Back in Business

Not sure if you noticed, but for the first time in about five years, there's a different photo adorning this page. The last issue was Nick Rockel's final one as editor-inchief of this magazine, as he's taking some time off to travel and see the world. Having worked alongside Nick for a large portion of his time here, I can say without hesitation that he is one of the most dedicated, thoughtful, supportive and kind leaders I've ever had the pleasure of learning from.

I hope I can keep those lessons front of mind as I return to the magazine and move into this new role, and that I can continue to provide readers and subscribers of this magazine with a valuable product that they enjoy seeing at their doorstep and on newsstands. It won't be easy, but with the rest of our incredible team beside me, I think it's possible.

It doesn't hurt that the province keeps on giving us amazing stories to tell—many of which are on display in our annual Top 100 issue that showcases the biggest companies in B.C. by revenue. That list (p.55) has also seen a change, as long-time contributor Michael Mccullough took over the job (and the pulling of teeth that comes with it) of trying to gather numbers from the province's major corporations.

As we finally—well, hopefully—pull away from the claws of the pandemic, it's clear that some businesses will emerge in a better spot than others. So far, companies that make their cash on resources that have skyrocketed in value, like oil and wood, look like major winners. Other sectors, like transportation and entertainment, have had a tougher time rebounding, but appear to be on the upswing.

Also on the rise are the names in our ninth annual 30 Under 30 (p.33). When I first started working on the list, I was younger than a good portion of the folks on it. As my back can attest, that's no longer the case. But the absolute admiration I have for everyone who made it (and the many that we didn't have space for) hasn't changed one iota. This year, we have 30 of B.C.'S brightest from 24 different companies and endeavours in diverse fields like hospitality, food, technology and real estate, among many others.

Of course, we don't have a massive team, and there are countless stories we've yet to tell. If you have one, or if you just want to chat about the magazine and what you'd like to see in it, please get in touch. Our magazine only survives because of readers like you, as my predecessor often noted. For as long as my picture stays up there, I won't forget that.