Schmotoboard by Trevor Bielby

I am so happy to watch Calgarian Trevor Bielby getting a deal for his Schmotoboard at Dragons’ Den tonight. I will write more about the deal and the episode later. In the mean time, here is a video of Trevor showing off his Schmotoboard at the Calgary audition in March.

More news at NiagaraThisWeek and a nice Calgary Sun video.

Incidentally, the inventiveness in Trevor actually reminds me a little bit (just a little bit) of James Dyson (one of my most admired and successful inventors).

Congrats Trevor!

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Nov 16, 2009 Update: The following comment is posted by Trevor and reposted here. Interested buyer of Schmotoboards should contact him directly. Please mention you read this “free ad” here so may be Trevor can pay me to put up a paid ad! :)

I am preparing a move to Ontario. We will have the boards available Dec 15th [, 2009]. Earlier if things go well. Please emai me at trevorbielby@hotmail.com thanks…  [- Trevor]

Dragons’ Den Season 4 episode 1 review

• Very nice new intro to season 4 Dragons’ Den.
• Good to see all Dragons back healthy and breathing serious fire!
• note: I am not going to comment on the non-businesses as the “fun” factor for me to review them has dropped to practically zero. I see little point in beating up ill-thoughtout businesses.

Mistura Beauty

I don’t know much about cosmetic so I won’t comment on Mistura Beauty much other than to say the cosmetic industry is one that takes a lot of marketing and advertising dollars to build and not an easy industry to build a reliable and solid business in. I see Brett has a few other related business and getting into the cosmetic business may make sense to him.

“We Buy Gold”/”The Gold Network” (website??)

Potential problems with Tim Wallis’ “We Buy Gold”/”The Gold Network”:

Trust is one big challenge in this business. Can Mr. Wallis be trusted? I don’t know Tim at all so I don’t know. Can the whole network of retailers be trusted to do the business fairly and honourably? In the age of online social media, it only takes a few bad apples to expose frauds and problems and breaking any public trust. Even Ontario Lottery has problems with its retailers.

May be I am too old school for this type of business but I value my business reputation deeply. So while the “gold” business may be a short run cash machine, it has one major problem. The problem is if some of these “retailers” decide to do business less honest than they should, the financial liabilities will be rest on the well-known Dragons/investors. And if the Dragons/investors wish to keep their reputations intact, they will have to pay up (even legally they don’t need to).

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As a reminder for myself, here is a quote about Long-Term Capital Management (LTCM) from the Warren Buffett insightful bio Snowball (pg 655),

“We thought they [the LTCM people] were very smart people,” says Munger. “But we were a little leery of the complexity and leverage. We were very leery of being used as a sales lead. We knew others would follow if we got in.” Munger thought Long-Term wanted Berkshire as a “Judas goat.” “The Judas goat led the animals to slaughter in the stockyards,” he says, recalling Omaha. “The goat would live for fifteen years, and of course the animals that followed it would die every day as it betrayed them. Not that we didn’t admire the intellect of the people at Long-Term.”

Kevin O’Leary following Amanda Lang to CBC

Strictly speaking, this is old news. But I still find the following two items very readable.

• Kevin O’Leary to Bring a Right-Wing View to the CBC (InsideCBC)
• TV’s Shark Tank Guru: In Real Life, No Business Whiz (Time Magazine)

P.S. No idea that Amanda’s dad Otto Lang was a Liberal politician until I read the above blog entry.

DragonShark

Two Dragons from CBC Dragons’ Den are becoming Sharks on ABC. Find out who they are.

I am sure the two DragonSharks will have lots of fun. I just hope the ABC series will do the Dragons’ Den format justice.

P.S. Call me snobbish if you like, I love the original BBC Antiques Roadshow but the US PBS version is just too cheesy for my taste.

Brett’s Garden Party: 777 Run for Sight, Canadian Tenors, and the beautiful Sarah McLachlan

Last week, I had had the pleasure of attending Brett Wilson’s yearly charity Garden Party. Each year, party guests are invited to make a donation to a featured charity. And this year over $100,000 was raised to fight blindness through 777 Run for Sight where Norma Bastidas is “running 7 ultramarathons [over 100 km each] in 7 continents in 7 months to raise funds for the blind and the visually impaired.” (see my earlier blog entry here)

It was very enjoyable listening to The Canadian Tenors performing at the party. And the highlight of the party for my better half and me had to be listening to the beautiful and accomplished Sarah McLachlan performing with the Tenors (singing Tenors’ Hallelujah) and then performing a few solos. Sarah’s performances were just beautiful and wonderful for us as it was our first live & really up close performance by Sarah!

Now, I first met Brett and Sarah at the 2009 Banff World TV Festival award ceremony where I also interviewed Brett.

So to me, Sarah & Brett seems to be more than just friends, but then only they really know!  :) :) In person, Brett & Sarah are just super nice and very friendly people. I think it is in part of our Canadian DNA to be nice and friendly. :)

P.S. The following are better quality videos [recorded elsewhere] of the songs we had the pleasure to listen to at the party that evening. Enjoy.

2009 Banff – Brett Wilson interview

I will be posting my video interview with CBC Dragons’ Den’s Brett Wilson, where you can find out more about,

• What bought Brett to 2009 Banff World TV Festival?
• The new Dragons’ Den season.
• and Brett’s new book!

Update: Here is the video interview.

Our collective hypocrisy (Susan Boyle vs. Ellen DeGeneres)

Hi John,

I really enjoy your Globe and Mail article “Britain’s Got Talent and our collective hypocrisy“. Very well analyzed and written even though I’ve drawn a different conclusion than you. For example, you wrote (emphasis and link added),

“See, the Boyle phenomenon is well and good, but the problem with it is that it reveals our collective hypocrisy about reality TV, beauty and talent.”

I would have said,

The Boyle phenomenon is wonderful because the unintended benefits of it is that it reveals our collective hypocrisy about reality TV, beauty and talent.

You wrote,

“Why on earth do you think every supposedly serious crime drama on prime-time TV features a young woman in a tight top who is obliged to run at least once an episode, just so her swaying bosom becomes the focal point on the screen? Because broadcasters study what we want and give it us — youth and beauty.“

[K: I totally agree!!!]

“In the Boyle case, though, the true irony is that it’s possible we have been expertly manipulated. There is something far too slick and staged about the clip of Boyle on Britain’s Got Talent. Simon Cowell is one the great Svengalis of popular music. The idea that Cowell was completely taken aback by Boyle’s voice is simply too far-fetched.“

[K: I think articles like yours will help inoculate the general TV viewing public of all the manipulations by TV/film producers. As "manipulations" should be assumed in all cases. But I am willing to differentiate manipulations that are awful and pointless in nature to other ones that are "nicer" and more "constructive" (or at least less destructive).]

And John, you concluded with (emphasis added),

“And every time Ellen DeGeneres grins and says, “Inner beauty is important. But not nearly as important as outer beauty!” we know we agree. We know it’s hypocritical but we enjoy the joke. Now we will delude ourselves that we believe in inner beauty, too. At least in certain cases, like when the person has a great voice and deserves a break in the showbiz racket. We’ve probably been hoodwinked into this. We are hypocrites. We are idiots.“

Now John, you are being too harsh again. There is nothing “too wrong” to be hoodwinked into something once in a while. Ultimately, we are all humans, and we need “hopes”, “aspirations”, and “dreams”. There are so much more horrible reality TV out there on the tube and in pilot and would you rather have more of those?

And yes John, we are hypocrites, and we are idiots. So what? Get used to it!!! If on the journey of life, we are always “perfect”, how boring would that be?

Regards,
Kempton

P.S. While you trashed CBC’s “Dragons’ Den” mistakenly when it first came out in 2006 and I pointed out your flawed analysis. It is my pleasure to write you a nice email when I see you write sometime insightful and enjoyable.

P.P.S. While I won’t defend things blindly (including Dragons’ Den), I hope you don’t dislike Dragons’ Den as much now. Now that it is a popular and money making show, there are things that bugs me very much in Dragons’ Den. But I take the good and the bad, and on balance, there are much more good than bad.

Laurence Lewin Passes Away

I am saddened to read the news of the passing of Laurence Lewin.

My thoughts are with Laurence’s family and loved ones in this moment of sadness.

Goodbye Laurence, you are dearly missed by me and many fans of yours (as witness by many people searching for info about you).

Laurence, may you rest in peace.

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Nov 18, 2008 Update: I’ve found and included the following obituary published in the Montreal Gazette on 11/13/2008.

OBITUARY LAURENCE (LAURIE) LEWIN

Laurence (Laurie) Lewin, the President of La Senza Lingerie Corporation who championed a new era in Canadian lingerie retailing when he co-founded the iconic La Senza Lingerie brand in 1990, passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Montreal. He was sixty-four years old. Mr. Lewin had been under treatment for lung cancer.

Throughout his 35 year career in retailing, he received numerous coveted awards including the distinguished “Canadian Retailer of the Year”. He often remarked with his trademark British humor that he’d become successful because of his enthusiasm for ladies’ knickers. His engaging “Monty Pythonesque” style was colored by a healthy dose of irreverence for established mores which he often openly challenged with great insight and wit, to the delight of those around him.

In 2006, Laurence Lewin also appeared on the highly acclaimed television show “Dragon’s Den” as one of its judges and was deemed by its producers as the “most eccentric of the Dragons”. Irv Teitelbaum, CEO & Chairman of La Senza Corporation, is quoted as saying: “Laurie was one of the most charismatic people I’ve ever known, inspiring everyone he knew to be the best they could ever be. His incredible sense of humor never ceased to entertain others.” Mr. Lewin’s astute intellect was matched only by his generous spirit. His commitment to the community and to those in need was deeply ingrained.

In 1995, he launched La Senza’s Charity Bear Program, which to this date donates proceeds from the sale of keepsake Holiday teddy bears to the Children’s Wish Foundation and to the Canadian Cancer Society. He also supported women’s shelters across Canada with donations of clothing. Another fundraising effort dear to his heart, was the Montreal Walk to End Breast Cancer for which Team La Senza was the largest registered participant group. His ongoing commitment to the Jewish community was also greatly appreciated.

Above all, Laurie loved life and loved people. At company BBQs and country fairs, he regaled children with rides on his vintage fire truck, enjoying himself as much as they did. His passion for sailing and motorcycling brought him great pleasure. He often pulled up to work on his Harley Davidson Road King, in full business attire.

Born and educated in the United Kingdom, Mr. Lewin began his career in the computer industry when he arrived in Montreal in the early 1970s and transitioned into the fashion world. The second child of Maurice and Beatrice Lewin, he worked weekends in his mother’s post wartime shoe shop where he quickly mastered the shopkeeper’s motto “Treat each customer like a valued guest in your own home”. A doting father, grandfather and stepfather, Mr. Lewin loved his family dearly and never missed an opportunity to shower them with affection. Over the years, his close friends from Montreal, St Albans (Vermont) and the United Kingdom became his extended Canadian family as he built lifelong bonds with them. Laurence Lewin, husband, father, friend and mentor to many, deeply touched us all, and his spirit lives on in our hearts.

Published in the Montreal Gazette on 11/13/2008

James Caan from UK Dragons’ Den on BBC Breakfast

Here is James Caan from UK Dragons’ Den on BBC Breakfast. Interesting interview.

Dragons’ Den Season 3 episode 3 review

(Cross posted at Dragonfly with possible additional readers’ comments)

The following are my brief reviews and comments based on sneak peek Dragons’ Den Season 3 episode 3 pitches/ideas. The lead-in description sentences are from CBC.

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WARNING: SPOILER ALERT. If you haven’t checked out the sneak peek episode yet. Why don’t you subscribe and watch the episode first.

STOP NOW! Watch the sneak peek first!

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Eco Anti Freeze – These entrepreneurs from Delta, BC run a business that repurposes anti-freeze in Vancouver and they’re looking to expand.

This money making business looks good in the beginning but then their pitch and the knowledge of their business just failed to impress. A note on pitching, it is the entrepreneurs’ duty and responsibility to organize and present a well honed pitch that works for the occasion. If the investors are confused by your pitch, don’t expect them to just sit there and let you go on. They will and should interrupt. Why? If they don’t interrupt, that means you’ve lost them and lost their interest and their minds are starting to wander off and not focus on your pitch. So let them interrupt but be very prepared to have good answers.

Now, the fact that there is no patented technologies mean that this business’ competitive advantage is not durable. If someone sees money to be made, they will come in and have the ability to take over the market if they wish to. Of course, the business may still be a good small business making decent money. It is just not something for investors.

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Buster Rhino – Darryl & Beth Koster from Whitby, ON are pitching their award-winning authentic southern barbecue sauce.

$536K sales last year, pretty good but unfortunately they didn’t make any money last year after expenses. Now, the product tastes good, according to the Dragons but Jim, the most knowlegable food expert didn’t invest cause me concerns.

I like the fact that Darryl, by cold calling, managed to land the product on the shelf of Costco.

So 200K for 51% of the company allows Robert and Brett the control of the business direction of the company and how the money will be spent (wisely). So it may work out as an investment.

I have seen successful UK Drgaons’ Den entrepreneur having a successful sauce business. And the national exposure of Dragons’ Den (first runs now, and repeat broadcast later) should create some good word of mouth and generate some free marketing and publicity. How much it cost for a 6 minutes national TV non-ad? Well, probably more than $200K! So good luck to the entrepreneurs, Robert and Brett.

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Back Buddy – Cheryl, Crystal & Kelly McEwen are a mother/daughter team from DeWinton, Alberta have invented the Back Buddy — a handle that allows a person to put on lotion on their back.

Thanks to the DD producers, I get to look at the two beautiful daughters. A hobby business at best.

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Steemee Wonder – Jerry Coogan & Joane Daoust from Montreal, QC have created their own way of making steamed hot dogs.

Haven’t sold any units. Sorry, this is not really a business.

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Amphibicraft – David Murphy from Prescott, ON has invented the Amphibicraft — a multi-functional all-terrain vehicle.

Here is an advice to inventors: Your coolest inventions may not be of use to anyone. And your friends and relatives’ opinions don’t count because they are trying to be NICE !!!!

Better, buy and read the auto-biography by one of the best inventor and businessman alive – James Dyson. To all the inventors and aspiring inventors out there, it will do you well by learning a thing or two from James. He is good but it took him a long time and a lot of trials.

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Bubbie’s Best – Lorne Morein, Taneen Khan & Mark Rutledge from Toronto, ON want to sell their kosher baby food to a mass market.

Three recent business grad with an idea that is too small in the higher competitive food baby food business.

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Ski and Skate – Giovanna Giancaspro from Montreal, QC has invented a training harness to teach children to ski and skate.

The amount money that is asked of is just silly and unrealistic. This is one horrible pitch but one that entrepreneurs can and should learn a thing or two in the “What Not To Do” department. The Dragons were right in grilling her and questioning her.

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Quicksnap – David Reynolds from Halifax, NS has invented a snap for shoes which eliminates need for shoelaces.

Sold 15,000 units. Patented. Sold for $5 each. One entrepreneur put in $100,000 into the business.

$125K for 50%. Plus Brett will put an order (as a donation, I suppose) to buy one for each serving military members in Afghanistan.

Now, I have never made or sold anything to the military. But if the products are going to be officially used, don’t the clips (even small) have to pass some sort of DND testing process (e.g. temperature, chemical, durability, etc)?

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Saxx – Like that story. The prize money. And the national and internet exposures must have helped. So this, to me, is a good reason to pitch on Dragons’ Den for some entrepreneurs.

CBC Dragons’ Den Sneak Peek

After sneak peeking two episodes of Dragons’ Den before it airs by simply subscribing to CBC’s Dragons’ Den newsletters, I am sold.

I think “subscribe to sneak peek” is a great way to draw Dragons’ Den fans’ attention and even love the show more to a dangerous level! I love these sneak peeks.

Now, I think CBC is also smart in opening up its shows (DD, Fifth Estate, The Hour, etc) this way to keep the shows’ fans informed and engaged. Keeping the audience and spreading to new audiences (friends of fans) when a particular show episode is really good and the links are forwarded.

If you live in Canada, subscribe to CBC’s Dragons’ Den newsletters and have a sneak peek of the next episode to be aired Monday.

Dragons’ Den Season 3 episode 2 review

(Cross posted at Dragonfly with possible additional readers’ comments)

The following are my brief reviews and comments on the Dragons’ Den Season 3 episode 2 pitches/ideas. The lead-in description sentences are from CBC.

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CBC has decided to try something new by putting the episode on the internet before it is shown on TV. As a fan, I like the idea of watching the show before it is shown on TV. The fact that I still have the TV tuned at Dragons’ Den is a proof that it didn’t hurt the TV rating (in my household). :)

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Canada Caps – Walter Bujalski from Toronto, ON says that his patriotic hats could be to Canada what the Sombrero is to Mexico.

Sorry, the cap looks ugly. And it is not really a business.

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E-Student (estudent.ca) – Kathy DaSilva from Victoria, BC has developed software to help children learn.

250K for 30%. What Kevin put on the table was not an offer. So the only deal is from Arlene’s. Good to hear Kathy has a viable business with good sales ($500,000) already. The price Arlene offered (250K for 50%) might have been too low, but Kathy probably can use some good help from Arlene to help grow the business. Good luck Kathy.

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ePawn World – Craig Benfield from Montreal, QC wants to take pawn shops online where people can buy & sell items they would normally bring to a retail pawn shop.

50K for 50%. A waste of the viewers’ time.

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Lipstixx – Diane Mackie from Barrie, ON has developed this top-coat application designed to keep lipstick on longer.

Sorry, not interested. Cosmetic is just too competitive like the dragons said.

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AFAST Supertank – Jason Eastwood from Calgary, AB wants to take old army tanks and convert them into fire fighting machines.

Jason seems to be quite nice but the Dragons’ critiques are very valid and I think the fire-fighting tank is just way too expensive to be practical.

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Curling Stones – Joe Dumouchelle from Windsor, ON has invented a curling stone with wheels so you can play on dry surfaces.

Cute but I don’t see a business here.

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Rim Roller – Paul Kind from Russell, ON has invented a device which rolls up the rim on coffee cups.

150K for 25%. Kevin’s comment is right that it is not to the coffee shops advantage to have customers claim more prizes. Paul has made $100,000 from this tool. May be Paul has a small business here.

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Aerial Angles - Allison Williams from Ottawa, ON & Zay Weaver are fire eating acrobatic street performers who are ready to entertain the Dragons.

Nice to look at but I am very surprised that Brett made a $250,000 investment for half of the business. Brett’s view is that in a portfolio of entertainment and sports businesses, he can afford to have some failed businesses and as long as some of them are hits, then he might make money off the portfolio as a whole. For me, this is too risky a business and for $250,000 is just way too much to pay, in my humble opinion. The likes of Cirque du Soleil and creative and visionary people like Guy Laliberté are hard to come by. Mind you, I wonder if the publicity from Dragons can bring enough additional business for the Aerial Angles?

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9th Oct, 2008 Update: Allison left me a comment with their website, so I have added their website and I also decided to include this pretty cool promo video. Good luck to them all.

W. Brett Wilson on “Experiences From a Survivor” – Prostaid Calgary

It may seem simple but we have to take care of ourselves (including our health) before we can enjoy the fruits of our labour.

So I truly appreciate Brett sharing his personal experience at Prostaid Calgary in his “Experiences From a Survivor” presentation (Google video).

Now, for the female entrepreneurs out there, I participated in the 2008 CIBC Run for the Cure yesterday and I’ve included some important information about breast cancer in my CIBC Run entry there.

I think there are some truth in saying “health before money”, so let me wish you the best of health.

W. Brett Wilson on CBC News

Here is Brett on CBC News.

HT: CBC Dragons’ Den official blog.

Dragons’ Den Season 3 episode 1 review

(Cross posted at Dragonfly with possible additional readers’ comments)

The following are my brief reviews and comments on the Dragons’ Den Season 3 episode 1 pitches/ideas. The lead-in description sentences are from CBC.

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The Dragons’ dynamics between Arlene, Brett, Jim, Kevin, and Robert works out nicely.

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Fit 2 Touch – by Peter Pereira and Edna Melculj from Mississauga, ON

They are personal trainers who were making a workout DVD designed for couples when they ended up falling in love.

- Asking $100,000 for 50% of business. $24.99 per DVD. Sold 300 so far.

The couple are cute to look at but cute couple doesn’t mean there is a viable business.

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KickSpike – by Darrel & Colleen Bachman from Penticton, BC

They have invented a golf shoe which solves the problem of ruined greens due to spikes.

- $1 million for 10% of business.

- Entrepreneurs claim to have obtain a solid worldwide patent.

* Final deal is five dragons split $1 million for 30% of company ** contingent ** on the entrepreneurs getting a licensing deal.

* I want to make a special comment on Brett making an initial deal of 25% and the discussions that came after. Ultimately, Brett asked the entrepreneurs if they would let him off that deal and have a new deal with all five dragons for 30% of the company, a potentially better deal with more expertise. It is important for Brett and I think it is the right thing to do in asking for the entrepreneurs’ release.

* Now, this deal is “contingent” on getting a licensing deal first. To me, it is very close to a risk-less “investment”. There is no investment, no money down, when there is no licensing deal.

I won’t mind investing $1 million for 30% of someone’s lottery tickets ** contingent ** on one of the ticket is a winning $30 million ticket. :)

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Kuli Kuli – by Pedro Baquero from Toronto, ON

Pedro invented this booty-shaking game after watching videos on MTV.

Big smile but not a business at all.

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Bee Gone – by Tom Filler from Kitchener, ON

Tom has come up with a unique approach to getting rid of bees.

Asking for $50,000. No go at all.

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Pizza Pak – by Ron Fisher from Toronto, ON

Ron has designed a plastic pizza case that would replace cardboard boxes and help reduce waste.

Asking for $500,000 for 50%

Unworkable idea. Not worth my time to review and critique it. Jim said it all, returnable pizza box is a no go.

Very sad that Ron just doesn’t get it even Jim gave him a straight forward critique.

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Wrinkles – by Shari Petro from Milton, ON

She has written a reality book for kids from the perspective of her pug dog, Wrinkles.

* $100K for 30%

* Oh, no. An entire business empire based on the dog Wrinkles. No go. Forget about it. Not really a business.

Kevin is toying with the entrepreneurs, as he likes to do it sometime. Bad habit dies hard, I suppose.

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The Litter House – by Daniel Dykens & Robert English from Orangeville, ON

They have created a deluxe cat litter box that keeps mess & odour contained.

- $100,000 for 10% of business

Cute cat. But simply bad business. Worked on it for 8 years? a cat house for $80. Not a good use of time.

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Hybrid Backpack – by Aphirath Vongnaraj from Winnipeg, MB

Aphirath has invented a backpack which can be attached to a bicycle.

$2 million for 30%. No good. And just bad.

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Softshell Computers – by Raul Rupsingh & Steven Breath from London, ON

They are software engineers who have developed an interface for seniors to send & receive email & photos.

- 200K for 30%

- Touch screen. User interface. Beta tester use it for 10 months.

- Arlene, Jim, Robert – 200K for 50%. They’ve got connections.

They see a business in this but I don’t. I guess thats why they are investing in it and I am not. :)

Two more weeks till Season 3 of CBC Dragons’ Den

Wow, it is only two more weeks till Season 3 of CBC Dragons’ Den starts on Sept 29th, 2008. I am very much looking forward to watching and reviewing some pitches and businesses.

Now, may be I am too strict on this (I think I am stricter than CBC), here is what I have been telling Dragons’ Den entrepreneurs who want me to feature them before the season starts.

In keeping with my “tradition” of not featuring any entrepreneurs (whether they will surely be on TV or not on TV), I am sorry that I won’t be able to feature your business. [...]

As I have been telling all aspiring Dragons‘ Den entrepreneurs that I’ve come into contacts with, I admire every single one of them as they had taken the challenging first step to try to create a viable business. Some will be more successful than others, but that is the nature of business.

First Tax Fraudster on Dragons’ Den

Well, this is a case that shows why due diligence is extremely important. I just noticed that Vancouver Sun has reported in June 2007 “Promoter of SmartCD nailed for tax fraud, fined $75,000“.

I remember when I spent 2+ hours to do my due diligence/research on SmartCD (see my season 1 episode 5 review), I wrote as bluntly as I could without getting myself in any potential legal trouble of saying the SmartCD technology is likely unworkable. Well, I guess CRA found out what really happened (excerpt from Vancouver Sun report),

The [Canada Revenue] agency said that to generate refunds under the federal Scientific Research and Experimental Development program, Ross submitted $385,359 in expenses he claimed had been incurred by his company, Systemhac Corp., which is developing the SmartCD.

These expenses included payments to employees who never received the money, and photocopies of cheques and invoices that proved to be forgeries.

During a search of Ross’s home and the offices of his accountant, CRA investigators found a cheque that had been altered with correction tape. Photocopies of that cheque had been provided to CRA to support Ross’s tax credit claim. Had the claim been accepted, the company would have received a $134,876 tax credit to which it was not entitled.

On June 4, Ross pleaded guilty to one count of tax fraud in Robson Square Provincial Court. On Tuesday, he was fined $75,000 and given a 12-month conditional sentence.

Here is a YouTube clip of Arie Ross’ Dragons’ Den contest entry.

Here is Arie in “happier” time.

Brett Wilson interviewed on CBC Radio

Here is Brett Wilson interviewed on CBC Radio. Enjoy.

P.S. I’ve bought back the “tradition” of including a Dragonfly picture in postings related to Dragons’ Den. Hope you like it.

Dragons shoot Cadillac in Forest Hill

Shooting the Cadillac

Reading my friend the CBC Dragons’ Den producer Mike Armitage went to Forest Hill to shoot a slick new opening sequence brings back some nice memories for me. After all, I spent my first year in Canada attending Forest Hill CI and doing some some studying (and class skipping) at the library next door. (smile)

I am so looking forward to Season 3 of Dragons’ Den.

Dragons’ Den’s Brett Wilson on Canadian Business

Here is a featured interview of Dragons’ Den’s new dragon Brett Wilson in this issue of Canadian Business magazine. [HT Sean Wise] Here is an excerpt (emphasis added),

One of my great successes is in choosing my partners. You won’t find an ego here. I didn’t do it. We started Wilson Mackie. We started FirstEnergy. We, my ex-wife and I, had three amazing kids. All my successes come with the word “we.”

One of the critical things FirstEnergy developed early on — and it was Murray Edwards that brought this discipline to the table — was weekly meetings. Every department has a weekly meeting, and all the partners have a weekly meeting. Many times the partners would come in begrudgingly saying, “There’s nothing new to discuss.” But you know what? We’d take an hour and a half and discuss nothing new. It was about team building, it was about understanding how everybody responded under pressure, and taking the time to get to know each other.

We certainly see $150 oil. The demand contraction that is occurring as a result of price escalation this time is dramatic. New truck sales are down 45% in two months. Hummer sales have gone to zero. The price swing has hammered the world, and it’s gone too far, too fast. As much as I see $150 oil, I can also see sub-$100 again in the next year.

The end of my active career as an I-banker really began around the time of my divorce in ’99. I’d been running pretty hard, hardly knew my kids and certainly had alienated my wife. I became aware of that when I went through my divorce, but I didn’t act on it until prostate cancer hit me and that was two years later.

My kids tease me and say, “Dad, you didn’t retire.” I have to keep saying, “I retired from FirstEnergy, not from life.” My activity levels have doubled, probably. I’ve started focusing on fun investments. I bought into two professional sports franchises — the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx and Derby County Football Club — and I’ve invested in a ton of farmland across Western Canada.

A very well written article by Michelle Magnan. Highly recommended.

If you like more info about Brett, you can also check out my video interview with Brett at his beautiful home in this blog entry here.