Business Person of the Year – Presented by BDO

This Whistler business person has had a major impact on the landscape of the local business community. They are an exemplary leader, and exhibit vision and passion. They have an innovative brand and they continuously give back by supporting community initiatives and projects.

An eligible candidate must:

Have been in operation for a minimum of five years
Exercise care and empathy with employees
Create a work environment that fosters growth and encourages development of employees
Be an exemplary leader and demonstrate passion, vision and positive moral character
Emphasize the importance of delivering high levels of customer service to all clients
Be a leader in their industry
Have leading products and/or services
Have a major impact on the landscape of the local business community
Gives back to the community by supporting local initiatives and projects

Training & Events

Meet the 2022 Finalists:

Norm Mastalir

(Fairmont Chateau Whistler)

A hospitality veteran of 42 years, Norm has had the pleasure of spending the last 12 years overseeing operations at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Jackie Dickinson

(Whistler Community Services Society)

Currently the Executive Director of Whistler Community Services Society, Jackie is passionate about the work of the society whose mission is to support and advocate for a healthy community.

Ian Ritz

(Chromag)

What started out as a quest to design a well thought out mountain bike frame took Ian Ritz on a journey to develop a successful and well respected local business. Ian values quality products, is committed to providing exceptional customer service and encourages his team to be creative in their style and their sport.

Congratulations to the winner of the Business Person of the Year – Norm Mastalir!

Norm Mastalir

A hospitality veteran of 42 years, it has been his great pleasure to oversee operations at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for the past 21 years.

The 2021 winner

Jerry & Sana Marsh – Creekside Market

They both feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to move to Whistler to operate their business and be able to raise their family in such a great place.

The 2020 winner

Naoko Homma – Sushi Village

With her husband Miki, Naoko took ownership of the iconic restaurant in 2001, and they built Sushi Village into a much-loved local institution and a globally recognized Whistler icon.

The 2019 winner

Sarah Strother

Sarah is publisher of Pique Newsmagazine and President of Whistler Publishing LP which also publishes the Squamish Chief, Whistler Magazine and several tourist publications

The 2018 winner

Matheo Durfeld

General Contractor with 43 years of expertise in high end and timber frame construction. Recently, Matheo is recognized for helping pioneer the Canadian Passivhaus movement.

The 2017 winner

Mike Conway – Back In Action Physiotherapy

Titled sport and musculoskeletal physiotherapist, co-owner Back In Action Physiotherapy & Massage, passionate about helping patients recover from injury and in developing injury prevention tools.