2011 Top 10 Business People

This year's list of Top 10 Kootenay Business People celebrates big dreamers from around the Kootenay region. Every person we spoke with has dared to step outside their comfort zone to try something that would not only earn an income but bring them personal satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. Their ability to take a leap of faith might just give others the incentive to spread their wings and take flight as well.

Photo of Kerry Hobbs
Castlegar

Kerry Hobbs

Recognized for her caring approach in business, Kerry Hobbs said her recent awards serve as inspiration to keep moving forward.

by Colin Payne
Photo of Heidi Evans
Trail

Bob and Heidi Evans

It’s like a movie script: boy meets girl, they fall in love and get married, open up a burger shop and live happily ever after.

by Tanya Laing Gahr
Photo of Florio Vassilakakis
Castlegar

Florio Vassilakakis

Coming from a family with a 50-year history in the restaurant business, Florio Vassilakakis seems destined to follow along.

by Tanya Laing Gahr
A smiling balding man stands with a drill ready to work on a canoe
Nelson

Bob Hellman

Bob Hellman started building cedar-strip canoes 25 years ago as a hobby and quickly realized that he had found his life’s work.

by Tanya Laing Gahr
Photo of Bart and Tracy Larson
Revelstoke

Tracey and Bart Larsen

How do a nuclear physicist and a biology major make a living in Revelstoke? By starting a regional brewery, of course.

by Tanya Laing Gahr
A man and woman stand in a snowy landscape

Julian Ross and Ruth Porter

This couple’s business got its start in the ’80s when Ross was in university and looking for a way to manage his busy schedule.

by Tanya Laing Gahr
Photo of Jim Ogilvie
Kimberley

Jim Ogilvie

Mayor Jim Ogilvie, first elected as Kimberley’s mayor in 1972, has dedicated his life to public service.

by Tanya Laing Gahr
Photo of Phil Gadd
Fernie

Phil Gadd

Formerly a commercials editor in British film and TV, Phil Gadd is happy to be Fernie’s new rising breadmaker.

by Tanya Laing Gahr
Photo of Paula Sittler

Paula Sittler

Paula Sittler moved home to Greenwood, B.C., three years ago and purchased a commercial building—now home to Deadwood Junction.

by Tanya Laing Gahr
Photo of Heidi Romich
Cranbrook

Heidi Romich

Showing grace through adversity is part of what makes Heidi Romich a successful business owner.

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