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Rebecca Loo Profile

ALBERTA’S LARGEST INDEPENDENT PAGING COMPANY

with Muggsy, Marty & Mark

W

hat was to have been a 60th

birthday celebration for Howard Pechet turned into a sad day. Family patriarch Eugene Pechet passed away Saturday, August 23 rd at his home in Edmonton.

He was 91. I’ll call him Gene because that’s how I knew him.

I used to frequent his Corona Hotel beer parlor, although I didn’t drink the stuff—still don’t.

My “usual” was tomato juice. As I recall, Gene complained, “I can’t make any money on you.”

Gentleman Gene was one of the most prolific hoteliers in Alberta, developing upwards of 25 establishments. Hotels were just Eugene Pechet part of his success; he was equally astute in real estate and finance… seeing the future long before it got here. I’m referring to Stage West at the Mayfield Inn which was the first entertainment venue of its kind in these parts, and his role as founder of the Canadian Western Bank.

As mentioned in last month’s column, Gene was the first of three generations of Pechets to take a leadership role in hotel and real estate development. His son Howard and now the grandchildren will carry on the legacy of this rather extraordinary man.

All of us at the Edmontonians extend our deepest sympathy to the family.

Graham gets loads of invitations to events so Deborah saw much of Edmonton… and had more fun than she should have. A very charming lady.

My dear friend and fellow columnist Bruce Hogle received the Imperial Potentate’s Award of Merit at the annual meeting of the Shriners, held in St. Louis in July. He is only the fourth Canadian Shriner to achieve this honour and the first from the Prairie Provinces.

Bruce didn’t know he was getting the award. The Shriners “worked through Gail to ensure I was there on the pretext of giving my final report to the Shrine Imperial public relations Bruce Hogle committee. I’ve been a committee member for the past 16 years and, as I was stepping down, they also made me an emeritus member of that committee.” It was Bruce who spearheaded Operation Red Coat/Red Fez, a program that partnered Shriners with Alberta’s RCMP to promote the services of Shriners Hospitals in rural, isolated areas.

“It was truly a shock and nice surprise,” says the humble but illustrious Sir Bruce, as he is known in those circles.

Hmmm… I guess I should treat him with more respect.

Some of our younger readers won’t remember

Victoria Golf Course. There’s a bunch of excited inventors who either work at the golf course or are good at marketing. Kevin Hogan had the idea for a muscle memory training device for putting. Matteo “Matty” Piscopo made the original rough copy and then they turned it over to Joe Forest of Glass Wood Ltd. who did the final design and initial marketing. The first 300 sold quickly. The folks who hang around the putting green swear by the corrected repetitive stroke. Some claimed they sank 50 putts in a row, but they didn’t say from how far. Could be a game breaker... and a great gift idea. There’s even a pink putter for the ladies.

the “Pink Lady” or her shop next door to the Rialto Theatre on 101st Street north of Jasper Avenue. They won’t even remember the Rialto. Anyway, Michael Mandryk was a very close friend of Helen Sinclair who always wore pink no matter the season. She owned Coopers of Hollywood, a jewelry store filled with designer bling that was way ahead of its time. Helen was so successful she was able to retire with her husband Harold to a home on Diamond Head Road in Hawaii. She lived there, according to Michael, “in comfortable luxury” until her passing about a month ago.

The one-time owner of Michael’s—the best flowere shop in town—visited the Pink Lady many times over the years.

He now hangs his hat at Tim Horton’s across from Grant MacEwan College on 104th Avenue.

I spent some time with Graham Hicks from

OOPS!... my illustrious editor asked me to

The Sun and his sister Deborah who was here from Italy.

She’s retiring from the UN where she had been in charge of food distribution to Third World countries for many years. I asked what it was like being in front of crowds of hungry, starving people. She said that most, no matter how desperate, are orderly—with the exceptions of the Somalis who can be quite scary.

convey her apologies to Adrianna Davies who was front and centre in the Doors Open feature at the Prince of Wales Armouries, not at Campus Saint Jean in the French Quarter.

And, we will never spell Davies without an “e” again. That said, the Doors Open Festival was a success and next year will be even better as more building owners become involved.

There’s more than coyotes howling at the

Our congratulations to Myron Belej who wins dinner for two at Ric’s Grill for correctly identifying 10 of the doors that opened to the public during the festival. His entry was the first received at 12:43pm on Sunday, August 10th. The doors opened to: 1. Ansgar Lutheran Church 2. Birks Building 3. Maclean Block/Audrey’s Bookstore 4. Masonic Hall 5. St. Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral 6. McKay Building/Blue Plate Diner 7. Metals Limited Building/Ric’s Grill 8. Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples 9. Phillips Building/Lofts 10. Anglican Parish of Christ Church. Thanks to everyone who entered.

I will probably never stop defending the existence of the City Centre Airport. I understand its fate is going to be debated by city council again.

I shudder to think of the area being home to 37,000 citizens as has been suggested. And I question the numbers that are being touted regarding the value of the land and the tax revenues that would be gained through re-development. Nowhere have I seen estimates of what it would cost to repurpose the land.

A short history lesson, if I may: The airport has been open for more than 75 years and has a rich history… including the heroics and antics of some pretty famous “bush pilots”. More importantly is its role in World War II. Edmonton was a major staging point for aircraft going overseas and up the Alaskan Highway. It was a hub of activity and industry. One old-timer told me that, on a typical day, planes would be lined up on each side of the field—three rows across and about one to two blocks long. Pretty impressive, eh?

Now the downside of all this glory is that the aircraft were serviced on the field—much of it a dirt runway.

Fuel was drained from barrels… and there was a lot of spillage. For decades, there were fuel tanks by all the hangars and people just pumped the gas themselves… and there was a lot of spillage. It wasn’t a huge concern then. It should be now. The level of contamination under the tarmac is immeasurable and unknown. Even I know there are buried commercial fuel tanks at City Centre, like the ones at the abandoned ESSO station on Whyte Avenue and four others locations.

I’ve asked a number of engineers about reclaiming the land. The guesses range to hundreds of millions. Who has that kind of money?

Taxpayers? It’s time for city council to let sleeping dogs and contaminated soil lie. Leave City Centre alone. Don’t cripple our future.

I hope the downtown airport is still there long after I’m gone. √ Call Muggsy Forbes at 780.482.4545 or e-mail mforbes@edmontonians.com

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oy, you’re going to need a program…

Magic 99—Edmonton’s “smooth jazz” Shannon Tyler station—signed Shannon Tyler to hold down mornings with Duncan Patterson.

Shannon is no stranger to the early shift, having done time at Big Earl FM, CISN FM and Global Edmonton. PD/ND/GM Kurt Leavens takes on news and information.

EZ Rock 104.9 welcomes one of Edmonton’s most recognizable television faces back to radio as Seanna Collins joins Shane Michaels and Cheryl Brooks on the wake-up show. About a decade a go, Seanna also spent time on CHED, Power 92, K-97 and K-Lite. She will continue to host and produce Out There on Global Edmonton, and to operate her own business.

to follow all the morning show changes in the Edmonton broadcast market during the past few weeks.

Never in the history of Edmonton radio—or any North American market I’ve ever heard about—have there been this many changes on one shift at one time as Pepper & Dylan we’re going to see and hear this fall.

There are new personnel on at least five Edmonton morning shows that will debut in some form or another during the fall Bureau of Broadcast Measurement (BBM) period this month.

Let’s run through the changes from the left side of the dial to the right: Talented Rhubard Jones will have a new co-host, yet to be announced, on Joe FM, given the departure of sidekick Audie Lynds over the summer.

Capital FM is reuniting the well known morning team Rob Christie and the aforementioned Audie—past winners of International Radio Rob Christie Awards when they worked together at CHED and Power 92 a dozen years ago.

Terry Evans on K-97 (formerly K-Rock) has a new cohost in Phil Aubrey… while Karen Kay moves back to the CFCW newsroom and Melissa Wright returns to her former daytime shift at the station.

Remaining intact are morning men/women Paul Brown and Gord Whitehead on CHED… Bryn and Jake on Team 1260… Yukon Jack and Gillian Foote at The Bear… Pepper and Dylan at The Bounce… Garner Andrews at Sonic FM… Sharon Mallon and the tireless Danny Hooper on CFCW… and Bruce Bowie and Shawn Evens on CISN FM… with Jennifer Martin still covering a maternity leave on the country station.

Out-and-about in River City… I ran into some well known radio and television personalities. CKUA‘s Terry David Mulligan was in for the Folk Festival and we caught up with a nice chat over lattés at Second Cup. Terry now lives in the Okanagan and his new radio show The Tasting Room has been placed in several markets across the country in the past few months. The show features news and information about the wine biz, and TDM’s special guests include the who’s who of television and movies.

CTV‘s Graham Neil and former Bachelor participant Jennie Adams—and a 2006 Edmontonians’ Sizzler—let me butt into their conversation… where I heard that Jennie

is in the final three being considered to host a CITY TV national talk show called CITY LINE. Good luck, Jen.

Off the radio beat for a minute… The David Foster Foundation will hold a massive

fundraising event mid-month in Edmonton.

As I mentioned in April, this gala started in Victoria several years ago, and has grown into a simply massive Celine Dion social and public & David Foster service event that helps raise a huge amount of money that goes toward a very good cause. It’s an evening filled with surprises… including who the headliner is.

Tickets are scarce, pricey and sold by the table. So unless you’re included in a corporate buy, you’re out of luck. I don’t have an invite yet… my plan is to sneak in the back door dressed as a waiter. The gala will be one of the city’s most talked-about events ever… especially given our reputation as one of the most community supportive cities in the entire nation.

Finally, I guess the final change in Edmonton radio is… well… me. After 38 years of working at the biggest and best stations in Canada, I’m calling it a day at the end of the year.

The plan is to spend half the year in Phoenix, and half here—guess which half? I’ll still be involved with Astral Media Radio GP as a consultant. But, it’s time to sit back and enjoy some time riding my motorcycle through the Deep South.

It’s been a slice. √ Marty Forbes is VP and general manager of The Bear, EZRock and The TEAM 1260 Sports Radio. Contact marty@edmontonians.com

the main stage I like Joan city. Does Edmonton have a traditional town crier? If not, Osborne—she cooked. we need one.

As well, I enjoyed Moooving along… the Telus Celebration of Giving Buckwheat Zydeco. means huge cash for the community, given out with class In closing: “I saw an and style. But what really makes the evening special is that event that this community half of the total is raised by the employees of Telus. If should be proud of, it was you’re one of them and you’re reading this, good on you. soulful and fun without being pretentious. One of Back of the Pack Gang… Fellow Doughboy and the best music events I great friend Nick Lees of the Edmonton Journal called me have been to thus far.” a few days before the ING Marathon. “Mark, the marathon Rod is a virgin no more. organizers put out the call for volunteers for this Sunday’s One last thing on the run. I want to get the gang together to man an aid station. olk Fest Virgin… My best buddy Rod Were Folk Fest: a big “hello” to You in?” Of course I was. rolled into Edmonton e Rod Wer super volunteer Valda The Back of the Pack to catch the Tom Roberts. You’ve most likely seen Gang is a fine group of Petty/Steve Winwood es Le ck & Ni her during the past 21 years. I ran people who have joined Nick concert at the Edmonton Folk Gary Johnson into her in the beer garden where to run 42.2km for many Music Festival. By the way, the she sold me a raffle ticket. I asked charities. They have worn Petty/Winwood show was one of her why she has been involved for tutus, carried ladders, the best to hit this city in 10 years. so many years. She smiled at me pushed an oil derrick, and I suggested Rod might want to and said, “I get to dance anywhere done many other spirited come early to take in some of the I want to while I working, things. I myself joined the other performers. Rod, a member sweetie.” Good on ya, Valda. gang in the early 2000s of The Blue Montegos, is a along with Stephen Antle singer/songwriter and a major and Bruce Bowie to form In my mind, fall golf is the best. So I music fan. He and I have traveled all over—the Gorge to the Doughboys with Nick. We helped have a charity tourney for you to get in on—a see Steely Dan, Reno to see The Who, and the Puyallup raise more than $250,000 for the Salvation Army by great cause and a great course. The 3rd annual Habitat for State Fair to see the Allman Brothers to name but few of running the Ottawa and Edmonton marathons, and holding Humanity Golf Tournament will go down at the Belvedere our musical journeys. I have been yammering on about the various events like the 3 Doughboys Balls. There has been Golf and Country Club on September 10th. It is an early EFMF to RW for years and he finally made it, camera in shotgun start at 9 am. The mission of Habitat for Humanity talk of another ball—I’ll let you know. hand. So I thought it would be great to have a Folk Fest On race day, Back of the Packers Yardley Jones, Carole is “to mobilize volunteers and community partners in Virgin point of view for my column.

Collinge, Bernice Aebly, Bill Preshing, Bill Preshing Jr., building affordable housing and promoting home During our debrief/beers, here is what Rod observed.

Harry Buddle, David Velting, Gary Johnson and John ownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty.”

Overall: “The Folk Fest was outstanding… above all McGee handed out water, Gatorade and popsicles to hot Why not be part of that mission? Contact: Ha Van @ 780expectations. I was impressed with how diverse it was with runners at the aid station. There is talk of upping the game 479-3566 ext. 246 or hvan@edmonton.hfh.org such a great vibe …an amazing setting and amazing next year. We have been kicking around the idea of a live selection of bands. Thousands of people all getting along, band, massage tables, water hoses, go-go dancers… who Employees step up… I had the pleasure of hosting no trouble, no ill will. You could tell all kinds of planning the first Telus Celebration of Giving in Westbury Theatre at knows what all? and thought went into every aspect of Another plus of the ING Marathon was that Nick and the the TransAlta Arts Barns last month. Dr. Bob the event from how they served the gang collected over $1700 for the Salvation Army. Thanks Westbury—yes, the theatre named after him— food, how they dealt with recyclables, to Denis Davey who ran a PB that day, John McGee, headed up the night. Telus divvied up over how they dealt with the bands and Roald Enokson, Harmeet Kapur of The New Asian $780,000 to various charities: Alberta Diabetes how they laid out the site. This was a Foundation, Bissell Centre, Hope Mission, Pilgrims Village, Shauna Conroy-Rossall, Torske Klubben, The down-to-earth and community-feel Sourdough Raft Race gang, Jack Bawden, Joan Rossall, Hospice Society, Youth Emergency Shelter Society event.”

Pat Sair, Doug Bychyk of Doug’s Place Collision, Eileen and the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.

On the performers: “Jerry Jang, Sam Abouhassan, Jim Scott of Scott Law, Val The night had a Fringe-like atmosphere with an Douglas was outstanding. He had a Rendell and Lorena Sutherland for your help and ultra lounge/elegant vibe. The entertainment was killer band. Man, he is the best donations. If I missed you, I am sorry. I will get you next first class. The Pantoloonatics did their comedic dobro player in the world. The time. √ mime show, Firefly Theatre performed an aerial gospel session Sunday was great.

Agnes Brown silks act, and the Vibe Tribe drummed and belly Sister Agnes Brown was someone Mark Scholz, owner of MES Communications Inc. offers a danced. I also have to mention Stewart Brudet who I knew nothing about and to see variety of services including production, creative and played the town crier. He cried out the beginning of the Queen of Alberta gospel and soul was a real entertainment. For more information or to suggest a story each segment of giving. Made me think about growing up pleasure….to me, she was like a Canadian Mavis Staples. idea, email mscholz@edmontonians.com She was a fireball of emotion and soul…. off the charts. On in Halifax where there was a town crier on staff with the

Valda Roberts

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EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2008

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CELEBRATING

19 YEARS

FOUNDER DICK MacLEAN

Vol. XIX

SEPTEMBER 2008 No. 9

I

NNOVATION with Cheryl Croucher

Dr. Bill Rogers

SHARON MacLEAN Publisher and Advertising Director Telephone: 780.482.7000 Fax: 780.488.9317 e-mail: info@edmontonians.com edmontonians.com

INSIDE VOX POP Muggsy Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Marty Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Mark Scholz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 INNOVATION with Cheryl Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5 2008 SIZZLING 20 UNDER 30 Introduction/Deters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Profiler Laura Underwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Sizzler Profiles/Underwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-20

BARB DETERS Editor

editor@edmontonians.com COLUMNISTS Linda Banister John Berry Linda Bodo Marty Forbes Muggsy Forbes Bruce Hogle Ryan Jesperson David Norwood Erin Rayner Mark Scholz Nizar J. Somji FEATURE WRITERS Barb Deters Rick Lauber Peter Drake McHugh Marg. Pullishy Laura Underwood PHOTOGRAPHERS Terry Bourque Janis Dow Tracy Kolenchuk SPECIAL PROJECTS Edmontonians Transformers Tom Bradshaw Les Brost Steffany Hanlen Larry Ohlhauser

Generation

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shouldn’t blame yourself. The real problem could be the world around you.

Society has changed. And, in the words of Dr. Kim Raine, today’s social and physical environment is “obesogenic”. It promotes overeating and a sedentary lifestyle.

Dr. Raine studies the sociology of nutrition. As the director of the Centre for Health Promotion at the University of Alberta, she and her research team cover a wide range of disciplines, including geography and anthropology.

She outlines the scope of the studies. “Our anthropologists are helping us explore how culture has changed. What’s happening to people when they come from other countries? Are they also becoming obese? We have psychologists to explore how these environmental issues affect our psyche and how that might be motivating our choices. We have a political scientist who helps us to analyze the policies and figure out how the policies have changed over time… and how that might impact these things.”

Dr. Raine expects this research will lead to a better social environment that supports the “thinning” of the nation.

Dr. David Coltman

nuclear technology…

inherently safe

It’s been many years since any nuclear power plants have been built in North America. The memories of Three Mile and Chernobyl linger in the minds of many.

But proponents of using nuclear energy to provide power for oilsands production are pinning their hopes on a new generation of nuclear technology, Generation 4.

Dr. Bill Rogers is with the Idaho National Laboratory, an American agency which specializes in nuclear research. Here’s his quick explanation of what makes Generation 4 different.

“These will be modular systems. They won’t be water cooled, they’ll be gas cooled. They’ll operate at very high temperatures. They have a fuel that never comes in contact with the coolant. They’re inherently safe. They’re built underground. And, if you have the worst possible accident scenario, which is you lose all of your coolant and the temperature starts to rise… you just walk away from them and they heal themselves. And you can go back in and turn them on once you’ve fixed the leak or whatever the problem is.”

Dr. Rogers and his Idaho reserachers will be helping scientists at the Alberta Research Council evaluate the possible use of fourth generation nuclear power in Alberta.

Oh dear...

Chronic Wasting Disease is a Thyphoid Mary

Although the number of confirmed cases is still relatively low, Chronic Wasting Disease continues to spread from Saskatchewan into Alberta’s wild deer population.

As a geneticist and investigator for the Alberta Prion Research Institute, Dr. David Coltman is looking for some way that scientists might predict the spread of the deadly disease.

Using genetic bar-coding, Dr. Coltman has found that the herds mix freely across western Canada. There are no natural or environmental barriers to prevent the spread of CWD from herd to herd. He has also determined that Alberta’s deer belong to a genotype that makes them more susceptible to the disease. This means the incubation period is shorter rather than longer.

Observes Dr. Coltman:, “If you have a long incubation period, the animal is more resistant in the sense that it doesn't get sick as early.

It's a ‘Typhoid Mary’… walking around shedding infectious particles for a much longer time.” He explains that, if an older buck moves over a long distance and encounters several females, the transmission dynamics would be much worse if the deer were "resistant".

However, it's still a mystery exactly how Chronic wasting Disease is spread from deer to deer.

GRAPHIC PRODUCTION Rage Studios Inc. THIS MONTH’S COVER

Sizzler Rebecca Loo Photo by Tracy Kolenchuk Published by 399620 Alberta Ltd. on the first day of each month at C-100 Park Side Tower, 8920-100th Street Edmonton AB CA T6E 4Y8. ©All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Manuscripts: must be accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed envelope. Edmontonians is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.

All stories Copyright ©Edmontonians Publications Mail Agreement No. 40023292 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department C-100 Park Side Tower, 8920-100th Street Edmonton AB CA T6E 4Y8 Email: info@edmontonians.com

If you keep losing the battle of the bulge, maybe you

Dr. Kim Raine

Our obesegenic society is flattening the nation

Pinpointing key uncertainties impacting boreal forest animals The Integrated Landscape Management program led by U of A professor Stan Boutin has spent many years trying to determine ways industry could lessen its impact on boreal wildlife.

While new computer models can help predict future changes, there are still many unknowns. So now Dr. Boutin is shifting his focus to EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2008

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Dr. Stan Boutin

Molecular sieves

could lead to waterless

BITUMEN EXTRACTION

breaking, just as it would on a cracking catalyst,” says Dr. Kuznicki. “The net result of this is that you can take the bitumen in oilsand, selectively break the heavy molecules—the asphaltenes. And now that they’re broken, you can remove the oil that’s now cracked, using a light hydrocarbon-like hexane or pentane without the need for water.”

Because hexane and pentane can be processed on site, Dr. Kuznicki says this waterless extraction process becomes a self-renewing cycle. And the environmental benefit is enormous. √ Cheryl Croucher is host of Innovation Anthology on CKUA Radio. Learn more at www.innovationanthology.com

On the

HORIZON

SEPTEMBER solving what he calls “key uncertainties.” One is the introduction of exotic species into the boreal ecosystem.

As Dr. Boutin points out, “A couple of them that really come to mind are whitetail deer and coyotes… a third one is cowbirds that have potentially big effects on forest birds because they are nest parasites. They lay their eggs in other birds’ nests and that has negative effects on the birds.

“So these things have been around but they haven’t been very big players in the boreal forest. But we have this inkling that they are now…much more common, much more widespread. And so the question is, why is that happening? And secondly, what are the implications of that change in the system?”

Researchers in Dr. Boutin’s lab have already linked the invasion of whitetail deer into the boreal forest to the decline of woodland caribou.

September 19-26 National Biotechnology Week 2008 Events across Canada: www.imagenenation.ca Edmonton events: www.bioalberta.com Dr. Steve Kuznicki

The current process for separating bitumen from the oilsands requires huge volumes of water.

But that could change, thanks to the findings of Dr. Steve Kuznicki, a U of A professor and a principle researcher with the Imperial Oil-Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Oil Sands Innovation.

He is a specialist in new molecular sieves—crystals, both natural and man-made, that separate molecules. A mineral that holds particular interest for him is made from thin slices of volcanic rock that are heated in the presence of oilsand.

“First of all, the bitumen sticks to the surfaces and starts

September 29-30 Cybera Summit 08: Driving Business Innovation Banff Centre www.cybera.ca October 2-3 Banff Venture Forum Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel www.banffventureforum.com October 24 ASTech Awards Gala Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton www.astech.ab.ca

EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2008

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ver the past six years, Edmontonians has profiled 120 dynamic, young entrepreneurs in its Sizzling Twenty under 30 special editions. The tradition heats up again as we fill our pages with the faces and stories of another 20 men and women from the Capital Region.

They are the Sizzlers—self-starters, promising professionals, artists and motivated community volunteers. They are dynamic, urban and modern trendsetters. They are the products of our colleges, universities and life’s experiences—driven by the need to succeed.

The Sizzling 20—nominated by Edmonton’s business leaders, professional mentors,

educators and interested individuals—mark two aspects of Greater Edmonton’s youthful vitality: young leaders and young writers. Sizzling Twenty under 30 is a learning experience for a student from the MacEwan School of Communications who is chosen to interview the finalists, write the profiles and participate in the photo sessions.

Edmontonians’ Sizzling Twenty under 30 encourages other young Albertans to reach beyond their grasp. And, as part of this Signature Event, Lexus of Edmonton—together with Edmontonians, Global Edmonton and numerous corporate sponsors—once again will host a blazing reception this month to recognize our rising stars. ~ Barb Deters

Cara Albo

Don Iveson

Thuc Ronquillo

Gregg Strynadka

Singer, Actress Executive Producer, Skyline Films Edmonton 780.722.0002 carafilms@hotmail.com www.skyline-films.com

City Councillor, Ward 5 2nd Floor, City Hall 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton 780.496.8132 don.iveson@edmonton.ca www.doniveson.ca

Owner, Posh at Home 11235 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton 780.455.8863 thucronquillo@poshathome.ca

Executive, Marketing Director, World Financial Group Suite 1, 4976 - 98 Avenue, Edmonton 780-485-9856 ext. 827 greggwfg@gmail.com www.worldfinancialgroup.com

Brandy Burdeniuk

Dr. Jumana Jarrah

Principal, Director of Design & Marketing EcoAmmo & Green Alberta #600A, 10107 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton 780.466.7616 brandyb@ecoammo.com www.ecoammo.com, www.greenalberta.ca

Owner, New Balance Chiropractic Clinic 10540 - 102 Avenue, Edmonton 780.429.3400 drjarrah@newbalancecc.com www.newbalancecc.com

Co-owner, Sobeys Lakeland & Nottingham Sherwood Park President, Luxus Vacation Properties 780.467.5521 Stephen@luxusvacationproperties.com www.luxusvacationproperties.com

Michael Brechtel Owner, Firebrand Media Edmonton 780. 429.5869 michael@firebrandmedia.ca www.firebrandmedia.ca

Stephani Carter Principal, Director Business Operations & Development EcoAmmo & Green Alberta #600A, 10107 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton 780.466.7616 scarter@ecoammo.com www.ecoammo.com, www.greenalberta.ca

Kevin Gillese Artistic Director, Rapid Fire Theatre Society #204, 10920 – 88 Avenue, Edmonton 780.695.3253 kgillese@fastmail.fm www.rapidfiretheatre.com

Stephen Petasky

Carolyn Jarvis

Giri Puligandia

Weekend News Anchor/Reporter Global Edmonton 5325 Allard Way, Edmonton 780.989.4690 CJarvis@globaltv.com www.globaltv.com

Executive Director Alberta Caregivers Association 10310 – 56 Street, Edmonton 780.453.5088 giri@albertacaregiversassociation.org www.albertacaregiversassociation.org

Bryce Lambert

Ailynn Santos

Owner, Kiwi Productions & Kiwi Records Studio: 10593 – 106 Street, Edmonton 780.886.0547 kiwiproductions4@hotmail.com www.kiwiproductions.ca

Owner, Whimsical Cake Studio 14510-45 Avenue, Edmonton 780.988.2253 info@whimsicalcupcakes.ca www.whimsicalcupcakes.ca

Natasha Thompson Owner, Monarch Consulting #202, 10208-127 Avenue, Edmonton 780.756.0890 monarchconsulting@gmail.com www.monarchconsulting.com

Dustin Thomson Equipment owner Subcontractor at Ledcor 780. 910.3454 thomsondustin@yahoo.ca

Kate Watt Chair, Bringing Home the Dream Fundraiser 780.231.9288 kmwatt@ualberta.ca

Rebecca Loo Co-owner, Director of Operations Octii Nurture Studios Edmonton 780.297.1413 info@octii.com www.octii.com

Jeff Shigehiro

Marlon Wilson

Owner, Shigehiro Financial Planning Inc. 11630 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton 780. 266.9908 jeff@sfplanning.ca www.sfplanning.ca

Owner, Music for Mavericks Edmonton Member, Politic Live 780-722-7845 arlomaverick@hotmail.com www.politiclive.com

More driventhan ever

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uring my practicum year of Grant MacEwan College’s Communications program, I already knew that I didn’t want to take the conventional path. My other course of study was in multimedia, and the combination of these fields immediately opened doors.

I started freelancing through my company, Chemistry Communications and, when the possibility of writing the Sizzling Twenty under 30 profiles came to my attention, I had to jump on it. I had already done some work in print but the majority of my writing had been for website copy and blogs so I was looking forward to working in another medium.

Once I started reading their nominations, I couldn’t wait to meet the Sizzlers. They did not disappoint! Without exception, they are some of the most successful, yet humble… professional, yet approachable people I have ever met. It fed my curiosity to find out what they were all up to, and I happily discovered the passion each has for his or her work. From financial advisors to famous faces, they are living their lives their way, playing by their own rules.

They wouldn’t have it any other way.

Of course, there were challenges in creating this annual feature. At times, when I sat staring at the piles of notes relentlessly mounting on my desk, I wondered if I’d ever make the deadline. I was encouraged Profiler by the Sizzlers’ perseverance and determination to make their careers work. I knew that the public had to know about them, and that others would be as inspired as I have been. It was a wonderful experience overall.

The cooperation was astounding, not only from the Sizzlers but from the two talented photographers, Tracy Kolenchuk and Terry Bourque, and my supportive editor, Barb Deters.

I am proud to say I have been a part of this coming together of some of Edmonton’s finest young people… and I am more driven than ever to count myself among them one day. √ ~ Laura Underwood

Laura Underwood

Editor’s Note: As is our tradition, Edmontonians engaged the services of a Grant MacEwan College student from its School of Communications to interview the Sizzlers, write their profiles and coordinate photography. Laura graduated with her Bachelor of Communications degree in professional writing on August 8th... within days of completing her six-week assignment. In addition, she recently earned a multimedia masters certificate from the Sessions School of Design. Laura and her laptop are currently visiting the United Kingdom where she has dual citizenship.

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EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2008

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S

tephani Carter and Brandy Burdeniuk might just as well enter construction sites carrying green batons. These young women have dedicated their careers—and lives—to ensuring the building industry is in harmony with Mother Earth.

“We believe in doing right for the Earth and treating it well,” 26 year old Brandy says.

The self-confessed “volunteer-aholics” met through MADE—Media, Art & Design in Edmonton—and became instant friends. It wasn’t long before Brandy whispered to Stephani: “When you’re busy enough for two people, give me a call.” It came a week later, and Brandy joined EcoAmmo.

The company had started in 2006 out of Stephani’s frustration. The NAIT-educated interior design technician found herself questioning the products readily available for her projects. “Well, if the paint is going to kill you… it doesn’t matter about the colour,” she reasoned. So it was that she began developing a directory of sustainable building materials, rating costs and levels of sustainability; billing herself as an EcoInterior-Designitect, she began educating builders, designers and architects about their inherent value.

Brandy had intended to study human ecology at the University of Alberta, but a professor encouraged her to major in industrial design. After graduation, she tried to introduce greener working environments and eco-friendly initiatives to employers—a less than rewarding experience. Stephani provided a perfect fit for her level of commitment.

The emergence of EcoAmmo couldn’t have been better orchestrated. It’s in concert with the increasing chorus of consumers, governments and special interest groups calling for sustainable construction projects and practices. Indeed, new City of Edmonton and Alberta government buildings must achieve, at minimum, the LEED® silver standard.

As well, Alberta Home Builders’ Association members can achieve Built Green™ status for residential construction based on product and technology selection. That’s all music to the ears of Stephani and Brandy.

Stephani Carter & Brandy Burdeniuk Eco-designers, business partners, volunteer-aholics Both are trained in the Canada Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Design facilitation—actually, Stephani is an accredited professional of the program and vicepresident of the Edmonton chapter of the Council. LEED® employs guidelines that focus on energy efficiency and EcoAmmo offers independent project documentation among its services.

It also provides interior consultation and sustainable materials workshops.

And, since January, Brandy has been

teaching “Green Design” at the U of A Faculty of Extension, a course developed by the EcoAmmo team.

Their initiatives spawned a complementary project when the Alberta government took note of their knowledge of green products. Discussion ensued… the women received a grant and the go-ahead to establish Green Alberta: a comprehensive on-line library of sustainable building materials and products available in the province. “It’s really fun to see a project go from nothing to finished,” says 28-year old Stephani regarding the new company.

Equally gratifying is watching the behavioural metamorphoses people undergo as they work with EcoAmmo. Skeptical builders become champions of the cause… construction labourers boast that they no longer use paper towels or allow disposable cups on site.

Clients report higher productivity from people who work in EcoAmmo influenced buildings: more natural light… better air quality… overall, healthier, happier environments.

Considering their professional commitment to sustainability, it’s no surprise that it plays a huge part in their personal lives. Stephani and Brandy aspire to spending more time on volunteer vacations, like the conservation trip Stephani recently took to Sri Lanka to study monkeys. Closer to home, both share their expertise and lead tours of the Riverdale NetZero home project.

As well, Stephani serves on the Clean Air Strategic Alliance indoor air quality team, and the steering committee for S.A.G.E.—socially-conscious, alternative, green Edmontonians—a network of local entrepreneurs who focus on sustainability.

Brandy chairs the design and marketing committee for MADE, a group dedicated to heightening awareness of design, art and architecture in the city. This summer, she joined a Habitat for Humanity crew to help build a duplex in Fort Saskatchewan, where she grew up.

She’s also teaming up with her family to construct a strawbale house, and will be organizing workshops to educate others about this natural building technique.

Stephani and Brandy know full well that, five years ago, it would have been next to impossible to make a success of their businesses. They had the foresight to jump in when “that green whisper was just starting to get louder.” Now, it’s reaching a crescendo. √ ~ Laura Underwood

Brandy and Stephani Photo by Terry Bourque EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2008

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Photo by Tracy Kolenchuk

W

hen his parents gifted him a few head of cattle to give him a good start in life, Bryce Lambert sold one to buy DJ equipment. He was a 16-year old student at Westlock High School who was relied upon to man the production booth for school plays. “I would audition for roles but they’d never let me [perform]… ’cause they needed a tech guy.”

Bryce was naturally good at producing the sound and lighting for shows, and learned on-the-job rather than taking formal training. His first gigs were concerts at the Rev nightclub. Now, at 24, he runs Kiwi Productions… touring with bands like Wide Mouth Mason and The Watchmen. Bryce recently returned from New Orleans where he produced a Moby show.

Six months ago, Bryce started Kiwi Records because he “really wanted to push that [growing] local scene.” Several groups—including Needles to Vinyl, an Edmonton band, and others from Australia and Ireland—are now recording at his studio.

Finding staff is a challenge, although Bryce acknowledges, “There are some guys that work for me that I could never touch in skill.” Bryce is keen on teaching other people

Bryce Lambert Audio, visual & recording specialist what he knows, a trait that he may have inherited from his father who was a teacher before he began farming. In fact, some of Bryce’s trainees have since left to work for large companies in LA. “If someone wants to learn,” he’s prepared to invest his time “...definitely, in a heartbeat.”

Bryce still considers himself a small town guy. He brings the same level of expertise to shows whether he’s behind the scene for Shania or Cher… Nickleback or Neil Diamond…CATS community theatre in Westlock, the Rainmaker Rodeo in St. Albert, or Thunderbirds in the Garden at the Devonian Gardens in support of the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

Bryce is an extreme sports enthusiast and loves filming events like motorcross. He’ll head to Romania this fall for the Red Bull Romaniacs street racing event. He relishes the opportunity to combine his personal interests with his profession and to see the world at the same time. And, for him, one of the best parts is coming home.

“This is where my roots are… this is where my base is.” √ ~ Laura Underwood

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EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2008

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True to herself Photo by Tracy Kolenchuk

C

ara Albo’s journey into the entertainment business has been life-long. At four years old, she was hair modeling… at nine she was singing. A fourth-grade performance in The Nutcracker pretty much sealed her fate. She was destined for a career on-stage.

Making films was the most logical step for the forward-thinking Cara. She was just 18 when she started meeting with businesses across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, “asking them to support a dream.” Securing financing for her film project was one of the most difficult parts for Cara, but she was undeterred. She went on to conceptualize, executive produce and underscore Cat’s Cradle. Naturally, she was also the lead actress and singer. The feature length, independent film was released earlier this summer.

At 21 years of age, Cara is the youngest female in Edmonton to have accomplished such a feat. Not Actress, producer, recording artist surprisingly, she has just completed shooting her second full-length feature. Unfinished Business teamed her production company, Skyline Films, with 310 Motion Pictures and students at Concordia High School. Cara volunteered her time to act in the film and to be a mentor for the students learning her craft.

Chasing her dream has required sacrifices along the way, but Cara’s perseverance and determination have kept her on the right path. “A million times I probably cried and wanted to quit—but never did.” Her life and work have become so intertwined that it is difficult to separate them. She sleeps little and has no time for fun with her friends. Work keeps her up all hours and away from home.

“It was worth the sacrifice,” she confides. Now she is seeing the results of her hard work. In addition to her films, Cara’s album, Embrace Me, will be released in January 2009 in conjunction with a 90-minute theatrical concert at the Dow Centre in Fort Saskatchewan.

She is currently in talks with major record labels and is hoping to get signed but, she notes “It’s very easy to do something and sell yourself out and make it… but are you really being true to yourself?” That question is a central theme to her film, Cat’s Cradle and one Cara often asks herself. The answer is a no-brainer.

“Everything is happening right now before my eyes. It’s a dream come true.” √ ~ Laura Underwood

Cara Albo

EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2008

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moments

S

uccess can be measured in many ways: Going from zero earnings to $500,000 per annum in less than five years would be one way… building a one-man operation into a team of 150 licensed agents in that time would be another… as would having an office that doubles as a trophy room.

But Gregg Strynadka genuinely believes that the number of people and families he has helped achieve their financial goals is the true indicator of his success.

In his teens, he was living his dream as a junior hockey star with the Kerry Park Islanders in Duncan, BC. While “it was a great life experience,” Gregg knew that he had to consider his future. After his return to Edmonton, he and his father operated a Booster Juice franchise which was named “Retailer of the Year” in 2001.

Instilled with the value of hard work, Gregg was looking for a new challenge. When a friend suggested he join World Financial Group, he was attracted by the prospect of essentially being self-employed, under the umbrella of a company that would provide training and Financial marketing director, Big Brother opportunity for growth. It was difficult in the beginning—being so young— because he lacked credibility. Now 27, Gregg has earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues who view him as the “guy to watch” within the corporation.

Mentoring is an everyday occurrence for Gregg—working closely with his agents and clients. World Financial Group is dedicated to middle income families. He loves to sit down with them and see “that lightbulb moment” when they realize that they do have a chance to live life on their own terms.

Gregg is also active in the community, and has volunteered as a Big Brother since 2004. It has been a rewarding experience.

“I think I’ve gotten as much out of it as Cory has… maybe even more.” He has noticed that, as adults, we so often forget what it’s like to be a kid and that we can learn so much from them. “Little Brother” Cory is now 14. They try to meet at least once a week to play basketball, hockey or video games. “I’m pretty sure I’ll be friends with him for life.”

The ability to build lasting relationships is another measure of the man who is described as “an old soul with a young and Photo by Terry Bourque vibrant spirit.” √ ~ Laura Underwood

Gregg Strynadka

Intelligentimprov H

e speaks of comedy as a mirror for what’s going on, soaking up the culture of the day and spitting it back out in a form that makes people laugh.

But, when Kevin Gillese withdrew from university to tour with an improvised comedy show, his parents didn’t get the joke. He was sure he was making the right move. Now, at 28, he says, “My work is absolutely my identity”—and anyone who has seen him perform will agree.

At 15, he picked up garbage after shows like Theatresports so he could watch for free. “As a young man, I got my first taste of the stage at the Varscona Theatre.” His appetite hasn’t waned.

Kevin studied comedy writing and performance at Humber College in Toronto, and returned to Edmonton to become artistic director of Rapid Fire Theatre. In the province that made improv a Canadian art form, he is the youngest artistic director of a major theatre company. His boundless energy gets him through the production of two weekly shows, a high school festival, an annual international improv festival, and numerous touring shows.

Kevin’s career has exploded: He created Scratch, his two-man show that was the most toured improv show in the world this season.

He has directed and produced films and has multiple television credits. He was nominated for an AMPIA award for his latest short, Dog Watch, screened at the Edmonton International Film Festival.

His first major big screen success was as director of Turnbuckle, a film showcasing local talent.

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Photo by Terry Bourque

The entertainment industry can be tough, but Kevin’s willpower keeps him pushing forward. “I have a pesky ambitious streak,” he warns. “It’s important that what I do resonates with a certain degree of intelligence.”

Kevin credits Edmonton’s openness and its fantastic audiences with propelling his career. “If I had grown up somewhere else, maybe those opportunities wouldn’t have been as present for me.”

He’s aware that if he had lived in Toronto or Vancouver, he may not have reached the same level of success so soon. Edmonton, however, is small enough for talent to stand out.

He makes time to nurture young performers and to contribute to the community. Every year, he and Rapid Fire artists perform free of charge at a number of charity fundraisers.

Kevin’s unique blend of mediums—hip-hop and comedy—has made him a great freestyler. He’s only partly joking when he says, “I would trade it all to be a hip-hop star for sure.” √ ~ Laura Underwood Comedian, artistic director, producer

Kevin Gillese

EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2008

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Photo by Terry Bourque

A touch

of whimsy

W

hat do Louis Vuitton bags, Ninja Turtles and Buddha have in common?

They’re all in Ailynn Santos’ repertoire of incredible edibles at her Whimsical Cake Studio.

When she was studying elementary education at the University of Alberta, she never imagined her career path would take a huge turn. Four years ago, Ailynn went to teach in New York City where she found cupcake shops everywhere.

When she returned to Edmonton, teaching positions were few and far between. It was summer and she had to make a living. So she started making cupcakes and selling them at the Downtown Farmers Market.

For three seasons, her creations were so well received that people kept asking when she was gong to open her own shop. Bolstered by the support, Ailynn found the perfect location in Riverbend, close to many of her clients.

Shop owner, designer, cake diva She took a few decorating and baking courses, but learned most of her skills from books. She has four staff and admits that they have skills she doesn’t. There’s no end of new techniques, but “The fun part about this job is we’re playing every day, just trying new things.” Ailynn has plans to offer classes, utilizing her teaching skills to share the fun.

To her surprise, there are more custom orders for 3D cakes than for cupcakes. The Whimsical creations are unique in the city and no two are alike. High-profile clients include Oilers’ families and local media types—even Harriett Winspear, for whom 101st and 102nd birthday cakes were created.

Ailynn happily donates her cakes and her time to a wide range of causes. Her biggest event is the What a Girl Wants fundraiser for the Lois Hole Women’s Hospital, where she takes care of the dessert stage. Her next big event is the Nina Haggerty Cake Walk in October.

The 29-year old admits, “I couldn’t draw to save my life” when she started. Now, give the Whimsical designers an idea of the cake you see in your mind, and “…we’ll pluck it out and put it in icing.”

The result? Almost too good to eat. √ ~ Laura Underwood

Ailynn Santos

Photo by Tracy Kolenchuk

Photo by Terry Bourque

E

very Christmas, when the Salvation Army is ringing bells for donations, Giri Puligandia’s mom reminds him that his father would find every kettle in the city and put in a $5-bill. That commitment to helping people is predominant in the life of this 29-year old.

He is honouring the memory of the role model he never met. When Giri was just two weeks old, his father passed away.

A backpacking trip after he earned his Bachelor of Science in pharmacology at the University of Alberta left Giri broke. On his return to Edmonton, he heard the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta was looking for someone to head its public education program. Wearing shorts, sandals and a dirty t-shirt, Giri went in hoping his rèsumé would be considered even though the deadline had passed—he was hired on the spot.

Shortly after he started, Giri met a group of young people at a conference and was surprised to learn they were suffering with schizophrenia. He hit it off with one young man and recalls, “The only difference between us was that he had schizophrenia and I didn’t.”

Giri made it his mission to overcome the stigma that surrounds mental illness. He took to heart his responsibilities to increase awareness of the realities of living with the disease by offering programs that prevent or reduce social isolation and promote recovery. He secured funding for a project that helps people with mental illness stay healthy enough to maintain independence and housing. He made Walk and Run the most successful

Giri Puligandia Not-for-profit executive director, volunteer Schizophrenia Society fundraiser of its kind in Canada.

He forged partnerships with Capital Health and diverse organizations.

After six years with the Schizophrenia Society, Giri is leaving his position as executive director to join Alberta Caregivers Association. His new focus will be on people who devote their lives to helping loved ones through illness. He’s also starting graduate studies in public health this fall.

Giri is heavily involved in grassroots not-for-profit organizations. He serves on a number of boards including the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, Organized Medicine Foundation, Sombrilla Refugee Support Society, Andhra Cultural Association and S.O.S. Players Guild of Alberta. As someone whose sense of community is inborn, Giri is saddened by the lack of young volunteers.

“You can only stand by for so long before the question comes up: Why don’t we do something?” √ ~ Laura Underwood EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2008

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A satisfying

JOURNEY

I

“

t’s not so much about what I bring to Edmonton, but what Edmonton brings to me,” says Carolyn Jarvis, Global weekend news anchor, reporter and producer.

She grew up in Richmond, BC, and graduated with a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance.

Then it was off to Toronto to seek fame in musical theatre. Instead, Carolyn joined the Weather Network and received Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society certification as a forecaster. She enrolled in journalism night courses at Ryerson where her passion for storytelling came to light.

When Carolyn was the CHCA weather gal in Red Deer, she spent off-hours reading textbooks and following her co-workers around on weekends to learn more about the news profession.

Fast forward to Global Edmonton: News anchor Lynda Steele describes Carolyn as “a passionate, ethical and dynamic young journalist, in 24/7 pursuit of a great story… who has demonstrated an impressive talent for reporting, anchoring and producing.” These qualities are exemplified by her recent trip to South Africa where she has family—not so much a vacation as a self-imposed assignment. Carolyn researched and TV news anchor, vocalist, fundraiser wrote a five part series for Global National and Global Edmonton on the plight of the nation with the highest percentage of people infected with HIV, and on the exodus of doctors to Canada. The 29-year old reflects: “There are so many microscopic stories that I was very fortunate, I believe, to be able to bring back to Canada… the more information we can bring to our country, the more we can broaden our horizon of knowledge.”

This community mindset extends beyond the news realm. Carolyn can be counted on to do her part for charity—whether it’s getting involved with Youth Emergency Shelter or firefighters’ fundraisers… being a celebrity singer with Pro Coro or volunteering with Edzimkulu, a local group that helps South African children with AIDS. Carolyn has a voracious appetite for learning: “On any given day, I have two papers delivered… one weekly magazine. I listen to two radio broadcasts every morning. I always watch [three national newscasts] Peter and Lloyd at night, and Kevin in the afternoon… I probably polish off a couple books a month, usually non fiction.” She is taking classes to maintain her fluency in French, and speaks basic German and Spanish.

“Learning has to be a constant process, and I don’t think it can be viewed as a challenge so much as a satisfying journey.” √ ~ Laura Underwood

Carolyn Jarvis

Photo by Tracy Kolenchuk

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GrassrootsM

arlon Wilson—aka Arlo Maverick—has been performing with two of his cousins since their elementary school days. They formed urban group Politic Live, the first local hip hop band to take the stage at Peg City Holla, Canadian Music Week and JunoFest. They are the first Edmonton urban musicians to have a video charting on MTV and Much Music.

During the production of their debut album, Notoriety, released in 2003, Marlon founded Music for Mavericks Entertainment. The label manages, promotes and markets Alberta artists in the urban genre—from reggae to hip-hop and everything in between.

Being a small company means not having the resources to hire people for specific jobs. “You have to assume every role that’s needed.” That’s where Marlon’s marketing diploma from NAIT and his natural ability to sketch CD covers and promotional materials have come in handy.

He seeks out artists who otherwise wouldn’t know how to start marketing themselves. “You hear someone who has a tremendous amount of talent but they don’t have the outlet for it.” Music for Mavericks takes a grassroots approach, aiming to preserve that down-toearth feel.

Marlon has never forgotten the help he received along his journey. “There have been so many people who have seen the passion that I have for music.” He considers it his duty to share his knowledge of the music industry with the next generation of recording and touring artists “…so they don’t have to make the same mistakes that I made.”

For the past 10 years, Marlon has been hosting Urban Hang Suite on CJSR. He organizes the annual Hip Hop for Hunger benefit for Food Bank donations. The event showcases local and national performers. Marlon is a director with Alberta Music Industry Association which provides opportunities to up-and-coming artists. The group offers information sessions and advises on funding resources that can help propel careers to the next level.

The major support in 28-year old Marlon’s life has come from his community-minded mother and grandmother. “It’s within me to try and help others whenever I can,” he says. “I think that if more people actually did that, then we would be in a different Musician, promoter, producer space.” √ ~ Laura Underwood

Marlon Wilson

Photo by Tracy Kolenchuk

EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2008

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Photo by Terry Bourque

Fresh ideas… secure

futures J

Jumping to the

challenge

H

ow we face adversity is as individual as the challenges before us.

Kate Watt was 19 when her mom was diagnosed with cancer—worst case scenario: the disease was around her heart and lungs… she might have only two months to live. First, Kate withdrew from university just before final exams to spend more time with her mother. Then, she turned her passion for horses into a fundraiser for breast cancer research, targeting the disease that her mom was fighting.

Kate launched “Bringing Home the Dream,” in co-operation with the 2005 Edmonton Northlands Horse Show. She organized an in-field brunch for 200—at $250 a plate—and a show jumping competition for amateurs, with a $20,000 prize. Ticket sales and donations combined in the first year to raise $86,000. The

Kate Watt Fundraiser, horsewoman, university student following year, Kate made a commitment to Dr. Michael Sawyer, the oncologist who discovered her mom’s tumour, to raise $300,000 over three years. He is researching alternatives to chemotherapy at the University of Alberta. The second annual event raised $100,000... the third added $125,000... the fourth and final brought the running total to an impressive $429,000.

In 2006, one of the guest speakers at Bringing Home the Dream was Elexis Ortleib, then seven years old, who was battling leukemia. There wasn’t a dry eye at the brunch as the child told her story. People like Elexis keep Kate focused, “This is why we’re here… this is why we’re doing this, so that these kids don’t have these stories.” This year, she teamed up with Kids with Cancer to donate several tables so that the kids could be a part of the event. She also volunteers at other Cross Cancer Institute events, like Row for Life.

The 23-year old will graduate with an education degree next year. She will also continue show jumping on the amateur circuit and has qualified for the Royal Horse Show in Toronto this fall. Kate’s next project will be with Free the Children, an organization that helps young people fundraise for children in Third World countries. She’s researching opportunities for building schools in Africa, with the idea of engaging her future students in the endeavour.

Thankfully, Kate’s mom is in remission, continuing to inspire—and be inspired by—her daughter, the quintessential volunteer. √ ~ Laura Underwood

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eff Shigehiro’s penchant for setting goals is directly related to his enthusiasm for sports. He picked up his first hockey stick at the age of five, and still plays. When he was seven years old, he knew how many pins he needed to win at bowling. He’s an avid golfer who plays with clients and takes part in charity tournaments like Tee off for Kids, a fundraiser for the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

At 25, Jeff is hitting his stride in an industry where the average age of advisors is 55. In fact, he’s one of the youngest Certified Financial Planners in the country. His professional attitude, self-confidence and fresh approach are contributing to growth of Shigehiro Financial Planning. He studied business management at NAIT and achieved his certification last November.

Jeff advises individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 on how to pay off debts, save for their children’s futures and build retirement nest eggs. He has seen families devastated financially and emotionally by job loss, illness or death. He also assists small business owners with risk and wealth management. His goal is to prevent his clients from being blind-sided when the unexpected occurs.

Jeff credits much of his advancement in the industry to a mentor at Total Financial Solutions who recognized his potential. He admits that it hasn’t always been easy. “You deal with a lot of rejection, especially at the beginning; there’s always obstacles in your way,” he says, alluding to a time when building that first wave of clientele with no base salary and having no income seemed a daunting task.

“This industry loses a lot of people right away because of the immediate obstacles.”

Jeff Shigehiro Financial planner, sports enthusiast Perseverance is prevalent in all Jeff’s endeavours. He was a player in the World’s Longest Hockey Game in 2005, a 240-hour non-stop event that raised $250,000 for the Cross Cancer Institute. He fondly remembers children showing up with jars full of pennies, contributing to the $9,000 in coins that were donated.

Participating in the longest game changed his life—beyond getting his name in the Guiness Book of World Records. During a break from play, he made a point of chatting with the referee who hadn’t penalized his backchecks. Luckily, she gave Jeff her phone number.

The wedding is in November. √ ~ Laura Underwood

Photo by Tracy Kolenchuk

EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2008

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Photo by Tracy Kolenchuk

J

umana Jarrah’s mission to Nicaragua, where she provided chiropractic healthcare in the country’s schools, confirmed that she had chosen the right career path. “Ever since I was a kid I wanted to be a doctor. I wanted to help people out.”

While she was studying biological sciences at the University of Alberta, Jumana was in a motor vehicle accident that required chiropractic treatment. She became fascinated with the body’s ability to heal itself and by the possibility that she could help it along. She changed her career direction.

After eight years of post-secondary education, including studies completed in California, she considers herself a “nervous system doctor.” She explains that the ultimate goal of chiropractic adjustments is to help the nervous system flow correctly, bringing the entire body into balance.

Jumana is still fascinated by the body, marveling “It’s incredible how we were created.” Her favourite area of study was anatomy, a subject she would like to teach Chiropractor, clinic owner, someday. international volunteer The 29-year old opened the New Balance Clinic in January 2007 and has since taken on another chiropractor and a massage therapist. She plans to add a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist and receptionist to round out the wellness clinic.

Jumana—affectionately called “Dr. J”—is happiest when patients take a proactive approach to their own healthcare. As she is also a fitness instructor, she follows the same regimen of stretching, water intake, meditation and exercise that she prescribes for her patients. It saddens her when she sees people afflicted with illnesses that could have been prevented, and says, “If health doesn’t become a priority for you, then you don’t have anything else.”

She volunteers wherever she is needed, whether serving food in homeless shelters or working at the Underwear Affair event for cancers below the waist. Within the next few years, Jumana hopes to go on another mission similar to the ones she took to the Middle East and Nicaragua, to provide treatment to people who have no access to such services.

Here at home, Jumana is more focused on encouraging young people to achieve their potential. As a member of the Arab Business Association, she also takes time to mentor high school students, especially those in her own community. Jumana is proof that they can achieve anything—even childhood aspirations—if they stick to their goals. √ ~ Laura Underwood

Dr. Jumana Jarrah

EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2008

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Challengingthe norm W

hen Michael Brechtel was born, his father was working on his thesis and the family was living in an orange Volkswagen van on the prairies. Michael and his siblings were taught to challenge societal norms and ask, “Why?” Michael is still all about pushing buttons.

After studying business at the University of Alberta, he joined a communications firm and loved it. He admits, “I didn’t even know this job existed!” It wasn’t long before he struck out on his own: “It was diving in headfirst and seeing if I could swim… and it seems to have worked.”

Firebrand Media consults on marketing for a variety of clients, from small businesses to government agencies and political campaigns.

Michael and his staff currently work from their homes and he engages a pool of subcontractors as required. He’s determined that a planned move into a structured space won’t change the way he operates. “As long as things are getting done, my clients are happy, and the quality of work is top-notch, I don’t care what time people come in and I don’t care what time they leave.”

Firebrand’s forté is its ability to build campaigns that get people talking.

Michael believes that, in a world where advertising messages are fired at Marketing specialist, community activist us a mile a minute, he has to create something that stands out. “If you haven’t pissed somebody off, then you probably aren’t making a strong enough statement.” This ethos is a throwback to Michael’s teen years, which he spent hanging out in the punk rock community—mohawk and all.

Much of his energy and enthusiasm is directed at involving young people in community development activities. Michael is founding chair of interVivos, dedicated to creating dialogue, leadership and mentorship. His political interests have involved him as a board member of the VOTE! Society of Alberta, a non-partisan group that engages a younger audience in the democratic process. He’s co-chair of ArtScene Edmonton which connects artists and young professionals, and he serves on the board of the Old Strathcona Foundation.

At 29, Michael is in the middle of the “next generation” demographic that he has targeted. He wants to see his peers step up, be heard, get involved and make a difference. He’s definitely doing his part to meet the leadership challenge. √ ~ Laura Underwood

Michael Brechtel

Photo by Tracy Kolenchuk

Success

A

t 20 years of age, Dustin Thomson is unlike most of his peers. Dustin finished high school six months early and has been running his own company for over a year.

As a teen, he rode bulls on the rodeo circuit where he met a friend whose father worked for Ledcor. Dustin accepted a job there, working after school, on holidays and on weekends. He loved being outdoors, learning about heavy duty mechanics from his co-workers.

His high school work experience coordinator suggested that he enroll in the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) to gain work experience, apply for a scholarship and start his training two years before graduation. Dustin grabbed the opportunity, earning more than 40 credits in the process.

At 18, he graduated and left for the oilsands to work a pipeline job. Dustin returned to Edmonton with money in Apprentice, entrepreneur his jeans and headed for a vehicle auction. He purchased a service truck—basically a portable shop with a welder, air compressor and tools—for only $8,000. He has since spent several months—and $40,000—fixing it up. Dustin registered his own company and operates as a subcontractor for Ledcor. He’s in his fourth year of NAIT’s heavy duty mechanic apprenticeship program, earning nearly as much as a foreman, Dustin is now involved with Careers: The Next Generation which promotes the trades in Alberta. He was a guest speaker last October at the RAP annual awards show. He wishes more people would take advantage of the program. Though 500 scholarships are available each year, they are rarely accessed. Dustin hopes to sponsor a scholarship “… to give back for what they’ve done for me.” He proudly says “I’m living proof that what these people do for the community and this industry is really working.”

A country boy at heart, Dustin still lives on a farm and helps his neighbours in his spare time. His humble attitude makes his achievements all the more impressive. “I’m just a little guy,” he says shyly. He doesn’t want to be treated any differently, adding “I try to be like everyone else and just do my job.”

But even Dustin can’t deny that he’s on his way to big things. √ ~ Laura Underwood

Dustin Thomson

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Photo by Terry Bourque

EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2008

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DREAM maker I

Photo by Tracy Kolenchuk

t was one of the most important decisions of Natasha Thompson’s life. She had just learned she was expecting her first child, and her employer was retiring: She had nine months to decide where her life was headed.

As a constituency assistant to MP David Kilgour, she had been working primarily on immigration issues and recognized the need to help people enter and settle in Canada. She decided to train through Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants, the only body that certifies professionals for this relatively new industry. She completed the full training during her pregnancy, Natasha started Monarch Consulting in 2006, intent on working at home and spending time with her son. She was so busy that finding an office became a necessity. As one of only 14 registered consultants in Edmonton, she is filling a void created by the province’s hot economy, assisting employers who require foreign workers. She also works with people who want to remain in Canada, and arranges visas for students and travelers. But, Natasha’s greatest joy is in reuniting families.

She cites the case of a Canadian woman who married a man from Africa. The couple was split by thousands of miles and forced by immigration rules to somehow prove their relationship even though they could rarely take the long, expensive journey. Natasha worked tirelessly to reunite them and recalls the best part of her job. “The look on someone’s Consultant, immigration specialist face when you call them in... and say, ‘You got it, he got the visa.’ It’s like Christmas!” Now, the couple has children and, like many of her other clients, keeps in touch.

The 29-year old admits it is difficult balancing her time between work and home. In addition to advocating for her clients, she handles all the business-related tasks such as bookkeeping and advertising. But, the extra responsibility makes her more focused and moves her, and her business, forward.

Currently, Natasha is expanding her practice into Ghana in West Africa. “Canada is looking for educated individuals,” she says, “but some parts of the world are not being tapped for that.” She is in discussions with the embassy there and setting up an office to help qualified people through immigration procedures so they can create new lives here.

Natasha is dedicated to making dreams of better lives come true both overseas and in Alberta. √ ~ Laura Underwood

I

Natasha Thompson

Making headlines...…

A

and a difference

rriving to work on a red bicycle, Don Iveson sets an example to his constituents that every little bit helps. The political science graduate was the biggest news story in the 2007 municipal election. At 29, he is one of the youngest City council members ever.

At the University of Alberta, he worked with the Gateway Campus Press, and later with the University Press in Toronto. He was attracted by the role the news media plays in recording history as it happens. Don progressed from being a writer and editor to advertising and business management. Returning to Edmonton—the city he and his wife call home—he accepted a government relations position with the university.

People noticed Don’s leadership skills during negotiations of the U-Pass, a mandatory bus pass supplied to post-secondary students in Edmonton as part of their tuition fees. It became a running joke that he should run for council to be the extra vote to get the bill passed.

Don took it to heart: researching the issues… enlisting campaign volunteers… registering his candidacy in Ward 5… leaving his job… raising funds.

Don spent two-thirds less on his campaign than the incumbent. He credits his stunning victory to his team and the long hours they worked the last six weeks before the vote.

City councilor, environmentalist “There’s no substitute for knocking on doors and talking to the people you would like to represent.”

He says, “I’m just a regular guy,” but there’s evidence he does bring a different perspective because he’s from a different generation.

Take the red bike, for example: It’s a symbol of his passion for protecting the environment. He’s an outspoken advocate for rigorous transportation reform and was named to the city’s environmental portfolio. He’s hoping to make it possible for us to drive less, and to create a more sustainable future. “We have to live a little bit more carefully. I’m just trying to think ahead…” to a time when oil reserves are depleted.

Despite the demands of being a councilor, Don serves as president of the Gateway Alumni Association. He is also involved in the development of CUREncy, an on-line social entrepreneurship project focusing on micro-donations.

Don is a testament to the power his generation represents, but he takes nothing for granted. He knows he’ll be subjected to a “…job interview every three years.” √ ~ Laura Underwood

Don Iveson

Photo by Terry Bourque

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The body can get overloaded with toxins because it cannot keep up with the filtration process. The more toxins in the body, the more lymphatic fluid increases to protect cells.

You force out toxins. Once the toxins are gone, the lymphatic fluid decreases and you lose inches. It is not water loss—rather, an exchange of minerals for toxins.

That’s a Wrap!

Call Linda Perras at Suddenly Slimmer Day Spa

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www.suddenlyslimmerdayspa.com EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2008

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Grandeur W

hile Stephen Petasky was spending four nights in a tent on the roof of his Sobeys store in the dead of winter, he passed the time dreaming of warmer climes. He was taking part in the “Campers for Hampers” Christmas Bureau fundraiser, drumming up donations for the annual charity.

Well, he’s not dreaming anymore: He’s jetting all over the world as founder of Luxus Vacation Properties, an alternative to timeshare accommodation. He offers a great lifestyle to investors, whose money is used to purchase luxury properties. They can holiday at any of the places in Luxus’ growing portfolio. Among their choices are a ski apartment in Panorama, a single-family home near golf courses in Palm Springs, and a penthouse apartment on New York’s Times Square.

Stephen’s goal is to amass 30 properties in 20 locations and hold them for 10 years while they appreciate. Investors will be given their share of the return from property sales, and Luxus will acquire replacement assets.

Stephen’s enthusiasm has attracted close to 70 investors to Luxus. The company employs an in-house travel specialist to organize trip details such as flights, tee-off times and concert tickets.

Stephen Petasky Entrepreneur, volunteer, family man

Photo by Terry Bourque

At 28, Stephen is president and co-owner of two thriving businesses, but he’s also a committed family man. He and his wife, CTV news anchor Carrie Doll, love to spend time with their year and a half old son. It is a focus he saw in his father who has always been a mentor to him. “It’s better to learn from someone who’s actually gone through it,” Stephen says.

He attended the University of Idaho on a golf scholarship, but he acknowledges that he might not have taken this path so early if not for his dad’s guidance. Stephen’s father ran a Sobeys store and introduced his son and daughter to the business.

Sherwood Park Foods operates the Sobeys Lakeland and Nottingham stores.

Outside work, the Petaskys are active in the community.

They host successful golf tournaments to raise money for the Stollery Children’s Hospital, Alzheimer Society and Robin Hood Association.

Stephen enjoys the outdoors: golfing—of course, mountain biking, rock climbing and skiing.

He’s happy with the direction life has taken.

“I’m living everything I want to do, so I feel pretty lucky…” √ ~ Laura Underwood

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EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2008

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T

huc Ronquillo’s father has been an entrepreneur as long as she can remember, but when she was a child, she had other ideas. A career as an actress was more to her liking. In the back of her mind, however, she knew she wanted to be her own boss.

After completing business management at the University of Alberta, Thuc landed a job in finance. A phone call from longtime friend Som Sourachit changed everything.

While working in real estate, Som identified a market for high-end blinds and home accessories. Given Thuc’s family history in the window business and her financial background, the women decided to give entrepreneurship a whirl. Thuc quit her job and admits, “It was really scary!” They opened Posh at Home a year ago and have expanded their product range to include modern home furnishings.

“I think it’s because we’re so different,” Thuc says, somewhat surprised at the popularity of the store. The 28-year old credits much of its growth to repeat customers and referrals. The Jasper Avenue storefront also attracts passers-by with its unique furnishings.

Personalized service is another factor—Posh will special order items and work with an Edmonton upholsterer to customize pieces.

Being new at retailing is the hardest part, but the learning curve is less steep: “Everyday, you learn something new.” She considers herself lucky to have had so many people in her life who were willing to offer advice. Her dad always cautioned, “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.” This motivates

Thuc Ronquillo

her to make time for family and friends…to achieve balance in her life.

Thuc has been married for three years, and her husband runs a concrete company. She looks after accounting and bookkeeping duties for her own company as well as his. Despite demands on her time, she’s been playing volleyball with a team for two years, and recently took up golf. Thuc and Som contribute to worthwhile causes and donate to charities, like the Weekend to End Breast Cancer.

Thuc is thrilled to be filling a niche in Edmonton.

“Our customers say they haven’t seen anything like this anywhere.” It’s this kind of support that has the partners looking to expand their brand… and musing about other locations.

Thuc has even set her sights on someday owning another business. And, why not? She has all the right entrepreneurial instincts. √ ~ Laura Underwood

Retail business owner

Photo by Terry Bourque

Filling a

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ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES & CORPORATE FINANCE

with Stephen W. Kent, CA (780) 441-6793

THE Stockholm syndrome A phenomenon in which a hostage begins to identify with and grow sympathetic to his or her captor.

Forty percent of all company divestitures occur as a result of an unsolicited offer to purchase. Even if their business is not actively being marketed, owners will normally meet with a prospective buyer. In the initial and usually off-site meeting, a nominal amount of information is exchanged and the buyer will agree to draft a non-binding offer. If the offer provides a range of value that meets the vendor’s expectations and several escape clauses that minimize the risk to both parties, the vendor will probably proceed with the offer. Usually the buyer will insist that vendor keep the offer confidential and not solicit any other offers, which effectively eliminates any other competitors from entering into discussions.

Typically purchasers have a legion of experts to conduct due diligence and vendors are required to respond to numerous requests for information personally in order to maintain confidentiality. Vendors remain responsible for the day to day running of their business while looking after the purchaser’s needs. Owners usually experience many late nights at the office followed by working dinners as the two sides get to know one another. As the vendors’ comfort level with the buyers increases and the purchaser starts to understand the business and its opportunities for growth and diversification, the greater the information flow is and the more time-consuming the process becomes. As vendors tire, they seek closure. Buyers may hold out for more information to ensure this is the right deal; they position the vendors to share in the future risks after the deal is closed.

If the vendor wants the purchaser to succeed they may make small concessions which typically get more significant as time passes. They believe they need this deal to close with this buyer because they have invested too much time, energy and heart not to. They still don’t know what the closing price will be even though the buyer knows everything about their business.

When the closing price is finally discussed, it may not be quite as good as anticipated especially when coupled with concessions such as having part of the proceeds deferred and subject to future performance requirements. Still at least the sale will close and they will get paid out…

If you want to avoid the pitfalls that accompany this scenario, call us when you are approached. We can steer you through the risks of going it alone.

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U

ntil she was 11, Rebecca Loo lived in Malaysia. She says, “I never imagined I would go to university.” Now, she’s the first person in her family to get a degree—a BA in sociology from the University of Calgary—and credits her mom’s decision to move the family to Alberta as the precursor to her success.

The 28-year old has been an Edmontonian for six years. Here she met Catherine Lam who suggested they combined her own business sense with Rebecca’s experience in childhood development to open a daycare. Instead, they changed direction, and Octii Nurture Studios was born.

Unique in the city, Octii is a wellness company dedicated to babies. It provides nurturing programs— like fitness classes, baby sign language and music jam—to help babies develop well physically and emotionally, and to strengthen the bond between parent and child. This forward-thinking company caters to a new cultural movement in which Rebecca says, “Everyone is conscious about being healthy, being a well rounded person and having a well balanced life.”

She’s realistic about Octii, admitting, “We’re a baby right now, and we’re going to grow up.” Plans for the future include teaching money management to children and introducing programs for older kids and teens.

Rebecca Loo COO, wellness & fitness trainer, volunteer Rebecca is also a fitness trainer and teaches group fitness classes to disabled adults. As well, she has implemented programs for children, particularly those with autism. She works with the Canadian Diabetes Association, organizing team running events—spurring her next goal to run a halfmarathon. She also volunteers with the Fit Rendezvous conference, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s Run for the Cure, and in the Chinese community with the ASSIST Association, planning the Mid Autumn Children’s Festival.

Rebecca is of Chinese origin, and can now write the difficult language after classes at the University of Alberta. She put these skills to use on a monthlong trip to the country, and says she’s been bitten by the travel bug.

Business partner Catherine is a friend and a fan who offers insight to Rebecca’s commitment: “It isn’t during the good times that one’s character is seen… it’s through the tough times that the true heart comes out.

Rebecca’s heart is made of gold and diamonds.”

And, Rebecca shines brightest when she speaks passionately about how Octii can provide parents with ways to enhance their baby’s development and set foundations for sound life skills. √ ~ Laura Underwood

Photos by Tracy Kolenchuk

EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2008

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