Nelson influencers, 2018

We’ve compiled just a bit of information about a few business community influencers in Nelson, B.C.

by Marie Milner — September 12, 2018

(L to R) Randy Richmond and Ted Hall, owners of Spearhead Inc.

(L to R) Randy Richmond and Ted Hall own Spearhead Inc., a company that is internationally known for creating beautiful solutions for complex architectural designs. — Nick Diamond Photography

Every time we revisit the happenings in Nelson, we’re impressed with the business and community leadership we find there. We discover influencers we weren’t aware of, and new ventures from some that we knew about. Their achievements are a consistent source of empowerment for the city and the region.

Here are a few of those empowerment generators:

Randy Richmond and Ted Hall

Randy Richmond and Ted Hall are the owners of Spearhead Inc. The partners grew the company from a tiny startup to one that employs a team of 45 skilled technicians and craftspeople. It provides well-paid work that keeps these skilled people in the community, where they can enjoy the Kootenay lifestyle. Spearhead is a sought-out industry leader in creating solutions for complex, sophisticated architectural designs. It has contributed to buildings that are inspiring people all over North America and, in fact, the world. The Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce named Spearhead its 2018 Business of the Year.

Doug Mann

Doug Mann, director of manufacturing at Pacific Insight, defines success, in part, as making a positive difference. He joined Pacific Insight in June 2015, and since then has overseen record-setting productivity in his sector. His enthusiasm for his work, coupled with big-picture awareness and attention to detail, make him an inspiring leader in the workplace. A recent arrival in Nelson, Mann loves the community and the lifestyle available there. His passion to make a difference in the community makes him a welcome and valued addition to Nelson’s human resources.

Brad Pommen

Brad Pommen is one of the Kootenay region’s go-to guys for all things tech related. He is the president and founder of SMRT1 Technologies in Nelson, the founder of the Nelson Tech Club, and the director of the MIDAS Fab Lab in Trail. He’s a mentor and sounding board for many young technology entrepreneurs and is instrumental in building momentum for businesses in Metal Tech Alley, a cluster of Central Kootenay and Kootenay-Boundary technology-based businesses. Pommen’s influence is spreading, and his legacy will help to shape the lives of generations in the future.