2010 Top 10 Business People

This year’s Top 10 Business People represent a number of different occupations and outlooks—some with firm business backgrounds and others with more creative spirits—but all have had their companies and perspectives shaped by life in the Kootenays, and in turn, their businesses reflect the area in which they live and work.

Photo of Carolyn Doyle
Fernie

Carolyn Doyle

The first task of any entrepreneur is to recognize a niche that needs to be filled; the second is to do the job brilliantly.

by Tanya Laing Gahr
Photo of Bruce Robertson
Sparwood

Bruce Robertson

Bruce Robertson is the manager of one of the busiest Kal Tire operations in the province.

by Tanya Laing Gahr
Photo of John Eckland on a balcony
Kaslo

John Eckland

John Eckland is making history new again with the reconstruction of the landmark Kaslo Hotel.

by Tanya Laing Gahr
Photo of three of the owners of Powder Springs Inn
Revelstoke

Jason Roe, Lynsay Roe, Brydon Roe and Emma Kirkland

Brydon Roe, his brother, Jason, Jason’s wife, Lynsay, and her sister, Emma, have built an accommodating business.

by Tanya Laing Gahr
Photo of Cathy and Nico Tsanulas
Golden

Cathy and Nico Tsanulas

Cathy and Nico Tsanulas have made a name for themselves in Golden by serving up delicious food—and lots of it.

by Tanya Laing Gahr
Photo of Thomas Fritz
Creston

Thomas Fritz

Famous Fritz Meats & Deli has brought Old World flavours and quality to the tables of Creston Valley residents.

by Tanya Laing Gahr
Photo of Mike Elliott working on a wooden canoe paddle with wood canoes behind
Grand Forks

Mike Elliott

There can be no doubt that those who love what they do are among the luckiest people around, and Mike Elliott, owner of Kettle River Canoes, qualifies.

by Tanya Laing Gahr
Photo of Shelley Adams
Nelson

Shelley Adams

Shelley Adams has become a bestselling author of the Whitewater Cooks series.

by Tanya Laing Gahr
Photo of Elinor Florence
Invermere

Elinor Florence

When you combine a strong editorial background with an entrepreneurial spirit, you get Elinor Florence.

by Tanya Laing Gahr
Photo of Chad Jensen
Cranbrook

Chad Jensen

For over 30 years, New Dawn Developments has been at home in the Kootenays.

by Tanya Laing Gahr
View Top 10 Business People lists for other years