McNabb loves retelling how she lugged her computer onto a Toronto streetcar and travelled across town to a repair store that charged "ridiculously expensive rates for lousy service." She was convinced that the market was ripe for a nationwide on-site computer repair company.

She moved to Phoenix, Arizona and founded 1-800-GeeksOnTime out of her home. She quickly grew the company's geographic footprint to include service to people in all 50 states through a network of 700 on-call contract technicians.

Revenues doubled last year and McNabb-Matalon expects her company's growth curve to continue.

"If someone needs emergency service and wants someone to come within the hour, we provide that," she said. "Technicians who don't work for us full time are the best way to provide that service."

Fear of a tragedy brought her back to Canada in 2002. Her two-year-old son needed a kidney transplant and she believed Canada's medical system would provide better care than the American one. Her son is doing well now.

She chose to live in Vancouver because of the city's beauty and culture. And she is about to launch her computer repair service in Canada, starting in British Columbia. The company is currently based in Washington State but she has an office with two staff and a call centre in Vancouver.

In October, McNabb-Matalon won recognition from the New York-based Stevie Awards for Women as the Best Young Entrepreneur of 2004.

Profession most like to try: Acting

Where do you feel most comfortable? On a beach in California or at Kits

Favourite movie: Chicago

Currently reading: Bill Clinton's My Life

Toughest decision: Making choices for my son's health such as whether to get naturopathic or traditional medical care

Car: Ford Explorer

Would most like to meet: Madonna

Birthplace: Oakville, Ontario

Last CD bought: James Brown's Greatest Hits

Education: Computer science diploma

What's left to do: Travel to Europe, Australia and Israel