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Cover Story: Around the world in 75 years
Around the world in 75 years
By Kat Clark ‘10
Nick Clark‘s diploma from Mohawk College‘s Industrial Engineering Technology Management (IMT) program has taken him across the globe—through Canada, Europe, China, Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, the USA—and through many different careers. He credits it all back to the foundation he gained at the Hamilton Institute of Technology (HIT), Mohawk‘s predecessor. “Friendships, memories and the education I gained during the three years at HIT/Mohawk are irreplaceable,“ says Nick. “The success in my life‘s career traces back to the practical teachings I received while at the institute and the opportunities I was afforded.“ Before graduating from the program in 1968, Nick ventured into the working world with a summer internship in Montreal during Expo ‘67 which he describes as the ‘perfect storm‘ that would change his life forever. “Magical things can happen if you apply knowledge, effort, imagination and dedication to the quest for a better life.“
To say that Nick dabbled in many industries throughout his career would be an understatement. In the 50-plus years since his graduation, Nick has used his diploma to explore the fields of energy management, telecommunications, software development, beverage purchasing, politics and even musical theatre. Titles Nick has held throughout the years include a summer intern at Northern Electric, a consultant for Canada Post in Vancouver, Director of Purchasing for BC Liquor, Senior Policy Advisor within the Ministry of Consumer and Corporate Affairs in Victoria, Founding President of Mission Hill Vineyards, Acting Chair of Central Okanagan Regional Economic Development, and Director of CILK-FM broadcasting, just to name a few. Nick went on to his current post, launching Utility Network & Partners Inc. (UTILITYnet), Alberta‘s first privately owned electricity, natural gas, and green renewable energy management, data processing and retail company.
– Nick Clark ‘69
While these careers may seem somewhat unrelated, it was the art of the business deal that has kept Nick intrigued for so many years. He says the thread that wove the various careers together was IMT‘s core curriculum of logistics, planning, forecasting, productivity and innovative thinking. Nick credits strong mentors and business partners who shared a common vision for helping him leverage practical thinking with an eye on the most important aspect of every business: cost control and cash flow management fundamentals. For Nick, managing an energy company is no different than his venture in the wine business or his early days at Northern Electric. “What was learned at HIT/Mohawk served me well,“ he says. “I developed the ability to identify opportunity, the willingness to take risks and the ability to think differently.“
Some of Nick‘s favourite memories are from his time working in Singapore, as well as in Russia where he had the freedom to be creative and imaginative in a way he never thought possible. One of those interesting memories was being part of a group that financed a theatrical production called Panama the Musical.
Although the musical was a financial bust, Nick considers failure to be as important as success in life. “Success is not guaranteed, you have to be willing to take risks and put in the energy,“ he says. “You have to plan, diligently work the plan, put in sweat equity and, if you fail, be careful not to make the same silly mistake twice.“
Nick encourages future students and graduates of Mohawk College to “think differently, use your imagination, don‘t get pigeon-holed, and to give back.“ In his current role as one of the owners of UTILITYnet, Nick has had a chance to do just that, incubating 24 different companies over the past decade and relying on social engineering to help these organizations grow and give back to their communities. “Most of my time today is spent on community social programs. We created a company called Sandstone Energy where 100% of the profits go to the Calgary Public Library and we have a number of other similar programs that actively fundraise for different charities.“
At age 50, Nick sold his Mission Hill Vineyard shares to his business partner in an attempt to retire but after a short hiatus and some travelling, Nick grew bored and realized he needed to go back to work. “Fifty is way too young to retire. Today, at 75, I‘m busier than I ever was. It‘s all about the opportunity to be creative, the joy of travelling and incubating new ideas.“ He continues, “The business life in Alberta has been amazingly rewarding. I live a charmed and lucky life and am fortunate to spend time in the mountains of Whistler, BC, on the ocean off the Sunshine Coast, and just walking the beach at our condo in Panama.“ Those are the things that fuel Nick and keep him motivated. “When it ceases to be fun, it‘s time to find another challenge.“ And right now, he‘s still having fun.
