C E O S H E L P I N G
C E O S
S U C C E E D
W e u n d e r s t a n d t h e c h a l l e n g e s f a c i n g C E O s
b e c a u s e w e h a v e f a c e d t h e m o u r s e l v e s .
O U R M E M B E R S L E A D C A N A D A ’ S
F A S T E S T - G R O W I N G A N D M O S T
S U C C E S S F U L C O M P A N I E S .
A s C E O s o u r s e l v e s , w e u n d e r s t a n d t h e u n i q u e
c h a l l e n g e s y o u f a c e a n d a r e d e d i c a t e d t o s i g n i f i c a n t l y
e n h a n c i n g y o u r s u c c e s s a n d o v e r a l l w e l l - b e i n g , a s
w e l l a s t h a t o f y o u r f a m i l y a n d c o m p a n y .
A b o u t C E O G l o b a l N e t w o r k
A s t h e p r e m i e r C E O P e e r G r o u p o r g a n i z a t i o n , C E O G l o b a l N e t w o r k i s a t t h e
f o r e f r o n t o f p r o v i d i n g u n p a r a l l e l e d o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r l e a r n i n g a n d d e v e l o p m e n t .
O u r p e e r g r o u p m e e t i n g s , e x p e r t l y f a c i l i t a t e d b y p r o v e n a n d e x p e r i e n c e d C E O s ,
a r e c o m p l e m e n t e d b y t a r g e t e d o n e - t o - o n e m e n t o r i n g , a b e s p o k e c u r r i c u l u m ,
a n d f o c u s e d l e a r n i n g e v e n t s t h r o u g h o u t t h e y e a r , m a k i n g u s t h e g o l d s t a n d a r d
f o r C E O e d u c a t i o n a n d d e v e l o p m e n t .
W e d i f f e r en t i a t e o u r s e l v e s f r o m o t h e r s i n t h e C E O a n d e x e c u t i v e p e e r g r o u p
a r e n a t h r o u g h o u r s t e a d f a s t c o m m i t m e n t t o t h e s u c c e s s o f o u r M e m b e r s . W e
a c c o m p l i s h t h i s t h r o u g h a r i g o r o u s m e m b e r s h i p s c r e e n i n g p r o c e s s , t h e s e l e c t i o n
o f o n l y t h e m o s t h i g h l y q u a l i f i e d G r o u p L e a d e r s , a n d a s t e a d f a s t d e d i c a t i o n t o
f o s t e r i n g a c u l t u r e o f o u t s t a n d i n g M e m b e r e n g a g e m e n t a n d c o m m i t m e n t .
w w w . c e o g l o b a l n e t w o r k . c o m
Welcome to the 8th Annual Canadian Business Excellence Awards for Private Businesses (CBEA). This year, we have the privilege of celebrating Canadian excellence on a momentous occasion—the Ruby Jubilee, marking the 40th anniversary of the Canada Awards for Excellence. Today’s event, themed “Ruby Carpet Rendezvous: Celebrating Canadian Business Excellence,” brings together world-class organizations for an afternoon dedicated to honoring outstanding achievements in the private business sector.
On behalf of the Board of Governors, the Board of Directors, and the Excellence Canada team, we would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of the 2024 Canadian Business Excellence Awards for Private Businesses. As we celebrate your accomplishments, let’s take this opportunity to connect, share insights, and inspire new paths for growth.
The celebration will conclude with a cocktail reception, held jointly with attendees of the Ruby Jubilee, allowing us to connect further and enjoy this special occasion together.
We would also like to express my sincere appreciation to our esteemed sponsors for their invaluable support, and to the Excellence Canada team for their unwavering dedication to making this event a success.
Thank you again for joining us today. We wish you continued personal and professional success.
Allan N. Ebedes CEO Excellence Canada
Sean Slater President Excellence Canada
2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
3:15 p.m. – 3:25 p.m.
3:25 p.m. – 3:55 p.m.
3:55 p.m. – 4:55 p.m.
4:55 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
REGISTRATION & NETWORKING
OPENING REMARKS
Adam Stoehr, VP Education and Research, Excellence Canada
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Interview with Kim Renton and Kathy Young Keefe, Co-Inventors of enVy Pillow
Moderated by Erin Davis, Radio Host and Best Selling Author
PRESENTATION OF THE CANADIAN BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS FOR PRIVATE BUSINESSES
(Listed in alphabetical order)
Alexa Translations
BeaverTails Canada
Dog and Pony Studio
Fleet Optics Inc
G Force Security
Geotab
Gore Mutual Insurance Company
Groupe MMI inc
HGrégoire
Hub Technology Group Inc
Integracare Inc
ISU Corp
Jan Kelley Marketing
Kognitive Sales Solutions
Living Water Resort
Medair Global
MSP Corp
Open Farm Inc.
Print Geek
R. Khanuja Dentistry Professional Corporation
Spring Financial
T&T Power Group
Trinity Village
Waterford Global Inc.
Weston Forest
Winright Law
CONCLUDING REMARKS
COCKTAIL RECEPTION
Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres
SOCO Ballroom
Adam Stoehr VP of Education and Research, Excellence Canada
Adam is one of Excellence Canada’s primary facilitators and speakers. He researches and typically speaks about strategy, employee happiness, organizational excellence, customer experience, leadership, process improvement and all forms of quality management.
Adam has delivered talks for more than 25,000 adults and has conducted more than 20 Canada Awards for Excellence verifications since 2000.
Erin Davis
Radio Host and Best Selling Author
Erin Davis has had the honour of waking up Torontonians for 30 years as host of the morning show on 98.1 CHFI and was recently inducted into the Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame. Erin now resides in Victoria, BC where she host the CREA podcast Real Time, a podcast for seniors’ residences called Elder Wisdom and her dream project: Drift with Erin Davis, sleep stories on Apple and Frequency. Erin loves to emcee and to share her keynote message of hope after tragedy, based on her Globe & Mail bestselling memoir Mourning Has Broken: Love, Loss and Reclaiming Joy (HarperCollins Canada). Erin is delighted to be sharing in this event celebrating Excellence in all its forms.
KEYNOTE | Interview
Kathy
Young Keefe and
Kim Renton Co-Inventors of enVy Pillow
Kathy Young Keefe and Kim Renton, the founders of enVy Pillow Co, have certainly demonstrated remarkable resilience and business acumen in establishing their company. Transitioning from critical care nursing to entrepreneurship is a significant shift, and their ability to secure design patents, trademarks, and a Class 1 Medical device designation highlights their commitment to quality and innovation. Their decision to turn down offers on Dragon's Den shows their confidence in their product and vision for the company. It's impressive how they have leveraged their nursing background and lean manufacturing principles to create a unique and sought-after product in the market. The fact that enVy Pillow is globally endorsed by various experts speaks volumes about the quality and effectiveness of their therapeutic neck support/beauty pillow. Their focus on sustainability and wellness aligns well with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly and health-conscious products.
Overall, Kim and Kathy's journey from nursing to entrepreneurship is inspiring, and their success story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and strategic thinking in building a thriving business.
SPEAKERS
CARRICK
Toronto, ON
Alexa Translations provides A.I.-powered translations for the largest and most prestigious legal, financial, and government institutions. Our unique combination of advanced technology and professionally certified translators deliver tailored solutions with unparalleled quality. Thanks to over two decades of award-winning client success, you can rely on us as a true extension of your team.
BeaverTails Canada Inc.
Montreal, QC
We are BeaverTails, spreading happiness for 46 years! Rooted deeply in Canadian heritage, we proudly showcase the North Country across the globe. Our journey began humbly in Killaloe, where our signature BeaverTails® pastry, born from a cherished family recipe, debuted in a small kiosk back in 1978. Today, it’s a must-try for locals and tourists alike, who can experience the joy at one of our shop locations coast-to-coast, served up at their special events by our food trucks, enhancing days out at North America’s favorite leisure and tourism spots, and ready to take home from our communitybased brick-and-mortar locations.
Dog and Pony Studio
Toronto, ON
Dog and Pony Studios is a full-service creative agency. For over 25 years, we have been the go-to agency for capital markets, financial services and related industries. Our clients range from the big five banks in Canada, to financial services ratings, analytics and data powerhouses, to global consultancies.
As an agency that integrates strategy, creative and digital, we accelerate our clients’ marketing and digital initiatives, producing world-class brands, content, campaigns and websites.
Fleet Optics Inc
Mississauga, ON
FleetOptics Inc., based in Mississauga, Ontario, offers final-mile delivery and logistics solutions across Canada. Founded in 2015, it operates in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia with seven distribution centres. FleetOptics boasts a 98%+ on-time delivery rate, offering next-day and two-day air delivery options. Their six-day operations and extended peak period services meet diverse customer needs. Using advanced technology for real-time visibility, route optimization, and transparent reporting, they serve top national brands and e-commerce platforms. Committed to sustainability, FleetOptics uses e-bikes and EVs for select 100% zero-emission deliveries, reducing their carbon footprint and enhancing greener urban logistics.
G Force Security
Mississauga, ON
Our vision at G Force Security is to be the leading security company in Canada, recognized for our professionalism, reliability, and exceptional customer service. We strive to continuously improve our security services by utilizing the latest technology and best practices in the industry. We aim to create a culture of safety and security in Canada by partnering with our clients and local communities to provide proactive and responsive security services that enhance public safety and prevent crime.
Geotab is a global leader in connected transportation solutions. We provide telematics — vehicle and asset tracking — solutions to over 50,000 customers in 160 countries. For more than 20 years, we have invested in ground-breaking data research and innovation to enable partners and customers, including Fortune 500 and public sector organizations, to transform their fleets and operations. With over 4 million subscriptions and processing more than 75 billion data points a day, we help customers make better decisions, increase productivity, have safer fleets, and achieve their sustainability goals. Geotab’s open platform and Marketplace, offers hundreds of third-party solution options. Backed by a team of industry leading data scientists and AI experts, Geotab is unlocking the power of data to understand real-time and predictive analytics — solving for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s world.
Geotab Oakville, ON
Gore Mutual Insurance Company
Built on a foundation of financial strength for more than 180 years, Gore Mutual Insurance Company is one of Canada’s first property and casualty insurers. With offices in Cambridge, Toronto, and Vancouver, Gore Mutual is a Canadian mutual company offering competitive insurance products through trusted broker partners. Every decision and investment made is anchored in the long-term benefits to customers, members, and communities.
Insurance that does good—this is our purpose. Grounded in our purpose and guided by our core values, at Gore Mutual, we believe that being good and doing good by our employees, customers and broker partners will benefit not only them but also us—which in turn allows us to spread good in our communities and reward the good we see in others. This is what is driving our work to become a purpose-driven, digitally led national insurer.
Groupe MMI inc. Saint-Laurent,
QC
Founded in 1991, Group MMI has grown to serve over 1,300 loca<ons across Eastern Canada and is now expanding na<onally. What sets us apart is our values-based purpose-driven mission and strong ‘why.’ We challenge the status quo with our ‘humans first’ philosophy and commitment to servant leadership, ensuring both client and employee sa<sfac<on. Our culture department, led by our dedicated Culture Architect, fosters a suppor<ve environment where trea<ng our employees excep<onally well drives our service reputa<on and growth. Con<nuously innova<ng with a robust ESG vision and a focus on sustainability, we strive to posi<vely impact both people and the planet.
HGrégoire
Saint-Eustache, QC
Founded in 1993 and celebrating more than 30 years of service, HGreg is committed to simplifying the car-buying process through values of excellence, transparency, smart use of technology and a refreshing customer-focused philosophy. With a team of passionate car enthusiasts, HGreg operates dealerships in Québec and the United States, offering new and pre-owned vehicles.
Hub Technology Group Inc (HubTGI) began in 1997 as an agency selling copiers in partnership with Xerox and has evolved into a comprehensive managed IT solutions provider. Headquartered in Toronto, with two additional office sites in the GTA. HubTGI offers products and services from multi-function printers and managed print to IT, security and cloud services.
Our mission is to deliver managed business solutions with care, security and innovation, to achieve the highest quality of customer success through our strong and spirited team. We are dedicated to continually evolving to meet our clients’ needs in an ever-changing technological landscape.
Hub Technology Group Inc Etobicoke, ON
Integracare Inc
Toronto, ON
Founded in 1990, Integracare provides a wide range of private nursing care and personal support services to individuals in their homes, hospitals, and retirement residences. Integracare’s team of Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses, Certified Personal Support Workers, Registered Physiotherapists and Registered Massage Therapists provide quality home healthcare, medical treatment and living assistance for our Clients and their Families. Our services, while encompassing all levels of nursing care, have always included a wide range of related services that address the needs of our Clients. Integracare’s dedicated team provides the highest quality care which fosters Client’s independence and joyful living wherever they call home.
ISU Corp Kitchener, ON
ISU Corp is a high-tech company that works with successful businesses to increase their net profits using exceptional custom software solutions; specializing in Software Architecture, Development, Project Management and Software User Interface Design. They have a comprehensive team of I.T. professionals that bring to the business many years of experience in a wide variety of technologies.
ISU Corp has been providing industry leading software solutions since it was founded in 2005. Their main focus is to create a win - win environment with their clients. They view every project as a partnership, where honesty and professionalism mandate every task.
Jan Kelley is an award-winning creative and performance digital agency.
Established in 1913, we are one of Canada’s oldest independently owned agencies, continually evolving to stay at the forefront of the industry. Our unique Humanology philosophy merges technology with human insights, delivering breakthrough ideas and exceptional results. We balance creativity and data, valuing both heart and mind in our work.
Jan Kelley is also home to JKBuild a specialty division which supports the growth goals of building material brands.
At Jan Kelley, curiosity and courage are rewarded, and we thrive on collective learning and inspiration. We rise to challenges daily, making us uniquely Jan Kelley.
Jan Kelley Marketing Etobicoke, ON
Kognitive Sales Solutions
Toronto, ON
We are Kognitive Sales Solutions (KSS), specialists in Sales Assist and Field Marketing programs for both physical and digital spaces. Founded in 2006 and based in Toronto, Ontario, Kognitive Sales Solutions is an industry leader in face-toface sales programs across Canada.
Our success relies on two key factors: investing in our people with rigorous, behaviorally-backed sales training, and utilizing technological innovations to create efficiencies in operational effectiveness. We provide strategic, end-to-end sales solutions that exceed client expectations and drive increased sales revenue, profitability, and world-class customer service across multiple markets and industries. Through continuous investment in our team and the leverage of cutting-edge technology and best-in-class systems, we ensure excellence in all that we do.
Living Water Resort
Collingwood, ON
Colllingwood’s Living Water Resorts is more than just a hotel on the Bay!
Nestled between the Blue Mountains and Georgian Bay in an area of beauty and adventure, the resort features an 18-hole golf course - home to Station on the Green, Cottingwood’s largest patio, Living Shore Spa, our on-site award-winning spa, and Lakeside Seafood & Grill, Collingwood’s onty waterfront restaurant and an on-site marina with paddleboards.
Our resort offers two hotel accommodation options, detivering the same inspiring experience! ln addition we have the region’s onty waterfront Meeting, Conference and Wedding venue, Bear Estate.
Living Water Resorts ... 700 acres to exptore and provide family-friendly experiences.
Global Mississauga, ON
Founded in 2001 in Toronto, Canada, Medair is committed to advancing medical research through the careful transportation of bio-pharma shipments worldwide. As an award-winning company with offices in Montreal, Toronto, and London, UK, Medair boasts over 100 years of combined staff experience in the bio-pharma logistics industry. Medair offers a wide range of services, from IVF and clinical trial logistics solutions to regulatory consultancy, and excels in temperature-controlled shipping systems and personalized customer care. Medair provides a thriving environment where talent leads to success. Learn more at www.medair.global
MSP Corp provides Managed IT Services to Canadian businesses.
By partnering with respected and trusted Tier 1 Vendors such as Microsoft, Cisco and Dell, among many others, MSP Corp offers a diverse portfolio of Managed IT Services and Cloud Solutions, with the mission to deliver industry-leading service and performance through our 14 MSP Business Units, empowered by our technology, know-how and scale while providing sound business strategy for our partner owners. We have coast-to-coast coverage all over Canada from the East, Central and the West.
Our values are Excellence, Innovation, Integrity and Collaboration, with a focus on a passion for our industry, dedication to people, world-class partnerships, care for community, learning approach, expertise and proprietary technology.
Medair
MSP Corp Montreal, QC
Print Geek
Mississauga, ON
Print Geek is Canada’s leading print-on-demand fulfillment smart factory in Woodbridge, Ontario. Our team’s mission is to provide outstanding fulfillment services while focusing on being Canada’s top fulfillment print partner. We inventory over 2000 apparel SKUs and offer services that include direct-to-garment and eco-solvent printing, dye-sublimation, direct-to-film transfer, and embroidery. In 2023, our team printed and shipped over 1,500,000 uniquely personalized items within 48 hours of order receipt, boasting a 97% on-time shipment rate and a defect rate below 0.24%. Recognized for excellence, we deliver top-tier quality, customer satisfaction, and innovative fulfillment solutions across Canada and beyond.
R. Khanuja Dentistry Professional Corporation
Brampton, ON
R. Khanuja Dentistry Professional Corporation is a health corporation and uses Castlemore Dental, Headwaters Dental and Flower City Dental as the trade names. The company offers Cosmetic, Family and Implant dentistry services and has 8 locations.
R. Khanuja Dentistry understands the value of each employee, each customer and offers the highest standard of care being at the forefront of innovative technology.
Dr. Raj is one of the recipients of Canada 150 Medallion- a medal of honour for community service and The June Callwood Oustanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism. The company has donated $250,000 in dental products and services to the vulnerable in the communities.
Spring Financial
Vancouver, BC
Spring Financial is Canada’s leading online personal loan lender based in Vancouver, BC. Our mission is to give all Canadians access to fair-priced financial products entirely online from the comfort of their own home. We’ve developed industry-leading technology, making the process of obtaining a loan extremely simple and convenient. All our products are designed to help any Canadian access the credit they need and save money. Our team is made up of experienced young professionals who are passionate about making a positive impact on people’s lives through financial empowerment.
T&T Power Group
Wellesley, ON
In 1980, T&T Diesel Power was formed with a focus on standby generator sets. Over the next forty years we’ve established ourselves as Canadian Leaders in power generation, distribution, and control systems. From our own line of commercial generator sets to our custom motor control panels, drives and switchgear, our team has the expertise to deliver a solution tailored to your needs. With the acquisition of Hollen Controls, 3 Phase Power Systems and Grizzly Power we added an established panel shop, expert engineers and technicians, power distribution and motor controls as well as expanded our rental equipment offering.
Together as one team, we have More Knowledge, More Solutions and More Value Today, we move forward as T&T Power Group Inc. with a passion for helping, the experience to solve the problem, and a thankful nod to the people that built the foundation from which we are propelled.
Trinity Village Kitchener, ON
Trinity Village is a not-for-profit, charitable organization owned and operated by Lutheran Homes Kitchener - Waterloo, a ministry of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. This 11-acre senior living community fosters interdependence and collaboration across generations to occur, allowing individuals to continue to live meaningful lives. Trinity Village values People, Integrity, Excellence, & Stewardship. In addition to providing a full continuum of care, Trinity Village passionately strives to adheres to its mission statement through its commitment to creating “a caring community which values and fosters the worth and lifestyle of all” for it cannot be one without the other.
Waterford Global Inc.
Winnipeg, MB
Waterford Global Inc. is a top-tier international executive search firm specialized in helping our clients build exceptional teams through the acquisition of equally exceptional talent. Clients retain our firm as a strategic partner and advisor in the recruitment of executive-level leaders and mid-to-senior level managerial, technical, and scientific talent. Working with a diverse client portfolio of domestic and international organizations, we contribute to their success in mature and emerging markets. With over 45 years of combined experience between our firm’s two Founding Partners, Karen Swystun and Fred Loewen, Waterford Global Inc. is a long-standing provider-of-choice to private- and public-sector clients in such key industry verticals as agribusiness, manufacturing, healthcare, private equity, professional and financial services, mining, energy & natural resources, construction & infrastructure, cleantech, and technology. Our geographical footprint includes satellite offices across Canada and globally, from which we regularly deliver our customized, high-touch, and high-value search and recruitment services.
The Weston Forest Group is a leading distributor and manufacturer of softwood & hardwood lumber, panel products, and finished packaging. Serving North America’s industrial and construction sectors through eight distinct entities, Weston’s manufacturing and inventory management services help customers create specified crating, packaging, pallets and boxes, and other niche wood products that are essential for the production or shipment of industrial goods. The company’s logistics and just-in-time fulfilment capabilities also support truss manufacturing, framing, lagging & shoring, concrete forming and other processes that are crucial to commercial and residential construction and large infrastructure projects.
Weston Forest originated as a family business in 1953. Today we are a dynamic organization, repeatedly recognized by Deloitte as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, recipient of the Canadian Business Excellence Awards for Private Businesses, and winner of Waterstone Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures Award.
Weston Forest is certified as a Great Place to Work®! Our culture is one of personal growth, continuous improvement, and opportunity. It is vibrant, informal, and inclusive.
We live by our brand promise: “YOU’LL LOVE DOING BUSINESS WITH US”.
Weston Forest Mississauga, ON
Excellence Canada gratefully acknowledges the support of the following organizations that have helped make this year’s event possible. We couldn't do what we do without you!
RUBY COCKTAIL SUPPORTER
RUBY INDUSTRY SUPPORTERS
RUBY MEDIA SUPPORTER
