Meet the authors
Jacquie Fenske
Jacquie Fenske
Jacquie Fenske
Jacquie has worn many hats throughout her life. As a child, when asked what she wanted to be, she responded: a teacher, a lawyer, and a spy. Her journey so far has included roles as a junior and senior high teacher, a municipal councillor, and a Member of the Legislative Assembly. Additionally, she was asked to serve as the interim leader
Jacquie has worn many hats throughout her life. As a child, when asked what she wanted to be, she responded: a teacher, a lawyer, and a spy. Her journey so far has included roles as a junior and senior high teacher, a municipal councillor, and a Member of the Legislative Assembly. Additionally, she was asked to serve as the interim leader for a provincial political party.
Today, Jacquie calls herself an entrepreneur. She is a managing partner in her family’s restaurant business and the president of two companies that promote rural and agricultural initiatives. Committed to building community, she actively practices what she preaches by taking initiative and volunteering on several boards, committees, and community-building projects.
Jacquie shares her extensive knowledge and life experiences through speaking engagements and mentoring groups and individuals. With over 13 years of teaching experience and a career in politics similar to law, she continues to embody her childhood aspirations. And as for the spy? Well, they say older women make the best spies. Stay tuned—her journey is far from over.
Contact Jacquie:
Facebook: Jacquie Fenske
Linkedin: Jacquie Fenske
Instagram: Ruralroutes
Clinton Beck
Jacquie Fenske
Jacquie Fenske
From the gritty streets of one of Canada’s most impoverished neighbourhoods, Clinton Beck, CEO, Antique & Jewellery Appraiser, Auctioneer, has charted an extraordinary journey. Escaping his challenging early life at 15, Beck transformed his fate through sheer determination and a passion for the world of antiques and treasures. Today, he s
From the gritty streets of one of Canada’s most impoverished neighbourhoods, Clinton Beck, CEO, Antique & Jewellery Appraiser, Auctioneer, has charted an extraordinary journey. Escaping his challenging early life at 15, Beck transformed his fate through sheer determination and a passion for the world of antiques and treasures. Today, he stands as a titan in the Canadian antique industry, with his conglomerate – encompassing Beck Antiques & Jewellery, Beck Auctions, and Dragons Breath Security – boasting annual revenues of $15 million. His empire extends to specialized ventures like Beck Numismatics Rare Coin Dealers, Beck Diamond Brokers, and Beck Gemological Laboratory.
His entrepreneurial acumen was recognized when he was a finalist for the Canadian Young Entrepreneur of The Year and his leadership skills shone through as the Executive of The Year for The Fraser Valley Executive Association.
Contact Clinton:
Mathew Preston
Jacquie Fenske
Mathew Preston
Mathew is a fifth-generation Albertan and a first-rate believer. He’s held many jobs but has always simply considered himself a writer and a doer. From farming to fighter planes, there’s little he hasn’t had to spend some amount of time professionally or personally obsessed with.
Mathew is driven by the belief that ideas matter, but only i
Mathew is a fifth-generation Albertan and a first-rate believer. He’s held many jobs but has always simply considered himself a writer and a doer. From farming to fighter planes, there’s little he hasn’t had to spend some amount of time professionally or personally obsessed with.
Mathew is driven by the belief that ideas matter, but only in relation to human nature, emotions, and empathy. How we see ourselves, how we see our world, and how we communicate that vision drives action.
He loves his wife, his dog and his cats, in that order.
Contact Mathew:
Shirley Jolly
Leila Doran-Gumpinger
Shirley Jolly
Shirley Jolly is a strong believer in contributing to the well-being of her community by staying active and being involved especially where she can make a difference in people’s lives. Her artistic and innovative skills are often in great demand and not one to say no, this energetic young lady of advanced years can be counted on to help f
Shirley Jolly is a strong believer in contributing to the well-being of her community by staying active and being involved especially where she can make a difference in people’s lives. Her artistic and innovative skills are often in great demand and not one to say no, this energetic young lady of advanced years can be counted on to help family or friends when they need a hand. While her decorating style may be considered eclectic, she is not fond of anything symmetrical, fancies the colour lime green, and collects anything with bees on it. This creative thinker is often considered picky but sees herself as selective; she does not view herself as bossy as much as aggressively helpful and has learned there is no such thing as a dumb question.
Though her children are always close to her heart, Shirley considers her greatest accomplishment was being elected to Strathcona County Council for five terms. She credits being flexible, spontaneous and having a positive outlook with what has inspired her to live the life she wants. Currently enjoying retirement in Leduc County, where she and her husband operated a cow/calf farm, Shirley cherishes time spent with her three grown sons and their families, all of whom hold a special place in her heart.
Contact Shirley:
Laura Bodell
Leila Doran-Gumpinger
Shirley Jolly
A fourth-generation entrepreneur, Laura Bodell will tell you that all the dirt from the hard-working hands of her farming and ranching ancestors made the grit that runs through her veins. She is driven by a core desire to help others succeed as they pursue their own dreams. This manifested first as a boutique advertising agency and now as
A fourth-generation entrepreneur, Laura Bodell will tell you that all the dirt from the hard-working hands of her farming and ranching ancestors made the grit that runs through her veins. She is driven by a core desire to help others succeed as they pursue their own dreams. This manifested first as a boutique advertising agency and now as a sales platform for Albertan artisans and small businesses from the beautiful mountain town of Canmore. Laura believes life is granted to us for our soul’s growth and evolution and to leave this world a little better than we found it.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelo.
Contact Laura:
@albertasownmarket
Leila Doran-Gumpinger
Leila Doran-Gumpinger
Leila Doran-Gumpinger
Leila’s relationship with Grace is woven through her life like a tapestry. With Grace, she has come through darkened moments of loss, rejection, abandonment and health crisis. Grace became her bridge to healing outcomes. A breast cancer survivor, meditation and shamanic energy student, master hairstylist, entrepreneur and creatrix.
Leila
Leila’s relationship with Grace is woven through her life like a tapestry. With Grace, she has come through darkened moments of loss, rejection, abandonment and health crisis. Grace became her bridge to healing outcomes. A breast cancer survivor, meditation and shamanic energy student, master hairstylist, entrepreneur and creatrix.
Leila began the creation process and dream to become an entrepreneur in 2008. In January 2009, “Awear Style Co.” Opened its doors with a focus on Canadian design and made Women’s fashions. Leila enjoyed a 10-year run with Awear Style Co., teaching clients how to dress, style, and adore their bodies. In the same year, another blessing was born. Leila and Geoff (husband) welcomed their son, Ethan, into the world. In 2019, Awear Style Co. Closed its doors in divine timing before COVID-19.
The years since have been filled with being her son’s biggest fan on and off the hockey rinks and baseball diamonds. Immersion in the healing arts of meditation, studying Shamanic energy medicine, creating semi-precious intentional jewellery and continuous learnings from books, mentors, inspiration, and holding space for herself and others.
Contact Leila:
Instagram: @luminosa_yeg
Karl Hauch
Leila Doran-Gumpinger
Leila Doran-Gumpinger
Karl Hauch has 17+ years of valued municipal/work leadership experience. A public and private sector leader, he has a profound understanding of legal, economic, political, technical, and social issues, applying outside-of the-box thinking and has 25+ years of leadership experience in private sector work as a Master Planner/Scheduler. Exam
Karl Hauch has 17+ years of valued municipal/work leadership experience. A public and private sector leader, he has a profound understanding of legal, economic, political, technical, and social issues, applying outside-of the-box thinking and has 25+ years of leadership experience in private sector work as a Master Planner/Scheduler. Example of Karl’s leadership – major contributor/team player for coordinating Shell’s - largest major turnaround in 2010 at Scotford.
Hauch is passionate about volunteering, the outdoors, family/friends, and his faith.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” - African proverb.
Contact Karl: