Hosted by the BCIT Student Association Entrepreneurial Services and Career Services in partnership with the BCIT School of Construction and the Environment, the second annual Trades Entrepreneur Panel event received great turn out with trade students, alumni, and industry entrepreneurs in attendance.
The esteemed panel members included BCIT trades alumni and entrepreneurs. Each of the panelists captivated the students’ attention as they spoke about their personal experiences and shared essential advice on starting a trades business, key success factors, negotiation techniques, and common pitfalls and traps to avoid.
Special thanks to the guest panelists:
Chad Flinn, Instructor, BCIT Electrical and The Electrical Academy
Chad is a Red Seal Electrician and has been an instructor at BCIT since 2009. From time spent as an operations manager, to being a part of multiple start-ups, launching a successful blog for electricians and hosting the Apprenticeship Matters podcast, Chad has the background to help others grow their skills in entrepreneurship. He also teaches the BCIT and Coast Capital Savings Apprentice to CEO – Entrepreneurial Skills for the Trades.
Kenny Gemmill, President, Kits Construction and Development
Kenny is a Red Seal Journeyman carpenter who began his construction company Kits Construction & Development at the age of 19. In addition to being the president of his construction company, Kenny is the General Contractor for the television show Love It or List It Vancouver. He is a true multi-tasker and extremely knowledgeable in every aspect of the building process.
Adam Wicks, Owner, Wicks Electric Inc.
As a BC Business “30 Under 30” winner, Adam has the entrepreneurial skills and business acumen necessary to have built a multi-million dollar company from the ground up in just over four years. Adam founded Wicks Electric with the belief that hustle, hard work and organization are the key to success in business.