Networking Reception

Mark Wardell, President and Founder of Wardell Professional Development

Founder and President of Wardell Professional Development, Mark Wardell has developed a reputation as a leader in business advisory by helping entrepreneurs successfully plan, execute, and manage sustainable business growth.

He regularly shares his business advisory expertise through many channels. He is a published author of seven business books, frequent contributor to several top national publications including Profit Magazine, The Globe and Mail, and CGA Magazine, and a speaker at high-profile business events and on televised programs including BNN’s Money Talk with Patricia Lovett-Reid.

Prior to founding Wardell in 1999, Mark’s career included time as a business advisor for a major California-based consulting firm, an entrepreneur, a professional musician and a national level gymnastics coach.

George Moen, President of Blenz Coffee

George Moen proudly describes himself as a Serial Entrepreneur. With more than 30 years of experience in food and franchising, he specializes in transitioning small businesses into big business success stories.

George was appointed President of Blenz The Canadian Coffee Company in February, 2007. His mandate is to support the original three founders of Blenz to transition towards strategic planning and directorship of the popular coffee retail chain.“The founders of Blenz had the courage to start, the commitment to keep going, and the discipline to constantly innovate,” George says. “It’s allowed us to be able to grow a successful business in the biggest coffee market in the world. It’s a pleasure to work in an environment that is properly capitalized and to participate in pioneering the next great stage of expansion for Blenz.”

Ehsan Baloochy, Founder & CEO of SocialShopper

Ehsan is part social, part serial entrepreneur. He has been starting e-commerce and luxury fashion businesses since the age of 14. He’s not just a business man, he’s also a compassionate and caring visionary. In both his personal and professional life, whatever endeavor he takes on, Ehsan ensures it is a win-win-win situation for all parties, which has helped tremendously in his decision making. He’s used that philosophy in his role as Founder & CEO of a very successful Vancouver based social commerce site; SocialShopper.com, which is 2nd place in Vancouver, after multi-billion dollar giant Groupon.com. He’s been able to successfully combine the power of collective purchasing for not only featuring daily deals, but by using that same platform for many charitable and community based initiatives as well.

“At SocialShopper, we have a lot of interesting ideas which we plan on rolling out very soon. I think there’s a huge opportunity in the social, mobile and local commerce space, and we are positioning ourselves to continuously evolve and execute towards that mission. Our unique anti-corporate company culture has also played a great role in allowing our staff to work in open minded environments and to think outside the box, by ensuring we make a positive impact, not just as a socially conscious company, but as responsible citizens in the communities we live in” says Ehsan.

Here’s a recent interview with Ehsan.

The SFU SEY First-place winner will be awarded:

• Title of SFU’s Student Entrepreneur of the Year Champion 2011
• $3,500 Cash + $2,500 worth of office space
• Opportunity to compete regionally, nationally and globally against other entrepreneurs
• And lots more…

There will also be a runner up prize and a people’s choice award.