HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS - Halifax Chamber of Commerce
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H A L I FA X C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 | V O LU M E 2 8 I S S U E 0 1
HALIFAX
2019
BUSINESS AWARDS
Celebrating excellence in our community
PAGE 18
KICKING OFF 2019 BURSTING WITH ENTHUSIASM TAKING THE INITIATIVE
Opportunities abound as we Doing ‘brilliant’ work Grads put best foot
say farewell to 2018 Pg 5 and having fun Pg 32 forward Pg 34
Store may not be exactly as shown.
NEW NAME. NEW FOOD. NEW LOOK.
Exciting franchise opportunities now available in Lower Sackville
M&M Food Market is looking for entrepreneurial-spirited food enthusiasts to partner with
a growing market leader celebrating over 35 years of proven success, with close to
350 locations coast to coast!
We offer our Franchise Partners:
• The exciting opportunity to be part of a recently reinvented brand
which reaches a broad base of consumers.
• A diverse product line made with the nest ingredients so you
can feel good about selling to your loyal customers.
• A comprehensive training program and ongoing operational support.
• Innovative and creative marketing programs.
For further information on how to become our newest partner,
visit our website www.mmfoodmarket.com or call 1-800-461-0171.
Over 100 stores now rebranded
2 JANUARY 2019
Volume 28 • Issue 01 The best advice I’ve ever been given is to focus 31
Business Voice is published 11 times a year for members
of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and Metro Halifax’s
on the success of others over my own.”
business community. Views expressed in Business Voice
are those of the contributors and individual members,
— Karim George, CEO, InTouch Communications
and are not necessarily endorsed by, or are a policy of,
the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without
written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been
made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot be held COVER STORY:
responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur.
Please address editorial enquiries
and changes to information to:
Halifax Chamber of Commerce
100-32 Akerley Boulevard, 2019 HALIFAX
BUSINESS AWARDS
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1N1
Tel: 902-468-7111
Fax: 902-468-7333
info@halifaxchamber.com
www.halifaxchamber.com
Board of Directors
Cynthia Dorrington, Vale & Associates, Chair
Margaret Chapman, Corporate Research Associates, Vice Chair
Mark Fraser, T4G, Past Chair
Directors
Lori Barton, Beaumont Advisors Limited
Robert Dean, MNP LLP
Mark Sidebottom, Nova Scotia Power Inc.
Gavin MacDonald, Cox & Palmer
Paul Bent, Consultant
Saeed El-Darahali, Simply Cast
Faten Alshazly, WeUsThem
Stefanie MacDonald, Halifax Paper Hearts
Captain David Mazur, Maritime Forces Atlantic
Richard Butts, Clayton Developments Limited
Michele Peveril, Nova Scotia Department of Business
Brad Proctor, McInnes Cooper
Chamber Staff
Patrick Sullivan, President and CEO
Nancy M. Conrad, Senior Vice President, Policy
Colin J. Bustard, Director of Finance and Administration
Becky Davison, Director of Marketing
Business Voice is published by
The Chronicle Herald Custom Publishing Department
Publisher: Sarah Dennis
Vice President, Partner Solutions (NS): Jeff Nearing
Manager, Custom Publishing: Lindsey Bunin
Editor: Lindsey Bunin • lbunin@herald.ca
Layout & Design: Peter Ross
16
Contributing Writers: Heather Laura Clarke
Customer Relations Specialist: Jennifer MacLean
Sales Executives: Wanda H. Priddle, Karen Publicover
902-426-2811 ext. 1163 • sales@herald.ca
Cover Photo: Paul Darrow
Copyright 2019 by The Chronicle Herald.
All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article,
photograph or artwork without expressed written
permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
2717 Joseph Howe Drive
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2T2
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Tel: 902-426-2811
TheChronicleHerald.ca
Disclaimer
Business Voice magazine makes no warranties of any kind,
written or implied, regarding the contents of this magazine
04 Events
and expressly disclaims any warranty regarding the
accuracy or reliability of information contained herein.
The views contained in this magazine are those of the
writers and advertisers; they do not necessarily reflect
the views of Business Voice magazine and its publisher 05 President’s message
The Chronicle Herald.
Publications Mail Agreement No. 40032112 06 New & noted
32
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to
Halifax Chamber of Commerce. 12 Members in the news
18 2019 Halifax
Business Awards SPECIAL FEATURE:
Celebrating excellence
in our community 34 Workplace Wellness:
Graduate to Opportunity
32 Profile: WeUsThem progam
BUSINESS VOICE 3
EVENTS
CHAMBER EVENTS
For a full and up-to-date list of our
Chamber events, please visit
www.halifaxchamber.com/events
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS MISS A CHAMBER EVENT THIS YEAR? Check out these snapshots:
DATE: January 15
TIME: 4:30 – 6:30 pm
HOST: Exchange on Hollis
LUNCHEON
Don Mills, Corporate Research
Associates
DATE: January 16
TIME: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
LOCATION: Delta Halifax
CHAMBER 101
DATE: January 16 and February 20
TIME: 12 – 1:15 pm
LOCATION: Halifax Chamber office
LUNCH & LEARN
LIGHTFORTYSIX
TOPIC: Retail Shopping:
A Cannabis Conversation: What your business needs to know, July 2018
Online vs. Brick & Mortar
DATE: January 18
TIME: 12 – 1:30 pm
LOCATION: Halifax Chamber office 2018 Halifax
Business Awards,
2019 HALIFAX BUSINESS January 2018
AWARDS
PRESENTED BY: RBC
DATE: January 24
TIME: 5 – 9:30 pm
LOCATION: Halifax Convention Centre Spring Dinner, May 2018
ANNUAL STATE OF
THE PROVINCE WITH
PREMIER MCNEIL
PRESENTED BY: NATIONAL
DATE: February 6
TIME: 11 am – 1:30 pm
LOCATION: Halifax Convention Centre
SAVE THE DATE:
A CANNABIS CONVERSATION
FEBRUARY 20, 2019
AGM
APRIL 18, 2019
SPRING DINNER
MAY 2, 2019
Fall Dinner, November 2018
THANK YOU TO OUR
DECEMBER SPONSORS:
4 JANUARY 2019
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Kicking off 2019
Opportunities abound as we say farewell to 2018 @prezhfxchamber
tape and taxes and creating a frictionless technology. We believe this night inspires
business environment. We’re kicking off other businesses to come together and
2019 on a high note! celebrate the triumphs. Running a busi-
As we enter 2019, January is one of ness, from start-up to Globe and Mail
our most exciting months of the year, top 1,000, comes with challenges. The
not only for that refreshed feeling and gala recognizes the risk-takers and the
budding opportunities, but thanks to the dedicated employees who make Halifax a
Halifax Business Awards. vibrant and growing city.
This is our 19th year celebrating Take a look through our finalists on
Halifax businesses. Every year, 30 pages 20-31. What’s different about them?
finalists are selected from a vast number What’s similar? Their passion. Their
PATRICK SULLIVAN of nominees. We had a record-break- drive. Their commitment to creating
ing year with more than 300 nomina- jobs, boosting the economy, and putting
PRESIDENT & CEO
tions! While we applaud our members Halifax on the map.
and future members alike on all their We hope to see you on January 24,
W ell, here we are, swiftly pulled into
2019. I’d like to welcome you all to
a brand-new year of growing, innovat-
successes all year round, the Halifax
Business Awards shines the spotlight on
a select few for the night.
2019 at the Halifax Business Awards to
celebrate our city’s diverse success and
kick off what will be a great new year!
ing, trying new things and celebrating The gala showcases a diverse group PS: Join us for the Annual State of
change. 2018 was a great year in Halifax of businesses, from traditional businesses the Province with Premier McNeil on
with announcements around the Ocean like retail to emerging industries like VR February 6!
Supercluster, the completion of the
Halifax Convention Centre and many
other firsts. Your chamber had a great
year as well with our members’ support.
We finished 2018 strongly, with our Fall
Dinner focused on innovation, a full-
day Wonder Women conference and an Presented by:
annual update from Mayor Savage on the
State of the Municipality.
In December, the second Wonder
Women event brought together women
leaders in our community to share ideas,
discuss challenges and lift each other
up. It was amazing to see the powerful
energy in the room and to learn from
attendees the tangible skills they were
able to acquire in networking, goal-set-
ting and personal and professional
planning.
In late November, Mayor Savage’s
uplifting presentation highlighted COME ONE, COME ALL!
Halifax’s incredible growth in the last JOIN US UNDER THE BIG TOP!
few years. The Mayor’s favourite com-
parison photo shows the Halifax skyline
in 2012 and 2018, and the difference is, to JANUARY 24, 2019 | 5-9 PM
say the least, significant.
The Halifax Index points to our HALIFAX CONVENTION CENTRE
second straight year of population
growth and 1.7 per cent GDP growth. Our
workforce is educated, with 38 per cent
holding a university degree or certificate.
We’re looking forward to seeing con-
tinuous improvements on reducing red HALIFAXCHAMBER.COM
BUSINESS VOICE 5
NEWSMAKERS
NEW & NOTED
We welcome our new Chamber members
4BLADE CONSULTING LTD. ASSANTE FINANCIAL Shannon Trites
MANAGEMENT LTD. 192 Wyse Road, Suite 8
4Blade Consulting Ltd. is a coaching
Dartmouth, NS
company that specializes in business Helping you develop your wealth one
902-464-0168
growth. We help business build a solid smart money decision at a time! Come
shannon@automotivesectorcouncil.ca
foundation for growth using a pre- meet us to see how our strategies can
www.automotivesectorcouncil.ca
scribed framework focused on people, help you achieve your goals and dreams. NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS –
strategy, execution and cash. One nick We like to focus on “What keeps our Associations/Agencies
in the blade of propulsion can ruin your clients up at night!?” It all starts with a
day. Let’s make your business growth conversation! BLENDER NETWORKS
predictable, not a wild guess. Peter Skinner
3400 Dutch Village Road, Suite 102 Nicole Dodge
Derrick Westhaver
Halifax, NS 120 Western Parkway, Suite 406
Bedford, NS
902-880-4360 Bedford, NS
902-483-8324
pskinner@assante.com 902-832-4800
westhaver@4bladeconsulting.com
www.assante.com/advisors/pskinner/ nicole@blendernetworks.com
EDUCATION & PROF.
FINANCE & INSURANCE – www.blendernetworks.com
DEVELOPMENT – Coaching
Financial/Insurance Services ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA –
Advertising
APPLEHEAD STUDIO
PHOTOGRAPHY AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR
COUNCIL OF NOVA SCOTIA BRICKWORKS LTD.
Liam Hennessey
1672 Barrington Street, Second Floor The Automotive Sector Council (ASC) is Jordan O'Hearn
an independent, non-profit organization Halifax, NS
Halifax, NS
responsible to a board of directors. We 902-499-7689
902-233-8567
info@brickworksinterlocking.ca
liam@appleheadstudio.com are the trusted hub for information and
www.brickworksinterlocking.ca
www.appleheadstudio.ca access to resources and industry intelli-
HOME & GARDEN –
PERSONAL CARE & SERVICES – gence for automotive service and repair
Landscaping/Lawn Cares
Photography businesses, employees, apprentices and
students. We are the respected voice
of workforce development and labour
market information for Nova Scotia’s
automotive service and repair industry.
Atlantic Canada’s Guaranteed Bed Bug Solutions
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Bed Bug Experts We eliminate bed bugs immediately, no
harsh chemicals or sticker shock prices!
CONTACT US TODAY!
www.bedbugdetectives.ca
902-818-1885
brett@bedbugdetectives.ca
6 JANUARY 2019
NEWSMAKERS
BROWN BAG LUNCH CO. CHOICE HEALTH CENTRE Martin Look
420 Higney Avenue
Brown Bag Lunch Co. is a small family- Choice Health Centre is a multidisci-
Dartmouth, NS
run diner in Burnside, serving breakfast plinary health care clinic offering chiro-
902-423-8886
and lunch. We make our own baked practic, physiotherapy, massage therapy, martin@cookesales.ca
goods, soups, salads and dressings. naturopathic medicine, orthotics and www.cookesales.ca
We offer a variety of hot and cold sand- more. Working as a team to help resolve SHOPPING & SPECIALTY RETAIL –
wiches, burgers and hot breakfasts, as individual needs of our clientele, staying Retail (General)
well as daily specials. We also cater office updated with the latest trends and
lunches. research. We are the only physiotherapy/ DILLY DALLY COFFEE CAFE
Arto Arslanyan chiropractic co-owned health centre in
An independent coffee cafe serving up
20 Wright Avenue Atlantic Canada!
Dartmouth, NS caffeine and kindness seven days a week!
Saba Chishti
902-480-8868 46 McQuade Lake Crescent
Focused on local, market to table coffee,
brownbaglunchco1@gmail.com Halifax, NS food, wine and beer! Offering breakfast,
www.brownbaglunch.ca 902-404-3668 lunch and pastry made on site daily.
RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE – saba@choicehealthcentre.com Vegan and gluten free friendly. Looking
Restaurant www.choicehealhcentre.com for after-hours event space or catering?
HEALTH CARE – Health and Wellness We can help you with that too!
BY + LARGE STUDIOS Laura Draeger
CLICK PRODUCTIONS LTD. 6100 Quinpool Road
B+L offers an integrated, partnered
Halifax, NS
approach to design, made possible with Click Productions is the leader in Nova 902-407-5554
years of local and international design Scotia for event, commercial and archi- laura@dillydallyeats.com
experience. Our expertise covers all tectural photography. We also design www.dillydallyeats.com
aspects of interior design, space plan- posters, invitations, banners and any RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE –
ning and technical document creation. other print material for your events. Restaurant
We create spaces that link art, graphics, Providing award-winning coverage of
objects and technology in innovative, any event, to photo booth services, DILYTICS CANADA INC.
meaningful and unforgettable ways. Click can cover all your photo and print
DiLytics has expertise and experience
Jaime Black material needs.
35 Portland Street, Suite 5
with building Business Intelligence, Data
Brian Larter
Dartmouth, NS Warehousing, Data Integration and EPM
Halifax, NS
902-404-0155 902-880-3351
based Analytics solutions. DiLytics has
jaime@byandlargestudios.ca brian@clickproductions.ca experience providing IT solutions in
www.byandlargestudios.ca www.clickproductions.ca the public sector and has worked at the
HOME & GARDEN – PERSONAL CARE & SERVICES – federal, state, city level and K-12 Public
Interior Designers Photography Education in the U.S. Our company has
successfully implemented solutions
CHEBUCTO LINKS SENIOR COOKE STORE FIXTURES in the verticals of pharmaceuticals,
SUPPORT ASSOCIATION supply chain & retailers, shipping,
As a major supplier to the retail and
Chebucto Links Senior Support semiconductors, etc. in the private
commercial sector, Cooke Sales is
Association (Chebucto Links) works to sector. DiLytics provides solutions in
uniquely qualified to assist you with
enable older adults to remain in their various tools like Oracle BI, Tableau,
your display and merchandising needs.
community of choice and maintain their MS Power BI, Incorta, Oracle Data
From the smallest corner kiosk to the
independence, dignity and sense Integrator, Informatica, MS SSIS just
largest chain store, we have products
of well-being by providing social and to name a few.
and services (many available online)
health promotional programs, informa- Nachiket Parab
that will help you grow your business.
tion and resources. 1959 Upper Water Street
Cooke Sales is an innovative leader
Suite 1301, Tower 1
Jan Boswell in development of custom displays Halifax, NS
6670 Bayers Road and merchandising systems. We’ve 902-223-4792
Halifax, NS partnered with clients big and small nparab@dilytics.com
902-422-3525 to create beautiful and effective store www.dilyticsinc.com
chebucto.links@ns.sympatico.ca interiors. Let us help you maximize your COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY –
www.chebuctolinks.ca merchandising and sales potential. With Software Consulting
NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS –
over fifty years of service to the retail and
Community Service
commercial sector, Cooke Sales truly is
THE EQUIPMENT STORE.
BUSINESS VOICE 7
NEWSMAKERS
ELIZABETH SMITH MCCROSSIN, FORRESTALL STUDIO INC. Frank Merry
MLA, NS LEGISLATURE 4 Gaston Road
Your company’s creative content
Dartmouth, NS
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin department! Business is an important
902-717-4349
111 Victoria Street and vital aspect of our daily culture. frank@wearegeebo.ca
Amherst, NS As such it’s important to nourish your www.wearegeebo.ca
902-661-2288 company’s aesthetic character. Forrestall COMMUNICATIONS –
mla@esmithmccrossinmla.com Studio provides all manner of creative Cellular/Wireless
www.esmithmccrossinmla.com content services: video production,
GOVERNMENT – Government animation, design, mural installation, GLOBAL STORM
creative consulting and much more! IT CORPORATION
FIX IT
Frank Forrestall Small businesses or larger organizations:
Fix IT aims to help small businesses Dartmouth, NS we can take on the management of all or
in HRM get the most out of their IT 902-476-3006 some of your day to day IT needs. Our
resources. We specialize in provid- neverville@hotmail.com
solutions include real-time remote sup-
ing easy to use, reliable and secure IT www.frankforrestall.com
port for every member of your team and
solutions, so your business can collab- ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT –
a dedicated lead technician for on-site
orate easier without the steep learning Video/Multimedia
support when necessary. Get access to
curve that came with the solutions of a personalized solution tailored to your
yesteryear. GEEBO DEVICE REPAIR
needs and size of your business.
Kyran McGowan Geebo Device Repair Inc. is a locally owned Mariia Souchko
Halifax, NS and operated phone, tablet and computer Halifax, NS
902-478-4732 repair company. Geebo retails all your 902-200-6600
kyran@fix-it.solutions needed accessories for these mobile mariia@globalstormit.com
www.fix-it.solutions devices too. Geebo is pleased to announce www.globalstormit.com
COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY – we are now offering small business and COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY –
IT Products/Services general consumer on-site IT solutions. IT Products/Services
8 JANUARY 2019
NEWSMAKERS
GREY SEA ARTIST & EVENT PICK EMPOWERMENT
MANAGEMENT INC.
Pick Empowerment assists individuals,
Andree Gracie teams and families grow to attain health
Dartmouth, NS and wealth goals. Mediums utilized to
902-401-4939 educate and support the growth process
andree@greyseaeventmanagement.com include various assessments, such as
www.greyseaeventmanagement.com Social + Emotional Intelligence Profiles,
EVENTS – Festivals/Special Events consultation, interactive workshops and
coaching. Let’s design a unique package
HALIFAX HURRICANES
to empower you to reach your goals.
BASKETBALL CLUB
Charlene Pickrem
Kevin Sanford Lower Sackville, NS
2717 Joseph Howe Drive 902-225-5996
Halifax, NS cpick@live.ca
902-377-3052 www.pickempowerment.blog
ksanford@halifaxhurricanes.ca HEALTH CARE – Health and Wellness
www.HalifaxHurricanes.ca
SPORTS & RECREATION – REACH ORTHOPAEDICS INC.
Recreation/Sports/Fitness
Reach Orthopaedics is a medical device
INTRO FUEL MARKETING company dedicated to the development
and commercialization of its patented
Intro Fuel Marketing connects local brands design — a shoulder implant to treat
with the region’s most influential and massive rotator cuff tears. It will mini-
followed brand ambassadors and influenc- mize time in surgery and greatly reduce
ers on social media. These personalities wait times. But most importantly, the
organically introduce a brand’s message implant will treat pain and restore shoul-
to tens of thousands of people within their der function to patients.
target market. This new-age facet of mar- David Johnston
keting is word of mouth on steroids and is 1796 Summer Street, Suite 4855
proving traditional marketing obsolete. QEII Health Sciences Centre
Lucas Dower Halifax, NS
Halifax, NS 902-473-7766
709-330-2526 DGJohnst@Dal.ca
lucas@introfuel.com HEALTH CARE –
www.introfuel.com Medical Technologies
ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA –
Internet Marketing REWHYS BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
MORGAN RINGROSE REWHYS is a business consulting firm
WEB DESIGN specialized in answering its clients
business WHYS utilizing insights gained
Morgan Ringrose
from their business data. REWHYS
Halifax, NS
902-809-8624 consists of highly experienced business
hello@morganringrose.com professionals and data scientists whose
www.morganringrose.com mission is to enhance business decision
COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY – making power of its clients. Business
Web Design intelligence and analytics are main prac-
tice areas.
PEAK AUDIO VIDEO LTD. Ehsan Belghis
Halifax, NS
Mike Merrigan
902-817-6325
2813 Agricola Street
ebelghis@rewhys.com
Halifax, NS
www.rewhys.com
902-455-7325
BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES –
peak@peakaudio.ns.ca
Business Consulting
www.peakaudio.ns.ca
EVENTS –
Audio/Visual Equipment/Services
BUSINESS VOICE 9
NEWSMAKERS
SKY'S THE LIMIT EVENTS STARLITE SECURITY THE PR HIVE
SOLUTIONS INC.
Stephanie Brown The PR Hive is a boutique public
Halifax, NS Starlite Security Solutions is a security relations agency specializing in helping
902-220-8018 consulting business, primarily focused organizations build relationships with
info@skystldesign.com on risk assessment and development of those who matter most. We are a small
www.skystldesign.com security plans and programs. We work company with the capacity to provide
EVENTS – closely with our clients to enhance the full spectrum PR services through col-
Event Planning/Management security posture of the venue, enhancing laboration with industry professionals
their credibility in the community and who share our values of community,
SNAPD HALIFAX/DARTMOUTH building liaisons with local police and collaboration, trust, optimism and
Snapd Halifax/Dartmouth is a free emergency services. Also, we train secu- exceptional work.
monthly publication focused on rity personnel in line with security plans Heather Hanson
community events including charitable to enhance sustainability. 2085 Maitland Street, Suite 100
activities, business openings, and restau- Jim Blackmore Halifax, NS
rant openings. We have a readership of Halifax, NS 902-488-2892
50,000+ and we are distributed at more 613-294-2109 heather@prhive.ca
than 75 high traffic locations including j10blackmore@gmail.com www.prhive.ca
Sobeys, Superstore, Shoppers, ferry SAFETY & SECURITY – ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA –
terminals and restaurants. Security Consulting Public Relations/Affairs
Gary Jewett
Halifax, NS TUTOR DOCTOR HALIFAX
902-293-7442 Tutor Doctor Halifax is now offering its
gjewett@snapd.com award-winning, convenient in-home,
www.halifax.snapd.com one-on-one tutoring services to students
ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA – of all ages and abilities throughout HRM.
Marketing Tutor Doctor works with students on
discipline skills as well as knowledge, a
winning formula for long-term academic
success. Contact us today for a free edu-
cational consultation.
Shelley Brown
Middle Sackville, NS
902-718-6392
sbrown@tutordoctor.com
www.tutordoctor.com/halifax
EDUCATION & PROF.
DEVELOPMENT – Education/Schools
UPSWING SOLUTIONS
Upswing Solutions is a boutique con-
sultancy that works with companies to
develop purpose-led business and prod-
uct strategies, measure their impact and
tell their stories. We specialize in deliver-
ing high-impact strategies with action-
able plans for companies that want to
grow their business while improving
their customers’ and community’s lives
and our environment.
Allison Murray
Halifax, NS
902-240-0482
allison@upswingsolutions.net
www.upswingsolutions.net
BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES –
Business Consulting
10 JANUARY 2019NEWSMAKERS
VIRTUE HAIR STUDIO STUDENT MEMBERS Sandeep Ganesh Raj – Master of
Virtue Hair Studio is a beautifully Colleen Dort – Accounting, NSCC Business Administration, SMU
Halifax, NS
designed hair salon located on the Dartmouth, NS
902-579-8907
waterfront in Burnside, Dartmouth, cre- 902-240-3497
sandeepganeshraj@gmail.com
ated by three young women and master colleendort24@gmail.com
hairstylists who have each been in the
Govinda Talluri – Master of Stuart Clow – Master of Business
industry for over a decade. Specializing
Technology, Entrepreneurship & Administration, SMU
in hair services and hair care needs. Halifax, NS
Melissa Taylor Innovation, SMU
902-209-5733
44 Marketplace Drive Halifax, NS
902-989-3030 clowstuart@gmail.com
Dartmouth, NS
902-406-2106 talluri@gmail.com
mtay_@hotmail.com
www.virtuehs.com Jingyi Shi – Accounting, MSVU
PERSONAL CARE & SERVICES – Halifax, NS
Hair Services 902-457-6788
shi.jingyi@msvu.ca
WOMEN IN AEROSPACE
CANADA ATLANTIC Katrina Tomas – Interdisciplinary Are you a new member?
Women in Aerospace Canada (WIA- Design, NSCAD To submit your 50-word description for
Canada) is a not-for-profit organization Hammonds Plains, NS New & Noted, please contact Kayla Whalen,
902-403-6026 Administrative Assistant at kayla@
dedicated to expanding women’s oppor-
katrinamltomas@gmail.com halifaxchamber.com or 902-468-7111 within
tunities for leadership and professional
www.katrinamltomas.myportfolio.com/ the first six months of membership.
development as well as increasing their
work
visibility in the aerospace community
by creating a professional network in
Canada and across the globe.
Eva Martinez
Halifax, NS Presented by:
902-233-0298
atlantic@wia-canada.org
www.wia-canada.org
INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURING –
Aerospace
YOUR ESTATE MATTERS LTD.
Your Estate Matters Ltd. helps clients
plan and organize their estate so that
their family will be in a good position
to deal with their estate and, if needed,
we can also provide the family with
the expertise and support they need to
administer the estate. Our goal is to ease
the burden on families and executors at
PREMIER STEPHEN MCNEIL
a difficult time.
ANNUAL STATE OF
Mary Mason
300 Prince Albert Road, Unit 214
Dartmouth, NS
902-233-1798
marymason@yourestatematters.ca
www.yourestatematters.ca
THE PROVINCE
PERSONAL CARE & SERVICES – FEBRUARY 2019
Funeral/Estate Planning
BUSINESS VOICE 11NEWSMAKERS
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
How our members are growing Halifax
HR LEADER JOANNE BROWN
JOINS KBRS
KBRS welcomes Joanne Brown to the
Firm’s HR Consulting practice. As a
Senior Consultant, Joanne’s focus is help-
CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH THE BEST IN ATLANTIC BUSINESS
ing organizations design, develop and On Thursday, October 25, 2018, Regional Operating Officer, RBC.
implement HR systems and processes business learners and leaders united at Patrick Sullivan, President and CEO
to achieve their goals. She has exten- Mount Saint Vincent University for of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce
sive HR experience within prominent the 44th Annual Business & Tourism participated in the CEO panel, together
Nova Scotia organizations, including Conference. The only university- with Sara Napier of United Way Halifax,
VP of HR, Farmers Dairy; Executive VP based event of its kind exclusively for Craig Lynk of Atlantic Corporation,
of HR, High Liner Foods; and Head of undergraduate business students in Nova Mark Lever of Saltwire Network, Marie
HR, Shared Services, Pepper Financial Scotia, the conference featured keynote Mullaly of Credit Union Atlantic and
Services Group. She joins KBRS’s team of presentations by Kevin Robinson, CEO of Doug Nugent of Enterprise Holdings.
more than 60 professionals. www.kbrs.ca Robinson’s Cannabis and Alisa Alyward,
Get your message out on target and on time.
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12 JANUARY 2019NEWSMAKERS
NUTRI-LAWN HAS SOMETHING AJ SIMMONDS JOINS NEW LOGO AND WEBSITE
TO BARK ABOUT! HALIFAX PARTNERSHIP Pick Empowerment is excited to
Paw’don the pun! This year, Nutri-Lawn AJ joined the Halifax Partnership announce the unveiling of a new logo and
wanted to raise the bar and nourish recently as Program Coordinator for the website on January 1, 2019. Establishing
your lawn AND nourish the community Halifax Connector Program. He con- Pick Empowerment has been full of
by helping out our furry friends at the nects recent graduates and immigrants peaks and valleys but the passion to pro-
SPCA! A big thank you to all who aided in (Connectees) to businesses leaders in vide others unique approaches/strategies
our support of Nova Scotia SPCA as part their industry (Connectors). Through to grow and succeed burns bright. Pick
of our fall lime promotion. For every lime these connections, Connectees expand Empowerment genuinely cares about
application booked this October, $5 was their professional network and discover your mental health well being. Join me
donated to animals in need at the Nova career opportunities in Halifax. AJ is from and enhance your awareness of what Pick
Scotia SPCA! Because of you, we were North Preston and grew up in Dartmouth. Empowerment can do for you, your team
able to donate $600 to the Nova Scotia He believes his upbringing is the reason or family. Be empowered!
SPCA. Thanks for helping us support for his passion for helping others and hav-
animal welfare in our community! ing a positive impact on our region.
POWER OF THE PURSE
Power of the Purse proved successful in
Halifax for the second straight year. The
event welcomed 200+ women for a day
of inspiration and stories at the Atlantica
Hotel. As presenting sponsor, RBC made
it possible to put three women through
the DFSH entire suite of offerings,
including the Employment Retention
Program. Pictured above are: Kimberley
Bourgeois (far left), Client of Dress for
BREAKFAST WITH A FASCINATING CANADIAN
Success Halifax, Maria Gallaugher
The Canadian Museum of to Canada. He continued with a call to (centre), Marketing Volunteer and Brenda
Immigration at Pier 21 welcomed Mr. action for support of immigration and Saunders/Todd, Executive Director.
John Risley, O.C. as the Museum’s 21st diversity in our workplaces and commu- “These events provide a platform for us to
“Fascinating Canadian.” Mr. Risley’s nities. More than $20,000 was raised for share the work we provide in our commu-
shared the touching story of his mother, the museum through this fundraiser and nity, as we continue to lift women up,”
a war bride who arrived via Pier 21 in support of our sponsors. says Julie Wisen, Board President.
1946, and the strong values she brought www.dressforsuccess.org/halifax
BUSINESS VOICE 13NEWSMAKERS
EASTER SEALS NS ANNOUNCES NEW LOCATION
Easter Seals NS announces their new skills training program. We have also
location, located at 22 Fielding Avenue in added an onsite retail space for sales of
Burnside. Our new facility expands our gifts, crafts and home decor products
employment and skills training programs created by program participants. Our
through an increase in the space for new onsite cafe will open to the public in
Easter Seals NS and our social enterprise early January.
New Leaf Enterprises, its life and jobs
BLUE NOSE MARATHON
Personalized home care WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR
The Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon
is excited to announce and introduce you
to their new Director of Sponsorship and
Support is just a Expo, Rochelle Locke. Going forward,
phone call away. Rochelle will oversee all sponsorship and
expo sales for the Blue Nose Marathon,
1.877.289.3997 which will be held from June 6-9, 2019. If
you are interested in exploring opportu-
nities for your organization to be involved
in the Blue Nose Marathon, please
contact Rochelle directly at rochelle@
bluenosemarathon.com or via phone at
902-496-1889.
Everyday Care
Companionship, meal preparation, housekeeping, errands, home check-in
PRECISION BIOLOGIC GROWS
visits, outings and appointments Precision BioLogic has acquired
Ancaster, ON-based Affinity Biologicals.
Essential Care “The acquisition marks an important
Medication reminders & support, assistance with eating, dementia care, step in the development of our company,”
respite care and personal care says Paul Empey, President and CEO of
Enriched Care Precision BioLogic. “The two organiza-
Nursing, hospital bedside care, serious injury care, foot care, tions serve a similar market with comple-
palliative care and much more! mentary product lines, which will allow
us to better serve existing customers and
www.bayshore.ca develop new products for hemostasis and
thrombosis research and diagnostics.”
14 JANUARY 2019NEWSMAKERS
20 GAME
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keep them safe from domestic vio-
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the conversation. “Even if you are not
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BUSINESS VOICE 15NEWSMAKERS
RIDING FOR RESEARCH
INTO TYPE 1 DIABETES
Our JDRF Revolution Ride was held
on Oct. 5 was a HUGE success! We raised
more than $25,000 in support of research
into type 1 diabetes! Teams of five partic-
ipated with each person riding for seven
BIG MOVE FOR KITCHEN DOOR CATERING
minutes and encouraging some friendly
Kitchen Door is very excited to classes and private events. The new competition among colleagues. There
announce they are moving to 110 Higney space will allow for continued growth are many ways this ride can be tailored
Avenue in Dartmouth after 10 successful and expansion in high-quality off-site to meet your organization’s wishes, and
years in Bedford. Their new home will catering across the Maritimes. Visit their we can even bring the bikes to you! For
include an expanded retail area and “The talented team in early 2019 for a delicious future information for next year visit
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16 JANUARY 2019NEWSMAKERS
ELECTED TO ACADA BOARD
Eva Martinez, VP of Women in
Aerospace Canada and VP of In-Service
Support at PAL Aerospace, has been
elected to the Atlantic Canada
Aerospace and Defence Association
NEW DEMENTIA RESOURCE (ACADA) Board of Directors, represent-
FOR BUSINESS ing Nova Scotia. ACADA is a collabora-
tive organization representing the inter-
Always Home Homecare is excited
ests of the aerospace, defence, marine
to launch a new resource called ‘How
and security industries in Atlantic
to Be a Dementia Inclusive Business’.
Canada. As a member of the Board, Eva
It includes information on the warning
will facilitate strategic industry develop-
signs of dementia, communication tips,
ment in the region while promoting the
ideas for how to make your physical
Atlantic Canada brand locally, nation-
space more inclusive, and more! With our
ally, and internationally.
aging population, dementia is expected
to increase. Learn more about demen-
LUNCH MADE EASY!
tia and what you can do to help your
customers who live with this condition. The holidays are over, we are all tired of
Email Rosanne Burke at rosanne@ turkey so let Pete’s Frootique and Fine
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GREATER ACCESS and delicious lunch options. Enjoy our
TO RADON TESTING SUPPORTING LOCAL RESEARCH award winning salads and sandwiches
without the wait. You can skip the line,
Last year, the Lung Association of With the support of our generous donors,
but not the flavor by ordering online or
Nova Scotia introduced the Radon the Lung Association of Nova Scotia
through our app. Just click, pay and pick
Detector Library Loan program, provid- has been supporting high-quality lung
up without the wait. Cold weather and
ing access to short-term radon detectors health research at both a national level,
snow keeping you at your desk? Our
through libraries across the province. as well as locally through the Legacy
online ordering now has delivery. For
Where November was radon awareness Research Grant. In November, LANS pre-
more information, visit www.petes.ca.
month, the Lung Association worked sented $25,000 to local researcher, Dr.
with the NS provincial libraries to put 20 Zhenyu Cheng, for his research: Boosting
CRYPTOCURRENCY
more devices into circulation, providing host immunity against Pseudomonas
FOR THE MASSES!
greater access to radon testing for even aeruginosa lung infection. In the last six
more Nova Scotians. For more informa- years, LANS has contributed to funding By January 2019, LIFE will be two years
tion on this program or how to test for 365 projects with more than $14.3 million ahead of the world in adopting crypto-
radon in your home, visit ns.lung.ca. invested. Visit ns.lung.ca for info. currency for the mass market. A free app
will give spendable/storeable cryptocur-
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residual income based on every purchase
made, just for sharing the free app! Ernie
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asks, “Who wouldn’t want to do that?”
2019 promises to be a fabulous year!
Are you launching a new
POWER HR EXPORTING LEADERSHIP TRAINING business or product?
Susan Power, Owner and CEO of Power Leadership Effectiveness results in Celebrating a new partnership?
HR, Halifax based leadership develop- 9 per cent higher gross margin on aver- The Halifax Chamber invites you to
ment firm has been invited to present at age, and 37 per cent higher revenue per share your Members in the News story in
the CPHR Alberta Annual Conference employee. The word “inspire” means Business Voice. Upload your content here:
in Edmonton in April 2019 on the topic to breathe life into. Check out our new halifaxchamber.com/business-voice
of Cultivating Leadership - the ROI of podcast: anchor.fm/inspired-leadership. *Note: we do not publish event promotions.
Leadership Effectiveness. Increased www.powerhr.ca
BUSINESS VOICE 17THE HALIFAX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is pleased to present this year’s Halifax Business Award finalists. Now in our 19th year,
and sponsored by RBC, this event allows us to showcase Halifax’s best and brightest business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Businesses and individuals are judged by a panel spearheaded by Gina Gale, Senior Vice-President with BDC. We have dedicated
this issue to profiling the incredible individuals who have made it to the finalist stage. These pages don’t do their hard work justice,
but they do provide a sample of who these individuals are. We hope you enjoy getting to know this year’s finalists and book
Thursday, Jan. 24 to celebrate with us at the 2019 Halifax Business Awards gala.
To view the full interviews with this year’s nominees, please visit our website: www.halifaxchamber.com
Presenting
Sponsor:
Thank you to The Exchange on Hollis
for hosting the 2019 finalists
for this year’s photo shoot.
Photos by Paul Darrow
18 Photos by: Paul Darrow JANUARY 2019HALIFAX
2019
BUSINESS AWARDS
BUSINESS VOICE 192019
NEW BUSINESS of the year finalists
Sponsored by:
New Business
of the year finalists
L-R: Jake Moore, Co-Founder and CEO,
Nanuk Technologies, Graham Collins,
President, Compass Distillers, Lisa Brow,
Co-Owner, Tart and Soul Café,
Mike Gillespie, Partner & Co-Founder,
New Scotland Brewing Co.
Missing: Sonia Gillies-Da Mota,
Co-Owner, Vandal Doughnuts
What is your proudest How can we encourage youth to
accomplishment? explore entrepreneurship as a
We have had a few, but one of our possible future career?
proudest accomplishment was the first Entrepreneurship is for people who
distillation — a rum, the first to be dis- don’t feel they fit particularly well into
COMPASS DISTILLERS tilled in Halifax in modern times. The slots that society places them in. It isn’t
What inspired you to open a new project until then had been a big con- about promoting entrepreneurship; it’s
business? struction project, which overshadowed about encouraging people to find what
We were inspired to open our the ultimate goal of distilling, so it was makes them the happiest, and helping
business by the amazing craft distillers an excellent milestone to be able to turn them reach their full potential. Doing
around the country and in the US; we saw on the equipment and distill some spirits. what you love will pull you towards a
an opportunity to make great spirits here Finishing construction and starting dis- happy future as long as you let it. Don’t
at home using local ingredients to their tilling felt like graduating university and be scared to follow that feeling; in fact,
fullest potential, an idea we have used in getting that first serious job, one journey do yourself a favour and do everything in
making award spirits such as our Spring had come to an end and the big leap to your power to pursue it.
GiNS — an all Nova Scotian gin, awarded the next level had started.
2018 “Product of the Year” by Taste of What has been the biggest
Nova Scotia. Our compass keeps us on challenge to being a new business?
track to making the best, honest and most Growing a new business is always
truly Nova Scotian spirits. difficult; the odds are stacked against
NANUK TECHNOLOGIES
you, so to speak. We’re a brand-new
How did you get your start? Tell us one thing people may not business that specializes in brand new
Starting a distillery is a challenge know about your business? technology that’s trying to break into the
in financing, followed by an exercise in We are a young company; all of us real estate market, arguably one of the
engineering, a lot of construction, fol- are under 25. For the past three years, most traditional markets in the world. At
lowed by some distilling R&D. Once we we’ve been developing our skills, working Nanuk Technologies we are tasked with
picked an amazing location in the heart to bring innovative virtual reality solu- paving the way for a brand-new market.
of Halifax, the rest flowed from that, with tions to the market. A significant amount We have made our biggest challenge our
the project expanding and suffering a few of this skills development, including biggest inspiration and motivation, and
bumps and delays along the way. We have research and groundwork, was done we won’t be stopping anytime soon.
been fortunate to work with amazing while our core team attended university.
folks who have grabbed on to our vision
and pulled in unison.
20 JANUARY 2019HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS
NEW
SCOTLAND VANDAL
BREWING TART & SOUL DOUGHNUTS
COMPANY CAFE INC.
Who/What inspired you to open Why did you choose Halifax? Who/What inspired you to open
a new business? Neither of us are from Halifax a new business?
Kevin and I had our New Scotland originally — Lisa is from Havre Boucher, Vandal came to life very synergisti-
Clothing brand created and always Nova Scotia and Saf is from Richmond cally. Making the doughnuts began as a
thought it would align well with craft beer. Hill, Ontario — but we both arrived here fun, creative outlet — which so happened to
When we met Mike (our business partner in 2005 and have been here ever since. be cheaper than therapy — and snowballed
and brew master), and tried his beer reci- Halifax is full of amazing people and very quickly into a full-blown business.
pes, we were excited and motivated to start ideas, and a bustling, vibrant community.
working on a business plan together to see So many incredible entrepreneurs are out How did you get your start?
if we could make it work … and we did! here creating jobs for themselves and we We started by trying out and doing
are lucky to know so many of them. There decently well at two other business’
How did you get your start? is so much love in this city, so much together before starting Vandal. We
Our friend, Mike Gillespie, was brew- capacity for community building, and so used what we learned through our other
ing beer on the side with a desire to be an much room for growth. ventures to knock it out of the park with
entrepreneur. Kevin and Mike were chat- Vandal.
ting one day and got on the topic of going Tell us one thing people may not
into business together combining the New know about your business? Why did you choose Halifax?
Scotland brand and Mike’s beer recipes and We love our little cafe in the south We both have strong roots here in
knowledge of business. It started to become end, but what people might not know is Halifax. It’s our home and there would
more of a reality as we met on a regular that we also wholesale to many different really be no other choice!
basis (over a beer or two of course!) to start places across the HRM ranging from
pulling together a business plan. About Spryfield (The Raven Espresso Boutique) Tell us one thing people may
two years later, we were pouring beer from to Sackville (Apartment 3) to Dartmouth not know about your business?
our new tap room! Exciting times! (New Scotland Yard Emporium) and All new staff are required to take the
a few on the peninsula, too (Weird Harry Potter house-sorting quiz upon
What is your proudest Harbour, Glitter Bean, The King’s Galley, being hired. Turns out Hufflepuffs make
accomplishment? Scotia/Nova Pharmacy, and Atomic great bakers and doughnut decorators and
To be recognized by the Halifax Cafe)! Our wholesale clients are the Slytherins/Ravenclaws make for great
Chamber of Commerce and become a BEST and we don’t know where we would managers.
Finalist for New Business of the Year! be without them.
What is your proudest
Do you have any tips for people Where do you see your
accomplishment?
who are thinking about starting organization in 10 years? Our proudest accomplishment has
their own business? In 10 years, we hope Tart & Soul is a been the overall high level of love and
Keep an open mind and ask a lot of thriving wholesale bakery and cafe. We engagement we’ve received from the
questions to other entrepreneurs. Also, also hope to be doing work that enriches community. We have never seen anything
be open for taking advice. There isn’t a the community: baking classes, nutri- like it before!
lot of room for error when getting a busi- tion/cooking workshops with sliding
ness off of the ground. Working with an scale admission, and supporting small,
How can we encourage youth
experienced mentor can help minimize local businesses whenever possible. We
want to provide jobs for a solid group of
to explore entrepreneurship as
any detrimental mistakes. a possible future career?
people and a workplace that promotes
wellness, self-efficacy and excitement. We found that entrepreneurship
How can we encourage youth was never something that was held to
We want to support other entrepreneurs
to explore entrepreneurship as the same degree of importance as other
who are starting out, including offering
a possible future career? consulting services for new start-ups. potential careers when we were com-
Hire and engage them in the daily ing up through the education system.
business activities. Work closely with We think it would be important to start
them on tasks and talk to them about there, but also as business owners to
your story and experiences during the reach out and provide mentorship to
building of the business. those who are beginning and need help
demystifying the process.
BUSINESS VOICE 212019
SMALL BUSINESS of the year finalists
Sponsored by:
Small Business
of the year finalists
L-R: Kevin Sullivan, CEO, Appili
Therapeutics Inc., Karen Campbell, Co-
Owner, Totally Raw Pet Food, Scott Saccary,
Co-Founder, New Scotland Clothing Co.,
Leah Boody, President, Pineapple Bytes,
Heather Rankin, Co-Owner, Sommelier,
Obladee, A Wine Bar
Why did you choose Halifax? Does your business engage youth
I (Kevin) grew up in Dartmouth and and/or immigrants? What does
did undergraduate work at Dalhousie. that bring to your business?
Connections to family and friends, All of our employees are young
and the impressive entrepreneurial adults. They run the daily sales oper-
support systems, made Halifax a great ations of our business at our retail
APPILI THERAPEUTICS city in which to found Appili. Halifax locations. They also have different roles
Where do you see your has everything a small biotechnology within the business to manage important
organization in five years? company needs: world-class universities, tasks such as social media, customer ser-
We envision Appili Therapeutics a great talent base, incubator programs, vice, inventory, merchandising, analyze
operating as an established pharmaceutical and modern lab facilities. We have been existing clothing designs, and to help
company headquartered in Halifax and able to recruit and retain top local talent, create new ones. They are the ones that
impacting patients and healthcare profes- who enjoy a great quality of life here in keep our business running day to day so
sionals globally. We’ll be a major force in Halifax. that we (Scott and Kevin) can focus on
the global fight to combat the drug resistant creating new business opportunities for
bacteria that threaten our way of life. growth.
We plan to have at least two novel infec-
tious-disease-fighting therapies available to How is your business contributing
patients. Revenue from these programs will to making Halifax a better place?
NEW
fuel the development of additional transfor- We build relationships through
SCOTLAND
mational life-saving R&D programs, and connecting and collaborating with other
CLOTHING
we will continue to support the burgeoning entrepreneurs with the goal to create
COMPANY
life-sciences sector in Halifax. opportunities for Nova Scotians and add
What has been the biggest depth to industry in Nova Scotia. We
How is your business contributing challenge to being a small business? give generously to fundraising initiatives
to making Halifax a better place? In my opinion, managing our and volunteer our time with non-profit
We are creating highly skilled inventory and cash flow. In a small groups. We spread NS’s spirit wherever
well-paying jobs, training a new gen- business, there isn’t much room for we go and are contributing to the tourism
eration of biotechnology leaders, and error, so it is important to educate, market. A majority of our sales come
recruiting drug development experts ask questions and avoid any potential from X-Pats abroad and tourists return-
to the region. With growing industry mistakes before they happen, if not, it ing to their country with our NS branded
awareness and global engagement, we could be detrimental. Working with a clothing. We feel that we are NS ambas-
are catalyzing the growth of Halifax’s mentor is a great way to help navigate sadors and that makes us very proud of
life-sciences sector. through challenges like this. what we do.
22 JANUARY 2019HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS
PINEAPPLE BYTES
OBLADEE, A WINE BAR What would you say is your organi-
What would you say is your organi- zation’s proudest achievement?
zation’s proudest achievement? Pineapple Byte’s proudest achieve-
TOTALLY RAW PET FOOD
I hope this is not too pessimistic an ment has been our ability to launch a new
achievement, but I would say our proud- brand and create a culture where clients, What would you say is your organi-
est moment was when we saved Obladee vendors, business partners and employ- zation’s proudest achievement?
from an uncertain future by taking ees feel respected and appreciated. Over As the owners of Totally Raw Pet
our new landlord to Supreme Court for the past three years, we have success- Food, we are very proud to have ded-
unlawfully trying to increase our rent fully recruited and retained additional icated our careers to providing our
once he took ownership of the building. employees growing our workforce by customers with a clean, pure and simple
The court ended up ruling in our favour more than 40 per cent. Employee surveys approach to pet wellness. We started
(and we also won to have our expenses continue to reinforce the success we have Totally Raw Pet Food to bring holistic and
covered). This was a long and taxing achieved in developing a positive culture. healthy pet nutrition options to the main-
ordeal, and it reminded us both of the stream pet food market. Our proudest
erratic and fragile nature of this industry, If you could follow in the footsteps achievement is experiencing and partic-
and of the general lack of support and of a successful business, which ipating in the pure joy of our customers’
protection for tenants in commercial would it be and why? stories and photos of their happy, thriv-
lease agreements. On a positive note, There are so many successful busi- ing, canine and feline companions.
it highlighted our physical and mental nesses it really is hard to pick just one.
toughness, our intelligence, intuition and Rather than follow in the footsteps of a If you could follow in the footsteps
demonstrated the lengths we are willing successful business, I would like to see of a successful business, which
to go to protect our business. Pineapple Bytes follow the footsteps of a would it be and why?
successful leader. Darren Nantes has led a Totally Raw Pet Food identified a
What brings customers back to you? number of successful companies in Halifax void in an emerging market and seized
I think customers come back to us including G3 Galvanizing, Twin City the opportunity to fill the space with a
because they trust us. They trust us to Painting and Guildfords Group to name quality product that takes advantage of
make them feel good, they trust that the a few. Darren’s ability to see opportunity, unique Atlantic Canadian resources. We
wine will be solid, that their server will develop and execute strategy and lead have looked to Acadian Seaplants as a
know their stuff, that the food will be well teams is exemplary. His businesses employ local success story that followed a similar
thought out and that the space will be hundreds of people and operate with pro- business opportunity. Acadian Seaplants’
clean and inviting. I think “consistency” fessionalism and integrity. Darren’s quiet innovative use of local agri-food
is an undervalued term in the hospitality contributions to charitable organizations resources like seaweed has successfully
industry — it is kind of unsexy to talk are a testament to his character. transitioned from a tiny Nova Scotian
about — but it is unquestionably what family operation to become one of Nova
brings people back. Where do you see your Scotia’s leading exporters and a global
organization in five years? industry leader.
Why did you choose Halifax? I expect to continue to expand our
We chose Halifax firstly because we operation over the coming years. With Where do you see your
were both from here. I had been away for clients coast to coast, I expect to have organization in five years?
over 20 years, and Christian for about 10 offices elsewhere in Canada and to be At Totally Raw Pet food, we aspire to
and there was a desire on both of our parts recognized as the leading provider of be the Canadian and Nova Scotian brand
to return. We also chose Halifax because of business management solutions to retail that helps revolutionize the global pet
opportunity . We were both coming from and hospitality clients. health market. We are planning now so
larger cities where markets were already that by 2023 we will be exporting Totally
saturated and leaseholds were completely Why did you choose Halifax? Raw Pet Food products to Asia, the US
unaffordable. Halifax provided an accessi- I can’t imagine having a head office and Europe from our local production
ble, penetrable market , adequate popula- anywhere else. Despite attending univer- and distribution facility. We will have
tion, reasonable commercial rents and at sity in Ontario and working in Bermuda branded products in stores across Canada
that time, few competitors in the type of for four years, I always knew I would and will have our own stores throughout
space we were looking to occupy. We could come back to my roots. I have always Atlantic Canada’s urban communities.
get in on the “ground level” so to speak — been a believer that opportunities can
the city seemed primed and ready for what be created anywhere if you’re willing to
we were about to do. work hard and be creative.
BUSINESS VOICE 23You can also read
