Colin Harms

Visionary & Executive Director

Colin, a serial entrepreneur hailing from Lethbridge, Alberta, embodies the values of hard work and determination instilled in him by his family from a young age. His journey in the world of business development has been nothing short of remarkable.

Starting as a dishwasher, Colin's first job unexpectedly evolved into a lifelong mentorship, spanning an incredible 35 years. His mentor, a successful restaurateur, taught him the invaluable lesson of showing up every day and going the extra mile, lessons that would shape Colin's future.

Before he even turned 20, Colin had progressed from washing dishes to cooking and managing restaurants. Higher education was not a topic of discussion in his family, but Colin's determination led him to explore diverse career paths.

Colin's career took an unexpected turn when he transitioned to selling food products to restaurants for a National Provider. However, a pivotal moment came when he applied for a position at a garbage company, BFI, initially not knowing what "retention sales" meant. It turned out to be a role focused on nurturing customer relationships and saving accounts, which he grew to love.

Over the next 17 years, Colin dedicated himself to BFI, gaining experience in sales, operations, finance, mergers & acquisitions, management, and every facet of the business. Concurrently, he ventured into real estate, becoming a licensed agent in Alberta in 2008, building a successful career through his strong relationships and strategic planning.

In 2020, while searching for a new business venture, Colin sought opportunities from his accountant. One recommendation led him to a unique industry: manufacturing air duct trucks and commercial air duct vacuums. Despite having no prior knowledge of the field, Colin's curiosity led him to contact the prospective seller, and the outcome was transformative. He and his team acquired "Hypervac Technologies," North America's leading air duct truck and portable vacuum manufacturer.

Their takeover coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a challenging yet opportune environment for change. With great revenue but no existing systems, Colin embarked on a journey of strategic planning, system implementation, and countless calls to navigate the complexities of business ownership during uncertain times.

Colin is a self-starter who thrives on continuous learning, diving into books, YouTube, and any resource that broadens his knowledge. His transformative experience with Kelly's podcast, "The Business Development Podcast," became a turning point in his journey. Using the weekly episodes as a playbook, Colin has been diligently implementing new strategies and witnessing their success unfold.

Colin's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of growth. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to learning make him a valuable guest on "The Business Development Podcast," where he can inspire and educate listeners with his unique journey and wealth of experience.