Portfolio Category: 2014 onward

Patrick and Florence White Patrick and Florence founded Exploits Valley Air Services Ltd. in 1992. The company started with a single aircraft, flying charters across Newfoundland and Labrador, they steadily gained a foothold in North America and Europe growing operations in newer fields. Today, EVAS Air offers services including specialized modifications to the Beechcraft 1900…

Anne Whelan Anne is an entrepreneur, corporate director, and health care leader as well as principal shareholder and Chief Executive Officer of Seafair, with investments in community and behavioural health, wellness, and safety. Anne has worked in the community sector for over 25 years, founding several organizations, and contributing to national healthcare standards. In addition…

Brian Dalton Brian co-founded Altius 25 years ago as a less than $1 million dollar valued mineral exploration company and has led its evolution into a significant diversified royalty company with annual revenues of more than $80 million dollars. In addition to his ongoing role as CEO of Altius, Brian has served in capacities ranging…

Jamie King, Brendan Brothers and Raymond Pretty Jamie, Brendan and Raymond founded Verafin in 2003. They set out to examine the ever-growing problem of fraud and money laundering, and the solutions required by banks and credit unions for daily operations. Today, Verafin is an industry pioneer in anti-financial crime management solutions. In 2021, Verafin joined…

Aubrey Budgell and Reginald Budgell Collectively and individually, Aubrey and Reg have been involved in many business ventures. In 1989, they started Budgell’s Equipment & Rentals Ltd., a small construction company that grew to become a multimillion dollar business. Reg began his entrepreneurial pursuits in Triton in 1970’s with a restaurant turned sports shop, eventually…

Cathy Bennett Cathy, an accomplished entrepreneur, board director and consultant, serves or has served on the boards of publicly traded, privately held and crown corporations in addition to building her own company from a small group of service businesses to operations in commercial and industrial construction, industrial manufacturing, human resource support, retail, industrial supply and…

Barb Genge Tuckamore Lodge in Main Brook has been recognized as a world class destination for hunting, fishing and adventure tourism experiences. Barb has created long-term employment and tourism in her area. For this, she has been recognized with numerous awards for both her entrepreneurship and community engagement. She has been inducted into the Canadian…

Christopher Hickman The Marco Group is one of the largest locally based general contractor in Eastern Canada. They operate as design builders, construction managers, and general contractors. Chris has received the honour of being inducted into the Top 50 CEO Hall of Fame by Atlantic Canada Magazine. Active in community, Chris serves on numerous boards,…

Greg Roberts Born and raised on Triton Island, Greg, with a credit card and a loan, bought his first business. Today, he is best known for his success with Mary Brown’s. Greg has over 170 franchise stores across Canada with plans for global expansion. In 2019, Mary Brown’s was named one of Canada’s best managed…

Mark Dobbin Mark graduated from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1981. In 1983, he obtained an MBA from Dalhousie University. From there, Mark worked with CHC Helicopters rising to the position of senior vice-president. Mark was instrumental in starting Vector Aerospace, a globally recognized aviation repair and overhaul company. He served as…

Brendan Paddick Born and raised in Grand Falls, Brendan holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Business Administration from Memorial University. He entered the telecommunications industry in 1986 when he started his career as a door-to-door salesman selling cable TV services in more than 200 rural communities throughout the province. This led to…

Zita Cobb Following completion of high school on Fogo Island, Zita pursued a business degree at Carleton University. Progressing in her field, she became the CFO of JDS Fitel, subsequently JDS Uniphase, and contributed to building the company into one of the leaders in high-tech innovation. Zita returned to Fogo Island and in 2006, along…

John Patten In 1978, John graduated from university with a Degree in Economics and began work in the family business, Browning Harvey Ltd. He learned the business from its grass roots and in 2005, was appointed President. John also has roles within A. Harvey & Company, Harvey’s Oil, the Patten Family Foundation and Trans-Atlantic Preforms.…

Gloria Parsons In 1972 at the age of 26 and with a grade 11 education, Gloria entered the construction industry in central Newfoundland. Using the $1,000 in her savings, she financed her first three residential housing projects by pre-selling. Gloria turned this venture into a construction company and during its time in operation, the Parsons…

Paul Antle In the late 1980’s with a master’s degree in engineering and a one dollar bill, Paul Antle started his first business venture in his mom’s basement. At that time, he sold dangerous goods labels and placards while working to establish a business brokering hazardous waste disposal services. From there, Paul became a pioneer…

Dr. Janet Gardiner Dr. Janet Gardiner was a prominent business and community leader. During her career, Janet worked in the family business, Chester Dawe Ltd., founded in 1941. She was instrumental in growing the company from its origins as one retail location on the Avalon to one of the largest building supply chains in Atlantic Canada…

Robert S. Crosbie Rob Crosbie is chairman and CEO of Crosbie Group Limited. He graduated from Memorial University in 1979 with a B. Comm. and received his ICD.D designation in 2010. While the family business dates back to the 1800’s, since 1991, Rob has been instrumental in leading the growth of the company and taking…

Cyril and Pamela Bulgin In 1974, as university students with a small child, Cyril and Pamela Bulgin opened their first clothing store, The Jean Shop, in Twillingate occupying a 200-square-foot space. In 1979, they decided to expand and opened in Gander and Lewisporte and the chain grew across Newfoundland. In 1982, the first Eclipse store…

J. Bernard (Tanny) Collins It takes a committed leader and entrepreneur to make a family business thrive into its fourth generation.  Bernard J. (Tanny) Collins is such a leader and entrepreneur.  His grandfather, Patrick Francis, founded PF Collins in 1921 as a one-man operation; Tanny’s father, Bernard Sr., developed the business into a small customs…

H. Stanley Marshall Stan Marshall, a professional engineer and lawyer, joined Newfoundland Power in 1979 and in 1987, was instrumental in the creation of the utility’s parent company, Fortis Inc. From 1987 to 1995, he was vice-president, corporate affairs with Fortis and in 1995, became president and chief executive officer. He retired as president of…