Our Featured Guest for January 5, 2024 is John A. Brink
In this inspiring episode with John A. Brink, we explore the extraordinary journey of a man who turned adversity into opportunity. From surviving the hardships of wartime Holland to building a thriving business empire in Canada, his story is one of resilience, determination, and unyielding optimism. Discover how he overcame ADHD and dyslexia, started with nothing but a suitcase and a dream, and even became a competitive bodybuilder in his 80s. Packed with life lessons and motivation, this episode is a testament to dreaming big, staying the course, and proving that success is possible at any age!
John A. Brink is a self-made entrepreneur, CEO of The Brink Group of Companies, best-selling author, podcast host, philanthropist, educator, ADHD advocate and the oldest competitive body-builder in North America. The Brink Group of Companies is a portfolio of companies focusing primarily on lumber remanufacturing, warehousing, logistics and real estate development. Operating since 1975 and proudly employing over 400 employees across Northern British Columbia, its primary operations focus on the production of value-added wood products for domestic and international markets. Strong relationships with the primary sector allow the company to produce the highest quality fibre in the market, making it one of the largest secondary manufacturers in North America.
John Brink is the host of the On the Brink podcast, in which he interviews experts in all walks of life to learn and share their stories.
The John A. Brink Trades and Technology Centre at the College of New Caledonia came to fruition in 2005. The name of the building recognizes John’s contribution of $250,000 cash and $250,000 in kind, for equipment and installation and consulting services to assist the college in creating a trades and technology centre of excellence. In 2019, Brink committed to another $1 million, where he highlighted the need for a Centre of Excellence in Prince George to help secure a strong future workforce for future generations.
In addition to a successful business acumen, Brink is also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting hundreds of charities and non-profit organizations in the community and across the globe. Brink is also well-known for advocating animal welfare, supporting the SPCA, PG Humane Society and most recently, providing a $50,000 donation to the Prince George Animal Rescue. Read more at: https://johnabrink.com/
OUR ENTREPRENEUR PRESENTERS:
Neal K. Shah is the CEO of CareYaya, the fastest-growing health-tech startup in America, solving home care for those with elderly loved ones and medically vulnerable children. CareYaYa is disrupting the established, broken system of care. It’s care marketplace connects clients with great, affordable care from pre-health college students. The flagship product is a technology platform that lets people quickly book experienced caregivers that are uniquely all students in the healthcare field, helping expand the care workforce amidst a critical caregiver shortage. In addition, CareYaya is launching new applications of artificial intelligence and neurotechnology to help people better manage caregiving, aging and serious illness. Since it’s launch in 2022, CareYaya has spread across the country and won awards backed from prominent organizations including the AgeTech Collaborative from AARP, Johns Hopkins University AITC, Harvard Innovation Labs, Atrium Health, and many more!
Giant corporate chains have monopolized the industry, charging families outrageous rates while exploiting care workers with low wages and minimal training. Profits are prioritized over people and margins over mission, leaving millions of caregivers feeling stressed and guilty while struggling to afford the care their loved ones deserve. The fundamental human act of caring has been commodified and stripped of its dignity. At the same time, 10,000 new seniors turn 65 every day in America Care costs are skyrocketing, Medicare funding is dwindling, and the caregiver shortage is at a breaking point. A wave of care needs is coming, and our broken system will not be able to handle it. Rather than accepting the status quo, CareYaYa assembled a team to create a better way powered by technology—one that makes quality care more accessible and affordable while investing in the next generation of caregivers. CareYaya flips the traditional model on its head. They bypass profit-hungry chains to connect families directly with passionate healthcare students at top universities nearby. No middlemen, just affordable care powered by tech and delivered with heart. Read more at: https://www.careyaya.org/
Iman Cassells Alleyne is the founder of Kind Academy, a network of innovative learning programs that support unique, gifted, and neurodiverse learners. Kind Academy personalizes learning to accelerate when possible and fill gaps when needed, always focusing on each learner’s strengths. Founded in 2016, Kind Academy emerged from a vision to redefine education with a focus on progressive, student-centered learning. Located in Coral Springs, Florida, Kind Academy began as a bold experiment in creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where children could thrive both academically and personally. Over the years, the academy has grown into a vibrant network of microschools across the nation, committed to innovative practices and personalized education. Read more at: https://www.kindacademy.org/