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CAN'T FIND SOMETHING? |
Business in Vancouver December 30, 2008-January 5, 2009; issue 1001 Lori Braha President, WA-2! Water Company Ltd., Age: 33 For Lori Braha success is all about being in the right place at the right time. Braha is president of WA-2! Water Company Ltd., one of the fastest-growing water filtration companies in Canada. Her role with WA-2! began as part of an internship requirement in 2001 for her MBA at the University of British Columbia. Braha was sent to the Bailey Group, where she was asked to develop a concept plan for a water filtration company. That concept plan became WA-2! And, within months, she had incorporated the business and secured some of her first customers. At first, she was the company’s manager of business development, but she quickly became general manager and, in 2007, was promoted to president. Last year, WA-2!’s revenues grew 25% compared with the previous year. “When I first started, I thought, well maybe I’ll do this for a year or two, and it kept growing and it’s been eight years now,” said Braha. She believes it’s important to lead by example and she proved that when, in 2008, the company decided that its technicians needed to become certified water specialists. Braha studied with the technicians and together they took the exam and earned their water qualifications. “I’ve been able to have a lot of control over kind of creating the environment that I’m working in, and I’ve built this really great team so it’s a great place to come to work.” She said her company has grown every month since its inception, and she’s made an effort to celebrate those milestones along the way. She attributes some of WA-2!’s success to her ability to jump into many different roles and fine tune company procedures. Braha’s primary focus for the last seven years has been developing WA-2! into a brand she’s proud of, and although this thunderball admits she’s a James Bond rookie, she feels the Top 40 Under 40 is “a little bit like the Academy Awards of business.” • Birthplace: Winnipeg Where do you live now: Vancouver B.C. Highest level of education: MBA Car or chosen mode of transport: Toyota Rav4 Currently reading: A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry Last CD bought or music downloaded: Sara Bareilles and Pink Favourite movie: Hairspray (original John Waters version) Favourite local restaurant: Glowbal in Yaletown Profession you would most like to try: A doctor or judge Mentor: My father Toughest business or professional decision: Letting people go who were not the right fit with the company What’s left to do: I am just getting started! |
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