Speakers
MC / HOST
Richard (Rick) J. Goossen, Chairman, Advisory Board, Entrepreneurial Leader Organization
Richard (Rick) J. Goossen works full-time as Strategic Counsel with Covenant Planning1 Group, one of Canada’s leading family wealth advisory firms (www.covenant.ca). Covenant provides holistic counsel with respect to wills & estate, asset management, family business and philanthropic objectives. Rick’s ministry focus is the role of Christian entrepreneurial leadership in the marketplace and beyond. As part of his ministry activities, he is involved in the ELO (www.entrepreneurialleaders.com) and is also Director of Enterprise Research, Transforming Business, a research and development centre at the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK (www.transformingbusiness.net).
Geoff Tunnicliffe – Presenter of Entrepreneurial Leaders Award
Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe is CEO/ Secretary General, World Evangelical Alliance, a network of churches in 128 nations that have each formed an evangelical alliance and over 100 international organizations joining together to give a world-wide identity, voice, and platform to more than 600 million evangelical Christians. Geoff spends a considerable amount of time traveling, mentoring leaders of Evangelical Alliances, speaking at global conferences, conducting media interviews, meeting with government and faith leaders and interacting with institutions such as United Nations, G-8 and World Bank. Building evangelical collaboration and unity, and building a strong voice for the marginalized, the poor and the persecuted are his priorities. As part of Geoff's role, he works with a global network of entrepreneurs and business leaders committed to innovation and positive change throughout the marketplace and society.
EVENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER
C. WILLIAM POLLARD,
Chairman, Fairwyn Investment Company &
Chairman Emeritus, ServiceMaster
TOPIC: “Interview / Q & A on the Power of the Entrepreneurial Spirit in Small and/or Large Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations”
C. William (Bill) Pollard is currently Chairman of Fairwyn Investment Company, a private investment firm. For over a twenty-five year period, from 1977 to 2002, Bill participated in the leadership of The ServiceMaster Company and served not once but twice as its Chief Executive Officer. He also served as Chairman of the Board of ServiceMaster from 1990 to April 2002 and was elected Chairman Emeritus in 2002 when he retired from the Board. He is currently serving as an advisor to the Company.
During his leadership of ServiceMaster, the Company was recognized by Fortune magazine as the #1 service company among the Fortune 500 and also was included as one of its most admired companies. During this period, ServiceMaster also was identified as a “star of the future” by The Wall Street Journal and recognized by the Financial Times as one of the most respected companies in the world. The Company also achieved market leadership in each of its markets and substantial growth in shareholder value.
In addition to his work at Fairwyn Investment Company and ServiceMaster, Bill has served as a director of several public companies and a number of charitable, religious, and educational organizations. He currently serves as a director of Cadence Healthcare System, The Drucker Institute of Claremont Graduate School, Bright China Social Fund, The California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM) and as an advisor to the Drucker Academy in Hong Kong and China. He has a strong interest and involvement in advancing Peter Drucker’s leadership and management principles in both the United States and China. For over 25 years he served as a director and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and currently serves as a director emeritus. He is a trustee emeritus of Wheaton College, where he served over 31 years as a Trustee of the College and twice as Chairman of the Board. He is also currently serving as an adjunct professor at Wheaton and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Hastert Center at Wheaton.
Bill is a graduate of Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, and received a J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law. From 1963 to 1972 he was engaged in the practice of law, specializing in corporate finance and tax matters, and from 1972 to 1977 he served on the faculty and as a Vice President of Wheaton College.
He is the author of the bestselling book, The Soul of the Firm and also has written for or contributed to other books and magazines including The Leader of the Future, Leading People, Leading for Innovation and Organizing for Results, “The Quest for the Entrepreneurial Spirit,” “The Leader Who Serves” and The Heart of a Business Ethic. He is also author of Serving Two Masters? Reflections on God and Profit. His most recent book was published in 2014 and is entitled The Tides of Life. Bill also has been recognized by a number of educational organizations for his leadership in business, ethics, and corporate governance including receiving the Hesburgh Award for Business Ethics from Notre Dame, recognition by Harvard Business School as an American business leader of the 20th Century who helped shape the way people live, work and interact, honored as one of Corporate America’s Outstanding Directors, and has received honorary Doctor degrees from Aurora University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Indiana Wesleyan University and Emanuel University in Oradea, Romania.
A native of Chicago, Bill and his wife, Judy, have been married for over 50 years. They have four adult children and fifteen grandchildren.
MORNING KEYNOTE SPEAKER
PETER IRVINE, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
GLORIA JEAN’S COFFEE AUSTRALIA FRANCHISOR
TOPIC: Embrace Change and Innovation: Your Inspiration for Success
Description: Peter will draw on his incredible entrepreneurial journey to discuss various aspects of change and innovation: change is inevitable, so get used to it; the power to change; breaking the old rules; seeing things differently; the “it can’t be don” syndrome; encourage innovation; develop a culture of change and innovation; you are the agent of change; and fear of failure;
Peter Irvine has had over 40 years’ experience in business at a high profile management level. Peter first started his professional career as a junior at DDB Needham, Sydney – which became the second largest advertising agency in Sydney. Over a span of 33 years at DDB Needham, Peter acquired an extensive portfolio of business expertise, commencing in media planning and buying, progressing to Media Director for Sydney and National Campaigns, then onto General Manager and finally ending his career at DDB Needham as Managing Director. Whilst at DDB Needham, Peter was part of the team who launched McDonalds in Australia.
In 1996 Peter branched out into franchising and in conjunction with his business partner Nabi Saleh, established the Gloria Jean’s Coffees franchise in Australia. Since they opened their first coffee house in November 1996, Gloria Jean’s Coffees has grown to be the largest specialty coffee retailer and one of the fastest growing franchise organizations in Australia. Today there are over 400 Gloria Jean's stores and kiosks across Australia and over 800 coffee houses in 39 countries worldwide. In January 2005, Peter and Nabi purchased the international Master Franchise brand and supply and roasting rights for all countries. Gloria Jean’s Coffees has continued to grow, demonstrating excellence in franchising and setting the standard internationally for Australian franchise models. This was recognized in 2005 when Gloria Jean’s Coffees won the PricewaterhouseCoopers Excellence in Franchising – ‘Franchisor of the Year’ Award.
Today Peter Irvine is a regular speaker at a wide range of business, community and industry events both in Australia and overseas. These include talks as well as business and leadership workshops. He gives practical tools and a vision to grow in every area of life. He is the author of ‘Win In Business’ - 20 keys to catapult you towards your vision and, more recently ‘Building your Business, your People, your Life’ and has produced a range of business training tools.
DAY-TIME PRESENTERS
Clive Lim, Managing Director, Leap International, Singapore
TOPIC: “Challenges of Chinese Entrepreneurship in Asia: Bribery & Corruption"
DESCRIPTION: Clive will discuss the challenges of corruption and bribery in the Asian market particularly in dealing with Chinese entrepreneurs. He will share his personal experiences in dealing with corruption and offer a perspective on bribery that may increase our understanding of the subject.
BIO: Dr. Clive Lim, Singapore, serves on the board of TeleChoice International Ltd, a mobile telecom services and equipment provider listed in the Singapore Stock Exchange. He was the founder and first CEO of TeleChoice. He is also the founder and current director of Leap International, an investment holding company. Prior to being an entrepreneur he worked as a senior manager in Fuji Xerox, then Motorola Electronic. Dr. Lim holds a Master of Business Admin from the Asian Institute of Management, a Master of Christian Studies (Marketplace Theology) from Regent College (Canada) and D. Min (Leadership and Business Ethics) Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (U.S.A.). Dr. Lim served on the board of The Biblical Graduate School of Theology (BGST). He is married with three grown children.
Steve Miller, Founder & President, Millwood Inc., Canton, OH, USA
TOPIC: My Entrepreneurial Journey: The Centrality of Calling
Steve Miller is the founder and president of Millwood Incorporated a provider of industrial pallet and packaging materials and services that include recycling and warehousing. At the age of 19 Steve believed that God had called him into business just as a pastor is called into ministry. This belief in the call provided the strength needed during the many struggles of a startup. Millwood’s first facility was started in Holmes County Ohio at the location where his father’s business had been destroyed by a fire. Millwood has since grown to establish itself as a unique company with over 1,400 team members in 27 facilities throughout the North East United States.
Steve along with his partners Chip Trebilcock and Ron Ringness believe it is their responsibility to provide the opportunity for growth of each team member in business, spiritual and family maturity. Millwood has a team of chaplains on staff to assist in this goal. Millwood also provides camps for the children and invites team members to join them on annual mission trips. As a volunteer and board member for EQUIP, Steve has traveled throughout the world training leaders in biblical leadership principles. Steve also sits on various boards that include: New Covenant World Missions – A medical mission to Guatemala; Sports World Ministry – Sending Pro athletes into High Schools to share their story of hope; Turnaround Community Outreach – An intercity ministry in Canton Ohio; and Faith Family Church – A family ministry in Canton Ohio. He lives in Canton, Ohio where along with his wife Julie and their 3 sons Roman, Nicholas and Grant they attend Faith Family Church.
Dave Brereton, Executive Chairman, TECSYS, Inc., Montreal, QC
TOPIC: “The Entrepreneurial Life in a Fallen World: Forgiving and/or Forgetting?”
Dave Brereton is the founder and current Executive Chairman of the Board of TECSYS Inc. Under his vision and leadership, TECSYS has grown from a start-up company to a leading international provider of software solutions to multinational corporations (www.tecsys.com). TECSYS presently generates $33 million/year and has about 300 employees. Mr. Brereton served as TECSYS' CEO and/or Co-CEO until 2006. Prior to it going public, The Financial Post and Arthur Andersen & Company chose TECSYS as one of Canada's 50 Best-Managed Private Companies. In 1996, Mr. Brereton was named one of the country's Top 40 Executives Under 40, by The Financial Post, The Caldwell Partners, CTV Television Network, and Canadian Airlines. In 2000, he was a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young and BMO Nesbitt Burns.
Mr. Brereton is an early investor in Silanis Inc., a leading e-document technology company where he currently serves as a board member and chair of the audit committee. (www.silanis.com). Since 2006, Mr. Brereton is also the National Director of Youth for Christ Canada (www.yfccanada.org) , the largest youth-focused Christian organization in Canada, and is the founder of a fully accredited high school for marginalized youth in Montreal, Quebec. Dave and his wife Katy live in Montreal, Quebec. They have six grown children and many grandchildren who are the joy of their lives.
Steven Holmes, President & CEO, ICL Management Inc., Toronto, ON
TOPIC: The CORE of an Entrepreneurial Leader: A Holistic Approach to Doing Good
DESCRIPTION: Every person has a “CORE”—the very essence of their life. What is your “CORE”? How are your various life priorities and commitments balanced? Where does involvement and support of charities/NPOs fit in? Entrepreneurs and marketplace leaders have market-tested skills, energy and passion—and not just financial resources. How can entrepreneurs and marketplace leaders get involved and make a positive difference in NPOs/charities in the midst of their busy schedules? Steve Holmes will share the lessons he has learned and the approach he takes to supported various causes, such as Tyndale University College & Seminary, Muskoka Woods Sports Resort and other Canadian camps.
BIO: Steven Holmes is the President and Chief Executive Officer of ICL Management Inc., a investment and management company. In his capacity at ICL he has been instrumental in the development of numerous businesses venture. Including, Springfree Trampoline nd VerifEye Technologies just to name two. He founded Springfree Trampoline in 2003 and serves as the Chief Bouncing Officer where he oversees its growth and development so that now Springfree is sold in over 31 countries globally. He founded VerifEye Technologies Inc., a world leader in security surveillance for the mobile workplace in 1998 and serves as their Chief Executive Officer. Previously he participated in the creation and growth of ClubLink Corporation, Canada's largest private golf course operator and Advantex Marketing International Inc. Born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia he currently lives in Toronto. He Chairs the Board of Tyndale University College and Seminary. The Holmes Family is actively involved in the Youth Unlimited in Toronto, Muskoka Woods Sports Resort and many other Canadian Camps, among others. He’s a Chartered Accountant and holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Ryerson University.
Dr. Gary V. Nelson
President & Vice Chancellor, Tyndale University College & Seminary
TOPIC: Opening Devotional – Micah 6:8
DESCRIPTION: ELO research of over 300 Christian entrepreneurs reveals that the most oft-cited verse in terms of personal guidance is Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Gary will offer his personal reflection on this verse as a way of setting the tone for the day’s sessions.
BIO: Gary Nelson joined Tyndale University College & Seminary as President and Vice Chancellor two years ago after serving in various pastoral roles and most recently as head of an international mission and development organization. Previous to that leadership role, he was involved in the revitalizing and renewing of an historic downtown church into a creative and dynamic contemporary congregation. Gary finds passion around creating ways in which congregation and organizations can optimize their abilities and capacities to bridge into communities. He is committed to helping local churches impact the local communities and global worlds to which they are a part. His teaching and speaking has taken him around the world focusing on themes of Missional Living as the church, urban missiology and Leadership. His writings include a coauthored book entitled Future Faith Churches: The Power of a Reconnected Gospel for the 21st Century (Woodlake Press, 1997), Borderland Churches: A Congregations’ Introduction to Missional Living (Chalice Press, 2008) and a recent book entitled Going Global: A Congregations Introduction to Mission beyond our Borders (Chalice Press, 2011).
Richard Scott, President, Clarity Business Strategies, Vancouver, BC
TOPIC: Serving & Selling for Entrepreneurial Leaders: How Would Jesus Sell?
DESCRIPTION: Entrepreneurs, business people and leaders generally are always selling themselves or their ideas. But what is “selling”? Further, what does it mean from a Christian perspective? Hence the question, “how would Jesus sell?” Rich will talk about how most people have an out-moded view of selling. HIs presentation will highlight 7 keys to growing revenues by selling through serving.
BIO: Rich is the founder and president of Clarity Business Strategies Inc., a coaching and consulting firm that focuses on companies and organization looking to start, manage or accelerate high growth curves. He is a leading FocalPoint Certified Business Coach, international trainer, presenter and speaker. FocalPoint International Inc. is the world’s premiere business coaching organization. Its proprietary system is powered by world renowned speaker, mentor and author, Brian Tracy. Rich has had a successful business background with close to 20 years of sales, marketing and leadership experience. He co-founded Qualica Financial Group Inc., a commercial lease finance company, in 2000 and helped grow it to #1 in its industry in Western Canada by 2005. He then successfully managed the sale and transition of the company to MCAP, Canada’s largest independent mortgage and finance company. Among other awards his company has received: Top Practice of Year as the top FocalPoint practice worldwide for 2011, 2012, 2013; and Campbell Fraser Coaching Excellence Award for the highest client satisfaction rating 2010 & 2012.
Ryan Walter, Vancouver, BC
TOPIC AND Q & A: “It’s Not Where You Start, It’s How You Play the Game”
BIO: Ryan Walter played more than 1,000 games over 15 seasons in the National Hockey League. Drafted second overall by the Washington Capitals in 1978, Ryan was named the youngest NHL captain in his second of 4 seasons, played 9 seasons and won a Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens, and returned to his home town to play his last 2 seasons for the Vancouver Canucks. He was named Team Canada Captain in the World Junior Tournament, was selected to play in the NHL All-Star game and for Team Canada in 3 World Championships, became a Vice-President of the National Hockey League Players Association, and was honoured as NHL Man of the Year. Ryan has been inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame, the Burnaby Sports Hall of Fame, named to the 30 all-time Washington Capitals’ Dream team, the top 50 all-time BCHL players and the top 100 Montreal Canadiens in 100 years.
Ryan has a Master of Arts Degree in Leadership/Business. He is the author of 5 books, the creator of the board game Trade Deadline Hockey, and a regular contributor to both online and print magazines and newspapers. Ryan serves on the Hockey Canada Foundation’s Board of Directors and is a member of the Seton Hall Stillman School of Business Leadership Advisory Council.
Ryan won a Gold Medal as Head Coach of Canada's National Women's Hockey Team, has been an Assistant Coach of the Vancouver Canucks, co-founder and president of two start-up companies, a TV and radio hockey analyst, and a hockey adviser and actor for both television and movies, and the President of a professional hockey team. Ryan continues to inspire teams, businesses, and organizations such as McDonald’s Canada, Wolters Kluwer, and Schindler Elevator, across North America and beyond, to become their very best. From the page, the screen, the bench, the boardroom, and the podium, Ryan is on a mission to "Inspire the Hungry Spirit!"