THE ISLAND’S TOP 20 UNDER 40

Awards celebrate young professionals making a difference in their communities

Vancouver Island’s next generation of business and community leaders were celebrated during a black-tie gala Saturday night in Nanaimo. Island mayors, executives of major companies and small business owners were among the sellout crowd at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre for the unveiling of the Island’s Top 20 Under 40 Business and Community Awards.

Dozens of nominations were received for the annual event — now in its fifth year — and picking just 20 from that crop proved a difficult task considering the sheer variety of young business people and their accomplishments.

From lawyers and accountants to retail owners and young philanthropists, all have a track record of success in business and giving back to their communities.

The Island was split into three regions — south, mid and north, each having a regional judging panel. The decisions then went to an executive judging panel who made the eventual top 20 picks.

A drumroll, please, for the winners:

ADRIAN PEREIRA Victoria Adrian has founded, co-founded and held board positions for many of the most successful technology firms on the Island over the past 15 years. He brings a unique combination of marketing and technical expertise to the table and his entrepreneurial spirit, passion, work ethic and vision has been invaluable to the growth of these businesses. Adrian graduated from the University of Victoria with a degree in computer science in 2000. During his studies, he also worked for Motorola, UVic and the Department of National Defence.

ALLISON KILBY Campbell River It is my great honour to have been nominated for this award. Like most people, I do what needs to be done to make my business successful and I have been fortunate to be surrounded by a great team. I was humbled when my peers were asked to write reference letters and what they said about me. The letters made me realize what I take lightly has made an impact on others. My family has always been supportive and that is what makes me so extremely proud. Thank you to all of them.

ANDREW WILSON Victoria Andrew is the third generation of a locally owned and operated Wilson’s Transportation. I am very passionate about our company and the things we do in the community. Currently, I am the head of the Green Initiative program for our company, which is looking at converting several buses to electric. I also work with local businesses to help give back to kids who are less fortunate. I organized the bus races at Western Speedway where all of the proceeds of the 50/50 draw went back to the Kids Klub lunch program. I also like to support the Victoria Chamber of Commerce by attending several events and donate my time to volunteer at fundraisers. Supporting the youth of this city, I hold near and dear to my heart and being environmentally responsible is a part of that.

CRAIG W. RENNISON Comox Valley I was born and raised in the Comox Valley and I couldn’t have asked for anything more in my childhood. Sports were a huge part of my upbringing and I still play hockey, golf, tennis, baseball and ski. When not volunteering, working or playing sports I am travelling. Visiting different parts of the world is rewarding and helps me to expand my awareness of other cultures. I am very proud to be both a fourthgeneration Comox Valley Rotarian and insurance broker. Giving back has been instilled in me since I was a child, and the older I get, the more I value that.

GREG PHILLIPS Nanaimo Greg Phillips is a lawyer with Johnston Franklin Lawyers in Nanaimo. He has become a noted trial lawyer, with his cases becoming important precedents used by other lawyers across the province. Professionally, he has enjoyed much success as a result of his drive, self- motivation and genuine willingness to help people, especially the “little guy.” Greg is highly involved in his community, including serving as chair of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, governor of the Trial Lawyers Association of B.C., past-president of the Nanaimo North Rotary Club and as a director of the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation.

LAURIE BIENERT Nanaimo Laurie Bienert is the executive director for the Nanaimo Foundation. She joined the foundation as development officer in 2015 as the first staff in the Foundation’s then 33 year history. Laurie is passionate about supporting her community. In 2016, she established Mid Island Gives, a civic movement dedicated to giving back involving 35 local organizations. She serves as a director for Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Vancouver Island and the Vancouver Island Mental Health Society, and as a member of the Young Professionals of Nanaimo professional development committee.

DAVE FORRESTER Nanaimo With an honours degree in sport management from Brock University, Dave previously worked with Olympians and Paralympians before joining Vancouver Island University as an advancement manager in 2008. At VIU, he is responsible for connecting, engaging and celebrating the more than 75,000 alumni of the school and leading the annual campaign which raises more than $250,000 annually to fund student awards, experiences and equipment. A national-championship winning coach with Special Olympics B.C., Dave volunteers with many community committees, including the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce and Nanaimo Sport Achievement Awards. He is also a founder of the Young Professionals of Nanaimo.

JAMES BOGUSZ Victoria A lifelong Island resident, James grew up in Saanich, graduating from Reynolds High School. His passion for technology and people led him into a career that began in 1996 with selling technology products at large Victoria retailers. In 2001, he started a local technology support business. James grew the business from $30,000 in its first year, to more than $1,400,000 in annual sales in under five years. He sold the profitable business at the end of 2005. In 2007, James joined the Victoria Airport Authority as the manager of IT. In 2008, he was promoted to manager of marketing, communications and technology and in 2010, he was named director of airside operations, technology and environment. In 2014, he took on the role of vice-president of operations and development with a focus on public relations, revenue development and operational oversight. James has been married to Melanie for almost 20 years.

LINLEY FAULKNER Victoria Linley Jena Faulkner is co-founder of Emplomacy. She is often found connecting and building the technology sector. Linley commits her time to increasing inclusion and diversity in the community. She is a coorganizer of YYJ Tech Ladies and Diversitechy, and she led the launch of Girls Learning Code and Lighthouse Labs in Victoria. Linley chairs the Coast Capital Young Leaders Community Council for Vancouver Island. The Council awarded $1.5 million in grants to 116 youth serving programs on Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and Fraser Valley in 2016.

DEANNE ORRELL Nanaimo Deanne built Salon D from the ground up. Starting in 2006 with a complete renovation of the space in Nanaimo’s Old City Quarter, her vision was for a high-end, yet relaxing salon environment. Today, Salon D features a boutique feel, high-quality products and customer service that puts the needs of the individual first. She is dedicated to pursuing industry training in the latest technologies and techniques and has trained and mentored numerous up-andcoming stylists. In the community, Deanne is a strong supporter of business in downtown Nanaimo and generous in her support for local causes.

JASON SCHMIDT Nanaimo Jason is the owner and construction manager of Pheasant Hill Homes Ltd. He has been building all of his life, starting by following his father around on job sites as a boy in rural Saskatchewan. He has broad construction experience, including civil work, institutional renovations and highend residential new homes and renovations. He has been project managing for Pheasant Hill Homes since 2007, partnering in the company in 2008. Pheasant Hill is an award-winning custom building and renovating based in Nanaimo that has been crafting beautiful, energy-efficient homes in the area for 16 years. Since Jason’s partnership in the business, Pheasant Hill has seen significant growth, from nine employees to 20.

LISA GEORGE Port Alberni Lisa is CEO and founder of Loving Hands Senior & Community Care and The New Leaf, servicing two diverse clienteles while delivering the same philosophy and fundamentals of service delivery. Empathy and compassion are the roots of both businesses as well as the values of dignity, diversity and equality for all clients served. An assertive and passionate leader is an appropriate description of how Lisa embraces all business operations. Advocating, networking and empowerment have become Lisa’s newest passions. On down time, Lisa can be found outdoors in her large garden, curled up with a good book, exploring the beautiful West Coast trails, mountains or lakes with her husband, Jamie, and at least a few of their combined six children.

CHRIS HUNT Victoria Chris is from the Kwakiutl Nation of the Kwakwaka wakw people. Chris graduated from UVic with his MBA specializing in entrepreneurship. In 2012, he was appointed manager of the Scotiabank Cordova Bay branch, and was promoted to manager of the Oak Bay branch in 2014. Chris is known for his grassroots approach of collaborating with non-profits, Scotiabank Bright Futures, and the community to raise money. Chris has raised $130,000 for various non-profits and community organizations since 2012. Chris has collaborated with the Oak Bay Rotary, Oak Bay Community Association and the community of Oak Bay to raise money for the Sno’uyutth Legacy Scholarship and Sno’uyutth Pole and Oak Bay High School. Chris has coached the T-Birds minor soccer team and served as its treasurer for the past three years. Chris acknowledges the support of his wife, Jaime, daughter, Nola, parents, family and community.

ELIZABETH ROBINOW Duncan A lawyer with Ridgway & Company, Robinow was born and raised in Vancouver, but left at 18 to study in England. Since then she has lived in Kingston, Halifax, The Pas, Victoria and Duncan. She has worked in commercial art sales before fulfilling a childhood dream of attending law school. She is currently the co-president of the Cowichan Valley Bar Association and a board member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Cowichan Valley.

JOLLEEN DICK Port Alberni Jolleen is a young passionate Nuu-chahnulth woman looking to make a difference on in her hometown of Port Alberni. Upon the completion of her degree in the bachelor of tourism management program at VIU, she returned home to continue what she started — the Sunset Market at the Victoria Quay. Jolleen created this innovative partnership between Alberni Chamber of Commerce and the Hupaasath First Nation. This event is an initiative that builds social capital in the community and supports local economic development, all in a fun, relaxed, waterfront sunset atmosphere.

MIKE SMITH Victoria Mike is no stranger to tourism/transportation and has been working in Victoria’s hospitality industry for 13 years with the Harbour Air Group. His natural ability to lead a team by example was recognized early in his career and he has been an integral part of Harbour Air’s core values (integrity, safety, team spirit and service) in his management role, including his community involvement. Mike’s extensive knowledge in the seaplane industry has made him a valuable asset during the consolidation of Harbour Air, Westcoast Air and Whistler Air, and the integration of U.S.-owned Kenmore Air into Victoria’s Inner Harbour, including Harbour Air’s most recent project, a $4-million seaplane facility.

CHRISTOPHER MAVRIKOS Victoria Christopher Mavrikos is a proud Victorian, the general manager of his family business, Romeo’s Restaurant and Lounge on Hillside Avenue, a philanthropist and a top national fundraiser, who has personally raised more than $150,000 in the fight against breast cancer since his mother’s death in 1997. As the founder and executive director of local not-for-profit The Dahlia Society, he has led his team of volunteers to bring Canstruction — a major international event — to Victoria. In three years, Canstruction Victoria has raised more than $260,000 for those with food insecurity in our community. He is a dedicated husband to his wife Lauren and proud father to his two children, Evelynn and Harrison.

GLEN SMETHURST Victoria Glen began his career in the student entertainment sector, uncovering markets in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto. He refocused his energy into the education sector as a student recruiter, and found himself steadily scaling the corporate ladder to leadership roles of director, national director and chief officer of student marketing in Canadian and U.S. universities. The lure of new challenges prompted him to co-create Van Isle Paint Inc., Island Digital Marketing and Playing 4 a Purpose Foundation for at-risk youth.

KATHRYN JONES Comox Valley Kathryn is an accountant at the accounting firm Presley & Partners. She grew up in the remote community of Shearwater before moving to Port Hardy at the age of 10. She attended the Port Hardy campus during high school for distance study courses, attended the Campbell River campus after graduating high school to study electronics and then attended the Comox Valley campus to obtain her bachelor of business administration degree. As an NIC alumna, Kathryn offers unique insight into student life and how North Island College and the NIC Foundation play an important role in educating people in the communities it serves.

TIM MAWDSLEY Nanaimo Tim is a branch manager with Island Savings in Nanaimo. He has been in the financial-services industry since graduating from Vancouver Island University in 2002. His experience in retail and commercial banking has led to his current leadership role. Tim thrives on leadership and community involvement. He takes great pride in the role that VIU plays in the community and is proud to be the president of the VIU Alumni Association board. He is also a board member with the Nanaimo Foundation and is the chair of Vital Signs since its inception in 2014.