Managing director, CEC Mining Systems Corp.
Age 34
What career highlight are you most proud of?
In 2022, CECMS was awarded our largest design and supply contract with a Tier-1 iron ore producer for their 15-million-tonnes-per-annum expansion in West Africa. This project was a major culmination in the growth of our business and led to the creation of 10 full-time jobs. It led to the deployment of the largest commercially available ceramic disc filter globally, and the plant is recognized as the largest of its kind in the hemisphere. As project director, I participated from conceptual development through to commissioning in Q1 2025.
What has been your toughest business or professional decision to date?
In the pandemic, our team deployed to Ghana to support the commissioning of a gold project. We entered the country on the first commercial flight upon the re-opening of borders. After a series of issues, we were required to fabricate new equipment in country. What was supposed to be six weeks ended up taking 16. Battling pandemic-related supply-chain delays and difficulties with equipment and personnel mobility was the hardest, but most formative of my career.
How do you lead?
I subscribe to a form of servant leadership best summarized as “leaders eat last.” I believe that if you take care of the company, the company will take care of you. I do not ask anyone within our organization to do anything or make a sacrifice that I would not do myself. This is an integral part of my value system. “Let us all be the leaders we wish we had”—Simon Sinek.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
We’ve seen major operational and strategic challenges from our growth as a small start-up to a mid-cap company. We followed the principles of not selling our control for the sake of growth. This has meant that we must be careful and grow organically through retained earnings and cash flow. It has been embedded in our DNA that if we spend a dollar we must earn $10, and perfection is often the enemy of progress.
Best piece of advice ever received?
In Grade 6, I had the fortune of being coached by my father during my first season of football. I was younger in experience and physical development. After struggling, weekly, I would try to quit. My father’s response was: “Stockmans finish what we start.” As we progressed through the season I evolved into a competent athlete, earned a starting role and won a provincial championship. Stay in the game long enough to get lucky.
What is your definition of success?
It is my mission to prove we do not need to be a large company to create large impact. I am passionate about how our group of companies builds and maintains legacy. Good ideas get acquired, but it is rare to see a founder’s culture survive the acquisition process. There is not a positive record for M&A in our industry; it is my definition of success to build an organization with such strong institutions that it can survive such a transition. Success is the creation of a culture imbueing loyalty and natural leadership succession beyond the personality of any one individual.
What are you most passionate about outside of work?
I’ve had the fortune to travel and work in over 40 countries. In spirit of exploration, I enjoy expanding my political and economic understanding of world. Whether over an apertivo in Rome, or a potjiekos in Johannesburg, I enjoy the company of my friends or loved ones.
What’s left to accomplish?
We’ve only scratched the surface. Our growth trajectory and global opportunities will only be limited by our capability (or not) to never make the same mistake twice, and to continue advancing our value proposition with determined focus. It is my intent that we continue to grow our portfolio of operating companies by means of invention or acquisition. The end goal will be to create a diverse suite of mining, equipment, technology and services companies operated by a core management team and back-stopped by a pool of private and institutional capital compiled from like-minded partners.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge?
In early 2010, I cold-called the prior BIV Forty under 40 lists. At the time, I only knew I wanted to find a mentor. Mark Mensing was the only person who answered. From one conversation we have been working together since. Mark has been my mentor for over 15 years and I owe the opportunities that we’ve created together to his trust in me and the faith in the process. He’s been a stalwart in my personal development and is an honest man.
A personal motto, favourite phrase or saying that resonates with you?
Everything in moderation, especially moderation
A philanthropic, charitable or community cause or organization you support?
While I no longer play contact team sports, I find great pleasure as a coach and mentor for young athletes
What do you do to unwind, relax or de-stress?
I live fast, and being forced to think slow during a yoga class is a productive contrast, which I now crave on a weekly basis
Favourite place in the province?
Northwest of Gambier Island, Howe Sound, there is a bay which we refer to as “Aloha,” with waters as warm and turquoise as Maui
Favourite restaurant(s)?
St. Lawrence, The Mackenzie Room, Kissa-Tanto, Elephant, Nook and Orto
A book or podcast you would recommend?
Snap Judgement (podcast), Ear Hustle (podcast); The Golden Spruce, Shantaram, The Next 100 Years and anything by Ayn Rand
What is your best habit?
Being an early riser
A B.C. business leader you admire?
While we are B.C.-based, we are a global operator. As such, I’ve been able to develop a network of global mentors whom I admire
Tell us one surprising or little-known fact about yourself.
I had the pleasure of surviving a Category 5 hurricane in Acapulco. Note: Coronas are as valuable as Dollars during a natural disaster
