industries

The Entrepreneur Thought Leadership Series

By BCBusiness /

Entrepreneur Thought Leadership Series

Join BCBusiness for an up-close and personal interview series with some of the province’s most successful entrepreneurs. Hear their inspiring stories of growth and innovation that took them from start-up to industry leaders.

 

Meet the panelists
 

CYNTHIA ENNS
Owner & Vineyard Manager, Laughing Stock Vineyards

Cynthia Enns gave up a career in the financial industry to launch a winery and transform her MBA smarts into farming acumen. A decade plus later, Cynthia still grows the grapes and David, partner and husband, makes the wine at this top Okanagan winery and Profit 500 Fastest Growing Company.
 

MANDY FARMER
CEO, Accent Inns

Mandy is the CEO of Accent Inns, a boastfully BC hotel chain that owns five Accent Inns and two ridiculously fun retro-chic Hotel Zed’s. She’s currently ranked #26 in Profit Magazines Top100 Canadian Women Entrepreneurs and she rides her bike to work every day, rain or shine, in high heels.

 

JOHN FLUEVOG
Founder, Fluevog Shoe Company

John Fluevog is an independent designer and retailer of forward-thinking footwear and accessories. Since 1970 he has been steadfast in creating unique soles for unique souls that have been seen everywhere from the feet of Madonna and Jack White to the runways of high fashion.

 

RYAN MACKEY
Founder & Tour Guide, Vancouver Brewery Tours

Having launched Vancouver Brewery Tours in 2013, Ryan comes by his passion for craft beer quite honestly. It was learned and honed in his family basement in Vancouver, where his father would regularly brew up his own unique brand of handcrafted beer. An advocate of supporting and championing all things local, Ryan has personally run more than 250 weekly brewery tours. 
 

KEVIN SANDHU
CEO, Grouplend

Kevin Sandhu is the Founder & CEO of Grouplend, a leading digital finance company using modern technology and advanced data analytics to revolutionize banking. He brings over a decade of finance experience with roles in investment banking, private equity and structured finance prior to returning to his entrepreneurial roots. 

 

PETER VAN STOLK
CEO, SPUD

Peter van Stolk, CEO of Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery (SPUD.com). His vision is to grow SPUD is the largest online natural grocery store in Canada; build on proprietary technology and logistics. As founder of Jones Soda Company® in 1996, van Stolk served as CEO and Chairman through 2007. Jones Soda was one of the first consumer branded companies recognizing the potential of Social Media to create an emotional connection with its consumers.