Business Leaders

20

MOST DYNAMIC
BUSINESS LEADERS
2024

Best Business Magazine

Positively Impacting Lives | Melissa Jones

When working in an office with multiple personalities trying to work as one to get the big (and the little) things done, nothing is more important than patience and positivity. Even an unrivaled work ethic won’t get one too far without these things.

Unlocking the Potential of Great Boards | Beverly Behan

“Do Boards of Directors – these awesome brain trusts of brilliant, accomplished people carefully selected to oversee an organization and help it to navigate difficult challenges – do they typically fulfill their true potential? In most cases they do not. That’s what my work is all about – to unlock the potential of truly great boards”. This quote from Beverly Behan is the foundation of her unique career.

A Pioneer of Food Innovation | Charif Geara

Deforestation in many areas worldwide is becoming a significant issue in growing Cocoa trees. Cocoa, as we know it, is the main ingredient in making chocolate, and Chocolate-flavored products are by far the best sellers on the world market. The consumption of Cocoa is constantly rising; therefore, deforestation will continue to rise unless we do something about it. Nexxus Foods is a 100% natural clean-label ingredients supplier with a scientific and one-of-a-kind approach to food innovation.

Transforming Ideas into Reality | Chris Schmidt

Chris Schmidt, CEO of DKI Canada, loves to discuss ideas, strategies, and concepts because that is how you can influence industries and change the trends. Chris considers himself fortunate with DKI that he could surround himself with an excellent team consisting of people who believe in the vision and mission of what they are trying to achieve and work hard daily to execute the strategy.

The Trusted Retail Tech Provider | Dax Dasilva

Lightspeed (NYSE and TSX: LSPD) powers complex small and medium-sized businesses with cloud-based, omnichannel commerce platforms in over 100 countries. With smart, scalable, and dependable point of sale systems, Lightspeed provides all-in-one solutions that drive innovation and digital transformation within the retail, hospitality, and golf industries.

Armed with an Unwavering Determination | Irfan Sattar

Lightspeed (NYSE and TSX: LSPD) powers complex small and medium-sized businesses with cloud-based, omnichannel commerce platforms in over 100 countries. With smart, scalable, and dependable point of sale systems, Lightspeed provides all-in-one solutions that drive innovation and digital transformation within the retail, hospitality, and golf industries.

Transforming The Real Estate Arena | Jeff King

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) is a member-based professional association of 15,000 REALTORS® and their companies who live and work in communities from Whistler to Maple Ridge to Tsawwassen and throughout the Metro Vancouver area.

Leading with a Mission | Nadia Akseer

Dr. Nadia Akseer is a curious, driven leader inspired by complex and multidisciplinary global health issues. She is interested in providing opportunities for junior scientists and artists and creating a powerful workplace for their nexus and integration.

A Transformational Leader | Neha Sahi

What makes a good leader? Competence, expertise, communication skills, integrity? Likely no one would argue that. But what makes an exceptional leader? How about all that plus a wonderful personality?

Building A Community, With A Purpose | Sébastien Grenache

Sébastien Grenache’s vision and determination set him apart from most leaders. As soon as he entered the specialty coffee industry after acquiring Café Saint-Henri, he decided to take a new approach to making specialty coffee approachable and accessible to everyone.

Building a “Brick-and-click” Future | Suresh Madan

Changes in how health care is delivered have had to occur due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Healthcare systems are adjusting the way they triage, evaluate, and care for patients via methods that do not rely on in-person encounters.

August 2024

Best Business Magazine

A Different Approach to Leadership | James Constable

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s emotions and those of others. Leaders with high emotional intelligence are more likely to create a positive work environment, inspire and engage their teams, and achieve better business results. James Constable, the CEO of Albany Beck, is a leader with incredibly high emotional intelligence and levels of empathy. These qualities have had a significant impact on all his business decisions as well as his leadership style and structure. Because of his unique attributes, James constantly puts himself in another person’s situation and thinks, “How would I behave if I was that person?” It enables him to understand what is needed more clearly. “I’d never expect someone to do something I’m not prepared to do myself. My emotional intelligence is probably why I also respect the quote from Aristotle: “The whole is more than the sum of its parts.” It’s the significance of people working together to create something greater than what any of us can contribute individually that I am a firm believer of,” says James. “Everyone can contribute; everyone has a role to play in our company. It’s about putting people in the right seat and empowering them to be their best version. This is what gets the best outcomes for everybody.”

Making Builder’s Lives Easier | Caleb Cowart

Caleb Cowart, President of TNS Solutions, oversees the company’s operations and ensures they maintain their commitment to excellence. He recognizes the importance of airtightness in buildings and its impact on energy savings. Meanwhile, the company’s AeroBarrier technology makes builders’ lives easier by efficiently sealing invisible air leaks, allowing them to reliably meet blower door tests—a method to measure a building’s airtightness.

Leading with Passion & Dedication | Damien M Tholomier

A seasoned professional in the field of electrical power systems and grid automation, Damien Tholomier plays an essential role in the management and optimization of the electrical systems of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Electric Co-Op. Damien is a senior executive with 30 years of experience working for Fortune 500 companies in energy-related sectors such as power, oil & gas, mining, transportation & renewables.

A Story of Innovation, Resourcefulness, & Creativity | Devee Joy McNally

Devee McNally will be the first person to say her intention was never to own a business. She never thought she would be working with a team, collaborating, creating, and developing thoughtful products in a beautiful office space. From the start, her only goal was to provide households with the Junk Drawer Organizer® because it would solve a problem and make their lives more joyful.

Building the Future with Trust | Heather Bruce

Today, more than ever, it is essential for leaders to think about future generations because they have the power to shape the world. Leaders who think beyond their interests and consider the long-term impact of their decisions can create a better future for everyone. In fact, generative leaders strive to leave the world a better place than they found it. They focus on creating an inspiring and enriching human experience for their people outside of work.

Armed with an Unwavering Determination | Jose Arozarena

Jose Arozarena, the CEO of Amigo Tours, is a determined visionary leader who has transformed the company into a thriving hospitality and tourism business. His journey began at a young age when he started a small computer business and later worked as a DJ to save money for backpacking across Europe.

Enabling Vibrant Story Telling | Dr. Kathryn Ritchie

Dr. Kathryn Ritchie, CEO & Founder, Ignition Institute, has high energy, a wild curiosity and desire to continue to learn and grow, and a deep commitment to care and give back to the planet – to the individual, to the team, to the organization, to the community, and the globe. “I am not someone who seeks badges or accolades or acknowledgment, this comes from the results I experience, in the relationships I have and the work I do. I am focused on mobilizing and getting things done. I compete with myself and only myself to be better and better,” she says.

A Strategic Leader | Kevin Closky

The similarity between Accutec Blades and MPC Plating is Kevin Closky. A strategic leader who is responsible for their transformation from struggling organizations to profit-inducing ones.
As the COO of Accutec Blades, in four years, Kevin helped them negotiate a 4-year union contract, double the plant footprint in Mexico from 150 people to almost 300 people, add 25% more hourly jobs and 20% more salary positions in the Virginia branch, while increasing annual blade production from 640MM blades to 1 billion blades.

Averting Disasters with Confidence | Kyle Molotkin

For Kyle Molotkin, the proudest moment as the CEO of Informanix Technology is when the people who have chosen to work with him see meaningful progress in their own lives. A staff member who gets a promotion and moves their family into a bigger house – or their first house – it’s all very rewarding for Kyle. “I think developing people is the greatest achievement you can have in business. Because people are your assets and they can take you towards success,” he elucidates. “I am constantly pushing my team to achieve more, from brainstorming ideas, pushing boundaries, and trying something brand new.

The Game Changer | Marita Decker

FutureCourse is a mission-centric, vision-inspired, “for-impact” organization that works to unlock leadership potential and career sustainability/growth/momentum, especially in women and other minorities. While many organizations are focusing on women who have made it to the top, FutureCourse aims at those who are developing, and often struggling, as emerging leaders. They target what McKinsey/LeanIN has called the “broken rung.” “For every 100 men promoted to management, only 72 white women will be promoted, only 68 women of color, and only 58 Latina women.

Harnessing Positive Energy | Munir Khalifa

Leaders should believe that hard work is the foundation of success because it can lead to improved results, personal growth, increased confidence, a sense of accomplishment, career advancement, and more tremendous success. Hard work can help people develop character, motivate themselves, overcome hardships, and achieve their goals. It can also help individuals develop new skills and abilities, leading to personal growth and development. By putting in extra effort and time, one can improve the quality and quantity of their work, leading to better results and outcomes.

Transforming the Real Estate Arena | Sunnie Li

Real estate has always been Sunnie Li’s front and center passion. She started investing in real estate when she was still in college, pursuing her bachelor’s in public Affair and Governance. And it had been a long journey from that to founding SALA Homes in 2019.

Best Business Magazine

Leading with Greatness | Garry Sangha

Garry Sangha, CEO of Kanin Construction Management, is an invigorated leader. He is confident in his vision and generous in sharing that vision with his partners in business and the team at large. As a dreamer, he can imagine big ideas and possibilities beyond normal.

A Force of Strength & Intention | Amanda Johnson

Amanda’s leadership throughout her tenure at Beacon is seen in every aspect of the organization — not just the strategic focus one would expect from a CEO, but a hands-on style of leadership—overseeing the implementation of new software systems, service lines and championing the recent renovation and workflow of Beacon’s new 25,000 square feet headquarters in Anchorage, Alaska.

The Transformative Solution Provider | Ben Thompson

Tridon Communications, founded in 1981 and currently led by Ben Thompson, CEO, Chad Tomachefski, CGO, and Greg Tolson, COO, is western Canada’s leading Telecommunications System Integrator (TSI). Tridon aims to address all aspects of telecommunication system requirements, including PTT land mobile radio, fiber optics, structured cable, access control, PTP wireless and microwave, tower construction and maintenance, cyber security, and more.

A Pioneer of Food Innovation | Charif Geara

Deforestation in many areas worldwide is becoming a significant issue in growing Cocoa trees. Cocoa, as we know it, is the main ingredient in making chocolate, and Chocolate-flavored products are by far the best sellers on the world market.

Supporting Businesses with Powerful Advocacy | David Duplisea

David Duplisea took the reins at the Saint John Board of Trade just about ten years ago. Previous boards of Directors had discussed the possibility of partnering with the region’s Chambers and business associations to create a single organization.

A Fearless Leader | Garcia Hanson-Francis

Garcia Hanson-Francis is the owner of CADJPro Payroll Solutions. A business payroll, virtual outsourcing, and bookkeeping business. Garcia recently joined BACD’s Expert Network, and as such, we want to share their expertise with you. Her qualities include problem-solving, proficiency with industry software, communication with clients and employees.

Creating Health, Happiness & Community Cohesion | Joan Kanigan

Joan Kanigan, CEO of the Western Development Museum (WDM), took an extraordinarily unique yet bold step as a leader in 2021. She initiated a 360o Performance Assessment to better understand how she was performing and where she needed to improve—all through an honest and critical feedback system to know where she was standing as a leader and a manager.

A Pioneer of Food Technology | Lejjy Gafour

Lejjy Gafour, CEO, CULT Food Science Corp. Lejjy is a self-taught entrepreneur and experienced company operator who made his start creating opportunities at the young age of 14, and he has been working, leading, and building businesses ever since.

An Innovative Thinker | Marina Charriere

Marina Charriere, CEO of Star Drug Testing Services, Star Drug Testing Services (Windsor Park), and First Defence Face Masks go hand in hand. Star is a drug and alcohol testing facility, and First D F M is a face mask company. One of Marina’s qualities that have transformed the organization is her openness to thinking out of the box.

The Pride of Ottawa | Martin Goertzen

In the last two decades soft washing has revolutionize the roof and exterior cleaning industry because it allows more carefully metered chemical cleaning solutions to be applied to building surfaces without the use of pressure, making it the most important change in the mobile exterior cleaning industry.

Leading with Determination & Commitment | Mitch McDermid

When Mitch McDermid launched Innovana, he had an evident vision of what he wanted the company to look like and what it could offer that was different from existing IT services and consulting firms. There was a clear need for a cloud-based services and business automation solutions provider that would address the needs of SMBs both from a pricing and service standpoint in Canada.

Healing People with Quality Products | Rick L. Schaly

Trainers Choice is a Canadian family-owned sports medicine brand with a 30-year legacy of quality and innovation in the sports medicine field. It began with the vision of an industry veteran who founded a chain of award-winning rehabilitation clinics whose products reflect a unique and synergistic collaboration among healthcare professionals.

Leading-by-Example-Aoife-Reid

Leading by Example | Aoife Reid

Aoife Reid is breaking through glass ceilings in the male-dominated legal industry serving as the Managing Partner at McMahon, Martine & Gallagher since 2017.

Fostering-Great-Places-to-Work-Bob-Fitch

Fostering Great Places to Work | Bob Fitch

Bob Fitch has an unusual ability to blend big picture thinking with attention to the finer details. He also knows it is the collective intelligence of a business that drives success.

The Passionate-Visionary-Dennis-Van-Kampen

The Passionate Visionary | Dennis Van Kampen

Dennis Van Kampen, President & CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries, is a passionate visionary. He is unapologetically never satisfied, believing one can always grow, learn, and do better.

A-Multi-Faceted-Leader-Trudy-Darwin

A Multi-Faceted Leader | Trudy Darwin

Trudy Darwin’s first corporate job after graduating from University in the late ’90s was with what the industry labeled a dot.com, where she worked on the marketing side of web development for eCommerce companies, moving to web-based sales and digital brand awareness.

Best Business Magazine

Improving the Lives of People Living with Epilepsy | Lesslie Young

According to World Health Organisation, around 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological conditions globally. It is estimated that up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure-free if properly diagnosed and treated. In Scotland alone, 55,000 people are affected by epilepsy.

Becoming An Industry Leader | Andy Mair

Andy Mair, MD, Challenger Solutions, has a combination of a positive attitude and keen commercial awareness reflected in strong proactive customer relationships. He is a determined leader with the vital ability to take the longer view, which can be seen in an emphasis on developing the management team and all staff. He has pioneered the transforming of the company and making it an industry leader.

We need to stop managing organizations and start managing human nature | Ariel Halevi

When Vayomar was first born in early 2003, it was a two-person team of undergraduate debate champions (Gur Lavi and Ariel Halevi) that offered public speaking training services. At that time, the market pain point they addressed was the debilitating gap between people’s knowledge and experience and their ability to share it when facing an audience.

Creating A Cleaner & Healthier Environment | Carlos Garcia

One of the most significant leadership and life lessons that have profoundly impacted Carlos Garcia’s life and career is embracing change and taking calculated risks. The Group Managing Director of Total Clean, Carlos, understands that change is inevitable and necessary for growth.

A Passionate Connoisseur | Claudio Martins

Cláudio Martins, Founder of Martins Wine Advisor has a great depth of experience on all sides of the wine world, combined with a passion for connoisseurship and a playful spirit. He is a master of talking to his clients about wine in a disruptive and engaging manner, making it accessible and unintimidating, whilst never abandoning his finesse, dedication, and commitment to luxury.

Building A Strong Character | David CM Carter

Character Determines Destiny – so said Aristotle. And David CM Carter believes that more than anything else. For David, it has been numerous years of research into codifying Entelechy Academy’s 54 character qualities that underpin everything he stands for as a leader and teacher. “Sadly, despite being foundational skills for just about anything, they have not been taught at school or college or university.

The Passionate Visionary | Dennis Van Kampen

Dennis Van Kampen, President & CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries, is a passionate visionary. He is unapologetically never satisfied, believing one can always grow, learn, and do better. To him, that doesn’t mean not celebrating the victories but rather, never becoming complacent. Dennis sees himself as the conductor of an orchestra of brilliant musicians, each of whom is more gifted than he in their craft.

Styling the Perfect Wine | Jay Wright

Jay Wright, CEO and Co-Owner of Virgin Wines infectious energy, enthusiasm, passion and drive has been instrumental in creating an environment that encourages talent to thrive and a culture that puts the customer at the very heart of every decision-making process. After 12 years, Jay still sits in amongst all his team, has time for everyone whether it be the newest employee or a long-standing supplier and his charismatic leadership ensures incredible loyalty from not only his direct team but everyone in the business.

Event Management Made Manageable | Kasper Larsen

Kasper Larsen, CEO & Founder, Evendo, is a serial entrepreneur. Originally in Management Training at the headquarters of A.P. Moller/Maersk, the biggest shipping company globally, Kasper’s keen interest in IT took him to the industry in the mid-’90s. In 2001 he co-founded the software company Sitecore – a rare, Danish Unicorn – which he took from scratch to a market-leading position in 40+ countries.

Accountable – Responsive – Committed | Dr. Louis B. Lynn

Dr. Louis B. Lynn, President and Founder of ENVIRO Ag Science, grew up in Darlington County South Carolina before graduating from Clemson University. He has been a member of the Clemson University Board of Trustees since 1988 and takes pride in having attended almost all the 96 Graduation Ceremonies that have occurred during his board tenure.

Perpetua Investment Group A Man of Action | Mehdi El Jazouli

After more than a decade in the financial world, Mehdi El Jazouli, CEO of Perpetua Investment Group noticed that there are opportunities in the market with big potential of returns but considered at a large institution’s level, time consuming, humanly difficult to manage and regulatory challenging or simply just not scalable.

Best Business Magazine

Inspiring & Empowering Everyone | Neil Kilgour

Armed with a passion for business and innovation, Neil Kilgour, CEO of CH4B (Central Hub 4 Business), is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment and focused on delivering results that matter. Neil is guided by core values that include honesty, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to all CH4B employees, members, and partners.

Helping People Achieve Their Dreams | Andrew Wallace

A true leader does more than manage others. They enable the individuals on their team to reach their highest potential. Andrew Wallace shows others the true meaning of success with inspiration and motivation by being a true leader. He is the pioneering representation of how leaders should work with their teams to achieve goals.

A True Inspiration | Clare Ducksbury

Clare Ducksbury is an inspirational leader, an advanced thought-leader in the mass claims/class actions space, and most importantly, a pioneering leader who strives to educate her team to progress collective action knowledge and expertise within their respective disciplines. Clare is a people person with a particular focus on ensuring the core values of Case Pilots are reflected in everything her team does.

Providing Quality of Life | Dana Lasenby

Dana Lasenby is on a mission to inspire hope, empower people and strengthen communities. She is doing this by being part of Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN), a provider service network that assists approximately 27,000 Oakland County citizens at more than 300 service sites across the county. Dana is a Behavioral Health Care Executive and Limited Licensed Psychologist with more than 25 years of experience in the public and private sectors of the behavioral healthcare industry.

A Wholistic Leader with Brilliant Capabilities | David Indursky

Innovative leaders are those who can create exceptional, innovative teams. As per a study conducted by Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman, highly innovative leaders display excellent strategic vision, have a robust customer focus, build a climate of reciprocal trust, show fearless loyalty to doing what’s suitable for the organization and customer, and put their faith in a culture that magnifies upward communication. These qualities describe David Indursky, President and innovative leader of New Jersey’s premier building solutions firm, Encon.

Changing the Market Dynamics with Innovation | Gerd Beilke

According to DW (Deutsche Welle radio), Germany’s most popular cooking oil comes from the seeds of a bright yellow flowering member of the Brassicaceae family. This clan also include mustard, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and turnips. Known as rapeseed oil, this light and delicate oil is widely used in cooking and baking far beyond the German border. And one company has gained momentum owing to its clean, sustainable rapeseed oil offering.

A Technology Redefining the Future | Dr. Hao Pang

Dr. Hao Pang, founder, and CEO of Quantum Science has worked in quantum dots (QDs) since graduating with a Ph.D. in materials chemistry in 2009. His first role in this field was as a research scientist, where he helped develop QD inks. During this time, he was also studying part-time for an MBA, after which he realised there was an untapped value in these materials that he spent hours in the lab daily.

An Ambitious Leader | Ian Talbot

“One of the promises I made myself, when I felt confident enough to lead, and a value that I cherish the most, is to genuinely question and understand the challenges either the business faces, an individual faces, or our clients face.”
Ian Talbot, CEO of Healix Health Services, stated this when asked about his dedication to his company, the employees, and customers. Ian joined Healix ten years ago as a Business Consultant. His fundamental values are all fundamentally focused on the cultural side of the business, including being genuine and open with all internal staff and externally with clients.

A Leader in Unrivalled Security | Joseph McGee

Following a distinguished Law Enforcement career Joe McGee founded The Securitatem Group to provide contemporary global operational specialist security and specialist security training products and services for private clients, corporate organisations, and Government bodies. They deliver a wide range of services, including complete end-to-end protection packages, close protection, residential security, protection drivers, and online and physical installations.

An Innovative leader | Dr. Raffaele Luca Amalfi

Dr. Raffaele Luca Amalfi has earned various awards for his groundbreaking innovations in thermal management and advanced liquid cooling for data center and telecom markets. He is the CEO and Co-Founder of SEGUENTE, a global technology company that offers end-to-end liquid-cooled hardware platforms with integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) software solutions for the information and communications technologies (ICT) sector.

An Inspiring & Nurturing Leader | Rick Schreiber

A great leader retains a vision and the bravery to follow through, has honor, reliability, and humility, and continues to be focused on the face of hardship. Though it is evident with the great leaders in history that no similar traits define a leader’s greatness, for Rick Schreiber, the above qualities stand true. When encountering an influential personality such as Rick, you are bound to think about how this pioneering leader has significantly enhanced organizations and people.

The Leader in Premium Hospitality | Spiros Divanis

The core of Divani Collection Hotels is its name and heritage. Built by Aristotle Divanis in 1958 to encourage tourism, Divani Collection Hotels are part of prominent heritage sites and vital scenic areas. Today, the Divani Collection Hotels is being led by Spiros Divanis, who has not only been mentored by the late Aristotle Divanis but also guided with the same love and passion. “I have been engaged with tourism since childhood, studying traits next to my father and working in rotation in almost every position within hotels,” says Spiros. “This inside knowledge led to my deep understanding of customer expectations and needs and how the industry works.”

Best Business Magazine

A True Rockstar | Glenn Pacchiana

Glenn Pacchiana is a lifelong learner.

As the President & CEO of Thalle Industries and Corbet Scientific, this native New Yorker has the innate ability to evaluate market change in products and services in collaboration with his employees. His successful collaborations have allowed both of his companies to thrive.

The Transformative Solution Provider | Ben Thompson

Tridon Communications, founded in 1981 and currently led by Ben Thompson, CEO, Chad Tomachefski, CGO, and Greg Tolson, COO, is western Canada’s leading Telecommunications System Integrator (TSI). Tridon aims to address all aspects of telecommunication system requirements, including PTT land mobile radio, fiber optics, structured cable, access control, PTP wireless and microwave, tower construction and maintenance, cyber security, and more.

Inspiring to Think Big | Frank Schürch

Frank Schürch believes it is essential not to give up if something doesn’t work out initially. Every company must adapt itself more often than a decade ago. So, one must try out things, adjust and then succeed. This is particularly important in today’s times, where the globalized market is much more volatile than before.

A Purposeful Leader | Georgia Sloboda

Georgia Sloboda believes that, in her experience, trust and transparency are two essential qualities for leaders. Why? Because these are some of the qualities that describe a leader whose goal is to influence colleagues and build high-performing teams within an organization. “I value the opportunities and experience that has culminated over the last 35+ years in the industry, and the excitement I share to collaborate, develop, guide, and grow teams and individuals continues to be important and a passion of mine.”

Bringing Out Strengths of Others | Jennifer Gavin

Jennifer Gavin leverages 20 years of leadership experience in the staffing industry, working closely with corporate clients to deliver a strong return on investment and to help them succeed in the war for talent. Apex Placement and Consulting are committed to the success of their customers, candidates, and all the professionals they work with, promoting the continual advancement of the world of work. Apex Placement and Consulting have an auto process, but they keep candidate engagement, meaning they focus on face-to-face interaction.

Offering Excellence & Virtue | Joshua D. Rogers

A forward thinker, Joshua D. Rogers is always focused on the future. His vision was to introduce a smart, sophisticated approach to investing and wealth building. Since founding Arete Wealth in 2007, he’s done just that. Joshua’s brought an endowment-style of asset allocation to a broader audience of investors. From hedge funds to bespoke investments, his dream was to bring a new perspective to investing. Arete Wealth is the embodiment of that vision: a dynamic, energetic, comprehensive wealth management firm focused on the future.

Leading with Big-picture Approach | Julie L. Butner

Julie Butner, President & CEO of Tarrant Area Food Bank, takes a big-picture approach to finding meaningful ways to impact. She envisions ways for Tarrant Area Food Bank to address current issues facing the community while positioning innovative solutions to develop future solutions to address food insecurity. She encourages her team to approach challenges with a positive attitude and a “can-do” spirit that inspires creativity and results.

Always Striving for Excellence | Layne Lewis

“Maintaining our company values and culture are essential to us. As we grow our engineering and consulting firm, we will be able to adapt and exceed expectations because of them.”
Layne Lewis, President of Willowview Consulting LLC (WVC), is a visionary, both professionally and in her personal life. Layne is a highly motivated individual, often giving more than 100% and modeling her motto “Expect Excellence” every day in all aspects of her life. She consistently goes above and beyond to achieve results with her seasoned team of likeminded individuals.

A lifetime commitment to education | Madeline Burillo-Hopkins

It’s the start of a school day at HCC West Loop campus and Dr. Madeline Burillo-Hopkins is walking the halls, talking to students waiting for classes to begin.
“How’s everything going?” she asks one student. She leans in and listens intently. Whether it’s a concern with financial aid, finding a ride to school or balancing family obligations and schoolwork, Burillo-Hopkins offers common sense advice rooted in her own experiences.

A decorated Leader building Countries, Companies and Communities | Riva Walia

Riva Walia is an accomplished leader who has been recognized both in Canada and internationally. As the first woman of Indian origin in Canada to receive the prestigious Chevalier de L’ordre national du Mérite (Knight of the French National Order of Merit) from President Emmanuel Macron of France, she has demonstrated her commitment to strengthening bilateral trade relations between Canada and France, as well as promoting growth and innovation within the French business ecosystem.

Best Business Magazine

Creator of Operational Excellence | Ashwini Wankhede

Toyota lift Northwest (TLNW) represents Toyota Material Handling Corporation (TMH) in the state of Washington and Oregon. TLNW is owned by Toyota Tsusho Corporation. Toyota Tsusho Corporation, based in Nagoya and Tokyo, is an sōgō shōsha (trading company), a member of the Toyota Group.

Transforming Creativity for Everyone | Angeline Howell, LMHC

With her background in Mental Health and Family and Child Sciences, Angeline Howell has accelerated Great Explorations Children’s Museum into a place where all families can come to learn and play no matter their abilities or socioeconomic status.

A Creative & Analytical Mind | Carolyn Shames

As a woman CEO in a male-dominated industry for 40 years now, I have learned a myriad of lessons on how to be an effective leader. I have built my Shames Construction team from the ground up.

A Pioneer of Food Innovation | Charif Geara

Deforestation in many areas worldwide is becoming a significant issue in growing Cocoa trees. Cocoa, as we know it, is the main ingredient in making chocolate, and Chocolate-flavored products are by far the best sellers on the world market.

Reading the Community’s Pulse | Corina J Shtir

InterOme is a digital healthcare provider that works on improving individual and clinical decisions by making complexity simple. Corina J Shtir co-founded InterOme with her husband, John Shtir, COO InterOme, who is also CEO of Dexwell, a software company that matches very well in its expertise elements needed for InterOme.

Surging towards Space | John Rood

The commercialization of space is one of the most exciting opportunities of our time, with growth likely to far outpace that of the broader economy for the foreseeable future. The industry’s megatrends are intersecting in a way that opens access, expands possibilities, and establishes the need for backbone services to enable a more dynamic use of space.

The Guardian Angel | Joel Anaya

Joel Anaya, CEO of OnView Integrated Solutions, has been instrumental in building the company from the ground up. His innovation and vision transformed the way the company has scaled its business. OnView is a security provider bringing proactive solutions specifically designed to deter suspicious behavior in real-time before the crime occurs.

Strengthening International Relations | Dr. Mei Gechlik

Dr. Mei Gechlik founded Sinotalks LLC after an extensive career in academia and the think-tank world. She took this step because she saw the growing need for a trusted resource highlighting Chinese law and policy to help decision-makers find strategic solutions to problems affecting China and beyond.

Building Stronger Solutions | Michael Gray

Michael Gray, Founder & President of AmeriPro Roofing, has a spirit of always wanting to have continuous improvements. He constantly preaches to his team to avoid expecting what they don’t inspect.

The Inspirational & Supportive Leader | Nancy Fateen

Adaptability is one of Nancy Fateen’s greatest strengths. Managing Seizmic with such a wide breadth of services, Nancy wears many different hats and can pivot at a moment’s notice to handle all matters with confidence and grace.

Offering Responsive & Transparent Services | Des Johnson

Offering Responsive & Transparent Services | Des Johnson

With over two decades of experience in fund administration, Des Johnson, CEO of Centaur, believes that the single most important priority in this industry is delivering exceptional client experience. He is passionate about client service and continuously strives to place it at the heart of Centaur’s service offering.

Jean-François Raymond

Working at A Larger Level | Jean-François Raymond

Jean-François Raymond’s strongest asset is his capacity to achieve efficiently any tasks within the company. An actuary by trade, his knowledge of the insurance industry and underlying statistics is appreciated in impromptu exchanges with employees.

A Passionate Leader | Justin Bourque

A Passionate Leader | Justin Bourque

As the CEO of Willow Lake Métis Nation, Justin has been the proud architect of a transition away from a centralized approach to governance so that his community can return to a grassroots organization governed by, and for, the Willow Lake Métis Nation (WLMN).

Stacey Obrecht

Prioritizing People & DEIB | Stacey Obrecht

Stacey Obrecht joined Public Knowledge® (PK) in 2013 as a Management Consultant. Over the last four years, her leadership has focused on two primary pillars – 1) company culture and 2) innovative, high-quality services.

Suyi Erhabor

A Strategic Innovator | Suyi Erhabor

Suyi Erhabor, CEO, Curaga, has been crucial to the creation and transformation of Curaga from a small business to a multimillion-dollar corporation in Ontario.

An Impeccable Creator | Jamie Lundy

An Impeccable Creator | Jamie Lundy

When you meet Jamie Lundy, CEO of Seven Layer, his charisma and passion for the product is evident. This energy is contagious, and his vision for the brand inspires others to adopt the same mentality.

Bringing Out Strengths of Others | Jennifer Gavin

Bringing Out Strengths of Others | Jennifer Gavin

Jennifer Gavin leverages 20 years of leadership experience in the staffing industry, working closely with corporate clients to deliver a strong return on investment and to help them succeed in the war for talent.

Building Great Futures | Kimberly Pace

Building Great Futures | Kimberly Pace

Kimberly Pace has the unusual combination of vision and pragmatism that has enabled her to change the trajectory of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro’s growth in terms of quality programs and community outreach.

Rising with Grit & Endurance | Marnie Battistini

Rising with Grit & Endurance | Marnie Battistini

Marnie Battistini founded Miller Tanner Associates (MTA) on May 1, 1997, based on a simple belief that if you “do the right thing, good things will come”. MTA’s CEO consistently tries to lean into principles of character, which is the foundational quality of MTA – a character-based company.

Creator of a Purpose-built Platform | Martin Henley

Creator of a Purpose-built Platform | Martin Henley

The world of insurance processing has become complex, fragmented, and disconnected, with rising fixed high costs, requiring high levels of management, impacting underwriter potential, and impeding business growth and profits.

Transforming Central Texas with Care | Phyllis Snodgrass

Transforming Central Texas with Care | Phyllis Snodgrass

Phyllis Snodgrass strongly believes in leading by example and showing people love and support. According to the CEO of Austin Habitat, everyone in the organization has a unique and special role to play. Still, it is easy for people who are not client-facing to lose sight of how their work fits into the bigger picture.

Driving Change with Brilliance | Rami Fakhoury

Driving Change with Brilliance | Rami Fakhoury

Among his many qualities, Rami is a true visionary with respect to organizational transformation. As Managing Director, he is continually searching for ways to make FGI leaner and more efficient than it already is.

Making Society Safer | Lance Jones Sr.

Making Society Safer | Lance Jones Sr.

According to data released by the FBI, violent crime fell by an estimated 1% in 2021 compared with the previous year. However, the number of murders increased by more than 4%.

Making A Difference in Healthcare | Dellann Elliott Mydland
Best Business Magazine

Making A Difference in Healthcare | Dellann Elliott Mydland

Dellann Elliott Mydland, President & Chair, End Brain Cancer Initiative (EBCI), is a dynamic competitor due to her experience taking down brain tumors, brain cancer, and metastasized disease to the brain. She is equally as passionate about creating immediate access to specialists, advanced treatments, diagnostics, clinical trials, and quick advancements to Standard of Care as she was 22 years ago when her late husband, Christopher Steward Elliott, was diagnosed.

Striving to be the Best | Earl Good

Striving to be the Best | Earl Good

A competitive person by nature, Earl Good, Managing Director, Retech , has had a strong desire to do well in the things he is involved with. He wants Retech to be viewed as the 1st choice supplier of the vacuum metallurgical equipment and constantly works towards delivering improved financial results year over year.

Chickens, People, Planet | John Brunnquell Ph.D.

Chickens, People, Planet | John Brunnquell Ph.D.

John Brunnquell, Ph.D. is the epitome of innovation and entrepreneurial leadership; he meets demands by being aware and vigilant in anticipating customers’ future values and needs. He’s a forward-looking person. Founding Egg Innovations demonstrates John’s visionary commitment as he built the organization by serving the mission: Chickens. People. Planet.

The True Healer | Judy Crane

The True Healer | Judy Crane

The deep emotional injuries we receive on our journey through life often go unwitnessed and unacknowledged. The deep-rooted issues caused by these painful memories lead to a sense of disconnection from our bodies, impairing us from processing our true feelings.

Surging Ahead with Teamwork | Kent Shantz

Surging Ahead with Teamwork | Kent Shantz

Kent Shantz is approachable, amiable, and appreciative. These are some of the most important qualities of a steadfast leader in today’s age of cut-throat competition. Kent is introducing pioneering ways to lead the company and ensuring that every member of Rockford Mutual Insurance utilizes their skills and creativity.

Global Partnerships for a Modern Era | Maryscott Greenwood

Global Partnerships for a Modern Era | Maryscott Greenwood

Maryscott Greenwood, CEO of the Canadian American Business Council, brings her experience in government, politics, and the business world together to raise the bar on what the Council offers every year. She thinks about the positions the Council advocates publicly and about the experience that her members have as they interact with each other and with political leaders to advance the unique relationship between Canada and the U.S.

Achieving Great Heights | Nick Jones

Achieving Great Heights | Nick Jones

Nick Jones is a veteran of the tech start-up scene, with four exits a testimony to his track record of building, scaling, and commercialising tech-based businesses, in addition to his years of experience as an angel investor and multiple Chairman, Non-Executive and Advisory roles.

Supporting & Encouraging | Ruthie Lee-Esene

Supporting & Encouraging | Ruthie Lee-Esene

Transparency, growth mindset, and emotional intelligence are the core qualities that define Ruthie Lee-Esene, Principal & CEO of Sirvist’s unique ideology. For Ruthie, relationships are important, but the right relationship is crucial.

Leading through Teamwork | Scott Cooper

Leading through Teamwork | Scott Cooper

Scott Cooper, President of Language Services Associates, is a multi-faceted leader. He came to LSA with a unique mix of a larger enterprise, political, civic, and attention-to-detail leadership skills. He spent 27 years practicing law in an international law firm, served a decade in firm leadership, and chaired his practice group.

Bringing A Change | Shirley Wang

Bringing A Change | Shirley Wang

Shirley Wang has unwavering opinions and a strong vision for the design of Plastpro’s products and the standards to which they must be manufactured. She is an out-of-the-box but also efficient thinker, and this allows her to creatively devise viable solutions when it comes to meeting customers’ needs.

An Inspiring Teacher | Sue Grant

An Inspiring Teacher | Sue Grant

Sue Grant built an impactful career in cause marketing within the nonprofit industry. At the height of her career, equipped with 25 years of invaluable experience, she followed her heart’s calling. She founded The Literacy Project to serve struggling, at-risk children in unfortunate circumstances.

Steering Crisis Successfully | Anthony Anton

Steering Crisis Successfully | Anthony Anton

According to Anthony Anton, President & CEO, Washington Hospitality, the industry has been in a perfect storm for most of the last two years: First, the pandemic hit, and 100,000 team members left the workforce almost overnight.

Enabling Vibrant Story Telling | Dr. Kathryn Ritchie

Enabling Vibrant Story Telling | Dr. Kathryn Ritchie

Dr. Kathryn Ritchie, CEO & Founder, Ignition Institute, has high energy, a wild curiosity and desire to continue to learn and grow, and a deep commitment to care and give back to the planet – to the individual, to the team, to the organization, to the community, and the globe.

Becoming an Influencer | Jordan Tinney

Becoming an Influencer | Jordan Tinney

Jordan Tinney, Superintendent/ CEO in Surrey School District, has been described as accessible and open. The reason is simple, he is an engaged listener and tries to value what people say and to incorporate it into the school district’s culture.

Encouraging Employees towards Growth | Jose Ramon Riestra Jr.

Encouraging Employees towards Growth | Jose Ramon Riestra Jr.

Jose Ramon Riestra Jr., President & CEO, Empire Management Group, says data analytics, planning, customer focus, and technology implementation are the most critical skills adopted by the company throughout the years that transformed the business and made them who they are today with a strong focus on the future

A Winemaker at Heart | Mike Reynolds

A Winemaker at Heart | Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds, President of HALL Wines, is an industry veteran and has been hailed as a winemaker at heart. This year, Mike is celebrating an impressive 20 years at HALL Wines. His initial role as a winemaker began in 2002

A Strategic Innovator | Suyi Erhabor

A Strategic Innovator | Suyi Erhabor

Suyi Erhabor, CEO, Curaga, has been crucial to the creation and transformation of Curaga from a small business to a multimillion-dollar corporation in Ontario. Suyi treats each employee as a valued individual and takes the time to understand what motivates them.

Driven by Purpose, Passion, & Vision | Dr. Amish Purohit
Best Business Magazine

Driven by Purpose, Passion, & Vision | Dr. Amish Purohit

Dr. Amish Purohit does not measure success based on the company’s financial health and instead focuses on how Arkos Health is working towards eliminating healthcare disparities. Dr. Purohit has formulated a clear, inspiring vision for the organization, demonstrated a relentless passion for serving the underserved and oppressed individuals, with a purpose to improve and impact every life that Arkos Health touches.

Diversification in the middle of a pandemic | Adrienne Williams

Diversification in the middle of a pandemic | Adrienne Williams

Adrienne Williams, President & Founder of Scarritt Group, Inc, is a seasoned leader in the global meetings industry. She approaches business roadblocks methodically and analytically to identify their key drivers, which reflect the continuous quality improvement culture she instills in all areas of the company.

Working Innovatively, Creatively & Responsively | Dave Candler

Working Innovatively, Creatively & Responsively | Dave Candler

Dave Candler has been involved in teaching swimming and leisure management for over 25 years. Before becoming STA’s CEO in April 2016, he worked for ten years as the Operations, Swimming, and Training Manager at Inspire Leisure, one of the UK’s largest providers of swimming lessons.

Pioneer Of Providing Exceptional Care | Leo Reyes

Pioneer Of Providing Exceptional Care | Leo Reyes

Leo Reyes, President and CEO of Best Home Health Providers can be described as a generous leader who believed in giving equal opportunities and sharing his best practices making a more collaborative working environment.

Making Moving & Storage Simple | Mark Kuhns

Making Moving & Storage Simple | Mark Kuhns

Mark Kuhns, CEO of 1-800-PACK-RAT and Zippy Shell, has a passion for customer service and believes the customer should be the focus of everything the company does. The company motto is to “be the best part of your customer’s day,” and he ensures that the entire company is aligned with that mission.

Building A Better Tomorrow | Stacy Racca

Building A Better Tomorrow | Stacy Racca

When Abraham Lincoln came to power, the nation was in peril, and he had the intelligence, and the self-confidence, to know that he needed the best people by his side, people who were leaders in their own right and who were very aware of their strengths.

Tana Greene

Tana Greene

At 17, she wrote a goal on a piece of paper, “own my own business by age 30.” She spent the next 12 years defining what that business would be, but her purpose was clear. She wanted to help others by finding them employment.

Diversification in the middle of a pandemic | Adrienne Williams

Diversification in the middle of a pandemic | Adrienne Williams

Adrienne Williams, President & Founder of Scarritt Group, Inc, is a seasoned leader in the global meetings industry. She approaches business roadblocks methodically and analytically to identify their key drivers, which reflect the continuous quality improvement culture she instills in all areas of the company.

Working Innovatively, Creatively & Responsively | Dave Candler

Working Innovatively, Creatively & Responsively | Dave Candler

Dave Candler has been involved in teaching swimming and leisure management for over 25 years. Before becoming STA’s CEO in April 2016, he worked for ten years as the Operations, Swimming, and Training Manager at Inspire Leisure, one of the UK’s largest providers of swimming lessons.

Pioneer Of Providing Exceptional Care | Leo Reyes

Pioneer Of Providing Exceptional Care | Leo Reyes

Leo Reyes, President and CEO of Best Home Health Providers can be described as a generous leader who believed in giving equal opportunities and sharing his best practices making a more collaborative working environment.

Making Moving & Storage Simple | Mark Kuhns

Making Moving & Storage Simple | Mark Kuhns

Mark Kuhns, CEO of 1-800-PACK-RAT and Zippy Shell, has a passion for customer service and believes the customer should be the focus of everything the company does. The company motto is to “be the best part of your customer’s day,” and he ensures that the entire company is aligned with that mission.

Building A Better Tomorrow | Stacy Racca

Building A Better Tomorrow | Stacy Racca

When Abraham Lincoln came to power, the nation was in peril, and he had the intelligence, and the self-confidence, to know that he needed the best people by his side, people who were leaders in their own right and who were very aware of their strengths.

Tana Greene

Tana Greene

At 17, she wrote a goal on a piece of paper, “own my own business by age 30.” She spent the next 12 years defining what that business would be, but her purpose was clear. She wanted to help others by finding them employment.

Offering-Sustainable-Document-Accessibility-Strategy-Adam-Spencer
Best Business Magazine

Offering Sustainable Document Accessibility Strategy | Adam Spencer

Adam Spencer, President and CEO of AbleDocs, is an aggressive leader; he has always surged ahead despite challenges, trying to find the right solution. Adam’s number 1 quality that’s transformed AbleDocs is the ability to start up the company aggressively. Today, AbleDocs is the only company globally to guarantee the compliance of every file they produce and back it with a $10,000,000 liability guarantee. “My experiences in startups, both with successes and failures, help me realize what it takes to get a company up and running while building it successfully,” says Adam.

Leading-by-Example-Aoife-Reid

Leading by Example | Aoife Reid

Aoife Reid is breaking through glass ceilings in the male-dominated legal industry serving as the Managing Partner at McMahon, Martine & Gallagher since 2017.

Fostering-Great-Places-to-Work-Bob-Fitch

Fostering Great Places to Work | Bob Fitch

Bob Fitch has an unusual ability to blend big picture thinking with attention to the finer details. He also knows it is the collective intelligence of a business that drives success.

The Passionate-Visionary-Dennis-Van-Kampen

The Passionate Visionary | Dennis Van Kampen

Dennis Van Kampen, President & CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries, is a passionate visionary. He is unapologetically never satisfied, believing one can always grow, learn, and do better.

A-Multi-Faceted-Leader-Trudy-Darwin

A Multi-Faceted Leader | Trudy Darwin

Trudy Darwin’s first corporate job after graduating from University in the late ’90s was with what the industry labeled a dot.com, where she worked on the marketing side of web development for eCommerce companies, moving to web-based sales and digital brand awareness.

Leading-by-Example-Aoife-Reid

Leading by Example | Aoife Reid

Aoife Reid is breaking through glass ceilings in the male-dominated legal industry serving as the Managing Partner at McMahon, Martine & Gallagher since 2017.

Fostering-Great-Places-to-Work-Bob-Fitch

Fostering Great Places to Work | Bob Fitch

Bob Fitch has an unusual ability to blend big picture thinking with attention to the finer details. He also knows it is the collective intelligence of a business that drives success.

The Passionate-Visionary-Dennis-Van-Kampen

The Passionate Visionary | Dennis Van Kampen

Dennis Van Kampen, President & CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries, is a passionate visionary. He is unapologetically never satisfied, believing one can always grow, learn, and do better.

A-Multi-Faceted-Leader-Trudy-Darwin

A Multi-Faceted Leader | Trudy Darwin

Trudy Darwin’s first corporate job after graduating from University in the late ’90s was with what the industry labeled a dot.com, where she worked on the marketing side of web development for eCommerce companies, moving to web-based sales and digital brand awareness.

Ian-Shapiro-One-Home

One Home at a Time | Ian Shapiro

Ian Shapiro joined Reall as CEO in early 2018 and found an organization ‘head down’ building homes for people on low. Business magazine 2019.

Ian-Shapiro-One-Home

One Home at a Time | Ian Shapiro

Ian Shapiro joined Reall as CEO in early 2018 and found an organization ‘head down’ building homes for people on low. Business magazine 2019.

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