Kazuko Kamatsu runs a company that generates revenue in the tens of millions, has founded a Japanese business association and is on several boards of directors.

The president and CEO of Pacific Western Brewing Company left Japan in 1977 to start a new life in Canada. She was awarded the Order of British Columbia in 1998.

Kamatsu started her business life as a serial entrepreneur, founding various enterprises starting with Kowa Canada Ltd. in the 1970s. Her Royal Canadian Homes exports building products to Japan and her Natureland Bio Products Ltd. develops and markets specialty health supplements and beverages.

She was a founding member of the Japan-Canada Chamber of Commerce in 2003 and has seen that organization grow to 80 members.

She sits on the boards of directors of the Vancouver Port Authority, the Japan-Canada Chamber of Commerce, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival Committee and the Canada-Japan Society of B.C.

She is a past member of the University of Northern British Columbia Foundation and still sits on that university’s endowment investment committee and its president’s special advisory committee.

“The success of the Prince George brewery is also due to the excellent relationship which I have with the union employees. They have worked hard to bring the quality standards up,” she said.

What professional achievement are you most proud of?

After six fairly big Canadian companies had failed to keep the ownership of the Pacific Western Brewing Co., I came along as the seventh owner. Not only that I have become the longest owner of the company, but I have also been able to establish high quality products.

What’s the greatest barrier you’ve had to overcome in your career?

To fight monopolies and systems which benefit large companies and hinder smaller independent companies.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?

Jimmy Pattison

What network or organization has most helped you in your career?

A long-term Japanese buyer of my products

What was your toughest decision?

To let employees go.