From the trenches

Sam grew up in Victoria where he developed a passion for architecture and urbanism. He began his career in commercial real estate at Canada ICI Capital and then at Colliers International, gaining experience in acquisition, apartment, and construction financing. Taking that foundation of knowledge and pursuing his interest in development, he was hired by Abstract Developments, a national award-winn...

Barnacle Systems produces boat security systems and the software to support them. But founder Brandon Wright's story goes far beyond  asset management and protection, with a storied international career that now sees him leading an innovative manufacturer with major growth opportunities across the planet. Learn more about Brandon by visiting: www.brnkl.io . Brandon's recommended restaurant: Trini...

Mike talks with John MacDonald of the Business Examiner about Victoria's booming real estate market, his unique entrepreneurial journey, construction trends, the future of the region, his personal advice to young people, and much more. Learn more about Mike by visiting: victoria.citified.ca . Mike's recommended restaurant: The Palms Cocktail Lounge: www.hotelrialto.ca/drink/the-palms-lounge . Busi...

Jason talks with John MacDonald of the Business Examiner about his company's early beginnings in the renewable energy space, the future of the sector, advances in energy storage technology, management advice and much more. Learn more about Jason by visiting: hakaienergysolutions.com Jason 's recommended restaurant: Il Falcone Restaurant: www.ilfalcone.ca Business Examiner links: Website: www.busin...

Andre talks with John MacDonald of the Business Examiner about his approach to investing in turbulent markets, building his brand by helping to found the Young Professionals of Nanaimo, unique real estate holdings on Vancouver Island, blockchain, cryptocurrency, and much more. Learn more about Andre by visiting: www.integralwealth.com/wealth-management-team/andre-sullivan Andre 's recommended rest...

Derrold talks with John MacDonald of the Business Examiner about his evolution from accounting to entrepreneur and investor, analysis of the federal government's coronavirus programs, opportunity evaluation, personal advice from Jim Pattison, and much more. Learn more about Derrold by visiting: www.nkpg.ca Derrold 's recommended restaurant: Shelter Restaurant: www.shelterrestaurant.com Links to th...

Jay talks with John MacDonald of the Business Examiner about his storied 30 year career in commercial real estate on the Island, what he's seeing and hearing from local organizations adapting to market challenges, personal advice, and much more. Learn more about Jay Cousins by visiting: jaycousins.com Jay's recommended restaurant: Mekong River Restaurant Vietnamese Cuisine: www.mekongriverparksvil...

Michelle  talks with John MacDonald of the Business Examiner about her diverse career, including pioneering an indigenous MBA at Simon Fraser University, BC's complex First Nation treaty history, and her significant accomplishments furthering Vancouver Island's economy, among other topics. Learn more about Corfield & Associates by visiting: corfieldconsulting.ca Michelle's recommended restaurant:...

Stu  talks with John MacDonald of the Business Examiner about the beginnings of Alair Homes, the decision to expand through a franchise model, operating the business in both Canada and the US during COVID-19, his management and personal development best practices, among other topics. Learn more about Alair Homes by visiting: www.alairhomes.ca Stu's recommended restaurant: Meat Craft Island Butcher...

Kristi  talks with John MacDonald of the Business Examiner about the newly launched 'Business Legacies Incubator' project administered by the Scale Institute Society, and funded by the Island Coastal Economic Trust. Learn more about Scale Collaborative by visiting: scalecollaborative.ca Learn more about the Island Coastal Economic Trust: www.islandcoastaltrust.ca Kristi's recommended restaurant: 5...

Brody and Reed talk with John MacDonald of the Business Examiner about their businesses,  keys to success, and their exciting new partnership. Learn more about Brody and The Super Plumber by visiting: thesuperplumber.com Learn more about Reed and 360 Comfort Systems by visiting: 360comfortsystems.com Reed's recommended restaurant: II Terrazzo: www.ilterrazzo.com Brody's recommended place to stay:...

Brad talks with John MacDonald of the Business Examiner about commercial real estate trends on Vancouver Island north of the Malahat. He speaks about some of the region's best areas to invest, how to position yourself as a land owner when an opportunity presents itself, and a few of his favourite places to eat, play and stay on Vancouver Island. He can be reached by visiting: www.collierscanada.co...