Robert Safrata

There are three main levers that drive my work when acquiring and building companies, people, planet and profit (PPP) – and definitely in that order. I have developed a track-record of driving profitability and growth because of a sustainability approach in business. Whether I am working in the transportation space or building an international tourism company, by focusing on the triple bottom line, I ensure environmental and social responsibility are the cornerstones of the businesses. At Novex, one of the largest same-day couriers in the Lower Mainland, we were able to transform from a high-carbon business to the leading green courier in Canada with the result of a GHG reduction of 59% - so far. Since acquiring West Coast Sightseeing in 2009, it has grown to be the largest tour bus operator in Vancouver. As it expands, we have also added electric tour buses and have a robust social hiring program with a program in the Downtown Eastside. As a passionate leader in the green space, I am an Al Gore trained speaker for the Inconvenient Truth as well as an inaugural member of Vancouver's "Greenest City Action Team" helping to guide Vancouver in its goal to be the greenest city in the world. I am also a member of the Young Presidents Organization, a past Chairman of Outward Bound Canada, and past Chair of the Audit Committee of Tourism Vancouver. I have recently joined the Board of Fraser Academy – a specialty school and outreach program for Dyslexic youth in Canada. As a former member of the 1976 Canadian Olympic Alpine Ski Team, I continue to use the discipline and drive of competitive sport to guide my triple bottom line approach in business.