If you ask Salim Lahkani how he came to run his own printing company, he will quote Plato: “Necessity is the Mother of Invention”. He once was an Event Promoter producing large events in Vancouver where he would outsource the numerous print jobs involved in promoting events. As the printers’ turnaround times were typically too long, he often found himself printing his own promotion material with his friend’s father’s press. What began out of convenience soon flourished into a full-fledged business venture as others wanted the same quick turnaround that he was producing. Salim incorporated Ultra X-Press Printing in 2001 which has been growing through word-of-mouth ever since. Salim believes Blenz is a great place for business meetings particularly with the free internet, but also because of the great selection – there’s something for everybody.

Nancy Mizinski has always been involved in the world of creativity. Over the last 15 years, Nancy has done graphic design for a wide variety of companies. Her portfolio includes extensive design and marketing in a variety of industries along with design & production of her own clothing line. Nancy started doing contract work as a side project in 2005 which eventually turned into a design company called Hula Girl Designs. Along with her passion for all things hula, she has a love for photography and aspires to retiring on a beach and taking pictures of the surf, sunrise, and sunsets. Once Nancy found out that Blenz is a local company that serves organic and fair traded products, she quickly became an aficionado as she shares the same vision and philosophies as Blenz. She is also a fan of Blenz Cares that has helped her friends raise funds for the Mount Kilimanjaro Trek for Alzheimer’s.

Names: Charlie and Susan Pitchford
Company: TPI Travel
Telephone: 604.438.1104
E-mail: pitchford@telus.net
Website: www.informedtraveller.com

Charlie and Susan Pitchford have been in the travel business for the past 10 years. They moved from Toronto to Vancouver, first because they love the city, but also because they saw it as the place where they could promote different travel options besides air travel. They own TPI Travel, an independent contract business where most of their clientele travel in small groups or with their families. The Pitchfords’ built their business on the premise that, when it comes to leisure travel, cruises and escorted group packages are becoming popular alternatives to air travel. Early adopters of the “virtual office” business concept, Charlie and Susan like to meet with their clients at the Blenz on Broadway and Heather. You will receive a complimentary Blenz gift card when you book an excursion with them!

With an extensive background in technology management and with well over 20 years of computer experience, Des has been full-time with his company, Dougan Consulting Group Inc., since 2007.

The company works with its clients in a number of ways: resolving technology issues, helping clients make the right technology acquisitions for their businesses, and leveraging Des’s technology management expertise by working with clients to help them turn their technology-related challenges into solutions that will assist them in taking their businesses forward.

Graduating with a BA in Psychology, it took a few years working for other companies as a Social Worker, HR Manager, Food Service Manager and Sales Executive for Anne to finally venture out on her own. Aiming to give her customers outstanding service, she incorporated Say It NOW! in Coquitlam, BC in 2004 with one goal being to help her son get a university degree, get drafted into the MLB, or both. A promotional products company, Say It Now! puts YOUR BRAND on a mug, pen, t-shirt, cap or 1000’s of other products so that when people see it on their desks or wear it, they THINK OF YOU. The company developed by networking and has added strategic alliances with lower mainland companies also in the business of marketing and promotion. When they say ‘Thank You’ for your business, they do it with a Blenz Card.