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Escarpment Magaz ine Winter
2012
EXTRAORDINARY CHEESE
UNIQUE ART • LOCAL FOOD & WINE
11 Bruce Street South
Thornbur y
519.599.6699
Drop by for a nibble and a sip and
while you’re here, pick up something tasty to take home.
Blessed are the Cheesemakers
MONTY PYTHON
Escarpment:
You describe your business philosophy as "get the cul-
ture." Can you expand on this please?
Gord:
I truly believe a company has to have values that everyone be-
lieves in and which permeate the entire organization from front-line to
management. Our values are caring, trusting and commitment. We
drew commitment from the past, from a time when Jozo was here in a
more paternal environment. Caring for each other and our guests and
trusting each other and our guests were the values we adopted for the
future. My favourite business concept for culture is in a book “Firing on
All Cylinders” by Jim Clemmer. Every cylinder has to be aligned with
the values and the mission — ours is to create memories again and
again. (Gord shows me his well-read book which automatically falls
open to a chart illustrating exactly what he’s saying.)
Communication is critical. We seek input from all of our employees on
a regular basis. A good example is our presidential lunches. Our em-
ployees give us a wealth of information on things like their work envi-
ronment and about the customer. After a loss year, we offered profit
sharing to all of our full time employees and opened our books to them,
which is very unusual for a private company.
Escarpment:
After being involved so completely with the day to day
operations as President for thirty years, how did you find the adjustment
of transitioning into the role of CEO?
Gord:
Thanks to Dan Skelton and our excellent management team,
the transition has been easy. Dan and I get along well and often discuss
matters which keeps me in the loop and gives me an opportunity to give
input based on my experience. For the time being, I am Chairman and
CEO. This gives me primary responsibility to the Board which represents
the two shareholders of BMRL, Intrawest and theWeider Family. Now,
since I am not involved day to day, I can more easily leave for extended
periods. In the last year I have been on safari in Kenya, skiing in France
and cruising in China as well as biking in New York while visiting my
daughter Andrea and her family.
Escarpment:
Speaking of Andrea, at the most recent celebration in your
honour - the surprise tribute event held at The Conference Centre in Octo-
ber, Andrea is quoted as saying "I hit the jackpot, I strive to be like him."
There's no better honour for any parent than the praise of their child -
what makes you a good Dad?
Gord:
Communication. Support. Pride. Getting as excited as she is
about what she is doing - both at work and with family. Maybe we
should turn it around - the good daughter. Andrea has taken me on an
exciting journey.
Escarpment:
You have been honoured with many tributes including The
Jimmie Spencer Leadership Award in 2006, In looking at your profes-
sional life can you single out one aspect, award or event that makes you
the most proud?
Gord:
It may sound corney but my biggest reward is seeing so many
people enjoying the Resort and the Escarpment and the Village year
round. I love the diversity of people who are visiting now and am fasci-
nated by it. I am most especially proud of the longevity record of our
employees.
IN CONVERSATION
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gord canning