of a building also plays a significant role in the demand on the structure. Our entire process is quite involved and should only be left to our most experienced engineer professionals.”
customer-focused approach and commitment to innovation.
possible without the dedication of our team and partners.”
“Success is an evolving thing, and it takes the right combination of people, process, patience, and proactivity to continually strive for it. This past year has been a banner year for Calhoun in terms of surpassing goals, exponential growth, and the calibre of projects we have successfully completed for our customers. It truly is an honour to be recognized for that, and it truly would not have been
Looking ahead, Calhoun Super Structure has a bright future in front of it, with the company seeking to build upon its current success and grow even further, as Deanna is proud to conclude.
This involved process helps Calhoun Super Structure to achieve its mission and remain a key player in today’s fabric structures market, as Deanna highlights.
“As an industry leader, our vision and subsequent mission is to be the safest, most reliable, and durable fabric structure, leveraging years of benchmark engineering and exceptional service. We reinforce our aims by tying it back to our goals, making our statements visible throughout our offices and website, and continually share customer success stories that recognize the core ideology of what we stand for – safety, reliability, and longevity.” Discussing the firm’s success over the past 12 months, Deanna explores how far the company has come thanks to its
20 Corporate Vision 2019 Canadian Business Awards
“Moving forward, we look to further expand our reach into untapped industries and markets by offering new products and expanding our dealer network. To prepare for added growth, we are implementing new tools to speed up our process and become more efficient. The upgrades will allow us to know what is happening on the manufacturing floor at all times, shortening our lead times and allowing us to provide more accurate delivery expectations to our customers.”
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: Calhoun Super Structure Name: Deanna Hope, Marketing Manager Address: 3702 Bruce Rd #10, Tara, ON CA N0H 2N0 Telephone Number: 1-844-873-3338 Web Address: https://calhounsuperstructure.com/
Dec18339
, Lewis Birnberg Hanet, LLP
Media & Entertainment Law Firm of the Year 2019 Lewis Birnberg Hanet, LLP (LBH) is a boutique media, entertainment, telecommunications and technology law firm unlike any other. We profile the firm to find out more and explore the secrets behind its phenomenal success. Founded in 2005, LBH provides services to a vast breadth of clients including some of the largest Canadian and International companies in telecommunications and technology, leading producers in the television and feature film business, distributors, and broadcasters as well as to various independent creators, artists and documentarians. The firm assists clients in broadcast and technology regulatory matters as well as in the development, production, syndication and distribution of the filmed entertainment and music endeavours. As an adjunct to its core specialties the firm also provides general corporate commercial legal services
including licensing, leasing, purchase and sale transactions, employment, software agreements and trademark matters. Despite being a small firm, with just six partners working alongside a small team of administrative staff, today LBH is one of Toronto’s largest boutique media and entertainment law firms.
applications analysts with specialized knowledge for film, television and new media producers, developers, distributors and broadcasters, LBH is able to offer its clients a unique insight into the media market. Each client knows they are in safe hands when they work with this dedicated firm and its expert staff.
Looking to the future, LBH has many exciting plans for further growth and expansion, particularly in the film and TV industries, which are high-growth markets and will offer this experienced and dedicated firm the chance to flourish and enhance its already impressive success over the years to come.
Individually, each of the firm’s partners has extensive, impressive and complementary experience in the media, entertainment and technology industries, and as such they draw on this to provide their clients with exceptional quality services at all times. Sharing space with related businesses, including litigation experts, and accountants and
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: Lewis Birnberg Hanet, LLP Contact: Eric Birnberg, Partner Website: http://www.lbhmedialaw.com/
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Dec18393
Angels of Flight Canada Inc
Best Medical Air Transport Company 2019 Over the past 30 years, Angels of Flight Canada Inc has had the privilege to help clients from around the globe to overcome the challenges of illness or injury while away from home. When people are at their most vulnerable point, an experienced Healthcare Advocate is going to be their lifeline of hope, as we highlight and profile this unique, Canadian-owned enterprise to find out more about the vital services it has to offer. already been compromised.
Founded in 1988 in Peterborough, Ontario Canada, Angels of Flight Canada specializes in the movement of ill and injured persons repatriating them from around the globe. Leading the way in Aeromedical excellence, the firm understands that the personalized, professional care of every client is paramount. As such, Angels of Flight Canada Registered Flight Nurses ensure quality care and avoid unwanted complications by participating in ongoing education and training. The needs of clients vary but the commonality is their need to talk with someone who listens. Knowledgeable Nurse Navigators understand how overwhelming a medical crisis can be for an individual and their family. Their intent is to be mindful always of safety and avoiding potential risks to someone whose health has
Seldom are situations resolved overnight. The distinct needs of individuals require taking into consideration many factors - a very time-consuming process. As a Global Medical Solutions company, Nurse Navigators collaborating with healthcare professionals globally, painstakingly co-ordinate medical transportation including air ambulance, commercial airlines, ground ambulance and varied support services, all customized to meet the needs of the client when required. Over recent years, medical tourism has become, and remains, a growing industry. When options for continued treatment are getting fewer, clients might garner some hope that something else, somewhere else might provide a new answer. If they have been subjected to a long waiting period for a surgical procedure, a client might want to take the first available flight to a destination that will provide more immediate action. Whatever choice is made, it is incumbent to remember there is already a healthcare issue. There are inherent risks to consider. When things do not go exactly as planned, it will be important to have a “link” to the Canadian Healthcare Professionals who will be able help. There has been no shortage of media coverage on the overflow situations leaving patients in
22 Corporate Vision 2019 Canadian Business Awards
Hospital hallways. Hospitals routinely struggle to find beds for their patients. As problem solvers, the team at Angels of Flight Canada identify and overcome obstacles. By Hospitals co-ordinating with Angels of Flight Canada, visitors to Canada who find themselves in hospital can be returned to their home country within days or weeks rather than months. Producing significant cost savings to the Hospital, a badly needed bed becomes available. Hospital staff that become bogged down with the medical transfer logistics are then able to spend their valuable time caring for other patients. Although it may be hard to conceive, not everyone in Canada is able to access the
healthcare they need. Many are geographically or financially disadvantaged. With success comes social obligation. Working with the Global Angel Charitable Organization, since its founding in 2007, Angels of Flight Canada has accessed funding to cover transportation costs for people to reach assessments, treatments, palliative care or the gift of a special wish. Not only is helping others important to this dynamic company, but it is inspiring to reunite family members or witness people receiving care. To keep pace with today’s digital climate Angels of Flight Canada needed to explore faster and more effective methods of activating an International “help” response. People need quick access to
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“Medical emergencies away from home are unpredictable and travellers are rarely prepared. For this reason, Angels of Flight Canada developed the HALO MEDCARD PROGRAM, encouraging travellers to plan ahead for the unexpected. The program provides an immediate connection to specialized Nurse Navigators who can answer questions, discuss options and make travel arrangements if needed”.
Angels of Flight Canada Inc
the right help when a medical situation arises. A new mobile APP soon to launch, available at no charge to everyone, will provide an immediate connection to a Nurse Navigator, regardless of time zones. The Global 911 International APP will save people from spending endless days trying to find the services and support they need. The APP will identify the user, GPS location and coordinates. The manual message mode will allow a custom message to be sent at the press of a button. Medical emergencies away from home are unpredictable and travellers are rarely prepared. For this reason, Angels of Flight Canada developed the HALO MEDCARD PROGRAM, encouraging travellers to plan ahead for the unexpected. The program provides an immediate connection to specialized Nurse Navigators who can answer questions, discuss options and
make travel arrangements if needed. Expediting care, saving precious time and reducing hospitalization costs are the key objectives of the program. Ultimately, the team at Angels of Flight Canada firmly believes that they cannot be a part of the healthcare community without integrity. Clients and their family members need to trust the decisions being made on their behalf. Gail Courneyea RN, President and CEO understands the complexities of moving people with medical concerns. She has staffed and coordinated thousands of services to more than 115 countries. She firmly believes that being responsible for the wellbeing of an individual with a health issue is a sacred trust and the principles regarding their care have to be held to a high standard. As such, this will remain her and her team’s core focus over the years to come.
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: Angels of Flight Canada Inc Contact: Gail Courneyea RN 800.563.7686 / 705.743.5433 Website: https://www.angelsofflightcanada.com/
Dec18449
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HR Accounting Professional Corporation
Best Full-Service Tax & Accountancy Firm - Toronto HR Accounting Professional Corporation is a full-service accounting firm specializing in tax planning and compliance and business advisory services for small to medium sized businesses. We profile the firm to learn more about the range of services it has to offer and how these have helped drive it to the success it enjoys today. Since its inception in 1994, HR Accounting Professional Corporation has provided its valued clients with personalized service, helping them anticipate potential problems and avoid business management pitfalls, while steering them on a steady course to financial stability. As a result of this innovative, client-focused approach, the firm has proved itself to be one of the best accounting firms in Toronto. With two convenient locations the firm is able to support clients across the region and provide its award-winning services to a wide range of clients. Offering everything from accounting and bookkeeping through to business consultancy, as well as individual tax services and retirement planning, the
firm is able to meet the needs of its diverse array of clients and provide them with the solutions they need. The company also offers payroll services through its sister organisation HR Payroll Group, a full-service payroll solution provider for all business sizes. As such, it is able to provide all the accounting and tax services its clients could possible need under one roof. Fundamentally, HR Accounting Professional Corporation differentiates itself from its competitors thanks to its dynamic team of experienced accounting professionals specializing in various areas. The company works alongside its clients ever step of the way to ensure that they receive the support and service they need, and this will remain the ongoing focus of the team over the years to come. CONTACT DETAILS: Company: HR Accounting Professional Corporation Contact: Haris Rafiq Website: https://hraccountinggroup.com/
24 Corporate Vision 2019 Canadian Business Awards
Dec18468
, Marberg Staffing
Best Temporary & Permanent Employment Agency - Toronto Marberg Staffing is an award-winning employment agency offering temporary and permanent recruiting services for all levels of office positions. As part of our overview of a selection of our Canadian Business Awards for 2019 we invited Kevin Maynard to tell us more about the firm. Established in 1980, Marberg Staffing’s four decades of service ranks with world recruitment leaders. Drawing on this vast industry experience, the firm now excels at supplying management and support staff for permanent, interim and temporary positions. The firm has achieved this phenomenal success thanks to its specialist focus, as Kevin is keen to highlight in his initial comments.
“Marberg Staffing is vendor of record for both the provincial and federal governments and is listed on the Government of Canada and Ontario websites. We work within the framework of accountability, transparency, value for money, quality of service and fair and competitive hiring practices. We maintain an impeccable track record as a carefully managed, fiscally responsible corporation, in strict compliance with all regulatory reporting and tax requirements.
“Within our industry, we are recognized for our personable and creative solutions, making us the first choice of human resource professionals who expect superior results. Since the beginning we have always been tightly focused on supplying office positions, and only office positions. We will refer out all enquiries which do not match our strengths, so that we can always perform at our best. “This exclusive focus also ensures that we provide all our clients with the benefit of our targeted expertise. We do not place for retail, hospitality, or manufacturing. We believe specialization is the key to success, not being everything to everyone. Our services cater exclusively to office positions, ranging from management level, through skilled professionals to administrators: essentially, every position you might find in a office.” Supporting such a range of clients to hire for a diverse array of office positions, the firm has
to work hard to ensure it meets every individual client’s needs. Kevin believes that a combination of innovative technological solutions and professional, focused staff is the key to achieving this, as he explains.
“Internally, we utilize a combination of cutting-edge technology and expert staff to ensure that we meet our clients’ needs and exceed their expectations at all times. “While Marberg Staffing has specialists in corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors, team work is essential in satisfying all of a client’s needs. Our advanced systems allow easy hand-off from business developers to researchers to recruiting consultants. “Our applicant tracking system unifies web-based, computerbased and paper-based systems to provide a seamless user experience. Our database of over
100,000 pre-screened applicants enables speedy selection and response to even the most urgent placements. These technological offerings, paired with our committed team, ensures that every client is able to receive tailored support when they work with Marberg Staffing.” Looking to the future, the demand for recruitment services is always growing, and as such Marberg Staffing will be there to meet it, as Kevin is proud to conclude.
“Moving forward, at Marberg Staffing we will be continuing to unify our back-end and client facing systems, integrating web portals with internal databases, payroll and billing. We are also continuing to add specialized recruiters, as areas such as legal staffing are quickly achieving critical mass to justify this. These developments will ensure that we continue to flourish and capitalize on the ever-growing recruitment sector in Canada today.”
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: Marberg Staffing Name: Kevin Maynard Address: 390 Bay St, Suite 601, Toronto, ON M5H 2Y2 Telephone Number: +14163636442 Web Address: https://www.marberg.com
Dec18536
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Nightingale Corp
Office Seating Manufacturer of the Year 2019 Nightingale Corp is a contract seating manufacturer that puts purpose before profit to create unique solutions that meet its clients’ specific needs. We profile the firm to learn more about its innovative product offering and how this has helped propel it to the success it enjoys today. Since Nightingale was founded in 1928, a lot has changed in the design and function of seating. What has not changed is the firm’s commitment to innovation, comfort, and quality, which has never wavered over the years. The company’s history of innovation is evident in the superior quality of its seating products. In Nightingale’s Innovation Lab, on-site factory, and state of the art testing facility, the firm is dedicated to continuously strive so they can improve the performance of their innovative chairs. By collaborating with top designers, engineers, and research teams, the firm creates quality ergonomic products that are good for both their user’s body and the planet. Nightingale’s designs prove that clients never have to choose between aesthetics and comfort.
Seeking to offer clients an innovative approach to chair design, the firm’s website has a ‘My Chair Maker’ function, where clients can choose their model and then adapt it to meet their unique needs, so that they always receive the chair they need. Alongside comfort and functionality, sustainability is also incredibly important to Nightingale. As such, the firm’s factory is powered by wind and solar energy, and everything that the firm uses gets reused or repurposed in adhering to its ‘landfill sucks’ policy of zero-waste. The firm also supports the Urban Beehive Project in hopes that these incredibly important insects can keep buzzing around, pollinating 90% of food crops worldwide. Looking to the future, Nightingale will continue to work towards excellence in chair creation to ensure it remains a key player in the ever-evolving seating market.
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: Nightingale Corp Contact: Meg Desmond Website: https://nightingalechairs.com/
Nightingale Corp 26 Corporate Vision 2019 Canadian Business Awards
Dec18575
, David Sklar & Associates Inc.
Licensed Insolvency Trustee of the Year 2019 Drawing on over 30 years’ experience, David Sklar & Associates Inc. is a team of Licensed Insolvency Trustees who specialize in personal bankruptcy, consumer proposals, division one proposals, and credit counselling services. As part of our overview of a selection of the winners from this year’s Canadian Business Awards we profile the company to gain an insight into the work it undertakes on behalf of its esteemed clientele. Established in 1997, David Sklar & Associates has flourished over the years thanks to its vast industry experience and commitment to supporting clients and helping them to overcome their problems and become debt free.
financial difficulties and insolvency issues through a wide range of exceptional services.
Founder David Sklar experienced the satisfaction that came from providing help to people that are facing tough financial times, and helping them move on to an improved financial life after working in the insolvency industry for several years.
Thanks to David’s vast experience in the market, he understands that debt can happen to anyone. There are many reasons why people find themselves in financial difficulties. Whether it is health issues, insufficient income, job loss, unexpected expenses, or even credit mismanagement; no one plans for the emotions that arise from being in debt. People often the become or feel stressed, scared, and alone.
As such, he set-up his own firm, and today David Sklar & Associates is a professional firm helping people deal with their
Over the years the company has grown to include six Greater Toronto area locations, and it is now one of the largest filers of consumer proposals and bankruptcies in the GTA.
Debt often carries a heavy burden with it, and whilst there are many different people from all walks of life who get into debt, what unites them is the exceptional level of service they receive when they work with David Sklar & Associates. The firm’s committed team focus on preparing their clients with the proper tools and techniques as they enter into this new financial chapter of their lives, whereby they have the confidence and knowledge on how to build wealth and secure a strong financial future. Whenever the team meet with a new client, they always want to look at their overall situation. Once they have the full picture, they are able to provide the best solutions for them, and also focus on how to stay ahead now that they are debt free, so the same mistakes do not repeat themselves. As part of this ongoing focus on debt prevention, the team at David Sklar & Associates offer
one-on-one counselling sessions where the focus is on money management, warning signs of financial difficulties, spending and shopping habits etc. Collaboration and communication are central both to the firm’s interactions with clients and its internal culture. Everyone is respected at David Sklar & Associates, and as such the team are able to work together to ensure that they give their clients the very highest possible standards of support and service at this trying and frightening time in their lives. Ultimately David Sklar & Associates has a bright future ahead of it. With Ontario being the second highest province for bankruptcy and proposal filing, the team are able to work with a wide range of clients and help them to change their lives for the better, and this will remain their focus over the years to come.
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: David Sklar & Associates Inc. Address: 245 Fairview Mall Drive, Suite #720, Toronto, Ontario, M2J 4T1 Telephone Number: 416-498-9200 Web Address: www.davidsklar.com
DAVID SKLAR & ASSOCIATES INC. Licensed Insolvency Trustee
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Dec18582
Martech Polar Consulting Ltd
Best Polar Ice Navigation & Pilotage Specialists 2019 Martech Polar is a full-service specialist company that provides bespoke consultation and onboard ice navigation services in both the Arctic and Antarctic. We caught up with Captain David (Duke) Snider to find out more about the firm and the developments it has undergone over the past 12 months. Having begun as a small business, Martech Polar has since flourished, and today it operates internationally, supporting a wide variety of clients and providing a myriad of services. In his opening comments David discusses how far the firm has come and how it has evolved since inception.
“Originally, Martech Polar began as a one-man operation in the 1990’s and has now grown to a team that numbers more than two dozen experienced polar mariners and experts in polar shipping operations and calls upon associates for consultation services whenever needed. Though our base of operations has remained in Canada we operate throughout both Antarctic and Arctic regions. Our base in a truly Arctic coastal nation with
intimate cultural and professional connection to a large Arctic shipping industry keeps us at the forefront of industry technique and trends. “Today, our international breadth ensures we can quickly and professionally adapt and provide the most effective bespoke polar shipping service. Our mission statement “ensuring progress in Polar shipping” assures our clients that we will provide safe planning and execution of Polar voyages for ships of all types. We maintain a global footprint with a team of internationally experienced mariners from countries that include Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Estonia, Russia, France, Italy, Finland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. Our global experience sets us apart from other more regionally based and focused service providers.
We can respond to service requests globally and quickly. Our team’s tremendous breadth of experience allows us to match the right Ice Navigator with the right experience to a particular vessel or trade, whether it is cargo, passenger, research, super yacht or government vessel.” Seeking to offer guests a truly authentic artic experience, Martech Polar’s experience and familiarity in challenging Polar Regions provides clients with the best way forward in ensuring safe and efficient operations. David explores the firm’s experience in more detail and outlines how this benefits its valued clients.
“Martech Polar exists to ensure progress in polar shipping, with safety first in everything we do. Our role is to provide ship owners and operators with the most experienced Ice Navigators that come onboard and provide expert advice to the Master and the bridge team, fully integrating into the bridge team. Our consultation services utilize the same team to provide pre-voyage assessment, planning and voyage execution monitoring services. All of our team are either active Ice Navigators or specialists in ice analysis, ice class design and construction or polar expedition support as the mission requires. “Operationally, our experienced and certified Ice Navigators provide onboard guidance to clients, ensuring safe operation in Polar waters, whether within ice regimes or avoiding ice regimes.
28 Corporate Vision 2019 Canadian Business Awards
Our sea going team members hold current senior STCW Certificates of Competency, Polar Code Compliant Certificates of Proficiency in Polar Waters Advanced Training and Nautical Institute Ice Navigator Level 2 certification. While onboard, our Ice Navigators integrate fully with the command team, reporting to the Master directly and providing advice and watchkeeping capability when in or near ice. Our consultation team draws upon a broad spectrum of operational ice specialists, technical design and construction experts with ice class experience and ice physics specialists.” Thanks to the firm’s vast expertise, it is able to offer its clients tailored solutions designed to meet their exact needs, as David is keen to highlight.
“As part of our focus on providing our clients with the services they need, at Martech Polar our services are bespoke from beginning to end. We work with clients to determine what their needs truly are, guiding them through the realities versus myths of polar operations. We follow a reiterative process to narrow down and focus on the true client needs then match our specific resources to those needs. We also attempt stay abreast of the latest updates in communication and ice analysis technology in order to assure that our teams have available the most accurate and time. Depending on the situation our Ice Navigators may arrive onboard with specialist equipment loaded
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with ice navigation and route planning software that can display geo-referenced ice charts, ice imagery overlaid on real time ship surface radar images. Wherever possible the most recent charts and imagery are accessed and utilized. This approach ensures that we are always able to offer our clients cutting-edge services that they can truly rely on.” As he looks to the future, David foresees an even greater focus on polar exploration, and as such Martech Polar has many exciting opportunities for further growth and success over the years to come.
“Currently, we are seeing a steady growth in the global need for experienced Ice Navigators and
Martech Polar Consulting Ltd
expertise both onboard ships as well as providing Polar and ice operations consultancy. As global climate change continues to slowly open new routes and destinations to shipping that before now would have been avoided, the Polar Regions, our expertise will continue to be required. Martech Polar will ensure that our team is ready for any changes in the industry related to Polar and ice shipping to remain at the forefront and ensure safety and progress in Polar shipping.
the greatest challenge. It has been said that it takes as long to train an Ice Navigator as it does a brain surgeon. Understanding this is key to safe conduct of vessels in ice. Martech Polar ensures our team members possess the highest levels of certification combined with years of experience manoeuvring
vessels in ice thereby providing our clients with safe guidance for their Polar operations. Moving forward, we will continue to adapt to new designs and new regional operating areas as they develop ensuring our continuing presence at ‘the top of the curve’ of experienced polar and ice navigation specialists.”
“As interest in Polar and ice operations is growing in the maritime industry, meeting the onboard skills and experience demanded to operate ships safely in ice infested waters remains
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: Martech Polar Consulting Ltd Name: Captain David (Duke) Snider Address: 563 Caselton Place, Victoria, BC, Canada Telephone Number: 1-250-479-4745 Web Address: www.martechpolar.com
Jan19021
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Librestream Technologies Inc.
Best Augmented Realty Asset Management Solutions Company 2019 Librestream Technologies Inc. is a pioneer in the remote expertise in industrial sectors. As part of our overview of a selection of this year’s Canadian Business Awards winners we profile the firm to find out more and explore the secrets behind its success. Since its launch in 2003, Librestream’s Remote expert solution has evolved into a robust augmented reality service platform focusing on empowering the industrial service worker. The verticals include; heavy industrial manufacturing, energy, oil and gas, and aerospace. Today, Librestream’s Augmented Reality Service Platform includes core AR capabilities including remote expert, digital work instructions, rich content access, and data analytics. The platform digitizes your worker’s day by empowering workers with immediate access to augment content, remote experts and data and analytics. The platform includes Onsight Connect remote expert and
Onsight Flow digital work instructions software for wearables, smartphones, tablets, PCs, and specialized rugged Onsight accessories. Optimized to perform in real world field situations, Onsight performs in ultra-low bandwidth and highly secure environments.
expert guidance and Onsight Flow digital work instructions software on mobile devices, wearables or computers, to Onsight Workspace a specialized content solution for industrial teams. Built for enterprise, Onsight meets stringent security, network, and infrastructure requirements.
Users can collaborate with live or recorded video, audio, onscreen drawing, image capture, remote control capabilities and much more. They can also create a knowledgebase of saved Onsight Sessions with the Onsight content management system for later use in training and mentoring of new workers.
Designed to withstand difficult environments and provide
high quality video with minimal bandwidth, the Onsight Augmented Reality Service Platform is safe, secure, and always reliable. Ultimately, every 15 seconds there is an Onsight call made globally, and moving forward Librestream will continue to focus on driving its innovative solution to even greater success.
Flexible and innovative, Onsight provides the right tool for every field environment; from the Onsight Cube, Onsight rugged smart camera, Onsight Connect remote
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: Librestream Technologies Inc. Name: Reyna Olivares Address: Suite 110, 895 Waverley Street Telephone Number: 2044870612 Web Address: https://librestream.com/
30 Corporate Vision 2019 Canadian Business Awards
Jan19041
, Brick Warehouse Corporation
Best Retail Furniture Business 2019 - New Brunswick Thanks to nearly 50 years’ experience in the furniture supply market, Brick Warehouse Corporation (The Brick) is able to offer its clients unrivalled quality and service. Celebrating the firm’s win in our 2019 Canadian Business Awards we profile it to find out more and explore the secrets behind its success. Since its inception in 1971, the Brick has been offering its clients high quality household furniture, mattresses, appliances and home electronics at great prices. Agonise the Brick, additional subsidiaries of the group include MidNorthern Appliance, a commercial and residential appliance supplier, and First Oceans, which sources furniture and other products for our business. Also part of the Brick Group is TransGlobal Service, which provides after-sales support to customers, and TransGlobal Insurance, which sells property and life insurance across
Canada. TransGlobal Warranty Corp., meanwhile, administers the group’s extended warranty programs.
as such it works hard to support them and drive them to enhance their skillset for both their own benefit and that of the Brick.
As such, the group is able to offer every client the benefit of its combined expertise so that they can rest assured when they work with Brick they are in safe, experienced hands.
Both quality and price are key factors for today’s furniture buyers, and as such they are important to the Brick, which works directly with manufacturers to ensure that they receive the products they want at a price they love.
Operating more than 220 stores across Canada, the Brick itself is a key part of the group, and drives its furniture sales to a wide range of corporate and private clients throughout the country. Supporting the firm is its legion of staff, all of whom are committed to providing clients with the highest possible level of service. They are the bedrock of the firm’s success, and
With everything from furniture and mattresses through to electronics and appliances, there is always
something for everyone, and the Brick’s friendly sales associates work hard to ensure every client walks away with the product package they need to make their house a home. No matter the size of the space, there is something to suit all tastes and styles, and the Brick is constantly enhancing its product offering to ensure that it always exceeds expectations. Looking to the future, the Brick will continue to strive towards excellence and to deliver quality furniture that their clients will cherish and love.
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: Brick Warehouse Corporation Contact: Simon Paradis Website: https://thebrick.com/
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Jan19039
Enigma Escapes
Most Pioneering Escape Room Operator 2019 & Award for Excellence in Team Building Events 2018 Based in Winnipeg, Enigma Escapes offers a premium live escape experience. We invited Laura Hawkins to talk us through the firm and the range of games it has to offer to its intrepid players. Escape rooms have become a growing trend in immersive gaming and team building. Many companies have worked to create unique puzzles and experiences that their customers can enjoy.
“At Enigma Escapes we have 11 different themes in three locations and are currently working on three new games. After visiting escape rooms across Europe four years ago, we began to develop a plan to create immersive themes that would appeal to a wide audience.
”Each of our rooms is uniquely ours and begins with a story line video to set the mood. We have custom software for our host (known as the gamemaster) to provide hints in a non-intrusive manner.” “As part of our approach, we are able to specifically tailor hints to the players’ skill level, giving them just as much assistance as they need to be successful. For this reason, our rooms are enjoyed by guests as young as 10 and up. Through our associated company Gamemasters, we deliver the
same great experience to players in 22 different cities across Canada and the US.”
rooted in authentic psychology principles and deliver a fun yet meaningful experience.”
Escape games are fantastic for corporate team-building, for taking a group outside their normal day to day realm and into a new experience where they learn to see each other in a different light.
This exceptional experience would be near impossible without a dedicated and supportive group of staff, and as such Laura is understandably keen to showcase their hard work and discuss how her team is the backbone behind the firm’s ongoing success.
Rather than an approach that focuses on gaps or deficiencies in team dynamics, the firm’s sessions build on positive core strengths through appreciative inquiry and active listening techniques before, during, and after the escape room experience. Laura explores this in more detail.
“Our corporate team-building session was created by a clinical psychologist and is very positive and fun. The concepts are
“As a family-owned, familyrun business, we are deeply passionate about providing a premier experience to our guests. We extend that passion to our staff as well. They know that we are committed to providing an informal, flexible workplace with a keen understanding of their lives. We work around exams, studying, other school commitments to accommodate
A group gamemaster photo from the early days.
Enigma Escapes now has over 40 gamemasters on staff.
32 Corporate Vision 2019 Canadian Business Awards
The first planning meeting for Enigma Escapes in the fall of 2014.
g
Enigma Escapes
Escape Room Shot Curse of the Evil Genie
schedules as much as possible. We encourage independence, and we empower employees to make on the spot decisions. When problems do arise, we address them quickly. We have a staff of 42 university and high school students and deeply care about each of them. We are proud to be the best possible ‘first job’ for many.” “We have staff members who have been with us from the very beginning who have grown into management positions and who play a vital role in our success. Our very hard-working installation team assembles our turn-key rooms in communities throughout the US and Canada, and our Enigma gamemasters enthusiastically welcome each and every guest and guide them through their games ensuring the best possible experience. We are very proud of our team and thrilled to share our successes, including this award, with all of them.” Many see the escape room industry as a means of making easy money, but for Enigma Escapes this is a passion, and as such the team are constantly enhancing their service offering and working to develop new ideas for unique games. Laura shares an insight into how the industry
is changing and how her firm is adapting to ensure a cutting-edge experience for every player.
“As many escape room companies are coming to the end of their original leases, it appears that some of those who went into the industry with little investment hoping to get rich quick may not continue operation. Companies have found that in order to provide the game player with the level of game sophistication they demand, a greater investment is required. This means that the entire industry is refining and improving with better developers and owners doing well and lower quality operations dwindling. This bodes well for those who believe in providing an excellent game experience to their customers such as our team here at Enigma Escapes. We’re also proud to be part of Winnipeg’s escape room community. Some of the best games we have played in the world are located right here in Winnipeg.” “We work hard to continually provide our guests with an innovative, exciting experience which means adapting around the latest industry developments and trends. Each of our escape rooms have custom created props to ensure a fun and immersive
experience. We continually research new developments in the industry by playing in Europe and in attending conferences. While some escape rooms are exploring the use of virtual reality in their games, we have chosen not to go that route. We believe strongly that genuine room interactivity is an experience that will continue to deliver.” As she looks to the future Laura foresees even greater success for
Enigma Escapes as the firm looks to enhance its service offering and grow even further throughout 2019 and beyond.
“Looking ahead, Enigma Escapes will continue to develop new escape room concepts and to grow our Gamemasters business. We also have a number of non-North American projects in development which will provide us with many exciting opportunities for further growth and success.”
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: Enigma Escapes Name: Laura and Allan Hawkins, Shea Kosokowsky, Shaun and Kaleigh Gray Address: Unit 4-980 Lorimer Blvd. 24 Keenleyside St. Telephone Number: 2042190014 Web Address: www.enigmaescapes.com
Jan19053
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Defence Unlimited International Corp
Best Military Asset Brokers 2019 Thanks to its vast industry expertise and knowledge, Defence Unlimited International Corp is a defence, Military and security consultancy and broker supporting a wide range of clients around the world. As part of our overview of a selection of the winners of this year’s Canadian Business Awards we profile the firm to find out more and explore the secrets behind its success. Founded in 2015 Defence Unlimited has since flourished thanks to its dedication to client service and vast industry expertise which spans into the entire global defence, intelligence and security markets. Today, the firm assists in the facilitation of arrangements in which the purchasing government of an importing country obliges the supplying company of an exporting country to reinvest some proportion of the contract in the importing country. The company also offers export compliance services to companies within the defence export sector. With one of the largest networks of defence consultants around the world, Defence Unlimited is able to
meet the needs of its international clients. The firm’s team are all experts in the government, defence, military, and security industries, as well as being proven executive leaders in contracting, government procurement policies and practices. It is this expertise that has helped the company to flourish since inception, and allowed it to provide such a wide range of solutions across the defence, global intelligence and security spaces. Overall, Defence Unlimited has achieved incredible success over the years since it first began, and looking ahead it has a bright future in front of it as the firm seeks to continue to providing its clients with the same exceptional level of service and expertise that they have come to rely on.
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: Defence Unlimited International Corp Contact: Stephen Cannon or Edward Banayoti Email: edward@defenceunlimited.com Website: defenceunlimited.com
34 Corporate Vision 2019 Canadian Business Awards
Jan19144
, Eurowood Carpentry 2000 Inc.
Best Custom Home Framing Specialists - GTA Eurowood Carpentry 2000 Inc is a full-service professional Framing Contractor that is located in Mississauga, Ontario. We profile the firm to find out more and explore how far it has come since inception. Established in 1987, Eurowood Carpentry 2000 has since flourished. Today, the firm is one of the largest independent framing contractors servicing residential builders and commercial clients in the Greater Toronto and surrounding areas. With over 32 years’ experience in the custom home framing market, Eurowood Carpentry 2000 has earned a reputation for providing its customers with the highest quality and workmanship.
This allows it to work alongside a wide range of clients and provide them with an array of services and innovative solutions. Seeking to meet the needs of its diverse range of clients, the firm offers many services including exceptional structural integrity and designs fulfilling industry exceptional quality. Additionally, Eurowood Carpentry 2000 offers exceptional customer service, dependability, along with the highest standard in project safety. As a highly regarded professional contractor, Eurowood Carpentry
2000 specializes in the framing stage of any project. To achieve this, the firm uses experienced framing carpenters, and its over 50 crews use state of the art laser equipment while exercising all safety procedures. The firm also have certified forklift and crane operators to manage its zoom-boom and crane equipment to ensure that every project is carried out to the highest possible level of quality and safety. Resulting in Eurowood
Carpentry having been awarded ‘Trade Contractors of the Year 2009’ from BILD. Ultimately, Eurowood Carpentry 2000’s mission is to provide its valued clients with the best services possible while keeping costs low and affordable at the same time. The firm strive for client satisfaction at all times, and this will remain its ongoing focus as it looks towards a bright and exciting future filled with invigorating new projects.
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: Eurowood Carpentry 2000 Inc. Contact: Carlos Silva (416) 676-2551 Jorge Santos (416) 676-8383 Website: http://eurowoodcarpentry.ca/ Email: Info@eurowoodcarpentry.ca
Jan19143
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ASAP Rent Software Inc.
Best Car Rental Software Provider 2019 Drawing on client feedback and the firm’s vast experience in the market, ASAP Rent Vehicle Rental Software has been built specifically for the vehicle rental industry. We invited Michel King to tell us more about the firm and its innovative solution. For more than 15 years, ASAP Rent has listened to the vehicle rental industry, and acted on what it has learned. As a result, ASAP Rent has evolved into one of the most advanced vehicle rental and fleet management software providers, offering a unique solution that is powerful, integrated and easy to use. Any business will benefit from serial number management, picture integration of clients and fleet inventory, integrated email and faxing, driver’s license and credit card swiping, color-coded availability calendar, telematic and many more features. All of these solutions are provided within a standard Windows environment, using basic off-the-shelf hardware and your preferred browser. Thanks to its innovative range of features ASAP Rent is now powerful enough to meet any clients’ multi-branch and hightransaction needs, yet easy to implement and use, and flexible enough to grow as the business expands and changes. Michael explores how his company has developed a truly innovative, dynamic and client focused tool that truly meets their needs and exceed their expectations.
“Over the years ASAP Rent has been in business, we have gained an intimate understanding of the vehicle rental business processes and best practices. Our most innovative ASAP Rent software solutions were developed with all this experience and customer knowledge in mind. All of our features are designed
with the objective to make it work seamless with the rental operations: it must be flexible and easy to use. “Our unique solution has helped us to become a recognized leader in the industry with a significant share of the vehicle rental market and a long list of reference customers. We constantly strive to improve our software and place the customer needs at the center of our approach in developing our products and training and supporting our clients so that they can use them to the best of their advantage. The solution takes less than few hours to learn and operate, and we offer an e-learning tutorial which is integrated into the ASAP Rent application with information bulbs and dialog boxes. These bring an unparalleled, friendly user experience that ensures our clients fully understand their solution and feel confident in using it properly.” This incredible solution would be impossible without a dedicated team of staff, all of whom are both experienced in the car rental market and committed to excellence. Michael discusses his firm’s values and internal culture in more detail to offer a fascinating insight into how the company has achieved its incredible market position.
“At ASAP Rent, we come from the industry and been raised into it since we are kids. Our family business specialized in the vehicle dealership’s including father, uncle and cousins for three generations, and as such we really understand all the process of this industry and are able to convert it into specialized software
36 Corporate Vision 2019 Canadian Business Awards
application that would benefit to users with an easy and simple intelligent approach. “As a family business we treat our customers like members of this family and we know by serving our own customers in our family vehicles dealership’s business what they need to preserve their loyalty and satisfaction.” In his concluding comments Michael explores his firm’s success and how, despite this, he and his team are keen not to rest on their laurels, but instead to offer clients truly cutting-edge solutions over the years to come.
“Since inception ASAP Rent has achieved incredible success, and our solution is now used by more than a thousand of vehicles rental organizations across Canada, the United States, UK, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Middle East, South Africa, Croatia and Norway. With an everexpanding network of agents and distributors we are committed to bringing our clients the best-ofbreed of the next generation of
rental vehicle software available in todays market. “As testimony to the level of innovation we provide, ASAP Rent technology is presently being used by more than 5,000 users including car dealers and vehicles rental franchisees such as: Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Practicar, General Motors, Toyota and multitude of independent car rental companies located worldwide across North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia offering them a multi-currency, multi-time zone and multilanguage solution. “Ultimately, ASAP Rent is the most powerful, integrated and easy to use vehicle rental management software on the market at the best acquisition cost of the industry with a proven track record of success. Moving forward we will continue to adapt our solutions to meet the everevolving needs of our clients, including incorporating advanced data protection features in line with the increasing focus on cyber security that we are seeing in the market today.”
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: ASAP Rent Software Inc. | Name: Michel King Address: 1000, de La Gauchetiere O., Suite 2400 | Telephone Number: 14504308444 | Web Address: www.asaprent.ca
Jan19592
, Rothenberg Capital Management
Best Independent Financial Services Brokers 2019 - Canada Drawing on more than 40 years’ experience in the market, Rothenberg Capital Management (RCM) is one of Canada’s leading financial services broker providing sound unbiased advice and financial solutions. To celebrate the firm’s success in this year’s Canadian Business Awards we profile it and showcase the techniques it employs to ensure client satisfaction. Since its inception in 1979 RCM has kept its focus on its clients’ well-being and treating every client as family, so that they feel supported at all times. As a full-service stock broker, the firm offers local expertise, national presence and international resources to give its clients access to the most diverse range of investment products. Today, this boutique financial planning firm’s success is firmly rooted in the fact that its approach has led it to serve a large group of very satisfied and loyal clients across Canada. Every client receives an exceptional level of service from the very beginning of their association with RCM, with the firm initially showcasing their perfect Balanced Portfolio example. Following this, the most important part of the firm’s process is to get to know the client and understand their needs and what they are looking for in a financial planner and service broker. Once their goals have been defined, the RCM team define their goals put together a written financial action plan which is tailored around the clients’ requirements. This includes a comprehensive overview which spans all strategies and options to grow, protect and serve the needs of the client, such as investment
information and selection, income splitting and other tax saving strategies, and estate planning.
feel valued and supported and as such remain working with the firm for many years.
Once the plan is agreed upon it is monitored throughout the clients’ time working with the firm, and as such clients can make decisions based on accurate and reliable information. Such a comprehensive, client-focused approach ensures that every client receives the support they need and is able to feel safe in growing and protecting their money.
Ultimately, over the past four decades RCM has evolved tremendously. The firm’s team has grown and diversified, but to this very day they remain united by their passion and dedication to giving the most sound and unbiased advice to their clients.
Client service is imperative to ensuring that this approach works, and as such RCM is the only full-service stock brokers in Canada whose Wealth Management Advisors are paid a salary, because encourages the advisor to spend more time with the client and give truly unbiased advice. It also encourages the advisor to take the time to improve their knowledge with additional training. Team work is also enhanced because the advisor is not constantly preoccupied with making trades. It also allows the advisor to treat the smaller investor with respect. This unique approach is specifically designed to benefit the quality of the relationship with the client. Testimony to the success of this approach is the long term relationships that RCM has with many of its clients, who
Seeking to build upon this phenomenal success, moving
forward RCM is looking to broaden its client base and grow through acquisition throughout Canada. The team feel that there are many brokers and investment firms that would benefit from RCM’s unique approach and would like to be part of the Rothenberg team. Such growth will enable RCM to offer its award-winning service offering to an even wider client base and enhance its already vast array of solutions throughout 2019 and beyond.
CONTACT DETAILS: Company: Rothenberg Capital Management | Name: Helen Corrigan & Robert Rothenberg |Address: 4488 St. Catherine St. W., Montreal, Quebec, H3Z 1R2, Canada | Telephone Number: 514-934-0586 | Web Address: www.rothenberg.ca
, RYU Apparel Inc - RYU.com
RYU Launches New Website To Evolve Digital Experience RYU Apparel Inc., creators of urban athletic apparel, has officially launched its new RYU.com website. RYU – which stands for Respect Your Universe – is an award-winning Vancouver-based urban athletics and accessories brand with nine experiential retail stores, fully operational in Canada and the United States. The new website expands on the RYU philosophy of putting the human at the centre of all experiences. With this, the requirements of the visitor to the website are being met, whether they are looking to purchase or looking to be
involved in our community – the will fully understand what it means to Respect Your Universe. The new RYU.com provides a greater visual representation of products, allowing the visitor to clearly identify the features and benefits before being led through an improved and streamlined checkout process. The experience doesn’t just stop at purchase. A great deal of effort has gone into making sure the finer details in the confirmation
38 Corporate Vision 2019 Canadian Business Awards
and post purchase delivery emails live up to the brand proposition. The site allows the browser to use multiple filters in order to locate their perfect product. The information architecture of the site allows for easy location of key content whether browsing on a mobile device, tablet or desktop, a truly responsive and immersive experience. This is one of the many steps RYU is taking towards a much stronger digital play in 2019. The improved intelligence and behavioral flows allows for site optimization and personalization.
Built on the Magento ecommerce platform and hosted on Amazon Web Services, this best in class experience will ensure stability and feature rich scalability for the foreseeable future.
“By upgrading our online experience, we made a major step forward for our Company. We are now able to offer to our digital members the same inclusive experience that lives in our Brick & Mortar locations” said Marcello Leone, CEO of RYU. “This exciting new development continues to lay the foundations for the future digital growth of the company on a global scale.”
, Canadian Solar’s First Solar Power Project
Canadian Solar’s First Solar Power Project of 68 MWp in Mexico Started Commercial Operations Canadian Solar Inc., one of the world’s largest solar power companies, has announced its first solar power project of 68 MWp in Mexico started commercial operations in January 2019. The solar plant, located in Aguascalientes, Mexico, is powered by over 200,000 Canadian Solar high-efficiency poly modules CS6U-P. The plant will generate 145 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity annually, enough to power 20,690 households and offset 72,700 tons of carbon dioxide emission each year. In addition to that, a total of 535 jobs were created during the PV plant construction and more than 15 new jobs are expected to be created for operations and maintenance during the upcoming 20 years the plant is in operation. Canadian Solar will provide
operations and maintenance services to the plant. Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar commented, “Achieving commercial operations for the Aguascalientes project is a significant milestone for Canadian Solar.
This definitely strengthens our position as a leading solar project developer in Mexico and Latin America. Mexico is a very important new market for us where we started solar project development business three years ago. We have a remaining pipeline of 368 MWp of solar
projects in Mexico with awarded power purchase agreements. Construction of these late-stage projects will soon start and commercial operations will be achieved in 2020.” Canadian Solar competed for and won the Aguascalientes project
in the first Long Term Auction in Mexico in 2016. According to the contract agreement, the electricity generated will be sold to Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) under a 15-year PPA for energy and capacity, and 20-year for Clean Energy Certificates.
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40 Corporate Vision 2019 Canadian Business Awards
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