John Anderson of Oppenheimer Group named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Pacific 2015

EY celebrates legacy-building entrepreneurs at annual awards gala

VANCOUVER, Sept. 25, 2015 /CNW/ - John Anderson, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Oppenheimer Group, an international distributor of fruit and vegetables, is this year's Entrepreneur Of The Year Pacific winner.

"John's reputation in the industry says it all," says Lui Petrollini, Entrepreneur Of The Year Pacific Program Director. "His integrity, work ethic, taste for innovation and commitment to transparency have transformed the company from a small operation in Vancouver to an international, full-service produce marketing force to be reckoned with."

John started out as a warehouseman at Oppenheimer, or Oppy, as it's also known, in 1975. By 1993, he had opened an office in the US, introduced North America to fruit from Chile and New Zealand, and became the company's Chief Executive Officer. John credits his many successes to his focus on constant change and strong relationships. Tackling challenges head on, John says, "we run towards issues and conflict, not away from them". That mantra has paid off well. Under John's leadership, Oppenheimer has tripled the volume of product that goes through the company and has seen 14 consecutive years of record profitability.

"John's entrepreneurial spirit drove Oppenheimer to become an industry leader," says Petrollini. "John has spearheaded an in-house transportation service and a proprietary supply management system that offer significant competitive advantages. And he has built strategic partnerships with growers that have transformed the company from being a middle-man to a producer as well."  

While the company has grown at a massive speed, John is proud that the company has retained that family feel, even across the globe. He makes time to visit personally with growers, retailers and employees, building those relationships that help him succeed. John takes people seriously. That's how he's maintained a positive, tight-knit company culture that ultimately translates into outstanding financial growth.

The Louie family honoured
This year's gala also honoured the Louie family, owners of the H.Y. Louie Co. Ltd., with the EY Family Business Award of Excellence. From a small Vancouver general store in the early 1900's to a sprawling empire of grocery, pharmacy and wholesale businesses today, the family has always strived to be true to its core values and maintained exemplary business ethics. It has cemented its legacy not just in business, but in giving back to its communities — namely healthcare, education and the arts.

More information
Follow @EYCanada, #EOY and #EOYPacific on Twitter for the latest event updates
Visit ey.com/ca/eoy for more program details and a complete list of category finalists and gala dates in the regions. 

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Pacific 2015 category award recipients:

Business Services

Steve Troyer
Troyer Ventures Ltd. | Fort St. John, British Columbia
www.troyer.ca
A private energy service company that provides diversified fluid transportation services to oil and gas producers throughout Western Canada.

Business-to-business products and services

Christopher Krywulak
iQmetrix | Vancouver, British Columbia
www.iQmetrix.com
A leading provider of end-to-end retail solutions. Enhances front-end experiences with XQ Interactive Retail and streamlines back-end operations with RQ Retail Management.

Business-to-consumer products and services

Brian Scudamore
1-800-GOT-JUNK? | Vancouver, British Columbia
http://www.1800gotjunk.com/ca_en
A full-service, residential and commercial junk removal company helping home and business owners across Canada, the U.S. and Australia get their space back.

Emerging Entrepreneur

Trevor Styan
Northern Civil Energy Inc. | Nanaimo, British Columbia
www.northerncivil.ca
A civil construction company with a strong portfolio of experience in civil work related to substations.

Food and Beverage Distribution

John Anderson
The Oppenheimer Group | Coquitlam, British Columbia
www.oppy.com
A distributor of fruits and vegetables.

Hospitality and tourism

Jim Wyse
Burrowing Owl Vineyards Ltd. | Oliver, British Columbia
www.bovwine.ca/
A grower and producer of a variety of wines that are sold all over Canada and internationally. The company also operates a restaurant and guesthouse. 

Innovative technology – financial services

Lisa Shields
Hyperwallet Systems Inc. | Vancouver, British Columbia
www.hyperwallet.com
Hyperwallet's goal is to simplify the payments process and reduce the barriers that stand between multi-national businesses and their globally disbursed payees.

Real estate and construction

Renee Wasylyk
Troika Management Corp. | Kelowna, British Columbia
www.troikadevelopments.com
A full-service, progressive, future-focused land and real estate development company in Western Canada.

Technology

Shafin Diamond Tejani
Victory Square Labs | Vancouver, British Columbia
www.victorysquare.com
A venture builder that builds start-ups in the web, mobile, gaming and film spaces, with a focus on funding socially responsible companies, international start-ups and female founders.

Turnaround entrepreneur

Neil Woodyer
Endeavour Mining Corporation | Vancouver, British Columbia
www.endeavourminining.com
A Canadian listed gold mining company with four operating mines in West Africa, producing 500,000 ounces of gold per year.

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential, and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 140 cities in 50 countries.

The 2015 Pacific independent judging panel consists of Ashley Cooper, President and CEO, Paladin Security and 2012 Pacific EY Entrepreneur Of The Year; Donald McInnes, Partner, Oxygen Capital Corp. and Entrepreneur Of The Year Cleantech/Information Technology category winner 2011, Pacific; Christine Cooper, Head, Corporate Finance Division British Columbia, BMO Bank of Montreal; Fred Davidson, President and CEO, Energold Drilling Corp. and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Mining and Metals category winner 2012, Pacific; Launi Skinner, CEO, First West Credit Union; Ryan Beedie, President, Beedie Development Group and 2009 Pacific EY Entrepreneur Of The Year; Joyce Groote, CEO, Crossing Sectors Inc.

This year's national program sponsors are TEC Canada, La Presse, RDI, TMX, Merrill DataSite, Kira Talent, Air Canada, The Printing House Limited. Pacific regional sponsors are BC Business, Leone, Hunt Personnel/Temporarily Yours, Sauder School of Business and Four Seasons Hotel.

About EY's Strategic Growth Markets Network
EY's worldwide Strategic Growth Markets Network is dedicated to serving the changing needs of high-growth companies. For more than 30 years, we've helped many of the world's most dynamic and ambitious companies grow into market leaders. Whether working with international mid-cap companies or early-stage venture-backed businesses, our professionals draw upon their extensive experience, insight and global resources to help your business succeed.

About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. For more than 150 years in Canada, we've delivered the insights and quality services that help build trust and confidence in capital markets here and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

For more information about the program, FAQs and key dates, please visit ey.com/ca/EOY.

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Image with caption: "John Anderson of Oppenheimer Group (centre) was named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Pacific 2015 at an awards gala in Vancouver last night. Lui Petrollini and Colleen McMorrow of EY presented the award. (CNW Group/EY (Ernst & Young))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150925_C4389_PHOTO_EN_506705.jpg

about this press release, gala information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Erika Bennett, [email protected], 403 206 5157; Julie Fournie, [email protected], 514 874 4308; Sasha Anopina, [email protected], 416 943 2637