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W ho do you take to bed every night?I really want to know. Is it that hot girl or guy you just met? Or, is it your husband or wife that snores too much and keeps you awake? Is it your dog that somehow has the knack of lying in a way that takes over the entire bed and you have to sleep contorted in order to have any room on the bed at all?

Thing is, I know the answer and its none of the above.

Most of us are going to bed with our electronic devices: iPads, iPhones, droids. We all rationalize why we need them next to us (its my alarm clock). For many people, checking text or e-mail is the last thing we do at night and the first thing we do each morning.

How did we get so addicted?As few as 10 years ago, how many of

us dreamed that we would be connected to some form of technology that we could never shut off? Shutting off a device makes the strongest of men shiver in fear these days. But, really, what do we think we are going to miss? The goings-on of the world pertaining directly to us are a mere blip in the universe of things. And yet we think we need to be on-call for anyone who needs us. I rationalize checking business e-mails at night because so many of my clients are in other time zones. Singapore is 13 hours ahead so my clients are in their offices while I am in my pyjamas

It seems, we are disengaged and disconnected with face-to-face connections and seduced by the ability to reach large groups of people in an instant. What led to this depencence?

I remember my first compute: It was 1988 and I was thrilled by a box that would light up and type orange print on a black background. It was amazing to be able to correct spelling errors and be able to edit and rewrite whatever I wanted. This was the cats meow.

Oh, how our world has changed! For most of us, our first computers were like fancy typewriters. Now we are connected and on the move every second of every day. This isnt a story about how far weve come, we all know that. It is about the rapid pace at which we got here and whether or not we can keep up to how it changes our lives every day. We have given up our last vestiges of privacy to share random thoughts with the world around us. We text, tweet, post and talk with wild abandon. Its a state of hyper connectivity where we cant shut it off ever. People text walking down the street, driving in the car, sitting in the restaurant, shopping at the supermarketafraid well miss something. Traffic jams are predicted by the congestion of cell phones in one place; homes can be monitored by our cell phone no matter where in the world we are; an artificial heart can be monitored by a doctor or hospital remotely. While all this is great, it also means we relinquish our autonomy and privacy to random people elsewhere.

We are on-line all the time, creating a permanent archive of ourselves which dwells somewhere out here in the Internet of things. Gone are the days when we said, Lets keep our issues within the family. The good, bad and the ugly are on-line for everyone to see.

Back in December, UK advertising executive Justine Sacco tweeted Going to Africa, hope I dont get AIDS, just kidding Im white. That off colour-tweet went viral and got Justine fired by the time she landed in South Africa.

People are not only on-line all the time; they are creating a permanent archive of every aspect of human lifetheir livesfor everyone to remember. They are e-mailing, texting, posting, tweeting and even having sex on-line.

At the same time I see so many people demanding that organizations maintain and protect their privacy, they are posting every inappropriate thought and activity known to man. Seriously, if this is the case, then who cares if someone got a look at your credit score? If youve got your naked posterior raised in the air for all to see then who really cares if a few things you considered private are no longer?

Before you decide that I am some prude who just doesnt get technology, I have to let you know that I am well connected. So well connected, in fact, that I travel with more technology than most people have. When Im on the road I have my iPhone, iPad, Android device, laptop and, depending on where Im going, another cell phone so I can switch out SIM cards to stay connected. In my mind, each and every device serves a very specific purpose and I can justify why I travel with all of them and sleep with at least one of them.

Nejolla Korris is an international expert in area of interviewing skills and linguistic lie detection. She is a keen observer and fan of the human condition. Dubbed the Human Lie Detector by some clients, she is a popular speaker on lie detection, fraud prevention and investigation, workplace fraud, and organizational justice. Nejolla recently launched a new speakers series on the differing communication styles between men and women.Contact: [email protected]

civiLWARS

with Nejolla Korris

Sleeping with the enemy


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PRESIDENTMoe Najmeddine

[email protected]

EDITORBarb Deters

[email protected]

SALES [email protected]

COLUMNISTSJey Arul Ben Block Linda Bodo

Cheryl Croucher Marty Forbes Lynn FraserDana Giesbrecht Diana J. Herrington Nejolla KorrisNorman Leach Barbara Ashley Phillips Erin Rayner

Elissa Scott Charles Strachey Mark Wardell

FEATURE WRITERSBarb Deters Paula E. Kirman

PHOTOGRAPHERSBruce Clarke Cheryl Croucher

Quincey Deters Tracy Kolenchuk

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Volume XXV Number 2 Fall 2014

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www.edmontonians.com

in this issue...aBoUt toWNVoxPop Marty Forbes is thrilled that Crashed Ice is coming here ....................................................................... 4Sizzling in the CityErin Rayner has tips for work-cations ..................................................................................................10

BUSiNeSSMergers & AcquisitionsJey Arul applies paint-by-numbers philosophy to business .................................................................25You & The LawBen Block advises on the franchise process ........................................................................................28

featUre2014 Sizzling Twenty under 30Paula E. Kirman profiles 20 men & women in this 13th Annual Tribute ........................................ 12-24

LiveLY LifeStYLeSAbsolute Bodo Linda Bodo has great ideas for old T-shirts ............................................................................................ 6Drop Dead Delirious Dana Giesbrecht features Mud Pie Soaps .............................................................................................. 8Home EnvisionElissa Scott wants us to show more respect ......................................................................................... 7 Life BalanceLynn Fraser on making a living vs making a life ..................................................................................26Real Food For LifeDiana J. Herrington shares watermelon secrets and treats .................................................................29

oPiNioNSCivil Wars Nejolla Korris laments our dependence on tech gadgets ........................................................................ 2

viSioNarieSCheryl Croucher focuses on innovators ...............................................................................................30


Marty Forbes

Lets face it. We live in a northern town. Winter can hit any day, any time and it doesnt do any good to complain about itso lets just embrace it.

By embrace, I dont just mean with a fancy slogan like Celebrate Winter. I mean bundle up, get out, and attend those great events that make an Edmonton winter so special.

A major one Im really looking forward to is Red Bull Crashed Ice that is coming to Edmonton, probably in March 2015. Actual dates have yet to be confirmed to align with other commitments around the globe but should be announced shortly.

Before we get into what the event is, let me explain what Red Bull is. Its an extremely popular energy drink. By energy, I mean wide-awake energy. And, the company has a very spirited approach to marketing especially around extreme events.

Dietrich Mateschitz founded Red Bull in the mid-1980s. He created the formula for the energy drink and developed the unique marketing concept. In April 1987, Red Bull Energy Drink was sold for the very first time in its home market of Austria. This was not only the launch of a completely new

product; in fact, it was the birth of a totally new product category. Today, Red Bull is available in more than 166 countries and roughly 40 billion cans of Red Bull have been consumed.

Edmonton is key to the brand: Our young, dynamic population leads the way for all of

Canada for consumption so Crashed Ice is a marriage made in heaven.

The company is an innovative and novel marketing machine. Witness the amazing

Felix Baumgartners record breaking, sky diving jump last year, sponsored by Red Bull.

By creating events that get worldwide coverage, the brand is truly aligned with its target demographic. Check out the incredible Red Bull APP and you will see videos from its extreme competitionsaction-packed adventures that defy the elements year-round.

As for Edmonton, Red Bull Crashed Ice is a unique blend of hockey, power skating, downhill skiing and roller blading which brings together 64 of the toughest and fastest male and female skaters in the world on a frozen track in an incredible atmosphere. Its kinda like roller derby on ice with lots of falling, crashing and bashing!

In heats of four, the racersdressed mostly in hockey-like gearblast down some pretty wild topography. Starting with time trials on the first day, the races continue until the final winner is declared. Theres almost no

rules, no referees: The action is fast and furious as there really are no brakes from start to finish, other than the boards that stop the players from flying into the cheering/screaming crowd.

Edmonton secured the Red Bull event thanks to a collaborative effort and financial

VOX POPWith Marty Forbes

City Councillor Amerjeet So

hi with Alberta Tourism,

Parks and Recreation Mini

ster Richard Starke.


support from the following partners: the City of Edmonton ($400,000) and Edmonton Tourism, the Government of Alberta ($300,000), Edmonton Destination Hotels ($200,000) and Travel Alberta ($100,000).

Currently, Red Bull Crashed Ice events are held in Russia, Finland, the U.S. and Canada. Quebec City has hosted the season finale for almost a decade now, attracting more than 100,000 fans in 2013 alone, with more via televised broadcasts.

The economic and promotional spinoffs should be huge, not only with exposure of our city having fun in all our winter splendor but with visitors coming in to Edmonton for the races and, of course, with us locals getting out of hibernation mode and heading to our ever-expanding exciting downtown core.

Jim Taylor, president of the Downtown Business Association, said he knows the event has been on the citys radar for a number of years. Its always interesting and it always brings attention to the city and, when you bring attention to the city, you always bring attention to downtown.

Tourism, Parks and Recreation Minister

Richard Starke added, The Government of Alberta is pleased to support this event. Sport tourism events like Red Bull Crashed Ice World Tour grow Albertas economy and attract visitors from across Canada and around the world to our province.

Brad Ferguson, president of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation suggested that this is the new Indy but better. Its free. Its family. Its fun and helps Edmonton embrace the winter spirit in the true meaning.

In order to meet our ultimate ambition of growing the sport of Ice Cross Downhill, we want to expose Red Bull Crashed Ice to new audiences and, like the City of Quebec, the City of Edmonton provides a perfect urban backdrop for Red Bull Crashed Ice in Canada, explained Adam Moffat, Director of Communications, Red Bull Canada.

Edmonton gets the race in 2015 and it returns to Quebec City in 2016. To ensure that it returns to Edmonton, we simply have to support it, attend the event and embrace it.

Several detailslike the actual course and datesare yet to be finalized. (Theres even a well-founded rumour that states that

the event may start from the roof of the Shaw Conference Centre!) No doubt, there will be numerous spinoff winter themed activities, likely in and around the Shaw and Sir Winston Churchill Square, that will complement the Crashed Ice races.

Like I said, its time to stop complaining about the cold and snow. We live in a winter city and hibernation is simply not an option when theres fun stuff to do. Lets get out and actually Celebrate Winter.

Take the kids bring a camera and support the Red Bull Crashed Ice event. It goes rain or shine, sleet or snow. The track has a built-in ice freezing unit so the races are on regardless of outdoor weather conditionsthats part of the appeal and excitement.

Remember: The more we show, the more we get! Its that simple.

For full information, check out the website at www.redbullcrashedice.com and follow Facebook and Twitter @crashedice

Marty Forbes is president of Radiowise Inc. Contact: [email protected] and on Twitter: mjforbes

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Cross your Ts

STUFFED SHIRTShop the markets in style with a hip tote crafted from a single tee sliced in a series of slits. Perfect project for urbanites with few tools. betweenthelines.blogspot.ca

UNDER SHIRTFlip-flops in rough shape? Strip them down to the sole and refurbish with a cast-off tee and a wee bit of Gorilla Glue tossed in for good measure. Guaranteed to highlight that new pedicure. alittletipsy.com

SCARF IT DOWNPerform a little shirt-gery to create a hybrid that functions as both necklace and scarf. Stretching pre-cut 1 strips curls the edges and generates a tubular finish with a no-sew technique. Beads and bling are optional.

ROCKN CHAIRThe eco sweet people at Green Furniture Sweden have created the T-Shirt Chair, a metal mesh frame that allows the user to weave used tees into symphonies of personal history. The cool thing about this hot seat is that it has the ability to continuously evolve by simply slipping on a new tee.

SHIRT TAILSOnce youve mastered the tubing technique, employ the same method to fabricate deep-piled shaggy mats by knotting strips onto a rug canvas. The same concept can be used to whip up luxurious cushions.

PERFECT FITThis storage sleeve makes every day Casual Friday. If your computer is looking to come out of its hard shell to kick back and relax, dress it down in a functional T-Sleeve. Simply fold your tee in half and stitch up side seams. Easy care instructions: machine wash and tumble dry.

RAWHIDEThese bucks add a bit of whimsy to any decor. Create T-yarn from several brightly coloured tees by cutting a 1 wide continuous strip from each shirt in a spiral configuration, then knot lengths together. Attach one end of T-yarn to a papier-mch form, and coil yarn onto body by twisting loose ends to produce a rope-like effect.

RAD HATTERPiece together your fav oldies into millinery masterpieces. The stretch fabric make for a tidy fit and you can bulk up the insulation factor by doubling each section. Pattern available at iammommahearmeroar.net

TEEKINIBeen working out and dying to show off your new abs? This Teekini, crafted from a single tee, will flaunt those

curves on cue. $0.00, 30 minutes flat, easy-peasy.Tutorial at justinablakeney.com

T he simple profile of this apparelshort sleeves with a collarless necklinegives it its unpretentious name: T-shirt.

Distinct from other pieces of clothing, these button-less tops are woven on circular looms, eliminating the need for side seams and providing the s-t-r-e-t-c-h factor that makes them oh-so-comfortable. Originally worn as undershirts in the 19th Century, their fashion status surged after bad boy Marlon Brando popularized the look in A Streetcar Named Desire. Since then, T-shirts have come out of hiding to clad the backs of everyone from rappers to royalty and have morphed into mediums of self-expression and advertising tools.

And, we all have em. Concert mementos, cannoned bundles caught at sports events, or the all I got was this lousy t-shirt souvenirs lay abandoned

in closets, drawers or garbage bags destined for donation. Theyre torn, stained, stretched or way too small. yet, their sentimental value keeps us emotionally attached to them.

Dont say good bye to these old friends: Drag them out of obscurity and cross your Ts into funky, feel-good furnishings.

In an era of social consciousness, sustainable living has become the latest designer trend. The concept has caught on with eco-logical artisans, or upcyclers, who create iconic pieces from waste stream materials. These objects articulate a poignant message of todays consumerism while inspiring creative methods to reduce our carbon footprint. Blur the line between art and craft with recycle-based designs through The Art of Upcycling with Linda Bodo.www.absolutebodo.com

ABSOLUTEBodo

with Linda Bodo


Trevor WaddellREALTOR

[email protected]

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HomeENVISION

with Elissa Scott

Cleanliness may be next to Godliness, but its also an art form. A place for everything and everything in its place is a gesture of being attentive to those following. Simple signs of respect and devotion are caring for one another and oneself as a sincere practice for living and adorning the home.

Living in California, Im awed by people casually walking into homes with shoes on. Maybe its the good weather? Sometimes, a host asks for shoes to be removed at the door, or visitors will volunteer. Traditionally, socks are worn indoors, as bare feet are considered unpleasant and bad manners.

Traveling Japan, I noted the high level of regard for others. Bathroom etiquette is clear. Its common to see origami toilet paper triangular folds, precisely bent by the one before, reinforcing the thoughtfulness of someone using the loo afterwards. Being easy to pull, the famed hotel fold is a signature of mindfulness. Sandals at the restroom door further affirm the attentiveness to cleanliness in Japanese culture. As do baby wipes and high-tech, bidet buttons heated seats with sound effects and jet sprays in most restrooms.

Long ago, a yoga teacher pointed out that stepping on a book was considered a sign of disregard in India. The lack of respect for knowledge and scarcity of learning was sacrilege. I was taught to roll out a yoga mat with purposeful alignment and utmost care. Get out a tape measure! I recall a New york yoga teacher who showed up late for class

and carelessly threw his yoga mat crookedly on the ground like a hot potato. This may appear cool and gangster, however, when practicing mindfulness, slowing down with grounding energy is a constant mindset.

MAKE HOME A HAVENI raised three sons I would date. They knew to hold doors open and not to walk on neighbours lawns. Not because the grass mattered so much, but it was precious to someone else. Reverence!

The same applies in the home. Do everything with respect for self and others. The Golden Rule is to treat others as you wish to be treated. Encompass a place of

serenity and security. We all wish to feel safe and loved; especially children. The more we create havens to embrace and incorporate serving others, the more content we can all be.

Making homes child-friendly isnt only putting

a lock on the toilet lid or electrical plug guards in, but means keeping eyes on and being involved with our kidsespecially teensas often as possible. Id host my kids friends at our

loft so I could meet them and oversee their activities. When room permits, include sports, games, electronics and musical instruments. A snack pit will surely be a hit.

Keep your home clean and green. Avoid chemicals. Cook meals for one another. Eat what makes you happy and healthy. Have

slumber parties. Store extra blankets and pillows for those sleepovers. Another common practice in Japan is to roll out futons on tatami mats as a welcome sign for all overnight visitors.

Surround yourself with loved ones and people important to them. Connect at every opportunity.

Elissa Scott is a leading sacred space and lifestyle authority, internationally-known media personality, home couture stylist and artist offering friendly, down-to-earth interiors and service. [email protected]. 310.745.3732.

CLEANEST & GREENESTI will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.

~Mahatma Gandhi


Eleven-year-old, Victoria Johnson and her 50-year-old grandmother, Threasa Craig are an impressive team. Despite their nearly 40 year age

difference, the two have crafted a business together which evolved out of their shared passions for playing in the mud, herbology (the study and use of the medicinal properties of plants), gardening and research. That business is Mud Pie Soaps.

Mud Pie Soaps come in a variety of colours, scents and styles, and offer a laundry list of skin benefitseverything from treating dry skin to psoriasis. But what really makes the soaps stand out is the use of all natural products that come straight out of Threasas garden.

We named it after the garden playing in the mud! I remember as a kid playing in the mud and making mud pies. All the food we eat comes from the dirt, and then you have to wash it off, and you need soap! I thought it was an organic name and easy to remember. and no one else was using it.

Threasa hails from the Okanogan and has always filled her home with plants, having up to 70 at one time. And because her daughter (Victorias mother) is a single mom who works long hours, Threasa has spent many years working in the mud, side-by-side with her granddaughter. She realized that Victoria might share her passion for gardening when she was two years old.

She was helping me garden and I sent her under the pine tree to collect pine cones. Where do you want them, Nana? shed ask. She was like a machine for about two hours. Then she got smart about it and grabbed a bucket and started scooping them out. After that, every time she came to my house, she would bring me pine cones.

After school, Victoria would go to her Nanas house and together they would dive into crafting or research or gardening projects. Threasa has long been impressed by how inquisitive her granddaughter is.

Victoria and I both enjoy learning about new things, nature and finding out stuff if we dont know something. Well go explore it, look it up, do research on it. Were both interested in language arts, nature and gardening. Were both very driven, goal-orientated, and we dont like to be idle.

Victorias passion to learn, even at her young age, has led her to aspire to a career in medicine. With expensive post-secondary costs looming, Threasa set up an education fund for

DROPdeadDELIRIOUS

Mud Pie Soap

Dana Giesbrecht

Mud Pie Soap

Victoria Johnsonand Threasa Craig

Amber Icealmost too pretty to use


780.940.1288 www.momentsindigital.com

her granddaughter and, after doing many hours of research, decided that tackling a soap business might be the answer. It also helps that she has spent more than 30 years in the cleaning industry and has a background in business and marketing.

We were talking yesterday about herbology and medicine. I told her that holistic doctors have to have a university degree, and then you can prescribe things as well. Victoria goes, oh, well thats interesting! Shell do well in whatever she does but she wants to help people. At 11, its hard to say what youre going to do, but she could do anything!

And when it comes to the beautiful soaps that Mud Pie is quickly becoming known for, theyre almost too pretty to use. After many hours of watching online tutorials on different techniques, Threasa and Victoria began the creating process. For more than a year, they spent hours whipping up soap batches, experimenting with different fragrances, oils, colours and herbs from their garden. Theyve used lavender, rosemary, calendula, wormwood, mint, roses, dandelions, plantains, and even burs! yes, those sticky, annoying brown burs that get stuck to your clothes on nature walks.

Burs, or burdock, have incredible anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. Actually, most plants fight free radicals, have healing properties, and fight inflammation.

And you might think Threasa does all the work, but even that is divided right down the middle. Victoria is the one who makes a lot of the creative choices such as picking colours and soap designs (tri-coloured, chunky shapes inside, or swirls cut into the top, to name a few). Threasa works with the lye (a strong alkaline liquor, rich in potassium carbonate which is leached from wood ashes), while Victoria mixes the oils. Together, before they begin a batch, they use a lye calculator to work out the recipe. From there, its onto fragrances, colours, techniques and kinds of soap.

For Victoria, its quality time that she wouldnt trade for anything. I think our soap is beautiful, different and

unique. It works great and were just figuring out a lot of things, like herbal soaps to help out with acne and other skin issues.

We love researching what plants can do for your skin plants like burdock and comfrey. Weve printed pages and pages of health benefits and I think its great that we can help people using plants.

To learn more about these incredible soaping entrepreneurs and their products, check out the new website mudpiesoap.com and order on-line. Up-coming appearances at craft markets are also listed.

Dana Giesbrecht is the host of go! Edmonton on Shaw TV and has a passion for her community, the arts, and fashion. She loves experimenting with clothes and helping to promote local designers on her blog, dropdeaddelirious.blogspot.ca

Threasa and Victoriahave bridged the gap and

built a business

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Ilove to travel, specifically to beach destinations. Loving the beach doesnt diminish my love of Edmonton however,

Edmonton is seriously lacking sand and surf. Until global warming affects a seriously warm, beach-y change on the city I love, I will subscribe to an absence makes the heart grow fonder approach, especially during the winter months. Dont get me wrong though, these trips are not vacations.

Im not a believer in the 40-hour work week. I dont believe things worth having come easily or quickly. I am a self-admitted work-addict in recovery. Two years ago, I realized I was working 80 to 100 hours a week and perilously close to burning out or getting very, very sick. With a bit of planning, I was able to hit pause and reset on my work/life balance. I took six months off.

When I say off, I dont mean it the way many people do: When Im off, I dont unplug completely. I dont drop off the grid. During my six months of resetting, I worked 20 to 30 hours a week and was extremely picky about

any new projects I accepted. I also didnt escape for months on end to another country because figuring out my new lifes balance at home was important to me. But I did travela lot. Granted, traveling with no dependents while working 20 to 30 hours a week seems like a dream reserved for a small audience. During this process, I learned a lot about what makes a good work-cation and Ive been taking them ever since.

A work-cation, in my world, is a play on working remotelyreally remotely. Instead of calling clients from my home office, Im Skyping or using Google hangouts and working on their projects from, in my case, a beach destination.

A recent study by TD Bank showed that 93 percent of Canadians believe vacations are important, but only 43 percent use up all the days theyre entitled to. Going on a pure vacation (no working involved) is incredibly stressful for me, and I know Im not alone. The idea of being completely out of touch, leaving my business in the hands of even the most trusted colleague or employee, is enough to instill panic

and make my heart beat a little bit faster. Just getting ready for an unplugged vacation is stressful then the first few days away are a bit tense and coming back to deal with whatever has happened in my absence is certainly not easy. Im sure a psychologist is reading this right now and adding my number to their list of prospects but its the truth, at least for me.

with Erin Rayner

Erins Guide to

Work-cations


Erins Guide to

As an entrepreneur, my vacation allotment is different than the usual two or three weeks a year for the average employee. Im also not in a position to need to take kids or a significant other with me. I do think that a work-cation is possible for everyone if we change the way we approach working and vacations. For me, the work-cation is all about balance.

Here are my rules for a successful, balanced work-cation where you and your employees, clients and family/friends youre work-cationing with are respected.

timiNGIn my line of work, timing a work-cation is just as critical as timing a vacation. I dont schedule considerable time away within the final three weeks leading up to an event or strategy presentation. That is crunch time and its better to have all hands on deck. My ideal time to work-cation is between deadlines. Sometimes a week between crunch times is all I need to get reset and clearly focused on the next set of deadlines.

deStiNatioNChoose your destination carefully and make sure you have the tools you need. Backpacking through the Himalayas or going on a safari are not good work-cation choices. My rules around destination are simple: 1. Consistent, high speed Internet. If I have to

pay extra for it, I do. 2. A working phone package usually just a

few phone minutes and unlimited text do the trick. I always have to pay extra.

3. Most often, I choose one location and set down roots. Long road trips or back-country destinations are inconvenient work environments.

4. Until recently, I had a rule around destinations and time zones. My best work-cations

took place within three hours of MST. Last summer, I nervously took my first European work-cation. Attending the Rotary International Conference in Lisbon, Portugal showed me that an eight-hour time difference is possible but the daily work schedule changes.

Set exPectatioNSIn my experience, people are more understanding and accepting when the expectations of a situation are set out at the start. Theyre easier to work with even if small changes occur down the road. I set the expectation with my clients that while I will be away, I also will be available. I let my clients and my teams know where Im going, when and for how long, assuring them I will be in touch with them regularly. I outline which days I wont be in touchdays when Im traveling, touring or sightseeing.

commUNicate, commUNicate aNd commUNicate aGaiNThe biggest problem Ive encountered with others who dont know the rules of work-cations

is their lack of interaction. Before you go, while youre away and when you come back, communicate! The best way for people at home to feel less like youre away is to stay in touch. Its not up to them to drive the communication. youre the one away, its up to you.

Set BoUNdarieSaNd Stick to tHemThis one is really important for the vacation part of the work-cation. It is important to take some time awayliterally. Setting clear boundaries with your traveling companions as well as clients and team back home is crucial to the success of any work-cation. Before booking the trip with friends or family, I let them know I will be on-line and working during specific times throughout the trip. My usual routine (depending on time zone, destination and surf tides), is to check e-mails and make calls in the early morning or midday, and to take Fridays and Mondays completely off wherever possible and by off, I mean ignoring e-mails, leaving the phone at home or in the hotel safe, and being completely present and engaged with my trip mates. If work does creep in, they have the go-ahead to stomp their feet and tell me Im breaking my own rules.

I think those 43 percent of Canadians who are leaving vacation days unused are victims of outdated vacation policies that dont reflect the way we work. I also think we, as workers and employers, need to re-evaluate how work, vacation and boundaries intersect. We live in a world where we are multi-tasking and maybe a little too in-touch to be out of touch for one two-week, unplugged vacation a year.

Erin Rayner is president of ED Marketing and Communications Inc. Contact [email protected]


edWard aroNYkPartner, Information ServicesKeeran Systems200-10711 102 Street, Edmonton T5H [email protected] facebook.com@keeransystemsTwitter: @keeransystems

NicHoLaS careLSAssistant General ManagerStreetSide DevelopmentsQualico Developments3203 93 Street, Edmonton T6N [email protected]

aLexaNdra carrUtHerSDigital Public Spaces LibrarianDigital Literacy Initiatives & Web ServicesStanley A. Milner Library7 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton T5J [email protected]

micHaeL catHreaPresident/CEOResonate Music School & Studio13222-137 Avenue, Edmonton780-457-0090m.cathrea@resonatemusic.cawww.resonatemusic.ca facebook.com@ResonateMusicSchoolStudioTwitter: @resonate_studio Instagram: @resonatemusicyoutube: resonatemusicstudio

BetH dartPartner/Artistic DirectorCatch the Keys Productions780-965-8598bdart@catchthekeys.cawww.catchthekeys.cafacebook.com@catchthekeys Twitter: @CatchtheKeysInstagram: @catchthekeysyouTube CatchtheKeys

aSHLeY davidSoNPharmacist/OwnerShoppers Drug Mart - Mission Hill Plaza #392 St. Albert Tr., St. Albert, AB T8N-5J9780-458-5880www.shoppersdrugmart.ca

SterLiNG derkVP, Retail OperationsDerks Menswear & Derks Formals8111-1-2nd Street, Edmonton T6E [email protected]

faBJoLa GeraStudent, Faculty of LawThompson Rivers University, Kamloops780-996-5253

reBecca GraNtOwner/Executive ChocolatierThe Violet Chocolate Company Ltd.17515 10 Avenue SW Edmonton 587-523-4399 (By Appointment)info@thevioletchocolatecompany.comwww.thevioletchocolatecompany.com facebook.com/thevioletchocolatecompanyTwitter @violetchocolate

StaceY HoGBiNPartner/Trainer/Co-ownerWevive Fitness Inc. & FlowPower Fitness8632 - 53 Avenue, Edmonton T6E [email protected]

Welcome to the 2014 edition of Edmontonians Sizzling Twenty under 30. This marks the 13th year the magazine has showcased 20 dynamic, young women and men from the Capital Region240 since 2002.

The Sizzlers are self-starters promising professionals gifted artists hard-working entrepreneurs motivated community volunteers. They are the products of our colleges, universities and

lifes experiencesdriven by the need to succeed. They represent the best of the best who are as dedicated to causes as they are to careers. The finalists stories pay homage to all the nominees.

The Sizzling 20 are nominated by business leaders, professional mentors, educators and interested individualsincluding proud parents. It is gratifying to receive nominations from previous Sizzlers who recognize the qualities we look for in candidates. Selection is based on the nominees levels of achievement and

dedication to a chosen field of endeavour as well as their commitment to volunteerism.

Our thanks to photographers Bruce Clarke,Tracy Kolenchuk and Quincey Deters, profile writer Paula E. Kirman, and designer Shane Hill. Their combined talents enabled us to present the faces and stories of these accomplished and impressive men and women. It is our hopeand intentionthat Edmontonians Sizzling Twenty under 30 will encourage other young Albertans to reach beyond their grasp.

PRESENTED BY


kYLe iSekeOwner, DArcys Meats #118, 205 Carnegie Drive, St. Albert T8N [email protected] Owner, Iseke School of Karatewww.isekekarate,com

faHad kHaNCEO/Marketing DirectorCanada Prime Marketing208, 10830-107 Avenue, Edmonton T5H 0X3780-710-4990fahadkhan@canadaprimemarketing.comwww.canadaprimemarketing.com

JeSSica GY LUcStudent, Faculty of Medicine University of AlbertaCo-founder, Be your Own Kind of Beautifulhttp://byokobualberta.weebly.com [email protected]

SHaWN maYCoordinator, Communications & Media RelationsEdmonton Oilers

11230 - 110 Street, Edmonton780-222-9330smay@edmontonoilers.comwww.oilers.nhl.comFacebook: Edmonton OilersTwitter: @EdmontonOilersInstagram: EDMONTONOILERS

NataLia PakiNAssociate/Manager/Senior DesignerRiddell Kurczaba AchitectureEngineering Interior Design112, 10355-105 Street, Edmonton T5J [email protected]

cHriS ScHoeNGUt Vice President, Trixstar Productions12410B 142 Street, [email protected]: /trixstarproductionsTwitter: @TrixstarHQyouTube: /trixstarproductions

SeaN SoNeGoSinger/Songwriter/MusicianOwner, Sean Sonego Music780-937-2791

[email protected] facebook.com/seansonegomusicTwitter: SeanSonegoyouTube: /ssonego

eriNNe SeviGNYEditor/Writing Coach/Publishing ConsultantBlue Pencil ConsultPO Box 4049, South Edmonton, T6E 4S8780-908-3014info@bluepencilconsult.comwww.bluepencilconsult.com

aNGeLo taLamaYaNFounder, RUZE [email protected] facebook.com/RUZEfashion

roBYN tHBerGeDevelopment Manager, BioWare (A Division of EA)200, 4445 Calgary TrailEdmonton, AB T6H [email protected] Twitter: RobynTheberge


H ow great is it to turn a part-time labour of love into a thriving full-time business venture? Just ask 28-year old Beth Dart, the Artistic Producer of Catch the Keys Productions. She partnered with her sister Megan to create original independent theatre productions, offer support and marketing expertise to arts organizations, and plan arts-based events.

We have worked hard to do what we love, and this is just the beginning, Beth says. And things are definitely getting bigger and better for Catch the Keys. Last year, the company produced the Mayors Celebration for the Arts which was an incredible opportunity to celebrate the inimitable professional arts community and our extremely supportive business community. A career highlight!

In 2007, Beth earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts with distinction in Technical Theatre, specializing in stage management, from the University of Alberta. She is a consummate mentor whose life revolves around every facet of the local arts scenefrom theatre to music, film, dance and visual arts.

Beth is the curator of the Nextfest NiteClubs, an annual series of late night multi-disciplinary performance parties featuring up-and-coming talents. I have had the joy of watching hundreds of emerging artists experiment and develop a thriving multi-disciplinary community. My biggest accomplishment has been meeting and collaborating with these artists over the past eight years.

On the volunteer front, it is no surprise that Beth has donated her time to numerous local theatre companies, including Theatre Network, Azimuth Theatre, Catalyst Theatre and Punctuate Theatre. She is on the board with the Common Ground Arts Society, and is a member of the Artist Relations Committee with Fringe Theatre Adventures.

Beth admits, I wouldnt be where I am without taking giant risks and fully believing in my ability to problem solve creatively, adapt and collaborate with an ever growing roster of artists, technicians, designers and stage managers. My background and current involvement in live theatre directly impacts the calm and relaxed approach we take to event planning.

Beth intends to develop her business as animportant cornerstone of Edmontons arts scene. The future of Catch the Keys will continue to support an ever evolving professional arts community in the city. We strive to be flexible to the needs of our clients while staying true to ourselves as artists. Creativity is at the heart of Catch the Keys success.

~ Paula E. Kirman

N icholas Carels, 29, is deeply entrenched in Edmontons real estate scene. He is the Assistant General Manager for StreetSide Developments, a Qualico company. We develop and sell multi-family and single family homes in the Edmonton region. I am responsible for land acquisition, new product and site development, the recruitment, training and management of our office team, communication with our corporate office and the

day to day operations of our division. An honours graduate from both Assiniboine Community

College in Manitoba and the University of Lethbridge, Nicholas earned a business diploma in 2004 and

a Bachelor of Management in 2006. Last year, he became a licensed realtor through the Edmonton Real Estate Boards program and an accredited Master Home Builder through the Professional Home Builders Institute of Alberta.

Nicholas fund-raises with the Inside Ride for Kids with Cancer and the Walk to Fight Arthritis. He

provides his professional expertise to the Madison on Whyte Condo Board, and various Canadian Home Builders Association committees. He is particularly committed to

Habitat for Humanity: I really support this cause. There is a great balance of participation from both the families the homes are being built for and volunteers. This cause has a long term benefit in getting these families on their feet, not just a band-aid or quick fix for their current situation.

Having lived in Edmonton for six years, Nicholas plans to stay put for the long haul. In my earlier 20s, I moved around a fair bit. My biggest personal accomplishment has been maintaining a strong relationship with my family and friends, many of whom live a long way away, while also building a network full of great people here in Edmonton.

His enthusiasm for his work no doubt plays a role in his success. I have really enjoyed working alongside our team at StreetSide Developments for six years in the construction of nearly 1000 homes Developing real estate is a unique privilege and I couldnt think of a company or an industry that I would rather be in. A home is a special place and I am very proud of the part I play in bringing new homes to life.

Nicholas offers some practical advice to other

20-somethings trying to climb the corporate ladder. Find where you belong, and commit. The grass is rarely greener on the other side. Think long and hard before leaving a position the best companies provide opportunities to those who prove to be dedicated. Nothing is perfect and everything takes work. The most valuable experience is gained through difficult times.

~ Paula E. Kirman

BETH DARTProducer... planner... mentor

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New Homes

NICHOLAS CARELSReal estate development manager

to creativityHolding the keys

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W hen it comes to news from the Edmonton Oilers, Shawn May is likely the one who helped get it out there. As the Coordinator of Communications and Media Relations, the 23-year old is responsible for all written news and information pertaining to the hockey operations side of

the organization. This information includes writing press releases (i.e. trades, signings

and other important information), producing Edmonton Oilers notes as a part of the NHL game notes for each game of the season, and writing game previews for members of the media. I also handle day-to-day media operations for the team, including

facilitating player and coach interviews with the media and access to the team.

Shawn received his public relations diploma from MacEwan University

in 2011, and currently is completing a communications

degree through the University of Victoria. Being named one of this years Sizzlers definitely ranks high among his achievements thus far. One of my other major accomplishments has been working in the professional sports industry and specifically working in professional hockey this early in my communications career. He first gained experience working with the Edmonton Eskimos Football Club for two CFL seasons.

Shawn uses his professional expertise for charitable work as well. I currently volunteer for a non-for-profit charity called ACT/UCT Edmonton South, which raises money through various fundraising initiatives for disabled adults and youth to attend year-round camps at Camp He-Ho-Ha. The charity also donates money to seniors hospitals and special needs educational programs throughout the Capital Region. In addition, I also created and help monitor all of the social media accounts for this charity.

Having found his niche in the professional sports arena, Shawn has set some lofty goals for the future. One of my most important long term goals is to advance into a managerial position in the communications and media relations field, specifically in professional sports with the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club. I also have a strong vision to continue to build and become more proficient in my current skill set, as well as develop new skills that will enhance my ability to grow as a young professional in the communications field.

Shawn can attribute his success to his personal code of conduct: Always conduct yourself with dignity and be friendly and respectful of everyone you meet because in the business world, networking is crucial and you never know if that stranger you have just met might end up being an influential connectioneven your next boss!

~ Paula E. Kirman

Robyn Thberge, 28, jokes that she is a professional enabler. What she is, actually, is the Development Manager at BioWare Edmonton, renowned for its video games, popular worldwide. Their creation can take monthsoften yearsand Robyns job involves managing the teams who make those games happen. I track dependencies, schedule my teams, generate reports, firefight basically I do anything and everything that the developers need to get their work completed on time, under budget and at quality.

I work for a company that attracts people from all over the world to come and live in Edmonton. It is such a vibrant community that Im proud to call home and shamelessly promote. I was born and raised in Edmonton and, as a result, I have insiders knowledge of all the events going on in the city and try to organize activities to get people out to take in whats being offered.

Robyn feels the 20s are a time of self-discovery, and she would know. After earning a Journalism diploma from MacEwan University in 2006, she worked as a reporter and news producer for Global Edmonton for four years. Then, she transitioned to a production position in game development, quickly climbing the corporate ladder. I didnt know anything about making games when I started at BioWare and relied on my work ethic and soft skills to carry me through. BioWare has opened up a whole new world for me, and has even sent me half way around the world a couple times doing press for games we have released.

As a member of the BioWare Outreach board, Robyn can focus attention on the volunteer front. We identify charities and events that are relevant to our companys culture and support them with volunteers and/or donations. We are heavily involved with the Stollery Childrens Hospital, organizing

a game tent at the Snowflake Gala every December. We also participate in the Stollery radio-thon annually. My role also involves organizing tours for children having wishes granted by the Make-a-Wish Foundation, captaining teams that participate in different events as well as planning and executing fundraisers. I love this role because I get to support a number of different charities every year.

Last summer, Robyn led co-workers in the Easter Seals Drop Zone, a 29-storey rappel. In just two months, I planned and orchestrated four separate fundraising events with the help of my team. We raised $13,500 and we were all able to participate in the rappel.

Robyns long term career goals include running an entire game project, which entails a three-year development process for a 300-plus person creative team. Personal goals are less intense: spending more time in nature with her Springer Spaniel Bruno and travelling. I try to make the best of each moment and see what new ideas and opportunities present themselves. ~ Paula E. Kirman

SHAWN MAYPro sports specialist... role model

ROBYN THBERGEProduction manager... promoter

GaminG&GivinGPhoto by Bruce Clarke

Oil COuntryOil COuntryCommuniCator

Photo by Bruce Clarke


When Natalia Pakin graduated with an honours diploma in Interior Design Technology from NAIT in 2008, she was snatched up by Riddell Kurczaba Architecture Engineering Interior Design Ltd., a full service firm focusing on commercial projects. It had just opened, and Natalia was one of its first hires.

I was a fresh graduate I had offers with other firms, some with more pay. But I chose the path less traveled (with the most resistance). It was a start-up office I felt that I would rather be part of establishing an office, than just coming into an already set-up and comfortable office. Looking back, it was the scariest yet most rewarding experiencethe business was taking it day-by-day.

I played a key role with establishing the Edmonton office, taking it from a two-person company to a 15-person company, and still growing. Natalia is now a senior designer, manager and associate and Riddell Kurczaba has expanded to Calgary.

The role exposed me to thinking as an entrepreneur, doing things that are operation related all the way to building a network to get new work, and setting up the office administratively. I am a key member of the Edmonton office where I manage the offices operations, project manage most of our medium to large projects (architectural and interior), champion our Quality Assurance process, and am involved with projects from the schematic phase and carry them through all the way to design development, construction documentation and construction administration.

Natalia, who received her LEED certification in 2010, focuses her volunteer efforts on industry organizations. She is on the program committee of the Interior Designers of Alberta Association, serves on the board of the Commercial Real Estate Women association as chair of communications, and is a member of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties which supports commercial development through education, advocacy and networking. Maintaining a relationship with NAIT, the 28-year old is active on the Connections Committee which fundraises for IDT students, and on the IDT Degree Mapping Committee, evaluating the current program and developing a proposal to establish it as a degree program

Not only does Natalia work hard toward her own success, she also encourages those around her. I feel a sense of accomplishment when Im surrounded by successful individuals (co-workers, colleges, clients) and how I partially supported them with their success.

Its not about my lifestyle, its about everyone elses lifestyle. It feels good that its not about my success, its about being able to aid in the success of the people around me and, by doing that, the success becomes that much greater.

~ Paula E. Kirman

NATALIA PAKINInterior designer... industry advocate

MICHAEL CATHREAMusician... innovator

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M ost of all, Michael Cathrea wants to encourage people to pursue their musical interests. No one listens to their favourite song and thinks, Im glad I cant do that. Make

music a part of your life. I may know a place where you can do just that.

Indeed, he does. The 25-year old is the President and CEO of Resonate Music School and Studio. In only a year and a half of operations, it has registered more than

1000 studentsthanks to his unique approach to providing music lessons.

Voted Edmontons Top Choice music school, Resonate is expandingwith Michael at the forefront of the incredible growth. We opened with nine sound treated lesson rooms plus the recording studio which has a control room, live room and

isolation booth. We renovated six months later to add two more lesson rooms The expansionwill bring the total to 18, allowing us to serve 2000 students on a weekly basis. We plan to open phase two mid-to late-October.

Contrary to popular belief, having to turn away business because youre too busy is not a good problem to have. Its a problem. Plan for growth

Musicdesign Devoted toPhoto by Bruce Clarke


Theres no denying DNAnor would Sterling Derk want to. He embraces his role as the vice president of retail operations for Derks Menswear and Derks Formals. In fact, he was born into the business: The

29-year old is the third generation to be involved with Derks which was started by his grandfather in 1939, then taken over by his father in the 1970s.

The company now operates both retail outlets in Edmonton and Calgary. Sterling is responsible for purchasing for all departments in the Derks Group.

By applying the knowledge that I have learned and continue to grow, I have endowed a drive and

commitment to provide quality clothing and current trends to men. Because our local market is often saturated with similar products, I search the global marketplaces

to find unique, quality clothing at a good price-point. In doing so, I have refined mens

tastes and appreciation for quality and longevity of clothing, allowing

Derks Menswear to provide the best products, service and advice that our customers need.

The central driving forces of

our diversified family businesses structure is so heavily intertwined within our local community from supplying uniforms to our local EPS, Fire and EMS to dressing the business and community leaders with an array of our fine global fashions.

But, its not in Sterlings nature to rest on his familys laurels. In addition to having created a private label for Derks, he has developed a new branding program, launched an on-line magazine called Elements for Men, and led the design of a new website. Conceptualized by myself and a group of colleagues, the magazine looks to bring artists and businesses of our locale to the forefront of the community, while focusing to enlighten, guide and inform our readers. Creating this project, and tying it in with the launch of our new on-line store, was the perfect opportunity to do just that

Sterling also is carrying on his familys 75-year tradition of commitment to community. This year he accepted a position on the Sorrentinos Compassion House board of directors. Over the last five years, Derks and myself have heavily contributed and supported the group through the Fashion with Compassion fundraiser. Through that opportunity, I have branched my skill-set even further now, and have been brought onto the board to help raise crucial funds to grow this charity and bring it to new heights.

In the future, Sterling will remain active through his work and volunteerism. He lists his long term goal as, working in-depth within local community groups, charities and social events to bring an impact no matter what the cause is.

~ Paula E. Kirman

ciTYResonatingthroughout theMusicand be prepared upon its arrival, advises Michael. When its your job to lead the growth of a business, especially in its earliest stages, forget about yourself and remember that its the company and those both within it and which it serves that take priority.

Michael plays bass, piano/keyboards and drums, and has skills as a producer, engineer and composer. He started a t-shirt company in high school, and developed his strong work ethic at a number of different ventures. Opening the music school with a couple of equally enthusiastic partners was an extension of a home studio he built. One of the most important thingswas timing. We needed to be able to open by that fall or we would have to wait a year (most registrations occur in late summer). This gave us very little time to make a business plan, find a location, hire staff, etc. However, waiting another year was not an option. We hit the ground running and the company was formed later that month.

Students range in age from two to into their 70s, taking lessons in voice, piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, drums, cello, violin, viola, flute, songwriting, music theory, harmonica, banjo, mandolin, recording/audio engineering, production, or early childhood development. Resonates membership plan, offering a consistent schedule with year-round flexibility and unlimited make-up lessons, appeals to students.

Other firsts include complimentary time in a recording studio with a certified engineer and producer, and dedicated member bonuses, a rewards points system. It is also the first and only school in the region to provide a satisfaction guarantee, allowing students to try Resonate risk-free.

Over the coming months, five new hires will join the 27-member staff and dozens of musical instructors. Our instructors have post-secondary certification in their respective instruments and many of them are active in the music scene (performances, tours, music on iTunes, etc.).

Michael recently organized the Play for Pets event which raised approximately $9500 for the Edmonton Humane Society. He has also contributed several prize packages to silent auction fundraisers and local music competitions (such as school talent shows), and regularly offers free field trips to elementary schools in order to promote music in the youth community.

The relationships weve developed both with our customers and with the community have been immensely rewarding on an emotional level we are constantly striving to improve our impact in the most positive ways possible.

~ Paula E. Kirman

Photo by Bruce Clarke forward-thinkingFashionablySTERLING DERKRetail clothier... community volunteer


H es a dedicated and dynamic pianist, guitarist, singer and songwriter. Renowned musical personality and former senator Tommy Banks referred to him as a quadruple threatwith the talent to fashion a successful career.Clearly, Sean Sonego is one of the busiest up-and-coming musicians

in Edmonton. So busy, in fact, that we had a harder time pinning him down for his Sizzler interview than anyone else! He no sooner returned from a tour than he left the next day for a humanitarian mission to the Dominican Republic.

The 21-year old is in his final year at MacEwan University in the Bachelor of Music program, majoring in composition. Twice nominated for Northlands Emerging Artist Award, he is the recipient of the $10,000 Rawlco Radio Grant, and the 2013 AFP Arts and Culture National Philanthropy Day Award.

Sean is the youngest musician to work at the Red Piano, Edmontons Dueling Piano Bar, on a regular basisusually two nights a weekfor over two years. It has required me to learn as many songs as possible since the dueling piano shows are five hours long and are all request-based so you never know what youre going to get. I have had the opportunity to play alongside some incredibly talented and experienced musicians there and have learned a great deal

In addition, Sean has shared the stage with numerous internationally recognized musicians, often backed by David Fosters orchestra at the Winspear Centre, and he opened the second annual Edmonton Rock Music Festival, performing alongside Trooper, April Wine and Blue Oyster Cult. His recent Western Canada Snapshot Tour took Sean from YMCA Summer Camp performances to pubs to beach shows in BC to a music festival in Mistahiya, Alberta.

Remarkably, since he was a child, Sean has selflessly used his talents to give back to the community. Whether it be spending my time helping to serve meals at Hope Mission, or donating 20 percent of my CD sales to the YMCA Welcome Village, or singing at non-profit fundraisers, I constantly find ways of getting myself involved in initiatives I believe in and I believe will better our community. To be sure, this list of causes he hasnt contributed to would be far shorter

than those he has supported.His trip to the Dominican Republic was his thirdbut not lastwith a local group called

Building Dreams, constructing homes for families living in difficult conditions in an area called Nuevo RenacerSpanish for new re-birth. It was originally called Aguas Negrasblack waterfor the reason that it

is extremely close to the water and floods very often.

Sean will always use his music to improve the lives of others, make meaningful connections, and to

leave this world with a footprint Ill be proud to leave.

Life is absolutely about people, not stuff. We live for our connections with others. This is what improves the quality of our

life so greatly. ~ Paula E. Kirman

SEAN SONEGO Musician... philanthropist... student

MusicianPhoto by Tracy Kolenchuk

on a mission

W hen Fahad Khan and his team of marketing pros meet with clients, they bring energy, enthusiasm and creativity to the table as they develop what they call the WOW! Factor.The 29-year old is CEO and Marketing Director of Canada Prime

Marketing which specializes in event management and fully integrated promotional campaigns. It serves local, national and international clients, their products and services, including such organizations as TELUS, Vida of New Orleans, Soda Stream, Zomaron, Elavon, Judicious Professional Solutions, and Universal Consumer Services.

Every partnership that has been created has resulted in lifelong learning experiences for my team and me. Canada Prime Marketing is not only marketing and branding organization. We also have ongoing mentorship and leadership development program for all individuals associated with our organization. We believe in growing from within, says Fahad.

After earning a Business Administration diploma from NAIT, he worked for marketing firms to gain practical experience. Within a few years, he followed his destiny and formed Canada Prime Marketing in 2009.

I started the entrepreneurship journey at a young age. I created opportunities not only for me, but I also had the privilege to share similar opportunities with other young students from the U of A, Grant MacEwan, and NAIT. Most of these students had a chance to develop their interpersonal skills, leadership skills, as well as gain real world experiences in the marketing industry.

Leadership and mentorship also play a role in Fahads personal life. He volunteers his time motivating youth and seniors, organizing charity golf tournaments at the Five Rivers Golf Association, leading workshops and seminars at Judicious Professional Solutions, and giving his time to faith and political causes.

Fahads values and integrity are central to the way he conducts both his business and his life. I like to share the values any organization should be built upon. Not only integrity and honesty, but also persistence and smart work always pays off in the end.

Entrepreneurship is not a sprint, it is a marathon. Building real relationships and sustaining them is a key factor for success.

~ Paula E. Kirman

FAHAD KHANMarketing specialist... mentor

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It takes courage for a 17-year old to leave family and move half way around the world. It takes commitment to make a difference in young lives back home.Angelo Talamayan has done bothand much more. Now 29, he describes himself as a modern day Renaissance man. How did he end up wearing so many hats?

In 2009, Angelo graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in accounting, and was an MBA exchange student at the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration in Austria. He was involved with numerous student organizations, including as VP

Events of the Business Students Association and VP Public Relations with the Rocky Mountain Business Seminar. Angelo also was instrumental in establishing Streetlight Canada, supporting a charity in the Philippines that provides orphans and street children with breakfast, school uniforms and supplies in a safe educational facility. His efforts earned him the School of Business Citizenship Cup Award for leadership.

During his time in Europe, Angelo was inspired by the use of discarded vinyl billboards as truck tarps. Following his entrepreneurial instincts, he pursued creative ways to divert vinyl billboards, banners and posters from landfills. Angelo returned to the Philippines, sourced a manufacturer, and hired two key people to oversee production. In February

2012, when he was satisfied with the quality of the products, RUZE had its official launch, and unveiled its transformed accessoriescourier bags, laptop sleeves and backpacks. Off-cuts are used for change purses, wallets, and cell phone and pencil cases.

Angelo explains, The company name is based on the words reuse and ruse. Each product is unique; there are no two of the same designs. They are available on-line and at select retail outlets, including Lucid Lifestyles in Old Strathcona.

Via Skype, in the wee hours of the morning, Angelo supervises the entire operation. Often times, hes just returned from a gig as DJ at a special event, wedding or club. He regularly volunteers at Ronald Macdonald House, and DJs free for charity fundraisers like Kenya Run for Water, the Stollery Childrens Hospital Busy Being

Fabulous event, and Edmonton Community League block parties.All this, and Angelo has a day job as a recruiting manager at Robert

Half, the worlds largest specialized staffing firm with more than 400 locations worldwide that focuses primarily on the

placement of highly skilled business professionals. I am responsible for developing relationships with different companies, finding out what their staffing needs are and recruiting the best talent in the marketplace.

Of his many accomplishments, Angelo admits, I am very proud for starting RUZE. It started as a project and now it is a company. Being an entrepreneur is very hard. There a lot of challenges and sleepless nights. It was very hard to source materials, coordinate manufacturing overseas and convince companies to join us. I am not there yet, but I am happy with our progress.

We are a very small company. But, I feel like we are making an impact. This project helps lessen the waste in our environment. I am proud of that.

~ Paula E. Kirman

ANGELO TALAMAYANEnvironmentally-conscious entrepreneurdiversionVinyl


Rebecca Grant is finding sweet success with The Violet Chocolate Company Ltd. which she founded in 2012. Her boutique chocolaterie specializes in creating delectable confectionsunique in flavour, free of gluten and preservatives, made fresh in small batches.

Rebecca is a chocolate making powerhouse, hand-tempering 850 chocolate bars or over 500

truffles by herself each day on the granite slab in her studio. I am responsible for all day-to-day operations, product development, and production of the chocolate. She earned her diplomas at NAIT: Culinary Arts in 2008, then two in Business Administration Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management in 2013, and Marketing this

year. She received her Red Seal Chef certification in 2010.

She won a gold medal at the 2013 Canadian National Chocolate

Awards, described by Rebecca as being like the Oscar for a chocolatier. Her winning entry

in the Best Flavoured Milk Chocolate category was a

Honey Rosemary chocolate bar. She then went on to compete in

the International Chocolate Awards in

London, England. Her bars were featured among the Top 100 Things to Eat in Edmonton for 2013.

I meet with clients to create unique and custom products for special events. I also teach chocolate making and tasting courses that introduce individuals to the techniques used to produce chocolate confections, and the distinct flavour profiles that can be detected in different chocolates.

The 27-year old shared her knowledge with students at Michael Strembitsky School, as they worked on a multi-subject project related to chocolate. At the end of the project, I recreated the winning groups bar with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. The students were tasked with creating their own company, product and packaging and it was amazing to see their creativity and to help them come up with ideas.

In addition, Rebecca donated chocolate hockey player lollipops for two fund-raising events during the Military Family Resource Centre Hockey for Heroes ChallengeOilers Alumni versus an Armed Forces team. The MFRC helps families with all of the challenges that can come from being in a military family and are an important part of the military community. This is a cause close to my heart as I grew up in a military family.

The Violet Chocolate Company sponsored a kettle for the Salvation Armys 2013 Christmas Campaign, was a corporate sponsor for Edmonton Public Libraries Books2Eat Gala, and provided door prizes for several other fundraising events in the city.

Rebecca offers this advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: If you have a passion for something, believe in yourself. Things wont always be easy and it is a lot of hard work starting your own company but, if you can surround yourself with positive people and find a mentor, it will be worth it.

~ Paula E. Kirman

REBECCA GRANTGold medal custom chocolatier


Sweet techniques


In 2010, Ashley Davidson graduated from the University of Alberta with her Bachelor of Science-Pharmacy degree. Just three years later, she became the Associate Pharmacist/Owner of Shoppers Drug Mart in Mission Hill plaza in St. Albert. The 29-year old is both a pharmacist and store manager. She is quick to credit her co-workers. I have an excellent management team that help me immensely with front store, cosmetic, and post office departments.

Being a Sizzler has become something of a Davidson family tradition. Her brother, musician/producer Dan, and his wife Jen, a business manager, were designated in 2012 and 2013 respectively. I am so flattered to have been selected as part of this group, Ashley says. There are so many more things I want to do in my profession and in my community. I seem to have a hard time looking back at what I have accomplished so far.

Ashley feels the most accomplished in terms of helping others achieve their pharmacy practice goals. Since graduating, I have acted as a preceptor to a number of pharmacy students. Additionally, I have helped other pharmacists attain their injection licenses, as well as work towards their additional prescribing authority. Finally, taking over my own pharmacy last September was definitely a high point in my career.

Being a member of the Edmonton Shoppers Drug Mart Community Investment Committee means that Ashley helps decide how the company can best donate funds to local causes. Our store regularly supports the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. We are excited to start our annual Tree of Life Campaign this September!

In addition to corporate support, Ashley is committed to a number of fundraisers for the Lois Hole Hospital, and participates in the MS Bike Tour. Her professional and personal endeavours were recognized earlier this

year when she received the Future of Pharmacy Award from the Alberta Pharmacists Association and the College of Pharmacists.

Ashley and her husband Ryan Polny, a junior high school teacher, welcomed baby girl Norah in January. I am so grateful to be a part of the greater Edmonton community, she says. I have had so many great experiences growing up here, attending the University of Alberta, and working in a variety of pharmacies. This has been a great place to live and I am excited to raise my daughter in such a positive community.

~ Paula E. Kirman

ASHLEY DAVIDSONDedicated professional... volunteer

Photo by Tracy Kolenchuk

for SucceSSPrescription

T wenty-nine year old Edward Aronyk is a partner at Keeran Systems and Keeran Hosting. The companies help small to medium sized businesses increase revenue, decrease costs, and reduce risk through strategic technology solutions. Specialized systems have been developed for the legal industry. We implement and support computer networks as well as provide cloud backup,

virtualization, VoIP telephony, and hosted solutions through our private cloud that is 100

percent Canadian.

My role is to architect the solutions and manage the service department. I also oversee the operations in our Edmonton and Toronto based cloud hosting environment.

Keeran Systems has been on the cutting edge of cloud technology. In 2006, we built our first data centre, before the term cloud even existed. We didnt really know how things would go. It was small and located in the back of our

office in Scotia Place. Its incredible to see how it has grown over the years into an enterprise-level, fully redundant cloud, distributed across the country with thousands of users accessing it each day.

With coast-to-coast data centres utilizing highly secure systems Edward designed and built himself, he is highly regarded within the larger IT community.

Through Keeran Systems, Edward has been able to give back to the community by supporting a number of not-for-profits such as Rotary International, JCI Edmonton, Synergy, Junior Achievement, and Entrepreneurs Organization. Although I do not currently sit on any boards, I cover the fort so my partner, Rishi Patela 2006 Sizzlercan be more

involved in giving back to the community.Edward has another passion apart from his

entrepreneurship: flying. He earned his commercial pilot license in 2010. Earning my commercial pilot license was a proud moment in my life, he says. Ive had a passion for aviation for as long as I can remember and, at one point, I considered making it my career.

Looking toward the future, Edwards focus is on growing Keeran Systems. We have a couple more markets that we would like to expand into. We were fortunate to be well positioned when IT experienced a big shift towards the cloud. I want to make sure we position ourselves correctly for the next big shift, so that we can continue to keep ahead of the market.

~ Paula E. Kirman

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EDWARD ARONYKIT developer... licensed pilot

IN THE CLOUDSSoaring


As a writer and editor, Erinne Sevigny has been a strong, long-time presence in Albertas literary scene. In 2013, she decided to share her expertise by starting Blue Pencil Consult. She helps guide emerging and established writers through the process of developing their work from evaluating manuscripts to publishing and posting to promoting.

Erinne earned a Bachelor of Applied Communications in Professional Writing from MacEwan University in 2007, and post-graduate certificate in Creative Book Publishing from Humber College in Toronto last year. She views being named a Sizzler as a stepping stone toward more achievements in the future. Ive seen the lists from previous years and can see where a lot of those people are today. It confirms to me that Im doing something right!

The 28-year old cites launching her own business, her volunteer work, and teaching piano in her time away from writing as her three biggest accomplishments so far. Its finally all culminated into me being able to live my life with no ones restrictions but my own. Im not bound to a 9 to 5 workday or trying to squeeze trips into my three weeks vacation. Thats been my ultimate goalfreedom to do what I want, when I want, how I want. Ive been told that thats not how the world works. But I got it.

Erinne has been a youth mentor with a number of writing programs and camps. For the past decade, she has volunteered her time and talent to various organizationsthe Writers Guild of Alberta, Other Voices Publishing Society, Get Publishing Communications Society, and Editors Association of CanadaPrairie Provinces Branch. And now, Erinne is providing pro-bono services to select clients, some of whom she says are her most successful. Of course not everyone can be a pro-bono client, otherwise I wouldnt be able to pay my bills! If I find a person without the ability to pay, but a project that has the potential to be of great influence, then Ill take on the client.

Erinne encourages other young people to find their own definitions of success. There are (way) more paths to a single

destination than they perhaps recognize. Ive never been one to really climb the proverbial ladder, and yet Im still finding successprobably even more than I would have if I had just stayed on the beaten track.

That said, we all define success on our own terms. For some, its being the biggest/best at a particular thing. For others, like myself, it simply means achieving the balance you want in your life, regardless of what other people are doing.

~ Paula E. Kirman

ERINNE SEVIGNYWordsmith... mentor

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FREEDOM...TERMS

on her own

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eC hris Schoengut has helped bring some of the worlds top talent to Edmonton. The 27-year old was promoted to VP of Trixstar Productions in February. I was a part in starting it from scratch with my boss Mike Anderson, and the growth that we have achieved in the last handful of years is awesome. The people that I have worked with over the years, and the experiences that I have had, cannot be matched.

Live event management means Chris has done nation-wide tours with William Shatner, Kenny vs. Spenny, Chip Coffey, and Dog the Bounty Hunter, and worked with numerous other celebrities. Hes been involved with the 2010 Grey Cup, the 2008 Juno Awards, the 2014 Canadian Country Music Awards and Tour of Alberta, as well as Big Valley Jamboree, Ookfest and Sustainival. In addition, his skills have been utilized by national chains, such as The Pint.

In 2007, Chris joined Trixstar, earned a Digital & Interactive Media Design diploma from NAIT with a 4.0 GPA average, and received the Jimmy Condon Scholarship. As Creative Director and Event Specialist at Trixstar, he considers its growth his number one professional accomplishment to date. Being a small company still, our duties are quite broad. We all fill roles in all aspects of

the company from event brainstorming and design to doing the paperwork and execution, to company structures and policies. Its been fun being a part of it from the get-go and expanding to where we are now. I enjoy having my hand in all the different pieces.

Expanding Trixstar to Calgary and Vancouver are high on the priority list right now, but Chris also wants to develop his life

outside of the company, especially to travel. In addition, through a friend of his who teaches at the Edmonton Connect Society, Chris has been volunteering weekly as teachers aide since 2009 with hearing-impaired and developmentally-challenged children. Its really a very humbling experience and it gets me away from sitting in front of my computer, filling out paperwork, talking on the phone, and gets me finger painting, reading books, making messes, and going on field trips. Its my little escape from being a grown up, and I love it.

Strong work and personal ethics are what Chris believes will help any young person achieve success. Put in the work early, volunteer when you can, and always appreciate what comes to you. Good things will come to good people.

~ Paula E. Kirman

CHRIS SCHOENGUTCelebrity event producer... volunteer

for event managementA talent


Stacey Hogbin is a fitness trainer who has let nothing stand in the way of her dream to make a name for herself in the industryand to help others along the way.In fact, when she joined 2007 Sizzler Jesse Lipscombe at

P.H.A.T. Training eight years ago, she made her ambitions to develop her own brand and run her own studio very clear. Having been certified as a CanFitPro Personal Training Specialist in 2006, she then graduated from NAITs Personal Fitness Trainer program in 2007, and became a partner in P.H.A.T. in 2008.

Over the last couple of years, Stacey has led the re-branding of the studio which now operates as Wevive Fitness. She is also a co-owner of FlowPower Fitness which offers a body sculpting workout that fuses such movements as yoga and Tai Chi, and is producing its first DVDs.

Stacey certifies trainers for Canadian Fitness Professionals, and is a master trainer for both Bender Ball Canada and Lebert Fitness, one of the largest fitness brand in North America.

Among Staceys most rewarding experiences is her role as an on-site trainer at Sorrentinos Compassion House for women undergoing breast cancer treatments. I have always known that fitness can change peoples lives, but it is truly remarkable to have women going through breast cancer treatments tell you their time with you has changed them and helped them through one of the most traumatic times of their lives.

Stacey helped create Burpeesy4Boobies and Push Ups4Prostates, raising $20,000 to support research into breast and prostate cancers. As well, she recently held events for WIN House and Crystal Kids.

Staceys reaction to being named a Sizzler is reflective of her passion. I truly love everything that I do, and it is an amazing feeling to be recognized for your work

Most of all, Stacey extols the need for hard work to reach ones goals. Most people in my world would say that my life is consumed with work, and I would agree. But, when you have goals and dreams for your career and a drive to make a change, there is only one way to get there!

Still, Stacey emphasizes a need

for a balance in life. You must find time for yourself outside of work for some downtime to recharge and, of course, to have some fun. All your hard work isnt worth it if you cant have fun sometimes. Work hard and play hard, it is all about balance!

~ Paula E. Kirman

STACEY HOGBINProfessional trainer... savvy business owner

Focused onfitness

Photo by Burce Clarke

Photo by Burce Clarke

In 2012, Jessica GY Lucthe top Grade 12 student graduating from Edmonton Public Schoolsentered the Doctor of Medicine Program at the University of Alberta. Since then, she has received more than a dozen scholarships worth tens of thousands of dollars, as well as awards too numerous to mentionto further illustrate, her Sizzler nomination was a whopping seven pages long!

By any measure of assessment, Jessica is a remarkable 20-year old young woman. She is not only interested in healing physical ills, she is determined to heal social ones as well.

After being awarded a prestigious stipend through the Heritage Youth Research Summer

Program, Jessicas project in the department of Cardiac Surgery led to her receiving first authorships on abstracts she presented at the Canadian Society of Transplantation, the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation, and the World Transplant Congress. She is currently writing her first authored research paper for submission to the Journal of Immunology. It is my dream to contribute to the scientific community and, by doing so, I may be part of a series of stepping stones towards a major discovery

that can change the lives of many individu

edmontonians fall2014

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