2004 ALUMNI RECIPIENTS

Toni Guimaraes, 38

Biggest achievement: Started from my apartment with $750. Fifteen years later, our firm has 50 employees and three locations, with more than 900 contractors on assignment across Ontario and revenues of approximately $40 million.

Best skill: Innovation. I'm an ideas guy.

Most admired businessperson: : Business is about strategically building and then motivating teams. I look to sports leaders, such as Scotty Bowman, for that knowledge and inspiration.

Biggest business lesson learned: The most important lesson I have learned is to stay focused on your primary business. You have to remember why you started the business and stay close to those business values. You can't chase every opportunity that crosses your path, it will only take you further from your goal.

Favourite charity: One which does not get much publicity is Centre 454. It serves Ottawa's homeless community and those suffering from mental illness. They receive more than 350 people each day in need of basic support. Some of the services they offer include: how to pay bills, free telephones and bus passes and provide detergent for people to do laundry.

Professional recognition that would mean the most: Creating the best staffing and contracting firm in North America.