Louis Maroun was born and raised in Sydney, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Brunswick and is a Fellow ofthe Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. One of the most proficient…
Brian D. MacLeod was born in the small town of Cleveland, Richmond County, Cape Breton. He went on to graduate from Mount Allison University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in philosophy and psychology.…
Beverly Mascoll, was born in Fall River, NS on October 29, 1941. Her parents, Arthur and Gwendolyn Ash moved the family to Toronto in the 1950s marking the beginning of Beverly’s transformative journey. After graduating…
Earl E. Casey was born into a family with a legacy of entrepreneurship and began his own journey at a young age. Working alongside his father in their family business, in Amherst, Nova Scotia, he…
Rustum Southwell is best known as the founding CEO of the Black Business Initiative (BBI). Originally from Saint Kitts, Southwell arrived in Halifax in 1972 and has been contributing to Nova Scotia’s business landscape ever…
Mandy Rennehan was born and raised in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and came from very humble beginnings. The daughter of a lobster fisherman, her family of six faced many challenges including growing up in a community…
Don Mills is currently the President of Crane Cove Holdings Limited, his family investment firm, a partner and Director with CABCO Communications, an IT infrastructure company and Total Marketing & Communications, a Bermuda-based company he…
John W. Chisholm was born in Antigonish on January 5th, 1946. John co-founded with his father Nova Construction, one of the largest road building companies east of Quebec. When it came to the business of…
A ground-breaking African Nova Scotian entrepreneur who built a new market in an emerging field with three successful verticals. Canadians know Viola as a civil rights leader, but her accomplishments also include her enterprises, and…
Micco Companies is a family owned and run business that oversees a portfolio of companies operating in land development, rental, retail, hospitality, fitness, warehousing, logistics and the beverage and alcohol industries. Mickey is a devoted…
Situated in rural Nova Scotia, the Bragg Group of Companies includes Oxford Frozen Foods, Eastlink, and Inland Technologies. David’s leadership talent has been applied to everything from the farming of wild blueberries, to full-service communications,…
A.F. Theriault & Son Ltd is the oldest and largest privately owned shipyard in Nova Scotia. The sons of Gus and Elizabeth Theriault, have built on their father’s legacy by continually innovating, updating and adapting…
Joe Ramia began his career in the furniture business in 1974. With his brother Tony, he opened Worldwide Furniture, establishing both Gallery 1 and a Halifax franchise of Ashley Furniture Home Store. Joe has become…
Stephanie and Maurizio Bertossi opened their first Italian restaurant in Dartmouth in 1984. Together, they have been a business power-couple who have owned and operated more than 10 award-winning restaurants; shaping the landscape of dining…
In 1962, Jack began his career at Municipal Spraying and Contracting after finishing his Mechanical Engineering degree from DalTech. He built Ocean Contractors Limited, which specializes in asphalt and ready-mix concrete. Jack retired in 2014,…
Rob began his entrepreneurial career in auto-related industries. Beginning in 1990, Rob built the Steele Auto Group, into the largest and most diversified auto group in Atlantic Canada. In 2001, the Board asked Rob to…
Diane Campbell is President and CEO of Berkeley Holdings Limited, operator of four retirement residences in Halifax. Diane was admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar in 1968 and practiced law with Daley Black Moreira &…
Stu began his career in 1976 when he purchased Eastern Cablevison. In 1985, Stu partnered with John Bragg to purchase Halifax Cable. After the sale of his cable interests in 1995, Stu furthered his investment…
Chris began his career with Nova Scotia Power in 1980. He was made Chief Operating Officer of Emera and Nova Scotia Power in July 2003 and President and Chief Executive Officer of Emera in 2004.…
Jim was appointed President of ABCO Industries in 1984. Jim is also founding President of ABCO Group Limited (1987), West Nova Fuels (1987) and Nova Wood Products (1992). Jim is a Director and founding partner…
A leading light in Canadian film and television for more than 30 years, Michael Donovan has stood out as a bold innovator and visionary. Michael is a serial entrepreneur, content creator and Academy Award® winning…
David Read began a 30-year career as a McDonald’s franchisee with one store. He was a skilled operator and a shrewd investor and became the second largest McDonald’s franchisee in Canada with over 1,000 employees…
George Caines joined Stewart McKelvey in 1961. George served as managing partner of the firm from 1991-2003 when the firm experienced a time of tremendous growth. One of George’s great strengths is filling the role…
Pete Luckett grew from a single retail outlet in New Brunswick in 1982 to one of Atlantic Canada’s best known and loved brands Pete’s Frootique. In 2011, Pete launched Luckett Vineyards, located in the hillsides…
Colin E. MacDonald is Chairman and co-founder of Clearwater Seafoods Incorporated and co-owner and director of Clearwater Fine Foods Inc. Colin is frequently acknowledged for his community involvement and industry leadership. His extensive career has…
Michael Duck invented the first portion-controlled cream dispenser, an invention with today has become the industry standard for the largest restaurant chains throughout North America. SureShot Solutions helps customers drive revenue by expanding available condiment…
The Deveaus’ company, Acadian Seaplants, is a centre of excellence, winning numerous awards for technology, environmental stewardship and innovation. Acadian Seaplants’ employees over 300 employees in 8 countries and over 500 seasonal harvesters, exporting products…
Henry Demone is the tenured CEO and Chairman of High Liner Foods, North America’s leading value-added seafood company with a track record of profitable growth and innovation. He has received numerous awards during his career,…
Robert Risley is the entrepreneurial giant behind RCR Hospitality Group which operates a myriad of well-known local eateries and is the leading professional, full-service, high-end catering company in Halifax. Robert is also the owner of…
The O’Regans have been leaders in the automotive industry, going back the Model T Ford days. The brothers built O’Regan’s Automotive Group into one of Canada’s largest automotive organizations, including numerous new car franchises, as…
W.J. and H.O. brought the luxury of sophisticated European style to Nova Scotians at their shop on Spring Garden Road. Together the two made an unstoppable team driven by dedication and an understanding that uncompromised…
Steve’s story began in 1975, when he and his brother started selling wood stoves out of their parents’ garage. What began as an entrepreneur’s dream grew to be one of the largest building supply companies…
With passion for flying and this region, Joe has been a leader for the airline industry over his entire career. He navigated the ever-changing airline world to build Jazz Aviation into Canada’s second largest airline…
Chief Terrance Paul’s extraordinary passion and vision led Membertou First Nation in being recognized as one of the most progressive Indigenous communities in Canada. Under his leadership, Membertou became the first Indigenous government in the…
Ben McCrea was a visionary entrepreneur, conservationist and environmentalist who changed the landscape of Nova Scotia. His Passion for development and heritage preservation is reflected in the quality and design of his work that can…
C.J. and Bill Morrow are credited for building Nova Scotia’s fishing industry. Their combined ambition and business skills positioned High Liner Foods as a North American market leader in prepared frozen seafoods.
Bob Kelly is considered one of the most prominent Canadians in global banking. Kelly dedicated to his hometown community, Halifax, where he is committed to the value of education.
Richard and Sharon Calder built Charm Diamond Centres to become the largest independently owned Canadian jewelry company. They attribute this success to their passion for the business and to their extensive community support.
Rose Schwartz is remembered as a successful businesswoman who owned and operated Cape Breton-based Schwartz & Company Ltd. The Rose Schwartz Park in New Waterford was named in her memory.
As president of The Home Depot Canada, Verschuren oversaw the company’s rapid growth from 19 to more than 180 stores, including several in Nova Scotia. Verschuren began her career in Cape Breton and always remained…
A lifelong entrepreneur, Ritchie’s impressive career saw him lead numerous high-profile corporations and organizations in Nova Scotia. He has also donated his time and expertise to the community through his work with Symphony Nova Scotia,…
As president of Advocate Printing and Publishing, Murray successfully grew the company to become the region’s leading-edge print facility. In his community, he offered leadership and resources, contributing to community and economic development, culture, recreation,…
As President of MacPhee Pontiac Buick GMC Ltd. and owner of several auto dealerships, MacPhee set the benchmark for business excellence in the automotive industry. A Contributor to numerous community organizations both personally and through…
As Chairman and CEO of The Centennial Group, Medjuck was a leader in the evolution of Halifax’s architectural façade. Equally passionate about the continued enrichment of the community, Medjuck has led and actively participated in…
While best known for spearheading the development of the Burnside Industrial Park, the former mayor and chair of the Business Development Corporation, he led Darmouth through a period of exceptional growth. Named to the Order…
Wadih Fares has led his team at WM Fares Group to the successful completion of major hospitality, residential and commercial development projects throughout the Maritimes, Ontario and Alberta. As a Lebanese immigrant, he believes strongly…
Bernardin Comeau took a small fishing boat and turned it into one of Nova Scotia’s largest seafood producers. Dedicated to his Acadian Roots, Comeau was a champion to those of Acadian Heritage, ensuring their culture…
Often called “one of Canada’s most influential communicators,” Steve Parker built a one-person public relations firm into a major group of companies employing hundreds coast-to-coast, and revolutionizing an Atlantic Canadian industry in the process.
Simons Spatz immigrated to Canada in 1950 and built a small grocery store into one of Halifax’s largest apartment companies. Jim Spatz expanded the company throughout Atlantic Canada. Southwest is one of the region’s leading…
An astute and skilled businessman, W.A. Black founded many successful companies including Pickford & Black Ltd and Maritime Life. He was also a successful politician, having served in the Federal Cabinet.
A master entrepreneur and leader, Rob Dexter’s countless business endeavors include building Maritime Travel into Canada’s largest independent travel agency, practicing law at Stewart McKelvey, Chairman of Empire Company Ltd. and director of numerous major…
An entrepreneurial professional engineer with extraordinary leadership skills, Eisenhauer cofounded the Atlantic Bridge Co, Ltd., and later the ABCO Group of Companies. He is also known for being a committed supporter of various research organizations…
Privateer, politician and banker, Collins is best known for building Historic Properties, and founding Nova Scotia’s first bank, Halifax Banking Company, that eventually became Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. When he died, he held the…
As the longest serving publisher in Canada, Dennis is recognized for his vision and commitment to Nova Scotia, and for keeping the Chronicle Herald independently-owned and operated by Nova Scotians for Nova Scotians.
A principal builder of the first regional law firm, Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales, Mingo also lent many national boardrooms his insight and wisdom through his countless directorships.
R.B. Cameron made a significant contribution to the industrial development of Nova Scotia through his leadership with Maritime Steel and Foundries Limited. He was an avid supporter of health and education in Nova Scotia.
Entrepreneur, leader and visionary, Keating pioneered the cable television industry in Nova Scotia and founded Access Communications Inc. Dedicated to improving his community, Keating remains highly regarded for his generous philanthropic activities.
Construction industry pioneer, business counselor and founder of J.W. Lindsay Enterprises Ltd., one of the region’s largest general contracting firms. Lindsay’s most notable developments, Purdy’s Wharf and the Burnside Industrial Park, have transformed the face…
Altruistic community leader and the fourth-generation president of Stanfield’s Limited, a renowned Truro-based specialty-clothing manufacturer. He expanded the company’s product line, establishing it as one of Canada’s leading and innovative producers of high quality garments.
A kind-hearted entrepreneur, Schwartz led more than 30 companies during his long career, and tirelessly served the local and international community.
Sawmill industry leader and innovator, Erskine founded MacTara Limited, one of the largest single-site sawmills in Atlantic Canada and one of the most technologically advanced and environmentally-friendly in the world.
While best known for the beer that bears his name, Keith was a committed entrepreneur, civic leader and philanthropist.
Generous community leader and executive of The Shaw Group Limited, he led the family business to become one of Eastern Canada’s leading natural resource manufacturers and community developers.
National energy pioneer and philanthropist, he founded Westburne International Industries Ltd., one of Canada’s largest drilling, electrical, plumbing and oilfield supply companies.
Recognized from the boardrooms of Toronto to the orchards of Gaspereau Valley as a great entrepreneur, he founded the Scotia Investments Group of Companies, which grew to encompass numerous separate business entities.
A life-long builder, he founded the Stevens Group of Companies, which gained international acclaim for its quality and unique construction designs.
Internationally renowned for this work in geo-technology and related earth sciences, he founded Jacques Whitford Group, one of the largest firms of its kind in Canada.
Admired as a hero of the Second World War and an Atlantic Canadian legal pioneer, he was widely regarded as both a businessman and an exceptionally astute businessman’s lawyer.
Craig was instrumental in the building of Atlantic Tractors & Equipment Ltd. He was a leading patron of the arts in Nova Scotia.
These three brothers took their father’s successful businesses and transformed them into a national, publicly traded, multi-dimensional business conglomerate.
Best known for the revitalization of his family’s brewing business in the 1920’s. The foundation he built was key to the Oland’s long-term success.
Since co-founding Clearwater Fine Foods in 1976, Risley’s determination and hard work has grown a two-person business into one of the most diversified seafood harvesting, processing and distribution companies in the industry.
Smithers’ visionary leadership and extraordinary optimism helped launch the Nova Scotia oil industry and create Secunda Marine Services Limited, an international vessel operator, respected around the world.
Beginning in 1913 with a small Ford dealership, he built one of the region’s largest business empires. His legacy lives on with numerous organizations receiving support each year from the Fred C. Manning Charitable Trust.
Founder of I.M.P Group International, his company has grown globally from its marine supply foundation into aerospace, aviation, industrial supply, petroleum, distribution, medical supplies and hotels.
Founder of Newfoundland Capital Corporation Limited, his business intelligence and entrepreneurial spirit were key to his success in communications and transportation industries in Atlantic Canada.
An industrialist financier and philanthropist, Eaton founded the Pugwash conferences on nuclear disarmament, which won the Nobel Peace Prize for its influential works.
He spent most of his career as a lawyer and senior partner with Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt, and then as Chairman of Imasco and Canada Trust where he built a reputation as one of Canada’s…
Shannon built his Atlantic Corporation from a small-town business to a giant in North American, by nurturing many notable enterprises to success. Shannon is known for his sharp business acumen and skills as a shrewd…
World-renowned for his Cunard shipping line, he is also credited with revitalizing Nova Scotia’s whaling industry, developing a timber business and instituting an innovative overland mail connection to Quebec.
Well-known as a major force in guiding industries through significant change, Day was knighted in 1989 as a lasting testimony to the value of his work.
The seventh generation of Wilsons to take the helm of the family business, they expanded Wilson Fuel Limited through the home heating business and by becoming one of the first independent gasoline retailers and suppliers…
As co-founder, Joyce established Tim Horton’s as the largest chain of coffee shops in the country and founded Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation, which offers camping experiences for underprivileged children
Financier and industry builder, Killiam founded many Canadian companies during his career. His Primary legacies are the IWK/Grace Health Centre and Killam Library in Halifax and Killam trusts in universities across Canada.
Under his leadership as President and CEO, Scotsburn Dairy Group grew significantly. He also served as Chairman of the National Dairy Council and the Director of the Canadian Manufacturer’s Association.
Born in 1904 and admitted to the bar in 1926. Founding partner of McInnes Cooper & Robertson, he made his career in law, business, finance, and public service for more than sixty-five years.
Founders of Edwards Fine Food, they brought the first Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchise to Atlantic Canada. They also created the Edwards Family Charitable Foundation to continue their philanthropic activities.
Co-founder and owner of Capitol Stores Limited and Valu-Fair Health and Beauty Aids, Newman also added restaurateur and real estate developer to his list of achievements.
Publisher of the Chronicle Herald and the Mail Star, Dennis also served in the Senate of Canada, spearheaded the Canadian tourism industry, and championed many civic causes.
Well-known for her involvement with national and local Chambers of Commerce, her entrepreneurial ventures began in the electronics industry and expanded into manufacturing, fishing and retail. She is a celebrated francophone community leader.
Under his leadership, the internationally successful Scotia Investment Group of Companies experienced substantial growth and diversification during the 1970s and 1980s.
Through his belief in people, Shaw was able to turn a small brick plant into a major maritime building materials company. Also, his role as President of the Canadian YMCA further confirmed his belief in…
In 1939, he founded H.R Doane & Company, which became one of Canada’s largest accounting firms and the only major firm with Nova Scotian roots.
After founding Oxford Frozen Foods in 1968, he continues his success with the creation of nine affiliated companies, including Bragg communications, where he became a pioneer cable television operator in Nova Scotia.
From its foundation in 1946, Sobeys supermarket chain has grown to include wholesale distribution, food service, drug stores, distribution centres and real estate holdings.
A respected retailer known for his community participation, Webber founded the Miner’s Museum in Glace Bay and was key in establishing the Cape Breton Tourism Association and the University College of Cape Breton.
A matriarch of the brewing industry.