Work History & Skills Profile

Vic LeBouthillier

SUMMARY

PUBLISHING & WRITING:

• Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Alive Magazine, Canada’s most-read health publication
• Publisher/Editor: Canada’s Healthy Living Guide , a magazine providing entry-level health education
• Author: Alive’s Corporate Health & Wellness program, a Web-based workplace wellness program for businesses
• Author: Emotional Health, a new section in the second edition of the Encyclopedia of Natural Healing (Alive Publishing, 2002)
• Author: Leadership Strategies, a corporate leadership training manual
• Author: Preventative Maintenance Manual, a guide to preventative maintenance for building owners
• Author/Publisher: Health Quotient assessment, an online health assessment providing general analysis and feedback
• Author/Facilitator: Performance Assessment , a performance assessment manual for businesses
• Author/Publisher: NHPA: Natural Health Product Advisors , a curriculum to train employees in the natural-health industry
• Publisher: Healthy Living Guides, a 32-book series on key health topics
• Author/Facilitator: Stress Management, an interactive half-, two- or five-day program for businesses

POSITIONS & ROLES:

2003- President, Alive Health Resort Inc. & Web Health Inc.

Health retreats and corporate wellness programs

• Lead and facilitated a two-year international competitor analysis study on health resorts/retreats
• Developed and initiated the education curriculum for the five- and 12-day stress management program
• Developed an interactive telephone/Web-deployed health coaching program
• Assembled a team of medical doctors, psychologists and naturopaths to research and develop a section on Emotional Health in the Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. The encyclopedia was the first book to win the Benjamin Franklin Award in the category of health.
• Initiated and lead the development of the online Web-deployed Health Quotient Assessment, in conjunction with Alive’s medical advisory board
• Introduced emotional-health as an editorial concept in Canada’s most-read health publication, Alive Magazine and Canada’s Healthy Living Guide (with a monthly circulation of one million readers), garnering widespread acceptance of emotional health as an integral component of overall health.
• Currently developing a program for middle-aged to senior age groups that uses outdoor activities to stimulate and accelerate mental and physical healing.  
• Developed the world’s largest interactive health portal for health and wellness training in the corporate sector.

1999-2004 CEO, Co-owner and Publisher, Alive Publishing Group, Inc.

Publisher of two magazines, books and accredited home-study programs

• Initiated a complete redesign/restructuring of Canada’s largest-read health publication, increasing readership to 1.3 million monthly 
• Initiated and lead a team of health professionals to develop the Emotional Intelligence module, which was then incorporated into the Alive Health Coaching program
• Initiated and lead a team of programmers and health professionals to develop Canada’s largest interactive health Web site
• Lead and facilitated the development of the online Health Quotient Assessment  
• Developed Alive’s online group and one-and-one health coaching program

1992-1999 President, Columbia Group, Inc.

Business management and stress reduction training

• Provided research, product development, marketing and management consulting to an international client base of over 250 businesses over a seven-year period
• Developed an Executive Performance Coaching Program for executives and business owners     
• Facilitated cross-cultural business-related workshops in internationally
• Mediated resolution for numerous corporate shareholder, partner, and senior manager disputes
• Developed the YES program (Youth Entrepreneur Strategy) for Smile Africa in Ghana, Africa
• For Columbia Group profile, see www.cgcanada.com.

1979-1992 Founder and President, Brick & Co. Inc.

Engineering contracting and general construction

• Began career as a construction tradesmen in carpentry and stone masonry
• Operated as a contractor in the construction and building restoration industry
• Evolved into an engineering contractor and general contractor
• Developed several innovations in the Canadian/U.S. Great Lakes region, earning nominations for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Business Award and the Waterloo Technologies Award
• Conducted a technologies exchange mission with European counterparts
• Worked in collaboration with Dr. Eric Burnett at the University of Waterloo’s Materials Development on new products

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Sociology & Psychology applied to improving business culture and interpersonal conflicts in the workplace, with an emphasis on Emotional Intelligence principles

• Research & Product Development : Primary and secondary research on consumer behavior, new product development, product evolution, product integration, and product life-cycle expiration assessments

• Trend forecasting applied to product life-cycle expiration and product development

• Communications: Print publishing, writing, public speaking, group facilitations, and digital publishing

• Web Technologies: Development of Web-based artificial intelligence tools to improve administrative processes, marketing, personal assessment, education and training

• Assessments: Building and calibrating assessments tools

PURPOSE, CORE VALUES & VISION:

Purpose: To become everything I was created to be and to help others to do the same

Core values: Faith; microscopic honesty with myself and others; vulnerability and intimacy in relationships; kindness; generosity; congruency between my values-convictions-words-conduct

Life Vision was inspired by a quote from an 18th-century mystic who said: “The glory of God is for man/woman to be fully alive.” This expresses my conviction in God’s will and ability to heal and restore myself and other people to their full potential. In living this out personally and in my work with others, I have come to realize that what people need most is for me/you to treat them as if they are what they ought to be, and with the self-confidence that this engenders, they will be capable of fulfilling their purpose.

SPEAKING & WORKSHOP FACILITATION TOPICS:

The following subjects can be delivered in 30-60 minute keynotes speeches, or two-hour, half-day and full-day interactive workshops. Upon request, topics can be integrated to meet the objectives of your particular group function.

• How shrinking global village trends are reshaping your regional business environment, and what to do about it  
• Increasing competitiveness in today’s hyper-competitive marketplace
• The link between our values system and stress, the primary cause of illnesses
• The anatomy of stress and stress-reduction strategies
• Emotional Intelligence and its link to executive performance  
• Why the U.S./Canadian health-care system would go broke if it were a business
• Workplace wellness and its link to the bottom line
• How tumbling hierarchical leadership structures are making way for a team-based approach   
• Understanding the emerging trends of eco- and health tourism
• How men’s high IQ (intelligence quotient) and women’s high EQ (emotional quotient) manifest themselves in primary/secondary relationships and group dynamics  
• Breaking through interpersonal conflicts
• Understanding temperament types and their role in successful relationships
• Sharpening your interpersonal skills (setting boundaries, co-dependent dynamics, asking for what you want)
• Leadership: Learning to lead yourself successfully is a prerequisite to leading others
• The art of performance management

RATES:

Telephone Conference Lectures: $400 an hour

Web conference workshops: $600 an hour

Local keynote speeches, 30-60 minutes: $1,300; gratis for non-profits

Non-local keynote speeches, 30-60 minutes: quoted on request

Interactive Workshops: $3,000 a day, plus travel

Travel expenses are billed at cost, plus 10%

PARTIAL CLIENT LIST

REFERENCES:

• Murray McMain, Good Health Mart, phone 905-895-3630

Built a health and wellness Web site for a chain of health food stores

• Azim Velj, Planet Organic, phone 780-437-7997/780-982-9851 (cell)

Built a health and wellness Web site

• Stephanie Burns, Brave New World Travel, phone 604-687-4269

Conducted a corporate health and wellness program for staff of a travel company

• Barry Adams, SR metals, phone 780-465-5050

Conducted an operational audit, then worked with the president to reorganize the business over a three-month period

• Camex Equipment, phone  780-955-2770 

Conducted an operational audit, then worked with the president and COO to reorganize the business over a six-month period

TESTIMONIALS:

Smile Africa International, Kelowna, B.C.
Columbia Group has been working with our organization in developing our Youth Entrepreneurship Strategy. The YES program is being designed to instill in participants a permanent, positive and realistic attitude towards career focus and lifelong learning with respect to small business and entrepreneurship. Victor LeBouthillier’s approach showed a commitment to our vision and an excellent understanding of the marketing in the global economy. All of our directors highly value his expertise and recommend him to any one who may require his expertise in product development and marketing.

- Chris Ellom, Executive Director

Brick & Co. Engineering Contractors Ltd., Waterloo, Ont.
Columbia Group has been a valuable asset to our firm and has positively affected the overall growth of the company. I have become a more effective manager and marketer of my business, and my ability to direct the company has improved under their guidance.

- Rob Milovancev, President

PNT Transport Inc., Edmonton, Alta.
We engaged Columbia Group to assist our company in developing a marketing plan. From the strategic plan developed, their advice and recommendations are being put into place. At the same time, they have taken over the management of our sales force, providing us with much-needed direction and support. I have been encouraged and challenged by their enthusiasm and the personal attention they have given our situation. Accordingly, I consider it a privilege to recommend them as a company of integrity with both feet on the ground.

- Bill Farmer, President

Waterloo Region Business Achievement Awards, Kitchener, Ont.
Congratulations! Your company has been nominated for the Waterloo Region Business Achievement awards.

- Kathi Smith, Executive Director

Sea Haven Soaps Kelowna, B.C.
Thank you so much for the most incredible job you are doing with Sea Haven Soaps. I really appreciate the way you work and find it most fascinating. The immediate changes to my business have expanded our vision allowing things to move forward in a very big way. I am grateful to your firm’s commitment and look forward to working with you further.

- Karen Warkentin, President

Internet Entrepreneurs, Red Deer, Alta.
Columbia Group helped refocus our company in the right direction. It was a powerful experience working with Columbia Group, and Victor LeBouthillier’s knowledge was highly valued.

- Kathy Gibson, President

Terra Botanica Products Ltd., Nakusp, B.C.
The Columbia Group business growth audit was able to identify areas of our business that required fortification. Today, we have implemented their management program and retained them to mentor our personnel. We highly recommend their services.

- Connie Miller, Owner

Mather Management Services Cambridge, Ontario
Our company has engaged Columbia Group over the past several years to complete a variety of business consulting projects. We have always found their work to be done promptly and efficiently and would not hesitate to recommend their business services related to any people matters.

- Pam Mather, Manager

Vital Business Solutions, Calgary, Alta.
Victor LeBouthillier at Columbia Group was instrumental in helping restructure our business’s leadership, and through his work, we are seeing many improvement in our operations and people . We highly recommend the services of Columbia Group.

- Tony Wafta, President

F & W Property Management Ltd., Kitchener, Ont.
We are pleased to refer Columbia Group, and are sure you will be pleased with their performance. Should you require additional information, please feel free to contact our office.

- Veronica Warner, President

J.G. Interiors Ltd., Kitchener, Ont.
Your honesty is commended. We will be in touch with you regarding work in the future. You and your people did an excellent job.

- Shawky Fahel, President

Vineyard Carpentry, Kitchener, Ont.
I value your comments and opinion to a high degree. Thank you for your time in counsel and encouragement. You have had great impact on our business.

Edwards & Associates, Kitchener, Ont.
During the past 12 months, I have reviewed the activity of Columbia Group on a regular basis. … The work I saw completed showed resourcefulness and a better knowledge of requirements than is usually available in this type of industry. I have observed that Victor LeBouthillier has turned down or walked away from work that were not in the best interest of the clients. I think you will find these people to have good ethics and are most reliable.

- R.E. Edwards, President

W.R. Meadows of Canada Ltd., Weston, Ont.
Columbia Group has completed all the necessary training in the W.R. Meadows program. They have shown professionalism and competence in all project applications. We are happy to recommend Columbia Group.

- Glenn Tench, Manager

Club Victory – Lin S. Keung Co. Ltd., Waterloo, Ont.
This is to thank you for all the work you have done for our firm to our extreme satisfaction. … I want to state that you are a man of your word and you have great honesty.

- Lin S. Keung, President

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Program, Toronto, Ont.
It is my pleasure to inform you that you have been nominated for an Entrepreneur of the Year award. The award program is designed to honour outstanding leaders of Canada’s most successful and growing business.

- Dan H. Cornacchia, Program Director, Ontario Region

Pacific Northwest Marketing Plan, Kelowna, B.C.
We are extremely satisfied with Columbia Group. You have helped us gain control of our business. We highly recommend your services and are currently experiencing results from them.

- Lance Alexander, President

Knox’s Galt Presbyterian Church, Cambridge, Ont.
On behalf of the Board of Managers of Knox’s Galt and more specifically on a personal note, I would like to thank you for the time and effort you have put forward … . I find it a pleasure to work with honest, knowledgeable people and in this particular case; I most certainly appreciate the personal contact and our ensuing conversation. Once again, a very hardy “thanks” from all members of the board.

- Grant Ferguson, Administration Chairman

Kleinfeldt Consultants Ltd., Kitchener, Ont.
Columbia Group performed work for our firm on several occasions. We found that they performed the work in a professional manner. We were completely satisfied with their performance and would have no hesitation using them in the future.

- Bob Muir, Consulting Engineer

Seward Consulting, Edmonton, Alta.

At this point let me take a moment to thank you for sticking with it and helping our company. Gee and you thought your job was done months ago: hah! we're not letting you off that easy. We really needed a good shaking, I mean waking up, and you were the guy to do it! THANK YOU.

We still have a long ways to go... but after so many years with the company it's nice to see the structure, goals, measurement, etc. … finally taking place.

- Michael Brooks, Outsourcing Division Manager

A Dollar Tire & Auto Store, Edmonton, Alta.

I really like Vic ….. I met a few consultants, before I met Vic, and you could tell right away, they just didn’t have the level of business experience or knowledge that Vic has. I know he is the right guy to help us out.

- George Dowler, President

PROJECT PROFILES:

Restructuring is required

Case History #1 - Type of business: Publishing
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
Size of business: $4 million annual revenues; 50 employees
Dates mentoring / consulting took place: January 2002 -2004
Reasons client pursued mentoring:Issues: Lack of experience and confidence in moving to the next level.
Remedial actions: Mentoring of owner and development of a strategic growth plan

Case History #2- Type of business: Software developer
Location: Lahore, Pakistan
Size of business: $800,000 annual revenues; 24 employees
Dates mentoring / consulting took place: July 1998 - ongoing
Reasons client pursued mentoring: Uncertainty in approaching Western markets.
Issues: Lack of visionary leadership, over-reliance on technical skills
Remedial actions: Provided intensive on-site training on Western business practices, supported by ongoing mentoring

The business is experiencing declining market share

Case History #3 - Type of business: Trucking firm
Location: Edmonton, Alta.
Size of business: $4 million annual revenues; 86 employees
Dates mentoring / consulting took place: September 1997 - March 1998
Reasons client pursued mentoring: Declining market share
Issues: Outdated, hierarchical management style, resulting in low morale
Remedial actions: Reassigned new management and leadership team; updated and implemented operating procedures; provided mentoring to sales force

Case History #4 - Type of business: Bakery
Location: Kelowna, B.C.
Dates mentoring / consulting took place: August 1999 - November 1999
Size of business: $1.5 million annual sales; 23 employees
Reasons client pursued mentoring: low morale resulting in low productivity and quality.
Issues: A dictatorial style of leadership, holding back full potential of managers.
Remedial actions: Created a leadership team to speed decision process and spent considerable time mentoring owner.

The business is stagnating

Case History #5 - Type of business: General contractor
Location: Kelowna, B.C.
Size of business: $4 million annual revenues; 6 employees
Dates mentoring / consulting took place: July 1999 - December 1999
Reasons client pursued mentoring: Twenty-year-old company desperately needed evolution of its purpose
Issues: Flat market, no innovation, no strategic planning, resulting in low-margin pricing
Remedial actions: Dismissed unproductive managers and hired new blood with vision and passion; developed a strategic plan

Case History #6 - Type of business: Software developer
Location: Edmonton, Alta.
Size of business: $4 million annual revenues; 70 employees
Dates mentoring / consulting took place: January 2000
Reasons client pursued mentoring: Product-development focus resulted in lack of marketing and sales savvy
Issues: No strategic planning in marketing and sales
Remedial actions: Task force established; mentor facilitated the development of a marketing plan

Business growth is creating problems

Case History #7 - Type of business: Software developer
Location: Edmonton, Alta.
Size of business: $1.5 million annual revenues; 40 employees
Dates mentoring / consulting took place: February 2000 - ongoing
Reasons client pursued mentoring: Poor morale and low productivity
Issues: Exponential growth had created anarchy in leadership, resulting in productivity and quality-assurance issues, and internal discord
Remedial actions: Reassigned job positions, hired three senior people, developed an operations manual, and created a task force to improve sales and marketing

Case History #8 - Type of business: Subcontractor
Location: Waterloo, Ont.
Size of business: $600,000 annual revenues; 8 employees
Dates mentoring / consulting took place: June 1998 - December 1999
Reasons client pursued mentoring: Exponential growth
Issues: No senior experience in management
Remedial actions: Weekly mentoring to ensure all major decisions produced results

The business is successful, but needs mentoring to reach the next level

Case History #9 - Type of business: Garment manufacturer
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
Size of business: $1 million annual revenues; 20 employees
Dates mentoring / consulting took place: January 2000 - ongoing
Reasons client pursued mentoring: Goal of building a world-class manufacturing facility.
Issues: Lack of experience and confidence in moving to the next level.
Remedial actions: Mentoring of owner and development of a strategic growth plan.