Robert Little, founder and CEO of Regency Fireplace Products, received this year’s Pacific Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.
Regency, headquartered in Delta, designs, manufactures and markets hearth products.
“Great entrepreneurial leaders have the drive and tenacity to generate successful ideas in the face of many obstacles,” said Ron Voyer, Pacific director of Entrepreneur of the Year.
“While other companies were pulling back during the financial downturn, [Little] honed his vision, and continued investing time and money in research and development.”
Voyer noted that from the introduction of the first natural gas fireplace to the modernization of the industry’s distribution model, Little's innovations have changed the face of hearth manufacturing.
“Innovation isn't just a best practice, it’s a mentality. It underpins the entrepreneur's ability to turn new ideas into products and services that contribute to the bottom line. Inspired ideas like [Little’s] are the fuel that turns a fast-growth company into a market leader and propels them from startup to stand-out.”
Other winners of the 2011 Pacific awards are:
- business-to-business products and services: Darby Kreitz, Allnorth Consultants Ltd., Prince George;
- business-to-consumer products and services: Attila Koronczay and Boldijarre Koronczay, Éminence Organic Skin Care Inc.,Vancouver;
- cleantech/information technology: Donald McInnes, Alterra Power, Vancouver;
- hospitality/tourism: Vikram Vij, Vij's Restaurant Inc.,Vancouver;
- manufacturing: Robert Little, Regency Fireplace Products, Delta;
- mining and metals: Keith Neumeyer, First Majestic Silver Corp.,Vancouver;
- professional/financial services: John Nicola, Nicola Wealth Management Ltd., Vancouver;
- real estate/construction: John Tilstra, Centra Construction Group Ltd., Langley;
- young entrepreneur: Joshua Huen, Dr. Battery, Richmond; and
- special citation - social entrepreneur: Diane Johnson, Descriptive Video Works Inc., Vancouver.
Jennifer Harrison
@JHarrisonBIV