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EDMONTONIANS APRIL 2007

he March Art of Conversation get-together was at Jeffery’s Café and Wine Baron 142 Street. Owner Jeffery Kolbuc runs anice cozy wine and jazz club. Had a chance

to chat with his uncle, Ben Kolbuc of Norden Autohausfame. The award-winning Volkswagen Porsche dealer has agreat talent for promotion. His recent unveiling of the newCayenne Porsche sports utility wagon had to be his best—outstanding. Picture three huge crates in the middle of theroom… the music is blaring… the strobe lights arepulsing… the sides of the crates crash to the floor to revealthree spanking new Cayennes… the crowd erupts.Including fine food from Century Grill and great servers,the tab for the evening comes in at $60,000. Ben splits thecost with the good folk from Porsche who say it was thebest launch in Canada.

Now, if I could just afford one.

Ron Gilbertson just succeeded Allan Scott aspresident and CEO of Edmonton Economic DevelopmentCorp. My personal congratulations. I’ve known Ron formany years, mostly when we were both active in aviation.We spent many a convention weekend at the Jasper ParkLodge: he was with Edmonton Regional Airports Authorityand I served on the board, including aspresident, of the Alberta Aviation Council.We had too much fun at times… but laterwe bumped heads. Ron worked on thecommittee to close the City Centre Airport,while I, with many local pilots and businesspeople, tried to save it. Our verbal sparringwill likely continue on the rare occasions wemeet.

But the EEDC have a good man and I’msure he’ll handle the position with his usualpanache.

People never fail to surprise me withtheir life stories. Regular readers know Ibreakfast with friends almost daily atRicky’s. One of the servers is Jessica Heine,a struggling singer, with a very good CD.Like most young singers who play in coffeehouses and small clubs, sitting on a stool,playing a guitar is usual. What sets Jessicaapart is her voice—it can fill a room. Whatcaught my eye in her bio was the time shespent six months in Latenango Prison in ElSalvador. She wasn’t incarcerated butworked as a volunteer for a small NGO,giving enrichment programs to gangmembers. At the end, there was largegraduation celebration for the inmatesfeaturing games and a concert. Jessica hadto sing Hit the Road Jack six times. Shewrites and sings her own songs and wouldbe a great addition to any private party ormusical event. Call her at 904-8388 or visitwww.jessicaheine.com

Sine Chadi always stages a very entertainingAGM… his presentation is a hoot and persuasive enoughthat investors might follow him anywhere. This year he hada very different message. Imperial Equities Inc. is still veryactive in the real-estate business and, as you would expect,holdings are doing well. Sine announced his foray into thepharmaceutical business with Imperial Distributors CanadaInc. The wholesale operation deals primarily withinstitutions and, to a minor degree, with drug stores. Sine’smanaged to use his talent for sales to hire two attractive,bright ladies to handle business development. I happen toknow them and their husbands. Key account manager,Joanne Modry has a wealth of experience, having soldartificial heart parts to doctors; heart specialist DennisModry is her husband. Molly Warring, businessdevelopment director, is a long-time PR consultant andauthor whose husband Lou has no visible sign of work, buthe dresses very well. I wish them all success.

My old friend, Ron Brown, certainly had his eyeon the ball when he decided to build a brand new plant forhis company, Shippers Supplies Inc. Construction wascompleted just before trades people’s calendars startedrunning amok. He’s been manufacturing boxes of everyshape and size for 32 years, selling products across thecountry, out of 11 branches. The new plant is 160,000square feet of world class equipment. There’s a machine

called “The Latitude” that produces boxes at 370 a minute.That’s a lot of boxes.

Sales must be okay because Ron just purchased a newMooney Ovation aircraft, with a Garmin Glass cockpit. Heflies all over the country doing sales calls and surveying hisempire.

Meals on Wheels is one my favourite charities.Being named to the board is a real honour for me. Alsoappointed were the radio guy Rob Christie of Magic 99,Sandra Hilderbrand, a long-time volunteer, Linda Chow-Turner, RD Caritas Health Group, and Dieter Brunsch,vice-president of customer service and risk management atthe WCB. Willie Gruber will serve as president for afurther three years. He is the services executive for IBM's e-business integration solutions practice in Western Canada.This short item doesn’t do justice to talents of this boardand this amazing organization. You can count on more inthe upcoming months.

Being triple booked one day, I asked Dr. Ollie togo to a reception at the Mayfair Golf Club for me. It wasDr. Larry Olhauser’s official book launch for The HealthyCEO. Larry gave an excellent presentation about how our

lives need balance and what we can do about it. We have aplatform (life) supported by three pillars: relational health,financial health, and physical health. Each provides theelements we should have for a healthy and happy life. Theadvice Larry offers is intertwined in a story about a couple,Frank and Katie, who have to face some of life’s toughdecisions. Frank is overworked and Katie is a catererworking long hours and under much stress. The storylinefollows Frank and Katie’s decisions to de-stress their lives,which brings them closer together. You have to buy thebook to find out what happens to Katie at the end. Thisbook is well-researched and written—an excellent read.Larry is on a North American promotional tour to promotehis book, including cruises.

The launch was attended by about 70 people, includingformer health and wellness minister Iris Evans, andEdmontonians Transformers Tom Bradshaw and ColinWilliamsen. Rob Christie of Magic 99 was the emcee forthe event; he compared The Healthy CEO to the likes of Dr.Deepak Chopra’s The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success inregards to its profound ability to create long term change forits readers.

Speaking of Edmontonians Tranformers—they’re everywhere! In addition to their Thursday morningmakeover sessions with Lynn and Jen Carolei on CityTV,you can spot them on other channels. The World IceSkating Champioships were broadcast worldwide, and therewas Steffany Hanlen in Tokyo with Canadian ice-dance

champions, Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon.They won the silver medal with a brilliant skate. And TomBradshaw is doing some local television commercials.

There’s a “free hugs campaign” on youtube.comand when Tranformee Jen Carolei saw it, she was inspired.She e-mailed to say that she “…knew that if it touched myheart that much,then I had to doit. So, my 26thbirthday was agreat opportunityto get out there. Irecruited somefriends and theycame out andhuggedEdmonton withme. Some peoplewho had seen thevideo weretotally into it andcame running upfor hugs, others

asked what it was about and received a hug. “A few of my most memorable hugs:

People double parking or parking illegallyto get a hug… People getting out of theircars in the middle of traffic for a hug… Awoman got off the bus just for a hug…Hugging bus drivers at the red light… Alittle girl came running up to me and I gaveher a huge squeeze… A woman passed byus and said she would need one on the wayback because she was going to thebankruptcy office; so when she came back,six of us gave her a group hug. Some lessfortunate people who came for hugs tookthe opportunity to chat with us and hangout. And some folks came back for secondand third hugs.

“Among the sad moments: People staringat their blackberry and ignoring us…people crossing to the opposite side of thestreet to avoid us… one man said he washug-a-phobic. A lot of people asked if wewere peddling something or part of a crazycult. That was a sign for us that Edmontondefinitely needs more love. I've heard that aperson needs 18 hugs a day to feel whole,so we got out there and hugged a ton ofpeople.

“I probably gave out about 100 hugs, I'monly guessing. Friends who helped me out

at some point during the day: my Significant Other ChadWilliams, Auty Brooks, Lia Badry, Dianne Hall, Darrenand Bonnie Hood and their two kids, Stephen Price,Jennifer Ross, Carole Ross, Lisa Ross-Rodriguez, TwillaCoates, and Sally Robbins, who is visiting from Australiaand braved the chilly day to hug Edmontonians.

“It was the best birthday I ever had and I can't wait to doit again.”

Over the years, Jayne Bawden launched somepretty spectacular events that raised many thousands ofdollars for STARS Air Ambulance. Last we heard, shehad retired. Well… only sorta. The consummatevolunteer has created an event for the McDougallHouse Association. The 14 bed residence for womenwho are in recovery from addiction is partially fundedby AADAC, but in desperate in need of extra funding.

It’s on Sunday, April 15th at the Shaw ConferenceCentre, Hall D, from noon to 3:30 pm. Tickets are $50.You get a three-course lunch, the chance to shop theauction tables for some very cool things, and can enjoy aterrific Spring Fashion Show. Women and men will struttheir stuff down the 80-foot runway,modelling the latest from local boutiques.Round up some friends to raise money forthis good cause. Call Jayne at 498-6216. √

Call Muggsy Forbes at 780.482.4545 or e-mail [email protected]

TT

FUNNYpompous & unfair

By Muggsy Forbes

Stressed-out executives need The Healthy CEO... and free hugs

Williams and Carolei hug Edmontonians

Williams and Carolei hug Edmontonians

EDMONTONIANS APRIL 2007 3


The Dee-Eva connection...Edmontonians was there

ers is the gold standard of portfolios,papered with some of the most prominent,recognizable brand names in the world ofsports wear.

At Nike, the logo Tiger Woods sports on his ball cap atthe finest golf courses in the world, Deidre Hackman wasthe design director for women’s apparel. Speedo, the swimwear manufacturer that has been known to stretch theresiliency of Spandex with sometimes astounding results,brought her on stream as VP of design, creating productsfor the 2006 Winter Olympics and Beijing’s 2008 summergames.

Today, Dee Hackman,who recently burned hernose sitting poolside in thebackyard of the Beverly Hillshome she shares withhusband Scott George andthree dogs, is the new vice-president of design for BebeSport. Founded in SanFransico in 1976, by MannyMashouf, Bebe Stores, Inc. hasmore than 500 outlets in theU.S., and six stores in Canada,two of which are at WestEdmonton Mall. Hackman saysshe fully expects the company’ssport brand to be the premiereactive women’s wear, and “goglobal within the next five years.”

For years, Hackman was a familiar face to Edmonton’sfashionistas. Concrete Clothiers carried an exclusive line ofladies wear, all created by Hackman herself. “It was awonderful experience,” she remembers. “I had constant andinstant access to my clients. I knew how they felt, what theywanted, what made them feel great, and how to enhance

their bodies. It was there I learned a huge part of myunderstanding of the female consumer, and that foundationhas been a driver of my success. Anyone can draw apicture—not everyone can create a three dimensionalgarment that moves and feels like air.”

The Bebe Sports line is sleek, subtly sexy and designedfor the woman who pays her dues on the treadmill andthigh master every morning. Eva Longoria, the sensuous yetsavvy Gabrielle Solis of Desperate Housewives fame, is thenew face of Bebe Sport. Watch for the Longoria/Bebecampaign launch this month in leading magazines.

“This past summer, I received an invitation tomeet with Manny oneSaturday morning in hishome,” the 43-year oldHackman recalls. “I went tothe wrong end of the estate,and entered through the backdoor. He was there with hiswife, kids and in-laws, makingwaffles, laughing and watchingtelevision. That was my firstimpression. I then spent the nextthree hours involved in one of themost interesting conversations I’ve

ever had. Manny explained his vision for BebeSport, where it had been and where he thought itcould go. By November, all the details were workedout and I became the VP of design of the company.”

Not bad for a girl who earned a degree in sciencefrom the University of Alberta before packing her bags

to do an associates design degree at the Fashion Institute ofTechnology in Manhattan. With her education firmly behindher, and a world of potential and promise ahead, Hackmanreturned to Edmonton, opened Concrete Clothiers, andhoned her already considerable skills.

“It was an amazing experience. Even more importantthan the business end of it was I got to really know myparents.” Hackman’s parents, Shirley and Jack who live inWestlock, were on hand to help where they could. “Mymom consistently made things happen… and my dad wasmy adviser... there when I needed encouragement… and hewas always fixing something!”

Concrete Clothiers was also where she met her husbandScott over designs of snowboarding apparel for men. Hisfather, the late Ted George, and mom Pat from St. Albertand Aunt Pat Yates were highly supportive of the couple’sendeavours. “Scott’s been an amazing partner for thisadventure. He understands the business and the type ofcommitment it takes to be successful.”

Despite the long hours of work—“I get up every morningat five and am home between seven and nine at night”—Hackman is enjoying the fruits of her labours. Thoughreticent to utter the words herself, she has achieved world-class status as a designer of women’s sport apparel.

“Yes, there’s been heartache, long, grueling hours andtimes when it was non-stop work… but you only have towatch the Biography channel a couple of hours to realizethat it’s the price everyone has to pay to achieve the successthey dream of.” √

HHBy Marg. Pullishy

uxury is not a price point or a logo ona handbag,” according to that icon ofarchitecturally cool design IanSchrager, who co-founded Studio 54,

“It’s an experience.” You know this man’s métier: He’sthe tycoon who gave the world white hotel rooms withwhite curtains and white floors. And that is what Iencountered last month at his historically famous

Mondrian on Sunset Strip—a trueHollywood experience.

“You can’t get into the Skybarunless you’re with someone oryou’re a single woman,” counseledcigarette girl CarolynChamberlain. Thank goodness,we—Scott George and I—werewith the newly minted vicepresident of design for BebeSport, Dee Hackman. Dee iselegant in a black coat dressover turned up jeans and gold,strappy sandals. She’s wearingfour-inch amethyst dropsselected earlier that afternoonby Charles Phillips of Hobin& Blunt Estate Jewelry whoknows exactly what sheneeds. In a previous life,Charles had been adcreative director for theEmmy Awards.

We joined 500 fashionluminaries at the hot LosAngeles nightspot to help

Cosmo magazine celebrate BebeSport’s new celebrity spokeswoman, Eva

Longoria. The launch is also a debut of sorts forEdmonton’s 1995-96 Woman of Vision DeidreHackman, then of Concrete Clothiers, the fashionboutique she created and ran for 15 years in her homecity.

Eva is tiny, like a perfectly formed nymph. Her firstduty at the soirée is to pose with Bebe’s billionairefounder, Manny Mashouf, for some 30 shutterbugspoliced by several beefy security guards in the hotellobby’s media zone—only Cosmo and Edmontonianswere at the actual party. Mashouf ranked 242nd on the400 richest Americans’ list last year. A wide-eyed Evamakes her way through the crowd as guests turn their

heads eagerly anticipating a closer look. Everyonewatches as she makes her way to the inner-party ropedoff for Eva’s approved cadre of friends who will helpcelebrate her 32nd birthday next day.

Long-legged, flat-bellied bikini-clad models—dressed in Bebe’s first-ever swimsuits designed byDee—frolic in and out of the open-air pool anchoredby gargantuan flower pots. “Why can’t we have hotchicks like that at computer parties,” leered anappreciative techie. The pool is set flush with a teakdeck, flowering mandevilla vines and underwatermusic. Think of a tropical hut overlooking anirresistible view of the hills and canyons of LosAngeles from your private balcony and you’ve got thepicture.

Several steps down from the pool deck in the outdoorliving room is a canoodling couple wearing big, furryAfros reminiscent of the early ’70s and thequintessential disco ball. Before we leave the hotel,party guests will spot Kevin Connolly from Entourageand Shawn Spencer from Pysche.

All in all, a swell night out. √ Sharon MacLean

“L“L

Members of the Bebe Sport design team with a few oftheir biggest fans: Paul Mashouf and Scott George.

Scott George andDee Hackmanreturn to Edmontonregularly to visitfamily and friends.

Eva was welcomed by Bebe founder Manny Mashouf.

Carolyn Chamberlain withTom Curtis, senior VP, generalmerchandising manager atBebe Sport. The cigarette girl, bythe way—all but forgotten save for’40s celluloid—sold 93 cigarettesand 12 cigars this night.

Margret and Paul Mashouf,VP of manufacturing andsourcing at Bebe Sport.

Margret and Paul Mashouf,VP of manufacturing andsourcing at Bebe Sport.

Eva with her much taller co-star BrendaStrong, who can be seen—but mostlyheard—as Mary Alice Young, the departednarrator on Desperate Housewives.

4



FOUNDERDICK MacLEAN

APRIL 2007Vol. XVIII

Published by 399620 Alberta Ltd. on the first day of eachmonth at 333, 10240 - 124 Street, Edmonton, Alberta,Canada T5N 3W6. ©All rights reserved. No part of thispublication may be reprinted or reproduced in any formwithout written permission from the publisher.

Manuscripts: must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Edmontonians is not responsible forunsolicited manuscripts.

All stories Copyright ©EdmontoniansPublications Mail Agreement No. 40023292Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:Circulation Department333, 10240 - 124 StreetEdmonton, AB T5N 3W6Email: [email protected]

SHARON MacLEANPublisher and Advertising Director

Telephone: 780.482.7000Fax: 780.488.9317

e-mail: [email protected]

INSIDEFUNNY, POMPOUS AND UNFAIRThe Healthy CEO/Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2FEATUREDee-Eva connection/Pullishy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

SALUTE TO WOMEN IN BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . .4Diane Brickner/Lauber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Laura & Katie Mitchell/Lauber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Carol LeLacheur/Lauber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Sandra Pietrzyk/Lauber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Rachael Peske/Lauber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Tracey Ball/Lauber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Bernie Kollman/Lauber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Tracey Scarlett/Lauber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Connie Kennedy/Deters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Margaret Kool/Lauber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

YOUNG WRITERSDiary of a debutant/Sande . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

PHOTO FEATUREWomen of Vision/Deters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

THE TRANSFORMERSGetting out of your own way/Hanlen . . . . . . . . . .14Dump the baggage/Brost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Flames of desire/Williamsen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Perfect breath/Bradshaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

BARB DETERSEditor

[email protected] Bradshaw

Les BrostMuggsy ForbesSteffany Hanlen

Colin Williamsen

FEATURE WRITERSBarb DetersRick Lauber

Marg. Pullishy

PHOTOGRAPHERSMatt Aubin

Terry BourqueJanis Dow

Edge PhotographyGordon Henderson

Fred KatzMcMaster Photographers

GRAPHIC PRODUCTIONRage Studios Inc.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Michetti Information Solutions Inc.

THIS MONTH’S COVER

Women of Vision “Sista J”

Photo by Janis Dow, Terry Bourque Photography

No. 4

1818YEARS

C E L E B R A T I N G

TRACEY BALLExecutive VP and CFO Canadian Western Bank

23rd Floor, 10303 Jasper AvenueEdmonton, Alberta

[email protected]

www.cwbank.com

DIANE BRICKNERPresident and CEO

Peace Hills General Insurance Company300-10709 Jasper Avenue

Edmonton, Alberta T5N 3N3780.424.3986

[email protected]

CONNIE KENNEDYCondominium SpecialistReMax Central Broker

[email protected]

BERNIE KOLLMANVice-president Alberta Public Sector

& General Manager, EdmontonIBM Canada

Main Floor, 10044 - 108 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3S7

780.642.4159 [email protected]

www.ibm.com/ca

MARGARET KOOLmkm Inc.

12425 - Jasper AvenueEdmonton, Alberta T5N 3K9

780.488.7708 #[email protected]

CAROL LELACHEURVice-president and CFO

Western Moving and Storage11516-163 Street

Edmonton, Alberta T5M 3T3780.454.6683

[email protected]

LAURA AND KATIE MITCHELLDetails Plus Lifestyle Management

[email protected]

www.dplifestyle.ca

RACHAEL PESKEQuality Assurance ManagerAward Windows & Doors14215 Yellowhead Trail

Edmonton, AB, T5L 3C4 780.447.2184 #286

[email protected]

SANDRA PIETRZYKPartner, Grant Thornton LLP

1401 Scotia Place 210060 Jasper Avenue N.W.

Edmonton, AB T5J 3R8 780.412.2613

[email protected] www.GrantThornton.ca

TRACEY SCARLETTCEO, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs

#100, 10237-104 Street Edmonton, AB T5J 1B1

780.422.7781 [email protected]

www.awebusiness.com

n the past 10 years, the number of self-employed womenhas grown by almost 25 percent—they are creating threetimes as many businesses as men. Fifty percent of small andmedium enterprises have at least one female owner.Collectively, approximately one million female business

owners are contributing close to $20 billion to the economy inCanada. The hot economy in Greater Edmonton and northern Albertais the ideal climate for women with an entrepreneurial spirit to startand grow small businesses every year.

At the same time, the number of women in executive andmanagement positions in both the private and public sectors is alsoincreasing. It is noteworthy, for example, that women head up the $1billion Capital Health region, preside over the University of Albertawhich serves more than 35,000 students, and chair the EdmontonRegional Airports Authority that transports 5.5 million passengerseach year.

Through the pages of this issue, Edmontonians 2nd Annual Saluteto Women in Business introduces readers to a cross-section ofexecutives who have set out on distinct paths with energy anddetermination. Freelance writer Rick Lauber, who accepted thechallenge writing the feature, had this to say about the experience:

“These profiled women have earned the recognition of their peersand now have my utmost respect as well. There is far more than blindluck involved to be successful… being in the right place at the righttime can pay off; however, one needs a combination of education,experience, contacts, willingness to give back to the community andburning desire—a burning desire to be the very best.

“These women have succeeded at the office, in marriage, asmothers and in life. They are professional, pleasant, knowledgeable,inspirational, courteous and respectful. Some have faced adversityand tragedy… but all have come through with a winning attitude thatis admirable.”

II

Featuring

Women in BusinessWomen in BusinessSALUTE TO

2nd Annual

EDMONTONIANS APRIL 2007 5


he magnificent encased Indian headdress in the front lobby onlybegins to tell the story… a story soon to be celebrated.

It began as a decision for the grandchildren’s grandchildren. Inthe early 1980s, the Samson Cree Nation was “enjoyingsignificant royalties coming in from the oil and gas on their

property, they knew that one day that oil and gas would deplete… so their concern,at that point, was to start diversifying,” explains Diane Brickner, CIP, President andCEO of Peace Hills Insurance. Different options—trust companies, banking andinsurance—were considered. Insurance was eventually chosen as the industry thatwas secure enough to survive and continue to provide solid revenues for futuregenerations. “They were looking for a very, very long-term investment.”

That wise decision is paying dividends. Peace Hills is a recognized and reputableinsurance provider. To mark its quarter-century milestone, Edmonton staff will bejoined by their colleagues from Calgary and Vancouver branch offices and businessassociates from across the Prairies and Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukonon Thursday, September 20th, 2007. “We’re having a big dinner celebrating our25th year,” says Brickner. Cognizant of the company’s Aboriginal connection,Canadian actor, musician and humanitarian, “Tom Jackson will be our MC and wewill also have native dancing.”

While the Shaw Conference Centre promises to bustle with activity and ring withstories being shared that night, it wasn’t always this way for Peace Hills Insurance.Brickner—one of three original staff, along with Bill Holt and Brenda Simioni—recalls, “The three of us started in December 1981. We put together our rates, ourmanual and our wordings. We appointed 25 independent brokers who agreed tosell our product.”

But, for the next few months, Brickner, Holt and Simioni awaited the arrival of thefigurative cheque in the mailbox. “We were waiting for the capital to start thecompany. All of the money the Samson Cree Nation generated from oil royaltieswas invested and held by the federal government… who had to release the fundsfor them to start the company and that didn’t happen until July of 1982.” In theinterim, “We had this great big office with three of us in it—about 5,000 square feetwith an empty filing cabinet that ran the whole length of one wall,” laughs Brickner.

That empty filing cabinet, now packed with policies, will soon be replaced by astate-of-the-art computer system. Policy offerings include personal auto andproperty; commercial auto and property as well as farm insurance plans. From thatonce cavernous office, Peace Hills Insurance has excelled. “We have in excess of100,000 clients, and we write just under $140 million in premiums… We haven’tlooked back since.”

Over the years, Peace Hills Insurance has remained true to its roots, planning asteady, realistic growth. “Our budgets are between eight and 10 percent growth ayear, which we believe is pretty aggressive—but also reasonable, sensiblegrowth… which is important to us.” Hard work and commitment to service from thededicated staff remain as the forefront of the company.

“Peace Hills is a unique company in the insurance industry in that we reallybelieve in relationship building with our brokers and clients. We are very hands-on… our whole organization and philosophy is to be fair… a lot of companies arebig and will leave the impression that they don’t have time for their clients andbrokers. That just doesn’t exist here—right from our receptionist through to myoffice is the same feeling of being flexible and building a relationship.”

And Bricker clearly demonstrates both. While she acknowledges that no workdayis typical, she often serves on various community boards. She knows well thatdoing so increases her company’s visibility, but there is far more to it.

“I sat on the Grant MacEwan [College] board of directors for six years, and Dr.MacEwan’s creed was to leave the vineyard better than he found it… I truly love itand I have adopted it my own way.”

The upcoming dinner party promises to be a significant event. The success storywill continue to be told—indeed, celebrated. √

t’s the little things that make the differencebetween making a house your home.

Details differentiate: folded linens, a fully-stocked refrigerator or fresh flowers arrangedin a vase. But often, we are too busy to provide

such small luxuries for ourselves. We try to balance ourprofessional and personal lives, often compromising oneor the other. We scurry around with cell phonespermanently glued to one ear. We steal a few momentsof work time to call automotive repair shops to compareprices, reserve a dinner table, or make arrangements forthe kids after school. We are often too tired to evenconsider tidying up when we get home.

Enter Laura Mitchell and her daughter Katie. Thissavvy, creative, local business team has developed acompany that can help you with all those time-stealingissues. “Details Plus Lifestyle Management takes care ofthe details so that you won’t have to,” explains Katie.“Freeing up your time allows you to slow down andenjoy what life has to offer.”

Laura and Katie will handle your grocery shopping,organize your “to-do” list, schedule your car for regularmaintenance, source cleaning and domestic staff, andprovide countless other personal services. They will alsowork with those in business—whether arrangingmeetings or delivering favourite ground coffee to theoffice. Anything theycan’t do themselves,they will outsource toreputable andestablished providers.It’s really the client’sdecision what thoseservices are, explainsLaura. “People will buy ablock of time in a monthand they will dictate howthey want it used.”

The Mitchells havecoined this concept aslifestyle management.“Our premise was thateverybody has a different version of what home is… andwe feel that everybody needs to have that place ascomfortable and as stress-free as possible,” statesLaura. “Our aim is to take care of the details that makethat a possibility for you… whatever it takes to make

that space as comfortable as possible so that you cancarry on and then do what you do best.”

“We will manage that… we will direct that… we willadministrate your life, basically,” adds Katie. “Ourconcept, when we first thought of the idea, was the old-fashioned English housekeeper who took care of theentire house and staff, and ran the household so youdidn’t have to do any of that.” But, unlike the Englishhousekeeper, Laura and Katie have upgraded tomodern day by being bonded, insured and evenknowledgeable about first-aid. Their clients’ privacy andconfidentiality are also respected.

As entrepreneurs and partners, Laura and Katie bringdifferent strengths to the table. Katie describesherself as “the people person… the person whotalks to customers, checks all the phones, returnsall the e-mails. Mom is a fact-finder.”

Along with an aptitude for customer service,Katie has excelled in related education, havingcompleted the two-year Events andConventions Management program offeredthrough Holland College, located inCharlottetown, PEI. Katieproudly announces hergraduating “in the toptwo percent of the class”

as well as being the “first Canadian student ever to winthe Professional Convention Management AssociationStudent Planner of the Year award for 2003.”

While Katie overcame challenges in the classroom,her mother faced a painful setback of her own. Laurarecalls, “The last three years have been a lifeexperience that I wouldn’t wish on anybody… and [it]certainly makes you appreciate what’s important.” Withinjust a few short months of purchasing a larger house,her new home burnt to the ground. Personalpossessions and another business—a group home—were lost. Laura remembers those days well, “We had

to relocate with nothing except the clothes on ourbacks… Our trusted group home staff was

immensely helpful with everything.And, then we had to rebuild.”

Seeing how helpful an extra set ofhands was during personaldifficulty was just the inspirationshe needed to create DetailsPlus Lifestyle Management.

Rebuilding and refocusingfosters character and desire—the

bases of a full life and a successfulbusiness. Details Plus LifestyleManagement also combines a winning

idea, committed partners and athorough business plan. Really,

no detail has beenoverlooked in the

venture’sdevelopment…

and rightfullyso. √

TTII

insuring their future

Diane BricknerFred Katz Fine Art Photography

mindingbusiness

your home...or

By Rick Lauber

Laura and Katie MitchellMcMaster Photographers

Honouring their past,Honouring their past,Honouring their past,By Rick Lauber

Firm

6 EDMONTONIANS APRIL 2007

Proof__3________PROOFED BY:_______________________________________________CHANGES MADE:__________________________DATE:_________________

ust what do mattresses, motorbikes, microscopes and Egyptianmummies have in common? All have been shipped by Edmonton’sWestern Moving & Storage. And, no matter what the item, each ishandled with delicate hands.

Utmost care and concern are paid to transporting customers’belongings. That’s only one secret to its success, explains vice-

president, Carol LeLacheur. She gives credit to this being “a family-owned, wellestablished company” which has a long history of serving the public, no matterwhere they live in Canada.

LeLacheur and husband Ted are the latest generation of their family to handlethe company’s operations. Western Moving & Storage, associated with Allied VanLines, has remained a mainstay in our city’s west end for decades. AndLeLacheur herself knows the importance of that history; she has been married for30 years and has over 31 years experience in the moving business.

It’s hard to fathom but, in the early days, this moving company had nomoving trucks. “We made do with renting vehicles as we needed them,” sheexplains. Those humble beginnings are long past: The fleet has grown to13 units.

Business operations have also expanded. In addition to offering movingservices, storage is available for public rental. Temporary or permanentstorage for excess belongings can be a viable alternative for those affectedby downsizing or combining families through marriage. Secured andsprinklered storage vaults, located within the ample 40,000 square footwarehouse space, can be accessed by the public weekdays until 4 pm.

Western Moving & Storage will “move household goods, offices, orspecial products,” states LeLacheur. Special products are defined as“high-valued products, electronic equipment, medical equipment… Werelocated The Institute of Nanotechnology on the University campus whichincluded all of their equipment, all of their microscopes, and all of theirdata.” LeLacheur remembers another successful sensitive move when they“delivered cancer machines and baby incubators for the University Hospital. Itwas fascinating to store those pieces of equipment.

“Basically, we move anything anywhere.”Well, almost anything. Among the exceptions—detailed on a non-

admissible list provided to all customers prior to moving day—arethose “that could cause harm while being transported or stored.Examples would be things such as explosive type items, propanetanks, matches, kerosene and some of your bleaches andhousehold cleaners. These are items that would cause damage ifthey spilled. We also would not move anything that is perishable,such as food or plants.”

Along with considering what can and can’t be moved,LeLacheur advises customers to do their homework, “Doresearch before choosing a mover. Make sure to choose areputable mover. If you don’t understand something or are movingfor the first time, ask questions…” Good questions for customerswould include “what’s required of them prior to the move, the day ofthe move, how would their personal effects be covered as far asprotection in the event that anything happened, and what willhappen on the day of the load.”

LeLacheur is in an enviable position, and couldn’t be happier withbusiness operations and growth. For good reasons. “We haveprofessional long-term employees, a family-owned and operatedbusiness which I think is first and foremost, and we’re an Edmonton-based company.” She adds that shopping local is important to theircustomers, “A lot of people now like to purchase things that areCanadian—made in Canada, made in Alberta. Well, this is made inEdmonton.”

LeLacheur makes an excellent spokesperson. She is a successful andconfident businesswoman who speaks highly of her staff, her business and hercustomers.

In the case of Western Moving & Storage, this company’s reputation speaksfor itself. It’s just unfortunate that ancient Egyptian royalty couldn’t have spokenup while being rolled around on a moving dolly. √

successful professional, active community member and devotedmother are just a few roles that Sandra Pietrzyk, CA balances.Recently appointed to her new role of partner with the Edmontonoffice of Grant Thornton LLP, Pietrzyk proves that it is possible to be ahighly productive co-owner of a firm while being a deeply involved

family member. “Personal approach, high integrity and compassion are values that are imbedded in

Grant Thornton’s culture, and these shared values are part of the reason I have beensuccessful in the firm,” says Pietrzyk.

Grant Thornton is one of Canada’s largest firms of chartered accountants,management consultants and other professional advisers. Of the 180 partnersthroughout Canada, eight are in Edmonton; Pietrzyk is one of two female partners inAlberta. Located in Scotia Place downtown, the office is part of a national firm that hasoffices across Canada, and is a member of Grant Thornton International with memberoffices world wide.

Pietrzyk’s appointment to the partnership was “…possibly a year in the making.There’s a nomination process… the panel interview… the vote that goes to all thepartners across Canada. And then the eventual appointment.” Of course, there weresome nervous butterflies during that time, but she remained confident, and was well-prepared for the six-person, one-and-a-half hour interview that received good feedback.

Working for Grant Thornton since 1994, Pietrzyk says “I could not have committed tobeing a partner without the clear support of a firm that understands and lives work-lifebalance.” The partners understand the necessity for home-life balance, and don’t haveunrealistic expectations of each other, “… there isn’t that pressure—the intangiblepressure— to do more than you’re actually doing, to put in more hours.”

Pietrzyk’s work days are varied: from discussing reports with boards of directors andexecutives to coaching staff to all the other responsibilities that go into being part-ownerof a firm. But overall, Pietrzyk sees her new position as somewhere that she can be arole model as a leader, as a partner, as a coach and mentor… and someone who canlead by example.

Pietrzyk works in the audit practice and advises public companies and a variety ofother enterprises. “I deal with businesses that have an oversight function, that havepublic accountability to them, as well as not-for-profit organizations… this provides anice balance,” she says.

And she has a lot to balance, with her husband of 14 years, Werner, and their three-year-old twin boys, Hunter and Logan. Pietrzyk also sits on the

Board of Women Building Futures, a charitable organizationthat works to help women build better lives and achieve

economic prosperity. Being a firm partner in the accounting profession

requires the skills of keeping up with complex andever-changing regulations, managing multiplepeople and projects, as well as the ability to buildgreat client relationships. While she is recognized forher strong technical skills, Pietrzyk’s work goesconsiderably beyond reviewing financial statements.

“We don’t just work on audit and accountingmatters, but take more of an advisory

approach with our clients.”Known for her communication skills and

empathetic approach in this exceptionallydemanding industry, Pietrzyk recognizes the

pressures her clients feel in dealing with themajor changes that have recently happened in

accounting regulations. “This has addedto the many challenges of managing

and running a successfulorganization,” she says.

Pietrzyk has a solid grasp onwhat her new role will be, butlaughs at the misconceptionthat many people have aboutthe accounting industry. It’sreally not all that dry andstuffy a business. “I think alot of people alwaysenvision accountants orauditors in the backroom—you know, greenvisor and a plastic

pencil protector intheir pocket—andthat’s just not thecase.” With her new

appointment,Pietrzyk is now in an

enviable position witha growing accountingfirm. As she takes on

her new duties, sheintends to continue her

leadership role in being amentor for staff, helping herclients prosper, being aproductive co-owner of the

firm and, mostimportantly, being

actively involved inraising her boys. √

AA&Family

BalancingBy Rick Lauber

Sandra PietrzykFred Katz Fine Art Photography

Carol LeLacheurTerry Bourque Photography

A FineCAREER MOVE

JJBy Rick Lauber

7EDMONTONIANS APRIL 2007


woman in work boots is atypical enough in today’s society… such a woman who leads by example is even rarer to find. Rachael Peske is that rarity. And she’s found her niche at Edmonton-based Award Windows & Doors as their quality assurance manager, human resources

manager, training facilitator and co-chairman of the health and safety committee. “I deal with many avenues and challenges—from working with our payrolldepartment to working with our health and safety committee to improving the quality of our product to ensuring our customers’ needs are met,” she explains.

Wearing steel-toed boots, even in her office, is the norm on the off-chance that she will be needed to help handle any emergency on the plant’smanufacturing floor.

Wearing four different hats also is routine, and makes for plenty of variety. However, she has had no specialized related training: Herknowledge is more of jail cell windows, rather than house windows. “I have a corrections degree,” Peske explains. “This is my formaleducation. I was a correctional officer... have seen a different side of life.”

Not surprisingly, Peske brings a determined, “no-nonsense” approach to her work, where she must be both firm and fair.Window and door manufacturing is a male-dominated industry, but she has earned the respect of her fellow staff.

Having joined Award just over a year ago, Peske is still learning. “I don’t have an HR background. I’m a little morecomfortable with a micrometer or a calipre in my hands than a keyboard. I didn’t have computers when I went to school. It’sbeen a learning curve for me,” she admits.

That curve has been steep, both professionally and personally. But she has attacked this with doggedness anddetermination. She thrives on challenge—“There are no problems in life... only challenges, and they lead toopportunities”—but finds it humbling to watch her company’s involvement with those less fortunate. One of her firstprojects was overseeing its participation in Extreme Makeover-Home Edition—an ABC television show featuring host TyPennington and his design team who build state-of-the-art homes for struggling families.

Last fall, an episode rescued “a family near Fairbanks, Alaska that had nothing… I grew up in the North and I can totallyrelate to what those northern winters are like.” While Award installed new windows in this home, for Peske, this was farmore: “It’s very, very warming to be part of a company that actively participates,” she states.

Peske also is regularly reminded of how good her life truly is when she leads new staff orientation programs which shewas trusted to develop. “We employ a number of first generation immigrants and English is their second language… andthey’ve actually taught me phenomenal amounts.” She has great respect for those who have moved to a new land andlearned. “I whine and I cry and I complain, but man, do I have it sweet compared to what some of these people have hadto do to get to this country… something as simple as [buying] a coffee pot is a big deal.”

Although Peske created the new staff orientation program from practically nothing, juggled job responsibilities under four

different titles and learned “by the seat of her pants,” she remains disarminglymodest about her achievements with Award. She gives all the credit to hercompany and colleagues. “Our staff is the key to our operation. We don’t functionwithout our staff. Award believes solely in safety, quality and production as ourrealm. I can say with a deep amount of pride that it’s an amazing company.”

The relationship which exists here between employer and employee is trulysymbiotic. Award Windows & Doors has given free rein to Peske and she hastaken this opportunity to learn and grow. As a result, she speaks highly of herjob, the company and its management. And, she intends to keep wearing herwork boots to the office.

“I’m still here and I love it… And until someone says something otherwise, Isuspect it’ll keep going the way it’s going,” Peske laughs. √

AA

Rachael PeskeMatt Aubin, Pure Vision Inc.

WINDOWof Opportunity

Opening a By Rick Lauber

t’s been brought to my attention numerous times over the past 18 years that youcannot pick your family. I must confess there have been a few times I wished Icould change things up a bit. Like that time my mother chaperoned my first highschool dance and busted out the moves with our neighbour after promising she

would not embarrass me. Despite those vile dance moves and other oddities along theway, I love my family and try to please them. Case in point.

For years now, my Grandma Dorothy and Grandpa Norman Sande have attended theannual Johann Strauss Ball, held every February at The Westin Hotel. Funds raised allowstudents to further their musical studies in the rich cultural environment of Austria. Duringthe past 32 years, the Foundation has allocated scholarships, grants and awards in excessof $538,000 to 92 musicians and other musical causes. The ball showcases the scholarshipwinners, fine food, live music and debutantes. My grandparents have wanted me to be“presented” since they first started attending. I felt obliged to look into it.

Wikipedia, my favourite website, told me all I needed to know: A debutante (or deb) is ayoung lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who has reached the age of maturity,and as a new adult, is introduced to society at a formal presentation known as her debut orcoming out. Originally, it meant the young woman was eligible for marriage, and part ofthe purpose was to display her to eligible bachelors and their families with a view tomarriage within a select upper class circle.

Seriously? They want me to parade around in a dress and tiara so they can load me off onsome boy? Not to mention this whole maturity issue. At 18, the only thing I’m serious aboutis my regular Saturday morning appointment with Kirsten and that zit I’m trying to cover upon my cheek.

OCTOBERI was convinced the whole thing was ridiculously old-fashioned and I wouldn’t be caughtdead taking part. My family doesn’t ask much of me… they feed me on a regular basis…they’re so happy to show me off. So, after a long 12 seconds, I caved.

This commitment would involve a pure white dress, white opera gloves, white pumps,nylons, a tiara, an escort, Sunday evening dance practice, and a lot of grace. I had all the rightstuff, minus the pure white dress, an escort and the poise. Actually, my white grad dress coulddo double duty—all I needed to do was remove the blue cumber-bun and the flower gardendown the side. No problem. I did think the escort part would be tricky.

The Strauss provides escorts for the girls who need them, but I really wanted to go withsomeone I knew and could be comfortable with. There was a fellow from work and we had adinner outing planned. We sat down, ordered a drink and I blurted out, “Do you want to bemy date for a debutante thing?” Ultra smooth way to make it sound appealing. To myamazement, he said yes without even asking what a debutante was. I was so shocked Ichanged my mind, told him that I didn’t want him coming with me and that he was under noobligation to do so. Smooth. I spent at least 10 minutes telling him how horrible, boring andpointless it would be, but he would have none of it. Ignoring the fact that he was my boss’sson, I accepted that he was my saving grace.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBERSo off Daniel and I went to the first Sunday class. Not unlike the first day of kindergarten: Weall gathered in a circle, introduced ourselves, stated what we do (school or working), androlled our dance credits. Not only did the other people seem more intelligent than I, almost allhad dance experience. No pressure or anything. Here I was with five musicals under mybelt—in which I played the lead character—but no fancy footwork. I’m such a bad dancerthat they always had me blocked; every once in awhile, I would do a spin or kick. I blame mymother for my lack of dance skills.

At the first class, we covered the basics. We would be doing two Austrian classics, theLandler and the Polonaise—both elegant, graceful, flowing, intricate dances that are justdivine to watch. To learn them though takes a lot of patience. I left the first class completelydefeated and ready to quit. Knowing how much this meant to my grandparents, I knew Iwould have to persevere.

Every Sunday from the beginning of November to the end of January we danced…sometimes well, others badly. There were fast classes and slow. There were really fantasticdays and some atrocious ones. In the end, both Daniel and I felt rather confident about howwe were doing. Well, he did.

JANUARYAs February 3rd loomed, I got nervous. I wasn’t afraid of being in front of people, I wasafraid of dancing. Simply put, I am not a graceful person. I trip over my own feet… I falldown… I miss my mouth when I eat… and you don’t want to see me try to get into a boatfrom the water. I’m just an uncoordinated person, especially if I get a little nervous orintimidated. Dancing needs everything I felt I didn’t have. I called my parents, Todd and Lisa,in Calgary the night before Strauss Boot camp to share my anxiety. In return, they offeredme... giggles? Thanks guys, love you too.

Strauss Boot Camp was two weeks before the ball. We had rehearsal from 2 pm until 9 pm,instead of the usual 6 pm to 9 pm. It was the longest day ever but very productive. We learnedabout table settings, manners, forks, doors, introductions, escalators and stairs. Mostimportantly, we learned that we really could dance. Plus, I learned that I could fake graceful.Who knew?

As the big day drew near, little things had to be done—like trying on the dress. Hmmm… ithad shrunk since June. It was about four inches too small and there wasn’t enough fabric tolet out the seams. I decided that if I ate healthy—not like a typical 18-year old—maybe Icould make this work.



By Elizabeth Sande

IIYOUNGwriters

Diary of a debutanteiary of a debutante

Daddy’s girl

The next big issue was my hair. Thank God for my friend,Kirsten, a hairstyling student at Estelle Academy. Both new tothe city, we’ve become very close and look out for each other. Inexchange for small favours, I’m a regular fixture in her chairevery Saturday. The week before the ball, we got together to trydifferent up-dos that reflected feminine elegance and grace. Everything she created wasbeautiful but nothing was ever completely right… we would like one part and not another.

FEBRUARYThe day of the ball, I was sooo scared. My parents came in from Calgary; Uncle Ken andShelly Ertman were driving up from Wetaskiwin. My grandparents’ friends would be lookingfor me at the gala—the one that started in 12 hours 10 minutes and 14 seconds, give or take.

Grandmother’s bathroom became our beauty salon. Kirsten poofed the back of my headinto a helmet, just as she had at all of our trials. It looked great. But, what next? Inspired,Kirsten made a large woven bun at the nape of my neck that was absolutely gorgeous. Onehundred and thirty-six pins later, I was coiffed. Kirsten then did Mother’s hair “Texas big.”

I decided to try on my jewelry to get an idea of how it would all go together. I paired mygreat grandmother’s necklace with my cheap but lovely chandelier earrings. One went in

wonderfully and one broke. Grandpa and Dad assured me they could glue it back together. By one o’clock, Mom and I had checked into our rooms at The Westin. By two

o’clock, I was putting on my make up. Problem: The false eyelasheswouldn’t stay on for the life of me. Turns out lash remover doesn’t workwell as an adhesive. I ran to Mother’s room, and used her glue. Done.

I looked at the clock and my heart stopped. It was three o’clock, theexact time we were to be at dress rehearsal. The women who run thegroup are very punctual—being late would not be good.

Here I was: no nylons, tiara, gloves, dress or accessories on—just rattyold sweats, false eyelashes and great hair. I ran into my room, grabbed mystuff, ran back to Mom’s, pulled on my dress, and prayed to God that it didup. It fit like a glove. I bolted for the ballroom, coincidently meeting Danielin the elevator.

Dress rehearsal was the first time that we ever practiced with a liveorchestra. It was also the first time we danced in tuxes and gowns. What amess! Tiaras were getting stuck on gloves… boys were stepping on dresses…girls were tripping over themselves… and we were forgetting dance steps..

Afterward, Daniel and I went to my grandparents’ room for wine andpictures with family and friends. My earring had been fixed with nail glue, soon they went. Mother fluffed my dress with a ton of Static Guard. At 6:15, wepromptly headed down for the champagne reception. It was finally happening.

By 7:30, I was so jumpy I could have gnawed off my gloves. We lined up forthe Polonaise, got ready to enter the ballroom. This was it. Once we were on thefloor, it went amazingly. Daniel and I were laughing, having a really good time…

and we did everything right. It was almost like there was nothing to it.My mother and I went back to my room after the first dance to take my tiara off.

We were giggling and laughing until I looked at the time. It was 8:15—the exacttime we had to be back downstairs for the Landler. One last time, I dashed throughthe halls.

The Landler, like the Polonaise, went flawlessly—really, it could not have beenbetter. The dancing over, we were allowed to eat. The meal was absolutelyincredible.

Everything about the night was just grand: the women in their gowns… the menin their tuxes… the music… the décor… the food… the atmosphere.

I was introduced to everyone proudly by Grandma as “Elizabeth Sande,” andjokingly by Granddad as “Griselda, the ugly stepsister.” You really can’t take him

anywhere. Then, in the ladies room, I was horrified that Mother felt it her“duty” to introduce me, the journalist-to-be (hopefully), to our MC,Lorraine Mansbridge from Global TV. Just for the record, my mother doesnot personally know her, she just sees her on TV like everyone else. Ms.Mansbridge gave me some wonderful advice that I will never forget: “Bethe best you can be at [it]” and “make sure you stand out above the rest.”She was not only stunning, but extremely gracious.

The night was full of what I considered monumental events. A familypicture taken with all of us dressed to the nines and without my uncle or memaking a face. I did not fall on my face, spill or miss my mouth, and Danieland I spun one full rotation during our waltz without tripping.

But, for me, there was still something missing. At 10:45, my night was trulycompleted. I saw my grandparents dancing their hearts out right in the middleof the floor. It was beautiful to me; it made every little bit of the evening andthe educational process worth it. I couldn’t keep my eyes off them, they arewonderful dancers.

MARCH... AND FOREVERWikipediawas wrong. Being a debutante is purely an excuse to get dressed up,

eat wonderful food, dance to real music, meet unique, distinguished people, and broaden yourhorizons. I went into the debutante world with the wrong impression. I had a blast at theball—an evening I’ll never forget.

To see my family looking so proud… to hear that my mother and grandmother each shed atear… to know my parents still put up with me after my hissy-fits… and to understand an oldtradition is an indescribable feeling.

As wild as my family can get, we clean up nicely. We are quite presentable. Even thoughthey ask strange questions, make faces, dance oddly or introduce me as “Griselda,” I wouldn’twant it any other way. I didn’t pick them, but I would never trade them in. I’m so happy that Icould do this for my family and for myself.

I learned to dance and fake graceful. It doesn’t get any better than that. √



&other life lessons

Fakinggraceful

iary of a debutanteiary of a debutante

Elizabeth Sande

Elizabeth withDaniel Pratt

Presented afterthe Polanaise

The family



he is a powerful and tireless influencer withinone of Canada’s most powerful and tirelesscompanies.

As vice-president, Public Sector, Alberta andgeneral manager for IBM in Edmonton,

Bernadette—everyone calls her “Bernie”—Kollman mustalso think both internally and externally. “I provide theleadership to the 1000 people that are resident inEdmonton and employed by IBM,” she explains. “Inaddition to that, I provide leadership to our team thatdoes business with the public sector of Alberta, whichincludes higher education, healthcare and government.

“I spend my time coaching and working with a teamthat deals on a day-to-day basis with our clients,” saysKollman. She also looks outward at the businesses thather clients are in and “seeks to form relationships andunderstanding of their strategies to determine how IBMcan bring the best it can offer to meet our clients’ needs.”

Bringing the best is something that Kollman has beencontinually and proudly doing with IBM for 21 years,having started on her corporate career path as auniversity co-op student. Even back then, she was bittenhard by the technology bug, “I did two of my co-op workterms with IBM. It was a fascinating way to get workexperience and get exposed to the technology sectorbecause the use of personal technology was anemerging industry.”

With the announcement of IBM’s personal computer,Kollman took full advantage of being part of this excitingopportunity at the outset. “I actually started my career inour retail division selling our personal computingdevices,” she remembers. She completed IBM’s formaltraining program and moved into the new business salesdepartment, and “…was responsible for finding newclients, introducing them to IBM’s technology.”

Next was a senior role within this division and a moveto Calgary where Kollman provided leadership forWestern Canada and “helped develop other newemployees into these types of sales roles.” Following ayear and a half, she returned to Edmonton where shecurrently manages the public sector team and works with

government ministries, health care providers and highereducation institutions.

“Today, I lead that entire division for IBM, whichincludes our hardware, software and services to thewhole public sector in Alberta. About seven years ago, inaddition to that, I was given the leadership of ourEdmonton location where I serve as the generalmanager,” adds Kollman.

While there is plenty on her plate, she wouldn’t tradethis for the world. She loves her connection withinnovative work, truly respects her employer, andregularly raises her hand to accept even more corporatechallenges: “I’ve been in this industry for 21 years withthe number one IT company in the world; I think if you’regoing to work in this industry, the company to work for isIBM,” which currently serves customers in 170 countriesand has over 355,000 employees worldwide.

“Our industry has changed dramatically. Ourmarketplace has changed dramatically. Our technologieshave changed dramatically.”

Kollman finds that “working with a company that staysahead of the curve, and anticipates the needs of ourclients, and adapts according to what’s happening in ourindustry is pretty phenomenal.”

And she, herself, is a pretty phenomenal woman.Kollman enjoys a happy marriage plus finds time tosupport community causes close to her heart. And hercommitment is intense and long-term: She’s the 2007campaign chair of the Greater Edmonton United Way; afounder of the Women in Technology program; hasserved on the board of Alberta’s Promise since itsinception; and continually brings her energy and know-how to the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce and otherservice organizations. Last year, she was recognizedamong the Top 50 Most Influential Albertans.

The door to our future would surely remain tightlyclosed without technological innovations that continue toimprove our lives by offering increased convenience andimproved features. Just who knows what our futures willbring? One thing is certain: One way or another, when itcomes to innovation, Bernie Kollman will be involved. √

S

Bernie KollmanFred Katz Fine Art Photography

Innovative… Indefatigable…Intelligent… Influencial

ust how is a well-chosen career path much the same asa fine wine? Both can be immensely gratifying, for onething. And no one knows this better than Tracey Ball,FCA, executive vice-president and chief financial officerof Canadian Western Bank, headquartered in Edmonton.

Ball spends much of her day “reading, mentoring,answering questions…” and keeping her boss, Larry Pollock,“happy,” she says with a smile. The job—a dream position—wassomething that she never truly expected. Ball laughs, describinghow she really lucked into this career, which began about 20 yearsago. Following her articling, she became a chartered accountant atVancouver’s KPMG and then spread her wings looking for contractpositions. One such contract was with the then Western & PacificBank where she was appointed chief accountant.

Western & Pacific and The Bank of Alberta merged in April 1988to become one—Canadian Western Bank (CWB). Ball, withhusband Gary Reynolds, came to Edmonton to “help out”—initiallymeant to be a temporary situation—but Ball sensed opportunitywithin the company and stayed on.

Opportunity indeed existed; Edmonton became and hasremained home. The couple is now a quartet with daughter Alexa,17, and son Trevor, 15.

CWB clearly has filled a niche in the marketplace. In March, thebank marked its 75th consecutive quarter of profitability. In 2006,its fiscal net income increased 32 percent over the previous yearto a record $72.0 million, led by exceptional loan growth of 26percent.

Ball explains, “Our specialty is mid-market commercialbanking, but we serve the retail side as well, in addition to havingtwo trust companies and an insurance company… we went afterniches that weren’t being particularly well-served. We thoughtthat we would bring absolutely great service to our clients… getto know them.” Most clients are very proud entrepreneursseeking financial assistance for their businesses and embraceCWB’s high touch approach. The bank will soon serveEdmonton and area customers from seven locations. Remainingtrue to its name, CWB operates from Winnipeg west, withbranches in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and BritishColumbia.

While business loans are available elsewhere, Ball citesnumerous benefits to choosing CWB, including a strong focus oncustomer service and a quick turn-around time for credit decisions.Customer appointments are not required, loan application answersoften are provided within 48 hours, and all lending decisions aremade locally within Western Cnada. Ball adds that callers won’tfind many telephone voicemail systems or frustrating menuprompts either; “If you want to yell at me, you’ll have to do itperson-to-person!”

Beyond business dreams, CWB also supports the community—

but “quietly” so, explains Ball. For example, a staff memberowns a miniature pony, Dotty, and regularly takes thepony to visit cancer-stricken children. “We support ouremployees who like to do these types of things.”CWB was recently recognized as one of the top “50Best Employers in Canada” for 2007 by the Globe& Mail Report on Business magazine.

With banking, Ball’s glass is only half full. Sheand her husband also co-own a winery inNaramata, British Columbia. “Lake Breeze, whichfirst became a winery in 1994 and was initiallydeveloped by a South African couple… we bought itin 2001.

“Naramata is about 10 minutes north of Pentictonand across the lake from Summerland.” Between 30and 40,000 people visit this idyllic spotannually and sample any or all of thewines produced. Varietals include aPinot Noir, a Merlot, a Pinot Blanc,and a multiple award-winning PinotGris. Winery staff use a “hand-sell”method, displaying anddescribing a bottle to customers,not unlike a sommelier at a finerestaurant.

“Early on, CWB was also ahand-sell.” Ball uses theanalogy to describe how personalcontact with clients has propelledthe once unknown bank to anindustry success story.

Raise a glass of wine andtoast Ball’s accomplishmentsand CWB’s growth. Will theycontinue? You can bank onit. √

By Rick Lauber

JJ

Tracey BallGordon Henderson, Just Arials

successsuccessB A N K I N G O N

By Rick Lauber



he world has taken five steps forward and three stepsback since Emily Ferguson Murphy. As Canada’s firstfemale magistrate, Murphy tackled the famous“persons” case and won a ruling on October 18, 1929:Women were finally considered persons, and an equal

part of society. The ruling, most importantly, granted them the overdue rightto vote.

Although a major coup for Murphy in her day, many women—particularlyin business—still struggle to be accepted by their male counterparts. Whydo such antiquated views persist? Is it societal pressures... perhaps, aman’s desire to be the household’s breadwinner… or, the difficulties awoman faces balancing a career and maternal responsibilities? We maynever know. Regrettably, women executives and entrepreneurs, too often,may not be taken seriously.

Tracey Scarlett is doing what she can to change those societal views. Sheis the president and CEO of Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE). Theorganization, occupying space in The Business Link office in downtownEdmonton with a second office in Calgary, “was established 11 years agoand is funded by Western Economic Development.” She is quick to point outthat AWE does not grant business seed money, but considers applicationsfor repayable loans up to $100,000 for new and existing businesses.Scarlett beams, “We’ve loaned out over $9 million with a 90 percentbusiness success rate.”

But AWE is far more than a loan option. It has provided over 40,000women with business advice, mentoring, support and referrals. Typically, theprocess begins with an orientation session “…to tell potential clients moreabout our programs and services. From there, they’ll be assigned abusiness advisor.” Advisors, located in Edmonton and Calgary, providecoaching and counseling throughout the province via videoconferencingthrough regional Community Futures offices. “We refer clients to resourcesthat we don’t provide internally, such as to professional service providers.We run workshops and events on a range of topics of interest to ourclientele.”

Since taking over AWE operations in January 2007, Scarlett’s goal hasbeen to increase growth and public recognition. “We want to be viewed asthe women entrepreneurs’ association in Alberta—the ‘go-to’ place forwomen who are interested in starting a business, expanding a business,learning a business… the organization that provides support, networking,mentorship, training, loans… the full package of support services.”

Scarlett, an MBA with a science and consulting background, would alsolike to promote atypical business ventures for other women. “I don’t thinkwe’ve created the network—the role models—and provided that support toencourage women to go into business in non-traditional sectors. We’ve

done a good job in more traditional areas—retail operations, personalservice and health care—but maybe we haven’t created the network forwomen to learn about or want to start businesses in environments that aredominated by men.”

Numerous partnerships “through universities and educational institutionsto encourage entrepreneurship in nontraditional sectors,” willbe explored. Steps are being taken for AWE to expandits reach across the province. “There’s a variety of otherbusiness and economic development groups invarious regions that we’re working with now andcreating partnerships.”

Considerable effort will be made to drawattention to the unsung clients of AWE. “…65percent are mom entrepreneurs… they haveincredible job satisfaction because they aredoing what they are interested in—really love—but they’re not driven by making money,”explains Scarlett. “We have other self-employedwomen—probably about 30 percent of ourclientele—who are typically professionals orservice providers: They’re consultants, they’republic relations experts… they want to have morecontrol over the work they do.” The rest aregrowth-oriented entrepreneurs, “…well-educated,very dynamic, active-in-the-community women.”Increasing this final small percentage will be apriority. Scarlett hopes they will become positiverole models in the future.

Although AWE is, right now, a best-kept secret, itmay not be for long. Scarlett is determined to “drivemore development of growth-oriented businesses… toshow women through example, and throughthat network that they can achievegreat success in business.”Tackling this could be a difficult hillto climb, though notinsurmountable.

Scarlett has the belief, theexperience, the contacts,the spirit and the spunk totake AWE to newheights. Emily Murphywould be proud. √

TT

Tracey ScarlettEdge Photography

A best-kept secret…BUT NOT FOR LONG

A best-kept secret…By Rick Lauber



argaret Kool is finally movingout of the house. Not thatshe’s a late bloomer. TheEdmonton communicationsconsultant, who co-owns

mkm Inc., has operated from her unpresuminglittle house quietly tucked away just off Jasper

Avenue and 124th Street for 13 years, but soonwill be relocating in the heart of downtown. Whilethe move holds promise for mkm, there was little

choice for them… a Vancouver developer hasrecently bought the property and plans to

bulldoze the house to make way for riverview condominiums.

Kool, whose agency partner isAndy Feher, admits she has mixed

feelings regarding the move. “Wehave enjoyed our little house

on the river valley and movingwas difficult. But we think thisnew location was worth thewait, and we are eager tohave it fully operational.” The new premises, located in

the Swedish Jewellers buildingon 101st and 101st –long ago the

classy home of Walk-Rite LadiesWear—shows great potential. “We

chose Hastings Ilagan Design—simply the most talented design firm inAlberta—to create the space for us.” Staffinput figured prominently in the re-construction of the fourth floor. “Theyinterviewed all our people in their area ofpractice to understand their needs. Ournew office space is being customized tosuit individual and unique needs. All thespace is designed to suit differentfunctions, delineated by colour. It is anopen concept, with all creative sittingtogether at one large table, with portableworkstations.”

Occupying an entire floor will provide theagency’s creative team with plenty of roomto breathe as well as work collectively orindependently. “There are areas wherethey can go and be on their own… andconfidential areas, of course, for clientmeetings,” continues Kool. And the

building—“a great property with exposed brick andhigh ceilings and a huge glass atrium”—offerssuperb convenience. “From a business perspective,we are literally blocks from three of our largestclients so it will be convenient as well as cool… witha ‘c’, not a ‘k’,” laughs Kool.

From its new home, mkm will continue doingwhat it has done so well for nearly two decades:working with clients on all things creative. “mkm’sroots have always been consultation and planning,”states Kool—“and that continues to be a keycomponent of our product offering. At mkm, wesimply provide advice that delivers results for ourclients.”

The extensive list of services includes researchplanning, strategic development, brandmanagement, advertising communications, andcreative and production services. And many clientshave benefited from mkm’s expertise: Pizza 73,Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, J. FolkInsurance, PTI Group, The Medicine Shoppe,Manulife Place, The College of Chiropractors,Concordia College, Edmonton Airports, andNational Home Warranty, among many others.

One such client, Giuliano Tambarinno of TrinityHomes, is now applying his expertise toredeveloping the new space and managing theconstruction process. There is still much work to bedone as the fourth floor of the property is nothingmore than a raw warehouse now with windows andwalls but requiring a new heating, ventilation and airconditioning system, in addition to building out thespace.

Searching for appropriate space was a time-consuming task, taking approximately two years,but Kool is “thrilled” and believes those feelings willbe echoed by her team, “I think our people will bevery energized by the move, and I know that theyare looking forward to it.” Possession date on theproperty is tentatively set for late April or early May.

Kool describes this whole process as a “majorundertaking.” With the upheaval, the little house willbe left behind, but there will always be fondmemories. With the new premises, new memorieswill be made.

Speaking of which… The open house willundoubtedly be memorable—and professionallyexecuted by a team that launches images andpromotions for clients as a matter of course. √

Margaret KoolTerry Bourque Photography MM

Creative, Classy&Kool

By Rick Lauber

t’s an office unlike any other—the Top 25, Platinum,Chairman’s Club and Gold Level Donor plaques andcitations cover the walls, virtually from floor to ceiling.Well, almost… there’s still space on the west wall todisplay any additional awards—and there will be more.

Connie Kennedy doesn’t do what she does for the glory.Indeed, she’s always surprised that her success has earnedher another spot at the top. “I’m comfortable with what I haveand what I do… I love it. It’s my passion.”

Given her youthful exuberance, it’s hard to grasp thatKennedy has been an icon in the condominium market foralmost four decades. The “firsts” she has experienced andengineered are legend in the real estate industry, and otherendeavours.

Reminiscing about her illustrious past—not her words—Kennedy recalls leaving the Kimberly News to work for Dr.Charles Allard on the ill-fated Edmonton Free Press. Whenshe joined CFRN-TV, she became the first female accountexecutive in Canada—but not before she argued for, andreceived, the same compensation as the men. She also wonher quest to join the all-male Ad & Sales Club, only to beelected president a year later, in 1969.

By this time, she was in on the ground floor of Canada’sfirst condominium development. She established KennedyRealty Ltd. in 1972—the first all-female agency, employing 37realtors who exclusively sold condominiums. And, in 1974,she became the first woman on the executive of theEdmonton Chamber of Commerce. With her expertise, she’sbeen involved in writing and re-writing condominiumlegislation for more than 30 years.

Kennedy has ridden the ebbs and flows of the marketthroughout her career. She’s cognizant of the boom/busteconomy that is at the mercy of Alberta’s oil and gas fortunes.She remains cautiously optimistic that, at worst, the marketwill level out, yet hopes people will keep money in the bankas a hedge against a downturn.

“I’ve seen this market before in 1978-79 when propertydoubled, and then plummeted in 1981. In my heart, I don’tthink it will happen again, but…”

In the early 1970s, Kennedy was selling a high-risedevelopment with all the amenities, including an indoor pool,just north of Jasper Avenue west for $28,000 and $35,000.She’s now re-selling some of those condos for $350 to

$425,000. Although not even she could foresee the evolution,Kennedy admits she has been a “wealth-builder for manyclients, often representing their children and grandchildren.What starts out as a broker-client relationship becomes afriendship… the level of mutual trust and respect that resultsis extremely gratifying.” New and re-development have led tosteady growth. “I’ve sold thousands of units—some of themtwo and three times.”

Among the countless accolades, some stand out: theEdmonton Real Estate Board Life Member designation, theRe/Max Lifetime Achievement Award, and inauguration intothe Hall of Fame. Just last year, Kennedy told Edmontonians,“I’m ecstatic. Being named Edmonton’s REALTOR® of theYear is the pinnacle of all the awards I have received…because it is given by my colleagues, my peers.That’s what makes it so special.”

Hmmm… that kind of recognition ranksright up there with the latest: Kennedy wasjust named the number one residentialrealtor with Re/Max Real Estate in GreaterEdmonton, and remains in the top 100among the 17,840 Re/Max sales associatesin Canada, a ranking she has held since2001.

And, about those Gold Donor Awardsand similar honours? Kennedy gives backto the community naturally—a portion ofeach and every sales commission isdonated to the Stollery Children’sHospital and the Edmonton RealtorsCharitable Foundation (she was thefirst female president in 1996). Shealso contributes to the School HotLunch Program and the outreachprogram at Robertson-Wesley UnitedChurch. And, did we mention that she’s beenknown to quietly assist clients when financialinstitutions wouldn’t? “I’m thankful everyday thatI am able to help,” she says with sincerity andsurprising modesty.

“I didn’t realize what a trail-blazer I was! I’vehad a charmed, rewarding life and career. Youcan’t ask for more than that.” √

II Connie Kennedy

By Barb DetersExemplary performance— &PROFESSIONALLY PERSONALLY



Susan Green—“Oh, I’m Miss August”—was joined bymany family members including husband Stuart Roth,Mom Peggy Green from Prince Albert, son JD Roth.

Junior Achievement members Kayla Swanson, ClairMarchersault with Dani Trudgeon, a 2006 bursary recipient,and Kathryn McCutcheon, now a student at MacEwan, whoreceived the ’07 Global Young Woman of Vision Award.

May 2006 honouree Sandra Woitas chatted withBarb Kowal, “a friend from the Norwood Schooldays.” Sandra, an educator extraordinaire, toldthe crowd, “Hope is the oxygen of human spirit.”

May 2006 honouree Sandra Woitas chatted withBarb Kowal, “a friend from the Norwood Schooldays.” Sandra, an educator extraordinaire, toldthe crowd, “Hope is the oxygen of human spirit.”

Foong Hah Chew of the Royal Bank and JudyVandenburgh of Vandenburgh & AssociatesBusiness Consultants

Foong Hah Chew of the Royal Bank and JudyVandenburgh of Vandenburgh & AssociatesBusiness Consultants

Official Women of Vision photographer Fred Katz made theintroductions: “Judy Hamilton, my girlfriend; Libby, my wife andboss; and my mistress Lynn Roch” aka Mohijto Mamasita.

October 2006 Kerrie Long, GM of Edmonton International FilmFestival: “To all good people, do good things.”

Women of Vision advisory board members Era Rowles,owner of Rowles & Company Ltd., and Lindsay Kelly,chair of Victoria School Foundation for the Arts.

Photos by Janis Dow/Terry Bourque Photography

January 2007 Wendy Edey, director ofcounseling at the Hope Foundation ofAlberta: “I try to make hope practical…Now I have a herd of hopopotamuses.”

WOMEN OF VISION

The accomplishments of 12 outstanding women were honouredlast month. As in years past, the Westin banquet room was fullwith hundreds of family members, friends and supporters of the2006-07 Women of Vision.

Bursaries and awards were presented to seven young womento assist them in their educational endeavors and to recognizetheir achievements thus far.

The honourees at the 12th annual luncheon were:Jennifer Heil, Olympic Gold medalist; Sandra Woitas,educator; JudyLynn Archer, CEO, Woman BuildingFutures; Sandra Bromley, artist; Susan Green, socialentrepreneur; Marilyn Peckett, superintendent, ElkIsland National Park; Kerrie Long, GM, EdmontonInternational Film Festival; Alexandra Senkow,fitness director, Defining Eve; Deb Cautley,executive director, Youth Emergency Shelter; WendyEdey, Hope Specialists; Muriel Stanley Venne,president, Institute for the Advancement ofAboriginal Women; and Janaya Ellis (Sista J),teacher and singer/songwriter, Souljah Fyah ReggaeBand.

A special one-hour feature airs on Global onSaturday, April 28th. √

Leslie MacDonald—creator, producer and host



Dumpthe baggage

By Les Brost

ransformation—big word, many meanings—can be painful.From my perspective, Lynn and Jen were trying to create their business on top of a whole lot of

‘incompletes’. When you don’t have a clear vision, unresolved issues (good or bad) from your past (orpresent), show up… and plant themselves dead centre for you to deal with before you get to move on to the

fun stuff. For example, think of something you should have done or meant to say to someone and the moment passed.Let’s say you feel some regret. That negative feeling can cause stress or fear. If it stops you from moving forward, thiscan be considered an incompletion. Something as simple as a messy desk can become an excuse to stop you fromdoing other things—“cuz I have to clean up my desk.” These kinds of incompletions had led to frustrating barriers forLynn and Jen, personally and professionally. The thing is they are only incomplete if you decide they are—I can live formonths with a messy desk.

I started my session with Lynn and Jen by asking them to identify their inner core values. Once they were able tofilter out all the should-do and ought-to-do values, both woman discovered they were not creating the lives they wanted.They were striving for things they believed to be missing.

For example, through a series of exercises, the highest value that showed up for both was love. The value they weresearching for in all of their business dealings was actually a personal one. When the need for love drives businessdecisions, it can become a detriment.

The next step in the process was to determine Hierarchy of Values based on seven areas of life: mental, emotional,physical, spiritual, vocational, financial, and family (social). We all operate under these values in some order or another,whether we know it or not. Confusion comes when we unconsciously live them in an order not of our choosing. Thebiggest breakthrough for Lynn and Jen was to choose their current and preferred value hierarchy based on who they aretoday, not who they used to be or who they think they should be. At first, both picked family as their top value. Aftersome resistance and tears, each woman—independent of the other—got to her truth. They moved through a series oftough questions from me and a modicum of guilt to get to the realization that vocation and finances were really thehighest on the list—not family. For a single mom, that took a ton of courage to say out loud, and for a daughter inbusiness with her single mom… well, you get the picture. They both concluded that financial health is crucial for ahealthy family. Building wealth is not a bad thing. It was interesting to me to see how muchguilt each felt about needing and wanting to be successful and make money.

After all of this inner work, not only did Lynn and Jen get the majority of the funding theyneeded, they have finished building their new store. Their biggest awareness may just be that assoon as they identified what was missing or in their way, all it took was a little transforming—inner and outer—to make their dreams come true.

Amazing what happens when we get out of our own way. √

Steffany Hanlen is a personal performance coach who conducts “The ChampionSeminars.” Contact [email protected]

ynn and Jen learned that, in any conflictsituation, there is only one constant you canmanage: yourself. They also learned thatconflict is inevitable and can pay dividends

when properly managed.Lynn and Jen discovered how much the personal part of

our lives seeps into the business arena. They learned thatwhen they come to work, they each bring their personal“baggage”—all the experiences of their lives. Thesepersonal histories have a large impact in any familybusiness.

The amount of baggage we carry with us, day in andday out, increases in direct proportion to our years. Weare the sum total of our lifetime experiences, particularlythose during our formative years. Unresolved hurts andissues from our childhoods are the most powerful driversin our lives. Like design flaws in a machine, they keepcausing problems until we trace their root and deal withthem.

Yet, many business people—especially entrepreneurs—struggle with the concept of conflict management ingeneral and self-knowledge in particular. They see it as“touchy-feely stuff” that has no relevance to the businessof business. Some believe in the Golden Rule: S/he whohas the gold, makes the rules. That works for a while, butit is ultimately a recipe for disaster. However “cliché” itmay sound, “what goes around, comes around”… “everydog has his day,” and some things “will come back to biteyou.”

I hope that Jen and Lynn will see their journey as aseries of expeditions. Some journeys will be relativelyeasy to manage, but there will be rough waters ahead,too. This is when they should bring in a trained coach orcounselor as a guide. It’s really no different than workingwith a trainer for physical fitness. I have learned frompersonal experience that the best time to work with aprofessional is when we are not in crisis.

The bottom line for the Sublime team: Effectiveconflict management pays off big-time in business andpersonal success. It will help them live their personal andbusiness lives to the max.

Smooth sailing, Lynn and Jen…not only will you be the bestdressed on the cruise, you’ll be thebest prepared for the squalls. √

Les Brost is head of Southern StarCommunications.Contact: [email protected]

LL

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n February, Edmontonians Transformers accepted the challenge to help Lynnand Jen Carolei figure out what was in their way of business success and getthem moving in a positive direction. The initial intent was to simply assistthem in gaining confidence to find the working capital they required to growtheir retail business and move to a larger, more attractive store.

The Transformers discovered that neither mother nor daughter had any idea as tohow they were going to do this. Lynn and Jen not only lacked financing but acommon vision, or a plan of any kind. They were talking, but no one seemed to belistening. From a business perspective, the owners ofSublime Swim & Sunwear did not presentthemselves as a good risk investment. Steffany, Les,Colin and Tom spent most of their time on the‘personal coaching’ side of this transformation,

helping them increase their awareness on what messages they were sending, andless time on any sort of business coaching.

After six weeks, Jen reports, “I am definitely seeing a transformation in myself andLynn, though I feel like we still have a long way to go before we see any significantchanges in our relationship—both as mother/daughter and as business partners.

“It has been hard for me to accept that things do not change overnight. However,I've had instant gratification in areas of my health. I have noticed huge changes withmy digestion which used to be an awful issue for me. My energy is finally on theupswing and insomnia is no longer a problem.”

Lynn Carolei

Jen Carolei

II



ynn and Jen Carolie have been a great challenge.While having similar vocal issues, their response tocorrective direction and their development throughcoaching now and in the future must be unique to

them as individuals. I was fortunate to start working with Lynn and Jen early in

the transformational process. The voice is a reflection of yourinner life and, when you connect to your breathing centre, issuesbegin to arise. They can be dealt with if the individual is open,honest and ready for a change in life. If not, the "judgers"—those voices that edit our actions and thoughts—come out. Weneed them at times; they keep us safe. The trick is to identifywhen to listen, and when to dismiss them and move forward.

Before our initial session, Lynn and Jen had spent anafternoon with Les Brost. With his guidance, their visions hadturned inward.

For Jen, the transition to proper breathing started with areminder of what she already knew. She is a singer: Trainedsingers already have breathing mastered. They just need to use itall the time. Have you ever tried getting back into shape? Not aseasy as it sounds, but the same principles apply. Jen can use herpassion for choral singing as a regular workout.

Tom’s philosophy: You will put more effort into improving—and benefit more—if you are having fun. Jen also will find that,as she revives her choral work, her full vocal range willimprove. That little girl voice will fade away and she will beperceived less as young and more as professional.

Lynn is in a perfect place in her life for positive change. Lynnhad never consciously experienced deep breathing before but,because of the work started by Les, we were able to quickly seeimprovements in breathing as well as communication. What didwe discover? Lynn is an amazing individual who is blooming inmidlife and moving toward her full potential. She must continueto work on her breathing so that it becomes more natural, butshe has truly found her voice.

Imagine living in a world where people do more that hearyou, they listen to you… where you are perceived as honest,trustworthy and truly concerned about clients, family andfriends.

Both Jen and Lynn are well on their way. What’s holdingthem back now are some of those inner voices—those judgersthat stop us from achieving our full potential. The mother-daughter duo is ready to fully communicate and delve into thoseissues. This is where the team approach is so beneficial. Whileimproving the voices andcommunication skills, The Transformershave laid a solid foundation for twocomplete and distinct packages. √

Tom Bradshaw is the head of theAcademy of Voice & Speech. Contact:[email protected]

By Tom Bradshaw

In search ofPerfect Breath

LLBy Colin Williamsen

ost women—including the Carolei mother-daughter team—have a desire to look and feel/feel andlook their best all the time. Which comes first, depends on what they are dealing with in their lives,either personally or professionally.

The process of getting Jen and Lynn on the road to wellness began six weeks ago, and both areseeing positive results.

The preliminary tests from a naturopathic doctor provided Jen with an overall health rating of 3.5 out of 10. AVega Bio-energetic assessment measured the level and flow of electrical energy of her internal organs and muscular-skeletal system via different acupuncture points, based on principles of traditional Chinese medicine. The doctordiscovered a liver fluke (clonorochis sinenis) and identified a slight presence of the mononucleosis virus. The strategyfor Jen is to first eliminate the liver fluke with appropriate homeopathic remedies, and then to deal with themononucleosis virus as necessary.

To assist her in increasing her vital energy, Jen has been following the recommended weekly treatments ofacupuncture and acupressure, magnetic field therapy and reflexology. By late March, she had increased her overallhealth rating to 4.5 out of 10, and she says “I feel better than I have in the past two years.” She will continue with hertreatments until she has achieved a rating of at least 7.5 to 8, and then shift to a maintenance program.

Jen has been given the green light to only do the following: Yoga, and rebounding—jumping on a mini-trampolinefor five minutes, twice a day. Once she has reached the level of 6 or 7, she will be able to participate in morestrenuous movement activities: Ashtanga, Bikram or Vinyasa Yoga and cardiovascular conditioning andresistance/weight-training.

Lynn’s preliminary tests from naturopathic medicine provided a rather surprising overall health rating of 1 out of10 as a functioning level of her internal organs. The Vega Bio-energetic assessment revealed a strong presence of themononucleosis virus and substantial congestion throughout her entire lymphatic system—the body’s sewage system.That’s where the virus usually settles, so Lynn’s energy was cycling up and down roughly every two hours. Thepriority was to rid her of the virus using homeopathic remedies which excite the immune system, promoting thenatural healing process.

Lynn also is following the recommended treatments of acupuncture and acupressure, magnetic field therapy andreflexology twice per week. By late March, she had increased her overall health rating from 1 to 4. She will continueweekly treatments until she has achieved a level of 7.5 to 8, and then shift to a maintenance program. In mid-March,Lynn was given the green light to start rebounding twice a day for five minute intervals (to stimulate and pump herlymphatic system), and to start daily yoga conditioning, for weight loss. Like mother, like daughter: When Lynn hasreached a level 6 or 7, she will be able to participate in more strenuous movement activities such as Level 2 yogaconditioning, cardiovascular conditioning and resistance/weight training.

For the first time in the past two years, Lynn is feeling emotionally stable, thinking moreclearly and experiencing sharp problem-solving skills—unlike her prior self. There is adramatic increase in her overall energy—physical and mental. And, she has already lostapproximately 10 pounds/4.6 kilograms.

The success Jen and Lynn have achieved after a relatively short period of time should serveas motivation for them to remain diligent in their pursuit of specific health and wellnessdesires over the long term.√

Colin Williamsen is the president of The Wellness Coaches Inc. Contact:[email protected]

MMChasing the flame of desire

Are you readyfor an executive

make-over?

Are you readyfor an executive

make-over?Contact Sharon

[email protected]



What can we learn from a TV game show?Judging by its ratings most of you havewatched the popular game show Deal orNo Deal at least once. Just imagine playingthe game if you knew exactly what was inyour case. What a significant advantage youwould have in maximizing your prizemoney. Recently two contestants who hadthe elusive $1million in their cases chose towalk with less than $100,000 each.

Lesson number one: knowledge is powerwhen it comes to negotiations. The moreyou know the stronger your negotiatingposition is.

The banker on the show represents abuyer whose job is to buy your case ascheaply as possible. His bids are based on astatistical analysis of the probable outcomeand his profile of the contestant. The morefinancially needy the contestant appears tobe the lower the banker’s bids seem to be.Fear of ending up with a trifle drivescontestants to sell early at low prices. Evenif they stay in the game to the end and thegrand prize is still available contestants haveto choose between the $1million case and apaltry valued case or a guaranteed$500,000 offer from the banker. Shouldthey gamble on the big prize?

Lesson number two: always enternegotiations knowing what your price is.The average show prize is $125,000, thelowest is $5.

Emotion, the show is rampant withemotion. The clock is ticking, the audienceis screaming and the host and the bankerare trying to manipulate the contestant;hardly an atmosphere conducive to rationalbehaviour. Everyone is caught up in thefrenzy. Advisors who are there to supportthe contestant frequently declare they knowhow much is in the case and consequentlymake recommendations based on theirhunch. Of course they have no idea whatis actually in the case.

Lesson number three: use advisors whoare not going to get caught up in theemotion of the transaction; you need clarityof thought and credible counsel whennegotiating.

Deal or No Deal is about entertainment;the contestants have nothing to lose whenthey arrive so even a $10 win is a bonus.The real pain comes when they find outhow much money they left on the tableafter the deal is negotiated. Owners whosell their business to the first buyer whocomes along without any outsideassistance, never know how much they lefton the table.

If you are interested in selling yourbusiness for its maximum value please e-mail [email protected] or call780.441.6793.

with Stephen W. Kent, CA(780) 441-6793

ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES &

CORPORATE FINANCE

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