2007 New Canadian Entrepreneur Awards Winners

Retail: Pharmasave
Recipient: Lap Wu

Born in Hong Kong, raised in Brunei, Lap immigrated to Canada in 1970 to attend McGill University. He graduated in 1975 with a B.Sc degree in biochemistry then returned to school in 1977 to attend the UBC Pharmacy program. After graduation in 1980, Lap worked for Shopper's Drug Mart as a Pharmacist, and then was appointed as an Associate (owner / operator) for 13 years in Cloverdale. In 1996, Lap purchased his first Pharmasave store in Surrey by taking out a second mortgage on his home. Today he owns and operates five pharmacies. His companies’ core competency is his strong management team, good customer service and positive work environment. Lap's business ventures will continue to expand as the opportunity presents itself over the next few years. In his spare time, Lap trains for marathons. He has completed seven marathons and twelve half marathons raising thousands of dollars for charities.

Retail: Dodd’s Furniture Ltd.
Recipient: Gurdial (Gordy) Dodd

Born in 1945 in Punjab, India, Gordy initially arrived in Canada in 1967, working for five years at various jobs. He returned to India and married in 1973. On his return to Canada in 1977, he started a furniture store of about 2000 sq ft. Through hard work and with little investment he began his business by bringing furniture from Vancouver and selling it in Victoria. His business success resulted in the need for expansion to bigger stores. In 2002, he upgraded his store of 12000 sq. ft. by constructing a new building of 35000 sq ft. This store received the Commercial Building Award by the Victoria Real Estate Board. Today the store employs 25 full time employees and 5 part timers. Gordy is widely known for his store advertisements. These very catchy, family-oriented ads have made him a local celebrity. In 2002, Dodd’s Furniture won the award for Business Excellence in BC from Cantrex Furniture Association, and the store has won the “Best of the City” award by Black Press in the Furniture Store category for three consecutive years. Gordy has always been very active in giving back to the community. He has sponsored cultural events in Victoria like the Heritage Day Dance Group, various Soccer Teams here and sports tournaments in his native Punjab. Over the last 20 years, he has collected clothes and food for the homeless, donated blankets and mattresses for the Homeless Support Society and volunteered for Mustard Seed. His many awards include recognition of his efforts to collect clothes and medical equipment for the Red Cross Tsunami Relief fund; an award for supporting the Burnside - Gorge Community Centre in Victoria, the Toast Masters International award for Community Leadership and a 2006 community award for Citizen of the Year for Victoria.

Service: Bear Studios Ltd.
Recipient: Ted Bishop

Ted Bishop was born in Brisbane Australia on July 24th, 1943. He grew up an avid rugby player, representing Queensland at age levels. Upon emigrating to Canada as a newlywed in the latter part of the 60’s he took a teaching position before moving to the business arena in 1975. During this time Ted kept up his rugby passion representing Canada in various managerial positions. After nearly twenty years managing a large audio production house he started Bear Studios with his assistant of over 20 years, Diane Liesch. Ted and Diane shared the vision of having all the broadcast creative disciplines under one roof, something that had not been done before. After several years, Cale Jacox, then Ryan Marchant joined the firm, and as the company grew they, together with Diane, were given partnership positions, and together they have seen the company grow to two buildings housing CG suites, recording studios, shooting stages and offices. The company has developed a contemporary television magazine show as well major radio, television and video projects for clients as diverse as Best Buy, Future Shop, Ford, Jeep Chrysler (US), Kawasaki, Boeing and BC Hydro.

Wholesale: Hari Stones Ltd.
Recipients: Alok Kansal, Atul Kansal & Krishnan Sharma

With distinct and varied backgrounds these two visionaries Alok Kansal from India and Krishan Sharma from Kenya combined to incorporate Hari Stones Limited in 1998 and are now celebrating their 10th year in business. The company has grown from a small scale Indian stone importer and local distributor to a world renowned large scale stone importer and North American Distributor. The biggest assets the company has; is its focus on natural stones and never deviating from this. The only company in BC to have a wide selection of over 500 different colors in slabs and tiles in stock. Their showroom is a gallery of fine pieces ranging from exotics all over the world waiting to be appreciated for their exquisite array of color and form. Their only reason for success is the understanding that choosing stone is a very personal decision and hence providing the customer personalized service and giving them a chance to choose their slab for their kitchen or any project given. From a small time buyer to commercial high-rise the goal is 100% customer satisfaction through personal attention. The staff associates at Hari Stones are backed with excellent experience and training in the natural stone industry, encompassing all aspects of the industry including design, product sourcing, fabrication and installation. This level of product knowledge and application serves to accentuate the stone buying experience.

Wholesale: Olympic Distributors
Recipients: Mike Jang

Immigrating from ZhongShan, China (the hometown of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen), Mike arrived in Vancouver in the early 1950s. In Vancouver, Mike continued his education at Churchill Secondary School, followed by pursuing a professional program in Los Angeles, California. On completion of his professional program, Mike returned to Vancouver and started his first automotive bodyshop/mechanics company. In late 1960, Mike established a dry-cleaning facility in Vancouver, which is still in operation. In early 1990, Mike entered the import-export /trading industry under the company named Olson International Trading Co. Ltd. (Olson). Olson acquired Olympic Distributors in the mid-1990s, turning a profit-deficit company into a company with expanded capabilities and markets. Olympic Distributors (Olympic) has now grown to import food items from many countries around the world. Their vision is to bring quality and healthy foods to the Canadian market. Olympic distributes to major food retailers across Canada, focusing in the western Canadian region. In keeping with his philosophies in giving to the society, Mike is actively involved in and supports charities in his local community. Presently he holds several positions as president/consultant in a number of charity associations. Mike is truly thankful for being a Canadian and being able to give back to society.

Manufacturing: Canada Stone Inc.
Recipient: Fatima & Licurgo Albuquerque

Licurgo Albuquerque is the Marketing and Sales Director of Canada Stone Inc. He is involved in sales, marketing and project management, and works closely with architects, interior designers, contractors and builders in Vancouver, across B.C. and West Coast of U.S. Fatima Albuquerque is the Import and Export Director of Canada Stone Inc. and works closely with stone suppliers from various parts of the world such as Latin America, Europe and Middle East. She is also responsible for financing, contracts and administration. Originally from Brazil, they have been based in Vancouver since 1997. His professional background includes Civil Engineering and Geology. Fatima holds both a Law Degree and a Graduate Degree in International Law from Brazil. Both of them earned their C.I.T.P. designation in Canada in 2001 which added a great value to their careers as a business administrator and international trade professional. In 1999, they founded Focus Canada Trade, an import and export consulting company focusing on the stone business industry. In 2003, Focus Canada Trade was incorporated in B.C. as Canada Stone Inc. in the category of distributor and fabricator of natural stone and specializing in exotic Brazilian granite. The business has faced many tough challenges over the years ranging from competition to financing to recruiting qualified professional staff. Today Canada Stone has become very successful and is recognized as a supplier of quality stone.

Export: Odyssey International Exports (2004) Ltd.
Recipient: Jonathan Gill, Bina Gill

Jonathan and Bina Gill, who emigrated from the UK in the early 1980’s, founded Odyssey International Exports in 2003. The couple share a passion for creating an environmentally conscious enterprise while providing over 80 families with secure full-time employment. Due to their extensive business background they have the skills which enable them to contribute to the Canadian economy not only by bringing in foreign currency but also by strengthening Canadian trade around the world. The New Westminster-based warehouse recycles and exports used clothing to the growing continents of Africa, Asia, and South America. Additionally, by exporting over 1.5 million pounds per month of excess used clothing this company has taken a huge step forward in the elimination of used clothing dumped in North American landfills. While prospering in the trade sector, this couple has not lost sight of the community needs around them. Odyssey has been contributing to the BC Children’s Hospital since its doors first opened in 2003 and actively participates in the multicultural festivals of their diverse staff.

Emerging Technology: Foreseeson Technology Inc.
Recipient: S. U. Moon

In October 1994, S.U. Moon arrived in Canada with a dream of establishing himself in a new country. His initial years in Canada were not easy due to language and culture issues even though he had good work experience from Korea. Like most new immigrants, his solution in the face of adversity was to “work harder”. In 2001, he started a new business selling small electronics parts and eventually expanded to High Technology manufacturing lines with fully equipped SMT machines. In response to customer’s needs, Foreseeson expanded into a turn-key manufacturing operation. A new implementation plan was launched and the enthusiasm of his employees’ led to a high level of customer satisfaction, which in turn helped to grow the business. To become a total solution provider for customers, Foreseeson started to develop its own technologies including small industrial micro processor boards, renovated card readers and a product that is gaining great recognition in the Photo Kiosk industry. The company’s business success can be attributed to the long term business relationship developed with customers as well as the relationship S.U. Moon has developed with his employees. They will continue with their efforts to develop their own technologies in response to customer needs. The support from customers, employees, government and the community has been tremendous. Trusting and believing are keys to keeping the company in operation, and the inspiration derived from his faith in God, Family and Friends, will continue to guide S.U. Moon and Foreseeson Technology Inc.