BNI Northwest Success
11201 100 Avenue T8V 5M6 Grande Prairie, AB, Canada

Networking for Success Visual Notes Thank you to BNI Philippines Member Elbert Or for sharing his visual notes from my Keynote presentation at the 2021 BNI Glob...al Convention. I love it! https://bit.ly/3EEOOkc #BNI #BNIGC2021 #BNIGlobal

Episode #639 How to Bring a Visitor into the Room. Listen: https://www.bnipodcast.com//how-to-bring-a-visitor-into-t/ Madeleine Dechy from BNI Greater Livonia joins Dr. Misner on the podcast this week. She has brought a visitor to BNI every week for the past 3.5 years, which has resulted in 43 new members in 42 months. Here’s how she does it.

Upcoming Event! How to use BNI Online & Zoom: Drop in session March 17 | 2-3PM | Wednesday Register https://bnialberta.ca/en-CA/eventdetails... Have questions regarding BNI Online & Zoom? This virtual drop in session is for you! BNI Online is not just a conference site, it has been designed to replicate the features of an in-person BNI meeting optimized for online. It offers a familiar agenda structure, the ability to pass referrals, learn and work together to grow your business. And just like in-person meetings, visitors are always welcome. BNI Online has been used by hundreds of Chapters and thousands of Members. It has been proven effective, deliver quality referrals, and Thank You For Closed Business. The Zoom link will be emailed to you prior to the start of the session.

10 Questions with Calvin Fehr! We interviewed Calvin Fehr of Custom Woodworks GP ahead of his feature presentation this Thursday. Calvin is the Owner of Custom Woodworks and he holds the Renovations & Remodelling seat in our chapter.... If you want to learn more about what Calvin does, join us for our next BNI meeting on March. 11 at 6:45am via Zoom. Register: https://bnialberta.ca/northwestsucce//visitorregistration 1. How long have you been in the home improvement business? 2007 2. Why do you love what you do? The ability to help people. Whether it is updates to the look of their home and exteriors or an emergency, it is rewarding helping people with one of their most cherished assets, their home. It is fun to take homeowners’ ideas of what design or functionality they want to achieve in their home and make it a reality. 3. How long have you been a BNI member? Over four years. 4. What is your favourite part of BNI? I would say the relationships and meeting super awesome business owners with different fields of expertise. I am also grateful that if and when my clients are in need of certain services I can refer them to someone I know is going to be able to help them. 5. How has BNI changed your business? BNI has helped my business grow. It has helped us with our marketing and even open a new division within my business. All because of BNI. 6. Where did you grow up? High Level, Alberta. 7. What is your favourite hobby? I really enjoy sports of all types, but my favourite would have to be flying my plane. I got my pilot's license a few years ago and I have really been enjoying that! 8. What is your favourite part about our #gpab community? We are so entrepreneurial here. I know so many people who have started their own businesses. It is pretty cool to see younger people being entrepreneurs and trying to venture out on their own. 9. What is your favourite food or restaurant? I am always up for a good steak. Throughout the pandemic, we have been making our steak dinners at home by picking them up at Europa Meat Shoppe. If I were to choose my favourite restaurant in Grande Prairie, it would be The Keg Steakhouse + Bar 10. What is something most people don’t know about you? As a teen, I broke my leg one summer. We were wakeboarding like every night after work. After a month of not being able to wakeboard and having a cast on my leg, I modified my wakeboard to put a snowboard binding on it. And then I duct-taped my cast into the wakeboard and I went wakeboarding with my cast on. After six weeks, I got sick of the cast, and my dad helped me cut it off on the kitchen table. I wouldn’t recommend anyone try this at home. #lovelocalgp #renovations #homeimprovement #remodelling #property #entrepreneurship #business #CountyofGP

Happy Anniversary to one of our newest chapter members, Dr. Don Beeson, and his team at Today's Dental Grande Prairie! They are celebrating one year in business!

Here are a few pictures from our chapter members who participated in #PinkShirtDay today! Pink Shirt Day began in 2007 when a student in Nova Scotia was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. It has since been recognized annually worldwide as a day to stand against bullying. There is no place for bullying in business. And we stand against it.... Extra points to Darrin who has a pink background.

10 Questions with Kris Waye! We interviewed Kris Waye of Grassroots Property Management ahead of his feature presentation this Thursday. Kris is the Owner and Property Manager of Grassroots Property Management and he holds the Property Management seat in our chapter....Continue reading

10 Questions with Mike Hoehn! We interviewed Mike with Edward Jones ahead of his feature presentation this Thursday. Mike is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones and he holds the Financial Advisor seat in our chapter....Continue reading

We keep politics out of BNI, however, events and actions in our community do affect business. Member Mariah Braun of M3M Marketing is insightful and courageous in this interview (about 1:08) regarding a Grimshaw, AB incident.

10 Questions with our chapter President, Ryan Smook! We interviewed Ryan with Smook's Plumbing ahead of his feature presentation this Thursday. Ryan is an Owner of Smook’s Plumbing and he holds the Plumbing seat in our chapter.... If you want to learn more about what Ryan does, join us for our next BNI meeting on Jan. 14 at 6:45am via Zoom. Register: https://bnialberta.ca/northwestsucce//visitorregistration 1. How long have you been in the plumbing industry for? 14 years 2. Why do you love what you do? I got into this career path because I discovered that I really enjoy designing efficient plumbing solutions. Prior to opening my business, I was doing builds for large camps and my passion moved on to other areas of plumbing after that. Running my own business now, I love getting service calls and being able to be hands-on with people, and providing solutions for their plumbing needs. 3. How long have you been a BNI member? Going into my 4th year. 4. What is your favourite part of BNI? I would say my favourite part is being part of BNI is belonging to a group of people that can help me if I am in need, and in return, I am able to help them grow their business at the same time. 5. How has BNI changed your business? BNI has connected me to people I wouldn’t have otherwise known. Being a BNI member has gotten me out of my shell and has allowed me to grow my confidence in public speaking. In turn, it has helped me further promote my business and be more accountable. 6. Where did you grow up? The Peace Country. I’ve lived in Fort St John, Grande Cache, Fairview, and Grande Prairie. Pretty much all four corners of the Peace Country. 7. What is your favourite hobby? Spending time with the family, hockey, running, spending, woodworkings, camping, and mixing cocktails. 8. What is your favourite part about our #gpab community? I like that our community is resilient. We’ve been through growth and times of downturn. The community has done a good job of getting through anything, regardless of the circumstance. 9. What is your favourite food? Jambalaya but I can’t turn down a good steak. 10. What is something most people don’t know about you? I love really artistic graffiti. Disclaimer I am not promoting or condoning vandalism. #lovelocalgp #plumbing #trades #entrepreneurship #business #CountyofGP

Today is BNI's 36th Anniversary! The theme of this anniversary is 36 Years of Growth. BNI members, we want to know, how has BNI helped you GROW your business? Let us know in the comments below! #lovelocalgp #bnianniversary #growth #business #entrepreneurship

10 Questions with Srijohn Mandal! We interviewed Srijohn with Europa Meat Shoppe ahead of his feature presentation this Thursday. Srijohn is the Owner of Europa Meat Shoppe and he holds the Food & Beverage Products seat in our chapter.... If you want to learn more about what Srijohn does, join us for our next BNI meeting on Jan. 7 at 6:45am via Zoom. Register: https://bnialberta.ca/northwestsucce//visitorregistration 1. How long have you been in the food industry? More than 20 years. 2. Why do you love what you do? I have been trained in hotel and food service, and I am a Journeyman Chef. I spent 6 years working on cruise lines in the US as a chef. I have put a lot of time and effort into my career, of course I love what I do. Food is an essential part of life and we get to provide quality food products to our customers. 3. How long have you been a BNI member? Since 2018, so about 3 years. 4. What is your favourite part of BNI? Meeting with business owners weekly and the fact that more people are becoming aware of Europa and what we offer the community. BNI helps me promote my business. Another thing I enjoy is that if there is something in business I need, I call on my chapter members and it gets done very easily. I could be utilizing their services or they recommend other businesses we can trust. 5. How has BNI changed your business? More and more people know about Europa every day. BNI has allowed us to not only improve our business but expand it to offer the community more! 6. Where did you grow up? I grew up in India. 7. What is your favourite hobby? I am often working 7 days a week, but when I get downtime, I try to relax and watch some TV. I like to travel when I can (obviously we haven't been able to do that this past year). 8. What is your favourite part about our #gpab community? People are very generous in Grande Prairie. There are always people to help if you are in need. 9. What is your favourite food and/or restaurant? I really enjoy home-cooked food. And if I were to name a favourite restaurant in Grande Prairie it would be Better Than Freds. 10. What is something most people don’t know about you? I have a son who is 4 years old and I enjoy his company when I have off time. #lovelocalgp #Meat #Deli #Sausage #Pizza #EuropeanGroceries #entrepreneurship #business #CountyofGP

Our chapter officially passed 2 million dollars in closed business for 2020! Did You Know? BNI members, on average, increase their business 20% the first year. Our chapter is a dynamic, committed group of business people who know how to refer business to each other. ... Our meetings are online via Zoom right now. Visit our chapter to experience BNI and network with local business owners. Sign up: https://bnialberta.ca/northwestsucce//visitorregistration Learn more about our chapter by visiting our website: https://bnialberta.ca/northwestsuccess/en-CA/index

10 Questions with John MacLennan! We Zoomed with RE/MAX John MacLennan Grande Prairie prior to John's feature presentation this Thursday. John is a REALTOR at RE/MAX Grande Prairie. He holds the Residential Real Estate seat in our chapter.... If you want to learn more about what John does join us for our next BNI meeting on Nov. 12 at 6:45am via Zoom. Register: https://bnialberta.ca/northwestsucce//visitorregistration 1. How long have you been in the real estate industry for? 14 years 2. Why do you love what you do? It may seem a little corny but I really enjoy being guide through a very big purchase decision for a variety of different people! I love helping investors, independent individuals, first-time home buyers, and those who desire acreages. There are a lot of obstacles that can come up during the process and having a lot of experience allows me to provide professional advice that benefits my clients. 3. How long have you been a BNI member? I have been a BNI member for 9 years. I am also a charter member (one of the first individuals to join the first chapter in Grande Prairie) and the first chapter president for BNI in Grande Prairie. 4. What is your favourite part of BNI? The depth of relationships both locally and internationally. I am amazed at the referral relationships I have been able to develop across the province and even the country. Having been given the opportunity to meet Ivan Misner, the founder of BNI, is also very memorable. 5. How has BNI changed your business? It has changed my business significantly. Rarely is there real estate transaction that I work on that doesn’t have a BNI connection. It has been humbling to know I have grown trust with others to receive referrals from so many BNI members. 6. Where did you grow up? Saskatoon, SK Oakville, ON St Catherines, ON Winnipeg, MB Kamloops, BC Edmonton, AB Grande Prairie, AB 7. What is your favourite hobby? Speed Skating 8. What is your favourite part about our #gpab community? I am most impressed with the support for non-profit organizations. 9. What is your favourite food? The perfect BLT. 10. What is something most people don’t know about you? Fun fact, my wife Annette and I are both left-handed, while all 5 kids are right-handed. #lovelocalgp #homeowner #RealEstate #bni #entrepreneur #business #CountyofGP

10 Questions with Trudy MacDougall! We scheduled a zoom meeting with Trudy to learn more about The Mortgage Centre - Sky Financial prior to her feature presentation this Thursday. Trudy is a Mortgage Agent at Sky Financial Corporation o/a The Mortgage Centre. She holds the Residential Mortgage seat in our chapter.... If you want to learn more about what Trudy does join us for our next BNI meeting on Nov. 5 at 6:45am. Register: https://bnialberta.ca/northwestsucce//visitorregistration 1. How long have you been in the mortgage industry? 15 years as a broker and 25 helping individuals with their money. 2. Why do you love what you do? It allows me to have a huge impact on people's lives, I like to guide people to make informed decisions. It is rewarding to have others reach their goals in the end. 3. How long have you been a BNI member? 9 years and I am a charter member (one of the first individuals to join the first chapter in Grande Prairie). 4. What is your favourite part of BNI? The relationships I've grown. I know more about industries I would have never learned about otherwise. I've also seen a lot of personal growth while being a BNI member, it has allowed me to be able to speak in front of people more comfortably. 5. How has BNI changed your business? I have a more streamlined business. I have developed really good referral partners and that helps me connect clients and friends with products and services that I trust. 6. Where did you grow up? Hines Creek, AB 7. What is your favourite hobby? Golf, camping and walk. Anything that gets me out in nature. I like Golf because it's an individual game and it’s up to you to do better each time you play. 8. What is your favourite part about our #gpab community? It’s the people. People are friendly and willing to help each other out. It comes back to that givers gain philosophy BNI has, and that's what I like about the community. 9. What is your favourite restaurant? Tractor Jacks/Major's Homestyle 10. What is something most people don’t know about you? I was a WOW (World of Warcraft) gamer for several years. #lovelocalgp #homeowner #mortgage #RealEstate #bni #entrepreneur #business #CountyofGP

Happy Halloween from BNI Northwest Success ! Stay safe everyone. #gpab #halloween #CountyofGP #smallbusiness #enterpreneur

10 Questions with Trevor Sodergren! We Zoomed with Trevor to learn about him and Broker Age General Insurance Inc. ahead of his feature presentation this Thursday. Trevor is the Co-owner of Broker Age Corporation and is the Director of Business Development and Marketing. He holds the Property and Casualty Insurance seat in our chapter.... If you want to learn more about what Trevor does join us for our next BNI meeting on Oct. 29 at 6:45am. Register: https://bnialberta.ca/northwestsucce//visitorregistration 1. How long have you been in the insurance industry? 8 years. 2. Why do you love what you do? It gives me the ability to help other people. I like to solve problems and help people find success in what they do. 3. How long have you been a BNI member? 7 years. 4. What is your favourite part of BNI? The relationships I’ve built over time and the opportunities to grow more relationships. I enjoy seeing people succeed in their businesses. In BNI you really get to know people on a personal level. The people you meet in BNI have an impact on your life, even outside of business. 5. How has BNI changed your business? The givers gain philosophy is so aligned with our core values of helping people succeed. It’s right in line with how I do things, it has reinforced what we are doing in business. 6. Where did you grow up? Sexsmith, AB. 7. What is your favourite hobby? I would have to say Golf because I can do it with friends, family and colleagues. 8. What is your favourite part about our #gpab community? The entrepreneurial spirit here. There are so many people that jump into something without worrying about the consequences and that is unique about Grande Prairie. 9. What is your favourite food? Sushi 10. What is something most people don’t know about you? I named my son after Tom Brady. #lovelocalgp #insurance #brokeragegeneralinsurance #bni #entrepreneur #business #CountyofGP