by Sandy Huang, originally published in the Vancouver Observer on May 2, 2012.

Michael Desrochers has experienced unconventional success. While battling a serious addiction, he enrolled in a treatment program and was inspired by the role massage therapy played in the process. Deciding to take control of his life, he registered at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy and began on his path of helping people through healthy living… Now [his clinic] known as PainPRO Therapeutics Inc. Desrochers employs a team of 17 registered massage therapists and their annual revenue has reached approximately $1M. Read more…

Michael Desrochers of PainPRO Therapeutics Inc.

by Sandy Huang, originally published by the Vancouver Observer on March 24, 2012.

Matt Mickiewicz has valuable business advice. To say that he experienced success in a short time would be an understatement. At 27, he co-owns three multi-million-dollar internet companies: Sitepoint, 99designs, and Flippa. Mickiewicz’s history of success began in the late ‘90s when, as a high school student, he started creating websites as a hobby.There was a lack of readily available  information about internet design and Mickiewicz saw an opportunity to turn his knowledge into a business. Read more…

Business advice from a pro: Matt Mickiewicz, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Sitepoint, 99designs and Flippa. Photo courtesy of Matt Mickiewicz.

by Sandy Huang – originally published in the Vancouver Observer on December 16, 2011

Elena Verlee didn’t intend to become a serial entrepreneur when she started her public relations (PR) consulting practice after moving to Vancouver in 1997. Beginning with this “temporary” project, Verlee has since become a self-described “accidental entrepreneur” who has built a seven-figure business and sold two companies for six figures each. Currently, Verlee is the founder and managing partner of two very successful PR ventures: Cross Border Communications and PR in Your Pajamas. Read more…

Publicist Elena Verlee. Courtesy of Diane Read Photography