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CAN'T FIND SOMETHING? |
Business in Vancouver December 30, 2008-January 5, 2009; issue 1001 Kevin Hoechsmann Co-owner, New World Energy, Age: 39 An aggressive appetite for entrepreneurship means logistics specialist Kevin Hoechsmann is never content with just doing what he knows best. After graduating from high school – his highest level of formal education – Hoechsmann began driving a truck as a part-time job before starting JKH Transport Ltd. in 1990. The then-20-year-old turned what started out as a small business with three trucks into a multimillion-dollar company with 18 trucks in Vancouver and 12 more in Tacoma. JKH moves one million pounds of printed products a week, with business growing so rapidly that the Vancouver entrepreneur bought a Tacoma rival in 1997 and renamed it Urban Logistics Inc., which moves four times as many flyers and products for grocery chain Safeway, as well as the household goods of U.S. military personnel. After spending a lot of money on truck repairs, he later started his own heavy-duty mechanical shop, Big Wheel Truck Repair Ltd., that not only keeps his own vehicles rolling along, but those of his rivals. “People that know me would say I’m a doer, not a talker,” said Hoechsmann. “And I’m proud of that.” So, rather than moaning when the cost of fuel began escalating two years ago, Hoechsmann once again looked for a solution that would not only benefit him, but consumers at large. The result: Green Machine Biofuels Ltd., which is working toward building a biodiesel plant in Vancouver that would process and refine vegetable oil. But it may be oil from the Jatropha seed that turns out to be the right feedstock for biodiesel, taking Hoechsmann on his latest venture, New World Energy, which has been busy leasing large swaths of wasteland in Indonesia to grow the plant. “It’s been extremely inspiring, just learning about biofuel and the positive effect it can have on the environment and society,” said Hoechsmann. “It’s been fuelling the energy that I got to do all these things.” • Birthplace: Burnaby Where do you live now: Vancouver Highest level of education: High school Car or chosen mode of transport: Ford Escape Hybrid Currently reading: How to learn Indonesian Last CD bought or music downloaded: B Sides and Rarities by Cake Favourite movie: The Bourne Ultimatum Favourite local restaurant: Gotham Profession you would most like to try: Race in the America’s Cup Mentor: My entrepreneurs’ organization forum group Toughest business or professional decision: To expand into the U.S. What’s left to do: Learn how to relax |
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