With their drive, creativity and confidence during a pandemic year, the class of 2021 showed the rest of us how to handle tough times
If B.C. has been through the wringer, you’d almost never know it from looking at our eighth annual 30 Under 30 list. Many of the winners found ways to grow their businesses during a world-changing pandemic. For some, that meant the proverbial pivot; for others, it was time to double down on a COVID-friendly product or service.
With multiple co-founders from several organizations making the list, we’re honouring 37 people this year. The winners, who represent industries as disparate as finance, esports, cannabis and fine art, hail from diverse backgrounds, too. Several are immigrants, while others have overcome learning disabilities that would thwart someone less determined. We know you’ll find their stories inspiring—and remember, this talented group is just getting started.
Because it was originally scheduled for earlier publication, this tribute to B.C.’s brightest young business talents might include the odd overachiever who has reached a ripe old 3-0 by now. Either way, the winners have accomplished more than anyone has a right to at their age. Congratulations to all.
Nico Aguirre | Age: 23
Founder + managing director, Trena Digital
Caleb Bernabe | Age: 25
Co-founder + CEO, VINN
Piero Castillo | Age: 28
Co-founder + Co-CEO, Pacifica Service Group
Felicia Chan + Bahar Moussavi + Mikhaela Torio | Age: 23
Co-founders, The C.O.D.E. Initiative
Emily Davies | Age: 28
Partner, Linde Equity
Selene Dior | Age: 23
Founder + CEO, Vitae Apparel
Katie Forsyth + Claire McLoughlin | Ages: 28 + 26
Co-founders + co-owners, Friendly Composting
Anamika Gioia | Age: 26
Founder, Sacred Foods
Calvin Ho + Albert Kim | Ages: 27 + 28
Co-founder + COO; co-founder + COO, Greenline POS
Riley Howlett | Age: 29
Owner, Trestle Investments (Lonsdale Leather + Precision Patterns)
LeeJoo Hwang | Age: 22
Co-founder + director of business development, MeaningfulWork
Hayden James + Josh Baker | Ages: 28 + 26
Co-founder + CEO; co-founder + CTO, Fraction Technologies
Nishal Kumar | Age: 29
Founder + CEO, No Days Wasted
Michelle Kwok | Age: 22
Co-founder + CEO, FLIK
Adam Lando | Age: 28
Founder + CEO, Dad's Printing
Alexandria MacFarlane | Age: 28
Founder + CEO, Truly Lifestyle Brand
Tawanda Masawi + Rana Taj | Age: 25 + 26
Co-founder + CEO/Co-founder + president, GameSeta Esports
Thamer Matar | Age: 28
Founder + CEO, Accessible Jobs
Alex Miller | Age: 27
Owner + operator, Pelvic Floor Strong
Lauren Minogue | Age: 29
Vice-president, Connor, Clark & Lunn Private Capital
Brent Nelson + Mike Ouellette | Age: 28
Owner + COO/Owner + CEO, Custom Cubes
Victor Nicolov | Age: 28
Founder + CEO, Anvy Technologies
Meg O’Hara | Age: 29
Founder + CEO, Meg O’Hara Creative
Acacia Pangilinan | Age: 29
Executive director, Kamloops Chamber of Commerce
Joe Parenteau | Age: 29
Co-founder + CEO, Fable Home Goods
Courtney Peters | Age: 29
Co-founder + CEO, Supercrush
Harsh Rathod | Age: 29
Co-founder + CEO, Niricson Software
Peter Shahbeigi | Age: 27
Co-founder + CEO, Flash Health Technologies
Sam Siegel | Age: 29
Co-founder, Sam's Original Art
Rumi Tejpar | Age: 29
Founder + CEO, Be Ultimate Apparel
