2016 OTTAWA’S
MARKET LEADERS
“The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.” — Vince Lombardi
Co-founders Jamie Meldrum, left, and Michael Horne.
OTTAWA’S MARKET LEADERS LEADING STRONGER, AIMING HIGHER
ACCENT GROUP AMSTEAD CONSTRUCTION BOMA OTTAWA CROWE BKG LLP DICA ELECTRONICS EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS MELDRUM HORNE & ASSOCIATES OBJ 360 PERFORMANCE PLUS REHABILITATIVE CARE RAYMOND CHABOT GRANT THORTON SEARIDGE TECHNOLOGIES
June 6, 2016 Special Supplement to the
2016 OTTAWA’S
MARKET LEADERS
“There is only one boss. The customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.” —Sam Walton
Co-founders Jamie Meldrum, left, and Michael Horne.
Invest in the present, plan for the future
Page 2 • obj.ca • Monday, June 6, 2016
The pension and benefits strategy that gives your business the upper hand Can your business survive the unexpected loss of a founder/owner? Are you providing your team with a robust pension and benefit plan that will help you to attract and retain top talent? These are not questions just for big companies. Even small businesses have to plan for their future and invest in their present operations if they want to enjoy long-term success. Jamie Meldrum, Michael Horne and their team at Meldrum Horne & Associates know from firsthand experience the importance of planning for the unexpected. Some years ago, co-founder Jamie Meldrum’s father, a partner in the business, passed away. This forced a sudden transition in ownership. Thanks to their own planning, Meldrum Horne & Associates was actually able to grow through the transition. “We have lived through the challenges our clients face and know what can happen if a business doesn’t have a contingency plan,” Meldrum said. “We understand what it takes to ensure a business can continue to grow during and after a transition.” Meldrum Horne works with small- to medium-sized enterprises to ensure they have a sound succession strategy in place. This involves developing and managing employee benefit and pension/retirement programs, executive
compensation programs, and individual retirement and estate planning.
AN EXTENSION OF YOUR BUSINESS
In an industry largely split between large financial services companies and one man shops, Meldrum Horne is that rare mid-sized service provider. Its team offers a combination of personal service and access to a broad portfolio of products and services, tailored to fit the needs of a small or growing business. “When we are negotiating for you, we are personally invested,” said Horne. “We approach discussions about rates as if it’s our money.” Meldrum and Horne have each been in the business for 16 years. They were mentored by two of the leading names in the local market. Today, they continue to design and scale their services based on feedback from their clients and the best of what the industry has to offer. “We feel we have the best service model,” said Horne. “Our people work as an extension of a client’s HR department. We’re changing the game by putting ourselves in a position where were can add true value to a client’s pension and benefits administration.”
they can help nurture the next generation of financial professionals. With baby boomers retiring in droves and regulatory changes coming down the pipe, like the expected implementation of the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan for 2018, Meldrum and Horne are always keeping an eye on what’s next on behalf of their clients. “There is so much information available,” said Meldrum. “The value we provide is the advice and counsel on how best to interpret all that information and use it to your advantage. We’re here for the long haul. Our joke with our clients is you’re stuck with us for a long time.”
LEARN MORE
To learn more about how Meldrum Horne & Associates can help your business plan for the future and thrive in the present, please visit www.meldrumhorne.com or call 613-233-9105.
ALWAYS ON TOP OF WHAT’S NEXT
These OBJ Forty under 40 alumni are also blazing a new trail in an industry where the average age of a financial advisor is almost 60. They are active with ADVOCIS and other industry and local business organizations where
www.meldrumhorne.com
“It’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen.” — Scott Belsky
2016 OTTAWA’S
MARKET LEADERS
DICA recently completed its third expansion and now has 22,500 square feet of capacity to meet the demands of OEMs across the National Capital Region.
The local manufacturing partner you can trust 33 years and still going strong – DICA Electronics grows again
that degree of flexibility and service.” DICA has long focused on helping early-stage companies develop and prototype products on a lean budget. Its New Product Introduction (NPI) capability helps startup ventures qualify and validate an idea. Compared to larger manufacturers, DICA also doesn’t impose a heavy financial burden upfront that can become a barrier to commercialization. For more information on the advantages of dealing with a local manufacturing partner, please visit www.dica.ca or call 613-257-5379.
TESTIMONIAL
“DICA has provided contract manufacturing and supply chain management services to us for nearly a decade and does not disappoint. DICA delivers a competitive edge in terms of quality, responsiveness, and cost and has evolved as a valued partner in our product delivery.” - Cam Creech, Operations Manager, Pleora Technologies Inc.
www.dica.ca
obj.ca • Monday, June 6, 2016 • Page 3
The key to success with bringing great technology to market is trusted relationships between like-minded partners across the supply chain. It’s been the guiding principle at DICA Electronics Ltd. since 1983. This local, mid-sized contract electronics manufacturer recently completed its third expansion. With 22,500 square feet of capacity, DICA has the breathing room to optimize its operations and accommodate fresh demand from mid-sized original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) from across the National Capital Region. “Our strategy over the past five or seven years has been to diversify and attract other mid-sized OEMs,” said President Spencer Grabe. “Demand for a local manufacturing option remains strong. Smart supply chain specialists realize that geographic proximity is a bigger deal than it seems when it comes to the complex manufacturing processes of printed circuit board (PCB) assembly.” Fifteen years ago, DICA focused almost entirely on traditional PCB work. These days, it’s expanded with a surface mount technology line dedicated to prototyping services, as well as mechanical assembly services. It’s become the norm to complete, test, assemble and retail package
products for customers before they ship out. “We’ve always felt that OEMs need to choose like-sized contract manufacturers in order to establish a strong partnership, otherwise a larger OEM may flood a small shop with too much business,” Grabe said. “Conversely, a small customer can’t get anyone to return their calls because they barely register on a bigger shop’s radar.” DICA’s reputation for quality and service excellence has allowed it to carve a niche against large multinationals and weather market cycles that have driven many would-be competitors out of business. “We’ve been very careful not to bite off more than we can chew with any one account so that we avoid the same pitfalls,” Grabe said. “Having a diverse and strong customer base along with a select stable of startups as clients is the best way for a contract manufacturer to succeed longterm.” The days when tech companies thought “if it’s local, how can it be any good?” are long gone. In fact, most of DICA’s customers are high-mix, medium volume – they need a high degree of interaction and flexibility with their manufacturing partner that they just can’t get working with an offshore entity. “Some of our inventory programs, coupled with our daily delivery run throughout the city, can result in a ‘Just In Time’ inventory program that our customers love,” Grabe said. “It’s almost impossible for off-shore manufacturers to offer
2016 OTTAWA’S
MARKET LEADERS
“It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop.” — Confucius
The Ottawa Accent Group team is always ready to give the personal service you need. PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON
Make your brand stand out
Page 4 • obj.ca • Monday, June 6, 2016
Accent Group takes promotional products to a new level What could your customers and prospects walk away with that would make the greatest impression about your brand, and your products or services? The local team at Accent Group specialize in helping clients come up with lasting, unique and impactful items to support any organization’s marketing and communications strategy. This isn’t some faceless web-based supplier with only limited options, but a local team committed to creating authentic and standout promotional materials. “Our clients can talk to us, face to face,” said Candice Holland, Accent Group’s Ottawa Marketing Manager. “Our focus is on quality, customization and outstanding client service – that’s what sets us apart.” Quality doesn’t have to come with a high price. Accent Group has strong supply-chain relationships that translate into significant value for clients, as well as reliable quick turnaround for rush orders. It has offices in Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Philadelphia. So what do you need? A flash drive in the shape of your signature product, or a customized set of headphones? How about a ping-pong or foosball table for special events? Accent Group does it all, right down to custom print jobs and those ubiquitous pens and notepads. It is one of a few authorized suppliers of Under Armour
products. And if your organization is concerned about its environmental footprint, Accent Group provides quality eco products it has researched to ensure they meet your standards. “We really do have the capability to fully customize products,” Holland said. “Like the Canon camera USB flash drive we did recently.” Accent Group also provides event management services that include all coordination and planning. All this is backed up by a 100-per-cent product satisfaction guarantee. “We put people first – our people, as well as our clients,” Holland said. “We have a great work environment that makes for a happy and creative team. The result is a strong work ethic and commitment to service that translates into a fantastic customer experience.” To learn more about how Accent Group can help your organization make informed purchasing decisions to support its marketing and communications objectives, please visit http:// accent-group.ca/ or call 613-707-2948.
offerings that complement our company’s product lines.” - Mark Walters, Global NPI Manager – Manufacturing, Corel Corporation “We have used Accent Group for visibility products for our organization. Suggestions, pricing and service were excellent. I would have no hesitation in recommending Guy Magee and Accent to industry colleagues.” - Andrew Gize, Corporate Services Officer, The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada “Accent Group has been superb, ultimately building with our company, customer loyalty and increasing personal value. The staff at Accent have proven their expertise in quality work and friendliness. They demonstrate a very quick response to all our requests and go above and beyond to help.” - Elaine Azulay, Senior Admin. Assistant, Senior, Defense Solutions Division, Curtiss-Wright
TESTIMONIALS
“Accent has done a fantastic job sourcing promotional materials for our company over the past eight years. They continually exceed our expectations with their outstanding customer service and ability to consistently deliver top-ofthe-line promotional products at competitive prices. They understand our business and are always quick to demonstrate new product
Complete Marketing Supplier
www.accent-group.ca
“The biggest risk is not taking any risk... In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” — Mark Zuckerberg
2016 OTTAWA’S
MARKET LEADERS
Left to right: Marco Perron, CEO & Partner / RCGT Consulting Inc., Joseph Carpinone, Senior Director / Internal Audit Practice Lead, Richard Yeghiayan, Executive Director / Assurance and Advisory Services, Charles Segal, Director Data-Analytics and IT services.
Fastest growing consulting firm in Ottawa? RCGT Consulting – Yes they can! In 2011, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton decided to open a “new” public sector practice in Ottawa – RCGT Consulting. Could this small team become a leading public sector consulting firm in Canada’s top government town? Yes, it could. The Ottawa office has since grown from three to more than 50 employees, as well as independents currently working at various client sites who represent over 30 full-time equivalents. How has RCGT Consulting grown so fast? Just ask CEO Marco Perron: “When we started, we positioned ourselves as the ideal mix of a large and a small firm,” he said. “RCGT Consulting can lever and mobilize its network (Grant Thornton & RCGT being the fifth largest accounting firm in Canada) and bring all the horsepower of a large firm to our clients as needed, while still being nimble and flexible.” Marco and his team can act on a client’s behalf without being reliant on head office approvals from Somewhere Else. They can also easily partner with other service providers or independents to bring the best team to the client – not just the best “internally available” team.
THE POWER TO ACT
internal audit and other advisory services, please call 613-760-3500 or visit www.rcgt.com/en/industriessegments/rcgt-consulting-inc
SO, IS RCGT THE FASTEST GROWING FIRM IN OTTAWA?
“I chose to work at RCGT as it represents a growing organization ready to take on the fastpaced and expanding field of Risk Management and IT/Cyber-Security.” ‑ Tyler Moule, Director, Cyber‑Security and Privacy
This question is hard to answer but it has certainly been in high growth mode for the last five years. “The only limit to our growth is our ability to attract and retain great talent,” Marco said. “We’re always looking for talented people. In fact, we’ve already attracted professionals from Toronto, Montreal and the Maritimes to come work with us in Ottawa.” To learn more about how Marco and his team can help your public or para-public organization with
TEAM TESTIMONIALS
“I joined RCGT because it’s where people come first. They value individual contributions, provide opportunities, and empower and engage one and all so we can all rise to our full potential.” ‑ Priya Sudhir, Director, Internal Audit “RCGT has the right combination of an established reputable name within an entrepreneurial environment. It recognizes that analytics and big data are key disruptive innovations and I am able to offer these capabilities to my clients.” ‑ Charles Segal, Director, Data Analytics and IT services
www.rcgt.com/en/
obj.ca • Monday, June 6, 2016 • Page 5
“I can actually sit in a room with someone and sign a contract on the spot,” said Marco. “If our competition is subject to decision-making that’s outside Ottawa, how much authority do they really have to make local and timely decisions?” RCGT Consulting has built on its core strength in internal audit to also offer data analytics, cyber security, change management and even real estate
consulting. Its success with the federal government has opened up new opportunities at the municipal and provincial levels, not just in Ottawa, but across Canada. Innovation in service delivery, a focus on quality, and a positive and fun workplace culture have all fueled RCGT Consulting’s success. “Clients respond to the fact that we are a young and dynamic team and even our most senior professionals are active and hands-on,” Marco said. “The more time you spend face to face with clients, the better you understand them and can serve their needs. Everyone who works here has that go-getter ‘yes we can’ attitude.” These days, RCGT Consulting is spreading out to take over the entire floor at 116 Albert St. Its range of services continues to expand, to offer clients new ways to drive efficiencies and cut costs. The latest is outsourcing services, to free clients of high-volume activities like claims processing.
2016 OTTAWA’S
MARKET LEADERS
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” — Walt Disney
Ottawa partners Robert McNamara, Gary Connolly and Nick Lombardo
A middle-weight with heavy-weight punch
Page 6 • obj.ca • Monday, June 6, 2016
Crowe BGK – a mid-sized accounting firm like no other Last summer, the Kanata office of Crowe BGK LLP managed by Michael McCrann announced a merger with Connolly & McNamara Chartered Accountants. When Connolly & McNamara decided they needed to partner with another firm to up their game, they weighed their options with each one of their clients in mind. Every one of Connolly and McNamara’s existing clients followed them. “That was really remarkable,” Gary Connolly said. “It spoke to the loyalty we’ve built all these years. The same reasons Rob McNamara and I are here are the same reasons we would expect to attract new clients here.” The two teams have integrated well in the months since, bound by a shared culture of professionalism, service excellence and integrity. The new Kanata office has 30 people, with four partners (McCrann, Connolly, McNamara and Nick Lombardo).
NOT YOUR TYPICAL MID-SIZED ACCOUNTING FIRM
Crowe BGK is not your typical mid-sized accounting firm. The firm offers a range of value-added services with a roster of specialists seldom found outside a large national firm. These include: • A mergers and acquisitions division (Crowe BGK Corporate Finance) capable of taking your company to market and negotiating the best price possible. • A US cross-border specialist who manages all aspects of cross-border tax planning and compliance for both personal and corporate. • Crowe BGK GTC Solutions: In-house professionals with a rare combination of expertise in both SR&ED and government funding programs that businesses can access for equipment purchases, marketing programs and new product development just to name a few. • A banking specialist, who helps clients find the best match between their needs and commercial lending from Canada’s chartered banks or the BDC.
• A team of in-direct tax specialists who consult with clients on all matters that are contentious with the Canada Revenue Agency, including voluntary disclosures, commodity taxation, request for relief, etc. • Crowe BGK Seniors Advisory Group: Elder care specialists, for clients who have elderly relatives and need help to manage their financial affairs. “We have one of the broadest ranges of services available in the market from a mid-sized firm,” Lombardo said. “We work with everyone from early-stage startups to multinationals with $500-million in annual revenues.”
THE UNIQUE ALTERNATIVE TO THE BIG FOUR
Crowe BGK focuses where it matters most to a growing business with its eye fixed on the bottom line – price and personal attention. With most big firms, senior partners sign clients, then pass the work over to a parade of junior people. Clients rarely have direct access to the senior experience they are paying for, nor is there any continuity on their file with the same trusted face. At Crowe BGK, a two-person team approach
“Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” — Winston Churchill
is taken with every file. One half of that team is always a partner who is fully accessible to the client. “We’ve had clients who have moved over to us from a bigger firm and they’re surprised when we show up for their AGM,” said Connolly. “They’re even more surprised when we show up for the next one. Our response is ‘where else would we be?’ They really appreciate that.” The partners never hesitate to answer the phone. They respect the fact that, if a client calls, it’s because they’ve exhausted their own resources and need professional input and advice. “That’s not something we track time and bill for, we want clients to call us, and we want to be involved,” said Connolly. “We always tell clients, ‘call when you want’ we will have those conversations. If it turns into a project, then we’ll
2016 OTTAWA’S
MARKET LEADERS
scope it out and put a budget to it.”
A LOCAL PRESENCE WITH A GLOBAL REACH
Crowe BGK Ottawa is an extension of the Montreal office (founded in 1950) which has 110 staff and 16 partners. Crowe BGK is part of Crowe Horwath International – ranked as one of the world’s top 10 accounting networks. It includes over 200 independent accounting and advisory services firms in over 130 countries. That gives the Ottawa team access to a global network of vetted partners, to support clients just about anywhere in the world their business or personal needs may take them. “When clients leave Ottawa, we always stay in touch and, thanks to the Crowe Horwath network, we can usually introduce them to
TESTIMONIALS “Crowe BGK has been our accountant and auditor for many years. For the last number of years, partner Michael McCrann has been our main point of contact. Through Michael and his team, we get exceptional service. Work is done well and on a timely basis which is an absolute must in our business. Moreover, Crowe BGK uses a value-added approach to its provision of services. The Crowe team definitely can think outside the box. And there is a full complement of specialists who can deal with any issue that may arise.” - Lawrence Weinstein, Board of Directors, Urbandale Corp. “I started working with Len Cogan and Nick Lombardo in the early ‘90s when the firm was called Cogan & Associates. At that time, Westboro Flooring & Decor employed about 20 staff. We didn’t have the structure or the systems to grow in a controlled manner. Using Len and Nick’s expertise, we were able to build a financial control model which resulted in a strong
someone in their local market when they need help,” McNamara said.
ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR GREAT CLIENTS, AND GREAT STAFF
Crowe BGK’s office is always growing. “As we’re trying to attract new clients, we’re always trying to attract new staff,” McCrann said. “We have a growing roster of young professionals. Part of our job as partners is to mentor them into our roles.” To learn more about how Crowe BGK can help drive your business forward, or to learn about career opportunities at a dynamic accounting firm, please visit www.crowebgk.com or call (613) 836-8228.
company with over 60 full-time employees. With the addition of the Crowe BGK team, we now tap into their expanded services as we grow our business ventures. Nick and his team at Crowe BGK provide me with good advice and understand our business. This provides tremendous value to me.” - Steven Kimmel, President, Westboro Flooring & Decor “Robert McNamara and his team have taken care of the Lauzon Music account for almost 10 years. Crowe BGK has helped us modernize and streamline our internal control methods and provided accounting and business advice towards the financial success of the company. We have enjoyed significant growth in our guitar division in recent years and I believe Crowe BGK’s contribution as competent accounting professionals is directly linked to it. As the second-generation owner of a local family business with 71 years of history, I like to focus my time and energy on the healthy growth of the company. I take comfort in the knowledge that Crowe BGK is taking good care of the financial details involved in the smooth operation of the business.” - Ken Lauzon, President, Lauzon Music “As a small business owner, it was recommended we engage a reputable accounting firm to establish assurance services for our financial reporting obligations. Our Credit facilities provided us with local company names and after extensive review, Crowe BGK was selected because of their vast depth of knowledge and service offering. We felt comfortable with the team and its experience within the industry. Seven years later we continue as a profitable organization, expanding our service relationship with Gary Connolly and the Crowe team in Assurance, Tax advisory, Corporate Financing and Government Incentive Programs. The partnership between our companies is strong, the management and client services within Crowe BGK are there to support you. Your calls do not go unanswered. We are extremely fortunate that someone else cares about our success.” - Jim Burke, President, Lloyd Douglas Solutions Inc
re s
s,
www.crowebgk.com Ottawa Managing Partner Michael McCrann
TM obj.ca • Monday, June 6, 2016 • Page 7
Crowe BGK
a
2016 OTTAWA’S
MARKET LEADERS
“I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.” — Thomas Jefferson
Don’t expect the cookie cutter approach from this crew Amsted Design-Build: A community builder in more ways than one Why should you trust your home, whether it be for a renovation, custom build, or any small upgrades and repairs, to the team at Amsted Design-Build? Founder and President Steve Barkhouse will answer that question, but not until he asks a few of his own. “We offer a level of personalized service that’s hard to find in the Ottawa market,” he said. “Every home is unique, every project is unique. First, we need to understand a little about you, your goals and budget, and how busy you are.” Since Barkhouse founded Amsted in 1989, the company has built a sterling reputation across the National Capital Region for premium designbuild services. In fact, it’s the only firm in Ottawa to have been named Renovator of the Year in the same year by both the provincial and local home builders’ associations. Why? It begins with the “Amsted Advantage.” This combination of talented people and proven processes ensures any project, of any size, goes smoothly – from expert design and quality
workmanship, to respecting the need to keep your home clean and organized. “Every recipe is different, but we have all the ingredients,” Barkhouse said. “I’m confident that by the end of each project, we’ve improved the lives of the people who live there.” Among Amsted’s signature projects was Ottawa’s first home renovation to meet the LEED Platinum standard for environmental sustainability on Bristol Avenue. Another was the renovation of a Victorian home in the Glebe. For under $250,000, the Amsted team restored the aging property and updated the main floor with modern living amenities while respecting and preserving its heritage elements.
25 ACTS OF KINDNESS
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Amsted recently carried out more than 25 acts of kindness across the city, in support of local causes, including the Boys & Girls Club of Ottawa, Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group, the Ottawa Food Bank and Ottawa Community Housing. “I’m very proud of the leadership role we take in our industry as a good community builder,” Barkhouse said. “That comes back to my team – they live and breathe that every day.”
To learn more about how you can experience the Amsted Advantage for your new build or renovation project, please visit www.amsted.ca
www.amsted.ca
Make gift-giving a little sweeter
Page 8 • obj.ca • Monday, June 6, 2016
Edible Arrangements on Bank Street celebrates 5th anniversary Nothing makes an impression quite like an artistically created Edible Arrangement, especially if it involves a little chocolate. The premise is simple. Using only the freshest quality fruits and gourmet chocolate, Edible Arrangements creates fruit arrangements that not only wow the eye but tease the taste buds, too. The options are limitless, from the everyday occasion to every special occasion. It’s been a busy five years for co-owners Elaine MacDonald and David Nixon since they first opened their franchise on Bank Street. Their fresh fruit bouquets and chocolate dipped fruit have found their way everywhere from the halls of Parliament, to corporate parties and special occasions, wedding receptions, halfway houses and even visiting royal newlyweds. “This is a great way to thank your employees or your customers,”
said Elaine. “Our arrangements are beautiful, healthy, affordable, and unlike traditional cut flowers, they certainly will not go to waste.” In fact, Edible Arrangements has a corporate gifting program that offers volume discounts. Elaine and David’s efforts have earned the Bank Street location a Franchise of the Year award for Canada. This award is based on business growth, consistent quality of product and top-notch customer service. Quality is everything. “Our excellent team of fruit experts pride themselves on providing a consistent quality product every day,” said David. “Customers tell us that they not only love giving an Edible Arrangement but also receiving one, too.” Edible Arrangements has a very strong community and charitable focus through the Edible Cares initiative. Elaine and Dave support various local causes and donate
Co-owners Elaine MacDonald, Dave Nixon and EA Team.
their excess fruit every week to the Ottawa Food Bank, local charities, shelters and emergency centres. All products are available to order instore, online and by telephone. Same day delivery and pickup is always available. Edible Arrangements Bank Street offers delivery throughout the city. To put a fresh and tasty twist on your gift giving, call 613-237-0100, or to place an order online and see
today’s specials, please visit www. ediblearrangements.ca.
240 Bank St., Unit 101 613-237-0100 www.EdibleArrangements.ca
2016 OTTAWA’S “Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.”
— Chris Grosser
MARKET LEADERS
BOMA Ottawa Executive Director Dean Karakasis (left) with President Dave Cordick. Photo by Mark Holleron.
Wanted: Fresh blood with creative ideas BOMA Ottawa’s new president aims to revitalize industry’s talent pool
BACK TO CLASS
Cordick’s plan for the future begins in the classroom.
“Few people in this industry went to school to be real estate practitioners,” he said. “They came from some other discipline, like accounting, law or political science.” This rather haphazard career path into the industry has it facing a talent shortage. A Building Operator Scoping Study published in 2011 by Environmental Careers Organization Canada found that the average age of a building operator in Canada was 55. In the five years since, no one has gotten any younger. Cordick and the team at BOMA Ottawa is already working to bridge that skills gap and reach into classrooms, even at the high school level, to build awareness about Commercial Real Estate in general and property management specifically as a viable career path. Efforts are underway with other BOMA regional associations, BOMA Canada and local stakeholders to create community college diploma programs. Seminars and continuing education courses are already offered through Algonquin College.
other major cities, its downtown core is adjusting to changes in how big employers operate. The drive toward greater collaboration among staff and new efficiencies have reduced the size of offices by giving more people the flexibility to work remotely. This means big tenants now need less space – that includes the federal government. Meanwhile, a growing stock of older buildings need refurbishment to meet new standards for energy efficiency and sustainability. And a slate of big infrastructure projects – LRT, Lebreton Flats and Zibi – promise to remake Ottawa’s core and attract new residents. “We need to tap into the creativity of the next generation, to develop new opportunities that will attract other industries to Ottawa, and support the growth of small businesses that could become significant employers,” Cordick said. “It’s our job to support Ottawa’s efforts to brand itself as ‘being open for business.’”
TALENT WILL ALWAYS BE IN DEMAND
“There is always going to be a need for all types of skills in the property industry,” Karakasis said. “We need to invest in a cycle of education and ensure the industry has the skills to give Ottawa the modern real estate infrastructure it needs.” A lot is happening in Ottawa these days. Like
www.bomaottawa.org
obj.ca • Monday, June 6, 2016 • Page 9
Property Management, like many industries across Canada, is rapidly turning grey as the baby boomers shift into retirement. That’s a concern for the team at the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Ottawa and the Commercial Real Estate Industry. “A city like Ottawa that doesn’t have a large manufacturing base needs a vibrant commercial real estate industry that is powered by fresh ideas and creative thinking to support its economy,” said Executive Director Dean Karakasis. “It’s the vital supporting infrastructure for our key industries – the public sector, high-tech and tourism.” The key to address these challenges is industry collaboration. BOMA Ottawa, like its counterparts across Canada, relies on the support, input and resources of its members to understand and prepare for what lies over the horizon. For Dave Cordick, Director, Operations at Brookfield Property Partners and current president of BOMA Ottawa, the first and most crucial step to tackle the future is to address the labour challenges of the present. Cordick has been involved in the industry for 32 years. He’s been active with BOMA Ottawa for 25 years and has served on various committees and on the Board of Directors, as well as on the board for the Sparks Street Mall Authority.
2016 OTTAWA’S
MARKET LEADERS
“It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.” — Herman Melville
Looking past disability to find ability PPRC makes the right match between employers, jobseekers with disabilities “If you look past the disability to understand a person’s true capability, the result can be a great employee who is an asset to your organization and your bottom line,” said Linda Simpson of Performance Plus Rehabilitative Care Inc. (PPRC). Take a Sodexo Canada food court operation in Stoney Creek that serves 3,800 hungry office workers each day – 20 per cent of its team are people with disabilities. The best workplace safety record by far is found among this segment of the workforce. Or Shelley Ann Morris, an avid triathlete who works as membership services coordinator at Volunteer Ottawa. She has a vision impairment and Attention Deficit Disorder. Or Nicholas Monaghan, a young person who gained valuable work experience at a Home Hardware store in Orleans.
These and other stories are told through a new YouTube channel from Ottawa’s PPRC. Just search “PPRCOttawa.” “We help employers access a largely untapped pool of talent,” said Simpson. “In the majority of cases, employers don’t have to provide any special accommodation. If they do, it usually costs less than $500.” Simpson and her team have been building bridges between talent and employers for 17 years as a service provider with the Ontario’s Disability Support Program. For jobseekers, that means helping them prepare for every aspect of their job search and integration into a workplace, with an action plan based on the proven methodology of the PPRC Ability Process and the Employment Readiness Scale. For employers, PPRC provides a pool of pre-qualified individuals for their staffing needs, helps with identifying workplace accommodation and even provides training for other staff in proper etiquette when working with someone with a complex disability. In return, employers tap into a
PPRC and its consulting team are here to exceed your expectations.
loyal and hardworking pool of talent that is often highly skilled and well educated. Along the way, they also learn how better to serve clients and customers with disabilities. “The key for all businesses is recognizing the abilities and the benefits of unique talent wherever you find it,” Simpson said.
employment. Visit www.pprc.ca and please subscribe to PPRC’s Youtube channel, by searching “PPRCOttawa” at Youtube.com.
Learn more and subscribe
PPRC is uniquely positioned to help both employers and jobseekers fulfill their goals of inclusive
www.pprc.ca
Market leaders read OBJToday Stay informed about business news that matters most to your organization. • Join the more than 10,000 entrepreneurs, CEOs, and other business professionals receiving OBJToday. • Optimized for smartphones and mobile devices
Page 10 • obj.ca • Monday, June 6, 2016
• Local business news coverage that digs beneath the surface sent directly from our editors and contributors to your inbox every morning • Includes: Ottawa businesses’ profiles, stories, updates, local events, industry expert blogs, and offers and information from our advertising partners
FRESH DESIGN,
same great value
SIGN UP TODAY! It’s FREE, and you can unsubscribe anytime. Visit: objtoday.obj.ca/sign-up
2016 OTTAWA’S
MARKET LEADERS
“The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.” — Colin R. Davis
— SPONSORED CONTENT —
The horsepower your content marketing strategy needs Tell a compelling brand story with OBJ360 TELL YOUR STORY WITH A VETERAN TEAM
Content is king – but do you have the time and expertise to create and deliver a steady stream of crisp and polished material – in print, online and through social media? That’s where the team at the Ottawa Business Journal and Great River Media come in, with OBJ360. “Who better to help you tell a story that will drive new business to your door than a local and respected media brand that has been serving the business community for over 20 years?” said Michael Curran, President of Great River Media and Publisher of the OBJ. “Our team is expert at combining great content with integrated marketing programs, across multiple formats.”
CREATING COMMUNITY DIALOGUE: THE OTTAWA BUSINESS GROWTH SURVEY
Just last week, OBJ, in partnership with the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, Welch LLP and Abacus Data, released the second annual Ottawa Business Growth Survey. This initiative has redefined and dramatically expanded the staid business confidence survey with a multidimensional analysis of local business sentiment, market challenges and expectations, and perspectives on regional economic development and the impact of public policy on the business community. With its partners, OBJ has levered this survey into an annual magazine, a signature breakfast event that draws Ottawa’s community and business leaders, and a video series.
Content marketing by the numbers “The OBJ team was above all else professional and enthusiastic.” — LORI MELLOR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PRESTON STREET BIA
Now, consider what this same team could do for your business, to create an event, publication or other multi-faceted marketing campaign.
GIVING A FACE TO PRESTON STREET: #PEOPLEONPRESTON
This horsepower proved invaluable to Lori Mellor, Executive Director of the Preston Street BIA. Preston Street relies on a steady stream of visitors from outside this vibrant core neighbourhood. It’s a marketing challenge to stand out from big box stores in the ’burbs and convey the area’s unique charms. In 2015, the OBJ team delivered a digital marketing campaign that combined web, search and social media called #PeopleOnPreston. “We liked the concept because it helped distinguish us as family-run, owner-in-store businesses,” Mellor said. “The OBJ team was above all else professional and enthusiastic.
We needed the young minds on its team, their experience with social media, to help us build our own strategy.” The campaign featured portraits of 75 people who live, work and play on Preston Street. Merchants and patrons alike got to tell their own brand stories, in their own words, and explain why Preston Street is a destination in Ottawa like no other. Tens of thousands of people read, Liked, shared, commented and came to the BIA website to learn more.
CAN OBJ360 HELP YOU?
“It was turnkey,” Mellor said. “We just handed over to OBJ all we needed done – social media, newsletters, website – they handled it all for us. When you have a small staff you need to be able to outsource this kind of thing to someone you can trust as a partner. We trust Great River Media – its team delivers 110 per cent.”
94%
WILL DO ONLINE RESEARCH ON YOUR COMPANY
70%
WOULD RATHER FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR COMPANY FROM AN ARTICLE THAN AN AD
10
B2B BUYERS MAY CONSULT AS MANY AS 10 SOURCES BEFORE MAKING A PURCHASE
obj.ca • Monday, June 6, 2016 • Page 11
To learn more about how OBJ360 can drive your business, call 613-238-1818 x268.
It’s no longer enough to just offer a product or service. To draw prospects through your sales process, you need to provide them with valuable content that establishes your thought leadership in your market space. This is content marketing. The goal is to build trust in your name, raise awareness of your brand, and create positive sentiment that will incent consumers to choose your business when they are in the market for the kinds of products or services you offer.
2016 OTTAWA’S
MARKET LEADERS
“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.”— Sun Tzu
Alex Sauriol, (left) Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer and Moodie Cheikh (right), Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Searidge Technologies
Should your company be going global? For Searidge Technologies, the export market was crucial Ottawa’s Searidge Technologies doesn’t claim the often abused title of “world leader” lightly. The company has its technology platform deployed at 30 sites in 16 countries – a claim no other competitor in its space can make. That’s saying a lot, considering Searidge’s chief competitors are multi-billion-dollar systems integrators that otherwise dominate the global aerospace industry. “We talk to prospects about how we can develop for them a creative solution using our proven technology platform, we don’t walk in and try to sell a product – that’s what makes us different,” said CEO and co-founder Moodie Cheikh.
Page 12 • obj.ca • Monday, June 6, 2016
SERVING SOME OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST AIRPORTS
Searidge has staked its claim in the market for airport surface management, by pushing the limits of video-processing technology to give airports and air traffic control organizations reliable “eyes” where they never had them before. Customers use Searidge’s technology platform to remotely monitor, manage and control traffic on the airport surface to improve safety and efficiency. Searidge’s platform has proven to be the answer for the aviation industry’s greatest challenges around growing capacity demands, reduced operating budgets
and availability of air traffic controllers. Searidge’s customers include some of the largest airports in the world – Charles de Gaulle, Dubai Airports, Budapest Airport, Heathrow Airport, Hamad International Airport, Milan Malpensa Airport – as well as major airports across Canada. All of the company’s growth has been organic. “We’ve been profitable for seven years and enjoyed consistent double-digit revenue growth, because we’ve grown responsibly from our cashflow,” Cheikh said.
His advice? Just focus on the basics and use common sense to mitigate your risk – do your due diligence and never give a foreign partner/agent exclusive rights to represent your company in their market. Do your homework, focus on the basics, don’t rush into a business arrangement that can burn you – these principles have helped Searidge grow a thriving export business and secure critical industry partnerships with the likes of Thales and Honeywell.
CANADIAN COMPANIES NEED TO EXPORT
Are you an innovative go-getter eager to work with a stable and growing technology company? Today, Searidge has about 50 staff, concentrated in the Ottawa area, with a few in its European office. It plans to expand its local team by 15 to 20 per cent over the next year “We hire the person first and for the job, second,” Cheikh said. “If you are the type who likes to challenge the status quo and engage in creative thinking, we want to talk to you.” To learn more, visit searidgetech.com/careers/
The key to Searidge’s success was to go global fast without pursuing external sources of funding. It identified and directly pursued primary target markets where the barriers to doing business were relatively low compared to others, and where the team thought the appetite for new technology was high. The next step was to attend trade shows, and look for creative ways to stretch a small travel and marketing budget. Searidge did everything it could to get in front of the right prospects. But Cheikh finds too many Canadian technology companies with export potential fear going abroad. “We have a lot of great companies in Ottawa, I’d really like to see more of them pursue international markets,” he said. “Often times I hear reasons why they can’t go global, but doing nothing can be a bigger risk than the associated risk of trying to grow overseas.”
SEARIDGE IS HIRING
searidgetech.com