Profiles of Excellence by Glacier Digital

Premiere Edition

introduction

hat do you think of when you hear the word “excellence?”

For many who live and work in Vancouver and have businesses here, we think of the people — our neighbours, friends and partners — who make this city the vibrant place the world knows it to be. They define excellence, and they are the reason why, when the Vancouver Courier started this project, we could think of no better name than Profiles of Excellence. It’s a project we’re proud of.

The Vancouverites we’re showcasing here come from a wide variety of backgrounds comprised of a wealth of education, experience and expertise. What they share is commitment, the ability to keep

struggling to reach their goals and to make their professions and community better. Many have won awards and succeeded brilliantly, but the most important evidence of their excellence is the respect they are shown: from clients, shareholders, employees and the public. As you read these profiles, you will be struck by our city’s diversity. You will see how individuals in a wide variety of fields and markets succeed, often despite significant challenges. And you will find inspiration for your own work and life in pursuit of excellence.

Dee Dhaliwal Publisher, The Vancouver Courier

Publisher: Dee Dhaliwal | Director of Sales: Tara Lalanne Manager, Special Projects: Keshav Sharma | Editor: Helen Peterson Articles by Jan-Christian Sorensen | Photography by Kyrani Kanavaros Design: Adrian Cunningham | Production: Barbara Farley Videography Team: Romina Puno, Caitlin Hawley, Jordan Smysnuik, Stephen Smysnuik, Jesse Tanaka

inside

COPEMAN HEALTHCARE CENTRE................................................................................. 5 FRUITICANA . ............................................................................................................................... 7 BROOKS CORNING .................................................................................................................. 9 TPD (formerly The Peronnel Department). ........................................................................11 YORK HOUSE SCHOOL ....................................................................................................... 13 THIND PROPERTIES LTD. .................................................................................................. 15 COMMERCIAL ELECTRONICS ....................................................................................... 17 SPROTT SHAW COLLEGE .................................................................................................. 19 TOT 2 TEEN DENTAL.............................................................................................................21 PARIS CLINIQE ......................................................................................................................... 23 POLINSYS . ......................................................................................................25 J&M COIN AND JEWELLERY LTD. ............................................................................... 27 ROBIN’S PHARMACY ........................................................................................................... 29 Performance Construction ...............................................................................31 TRIUMF

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COPEMAN HEALTHCARE CENTRE

ince 2005, Copeman Healthcare Centre has been breathing new life into the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

A family owned business that has grown from one facility in Vancouver to four federated clinics and a staff of 150, Copeman’s mission remains the same as the day it opened: to improve the quality and longevity of people’s lives by providing unparalleled standards of preventionfocused healthcare and by giving each patient the time and attention they deserve.

In addition to a wide range of personal wellness programs that are focused on promoting physical, psychological and brain health, Copeman is also dedicated to nurturing healthier workplaces through its custom-designed corporate healthcare plans. Health programs for employees can offer companies a competitive advantage. As a coveted benefit they help attract and retain star performers. And by investing in the physical and mental well-being of the workforce companies can also increase productivity and lower expenses associated with absenteeism and turnover. Copeman’s forward-thinking philosophy of prevention has met with resounding success at its Vancouver location, which has grown steadily and cared for thousands of executives and their families in the eight years since inception.

Copeman offers a collaborative, complementary approach to personalized health management and disease prevention. Physicians work in conjunction with family health nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists, kinesiologists, registered dietitians and “Our client and employee satisfaction scores lifestyle coaches to provide every patient meet or exceed published benchmarks of the best companies,” says Les Jickling, Copeman with their very own team of experts that Healthcare’s Director of Marketing and help them develop a personalized prevention Communications. “Every day I am inspired plan and keep them on track. to help make Copeman a world-class Where many clinics focus primarily on organization and to do that we need to be treating patients after they become ill, the continuously looking for ways to improve.” caring team at Copeman takes a proactive approach — understanding that on the In response to client feedback, Copeman continuum of prevention, early detection has introduced innovative programming such as “Copeman Kids” to optimize and treatment, it is prevention that offers the best health outcomes and has the children’s physical, mental and emotional development. New clinical pathways potential to reduce the demand for costly medical interventions down the road. have been added to augment disease risk stratification and a targeted seminar series “If a patient comes to us with a health issue developed for corporate audiences. we’ll treat them and get them on the path to lasting wellness,” says Don Copeman, At the heart of the Copeman Way is a Founder and Chairman of Copeman steadfast commitment to provide honest, Healthcare, “If they come to us and ethical and compassionate care to every they’re already healthy, our job is to keep one of its clients. them that way for a very long time.” “Those principles should be central to every “We have an expression here: ‘Medical business, but even more so when dealing expertise when you need it, prevention with something as personal as someone’s health,” says Jickling. “Regardless of our when you’re ready for it’. Primary prevention is always the best option, but business imperatives we must never forget it also requires therapeutic lifestyle change. that we exist to care for our clients.” We understand that not everybody is ready to make those changes so we can offer them early detection, which is a close second.”

PHOTO: Dr. Peter House - Corporate Medical Officer, Don Copeman - Founder and Chairman, Dr. Beth Donaldson – Clinical Medical Director | Right: Dr. Rhonda Low

“We have an expression here: ‘Medical expertise when you need it, prevention when you’re ready for it.” – Copeman Healthcare Centre Founder and Chairman Don Copeman

Suite 400-1128 Hornby Street Vancouver, BC Tel 604.707.2273 web copemanhealthcare.com

FRUITICANA

n 1994, Indo-Canadian entrepreneur Tony Singh carefully planted and nurtured a seed by establishing a small produce store in Surrey called Fruiticana.

Nearly 20 years later, that seed has blossomed into a grocery-store empire that now encompasses 500 employees, 18 locations across B.C. and Alberta and annual sales of more than $100 million.

While Singh initially launched Fruiticana, to fill a hole in a market that was neglecting the thriving Indo-Canadian community in Vancouver, and to cater to their specific tastes, today his clientéle is as diverse as the myriad products he stocks on his shelves.

“Just last week I was in my first store for an hour or so and met some people who started shopping there 20 years ago and are still coming in,” he says. “They moved away, but they still make a special visit to my store, so I’m able to chat with them, and I really do miss that — talking to my customers on a daily basis.” Fruiticana leases large farms in Mexico to keep its stores well stocked with premium products picked at the peak of ripeness, but Singh also places an emphasis on sourcing a large selection of fresh fruit and produce from local growers and farmers throughout B.C. whenever possible.

“Our produce is different than other stores or supermarkets because we grow our own product and we work closely with our One thing hasn’t changed, however growers on a daily and weekly basis and — Singh’s commitment to provide his we tell them when to pick it. We don’t pick customers with an ever-changing selection it when it’s still green and doesn’t have any of the freshest produce possible, as well as taste, even though it would last longer on a wide array of unique and specialty spices, the shelf. Ours is a perfect, ripe product.” legumes like lentils and hard-to-find items Singh, who also moonlights as a smallfrom far-off corners of the globe. business advocate, firmly believes in Earlier this year, Fruiticana was honoured giving back to the communities that have with the fifth annual International Trade contributed to his success. To that end, Award for Large Business by the Surrey Fruiticana is a regular supporter of various Board of Trade, and the company is sport and community programs, sponsors currently nominated in four categories for local scholarships and contributes to BC the 2014 Small Business BC Awards. Children’s Hospital and Surrey Memorial Hospital. “There’s no secret to our success,” says Singh. “It’s the same now as when I started “If you take from the tree, you have to fertilize my first store. You find out what people it and water it and give back. You have to want and fulfill their needs, and what take care of your environment as well as the they’re looking for is better quality at the people around you. No matter how small, we best price possible.” all have to play our part,” says Singh. Singh, who still keeps his shoulder to the wheel by working ten hours a day, six days a week, has also made superior customer service a key pillar of the Fruiticana business philosophy. As if to underscore that dedication on a personal level, Singh still spends time on the ‘shop’ floor and in the aisles whenever he pays a visit to one of his stores.

PHOTO: Tony Singh, Founder and President of Fruiticana

“If you take from the tree, you have to fertilize it and water it and give back.You have to take care of your environment as well as the people around you.” – Fruiticana owner Tony Singh

12758 80th Avenue Surrey, BC Tel 604.502.0005 web fruiticana.com

BROOKS CORNING

or the past century, governments, corporations and architectural-design firms of all stripes have turned to Brooks Corning to provide organic workspace and office furniture solutions.

What first began as a small store founded by Tom Brooks on Seymour Street has now evolved into a spacious, well-appointed 8,000-sq. ft. showroom on Homer Street and a 16,000-sq. ft. operations centre and warehouse complex located in Burnaby. Instead of contracting out delivery and installation services, Brooks Corning employs its own installation crew and dedicated fleet of vehicles, ensuring it remains hands-on from the initial proposal phase through to delivery and set-up. While the company has certainly changed in 100 years, one aspect has remained a constant — Brooks Corning’s sterling reputation for providing dependable service and customer satisfaction. “We have to remain focused on continual improvement because it’s a very competitive industry, the margins are challenging and we have to run pretty lean, so we look at every aspect of our operation and ask, ‘What can we do better and faster, and how do we make the experience as positive as we can for our customers’?” says Brooks Corning vicepresident, Bob Ross. That experience begins with allowing each client to remain focused on their business while Brooks Corning works behind the scenes with architectural firms and interior-design experts to customize flexible workplace solutions that fit the unique needs of each client, allowing them to create spaces that mirror their culture while maximizing worker and organizational productivity. “We need to be the experts in our field and our customers need to be able to trust

us to work with them to analyze their business and their space needs and guide them through the process,” says Ross. While Brooks Corning has always carried a wide array of office furniture to satisfy any style and price point, for the past 23 years the company has enjoyed a partnership with one of the world’s foremost designers and manufacturers of cutting-edge office interior solutions and technological innovations in Haworth. Brooks Corning has been designated a Best in Class dealer by Haworth and remains the sole distributor of its products for the Lower Mainland and Interior B.C. While Brooks Corning primarily does the bulk of its business with clients in Vancouver’s downtown core, it has also been involved in a number of projects at the University of British Columbia as well as delivering office solutions for various levels of government and corporate clients throughout the province. One of the company’s largest contracts to date was completed last year, when Brooks Corning secured a multi-million dollar contract to outfit the new headquarters of Kal Tire in Vernon. Ross is quick to credit the dedicated staff at Brooks Corning for helping to ensure the company stays true to its principles and holds firm to its reputation as one of the most trusted and sought-after local providers of workspace and office furniture solutions. It’s that team, says Ross, which will continue to set the pace for the company as Brooks Corning embarks on its second century as a Vancouver mainstay. “It’s all about the team you put together,” says Ross. “We’ve got a strong team here at Brooks Corning and we all share the knowledge that we can get better. That’s always motivating us. If you can establish a great team and everybody has the same conviction it helps to make the path forward that much easier.”

PHOTO: Brooks Corning Vice-President Robert (Bob) Ross | Right: A workspace solution by Brooks Corning

“We look at every aspect of our operation and ask ‘What can we do better and faster, and how do we make the experience as positive as we can for our customers?” – Brooks Corning Vice-President Robert (Bob) Ross

1038 Homer Street Vancouver, BC Tel 604.688.6655 web brookscorning.com

TPD (Formerly The Personnel Department)

Behind every successful company is a team of employees diligently working behind the scenes. And helping companies connect with the ideal candidates to fill jobs and develop lasting and viable human resource strategies is TPD.

TPD — formerly known as The Personnel Department — first launched in Calgary in 1980, founded by CEO Leslie Meingast. Three decades later it has grown from a staffing and recruiting firm into a multifaceted HR and consulting giant that has seen its influence extend throughout Western North America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. The third largest organization owned by a woman in BC, Meingast has managed TPD’s evolution into a full-service workforce and HR solutions provider. As TPD has evolved, so too has its own resume. Today, it offers public and private companies a host of workplace solutions ranging from temporary staffing, permanent recruitment and executive search services, to performance assessment, payroll, succession planning, and immigration consulting and processing. On the other end of the spectrum, TPD also connects job seekers with the right companies. At present, TPD is undergoing an exciting rebirth process of sorts by way of rebranding; officially changing its name from The Personnel Department to TPD, altering its logo, and redesigning its website to better reflect its exciting, innovative and unique approach to HR.

makes us large enough to deliver but small enough to care and be flexible towards the needs of each of our clients.” Beyond simply trying to fill vacant chairs at desks, TPD delves into each company it represents to try and properly understand their business needs and how to create appropriate, long-term HR solutions. “The trick is to do a bit of digging and make sure we properly understand context,” says Tournier. “Why this is happening, what they are asking for and how we are best able to help them. “If we’re talking recruiting then we try to find out what the culture is, what are the required skills and abilities and then look at our candidate pool and try to find the best match. We use different sets of tools in terms of assessments, but at the same time there’s always the personal touch to it and a certain magic that happens when a recruiter interviews a number of people and identifies who the best fit as a candidate would be.” TPD also helps its clients successfully manage strategies to tap into and reap the rewards of maintaining a strong presence on burgeoning social-media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Flickr. No matter how successful a company is at tackling those social-media issues, however, what inevitably dictates success or failure boils down to the quality of people and system of governance a company employs, says Tournier.

“Most clients we work with see that technology is a great enabler but at the same time if you don’t have the right people and the right structure and organization What makes TPD unique is that it does not you’re basically getting nowhere, and that employ a “cookie-cutter” approach to HR has changed the function of HR within the solutions. Rather, TPD tailors its services business community. to fit the individual needs of each client. “For me, being at TPD and working on our “We’re in a fairly unique position in terms own development is really ensuring that we of size and flexibility,” says TPD President stay in sync with that evolution,” Tournier Paul Tournier. “There are a lot of small states, “and I think that’s reflected in our operators and a lot of large multinationals history, how we operate today and what and we fit perfectly in the middle, which we’re building towards in the future.”

PHOTO: President Paul Tournier and CEO Leslie Meingast of TPD

“(We are) large enough to deliver but small enough to care and be flexible towards the needs of each of our clients.” – TPD President Paul Tournier

1205-595 Howe Street Vancouver, BC Tel 604.685.3530 web TPD.com

YORK HOUSE SCHOOL

s York House scholars are encouraged to contribute to their community by embodying the school motto, ‘Not for ourselves alone,’ so too does the independent school pride itself on giving back to its students.

Since its inception in Shaughnessy 81 years ago, the independent school for girls has empowered its students to develop their abilities and pursue their passions by providing challenging opportunities in academics, fine arts, athletics and community service. However, even the best and brightest students sometimes require a helping hand to achieve their goals, and that’s where the York House School Foundation comes in. The Foundation, which was established in 1976 with $5,000 and has now surpassed $7 million in capital endowment funds, regularly provides financial assistance to York House School families as well as enabling capable students who might not otherwise be able to attend the school to enroll. Each year the Foundation supports eight students with full-tuition scholarships and two students with partial scholarships, but a number of other bursaries and funds are also available to both current and prospective students.

“The YHS Foundation opened up a new world in our perception of what education really means,” said Alisha’s father, Norman Roberts. “We’ve watched Alisha grow at York House, knowing that this experience would not have been possible for us without the Foundation Scholarship.” “The whole point of the scholarship program is to allow girls who otherwise cannot afford to be here the opportunity to come and experience what we have to offer,” explains York House Director of Admissions, Mabel Lim. “The school motto, ‘Not for ourselves alone,’ underscores why people choose York House in part because of that outwardlooking vision,” adds Assistant Head of School, Kathy Kealey. “We want our young women to go out and have a sense of commitment and purpose to themselves and to the broader community as well.” Lim admits that, often, word of mouth is the most effective means of spreading the message to parents of potential students about the opportunities available through the Foundation, which in turn spurs them to explore the possibility of enrolling their daughter. Sometimes, it’s even the prospective students themselves who prove to be the catalyst in making the switch from the local program to becoming a proud ‘Yorkie.’

“Typically at the Grade 8 level, I meet a lot of families where it’s the child herself that is driving the process,” says Lim. “Parents seem so astounded that their 12-year-old has made up her mind that this is what she wants to do and says to them, ‘I don’t want Alisha Roberts, who attended York House on to just go to the local school like everyone a full scholarship for five years, graduated else. There’s something more that I want.” from York House in 2012 as the athlete of the year and accepted a full-ride scholarship to Pepperdine University, where she is studying sports medicine and playing guard for the school’s NCAA Div. 1 Wave.

“The whole point of the scholarship program is to allow girls who otherwise cannot afford to be here the opportunity to come and experience what we have to offer.” – Mabel Lim,York House School Director of Admissions

Looking at the York House honour roll you’ll find a number of success stories of students who went on to even bigger and brighter things thanks to the support of a foundation scholarship.

PHOTO: York House scholar, Skylar Gordon

4176 Alexandra Street Vancouver, BC Tel 604.730.2419 web yorkhouse.ca

THIND PROPERTIES LTD.

ince 1997, Thind Properties Ltd. has established a hallmark for building quality and creating value for homebuyers in the Greater Vancouver area.

Launched by Indo-Canadian entrepreneur Daljit Thind, Thind Properties has since put its distinctive stamp on a wide range of single-family, townhouse and condominium projects in the Lower Mainland and continues to build its brand by blending quality developments with affordable prices and environmentally friendly practices. A true study in self-made success, Thind first emigrated from India in 1993 and quickly found his niche in Canada, completing his first single-family home in Vancouver four years later. “Families turn to us to experience the dream of home ownership,” says Thind, CEO and founder of Thind Properties Ltd., “and we pride ourselves on providing architectural innovation, tremendous quality and superior customer service.” While his company has grown by leaps and bounds, Thind remains as hands-on as the day he oversaw his first project, shepherding each aspect of his signature developments from the foundations to the rooftops.

high-rise and four-storey mid-rise project that combines quality, form, function and affordability in spacious one-to threebedroom penthouse units that boast highend laminate flooring, durable ceramic tiles, textured carpeting, designer lighting and fixtures and stainless-steel appliances. The project, slated for completion in September of 2014, is already 70 per cent sold out. But Skyway Tower is not the only marquee development in Thind Properties’ portfolio at present. Thind is also promoting View 388 — a 53-unit, luxury condo project currently under construction on Kootenay St. in East Vancouver — as well as the Metro One and Two condominium buildings on Grimmer St. in Burnaby and the 46 twoand three-bedroom townhouses available in the Casa D’oro project on Gilley Ave., conveniently located near Metrotown Centre in Central Burnaby. In previous years, Thind built his brand — and reputation — by developing such projects as The Scena at 2239 Kingsway and The View at 2150 Hastings Street, and has a half-dozen projects currently slated to break ground in 2014.

“My dream is to continue to take my company to the next level,” says Thind, who is excited by the opportunities available for He credits honesty and an unshakable homebuyers in the Vancouver and Burnaby work ethic as the keys to his success. “We real-estate market. “It’s an exciting time to operate with the understanding that each be a real-estate developer in Vancouver. It’s and every home we build will eventually become our customer’s castle,” says Thind. the best place to be working right now.” “We began this company with a vision of Thind also places a premium on being a good building quality homes and creating value community citizen both here in his adopted for our customers. It’s a motto that we homeland as well as in his native India. stand to this day.” Billed as a “Landmark Thind Signature Gold Development”, Skyway Tower on Kingsway in Vancouver is Daljit Thind’s current premier project. A landmark development located in the heart of Vancouver’s new Norquay Community, Skyway Tower is a 12-storey

In addition to sponsoring local children’s clubs and homeless-outreach programs in Vancouver’s downtown East Side, Daljit is the vice-chair of an all-girls school he helped to build in Punjab State in Northern India and is actively working to help export the B.C. school curriculum to the institution.

PHOTO: Daljit Thind, President and CEO of Thind Properties

“Families turn to us to experience the dream of home ownership, and we pride ourselves on providing architectural innovation, tremendous quality and superior customer service.” – Daljit Thind, President and CEO of Thind Properties Ltd.

2245 Kingsway Vancouver, BC Tel 604.451.7780 web thind.ca

COMMERCIAL ELECTRONICS

uperior products, service and expertise... Since 1957, those qualities have helped Commercial Electronics set the gold standard for audio and video aficionados throughout Vancouver.

Founded by German immigrant, entrepreneur and inventor Henry von Tiesenhausen and originally located on Burrard Street for 42 years, Commercial Electronics was home to the very first flatscreen TV in North America in the early ‘90s — which sold for $25,000 at the time.

Today, Commercial Electronics continues to feature a wide array of state-of-the-art audio and visual technologies for commercial and residential clients alike in its spacious retail showroom on West 7th Ave. in the South Granville district, which is also home to its repair and video duplication and conversion centres. Besides sound and home-theatre rooms, the showroom also features a new “Experience Centre” that introduces clients to creative ways to hide technology through art or within the existing interior design of their home. “That is something that we promote strongly with our customers, so that they are able to get a feel for what we offer not only on a qualitative but also an aesthetic level,” says Hal Clark, director of the Residential Systems Integration Group at Commercial Electronics. “Our company, especially at the retail level, is much more lifestyle-oriented than a box store.

which custom-designs, installs and integrates audio/visual, lighting, digital mixing and control systems for houses of worship, corporate offices and boardrooms as well as schools and various levels of government — operates out of a separate warehouse on Industrial Ave. that also houses the company’s rentals and engineering divisions. The company showroom is also the exclusive B.C. home of Bang and Olufsen, a boutique Danish electronics and lifestyle solutions company, famous for marrying unrivalled sound quality with modern design aesthetics. The latest cutting-edge Bang and Olufsen products on offer at Commercial Electronics is the triptych of BeoLab Nos. 17, 18 and 19 series of speakers that stream music over a proprietary network and feature Bang and Olufsen’s groundbreaking Immaculate Wireless Sound. Audiophiles also tend to flock to Commercial Electronics’ selection of high-end ELAC speakers, while the eyes of adoring videophiles have been caught by Keleidascape — a movie-storage solution that also allows users to organize their existing collection of DVDs, Blu-Rays and music CDs, as well as download first-run movies from a dedicated online store without compression or degradation concerns.

Always on the cutting edge of its industry, Commercial Electronics was home to the very first flat-screen TV in North America, in the early ‘90s

As it was when Commercial Electronics first opened its doors, keeping the customer satisfied always rules the day.

“Our client base is golden,” says Clark, who sees referrals come in on the residential side from friends, family and neighbours of “We don’t promote ourselves as a big-box store existing customers, the design community, and turn over lots of single product sales. It’s and on the commercial side via good wordmost always ’systems’ that go out into peoples’ of-mouth from institutions, corporations, homes. Some of them are relatively simple and architects and builders. some feature total home integration, including “For us, it’s all about connecting with lighting, HVAC and motorized shades,” says and developing relationships within the Clark, who lists a $1.5-million job his division community. I think that’s been one of the oversaw in a single-family home as evidence, main things that has sustained Commercial “but we always cater to each client as if they Electronics over the years — not only were a millionaire.” our visibility but our work within the Commercial Electronics’ Pro division — community itself.”

PHOTO: Commercial Electronics Director of Retail Systems Integration, Hal Clark | Right: The showroom’s “Experience Centre”

1565 West 7th Avenue Vancouver, BC Tel 604.669.5525 web commercialelectronics.cA

SPROTT SHAW COLLEGE

prott Shaw College is a textbook example of a local school with a global reach.

What originally began as a business institute in Victoria 110 years ago has now evolved into a college boasting 13 campuses across B.C. that offer degrees and diplomas for domestic and international students alike, in over 120 programs.

Sprott Shaw’s commitment to its students doesn’t simply end at graduation. The college employs a team of careerplacement specialists at each campus to assist students with resumés, preparing for interviews and sourcing out job opportunities for them. In keeping with that support system, Sprott Shaw has also established its own call centre where specialists connect graduates with full- and part-time jobs in their chosen field.

With flexible start dates and scheduling “We go the extra mile to prepare our options, employment support services and students for interviews, to make sure we lifetime upgrades and refresher courses, talk to employers to source out job leads, Sprott Shaw has always attracted its fair and to ensure that students are lined up share of local students for training in the with opportunities so there’s an even better trades and healthcare disciplines. However, chance for them to secure good jobs quickly,” the college has also seen a groundswell of says Sprott Shaw president Patrick Dang. international students coming through its Nurturing and supporting a student body doors in recent years to enroll in business and technology as well as tourism and that can exceed 2,500 each year can be a tall order, and Dang is quick to credit the hospitality programs. school’s roster of dedicated faculty and staff Word of Sprott Shaw’s success in building for helping to spur the continued growth. a bustling hub for international students is spreading far beyond Canada’s borders, “Our faculty form the foundation here,” says Dang. “Without great instructors, you thanks to the college establishing its own cannot have great students. I’m very pleased career-preparation programs in licenced partner institutions located in countries in the and proud to say our instructors go out of Middle East, China, Japan and Southeast Asia. their way and our smaller class sizes allow them to really get to know the wants and To act as a welcoming committee for those needs and learning patterns of each student, new arrivals, the college is actively involved which helps us produce solid graduates.” in assisting international students with Dang is firmly convinced that R.J. Sprott securing accommodations and medical and W.H. Shaw — the two men who insurance, dealing with immigration and banking issues as well as organizing group founded the venerable institution in 1903 — would be proud of both how the school outings and student activities. has thrived and the direction in which it The school is further developing continues to head. its international appeal through its involvement in a series of “Global “As our new mandate states, we provide Education Cities,” currently under relevant skills for meaningful jobs. We’ve development in Richmond and the South been here for 110 years, we’re tried, tested Cambie district of Vancouver. When and proven and we stand by our graduates,” says Dang. “We want our students to completed, the sites will host a number of public and private colleges and universities believe in us as much as we believe in them and provide amenities such as student and their chosen path or career.” housing, retail outlets and restaurants as well as travel agencies and immigration lawyers and consultants.

PHOTO: Sprott Shaw President Patrick Dang | Right: A Sprott Shaw student in the classroom

“We’re tried, tested and proven and we stand by our graduates. We want our students to believe in us as much as we believe in them and their chosen path or career.” – Sprott Shaw President Patrick Dang

13 Sprott Shaw locations in BC Tel 604.683.7400 web sprottshaw.com

TOT 2 TEEN DENTAL

he best referrals Tot 2 Teen Dental owner Dr. Anita Gartner receives are, the word-of-mouth variety.

It’s an affirmation that Dr. Gartner and her staff are providing the best possible quality of care and succeeding in their desire to help ease the anxiety some of their young patients may have in the dental chair.

“That is the best recommendation I can have,” says Dr. Gartner, “When one parent tells another, ‘I think you should go here,’ I’m absolutely grateful because it’s a privilege for a parent to come to you and say ‘I trust you, please help treat my child.’ It’s a huge responsibility.” Dr. Gartner, a pediatric dentist with 16-plus years’ experience, conceptualized and then opened Tot 2 Teen Dental four years ago. She has since carved a niche for administering state-of-the-art, individualized care for children and specialneeds patients of all ages in a warm and welcoming environment. Besides offering a full range of diagnostic, preventive, restorative and interceptive orthodontic services, Dr. Gartner and her staff also specialize in patient-specific behavioral management techniques ranging from tell-show-do, positive reinforcement to hypnosis and pharmacological techniques which include nitrous oxide, oral and IV sedation as well as general anesthesia. Herself a mother of two daughters, Dr. Gartner knows full well it requires a deft touch to both allay patient fears and build a solid foundation for a lifetime of successful visits to the dentist’s office.

was just, ‘Sit there and be quiet,’ but now you need to be able to make adjustments based on the needs of each patient. “My ultimate goal is to make the intolerable dental visit more tolerable for children and develop the skills and knowledge that promote good oral health and well-being.” Dr. Gartner is also committed to continually re-educating herself and her staff in new and emerging dental techniques as well as community education and outreach initiatives. This expertise will help her, and the overall practice, to fill a much-needed niche in Vancouver. In January, 2014, Dr. Gartner will move into a new and expanded Tot 2 Teen Dental clinic in the Sunrise community of East Vancouver. The new office will also feature easier access for parents with strollers and patients in wheelchairs. Treating patients with special needs has always been a personal priority for Gartner, who has a sister and mother who use wheelchairs. “I’ve learned to be inclusive and aware of the unique needs of patients with special needs because I’ve lived with it my whole life,” says Dr. Gartner. “It gives you a unique perspective.” Tot 2 Teen regularly pays visits to local daycares, schools and community centres and Dr. Gartner donates her time and services to community-wide dental days that offer free treatment for those with access-to-care issues.

“There are many children who need their fears put to rest the first time in the dentist chair,” says Dr. Gartner. “When they “If you look at the statistics, a great number give you a big hug afterwards and say, ‘Thank you,’ it just melts my heart. It’s a of adults are anxious and fearful of the dentist and, unfortunately, it’s because wonderful thing to be able to empower they have likely had a bad experience or children and build lasting and fulfilling their needs were not met when they were relationships that promote good oral children,” she says. “Thirty years ago it health and well-being.”

PHOTO: Dr. Anita Gartner of Tot 2 Teen Dental

“My ultimate goal is to make the intolerable dental visit more tolerable for children and build lasting and fulfilling relationships that promote good oral health and well-being.” – Dr. Anita Gartner, owner of Tot 2 Teen Dental

2651 East Hastings Vancouver, BC Tel 604.569.3669 web tot2teendental.com

PARIS CLINIQE

You’ll have to pardon Ilan Givon if he fancies himself something of a modern-day Ponce de Leon.

But quite unlike the famed Spanish explorer, Givon has successfully established his own Fountain of Youth at Paris Cliniqe, a boutique esthetics clinic devoted to providing customers with state-of-the-art anti-aging technologies and treatments.

and the Mistral (LHE – Light Heat Energy technology), which promotes long-term hair removal and improves both the look and feel of skin. “Our machines are all non-invasive and they induce the same processes that occur naturally in the body when you work out,” explains business partner Dori Paicu. “Unfortunately, genetics determine where fat gets removed in each person when they work out, but our machines allow our customers to choose exactly where they want to lose inches.”

Since 2010, the staff at Paris Cliniqe have offered both male and female clients an array of comprehensive, natural and non-invasive Paicu and her fellow technicians know that procedures to promote slimming, skin it’s a priority to keep each client satisfied at Paris Cliniqe, and it’s a responsibility tightening, muscle toning, body and facial rejuvenation and hair stimulation, regrowth they never take lightly. or removal in a soothing, spa-like setting in “The business brings people in but our clients Vancouver’s South Granville district. are either coming back or not coming back because of us,” she says. “When I see our For Givon, it’s not simply about improving the cosmetic appearance of each customer— clients gain more self-esteem and feel better it’s about improving lives. He prides himself about themselves, it makes me smile. It’s the and his staff on providing superior care and best feeling when someone has a problem or a challenge and I’m able to help fix it or personalized service for each customer that pays a visit to Paris Cliniqe. make it better for them.” “We know our customers by name and we work very hard to provide a very personal approach here, and most of our customers really feel that we are different. We are not a place where you just come and get a treatment and go. We talk to our customers. We listen. We care. We want to feel involved in their lives. I think that is the most important part of what we offer here, and what sets us apart.” The host of cutting-edge treatments at Paris Cliniqe include Bella Contour, a skin rejuvenating and slimming technology that safely and effectively shrinks fat cells by stimulating the body’s natural metabolic process; the Regen XL, which targets wrinkles, fat and cellulite while regenerating collagen and Givon bills as the “Lexus of skin therapy solutions”;

For Givon, the greatest satisfaction his job provides is when his customers finish a treatment and leave with a smile on their faces. “Their satisfaction — and the feeling that we helped them — that is what inspires us everyday. It may not sound genuine because everybody says it, but we really mean it. When our clients are happy, we’re happy. We change lives here, and we never forget that fact.”

PHOTO: Ilan Givon and Dori Paicu of Paris Cliniqe | Right: Customer receiving facial treatment

“We talk to our clients. We listen, and we care. I think that is the most important part of what we offer here, and what sets us apart.” – Paris Cliniqe owner Ilan Givon

102-1668 West Broadway Vancouver, BC Tel 604.568.9909 web mypariscliniqe.com

POLINSYS

arving out their own spot in the vibrant, multicultural Canadian tapestry can be an exciting yet daunting task for immigrants at the best of times.

However, that path to Canada can be fraught with fewer pitfalls when immigrants seek out the sound advice and trustworthy assistance provided by Polinsys. Polinsys consultant Rhonda Williams regularly lends her 20-plus years of experience in immigration to assist international students, skilled workers, investors and entrepreneurs and those seeking permanent residence in starting their new lives in Canada.

Williams, a member of both the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) and Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) and an instructor in immigration laws, policies and procedures at UBC, brings a unique set of skills to the job. For the better part of a decade, Williams worked as a visa officer and a Canadian diplomat in Asia, which gives her an unparalleled insight into the immigration process and the inner workings of Citizenship and Immigration Canada. “I have a lot of insight into what the visa officers are looking for — what the procedures are, what the processes are — so I know how they’ll be looking at each application and am therefore better able to help (immigrants) position their application in a more substantive way,” says Williams. “I help them present the same information, but in a more effective way, and by specifically referencing the legislation that the visa officers rely on to make their decisions.” Williams is one of four Canadian-based consultants for Polinsys, which has established offices in India, Malaysia, The Philippines and the UK.

PHOTO: Consultant Rhonda Williams of POLINSYS

What sets Williams apart from other consultants are her impeccable credentials, reliable track record and an unwavering commitment to provide each of her clients with ethical and dependable advice at every turn. “I’m a firm believer in the Canadian tapestry and am absolutely delighted to live in a place that embraces multiculturalism,” says Williams. “I’m so pleased when I can help people come to Canada and see them settle and enjoy their lives here. “Most people you meet in Canada are children of immigrants or immigrants themselves and I think we really have that embedded in our national consciousness,” she says. “We’ve embraced multiculturalism as a policy in Canada, and I think that makes it easy for us to be amenable to diversity. People around the world see that in Canada there are no barriers to what you can do if you have the ability and the drive to achieve.” Whatever path to Canada immigrants might ultimately choose, Williams encourages any and all applicants to seek out the services of either a lawyer or authorized member of the ICCRC to ensure they are receiving reputable, sound representation. She also advises applicants to ask whether their chosen consultant has had any complaints lodged against them with the ICCRC. All too often Williams has either seen or heard of stories where immigrants have either been misled or experienced costly setbacks in the application process due to unethical consultants whose practices are long on promises but short on success. “This is a life-changing event and applicants need to seek out the very best and most ethical assistance. They’re investing their money, yes, but they’re also investing their dreams, and that’s priceless. If those dreams get taken away by someone who misrepresents them, that breaks my heart.”

“People around the world see that in Canada there are no barriers to what you can do if you have the ability and the drive to achieve.” – Polinsys Consultant Rhonda Williams

Suite 229, 7164 - 120th Street Surrey, BC Tel 1.888.553.4833 web polinsys.com

J&M COIN AND JEWELLERY LTD.

hen it comes to local stores that consistently place a premium on quality, service and selection over profits, J&M Coin and Jewellery is a true diamond in the rough.

It’s been that way since 1970, when owner and President Joseph Iorio opened his first location in Vancouver on Richards and Hastings. Today, Iorio operates a flagship store and showroom on 127 East Broadway, with a second facility located on the third floor of Metrotown at Metropolis in Burnaby. Because Iorio and his staff of 25 do a steady business buying, selling and trading coins, bullion, gemstones and exchanging foreign currencies, it’s easy to overlook what is fast becoming the cornerstone of his venerable operation: a superlative, second-to-none selection of GIA-certified diamonds, engagement rings and wedding bands, and new and reconditioned high-end watches such as Rolex, Omega, Cartier and Patek Philipe. Iorio is keen to eschew the notion that J&M deals only in buying and selling estate jewellery. To that end, both his stores employ certified goldsmiths and master craftsmen who are experts in helping clients custom-design 10- to 19-carat white or yellow gold or platinum engagement rings and wedding bands. J&M also has three certified gemologists on staff for appraisals, and professional staff to create that special, personalized, custom design and, not to be forgotten are repairs: nothing is too small or too difficult. With each purchase, peace of mind is included free of charge; every diamond measuring one carat or above in J&M’s wide selection includes an official Grading Report compiled by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) — the world’s foremost authority on diamonds — that

details the “4Cs” (colour, clarity, cut and carat weight) of each stone. Further adding to the intrinsic value of each precious stone is the fact that Iorio offers his diamonds at only ten-per-cent over cost, choosing instead to focus on volume rather than exorbitant mark-ups common to other jewellery stores. That approach — combined with a rock-steady commitment to providing top-notch service and everyday low prices in a friendly, welcoming environment — is what sets J&M apart from the competition, says Iorio. “We don’t mark up our inventory 200 or 300 per cent like most retailers, and we very rarely have sales. Instead, we offer consistently low prices and small margins and work on volume. We pride ourselves on being honest with our customers and providing them with true value and fair grading. Quality and satisfaction has always been our primary concern at J&M, and it’s something that I’ve maintained since I first went into business back in 1967.” Customers will soon be able to browse J&M’s extensive selection of engagement rings and wedding bands from the comfort of their home or on their mobile device, as Iorio is in the process of rolling out a redesigned website that will allow buyers to visit a virtual showroom and select and order items online.

“Quality and satisfaction have always been our primary concern at J&M, and it’s something I’ve maintained since I first went into business back in 1967.” – J&M Coin and Jewellery President Joseph Iorio

Besides their wide selection of jewellery, watches and gemstones, J&M also offers repair and refinishing services on all types of custom and antique jewellery and watches, and is one of the few Canadian jewellery houses with a high-tech laser welding system on premises. “We run the whole gamut here at J&M. No job is too small or too difficult for us, and we offer very competitive prices,” says Iorio.

PHOTO: Joseph Iorio, President of J&M Coin and Jewellery Ltd. RIGHT: Iorio and staff member hard at work

127 East Broadway Vancouver, BC Tel 604.876.7181 web jandm.com

ROBIN’S PHARMACY

obin’s Pharmacy comes by its community-oriented approach to customer service quite honestly.

Manweiler has also become well versed in catering to the specific needs and issues of the diverse population that resides in the Commercial Drive area.

Owner Robin Manweiler grew up on “We have a wide spectrum here — small his family’s farm in Chilliwack, where families, professionals, the LGBT population, the elderly, First Nations he learned firsthand the importance of community values, as well as cultivating a and the mentally ill — so we have to strong work ethic. It was after earning his understand the needs of each distinct Master’s Degree and while working as a group because it’s definitely not a locum for various big-box pharmacies in homogeneous community,” says smaller cities throughout the province that Manweiler. “We pride ourselves on being he decided to strike out on his own and open able to speak to each of those groups his own independent pharmacy in order to based on what their unique needs are. provide a loftier level of customer care. Every one of our customers has different needs, so we are very focused on providing In 2009, Manweiler chose to establish his advice or solutions that are specifically namesake pharmacy on Commercial Drive, tailored toward them.” citing the vibrant enclave’s close-knit community and small-town ambiance. Among the many long-standing and personal relationships Manweiler has He aligned himself with The Medicine cultivated in his time on Commercial Drive, Centre — a collective of independent he counts a close association with the pharmacists serving B.C., Alberta and Kettle Friendship Society (which has been The Yukon — after discovering that his providing outreach and support services personal philosophies dovetailed perfectly for people living with mental illness in with The Medicine Centre’s mandate of Vancouver for more than 35 years) as one focusing on community before commerce of his most personally rewarding. and putting healthy neighbours above “The Kettle took me on as their preferred healthy profits. pharmacy provider nine months after I “One of the biggest advantages to opened, and it has been very humbling for operating an independent pharmacy is that me to work with a great group of people you get to provide care the way you want that I have come to care deeply about,” he to provide it,” he says. “In the big-box says. “I feel very blessed to work with the pharmacies, their focus is the bottom line. Kettle Society and to play a small role in At an independent pharmacy, you have supporting the great work that they do in much more freedom to provide better the community.” patient care through the relationships that you develop and, in turn, a more Beyond the wide range of products, friendly personalized version of pharmacy care. atmosphere and prompt service Manweiler provides to all his clients lies a quality that “We know the names of all of our he prides above all others — empathy. customers and have very good relationships with them. I think they “When people come in my store they can be appreciate the level of personal service upset about something or just not feeling we give them, as opposed to feeling like well but when they leave, if they’ve learned they’re just another number at one of the something and feel more positive and better off, then I feel like I’ve done my job.” larger chain stores.”

PHOTO: Robin’s Pharmacy owner and pharmacist Robin Manweiler

“At an independent pharmacy, you have much more freedom to provide better patient care through the relationships that you develop and in turn, a more personalized version of pharmacy care.” – Robin’s Pharmacy owner Robin Manweiler

908 Commercial Drive Vancouver, BC Tel 604.876.3784 web medicinecentre.com

Performance Construction

assersby have undoubtedly taken notice of a new building that was recently developed at 1249 Howe Street in downtown Vancouver. Performance Construction had the honour of being selected as the General Contractor by the McLaren Housing Society of British Columbia, to undertake this inspiring project.

The 12-storey concrete building was particularly challenging as it was constructed on a busy street situated mid-block between two existing housing developments. Performance appreciated being part of the McLaren Development as it was built to achieve LEED Gold standard (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,) which required very close collaboration with the Architect (GBL Architects Inc.) and their consultants to realize the required energy reduction initiatives and the requirement to reduce water consumption by 40 per cent over conventional buildings. Other initiatives included rooftop solar panels to supply hot water to the building.

By personal attention, Deans is referring to company president Bernie Godler, who has a very hands-on approach to all of the company’s activities. Although there are very talented individuals who work both at the site and in the office to look after the day-to-day operations of each site, Godler who is a Professional Engineer and has been in the industry since the early 80s, brings his unique insight to each project. Other projects undertaken by Performance which stand out are the Northlands Development in North Vancouver, the Lux Theatre site on East Hastings, VanCity Branch 6, also on East Hastings and the Mode building on Smithe Street. Performance Construction is co-owned by Bernie Godler, Olga Ilich and Milo Ilich. Both Olga and Milo are related to the late Milan Ilich, who founded the Progressive Group (the predecessor to Performance) and was well known throughout the Lower Mainland for his business and philanthropic endeavours. As is evidenced by some of buildings listed earlier, Deans added that Performance Construction is a productive member of the construction community by helping to build affordable housing while at the same time being actively involved in market projects throughout the Lower Mainland.

“We are considered a medium sized General Contractor and Construction Manager,” says Business Development Manager Allan Deans, “which works throughout the Lower Mainland on a variety of projects. We place an emphasis on - but are not exclusive to private market “Sustainability also plays a large factor and public multifamily housing. Most of in the construction Industry,” Deans our projects are in the broad range of $2 to says, “whereby many buildings seek LEED $25 million, but what sets us apart from our certification, and partner up with waste competition is our belief in giving personal management companies that practice attention to all our clients.” responsible disposal and recycling of construction waste. Deans explains: “We believe in having a positive working relationship with all our clients and their architects and consultants, “We do pride ourselves on being part of the team, not just doing things on our own which leads to a more collaborative effort without regard to the other stakeholders. to complete the project on time and in We are very particular about the line with the construction budget. We also environment, and the quality of what we believe in a positive working relationship build, thus ensuring that we leave a positive with our trades and suppliers, thus legacy for our children and grandchildren.” ensuring a harmonious job-site.”

PHOTO: The Performance construction team | Right: The Performance St. George project

“We believe in having a positive working relationship with all our clients and their architects and consultants, which leads to a more collaborative effort.” – Allan Deans, Business Development Manager for Performance Construction

213-21300 Gordon Way Richmond, BC Tel 604.628.9620 web perfcon.ca

TRIUMF

t the TRIUMF labrotory, big things come in small packages – at a subatomic level, to be precise. This UBC-based consortium is striking with major impact on scientific innovation, and it’s causing quite the ‘reaction.”

Today, Vancouver is home to a number of innovative researchers, cyclotron developers such as ACSI and isotope manufacturers such as Nordion, Inc., which shares laboratory space with TRIUMF and is one of the world’s leading commercial exporters of medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals.

Founded in 1968 by British Columbia’s “We’re really starting to see that when people think about where isotopes are three major universities, TRIUMF is Canada’s national laboratory for particle produced and where the solution to the and nuclear physics, as well as medical and medical isotope crisis is going to come materials science, and is leading the charge from that TRIUMF and B.C. are at the to find a viable solution to the world’s top of the list,” says Tim Meyer, head of medical isotope crisis. strategic planning and communications at TRIUMF. “With a network of regional Traditionally, a handful of nuclear reactors partners, we’re at a tipping point of around the globe — including the Chalk having a whole hotbed of discovery and River Laboratories facility in Ontario innovation centred around isotopes.” — have been responsible for the creation of medical isotopes such as technetiumTRIUMF, which is funded by both the 99m, the mainstay of nuclear medicine federal and provincial governments (and and cardiac and cancer imaging the world notably represents one of Canada’s largest over. However, with shutdown and supply science investments,) is clearly the nucleus issues plaguing those aging reactors, a of the drive to develop Isotope Valley. safe alternative to creating isotopes was “We’ve noticed that the government thinks desperately needed. of TRIUMF when it thinks of isotopes, and Through work at TRIUMF and elsewhere, we’ve been approached by groups in the a network of small medical cyclotrons UK and Germany as well as Australia and (particle accelerator that traditionally make Japan that would like to get access to some specialty isotopes) is already in place across of this isotope technology,” says Meyer. Canada. Drawing on expertise garnered “We’re getting requests across the board over decades of experience, TRIUMF for conversations and arrangements that if researchers dusted off a decades-old idea everything works out will both add value and set it into motion with a national team. Instead of using centralized nuclear reactors, to the Canadian economy and make these solutions available in other countries as well.” why not upgrade the existing network to make the key missing isotopes? Meyer says that while TRIUMF researchers used to worry that the lab was “B.C.’s TRIUMF is involved not only in research, best-kept secret,” word is slowly but supply and delivery of isotopes and the surely spreading of the innovative and development of smaller-scale cyclotrons groundbreaking work being done at the 13— such as the one currently being used acre facility located on UBC’s south campus. by the BC Cancer Agency to create their own supply of technetium-99m — but is “TRIUMF is making a name for itself and shepherding the creation of a global hub for BC in the world of nuclear medicine here in the Lower Mainland known as and isotopes; we’re proud to be a part of “Isotope Valley.” In the style of California’s Silicon Valley or Waterloo, Ont., it has been Canada’s leadership in this area,” says Meyer. colloquially dubbed Quantum Valley due to its involvement in developing cutting-edge nano- and quantum-related technologies.

PHOTO: Paul Schaffer, Head of Nuclear Medicine Division, TRIUMF

“At TRIUMF, we’re at a tipping point of having a whole hotbed of discovery and innovation centred around isotopes.” — Tim Meyer, TRIUMF head of strategic planning and communications

4004 Wesbrook Mall Vancouver, BC Tel 604.222.1047 web triumf.ca

K y r a n i K a n ava r o s

yrani Kanavaros is a portrait photographer based in Vancouver, BC. She has been shooting professionally since 2005 and has had the pleasure of photographing memorable personalities such as musicians, broadcasters, business people, journalists, artists, actors and models. Kanavaros is also known for photographing modern portraits of children and families.

Named as one of Vancouver’s 50 Essential Portrait Photographers by vancouvermom.ca, she has also been a guest contributor on CTV News, offering photography tips to viewers, and her work has been published in many prestigious local publications.

Tel 604-808-6642 email kyrani@klikphotographic.com web klikphotographic.com blog klikphotographic.blogspot.com

Profiles of Excellence Edition 1 - published Dec. 2013. For inquiries regarding the next edition, contact Keshav Sharma at the Vancouver Courier: email KSharma@vancourier.com or tel: 604-630-3543.