Liaquat Javaid Mian is the President and founder of LJM Developments, established in 2001. A Chartered Accountant by profession, Mr. Mian brings decades of experience in financing, project management, and large-scale real estate development. Under his leadership, LJM has grown to manage 29 projects across 19 Canadian municipalities, with a total portfolio exceeding $8 billion. Known for his commitment to quality, affordability, and community impact, Mr. Mian is also a dedicated philanthropist, with significant contributions to affordable housing and healthcare. He was recently honoured with the Canada Pakistan Business Council Business Excellence Award and Niagara Region’s Best Business Award.

Allen Taylor founded Taylor Moving and Storage in 1959 with a single truck, growing it into one of Canada’s top five corporate moving companies, now led by his sons and based in Burlington. Known for a commitment to quality service and integrity, the company specializes in national and international corporate relocations. A dedicated community leader, Allen played a key role in major initiatives such as the expansion of Joseph Brant Hospital, the creation of Burlington’s YMCA, and saving the Art Gallery of Burlington. Over six decades of volunteering and philanthropy earned him deep respect in the community, with a legacy now continuing into a third generation.

Jeff Paikin is the President and co-founder of New Horizon Development Group, leading land acquisition, product development, marketing and financing, as well as the community engagement for the company.. He has held leadership roles with the West End Home Builders’ Association and was a founding member of the Canadian Home Builders’ Urban Council. The WEHBA awarded him the National Roof Topper Award in 2003, the President’s Award of Merit in 2004, and the Paul Wright Memorial Award in 2009. He was also named Hamilton’s Citizen of the Year in 2013, Jeff is deeply committed to philanthropy and regional development through various community and industry organizations. Jeff has chaired the Hamilton Halton Home Builders’ Association (HHHBA), been a board member of the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), and an organizer of the former annual B’Nai Brith Sports Celebrity Dinner.

Kenna Danyliw is the President/CEO and founding partner of Danyliw & Mann, a boutique Canadian firm providing business management, tax, and accounting services to top music industry clients across North America. A CPA, CA with experience at Coopers & Lybrand, Laidlaw, and PwC, she started the firm 15 years ago from her home while raising a young family. Today, her company represents multiple Juno and Grammy-winning artists and is recognized as a leader in its field. A proud Burlington resident for 20 years, Kenna is deeply involved in the community through roles with the Sarah McLachlan Foundation, Art Gallery of Burlington, Hamilton Community Foundation, and several other charitable organizations.

Heather Gerrie Kwant and Elaine Gerrie-Valentini are Co-Presidents and CEOs of Gerrie Electric Wholesale Ltd., one of Canada’s largest independent, family-owned electrical distributors. Founded by their father in 1957, the Burlington-based company has grown under their leadership to 24 locations, 400+ employees, and over $200 million in annual revenue, serving industrial, commercial, and institutional markets across Ontario. Both leaders are deeply committed to customer success, innovation, and preparing the business for a successful third-generation transition. Passionate advocates for community and industry, Heather and Elaine have each served on numerous boards, with both being recognized as Burlington’s Distinguished Entrepreneur in 2018.

Doug Leggat, President of Leggat Auto Group opened his first dealership in 1968, he has grown the business into a network of 11 dealerships across Southern Ontario, known for integrity, customer service, and regional influence. A dedicated philanthropist, he was the founding chair of the Burlington Community Foundation, led Joseph Brant Hospital’s first capital campaign, and has supported numerous local causes. Doug credits his success to the hard work of his team and the unwavering support of the Burlington community.

Dan Lawrie, CLU, C.F.S.B., is the Founder & Chairman of Dan Lawrie Insurance Group Inc., a top-ranked Canadian insurance firm with over $70 million in annual sales. A dedicated community leader, Dan founded the Dan Lawrie Family Foundation and partnered with the Royal Botanical Gardens to create the International Sculpture Collection in Hendrie Park. He is also a founding partner of Innovation Factory, an active angel investor, and a member of investor networks such as GTAN and Angel One. With decades of board and leadership experience in business, arts, and philanthropy, Dan continues to shape the cultural and economic landscape of the region.

Steven Stipsits is the President of Branthaven Homes, a family-focused homebuilder with deep roots in Burlington since its founding by his father in 1971. Under Steve’s leadership for the past 27 years, the company has evolved from a prestigious custom homebuilder into a leading force in the Ontario housing market. Steve is recognized for his business excellence and strong philanthropic commitment. His dedication has helped shape Burlington into one of Canada’s most livable cities.

Reginald Pollard immigrated to Canada in 1947 and founded Pollard Windows the following year with his family, building it into one of Canada’s leading window and door manufacturers. A visionary entrepreneur, Reg was deeply committed to his employees and proud of the positive impact his business had on communities across the country. He was recognized as a Pioneer of the Industry in 2009 and received both the Burlington Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for his business leadership and community contributions. Reg’s legacy lives on through his family and the lasting values he instilled in the company.

Ron Foxcroft is a renowned Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and inventor, best known for creating the Fox 40 pea-less whistle, used worldwide in professional sports. He is the founder and CEO of the Foxcroft Group, which includes Fox 40 International, Fluke Transportation Group, and Foxcroft Capital Corp. A former Olympic and NCAA basketball referee, Ron has received numerous honors, including the Order of Canada, NASO’s Gold Whistle Award, and induction into multiple halls of fame. His legacy extends beyond business to major philanthropic efforts, including leading flood relief campaigns and being named Citizen of the Year in Hamilton

Ronald Joyce was a Canadian entrepreneur who co-founded Tim Hortons, transforming it into the country’s largest coffee-and-doughnut chain with over 1,000 locations before its sale in 1996. Rising from humble beginnings, he built an iconic brand and became one of Canada’s most influential business leaders. Joyce dedicated much of his fortune to philanthropy, founding the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation and the Joyce Family Foundation, which has donated over $185 million to education, youth programs, and healthcare. Honoured with the Order of Canada and induction into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, he remained active in business and giving until his passing in Burlington at age 88.

Michael G. DeGroote Sr. was a Belgian-born Canadian entrepreneur who built Laidlaw Transport Ltd. into North America’s largest school bus operator and a major waste-management company before selling it in 1988. A self-made billionaire, he also held interests in Republic Industries, AutoNation, and owned the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. His transformative philanthropy included over $150 million in donations to McMaster University, resulting in the naming of its business and medical schools in his honour, as well as major support for Hillfield Strathallan College. Named an Officer of the Order of Canada, DeGroote’s legacy continues through institutions advancing education, healthcare, and community well-being.

Mark Chamberlain is a serial entrepreneur and the President and founding partner of Trivaris Ltd., a commercialization company that supports the growth of early-stage businesses and social enterprises. As the former President and CEO of Wescam, he built it into a global leader in visual information systems, earning an Academy Award, 16 Emmy Awards, and multiple national business accolades before its acquisition by L-3 Communications. Through ventures like Options for Homes and leadership roles with the Hamilton Community Foundation and Innovation Factory, he channels his entrepreneurial success into impactful community development. A University of Waterloo engineering graduate, Chamberlain has received numerous honours including Ontario Entrepreneur of the Year, the PEO Medal for Entrepreneurship, and induction into the Burlington Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.

Harry Voortman and his brother, William, immigrated from Holland in 1948 and founded Voortman Cookies in 1951, growing it from a small bakery into an international brand selling over 80 cookie varieties in 70 countries. Known for innovation, they were the first large North American bakery to eliminate trans fats from their products in 2004. Their leadership was always rooted in care for employees, customers, and the Burlington community, earning them accolades including the Business Achievement Award and Burlington’s Entrepreneur of the Year. Their enduring legacy combines business excellence with a deep commitment to community building.