2025 Halifax Business Awards

The Halifax Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present this year’s Halifax Business Awards finalists. Presented by RBC, longtime supporters of the business community, the annual awards gala is hosted at the beautiful Halifax Convention Centre and showcases Halifax’s best and brightest business leaders and entrepreneurs. This issue is dedicated to the hardworking and innovative people behind these remarkable business ventures. We hope you enjoy getting to know them!

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Did you know…? 

The Halifax Business Awards finalists are chosen every year by an independent Judging Committee. Nominees can self-nominate or be nominated by someone in the community. Self-nominations are strongly encouraged. Nominees receive an email notification of their nomination and are prompted to fill out their submission. The completed submissions (made up of six questions) are then reviewed by the Judging Committee. Comprised of five local business and community leaders, the Committee reviews all nominee submissions (usually over 100!). They then assign each submission a score—all the judges’ scores are added up and averaged. The Committee reviews the top five (who are deemed finalists) and approve a winner in each category.

Thank you to our 2025 Awards Judging Committee!

• Matthew Martel, CEO, Black Business Initiative (BBI)
• Andrew de Freitas, Director of Business Development, TMSI Ltd.
• Cynthia Sweeney, CEO/Founder, Simply Good Form
• Lindsay Cross, Director, Marketing and Brand Integrity, Shannex
• Houston Barnaby, Founding Partner, Indigenous Treaty Partners

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New Business of the Year

Presented by BoyneClarke LLP

A Team Coaching

How did you get your start? Our work honours the commitment and sacrifices past generations have made so we can all have a better life today. We launched when our Founder, Angela Simmonds made the bold decision to leave politics over a year ago. She believes that it was fate that led her to apply everything she’d learned from her father’s entrepreneurial spirit and tenacity to continue building a family legacy that could one day provide generational wealth to her children and grandkids. 

Why did you choose Halifax? This is my home, where I grew up, where my family is. I want to create change and see the difference from our work—to see the impacts of our influence with my grandchildren and to see the next generation have opportunities we may not have experienced. It is natural for this to be our home spot. However, that does not mean we are not interested in working with organizations, governments, or individuals outside of this city or province.

Abound Consulting Inc. 

What inspired you to open a new business? During my Master’s studies in Business Psychology and Coaching Psychology, my recent ADHD and PTSD diagnoses reshaped my view on traditional work and education systems. My research on neurodiversity in the workplace highlighted the need for change in workplaces, as many neurodivergent individuals experience underemployment or mental health challenges. The lack of research, awareness or discussion on this topic throughout my education or career inspired me to work towards creating positive change that allows everyone the opportunity to thrive at work.

What is your proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishments come from seeing real change—creating workplaces where neurodivergent employees feel safe, supported, and valued. I’ve witnessed employees disclose their neurodivergence during my sessions and the real-time support they received from their colleagues was amazing to see. Building lasting relationships with clients and delivering impactful neurodiversity training has been incredibly rewarding. Being recognized as a finalist for the Halifax Chamber of Commerce’s New Business of the Year Award affirms the importance of this work and the progress we’re making.

INSIGHTS PERCEPTION 

What inspired you to open a new business? Throughout my corporate roles, I witnessed employees struggle in toxic work environments—even in large companies—and realized that some leaders unknowingly contribute to this negative atmosphere. This inspired me to create a business focused on coaching and educating people to become better leaders and make a positive impact. INSIGHTS PERCEPTION offers executive coaching and up-skilling programs to empower aspiring and emerging leaders to enhance their leadership style and transform their business into a healthier workplace, adaptable to innovation and growth. 

Why did you choose Halifax?  I am in love with Halifax—a vibrant city whose charm defies explanation. Though I’ve visited many provinces, Halifax holds a special place in my heart, evoking memories of my hometown, Beirut. Its unique blend of rich history, culture, arts, hospitality, and welcoming people resonates deeply with me. As I witness Halifax’s exponential growth, I am confident that INSIGHTS PERCEPTION will play a vital role in supporting organizations, business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders as they embrace this exciting era. 

IYALODE AFRICAN WHOLESALE MARKET 

What inspired you to open a new business?  I was inspired to be an entrepreneur at the age of ten. Growing up, my dad had a bakery. When I started working there, I noticed a high demand for cake and shortbread. With my dad’s blessing, I attended a baking initiatives class, started a cake business, and made a lot of profit: $50 Canadian money. Trust me, that was a lot of money converting to Naira then. At that point, I knew I wanted to become an entrepreneur when I grew up. 

How did you get your start?  I was able to get my start by getting the necessary resources and support through the help of organizations like ISANS and other initiatives that helped a business owner like me. I would say the biggest obstacle we encountered was getting the necessary financing for our new business. But with the help of financial organizations like RBC, and wonderful individuals working at the organization, we were able to get the financing we needed for the business.  

Optimize Business Solutions & Services 

What inspired you to open a new business?  After years of coordinating small and medium-sized businesses, both in corporate roles and through personal property management, I realized I wanted to help passionate business owners focus on their talents and dreams. The pandemic highlighted the importance of meaningful work, so I left the corporate world to support small businesses in optimizing their operations for growth. 

Do you have any tips for people who are thinking about starting their own business?  Believe in yourself and surround yourself with supportive people. My spouse’s unwavering belief in my business helped me through the challenging start-up period. Trust your vision and stay patient—the rewards will follow. 

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Small Business of the Year

Presented by the Nova Scotia Government Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration

immediac 

What would you say is your organization’s proudest achievement?  Our proudest achievement is undeniably our team. Over the years, we’ve fostered a collaborative and supportive environment where everyone genuinely cares for one another. Each member is committed to helping and learning from each other, which has created a strong sense of community. This culture not only enhances our teamwork but also drives innovation and creativity in our projects. As we face challenges together, we grow stronger, making our team our greatest asset and a source of immense pride. 

How is your business contributing to making Halifax a better place?  For over 25 years, immediac has empowered Halifax businesses with cutting-edge, user-focused websites and custom solutions, strengthening their online presence. We support long-term growth by partnering with local agencies, assisting nonprofits, and creating new revenue streams for our clients. By hiring locally and offering co-op opportunities, we invest in Halifax’s future tech talent. Our work enhances business resilience, fosters collaboration, and contributes to a connected, thriving community. 

Integral Energy Performance 

What would you say is your organization’s proudest achievement?  Our greatest achievement is the impact we’ve had in the design of energy-efficient multi-family buildings. Our company has provided energy consulting for hundreds of new apartment buildings in the past two years, helping optimize designs to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. We’re proud of the work we’ve done to support real progress in lowering climate impacts of the built environment.  

What brings customers back to you?  Our reputation in the industry is founded on a dedication to success in each project and a commitment to technical expertise in our field. Our clients appreciate that they can call us with questions or ideas, that we either have the answers or will find the answers, and that they can trust us to deliver on our commitments. The field of building energy performance is constantly changing, and our clients value having a trusted resource to help them navigate this dynamic industry. 

Pride Beauty Lounge 

How is your business contributing to making Halifax a better place?  Pride Beauty Lounge has truly become a safe haven in Halifax, offering a space where clients can step in without fear of discrimination, judgment, or being made to feel less than. It’s where people can explore and grow into their true selves, knowing they are accepted just as they are. Our space is more than just a salon; it’s a place where the queer community can feel represented, celebrated, and supported.  

What brings customers back to you?  Customers come back to us because of the genuine customer service we provide. It’s not just a skill—it’s about building real, authentic relationships. We stand by our clients through all of life’s milestones—whether it’s gender transitions, relationships, marriages, divorces, new loves, births, or losses. We treasure the time we spend with our guests, getting to know them and having them get to know us. It’s more than just a beauty salon; it’s a place to connect, vent, and offer support—like hanging out with friends. 

The 7 Virtues 

Where do you see your organization in 5 years?  We opened The 7 Virtues flagship perfume atelier on the historic Halifax waterfront this past summer on Canada Day. Sephora executives flew in from San Francisco to experience it and removed the cap of four ateliers in our contract. So, we will now be able to open perfume ateliers where guests can design their own perfume all around the world within the next five years. 

What brings customers back to you?  Our perfumes are sustainably sourced and clean, and we support period equity through Days for Girls, embodying our commitment to giving back. We proudly achieve one of the highest “rebuy” rates, meaning customers return for a second, third, and fourth bottle. This loyalty is a key business measure, showing our customers’ trust in the quality and longevity of our perfumes. Third-party lab studies confirm what our customers already know: we make the highest quality, long-lasting clean fragrances. 

TreePad Property Management 

What would you say is your organization’s proudest achievement?  Our proudest achievement is each time a tenant refers us to others, recognizing our care and dedication to providing homes they can take pride in. Breaking through the negative stereotypes of landlords and property managers and having tenants seek us out specifically is an ongoing accomplishment we’re deeply proud of. 

How is your business contributing to making Halifax a better place?  TreePad takes pride in giving back to the community. We offer a $2,500 annual bursary to a self-funded university student and support local community fridges in Dartmouth and Cole Harbour. We also help drive the city’s growth by breaking through language barriers to assist Syrian refugees in finding housing using Google Translate. Our mission extends beyond property management to fostering community support and inclusivity. 

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Export Business of the Year

Presented by Invest Nova Scotia

Maritimes Immigration Consulting 

What led your company to become involved in export?  From day one, Maritimes Immigration has focused on exporting services by assisting overseas clients in their journey to settle in Canada. As an immigration consultant, it’s incredibly rewarding to help people achieve their dream of moving to this beautiful country.  

What do you feel is your biggest contribution to the local business community?  We work closely with Oxford International College to support healthcare graduates as Continuing Care Assistants, addressing Nova Scotia’s struggling healthcare sector. By helping employers like Northwood and Shannex retain these graduates and transition them to permanent residency, we strengthen local businesses and the community. 

Solid State Pharma Inc. 

What do you enjoy most about working with international markets?  We are a leading-edge science-driven company, which gives us the opportunity to engage and collaborate with talented individuals from all over the world who are working toward the same goal of providing novel and innovative medicines to patients. Through our partnership with about 200 global pharmaceutical companies, we are able to collaborate with people of different cultures and research styles and bring robust and effective medications to patients faster. 

Why did you choose Halifax?  Halifax, as one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, has many parameters that are intrinsically in favour of a high-tech business. There are multiple local universities that provide high-quality and educated talent. The proximity to Boston is also a major factor for us because the Northeastern United States is a global hub for pharmaceutical research and development. The unique nature of Atlantic Canada is also a plus, as well as its supportive business ecosystem. 

StationDRG Media Productions Inc. 

What led your company to become involved in export?  With the success we had with our show Apocalyptic Kitchen on Bell FibeTV1, we knew that this show had to be shared. What better way than on the world’s 2nd largest gay network, OutTV? Jake had the contact information for one of the executives for OutTV, so we decided to take a chance and drop our pitch deck into his inbox. We thought, “What do we have to lose?” We sent it, and within four hours they responded and said that someone from acquisitions would be in touch. 

What do you feel is your biggest contribution to the local business community?  Having been together for over 25 years and being considered “elders” in the gay community, we have always had the rule that since we have been given a very blessed life, it’s our responsibility to give back and create a platform for our young 2SLGBTQIA+ kids to be visible. Just like our show says, we’re “teaching you life skills you never knew you needed!” 

Websavers Inc. 

What is your favourite region or country to do business with?  Our customers from New Zealand have surprised and impressed us repeatedly with their brand loyalty and power of word of mouth. This place is literally on the other side of the globe, making it a disadvantageous location for optimal performance from a web hosting company in Canada, yet many in New Zealand find better service from us than their local options.  

Do you have any advice for other businesses that want to start exporting?  Often currencies are presented as a barrier, but the reality is providing services in Canadian Dollars isn’t the disadvantage people often think it is. That’s simply a misperception and payment options like PayPal and credit cards make it straightforward to do business across borders and currencies without overcomplicating things. 

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Not-for-Profit Business of the Year

Presented by Medavie

CEED

How is your organization contributing to making Halifax a better place?  CEED is a primary contributor to the founding of new businesses and the development of existing businesses that contribute to the economy, create jobs, and build capacity. CEED is an active participant in building a web of entrepreneurial supports throughout the province that supports the development of a robust economy. Whether it is through our programming and advisory services, our loans, or our events, we believe that our work, and that of many other organizations, is building the fabric of a new and vibrant Halifax. 

How can we engage youth to become not-for-profit leaders?  The NFP world provides an outlet for the creativity and solution-orientation of youth. For NFPs, resources are always constrained and an effective use of youth can fill many of the gaps and provide a unique opportunity for youth to stretch their wings. We have built student job opportunities into the fabric of CEED, allowing them to contribute right away with job responsibilities that it would normally take them a year or more to achieve post-graduation in some other organizations. 

Digital Nova Scotia 

What would you say is your organization’s proudest accomplishment?  Our proudest accomplishment is empowering over 9,000 individuals to thrive in the digital economy through our skills development programs in just three years. We’re especially proud that about one-third of these participants come from equity-deserving communities, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and opportunity for all. 

What challenges do you see in the next 12-18 months? How will you overcome them?  The biggest challenge most organizations face related to technology is the availability of skilled talent. Digital Nova Scotia supports all businesses in the province by offering accessible, relevant training programs like Skills for Hire, AI Microcredential programs, and Digital Skills for Women+. With over 5,000 IT positions anticipated to open in Nova Scotia next year, DNS is helping close the gap by graduating hundreds of skilled professionals through these programs. 

Hope Blooms 

How is your organization contributing to making Halifax a better place? Hope Blooms started with six kids in an abandoned lot in 2008. From there, we have grown to serve over 700 youth and their families—creating four successful social businesses, building a global kitchen for social change, an award-winning greenhouse, and giving out over half a million in scholarships to youth all from the sales of our dressing. Youth are actively engaged in a collective that is inspirational, impactful, innovative, and purposeful, creating meaningful change.  

How can we engage youth to become not-for-profit leaders? By integrating youth-driven social entrepreneurship with environmental stewardship, Hope Blooms cultivates a culture of inclusive leadership and positive generational change. In decision making, the youth are involved from ideations through to development and scaling. For the youth we support, experiencing failure in a safe and encouraging environment teaches perseverance, adaptability, and the courage to keep trying. Our youth are involved as partners in every key decision along the way, which gives a sense of ownership. 

The North Grove 

What would you say is your organization’s proudest accomplishment?  Our proudest accomplishment is being a constant source of connection and support in this community and adapting to its changing needs. As a family resource centre, we built strong, trusting relationships with families raising young children. Then we responded to growing food insecurity by opening a Community Food Centre and expanding to serve people of all ages. Now we are a community hub, hosting more than 25 other organizations and providing a wide array of services.  

How can we engage youth to become not-for-profit leaders?  Youth want to belong and be part of positive change in their communities. It is our job to give them space and support to practice and succeed as leaders—to give them a chance to share their voice and take responsibility to create and contribute. Following The North Grove’s summer leadership program, one youth said, “I feel like I’ve become part of something that I wasn’t before.” Another said, “The community isn’t just there—I feel a part of it.” 

YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth 

What is the key to a successful and meaningful not-for-profit? The key to a successful and meaningful not-for-profit lies in balancing relevance and sustainability. It should be purpose-driven, accessible, forward-thinking, and consistent. These elements enable the organization to meet current needs, adapt to future challenges, and create a lasting impact on the communities it serves. By focusing on these aspects, a not-for-profit can effectively fulfill its purpose and maintain its significance over time. Ultimately, this approach nurtures trust and engagement within the communities it aims to support. 

How can the business community help support your growth? The YMCA believes that everyone has a role to play in strengthening communities. The business community can support our growth by donating resources, volunteering time, and forming partnerships. Contributions can help fund essential programs and services, while volunteers can provide valuable mentorship and support to youth and newcomers. Partnerships with local businesses, like with our YMCA Work Well corporate program, also enable us to create innovative initiatives that address community needs. By working together, we can amplify our impact and drive positive change in Halifax. 

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Innovative Business of the Year

Presented by Dalhousie University Faculty of Management

Barkeep Cocktails 

What is your definition of innovation?  For us, innovation means resilience, adaptability, and pushing the boundaries of the industry by delivering a product that brings quality and craftsmanship to the forefront. It’s about challenging the status quo of what a cocktail can be, offering complex, well-balanced drinks that elevate the drinking experience, rather than just providing a quick fix. Innovation for Barkeep is not just in the product itself but also in paying attention to our consumers and finding new ways to connect with them.  

How can Halifax become a leader in innovation?  To become a leader in innovation, Halifax needs to proactively address legal and regulatory frameworks, making them more flexible and conducive to growth. By removing barriers to entry and incentivizing producers, we can create an environment where small businesses thrive. This means offering more resources and support networks for entrepreneurs, including mentorship, advisory services, and access to skilled talent. Government policies should focus on fostering innovation through grants, tax breaks, and streamlined regulations that allow businesses to scale more easily. 

GIT Coatings 

What is your organization’s proudest accomplishment?  It is our impact. While we are always focusing on innovation and developing new, cutting-edge products, the impact these products make on us here at home and around the world really makes us proud. In 2024, we have helped our customers avoid emissions totalling nearly 100,000 tons of CO2eq—equivalent to driving over 700 million kilometres. This is set to increase exponentially in 2025, as we complete the finishing touches on our new, carbon-neutral facility in Burnside and continue to increase our global sales. 

What is something new that’s happening at your company?  We recently became the first coatings company in the world to receive an enhanced type approval from Lloyd’s Register, a global class society. This was accomplished before any of the multi-billion-dollar companies we compete with and speaks to the innovative and agile nature of our company. By achieving this, we are leading the way in reducing carbon emissions from global shipping fleets. GIT has become a leader in innovative, out-of-the-box solutions for vessel owners and we are seeing this traction pick up steam. 

LAB 4 Inc 

What inspired your business’ innovation efforts?  The critical environmental challenges in battery manufacturing and mineral processing inspired our innovation journey. We recognized the urgent need for sustainable solutions in battery metal recovery, which drove us to develop breakthrough technology that can achieve over 99% recovery rates while maintaining environmental responsibility. 

What is your organization’s proudest accomplishment?  Transforming skepticism into proven science has been our greatest achievement. When we first proposed achieving over 99% battery metal recovery rates while reducing environmental impact, many thought it was unrealistic. Today, our mini pilot trials stand as concrete evidence that breakthrough efficiency in battery recycling isn’t just possible—it’s repeatable and scalable.  

MOC Biotechnologies Inc. 

What inspired your business’ innovation efforts?  MOC Biotech was inspired by the need for sustainable, ethical alternatives in drug discovery and medical research. Witnessing the limitations and ethical concerns around animal testing, we envisioned a solution that leverages 4D bioprinting and bioreactor technology to recreate human-like biological environments. This allows researchers to test drugs on tissue models more accurately without relying on animal trials, pushing us towards a humane and cutting-edge approach to drug discovery. 

What advice would you give to another business that wants to embrace innovation?  Embrace collaboration and diversity—it fuels creative problem-solving. Building a team with diverse perspectives and backgrounds, as we have at MOC Biotech, sparks the kind of innovation that can break through conventional limits. Also, stay curious and open to new technologies, as these are often the foundation for truly innovative solutions. 

NovaResp Technologies Inc. 

What inspired your business’ innovation efforts?  Many of us have loved ones affected by obstructive sleep apnea, and this personal connection inspires our patient-centered innovation efforts. We’re dedicated to helping not only our family members but also millions of others by making CPAP therapy more comfortable and effective, improving patient adherence and overall quality of life.  

What is your organization’s proudest accomplishment?  We’re incredibly proud to have developed this groundbreaking personalized therapy right here in Halifax with a team of engineers, data scientists, clinical experts, and administrators who are deeply connected to our local academic, innovation, and business communities. Our technology has earned admiration from world-class medical experts, prestigious institutions, and leading companies, all while being built within the thriving Halifax ecosystem. 

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Business of the Year

Presented by Air Canada

Ambassatours Gray Line 

What would you say is your organization’s biggest achievement?  Our organization’s biggest achievement is the impact we’ve made in giving back to the community and investing in the future of the tourism industry—the tourism students of tomorrow. From our donations to the Breast Cancer Foundation, supporting initiatives like Tour for the Cure and the Children’s Wish Foundation, and supporting co-op programs and work placement initiatives, we are proud to have contributed to causes that make a real difference in people’s lives.  

How have you helped Halifax grow?  Our organization has played a pivotal role in helping Halifax grow by supporting initiatives to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, showcasing the best of what our city has to offer. We actively sit on boards to help attract major events such as Rendezvous Canada, Canada/New England Cruise Symposium, Gray Line World-Wide and have worked closely with industry partners like International Motorcoach Group and SAILGP. Our efforts directly support tourism growth, helping to boost the local economy and highlighting the city’s unique charm. 

Dash Hudson 

How have you helped Halifax grow?  We provide a challenging work environment for smart people. Over 500 people have worked at Dash Hudson over the years, many of whom would have left our city to find similar opportunities elsewhere. We have also hired many young people and recent graduates who have the chance to begin their careers in a company that sets and hits high standards. These people in turn, whether at Dash Hudson or now at other organizations, continue to perpetuate those high standards. 

If you could bring in any famous leader from any era to work with your business for a day, who would it be and why?  1986 Matthew Broderick as Ferris Bueller. People adore him. They think he’s a righteous dude. 

Events East Group 

What would you say is your organization’s biggest achievement?  Since opening the Halifax Convention Centre in 2018, with Scotiabank Centre combined, Events East has hosted 1,500 events, welcomed 3.2 million visitors, and generated over half a billion dollars in economic impact for Nova Scotia, exceeding our expectations and performance targets. We are proud to showcase our tourism and hospitality partners, amazing culinary scene, and awesome regional experiences. When our venues are booked with events, our downtown businesses feel that impact, and we encourage our guests to experience more of Nova Scotia when visiting us. 

How have you helped Halifax grow?  At the Halifax Convention Centre, our event attraction strategies focus on events that align with Nova Scotia’s competitive sectors, including national and international conferences in ocean tech, medical research, and life sciences. This year, for instance, we hosted OCEANS 2024, which welcomed over 1,500 oceans researchers to the province, showcasing Nova Scotia’s leadership in the sector and creating opportunities for R&D and investment. We’ve also seen DEFSEC Atlantic grow from a regional event to an international summit, this year bringing 1,500 professionals from 15 countries. 

Office Interiors 

What is something new that’s happening at your company?  Over 33 years, we have built a great team and a sustainable business with a big impact on the communities where we live, work and play.We recently launched a new division called Architectural Interiors focusing on the growing trends in workplaces using modular walls, architectural elements, and acoustic solutions like soundproof booths. It has big potential. 

What is one thing people may not know about your business?  Our Net Promoter Score—a global customer satisfaction rating—was independently measured at 90. That’s considered world-class. I’m proud of our team. 

Peace By Chocolate 

Why did you choose Halifax?  Halifax welcomed us with open arms, giving us more than just a place to set up a new story for our business. It offered a supportive community that quickly felt like family. The city’s rich diversity, kindness, and spirit of entrepreneurship created an environment where Peace by Chocolate could thrive. Halifax isn’t just where we do business—it’s where people genuinely care, look out for each other, and celebrate each other’s successes, making it the perfect home for our mission of peace and connection.  

What is one thing people may not know about your business?  One thing people may not know about Peace by Chocolate is our commitment to the Peace on Earth Society, an initiative we launched in 2017 to extend our mission beyond chocolate. We donate 3-5% of our profits to this society, supporting projects and partnerships that promote peace, humanitarian efforts, and community growth worldwide. This contribution allows us to give back meaningfully, ensuring that we are not in the business of chocolate—we are in the business of peace. 

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Business Leader of the Year

Presented by Doane Grant Thornton LLP

Mike Davis, Davis Pier Consulting

What would you say is your biggest accomplishment to date as a business leader?  My proudest professional accomplishment is championing the social impact agenda for our company and leading that transformation while remaining true to our values and our mission to provide innovative solutions to complex government and social challenges. We are a private-sector entity and need to think about a sustainable business model, but never at the expense of doing what is right or focusing on how we can best help the communities we work in.  

What steps does Halifax need to get to the next level?  To continue our growth into a city of global significance, Halifax must continue to strike the right balance between its past, present, and future. Our past provides us with our cultural foundation and welcoming approach. Our present is one of rapid economic growth and success, with the associated challenges that come with growth. Our future needs to honour where we are while appreciating what we can achieve as a major North American economic, social, and cultural leader. 

Jim Mills, Office Interiors

What would you say is your biggest accomplishment to date as a business leader?  Building a great team and a sustainable business for almost 33 years and having a big impact on the communities where we live, work, and play has been fun. But my biggest accomplishment as a leader has been the dedication and loyalty of my team. 

What projects or plans do you have on the horizon?  For me, it’s always about growth. Growth for our people and our businesses. That’s how we ended up as partners in our affiliated companies like Cabco, Lakeview Electric, and Tommy’s Flooring. We are constantly looking for innovative ways to better serve our customers. 

Jeff Mitchell, NOVA Injury Law

What steps does Halifax need to get to the next level?  Politics, bureaucracy, regulations, studies, limited resources. All of these factors influence what happens (and doesn’t happen) in Halifax. Each of us has different priorities for our tax dollars, but only 36.8% of eligible voters cast votes in the recent municipal election. We need to be a more engaged electorate and support those with new and innovative ideas to run for office. With more ideas comes a greater opportunity to upgrade Halifax, be it through transit, public spaces, culture, cutting red tape, or affordability. 

What projects or plans do you have on the horizon?  Our plan is to have even more presence across Atlantic Canada and be closer to where our clients live. We’re also upgrading how we support clients throughout the claim process. The question is: how can we de-stress the injury claim process at every step of the journey? Our goal is to offer the best possible support on medical and legal aspects for our clients, no matter the medical issues, location, or access to a family doctor.  

Nifemi Oguntuase, Lab 4 Inc.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever been given?  “Innovation without sustainability is obsolete.” This wisdom has guided our company’s evolution, pushing us to develop solutions that not only solve immediate challenges but create lasting positive impact. It’s reminded me that true business success lies in creating value that stands the test of time and benefits future generations. 

What leadership advice would you give an up-and-comer?  Embrace the intersection of ambition and purpose. In today’s world, successful leadership isn’t just about market share—it’s about meaningful impact. Build teams that share your vision, foster a culture where innovation thrives, and never compromise on your core values. Remember, the best leaders aren’t just building businesses; they’re shaping the future. 

Aubrey Palmeter, EastPoint

What would you say is your biggest accomplishment to date as a business leader?  Building a people-centered culture at EastPoint—a growing team of 150 based in the heart of downtown Halifax. While I’m proud of the projects we’ve delivered, the most fulfilling part has been developing and supporting my team. By creating an environment where individuals can thrive and share their best ideas, we strengthen our foundation and drive growth. Ultimately, it’s the people I’ve worked with and our collective achievements that I consider my greatest success. 

What leadership advice would you give an up-and-comer?  Make sure you enjoy what you do—life’s too short not to. Finding joy in your work fuels resilience and creativity and brings out the best in you and your team. A leader who loves their work inspires those around them to engage fully and bring fresh ideas forward. So, stay focused and work hard, but don’t forget to find fulfillment and have fun along the way; it’s what makes the journey worthwhile and keeps teams strong.