Meet Your Mentors

Brandon Litun

Brandon Litun is the founder of Smoking Gun Coffee Roasters, where he combines his entrepreneurial spirit with a deep passion for the coffee industry. With extensive hands-on experience in navigating the challenges of startups, Brandon has played a pivotal role in guiding his company through the complexities of business growth, team leadership, and strategic management. His approach to leadership emphasizes building strong, cohesive teams and fostering a work environment that encourages innovation and personal growth.

Colin Schmidt

Colin Schmidt is a seasoned founder, COO, and CEO with over 25 years of experience in technology differentiation and business growth. He has a diverse background in building and scaling technology companies, excelling in areas like cash flow management, marketing, sales, and team building. Colin began his entrepreneurial journey with the launch of his first commercial software and has since developed long-standing client relationships. He has deep expertise as a system architect, serving non-profits, startups, mid-sized firms, and global enterprises. His leadership as COO at i-Open Group included managing operations, launching new business lines, and overseeing tech projects.

Danielle Beausoleil

Danielle Beausoleil is a seasoned entrepreneur with a successful track record of starting and selling businesses. She brings expertise in marketing, sales, and strategic decision-making for cash flow optimization. As a Real Estate Agent, Danielle specializes in both commercial and residential sales, with a keen eye for identifying undervalued and off-market properties. Danielle holds an undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Business Administration.

Erin Houldsworth

Erin Houldsworth is the owner of The Perfect Feather, a permanent makeup studio known for its exceptional standards and welcoming atmosphere. Since 2016, Erin has been dedicated to providing top-tier services. She excels at planning, organizing, creating procedures, and setting up efficient operations, ensuring a seamless experience for every client. Erin’s commitment to safety, quality, and excellence is at the heart of her business, making her a trusted professional in her field. With experience in managing a home-based business, she brings both passion and expertise to her work.

Jade Lehti

Jade Lehti is a local entrepreneur and professional event coordinator, owning and operating Solar Plexed Productions and The Grand Hall, a community event space in Chilliwack. As the owner-operator of three businesses and a core team member for two startups, Jade brings a strong background in operations, community partnerships, marketing, sales, and administrative skills.

Jete Devisser

Jete (pronounced like “Pete”) is the founder of Urban Fig, bringing her passion for photography to life. With a spontaneous and creative spirit, she turned a chance encounter with wedding photography into a thriving career, quickly realizing it was her true calling. Jete is committed to delivering an exceptional experience for her clients, focusing on every detail to ensure a seamless and memorable wedding photography journey. Her goal extends beyond simply capturing beautiful images—she aims to preserve the emotions, moments, and memories so vividly that they resonate even a decade later.

Jimmy Severn

Jimmy Severn is a Senior Accountant at Grant Thornton in Abbotsford, where he focuses on helping clients and communities thrive. With a background in teaching and accounting, Jimmy has expertise in understanding financial statements, tax filing, and planning. He is also skilled in networking with business leaders. Jimmy earned his degree at Columbia Bible College, followed by a Master of Arts degree from Regent College in Vancouver, before pursuing accounting studies at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV).

Jon Thomas

Jon Thomas has over a decade of experience guiding science and technology entrepreneurs, with a specialization in marketing, technology-market matching, and science commercialization. He is dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) through interdisciplinary teaching and collaborative research with both the university and Fraser Valley communities.

Kalvin Morrow

Kalvin Morrow is a seasoned professional with 20 years of experience in gaming and software development, excelling in finance, marketing, networking, sales, and operations. He has worked with industry giants like Disney, Nexon, and Hasbro’s Backflip Studios, contributing over a decade to the world of online games. Passionate about creating mass-market games that emphasize cooperation and community, Kalvin founded Greenhouse Games to bring unique game projects to life.

Kara Bertram

Kara Bertram is the Chilliwack store owner of Hunni’s, a fashion-forward boutique that focuses on creating a welcoming and fun shopping experience for its customers. She has practical experience in managing cash flow, marketing, hiring, team building, policy development, and sales strategies. With a strong emphasis on community engagement and customer service, Kara’s leadership has been pivotal in growing the Hunni’s brand and maintaining its reputation as a go-to destination for style enthusiasts.

Kelly Trenouth

Kelly Trenouth is the founder of Fluxx CycleHouse, a family-owned fitness studio in Chilliwack, British Columbia. With deep expertise in operations, marketing, and fitness studio management, Kelly has been an active member of the local rhythm riding community from its inception. Alongside her husband Jamie, a City of Chilliwack Firefighter, she is dedicated to fostering community connections and supporting the region’s growth. Fluxx CycleHouse, known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, offers a range of dynamic fitness programs, including Spin, Strength & Conditioning, and Yoga.

Leanna Kemp

Leanna Kemp is the Executive Director of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, bringing 25 years of corporate experience, including a 21-year tenure as an Operations Consultant with McDonald’s. She excels in marketing, networking, organization, and team development, with a passion for fostering teamwork and community engagement. Leanna co-founded the Chilliwack Women’s Leadership Collective.

Lindsay Parsons

Lindsay Parsons is a social media marketing specialist passionate about helping entrepreneurs and businesses thrive in the digital landscape. With years of experience in crafting targeted strategies, she excels at leveraging social media platforms to increase visibility, engagement, and sales. Lindsay’s expertise spans content creation, audience analysis, and trend adaptation, ensuring that each client’s unique story is effectively communicated to their target market. Through her work, she empowers entrepreneurs to build strong, authentic connections with their audiences, fostering growth and creating a lasting impact in the ever-evolving world of social media marketing.

Matthew Peacock

Matthew Peacock is a seasoned business owner with over two decades of experience, having successfully managed three businesses. He specializes in marketing, operations, and sales, bringing a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. Passionate about leveraging technology to support teams, Matthew is dedicated to providing employees with the tools they need to thrive. He focuses on removing obstacles, automating routine tasks, and implementing practical solutions that drive real results, ensuring that businesses grow efficiently and productively.

Michael Berger

Michael Berger, founder of Chilliwack Tours, is a long-time resident with deep expertise in marketing, organization, and cash flow management. With years of experience in business operations—from customer service to IT and training—Michael has guided many business owners in developing effective business plans and strategies for sustainability. He is dedicated to helping others achieve success through practical business planning and leadership.

Netty Tam

With 25 years of experience at Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation, Netty specializes in attracting and supporting business growth through marketing, administration, sales, and operational expertise.

Nicola Bullock

Nicola is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in business development. She specializes in team building, operating systems, financial blueprints, and branding. Nicola is passionate about helping businesses thrive by creating strong operational foundations and clear financial strategies. With a holistic approach, she guides clients through every stage of growth, ensuring their vision is aligned with sustainable practices. Her expertise extends to fostering cohesive teams and impactful branding, making her a trusted advisor for businesses looking to reach new heights.

Rose Blaich

Rose is a founder of Wellington Natural Health, where she blends her passion for holistic wellness with a strong business acumen. With years of experience in marketing, sales, and operations, Rose has successfully managed and scaled her business, ensuring a seamless experience for her clients. Her approach emphasizes personalized care, aiming to empower individuals on their wellness journeys through natural health solutions. Rose’s deep commitment to health and well-being is reflected in her dedication to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for her clients, making Wellington Natural Health a trusted resource for those seeking to improve their overall health and vitality.

Sara Dzaman

Sara Dzaman is the co-founder of a restaurant and a part-owner of NextLevel Financial. With a strong background in marketing, sales, operations, and budgeting, she plays a vital role in both her ventures. Sara is also dedicated to supporting her husband’s financial planning business, leveraging her expertise to drive growth and success. Her diverse skill set and entrepreneurial spirit make her a valuable contributor to both the hospitality and financial planning industries.

Trevor O’Rourke

Trevor O’Rourke is a seasoned communications coach and Director of Sales with extensive experience in sales, business management, coaching, marketing, and networking. He has a proven track record in hiring and policy development, helping organizations build strong, effective teams. Trevor’s expertise spans across various industries, where he has consistently driven growth and success through his leadership and coaching skills.