Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration in business comes from Canada’s small towns. Places with one main street, big ideas, and a whole lot of grit. For over 20 years I’ve worked to build tourism systems that help rural communities compete with major destinations. When a small town gains visibility and local businesses start thriving, it proves that with the right strategy, even the smallest places can make a big impact.

How do you stay motivated?

Motivation comes from purpose. I stay focused by working on projects that make a difference, especially helping small towns grow through tourism and new opportunities. Progress, even small wins, keeps the momentum going. Curiosity helps too. There is always another idea to explore, another partnership to build, and another community story waiting to be told.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest the $25,000 into expanding a scalable digital tourism ecosystem for Canada’s rural destinations. The funding would accelerate AI powered content systems, train local storytellers, and produce high impact adventure content for underrepresented communities. The goal is simple: increase global discoverability, drive direct bookings, and keep more tourism revenue in the hands of small town businesses.