Garth Chapman
Garth Chapman's business career has included operations and senior management, ownership and consulting in both the transportation and printing industries in Alberta since 1972. Garth has provided Management Consulting and Mentoring Services to individuals and small businesses from 1996 through the present.
During the early 1990’s Garth and Brian Crooks together developed a computerized job costing program and a sales & margin analysis reporting program for a major Calgary printing company. From 1996 through 1998 Garth was involved in the consolidation of a group of 5 companies in the printing industry, with total annual sales of approximately $10 million.
In 1999 Garth’s business failed and so he started over again at the age of 45. He began by taking a contract position with a major Calgary printing company to design and launch a computerized job quoting and estimating system (with Brian Crooks as programmer), and to assist with selection and integration of digital pre-press technology to the firm.
In December of 2001 Garth decided to learn about investing in Real Estate, something he had always wanted to do. So he created a new company, CornerStone Ventures Inc. which has been his primary business focus since that time.
Garth’s Real Estate portfolio has included houses, duplexes, apartment buildings, commercial properties and land for development. Projects have included minor and major renovation of houses for re-sale, condo conversions involving complete renovation of apartment buildings, and the purchase and renovation of revenue properties. The current portfolio includes unfurnished & furnished rentals, lease-options, and long term agreements-for-sale. Garth’s investments also include holdings in 1st and 2nd mortgages on residential Real Estate in Alberta.
Garth and his wife Debbie live just south of Calgary, and also manage to get away once or twice during winter to their small condo in Palm Desert, California. They both enjoy spending time with their two grown children and creating memories with their three grand-daughters.
Brian Crooks
Brian graduated from NAIT in 1978 with a degree in Computer Systems. Hence he pre-dates the PC! Brian spent his first 14 years in the industry working for a small company writing software for a broad range of businesses in a variety of sectors – Transportation, Manufacturing, Medical, Real Estate, and Distribution.
In 1992 Brian created his own venture, BC Systems, which now supports a large and diverse customer base of businesses with annual revenues from 1 to over 30 million. He began using mid-range computers with 2 terminals and a printer, and now supports well over 100 terminals, PC’s, shop floor data collection devices, and printers. Brian specializes in business systems covering all aspects of Accounting and also some Distribution and Manufacturing requirements.
Brian develops software from a business perspective, not a Programmer’s. This understanding of what the customer needs and Brian’s focus on customer service has created a loyal and long-term customer base.
Brian and his wife Rita have a Calgary home full of children (3), cats (2) and a dog, and both are active in community service and sports throughout the year.
