2004 ALUMNI RECIPIENTS

Frederic Boulanger, 32

Biggest achievement: Macadamian has always been profitable. It's a great achievement that, through the good and bad days, we've always been in the black.

Best skill: Determination. Recent times have shown us that you can't win at the software development game by just showing up. When you're coaching a team, you have to continuously learn new skills and strategies to make those goals.

Most admired businessperson: Terry Matthews. But Wayne Gretzky said it best: "Skate where the puck will be."

Biggest business lesson learned: At the end of the day, it's about being fair. If you're in it to build a business to last, you have to have a solid foundation and that comes from treating people— employees, potential clients, long-term customers—with the honesty that you expect returned to you. Sometimes refusing to compromise comes at a price, but, in the long term, I believe integrity wins you lasting relationships with customers.

Favourite charity: Children's Wish Foundation of Ontario

Professional recognition that would mean the most: When people talk about Ottawa success stories and they mention Macadamian along with Cognos and Mitel.