I didn’t exactly follow the typical path.  I squeaked through high school and went right to work for a young company started by my father.  Dad was offered an attractive opportunity that would have a huge impact on his ability to retire comfortably (small businesses typically don’t/can’t offer pensions) and my younger brother took his place.  We continue to grow the company.  I took the odd classes at WLU and managed to obtain a diploma in Business Administration.  When I sold the companies I did some consulting work and enrolled in the Queen’s University new National Executive MBA program.  While is was a marvelous education it still didn’t match the one I obtained at the University of Hard Knocks.

What is your favourite course to teach?

Entrepreneurship!  Several reasons include:

• It to be unparalleled in importance (social, cultural, economic);
• This field is evolving and new theory and practice is constantly unfolding;
• I have lots of good stories to share;
• Students seem to share in the enjoyment of this course.
• UW is the epicenter for entrepreneurial activity. 
• I have a chance to affect career choices.  I am delighted when students suggest my course has altered (positively) their thinking.

Teaching entrepreneurship has extended to economic development workshops across Canada.  This is rewarding because I can influence a group of professionals who CAN make a difference in their community.  At the heart of entrepreneurship is creativity and Canada is sadly missing many opportunities because we lack ‘imagination capital’.  Economic Development agencies can have a profound effect on this… my job is to stimulate this renewed commitment to creativity in schools, the workplace, government etc.

What are your research or special interests?

I continue to work with ‘aspiring’ entrepreneurs.  I feed off their enthusiasm and desire to become ‘disruptive’ in an industry. 

Family business remains a passion.  Part of my past includes a large dose of family enterprise exposure.  My thesis work focused on one aspect of family business and the family.

Strategy is also something I truly enjoy.  This remains at the core of all enterprise and strategic redesigns are comparable to rewriting a firm’s DNA.

What impression do you receive from Waterloo students?

I have had the privilege of providing instruction at numerous institutions across this fine province and abroad.  Waterloo students are a remarkable group.  The diversity, the work ethic and the unique experience that is UW creates a highly capable individual.  The spirit of ‘can do’ resonates in each student irrespective of faculty.  I see young champions who are much more than students.  Many are involved in organizations or charities, growing and contributing simultaneously.  I know that I am sharing a classroom with future leaders.  They expect a great deal, but so do I.  On both accounts I believe the expectations are realized. 

How is entrepreneurialship embedded in the Arts? 

Contrary to popular opinion, Arts are the soul of entrepreneurship.  There is a lack of meaning and purpose without the arts.  The Blackberry, Facebook, Google all appear to be technology based instruments.  Without the arts they are empty experiences void of any meaning.  Each relies heavily on the application of arts in order to have meaning.  Communications and languages, anthropology, economics and sociology are just a few of the necessary subjects that are fundamental ingredients in the success of these innovations.

Before we can be makers of things we must be creators and innovators.  Throughout history the creators are firstly artists and secondly crafters of opportunity.